How to Read the Soul Eater Series: Recommended Order
The Soul Eater series, written by British author Pippa DaCosta under the pen name P. DaCosta, is a fast-paced urban fantasy series that blends modern noir aesthetics with ancient Egyptian mythology. Rather than fighting vampires or werewolves, the series centers around Egyptian gods like Bastet, Isis, Osiris, Thoth, and the apocalyptic threat of Apophis.
For the best experience, readers should follow the series in its publication order. The main narrative is highly serialized, tracking the character arc of protagonist Ace Dante as he goes from a rogue immortal dodging his past to a heavy-hitting protector of humanity. While there is one primary companion novella, it is easy to slot into the timeline.
The Soul Eater Reading Order
- Hidden Blade (Book 1) – The series opener introduces Ace Dante, the ex-wife who happens to be the goddess Bastet, and the brewing divine conflicts in New York City.
- Witches' Bane (Book 2) – Ace deals with the consequences of his actions in the first book, gaining the name 'Godkiller' while investigating disappearing witches.
- Chase the Dark (Book 2.5 / Novella) – A side story that adds flavor to Ace's world. Though published later, it chronologically takes place around here and is best read between Books 2 and 3.
- See No Evil (Book 3) – Ace and his companions leave the mortal realm and journey to Duat, the Egyptian land of the dead, where they face divine trial.
- Scorpion Trap (Book 4) – Ace returns to Egypt to confront buried secrets from his ancient past.
- Serpent's Game (Book 5) – The pieces on the board move rapidly as the threat of the world-devouring serpent Apophis begins to manifest.
- Edge of Forever (Book 6) – The action-packed final book of the series, concluding the conflict against the gods and sealing Ace's destiny.
What to Know Before You Start
Pippa DaCosta's Soul Eater series stands out in the crowded urban fantasy landscape by ignoring typical European folklore creatures in favor of the Egyptian pantheon. The tone is dark, gritty, and morally gray. The main protagonist, Ace Dante, is far from a clean-cut hero. He is a former 'Soul Eater' who devours the life force of others, struggling constantly with a monstrous hunger and a desire for personal redemption.
The setting is a double-sided coin: a modern, atmospheric New York City filled with shadowy back alleys and hidden supernatural bars, juxtaposed against Duat, the ancient sands of Egypt, and mythological pocket dimensions. If you enjoy urban fantasy with deep mythology, high stakes, and sharp, witty dialogue reminiscent of classical noir detectives, this series is custom-built for you.
A Closer Look at the Books
1. Hidden Blade (2016)
The story begins with Hidden Blade, where we meet Ace Dante. Once a legendary soul-eater, he is now scraping by in Manhattan as a mercenary and investigator. His relatively quiet life is disrupted when his ex-wife Bastet, the cat-headed goddess of war, hires him to investigate a string of murders. The victims are connected to Isis and Osiris, drawing Ace into a web of ancient rivalries. DaCosta does an excellent job establishing the rules of the magic system and the dangerous stakes of dealing with immortal deities who view humans as mere pawns.
2. Witches' Bane (2016)
Picking up immediately after the chaotic events of the first book, Witches' Bane sees Ace struggling with his new infamy. Known now as the 'Godkiller,' Ace wants nothing more than to lay low. However, when witches start vanishing all over New York, Ace is dragged back into the light. He is forced to forge shaky alliances and make deals with entities he would normally avoid, all while his own dark soul-devouring nature threatens to consume him from the inside out.
3. Chase the Dark (2017)
This side story was originally published as part of the Full Metal Magic anthology. It is a companion novella that focuses on a self-contained case in Ace's gritty world. While it does not contain major plot points crucial to the main campaign, it offers fantastic character development and is highly recommended for readers who want to spend more time with the cast. It is best read right after Witches' Bane or as an interlude before diving into the underworld in See No Evil.
4. See No Evil (2016)
In See No Evil, the scale of the story expands dramatically. After surviving a brutal assassination attempt in New York, Ace and his allies have no choice but to travel to Duat, his homeland in the land of the dead. Here, the series transitions from a urban detective story into a mythic journey. Ace must confront the Egyptian pantheon on their own turf, unraveling the mysteries of his origin and proving his worth under the scales of Anubis.
5. Scorpion Trap (2017)
Returning from the underworld, Ace finds that the mortal world has not stood still. In Scorpion Trap, the narrative shifts back to the hot sands of Egypt. The secrets Ace uncovered in Duat begin to collide with the present day, and he is forced to face a deadly trap set by ancient enemies. The pacing accelerates in this volume, setting the stage for the final conflict of the series.
6. Serpent's Game (2017)
The penultimate novel, Serpent's Game, deals with the terrifying return of Apophis, the chaos serpent destined to swallow the sun. The Egyptian gods, usually divided by petty rivalries, are thrown into panic. Ace is forced to play a deadly game of divine strategy, making sacrifices and deciding who he can trust as the line between ally and enemy blurs completely.
7. Edge of Forever (2017)
The saga culminates in Edge of Forever. In this final book, Pippa DaCosta pulls out all the stops for an epic showdown. Ace must fully embrace his identity and unleash his power to stop Apophis from destroying both the mortal realm and the afterlife. It is a satisfying, emotional conclusion that ties up the major character arcs and mysteries established since the first book.
Practical Reader Advice
Can these books be read as standalones? Generally, no. While the early books have individual mysteries, the overarching plot involving the Egyptian pantheon and Ace's personal curse is highly serialized. Reading them out of order will result in major spoilers and confusion regarding character relationships.
If you are looking for the best starting point, always begin with Hidden Blade. The novella Chase the Dark can technically be skipped if you only want to focus on the main novels, but its placement between Books 2 and 3 adds rich flavor and bridges the transition to the underworld journey in Book 3. Pippa DaCosta's writing style is tight, punchy, and atmospheric, making the entire series a quick and highly engaging read for fans of the genre.