The Recommended Reading Order
To fully experience Hadley Whitaker's story of redemption, magic, and political intrigue, it is highly recommended to read the books in their publication order. Because the narrative represents a single, continuous character arc, skipping books will cause you to miss key developments in Hadley's powers, her relationships, and her quest to secure the city's mystical crown. The series consists of five main novels and one final epilogue novella that wraps up the story.
- Shadow of Doubt (2019)
- Pack of Lies (2020)
- Change of Heart (2020)
- Proof of Life (2020)
- Moment of Truth (2021)
- Badge of Honor (2021)
Chronological vs. Publication Order
For The Potentate of Atlanta series, chronological order and publication order are identical. The timeline flows directly from the events of Shadow of Doubt through to the final pages of Badge of Honor. However, if you are looking to read the entire universe in chronological order, the reading path expands significantly to include its parent series, The Beginner's Guide to Necromancy.
Because the protagonist of this series, Hadley Whitaker, begins her journey in Savannah under a completely different name (Amelie), reading the parent series first is highly recommended. The complete chronological universe reading order is:
- The Beginner's Guide to Necromancy (Books 1–6): Set in Savannah, focusing on Grier Woolworth. This is where we first meet Hadley under her birth name, Amelie, and witness the tragic mistakes that lead to her seeking a fresh start.
- The Potentate of Atlanta (Books 1–6): Following the conclusion of the Savannah arc, the timeline shifts to Atlanta as Hadley Whitaker assumes her new identity and attempts to redeem herself.
- The Beginner's Guide to Necromancy: The Epilogues (Parts 1–3): These companion epilogues wrap up Grier and Linus's story and can be read after finishing the Atlanta books to see how the broader universe settles.
The Connection to The Beginner's Guide to Necromancy
While Hailey Edwards designed The Potentate of Atlanta to be accessible to new readers, it is fundamentally a direct spinoff of The Beginner's Guide to Necromancy. Reading the Savannah-based series first provides invaluable context. In Grier's story, Amelie makes choices that estrange her from her friends and family, leaving her with a heavily damaged reputation and a desperate need to start over.
When Shadow of Doubt begins, Amelie has relocated to Atlanta, changed her name to Hadley Whitaker, and taken on a new face. Under the guidance of Linus Lawson (a key character from the Necromancy series), she is given a second chance to prove she can be a force for good. Her ultimate goal is to train for and claim the title of Potentate—the mystical protector of the city. Reading the parent series first turns Hadley's story from a standard urban fantasy adventure into a powerful, multi-book redemption arc.
Deep Dive into the Books
1. Shadow of Doubt (2019)
The series opens with Hadley Whitaker trying to keep her head down, satisfy her intense chocolate cravings, and control Ambrose—the dangerous supernatural shadow bound to her soul. When a rogue paranormal starts slaughtering others in Atlanta, Hadley is forced to step up. She forms an uneasy partnership with Midas Kinase, a powerful shifter with a dark, tragic history. As the two hunt the killer, they are forced to confront their own secrets, setting the stage for a slow-burn romance and a dangerous political battle.
2. Pack of Lies (2020)
In the second installment, Hadley's past threatens to catch up with her. As she struggles with memory gaps and a bizarre magical infestation, her partnership with Midas deepens into something more personal. The stakes are raised as the political factions of Atlanta begin to realize that the mysterious new candidate for Potentate is hiding far more than she lets on.
3. Change of Heart (2020)
The third book pushes Hadley to her absolute limits. When a lethal supernatural drug hits the streets of Atlanta, Hadley is caught in the crossfire. To save the people she has sworn to protect, she is forced to bargain with a ruthless fae. This deal threatens to destroy her soul and alienate Midas, testing the bounds of their growing trust.
4. Proof of Life (2020)
As the election for Potentate draws near, the conspiracies surrounding the office begin to unravel. Hadley must investigate a series of disappearances that link directly back to the corrupt structures she is trying to dismantle. With Ambrose's shadow magic becoming increasingly unstable, Hadley must find a way to anchor herself before she loses her humanity.
5. Moment of Truth (2021)
The penultimate novel brings all of Hadley's conflicts to a head. Her true identity as Amelie is threatened with exposure, and her enemies launch an all-out assault to disqualify her from the Potentate trials. Hadley and Midas must unite their allies—including shifters, witches, and vampires—to stand against a common threat that could tear Atlanta's supernatural community apart.
6. Badge of Honor (2021)
Serving as the epilogue and conclusion to the series, this book wraps up the outstanding plot threads. Hadley faces her final trial to officially claim the title of Potentate of Atlanta. It delivers emotional closure for her relationship with Midas, cements her redemption, and establishes her new place as the city's protector.
What to Know Before You Start: Lore and Themes
Before diving into Hadley's adventures, it helps to understand the unique elements of Hailey Edwards' world. The magic system is deeply tied to the concept of shadows and souls. Hadley's companion, Ambrose, is not just a spell or a tool; he is a semi-sentient shadow entity bound to her, representing both her greatest weapon and her most dangerous vulnerability. Managing Ambrose is a constant struggle that mirrors Hadley's internal battle with her past sins.
The romance in the series is a classic slow-burn. Midas Kinase is a shifter who carries immense guilt and trauma from his own past, making him the perfect foil for Hadley. Rather than a sudden, magical bond, their relationship is built on gradual vulnerability, shared scars, and mutual respect.
Finally, the series heavily features the Coven—a powerful, often corrupt organization of magical users that acts as a recurring antagonist. The political landscape of Atlanta is divided between the Coven, the shifter packs, and the fae, making Hadley's campaign for Potentate a delicate balancing act of diplomacy and raw power.