The Recommended Reading Order
For the best experience, the Split Worlds series should be read in its original publication order. The narrative follows a continuous, serialized story arc that tracks the development of characters, political intrigue, and magical secrets. Reading out of order will lead to major spoilers and confusion regarding the complex rules of the setting.
- Between Two Thorns (2013)
- Any Other Name (2013)
- All Is Fair (2013)
- A Little Knowledge (2016)
- All Good Things (2017)
Understanding the Split Worlds Universe
The series is set in a universe divided into three distinct realms, each with its own society, laws, and relationship with magic:
- Mundanus: The modern, ordinary human world. It is largely unaware of the magic operating behind the scenes.
- Exilium: The chaotic and dangerous home of the Fae. Human characters must navigate the treacherous bargains and shifting power plays of the Fae lords here.
- The Nether: A mirror-world of Victorian and Regency England, ruled by the Fae-touched families. In this realm, the strict social hierarchies, patriarchal structures, and polite manners of the 19th century are enforced by magical coercion.
The Role of Short Stories
Before launching the first novel, Emma Newman embarked on a creative project to build anticipation and establish the setting. She wrote and published a new short story set in the Split Worlds universe every week for "a year and a day." These stories were hosted on various speculative fiction blogs and distributed via her newsletter, often accompanied by audio recordings read by the author.
While these short stories flesh out secondary characters, atmospheric details, and the history of the Nether, they are not required reading to follow the main plot of the novels. The author has expressed intent to compile these into a dedicated Split Worlds short story collection in the future, similar to her work with other series. For now, new readers are advised to start directly with the first novel, Between Two Thorns, and seek out the online short fiction only if they want additional flavor after finishing the books.
What to Know Before You Start
Though the series features whimsical elements like talking gargoyles and magical tea, it also deals with heavy and dark themes beneath its polished surface. Cathy's journey centers on autonomy, escape from abusive patriarchal structures, and the fight against a system that treats women as currency. Reader discretion is advised for depiction of psychological manipulation, forced marriage, and systemic oppression. It is a perfect series for readers who enjoy urban fantasy with a strong feminist lens, blending the social maneuvering of Jane Austen with dark, modern fairy-tale mythology.