The Ultimate Recommended Reading Path
Allie Therin’s bibliography is split into two primary universes: her 1920s historical fantasy universe (which includes two interconnected series) and her contemporary urban fantasy universe. To get the best possible experience, we strongly recommend tackling her books by universe, starting with her debut historical fantasy series before moving on to her Seattle-based urban fantasy.
Phase 1: The Magic in Manhattan Universe (Recommended Start)
This is where Allie Therin began her publishing journey. Set in an alternate, magic-infused 1920s New York City and London, this universe spans two series that share characters, plotlines, and a complex system of relics and blood magic. You should absolutely read these in order, as the spin-off series contains major spoilers for the original trilogy and concludes the entire saga's overarching conflict.
- Spellbound (2019) – Magic in Manhattan Book 1
- Starcrossed (2020) – Magic in Manhattan Book 2
- Wonderstruck (2021) – Magic in Manhattan Book 3
- Proper Scoundrels (2021) – Roaring Twenties Magic Book 1
- Once a Rogue (2023) – Roaring Twenties Magic Book 2
- Viscounts & Villainy (2025) – Roaring Twenties Magic Book 3
Phase 2: The Sugar & Vice Universe
Once you have finished the 1920s historical books, you can dive into Therin’s gritty, contemporary alternate-Seattle series. This is a separate urban fantasy setting that focuses on empaths and government agents. Read these in chronological order:
- Liar City (2023) – Sugar & Vice Book 1
- Twisted Shadows (2024) – Sugar & Vice Book 2
- Edge of Mercy (2026) – Sugar & Vice Book 3
Detailed Series Breakdown & Context
The Magic in Manhattan Trilogy
Set in a vibrant 1920s New York City, this trilogy introduces us to a hidden society of paranormals, dangerous magical relics, and high-stakes supernatural politics. The series follows the slow-burn relationship between Arthur Kenzie, a non-magical relic hunter and WWI veteran, and Rory Brodigan, a sweet but powerful psychometric who can read the memories attached to physical objects. Together, they must protect the city from rogue spellcasters and apocalyptic relics. The romance builds beautifully across all three books, making it essential to read them in order.
The Roaring Twenties Magic Series
This series is a direct spin-off of the Magic in Manhattan trilogy, shifting the focus to Sebastian de Leon (a powerful Puerto Rican magic-user and former WWI medic) and Wesley Collins, Lord Fine (a cynical, non-magical British aristocrat). Both characters first appeared as secondary figures—and occasional antagonists—in the original trilogy. Proper Scoundrels kicks off in London in 1925, showing Sebastian’s struggle to recover from years of forced magical control and his developing relationship with the grumpy Wesley. Once a Rogue returns the action to New York where they must save their original-trilogy friends who have gone missing. The final book, Viscounts & Villainy, wraps up the entire historical magic arc, taking the characters back to England to face a plot to destroy magic.
The Sugar & Vice Series
If you want a change of pace, the Sugar & Vice series moves away from the 1920s to a modern-day alternate Seattle. In this world, empaths are regulated, feared, and often hunted. The plot centers on Reece Davies, a pacifist empath trying to live a quiet life, and Evan Grayson (known as 'The Dead Man'), a cold government agent designed to be immune to empathic influence. When Reece is pulled into a Seattle Police Department murder investigation led by his detective sister Jamey, he and Evan are forced into an uneasy partnership. Over the course of the trilogy, they unravel a massive conspiracy while navigating an intense, enemies-to-lovers romance.
Practical Reader Advice & FAQ
Can the spin-off books be read as standalones? While publishers often market spin-off series like Roaring Twenties Magic as readable on their own, we strongly advise against this. Reading Proper Scoundrels before the original trilogy will spoil the major twists of the Magic in Manhattan series and leave you confused about the backstory of the relics, the magical rules, and why Sebastian carries so much trauma.
Is there any difference between publication order and chronological order? For Allie Therin's books, publication order and chronological order are identical. She writes her books in the order they occur. The only decision readers need to make is whether they prefer to start with 1920s historical fantasy (Magic in Manhattan) or contemporary urban fantasy (Sugar & Vice).