The Recommended Reading Order for Unsainted
To fully experience the gothic tension, dark secrets, and toxic allure of Alexandria, it is highly recommended to read K.V. Rose's Unsainted series in its publication order. The overarching narrative builds sequentially, and reading the books out of order will spoil major plot twists and relationship dynamics. Although individual volumes employ flashbacks and nonlinear storytelling, the main plot progression flows directly from one installment to the next.
- These Monstrous Ties (2019)
- Pray for Scars (2019)
- The Cruelest Chaos (2020)
- Boy of Ruin (2020)
- Like Grim Death: Part One (2022)
- Order of Rain (Unreleased - Placeholder 2023)
- Like Grim Death: Part Two (Unreleased - Placeholder 2023)
In addition to the main series, K.V. Rose published a standalone companion novella titled Ambition (2023). While it is set within the same universe and city, it features different characters and can be read independently at any point, though it is best enjoyed after you have familiarized yourself with the world of Alexandria in the first few books.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into the Unsainted series, readers should be prepared for a highly intense, dark New Adult romance experience. K.V. Rose writes stories that are raw, profane, and emotionally heavy, dealing with taboo themes such as abuse, addiction, trauma, and toxic relationship dynamics. The characters are morally gray elites who engage in cult-like rituals and dangerous games of vengeance.
A unique aspect of the series is its atmospheric setting in the fictional city of Alexandria. The narrative is heavily stylized, resembling a fever dream where passion and danger blur. Rose employs a nonlinear writing style within the books, weaving together present-day action with crucial flashbacks, meaning readers must pay close attention to timeline cues to follow the characters' complicated histories.
Deep Dive into the Unsainted Book List
These Monstrous Ties (2019)
The series begins with These Monstrous Ties, introducing the main heroine, Sid Rain (also known as Lilith), and the magnetic, dangerous Lucifer. Their fateful meeting on Halloween night culminates in a blood-soaked ritual known as the Death Oath. This pact binds them in a volatile, destructive relationship and sets off a chaotic chain of events that impacts everyone in their social circle.
Pray for Scars (2019)
Picking up where the debut leaves off, Pray for Scars raises the stakes for Sid as she dives deeper into the secrets of Alexandria. She finds herself clashing with the Unsaints, a group of wealthy, highly troubled young elites who hold immense power in the city. The book focuses on Sid's attempts to uncover the dark history of the cult-like group and her brother's connection to them, while her toxic bond with Lucifer continues to consume her.
The Cruelest Chaos (2020)
The third installment shifts the primary focus to a different couple within the same social circle: Maverick "Mayhem" Astor and Ella Christian. Their relationship is characterized by volatility, pain, and intense physical chemistry. The Cruelest Chaos provides a look at how the toxicity of the Unsaints impacts other members of the group, expanding the lore of Alexandria while keeping the core plot moving forward.
Boy of Ruin (2020)
Boy of Ruin centers on Jeremiah Rain, Sid's cruel and deeply complex brother. Jeremiah's actions have loomed large over the previous books, and this novel provides an intimate, unflinching look at his twisted motivations, his trauma, and the damage he inflicts on those who dare to love him. It is a pivotal book for understanding the family dynamics and secrets driving the overarching plot.
Like Grim Death: Part One (2022)
Serving as the fifth book, Like Grim Death: Part One is the first half of an ambitious multi-part arc. It utilizes multiple points of view to weave together the fates of the entire ensemble cast. The story pushes the characters toward a breaking point, revealing hidden betrayals and setting up the final conflict where they must face the consequences of their past actions.
The Concluding Titles: Order of Rain and Like Grim Death: Part Two
The final chapters of the Unsainted saga are intended to be resolved in Order of Rain and Like Grim Death: Part Two. While many online book databases and retail sites list these titles with publication years of 2023 or 2025, they have faced ongoing delays. Readers should be aware that these final installments remain unpublished, meaning the overarching storyline currently stands on an unresolved cliffhanger.
The Alexandria Universe: Ambition (2023)
For readers wanting more of K.V. Rose's dark world, the novella Ambition offers a standalone entry point. The story focuses on Isadora and Von, two characters born into "Writhe," a secret criminal organization operating in the shadows of Alexandria. When Isadora is given a dangerous assignment, Von is caught between supporting her ruthless ambition and trying to sabotage her to protect her. Because it does not feature the main cast of Sid, Lucifer, or Jeremiah, it can be read as a standalone story, though it expands on the criminal underbelly of the city.