The Recommended Reading Order for Wonderland
Irina Shapiro’s Wonderland series blends historical detail, time-travel intrigue, and romantic suspense. To fully experience the story of modern forensic archaeologist Neve Ashley and 17th-century nobleman Lord Hugo Everly, you should follow the chronological order of their adventures, which aligns perfectly with the order of publication. While the main story arc is resolved across five novels, a companion novella offers a look at a fan-favorite side character.
Here is the recommended reading order for the series:
- The Passage (Published in 2015)
- Wonderland (Published in 2015)
- Sins of Omission (Published in 2016)
- The Queen’s Gambit (Published in 2016)
- Comes the Dawn (Published in 2016)
- Jem’s Journey (Novella, Published in 2016)
Deconstruct the Books of Wonderland
1. The Passage
In 2013, forensic archaeologist Neve Ashley is excavating the crypt of an ancient church at Everly Manor when she discovers a hidden passage. Stepping through, she finds herself transported back to 1685. Stranded in the past, she meets Lord Hugo Everly, a Protestant nobleman secretly allied with the Duke of Monmouth’s rebellion against King James II. Neve must use her knowledge of historical events to survive while finding her heart increasingly tied to a man whose fate is already written in history.
2. Wonderland
Picking up directly after the dramatic events of the debut, the second book finds Neve and Hugo attempting to build a life together amidst the brutal aftermath of the Monmouth Rebellion. When Hugo’s relative Max is unjustly condemned to the gallows, the couple must risk everything on a dangerous rescue mission. The book delves deeper into the emotional challenges of a time-crossed romance, testing their loyalty against betrayal and political executioners.
3. Sins of Omission
Seeking respite from the dangerous political climate of England, Neve and Hugo flee to Paris. However, the glittering French court of Louis XIV brings its own brand of peril. As they try to navigate the complex social hierarchy and hidden schemes of the aristocracy, long-buried secrets begin to surface. This third volume tests the couple's resilience as they realize that changing locations cannot help them escape the consequences of the past.
4. The Queen’s Gambit
Upon returning to Everly Manor, Neve and Hugo believe they have found safety, only for their world to be thrown into chaos. A stranger from the 21st century slips through the portal, carrying modern tools and knowledge that could alter the course of history. Hugo and Neve must contain the threat before the temporal timeline is irrevocably damaged, adding a thrilling science-fiction element to the historical intrigue.
5. Comes the Dawn
The fifth book acts as the emotional and narrative climax of the primary story arc. With political tensions reaching a breaking point in England, Hugo is accused of treason while Neve faces the deadly accusation of witchcraft due to her modern knowledge and mysterious origins. They are forced to make heartbreaking choices in a race to survive and secure their future, bringing Neve and Hugo's central journey to a satisfying conclusion.
6. Jem’s Journey (Novella #5.5)
Rather than continuing Neve and Hugo's direct story, this coming-of-age novella follows Jem, a young man who feels neglected and unloved at Everly Manor. Seeking adventure, Jem leaves his home to seek his fortune in the bustling, treacherous streets of 17th-century London. His journey is filled with unexpected hardships, temptations, and life lessons, showing him the complex reality of adulthood and helping him discover his true identity.
Practical Reading Guidance: Where to Start and What to Expect
Can the Books Be Read as Standalones?
No, the core novels in the Wonderland series cannot be read as standalone works. The narrative is highly serialized, with each book building directly upon the events, character developments, and unresolved plot threads of the previous installment. Starting anywhere other than The Passage will lead to confusion regarding the time-travel mechanics, political alliances, and the central romance.
Where to Start
The only logical starting point is the first book, The Passage. It establishes the rules of the time portal, introduces Neve's modern background as an archaeologist, and sets up her initial meeting with Hugo.
What About the Novella, Jem's Journey?
While often listed as "Book 6" in database listings, Jem’s Journey is a spin-off novella. Because it takes place in the same historical setting and features characters introduced in the main series, it is best read after completing the main five books. Reading it earlier is not recommended, as it relies on character dynamics established during the main series.
Connecting to the Wider Shapiro Universe
For readers who finish the series and crave more, Irina Shapiro frequently rewards fans with crossovers. While Wonderland does not have a direct spin-off series, characters from her other time-travel and paranormal mystery books occasionally intersect. Specifically, the character Erasmus—frequently referred to as a "time stepper"—bridges the gap between different timelines, appearing in her Hands of Time series. Furthermore, the modern archaeological framing of the series shares a thematic and structural kinship with her popular Echoes from the Past series, which features psychic historian Quinn Allenby. If you enjoy the blend of modern forensics and historical romance in Wonderland, exploring these other series will offer a very similar reading experience.