The Recommended Reading Order: Entering the Ethereal World
The Rogue Ethereal series is a fast-paced urban fantasy spinoff that follows Max, a sarcastic, centuries-old witch and tattoo artist who navigates deadly demons, otherworldly fae, and her own cursed past. While you can read Rogue Ethereal on its own, it is part of a larger universe known as the Ethereal World. To get the complete picture of the magical rules, the celestial politics, and the backstory of Max's slow-burn love interest Alistair, the author recommends starting with the prequel series, Phoenix Rising (originally published as the Ashes to Ashes series).
For the ultimate experience with no spoilers and maximum context, read the Ethereal World books in the following recommended order:
Phase 1: The Phoenix Rising Series
This series introduces the foundation of the Ethereal World, focusing on psychics, a phoenix, and a wraith. Max herself is introduced as a character in Book 4 (Shade Kissed).
- Enemy Kissed (Book 0.5) — A prequel novella.
- Flame Kissed (Book 1) — Published in 2015.
- Death Kissed (Book 2) — Published in 2016.
- Fate Kissed (Book 3) — Published in 2016.
- Shade Kissed (Book 4) — Published in 2017. (Max makes her first appearance here)
- Sight Kissed (Book 5) — Published in 2017.
Phase 2: The Rogue Ethereal Series
Once the Phoenix Rising storyline wraps up, Max takes center stage in her own six-book urban fantasy sequence:
- Woman of Blood & Bone (Book 1) — Published in 2018.
- Daughter of Souls & Silence (Book 2) — Published in 2018.
- Lady of Madness & Moonlight (Book 3) — Published in 2019.
- Sister of Embers & Echoes (Book 4) — Published in 2020.
- Priestess of Storms & Stone (Book 5) — Published in 2020.
- Queen of Fate & Fire (Book 6) — Published in 2020.
Chronological Caveats & Timeline Crossovers
For readers who love exact timelines, there is a minor chronological overlap between the two series. The first two chapters of Woman of Blood & Bone (Rogue Ethereal Book 1) actually take place chronologically before the epilogue of Fate Kissed (Phoenix Rising Book 3). Despite this brief overlap, reading the series chronologically by mixing books is not recommended. The rest of the Rogue Ethereal books take place entirely after the conclusion of Phoenix Rising, so sticking to the series-by-series recommended order prevents confusion and avoids major spoilers regarding the fate of characters in the first series.
What to Know Before You Start
Annie Anderson brings a unique grit to her urban fantasy, influenced in part by her background as a U.S. Air Force veteran. This shines through in Max's extreme resilience, dark humor, and survival instincts. Rogue Ethereal does not shy away from heavier themes, exploring consent, honesty, and recovery from trauma, all while maintaining a snappy, banter-filled narrative tone. Max's curse is that she repeatedly dies and is resurrected (having been burned, stoned, and drowned across her 400 years of life), making her a fierce survivor rather than an untouchable superhero. Expect a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romantic subplot with Alistair that builds slowly across the entire six-book run.
Practical Reader Advice
Can Rogue Ethereal Be Read as a Standalone?
Yes. If you want to jump straight into Max's story without reading the five Phoenix Rising books first, you can. Anderson provides enough context in Woman of Blood & Bone for new readers to follow the magic system, Max's tattoo shop, and the demon-hunting action. However, Alistair's history and the full weight of the supernatural factions will feel much more rewarding if you have read the prequel series first.
Are There Co-authored Books or Spin-offs?
Within the Ethereal World, there are no co-authored books. However, Annie Anderson has written other urban fantasy series set in separate universes, such as the Arcane Souls World (featuring The Wrong Witch, The Lost Witch, and the Soul Reader series) and the Grave Talker series. If you enjoy the snarky heroines and fast-paced magic of Rogue Ethereal, these are excellent next steps.