Where to Start Reading A.L. Kessler
For readers new to A.L. Kessler's magic-filled worlds, the best place to start is with her flagship urban fantasy series, Here Witchy Witchy, beginning with the first novel, No More Black Magic. This series introduces Abigail Collins, a witch and agent for the Paranormal Investigation Bureau (PIB). It represents the core of Kessler's signature writing style: fast-paced detective mysteries, supernatural action, and low-spice romance that focuses on character bonds rather than explicit content.
Alternatively, if you prefer shifter-focused paranormal romance with political intrigue, you can start with the Dark War Chronicles, beginning with In the Light of the Moon, which was her debut release in 2013.
The Here Witchy Witchy Universe
The Here Witchy Witchy series follows Abigail Collins as she solves cases, uncovers secrets about her family's past, and learns to control her growing magical abilities. Because the series features an overarching narrative and character development arc, it should be read in publication order.
Here Witchy Witchy Reading Order
- No More Black Magic (2015)
- Deathly Magic (2016)
- The Trouble With Ghosts (2016)
- To Skin a Wolf (2017)
- Of Life and Death (2017)
- Everyone has Their Demons (2018)
- Between the Lines (2018)
- Blood Catalyst (2019)
- A Little Blood Magic (2020)
- A Handful of Skulls (2020)
- Something Wicked (2020)
- Solstice in Bloom (2020)
- The Lost Ones (2021)
- Rise and Fall (2021)
The Case Files of Abigail Collins
This companion spin-off series features standalone investigations starring Abigail Collins. These files focus on self-contained mysteries that do not spoil the primary plot lines of the main Here Witchy Witchy books. You can read them at any point alongside the main series, though they are listable in publication order:
- Demon Days (2017)
- His Name is Rodger (2017)
- Not Aliens (2019)
Dark War Chronicles
The Dark War Chronicles is Kessler's original paranormal romance series, diving deep into shifters, demons, and supernatural political conflicts. Read this series in chronological publication order:
- In the Light of the Moon (2013)
- Dance in the Moonlight (2014)
- On Torn Wings (2014)
- The Edge of Darkness (2016)
- Past Demons (2018)
The King's Game Series
This is a suspenseful urban fantasy romance series following characters named after chess strategies and pieces. It must be read in sequence to follow the evolving plot:
- The King's Gambit (2018)
- Initiative (2018)
- King Takes Rook (2019)
- Defiance (2019)
- All the King's Secrets (2020)
- Bad Bishop (2020)
- False Draw (2021)
- Check (2023)
Parlor Tricks Mystery
A fun, magic-themed mystery series featuring cozy elements, secrets, and street-level illusions. Follow this order:
- Rabbits Out of Hats (2018)
- Disappearing Coins (2019)
- Walking Through Walls (2019)
- Sleight of Hand (2023)
- Tick-Tock (2023)
Children of the Apocalypse
For readers who enjoy a darker, post-apocalyptic setting mixed with paranormal thrills, this trilogy follows the struggles of survivors in a chaotic world:
- Just a Little Death (2016)
- Death on the Horizon (2017)
- Behold, Death (2018)
Speed Dating with the Denizens of the Underworld
Kessler participates in this massive multi-author shared-world project centered around the mysterious DeLux Café in the Underworld. While she only wrote specific books (namely Azazel and Osiris), readers often track the entire series. Her specific books can be read on their own, but the complete publication order consists of:
- Lucifer (2022)
- Ash (2022)
- Azrael (2022)
- Samael (2022)
- Azazel (2022) (Written by A.L. Kessler)
- Hecate (2022)
- Bastet (2022)
- Cain (2022)
- Thor (2022)
- Hell's Belle (2022)
- Arachne (2022)
- Osiris (2022) (Written by A.L. Kessler)
- Hades (2022)
- Lilith (2022)
- Adam (2022)
- Loki (2022)
- Cassiel (2022)
- Hera (2023)
- Asterion (2023)
- Seth (2023)
- Triton (2023)
- Michael (2023)
- Alastor (2023)
- Athena (2023)
- Zeus (2023)
- Baal (2023)
- Fenrir (2023)
- Medusa (2023)
- Spike (2023)
- Horus (2023)
- Abel (2023)
- Kuaket (2024)
- Artemis (2024)
- Hercules (2024)
- Raphael (2024)
Additional Series & Collections
Hunting Academy
- First Year Secrets (2020)
- Second Year Setbacks (2021)
- Third Year Thrills (2023)
Rise of the Vampire Princess
- Crimson Beginnings (2022)
- Lilac Hopes (2023)
- Scarlet Mirror (2024)
Normalcy
- Approaching Storm (2018)
- When Lightning Strikes (2020)
Gods of Olympus
- The Fall of War (2017)
- Poseidon's Addiction (2017)
- Forbidden Fruit (2018)
Standalone Anthologies & Steampunk Collections
- Penny Dread Tales: Volume Three: In Darkness Clockwork Shine (2013) (Anthology)
- Perfidious and Paranormal Punkery of Steam (2014) (Anthology)
- Of Brass and Magic (2015) (Steampunk story collection)
- A Werewolf Kind of Christmas (2018) (Novella)
- Furever Free (2021) (Anthology)
- Just a Little More Magic (2022) (Anthology)
- Rituals & Runes (2022) (Anthology)
What to Know Before You Start
One of the most notable features of A.L. Kessler's work is her choice to write paranormal romance and urban fantasy with minimal sexual content. While romance plays a key role, the books focus primarily on the mystery plots, world-building, and character growth. This makes her novels a great option for readers who want the fun of supernatural creatures without heavy spice.