Books On Board

The Four Kingdoms Books in Order

  • 20 Books
  • 2016 – 2023 Published

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Reading order
3 of 3 reading orders shown

The Recommended Reading Order

Melanie Cellier’s fairy tale retellings are set in a shared, interconnected fantasy world where kingdoms are linked by magic, court intrigue, and family ties. While the author designs each book as a self-contained story with a definitive resolution and a satisfying conclusion, the stories build on one another. To avoid minor spoilers and fully appreciate the growth of the world and recurring characters, you should read the entire saga in its narrative chronological order.

Phase 1: The Four Kingdoms (Original Series)

The universe begins with the original series, introducing readers to the core magic system, the role of godmothers, and the royal families of the region. This phase also includes several companion novellas and short stories that enrich the lore.

  • The Princess Companion (2016) – A retelling of The Princess and the Pea. This is the essential starting point that introduces Alyssa and the royal family of Arcadia.
  • The Kitchen Maid (2016) – A short companion novella (often numbered 1.5) that offers a quick side look at the world and is typically available as a free extra for newsletter subscribers.
  • The Princess Fugitive (2016) – A reimagining of Little Red Riding Hood, focusing on Princess Ava and the neighboring kingdom of Rangard.
  • The Coronation Ball (2020) – A Cinderella-themed companion novelette that bridges early events, released later but best read early for chronological context.
  • Happily Ever Afters (2016) – A companion novella retelling Snow White and Rose Red, following characters introduced in the first two novels.
  • The Princess Pact (2017) – A twist on Rumpelstiltskin, featuring Marie and the kingdom of Lanover.
  • A Midwinter's Wedding (2017) – A frog-prince retelling novella that acts as a heartwarming transition piece.
  • The Princess Game (2019) – A clever reimagining of Sleeping Beauty, featuring Celeste and court spycraft.
  • The Princess Search (2019) – A retelling of The Ugly Duckling, wrapping up the original series arc.

Phase 2: Beyond the Four Kingdoms

Set a few years after the events of the original series, this subseries shifts focus to a new generation of characters, exploring the broader lands surrounding the main kingdoms. It features larger-scale adventures and deeper world-building, while maintaining the signature clean romance and strong heroines.

  • A Dance of Silver and Shadow (2017) – Retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses, initiating the new cycle of stories.
  • A Tale of Beauty and Beast (2017) – Retelling of Beauty and the Beast.
  • A Crown of Snow and Ice (2018) – Retelling of The Snow Queen.
  • A Dream of Ebony and White (2018) – Retelling of Snow White.
  • A Captive of Wing and Feather (2019) – Retelling of Swan Lake.
  • A Princess of Wind and Wave (2019) – Retelling of The Little Mermaid.

Phase 3: Return to the Four Kingdoms

The third major story arc returns to the original kingdoms to follow characters first introduced in the Beyond the Four Kingdoms series. This block serves as the final main series in the universe, concluding major overarching plotlines.

  • The Secret Princess (2020) – Retelling of The Goose Girl.
  • The Mystery Princess (2021) – Retelling of Cinderella.
  • The Desert Princess (2021) – Retelling of Aladdin.
  • The Golden Princess (2022) – Retelling of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves.
  • The Rogue Princess (2022) – Retelling of Puss in Boots.
  • The Abandoned Princess (2023) – Retelling of Rapunzel.

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order

For the main novels, the publication order matches the chronological progression. The only minor complication comes from the companion novellas and short stories, which Melanie Cellier published periodically. For example, The Coronation Ball was released in 2020, long after the original series ended, but its events fit neatly between the second and third books. If you prefer to follow the exact path in which long-time fans experienced the series, you can read the books in order of release, though inserting the companion novellas in their chronological slots makes for the smoothest narrative flow.

What to Know Before You Start

Melanie Cellier's books are designed for fans of cozy, clean fantasy romance. Each heroine has a distinct personality, ranging from quiet scholars to determined rebels, making the books appeal to readers who enjoy character-driven narratives. While the settings are magical, the focus remains heavily on relationships, personal growth, and overcoming royal intrigue. Although the novels are connected, they do not end on massive cliffhangers, allowing readers to pause between subseries if they wish. The series serves as an excellent gateway for young adults and anyone looking for wholesome, classic fairy tale retellings with a modern sense of agency.

Frequently Asked

Can the books in The Four Kingdoms series be read as standalones?

Yes. Each novel tells a self-contained story with its own main romance and plot resolution. However, because characters reappear and the world-building is cumulative, reading them in order provides a much richer experience.

What is the very first book you should read in the series?

You should start with The Princess Companion, which retells The Princess and the Pea. It sets up the magic, the kingdoms, and the royal families of this world.

Where does The Kitchen Maid fit into the reading order?

The Kitchen Maid is a short novella that takes place between the events of The Princess Companion (Book 1) and The Princess Fugitive (Book 2). It is often numbered as Book 1.5.

What is the difference between The Four Kingdoms and Beyond the Four Kingdoms?

Beyond the Four Kingdoms is a sequel series set a few years later. It expands the map to neighboring lands and follows a new generation of characters, starting with A Dance of Silver and Shadow.

Is Return to the Four Kingdoms the final series in this universe?

Yes, Return to the Four Kingdoms serves as the concluding series for these characters and kingdoms, running from The Secret Princess through to The Abandoned Princess.

Are Melanie Cellier's books clean and suitable for younger readers?

Yes, the entire series features clean, wholesome romance and is highly recommended for young adults, teenagers, and family reading.