How to Read the Tales of the Shareem Series
The Tales of the Shareem series, penned by Allyson James (a pseudonym for bestselling author Jennifer Ashley), is a unique blend of science fiction, matriarchal world-building, and high-heat romance. The series centers on the Shareem, genetically engineered pleasure-slaves on the desert planet of Bor Narga. Designed by the DNAmo corporation to provide ultimate satisfaction, the Shareem are classified by levels, with Level Threes possessing the most intense and raw power.
Because the overarching plot follows the Shareem's struggle for freedom, identity, and the downfall of the institutions that enslave them, we recommend reading the series in its chronological order. However, starting with the publication order is also a highly popular choice for readers who want to experience the world-building as it was originally unveiled.
The Chronological Reading Order
If you want to read the events of the series in the order they happen in the timeline, follow this sequence:
- Eland / Eland and Jeanne (Prequel novella - takes place 20 years before Rees)
- Rees (Book 1)
- Maia and Rylan (Book 1.5 / Novella)
- Rio (Book 2)
- Aiden and Ky (Book 3)
- Calder (Book 4)
- Braden (Book 5)
- Justin (Book 6)
- Kieran (Book 7)
The Publication Reading Order
If you prefer to follow the books in the order they were released to the public, the path looks like this:
- Rees (2005)
- Maia and Rylan (2005)
- Rio (2006)
- Aiden and Ky (2007)
- Eland (2009)
- Braden (2011)
- Justin (2012)
- Calder (2013)
- Kieran (2014)
- Eland and Jeanne (2015 - Print Anthology release collecting the prequel)
Understanding the Timeline and Book Details
Eland / Eland and Jeanne (Prequel)
Originally published as a standalone story under the name Eland in 2009, this prequel was later released as the print anthology Eland and Jeanne in 2015 (which also contained Maia and Rylan). It is set twenty years before the events of Rees. The story follows Jeanne Narren, who shelters a fugitive Level Three Shareem named Eland after the DNAmo corporation is shut down. Their encounter is brief but unforgettable, initiating a long search for one another that defines the beginning of the Shareem's history of rebellion.
Rees (Book 1)
Published in 2005, Rees is the official entry point to the series. The story introduces Rees, a Level Three Shareem with mysterious, untapped powers. He is purchased by Lady Talan d’Urvey, a noblewoman seeking one last night of pleasure before committing herself to a lifetime of celibacy. Instead of a simple transaction, their encounter sparks an emotional connection and triggers Rees's fight for autonomy in a society that treats him as property.
Maia and Rylan (Book 1.5)
This 2005 novella is a companion piece that expands on the culture and struggles of Bor Narga. It focus on Maia and Rylan, exploring how ordinary citizens and lower-level Shareem navigate the planet's strict social hierarchies and the emotional challenges of finding genuine connection under the shadow of genetic engineering.
Rio (Book 2)
Released in 2006, this novel focuses on Rio, a Level Three Shareem whose dark, magnetic allure conceals a protective heart. When Nella, a fugitive princess fleeing political turmoil, seeks refuge in the slums of Bor Narga, Rio becomes her protector. Their partnership blends humorous banter with high stakes as they hide from the planetary authorities.
Aiden and Ky (Book 3)
Published in 2007, this installment expands the scope of the world by following Aiden and Ky. It continues the slow-burn revolution building among the outcasts of Bor Narga, diving deeper into the technicalities of how different Shareem levels function and showing how love can thrive even under extreme systemic oppression.
Calder (Book 4)
Though published in 2013, Calder is chronologically positioned as Book 4. It tells the story of Calder, a Level Three Shareem who crosses paths with Katarina d'Arnal, a dedicated planetary medic. Calder's physiological abnormalities require specialized care, and their relationship challenges the medical and social taboos governing the treatment of genetically engineered people.
Braden (Book 5)
Released in 2011, Braden highlights the escalating danger facing the free Shareem. Braden must navigate trust and betrayal as the authorities clamp down on the underbelly of Bor Narga, forcing the characters to take bigger risks to secure their collective freedom.
Justin (Book 6)
Published in 2012, this story follows Justin, a Shareem who returns to the dangerous sands of Bor Narga. He ends up entangled with Deanna, a feisty patroller representing the very law that hunts his kind. Their romance is a classic enemies-to-lovers dynamic set against the backdrop of the planet's shifting political landscape.
Kieran (Book 7)
The main narrative arc concludes with Kieran (2014). Kieran, a fugitive Shareem, and Felice, a woman on the run, find solace in each other's company. As they heal from their respective traumas, they join forces to plan a final, daring escape that aims to free the remaining Shareem from Bor Narga once and for all.
What to Know Before You Start
The Tales of the Shareem series takes place on Bor Narga, a desert planet governed by a matriarchal hierarchy where women hold the political and financial power. Genetic engineering plays a central role in the setting; the Shareem were originally designed as high-class companions, but after the closure of DNAmo, they became outcasts, outlaws, and commodities on the black market.
Readers should note that the series is highly explicit and contains strong elements of futuristic erotic romance. While each book centers on a different couple, the overarching narrative of the Shareem rebellion runs through all of them. Reading the books out of order may spoil major plot points regarding the fate of the Shareem as a species, so sticking to either the chronological or publication order is highly recommended.