Books On Board

That Ghoul Ava Books in Order

  • 8 Books
  • 2012 – 2017 Published

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How to Read That Ghoul Ava: The Recommended Reading Path

For the best experience, the That Ghoul Ava series should be read in its strict publication order. The narrative follows a direct chronological progression, tracking Ava Birch's evolution from a freshly turned, bewildered ghoul to a seasoned—and highly sought-after—operative in Portland’s paranormal community. Reading the books out of order will spoil major character developments, shifts in alliance, and the unfolding drama of Ava's relationships.

Start your journey with the first book, That Ghoul Ava: Her First Adventures. This volume contains a duo of introductory novellas that establish Ava's transformation, her friendship with her human roommate Lisa Jenkins, and her first chaotic run-ins with local vampires.

The Complete That Ghoul Ava Books in Order

Here is the complete list of the That Ghoul Ava books in their chronological and publication sequence:

  1. That Ghoul Ava: Her First Adventures (2012) – The collection of two novellas that starts it all. Ava wakes up to her new ghoul existence, meets Vampire Queen Belinda, and establishes her craving for raw flesh.
  2. That Ghoul Ava & The Queen of the Zombies (2013) – Portland faces a zombie outbreak, and Ava has to sort out the undead chaos while blasting her favorite 80s rock anthems.
  3. That Ghoul Ava Kicks Some Faerie A** (2013) – Ava deals with mischievous faeries causing public disturbances (including a chaotic incident at a shopping mall) while her friend Lisa begins training with an anti-ghoul organization.
  4. Next on a Very Special That Ghoul Ava... (2014) – A slightly more serious entry that dives deeper into the lore of "ghouldom." Ava faces a life-altering choice with heavy consequences.
  5. That Ghoul Ava... On the Lam! (2015) – The stakes escalate as Ava becomes Public Enemy Number One for the Templars. She investigates a string of child murders while trying to stay ahead of her pursuers.
  6. That Ghoul Ava On a Roll (2016) – Ava travels to Texas to investigate a roller derby league suspected of being infiltrated by Valkyries, all while dodging the lingering threat of a Templar-owned weapon designed to kill her.
  7. That Ghoul Ava Sacks the Quarterback (2016) – Ava is hired to protect a professional quarterback. The job quickly pulls her into a brewing supernatural war and highlights her complex, forbidden romance with Race Mitchell, a Templar.
  8. That Ghoul Ava Finds an Appetite for Deception (2017) – Ava gets caught up in the local tribute band scene, battling a succubus who has kidnapped a Guns N' Roses impersonator.

What to Know Before You Start

Before diving into Ava's chaotic unlife, here are a few key details to keep in mind:

  • Contrast with T.W. Brown's Other Works: T.W. Brown is widely known for grittier, bleak zombie horror series like DEAD and Zomblog. That Ghoul Ava was created as a deliberate shift—a lighter, highly comedic urban fantasy that doesn't take itself too reference-heavy or seriously.
  • The Setting and Vibe: The books are set in Portland, Oregon. The city's quirky, indie atmosphere matches Ava's personality, which is heavily defined by her ADHD, sharp tongue, and intense love for 1980s music and pop culture.
  • Continuity and Standalones: While individual books tackle specific paranormal mysteries (such as rogue succubi, Valkyries, or faeries), the overarching story of Ava's status among the Templars and her growing abilities forms a continuous narrative. It is highly recommended to read them in order rather than attempting them as standalones.
  • The Audiobook Experience: The series has a dedicated fanbase in audio format, with narrator Celia Aurora de Blas receiving praise for capturing Ava's signature snark, pop-culture rants, and distinctive attitude.

Frequently Asked

What is the recommended starting point for the That Ghoul Ava series?

You should start with That Ghoul Ava: Her First Adventures (2012). This book contains the original two novellas that introduce Ava Birch, explain her transformation into a ghoul, and establish her key relationships.

Are the That Ghoul Ava books standalone novels?

No. While each book features a self-contained main mystery (such as investigating Valkyries in a roller derby league or dealing with faeries), the character relationships, lore, and the conflict with the Templars build continuously from book to book. They should be read in publication order.

Who is the main protagonist of the series?

The protagonist is Ava Birch, a snarky, 32-year-old former waitress who becomes a ghoul after a failed relationship and a suicide attempt. She has to navigate her new dietary needs, supernatural politics, and her love of 80s rock.

How does this series compare to T.W. Brown's other books?

Unlike his main series like DEAD and Zomblog, which are gritty, intense, and traditional horror, That Ghoul Ava is a comedy-horror urban fantasy series filled with humor, pop culture jokes, and light-hearted action.

Is there romance in the That Ghoul Ava series?

Yes, there is a slow-burn, complicated romantic subplot. It primarily centers on Ava's relationship with Race Mitchell, who happens to be a member of the Order of the Templar—an organization dedicated to destroying female ghouls like her.

Who narrates the audiobooks for the series?

The audiobooks are narrated by Celia Aurora de Blas, whose performance has been widely praised by fans for perfectly capturing Ava's sarcastic tone and fast-paced humor.