Where to Start with Aileen Erin
If you are new to Aileen Erin’s books, the absolute best place to start is with the series that put her on the map: the Alpha Girl series. Beginning with Becoming Alpha, this urban fantasy romance sweeps you into a world of werewolves, witches, and psychic teens. Once you finish that nine-book saga, you can seamlessly transition to its direct spin-off series, Days of Iron and Clay, which features a fan-favorite character and continues the supernatural fun.
For fans of science fiction, you can read The Aunare Chronicles or the collaborative Shadow Ravens series at any time, as they take place in entirely different universes and do not crossover with the Alpha Girl timeline.
1. The Alpha Girl Series
This is Aileen Erin's flagship urban fantasy series. It follows Tessa McCaide, a teenager plagued by psychic visions who is suddenly turned into a werewolf after a single kiss. Over the course of nine action-packed novels, Tessa navigates supernatural politics, pack rivalries, magic, and romance. The series is best read in strict publication order:
- Becoming Alpha (2013) – Tessa's introduction to the supernatural boarding school and her new werewolf life.
- Avoiding Alpha (2014) – Tessa tries to keep a low profile, but her rare abilities make her a target.
- Alpha Divided (2014) – Tensions rise between the pack and the coven, forcing Tessa to make hard choices.
- Bruja (2015) – The story shifts perspective to Claudia, a powerful witch, expanding the universe.
- Alpha Unleashed (2015) – Tessa returns as the main narrator to face a growing magical war.
- Shattered Pack (2017) – Claudia's perspective returns as the pack deals with the aftermath of battle.
- Being Alpha (2018) – Focuses on a new character, Meredith, dealing with pack politics and romance.
- Lunar Court (2019) – Cosette's perspective takes center stage in a high-stakes supernatural court.
- Alpha Erased (2020) – Tessa McCaide returns as the main protagonist to bring the grand saga to an epic conclusion.
2. Days of Iron and Clay (Alpha Girl Spin-off)
Once you finish the Alpha Girl series, you should jump straight into this spin-off. It follows Samantha Lopez, a demonologist caught between the mortal and spiritual realms. Her father happens to be Astaroth, one of Satan's top generals, and Samantha is determined to thwart his plans. This series builds directly on the lore of the Alpha Girl universe, making it highly recommended to read it after finishing the main series.
- Invocation (2024)
- Infestation (2025)
3. The Aunare Chronicles
For readers who want to swap paranormal romance for space opera, this YA science fiction series is a perfect fit. It follows Maité, a half-Earther who is secretly the daughter of the high commander of the space-faring Aunare race. Hidden on a dystopian Earth, she must eventually claim her destiny. While the novels are straightforward, there is a key novella placement to watch out for:
- Off Planet (2019)
- Off Balance (2020)
- In Command (2021) – Crucial Note: Although some database metadata lists this as Book 4 or puts it after On Mission, this is actually a novella (Book 2.5) that takes place chronologically and narratively between Off Balance and On Mission. For the best story flow, read it third!
- On Mission (2021)
- On Destiny (2022)
4. The Shadow Ravens
This is a unique, collaborative cyberpunk and dystopian series co-created by Aileen Erin, Lola Dodge, and Christina Bauer. The authors developed the shared world together, but they took turns writing books from different characters' viewpoints. Aileen Erin wrote the first book, establishing the tone, while Lola Dodge authored the remaining three books under Erin's editorial oversight.
- Cipher (2014) – Written by Aileen Erin. Focuses on a girl with the power to manipulate electricity who is on the run.
- Quanta (2015) – Written by Lola Dodge.
- Quanta Reset (2016) – Written by Lola Dodge.
- Quanta Rewind (2017) – Written by Lola Dodge.
What to Know Before You Start
Aileen Erin’s books are celebrated for their strong, self-reliant heroines, fast-paced action, and engaging romances. While the Alpha Girl series wraps up Tessa's main arc in the final book, the perspective shifts in several mid-series books (like Bruja, Shattered Pack, Being Alpha, and Lunar Court) to flesh out the supporting cast. Don't skip these companion novels! They introduce critical plotlines and characters that directly affect Tessa's final showdown in Alpha Erased. Additionally, you do not need to read The Shadow Ravens or The Aunare Chronicles to understand her paranormal books, so feel free to read those sci-fi series whenever you need a change of genre.