How to Read The Shadow Bound Queen Series
For readers looking to dive into this Norse-inspired fantasy romance saga, the reading order is straightforward. Because the series follows a single continuous storyline tracking the lives, trials, and evolving romance of the protagonist Reyna and the dark prince Mazrith, the books must be read in their official publication order. Skipping any of the volumes will result in missing critical plot developments, character arcs, and world-building details.
Publication and Chronological Order
The Shadow Bound Queen is a completed four-book series published between 2022 and 2023. The books should be read in this sequence:
- Court of Ravens and Ruin (2022) – The story begins with Reyna, a rune-marked human slave escaping the abusive Gold Court, only to be taken by the brooding Shadow Court Prince, Mazrith.
- Court of Greed and Gold (2023) – Reyna and Mazrith must work together as they navigate undead monsters, court conspiracies, and a dangerous queen.
- Court of Monsters and Malice (2023) – Secrets regarding Mazrith's true identity are unveiled, and the magical stakes surrounding Yggdrasil escalate.
- Court of Serpents and Secrets (2023) – The final chapter in Reyna and Mazrith's journey, where they must choose between their hearts and saving their world from catastrophic ruin.
The Broader World: Brides of Mist and Fae
The Shadow Bound Queen is set within a larger, interconnected fantasy universe known as the Brides of Mist and Fae (sometimes called the Mist and Fae world). This setting revolves around Yggdrasil, the Great Tree of Life, whose root systems feed five distinct fae courts: Ice, Fire, Earth, Gold, and Shadow.
Currently, there are two series established within the Brides of Mist and Fae universe:
- The Shadow Bound Queen (4 books) – Follows Reyna and Mazrith.
- Flame Cursed Fae (3 books) – A companion trilogy featuring the books Of Blades and Wings, Of Frost and Feather, and Of Ash and Iron.
Which Series Should You Read First?
While both series share the same Norse-inspired setting of Yggdrasil and mention overlapping lore (such as the Valkyrie training ground of Featherblade), they focus on different couples and storylines. Eliza Raine has confirmed that each series within the Brides of Mist and Fae universe can be read as a standalone. You do not need to read the Flame Cursed Fae trilogy to fully understand or enjoy The Shadow Bound Queen, and vice versa. Readers can start with whichever premise appeals to them most.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into the realm of Yggdrasil, here are a few structural and stylistic details to keep in mind:
Enemies-to-Lovers and Forced Proximity: The series centers on a slow-burn romantic arc between Reyna and Mazrith. Expect heavy tension, forced proximity, and a forced betrothal trope, paired with a protective, dark-natured hero.
Norse Mythology Infusion: Unlike standard fae romances that borrow exclusively from Celtic lore, this series incorporates Norse myth elements, including Viking aesthetic influences, runes, Valkyries, and the cosmology of Yggdrasil.
Standalone World Continuity: This universe is completely separate from Eliza Raine’s other popular mythological fantasy series, such as her Greek mythology books (including The Hades Trials and The Ares Trials). There is no crossover between the Greek pantheon series and Yggdrasil.
Book Lengths: The books are relatively fast-paced, typically running between 270 and 300 pages. The quick pacing and cliffhangers make it a popular choice for binge-reading, particularly for subscribers of Kindle Unlimited, where the titles are widely available.