The Recommended Reading Order for Alana Delacroix
For readers new to Alana Delacroix, the best way to experience her work is to follow her publication timelines. Because she writes distinct, self-contained universes, you can choose to begin with either her main urban fantasy trilogy or her standalone spin-off venture. However, starting with her debut series is highly recommended to fully appreciate her style and world-building progression.
1. The Masked Arcana Series (Trilogy)
This is Delacroix's flagship series, blending a gritty Toronto setting with a unique mythology. The series focuses on the "Arcane"—supernatural beings like vampires, fey, and the "Masquerada" (shapeshifters who can alter their faces, voices, and personalities at will) living secretly alongside normal humans, referred to as "Statics." You must read this trilogy in chronological order to follow the evolving political tension and overarching romance plots:
- Masked Possession (2017): The story introduces Caro Yeats, a former investigative journalist who now handles PR for Toronto's secret supernatural community. She is hired to manage the public image of Eric Kelton, the unpredictable leader of the Masquerada whose shifting identities are spinning out of control.
- Masked Desire (2018): Focuses on Michaela Chui, the security chief of the supernatural council. When a high-profile human council member is murdered, Michaela is forced to team up with Cormac Redoak, an exiled, chaotic fey from the court of the Fairy Queen.
- Masked Longing (2018): The trilogy wraps up by shifting focus to Stephan Daker, a Masquerada lieutenant, and Estelle LaMarche, a powerful vampire, as they join forces to confront an ancient threat that endangers their entire hidden world.
2. The Immortal Protectors Series
Following her debut trilogy, Delacroix branched out into a new lore centered around ancient, resurrected warriors protecting the mortal realm. While originally planned as the start of a broader "band of warriors" saga, it currently stands as a key entry for fans of high-stakes, action-heavy paranormal romance:
- Immortal Redemption (2019): The story follows Cal Olin, a resurrected Aztec warrior and grudging member of the secret protector group known as the Immorti. While running the organization Civica, Cal finds a portal researcher named Dr. Iliana Rogers unconscious near a dangerous magical breach, setting off a battle to save the world.
What to Know Before You Start
Before you begin reading, there are a few important elements to keep in mind regarding Alana Delacroix's bibliography:
The Masquerada Lore
Unlike traditional shapeshifters who only transform into animals, Delacroix's Masquerada shift their human personas. They can change their physical faces, biological markers, and even adopt entirely different personality traits. This unique mechanic adds a deep layer of psychological suspense to the romance, as characters must learn to trust the true self hidden beneath the shifting masks.
Setting as a Character
Delacroix uses her home city of Toronto, Canada, as the central backdrop for her novels. From local neighborhoods to corporate boardrooms, the urban Canadian landscape is heavily integrated into the plot, grounding the high-concept magical elements in a recognizable, real-world atmosphere.
Author Identity Warning
When searching for Alana Delacroix's books, be careful not to confuse her with Claire Delacroix. Claire Delacroix (who also publishes under the names Deborah Cooke and Claire Cross) is an extremely prolific author of historical, medieval, and paranormal romance. While both are Canadian romance writers, their bibliographies, series, and target audiences are entirely distinct.