Books On Board

Veil (P DaCosta) Books in Order

  • 7 Books
  • 2014 – 2015 Published

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The Recommended Reading Order for The Veil Universe

Pippa DaCosta’s The Veil series is a dark, emotional urban fantasy saga that relies heavily on a continuous character arc. Because the overarching plot revolves around Muse’s survival and her evolving relationships with demon princes, reading the books out of order will result in major spoilers. While there are a couple of ways to integrate the prequel novella, the best experience for most readers follows the hybrid order below, which seamlessly transitions from Muse's story in Boston to the spin-off series set in Los Angeles.

Phase 1: Muse's Story (The Core Veil Series)

This is the primary story arc focusing on the half-demon heroine Muse (also known as Charlie Henderson) as she fights for her independence in a gritty, supernatural Boston.

  1. Wings of Hope (Prequel Novella / Book 0.5) – Set fifteen years before the events of the first book, this novella details Muse’s brutal life as a slave in the Netherworld before her escape. Note: You can read this first, or save it for after Book 2 to maintain the early mystery of Muse's past.
  2. Beyond the Veil (Book 1) – Introduces Muse living a quiet life under the alias Charlie, which is shattered when a demon assassin forces her into an alliance with Akil, the Prince of Greed.
  3. Devil May Care (Book 2) – Muse is forced to confront her past owner, Damien, and navigate a web of secrets and shifting alliances in Boston.
  4. Darkest Before Dawn (Book 3) – The war between the Princes of Hell intensifies, putting Muse right in the crosshairs as she struggles to protect the humans she cares about.
  5. Drowning in the Dark (Book 4) – Muse is pushed to her limits, forcing her to embrace the destructive legacy of her bloodline to survive.
  6. Ties That Bind (Book 5) – The climactic finale to Muse's story where she must confront the Prince of Lust to save Boston and secure her freedom.
  7. One for Sorrow (Book 5.5) – A companion collection containing short stories and deleted scenes that show the aftermath of the main series and offer deeper glimpses into the characters' lives.

Phase 2: The Chaos Rises Spinoff

Once you finish Muse’s core journey, you can continue exploring the same universe in the Chaos Rises spinoff trilogy, which takes place in a post-Veil-fall Los Angeles with a brand-new cast of characters.

  1. Chaos Rises (Spinoff Book 1) – Introduces Gem and Del, half-blood siblings trying to survive in a ruined Los Angeles where the barrier between Earth and the Netherworld has crumbled.
  2. Chaos Unleashed (Spinoff Book 2) – The siblings face escalating threats as demonic factions fight for control over the remnants of humanity.
  3. Chaos Falls (Spinoff Book 3) – The high-stakes conclusion to the spinoff trilogy, resolving the fate of the West Coast in this demon-ravaged world.

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order

For the core series, the publication order matches the chronological order of the main novels. The only true chronological variance involves the prequel novella, Wings of Hope, which was published in October 2014, shortly after the release of Devil May Care.

Readers generally divide into two camps regarding when to pick up Wings of Hope:

  • The Chronological Start: Reading the prequel first. This gives you immediate backstory on Muse's torment in the Netherworld and her early interactions with Mammon (the Prince of Greed). It provides context for her fierce desire for independence right from page one of Beyond the Veil.
  • The Publication Break (Recommended): Reading the prequel after Book 2 (Devil May Care) or Book 3 (Darkest Before Dawn). Starting directly with Beyond the Veil allows you to discover Muse's mysterious past alongside the other characters, making her revelations feel more impactful. Stepping back to read the prequel after you are already invested in her character provides a richer, more emotional payoff.

What to Know Before You Start

Pippa DaCosta’s writing style is known for being fast-paced, action-oriented, and emotionally intense. If you are coming from traditional urban fantasy, here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Morally Gray Characters: Muse is not a classic shining hero. She is flawed, angry, and desperate, making choices driven by survival rather than altruism. The demons she interacts with, particularly the Princes of Hell, are genuinely dangerous and manipulative rather than romanticized allies.
  • Gritty Worldbuilding: The series deals with heavy themes, including captivity, trauma, and bodily autonomy. The Netherworld is depicted as a cruel, dog-eat-dog environment where strength is the only currency.
  • A Satisfying Conclusion: Ties That Bind offers a definitive and emotional conclusion to Muse's character arc. The author consciously chose to launch the Chaos Rises spinoff with new characters rather than drag out Muse's story past its natural end, ensuring the original five-book run remains tight and impactful.

Frequently Asked

Can I read the Veil books as standalones?

No. The Veil series features a continuous narrative arc and deep character development. Reading them out of order will make the plot difficult to follow and will spoil major character deaths and betrayals.

Where is the best place to start the series?

You should start with the first novel, Beyond the Veil. While the prequel novella Wings of Hope takes place chronologically first, starting with the main novel preserves the mystery surrounding Muse’s past.

What is the companion book One for Sorrow?

One for Sorrow is a collection of bonus scenes and short stories set during and after the main series. It should only be read after completing Ties That Bind (Book 5) to avoid spoilers.

Is the Chaos Rises series directly connected to the Veil series?

Yes. Chaos Rises is a spinoff trilogy set in the same universe. However, it features a new cast of characters (siblings Gem and Del) and moves the setting from Boston to Los Angeles after the fall of the Veil.

Do I need to read the Veil series before starting Chaos Rises?

While you can read Chaos Rises on its own because it features a new cast, it is highly recommended to read The Veil first. Knowing the rules of the demons, the Netherworld, and how the Veil works makes the spinoff much easier to understand.