Where to Start with Abby James
If you are new to the work of Australian urban fantasy and paranormal romance author Abby James, you might feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of supernatural series she has launched. Fortunately, because her series are set in distinct universes, you do not need to follow a strict overall chronological order across her entire bibliography. Instead, your starting point should depend on the specific tropes and subgenres you enjoy the most.
For readers who love urban fantasy packed with reverse harem romance, high-stakes political intrigue, and slow-burn world mysteries, the absolute best starting point is the Dark Realms series, beginning with Deadly Secrets. If you prefer high-fantasy elements featuring dragons, survival, and a journey through a purgatory-like setting, begin with the Blood and Fire duology. For those who enjoy dark paranormal romance centered on grim reapers, angels, and supernatural entities, the Death's Angel quartet is your ideal entry point.
Dark Realms Series Reading Order
The Dark Realms series is one of Abby James's most popular works. It introduces Malachi, a fierce heroine navigating a gritty, dangerous city filled with betrayal and dark secrets. The narrative is heavily driven by reverse harem dynamics, intense sexual tension, and complex political power struggles. While some readers note that the deeper mysteries of the world reveal themselves slowly, the character dynamics keep you turning the pages. The books must be read in their numbered order:
- Deadly Secrets (2019)
- Poisonous Lies (2019)
- Fatal Truths (2019)
Death's Angel Series Reading Order
Stepping into a darker, more macabre realm, the Death's Angel series shifts the focus to grim reapers and angels. This urban fantasy romance series follows a high-stakes, action-packed plot that unfolds across four books. Because of the ongoing storyline and character arcs, these novels should be read in chronological publication order:
- Death Sucks (2019)
- Death Eternal (2019)
- Death Contained (2019)
- Death Unleashed (2019)
Blood and Fire Series Reading Order
If you want a shorter commitment but still crave high stakes and draconic magic, the Blood and Fire duology is an excellent choice. It follows Embry, a hunted woman whose blood carries an ancient, dangerous power. Surrounded by dragons and the horrors of purgatory, Embry must fight to survive. These two books form a complete story arc and must be read in order:
- Dragon Fire (2018)
- Dragon Blood (2018)
Fealty Series Reading Order
The Fealty series dives into dark paranormal romance and wraith lore, offering a highly atmospheric and steamy experience. The series features a dark romance structure that unfolds across two connected volumes. Read them in this sequence:
- Wraith's Whore (2019)
- Wraith's Poison (2019)
Darkwells Academy Series Reading Order
Tapping into the popular academy fantasy subgenre, the Darkwells Academy books blend academic settings with ancient curses, secrets, and magical danger. It is a quick, engaging duology that should be read in order:
- The Curse Begins (2019)
- Written in Blood (2019)
Single-Book Series & Novellas
In addition to her multi-book series, Abby James has penned several standalone series starters and shorter works that offer quick entry points into her style of writing:
- The Mage's Curse (2018) – The sole release in the Cursed Prophecy series, focusing on Kenzie, an orphan caught up in a dark prophecy.
- Queen of Spades (2019) – The first book in the Black Cartes series, centering on Harlow, a "magic sniffer" facing sorcerers and skinwalkers.
- Disturbed Mind (2018) – A standalone novella that offers a quick, dark supernatural thrill.
Abby James Standalone Romance Novels
If you want a complete break from magic and monsters, Abby James has also written contemporary romances that showcase her ability to write steamy, realistic love stories. These standalones can be read at any time and in any order:
- Tropical Heat (2017) – The author's debut novel, featuring a steamy romance set against a luxurious Balinese backdrop.
- Mountain Love (2017) – A contemporary romance set in a cozy mountain landscape.