Where to Start: The Recommended Path
If you are new to the novels of Amanda Hocking, the absolute best place to start is the Trylle Trilogy. This is the groundbreaking self-published series that launched her into stardom, selling millions of copies and establishing her signature blend of paranormal romance and urban fantasy. Because Hocking has built a massive, interconnected troll universe (collectively referred to as the Trylle World), reading these trilogies in their specific chronological and publication sequence is highly recommended to avoid spoilers and appreciate the cameos from returning characters.
For readers who prefer classic supernatural creatures, you can also start with the My Blood Approves series for a fresh take on vampire romance, or the Watersong quartet for dark siren mythology. Below, we break down each major universe, series, and standalone novel so you know exactly which book to pick up next.
The Trylle World (Troll Chronicles)
Amanda Hocking's most famous and expansive setting is the Trylle World. It consists of three distinct series that take place within the same magical universe, centered around different tribes of trolls (changelings, trackers, and outcasts). Although each series follows a different protagonist, they are deeply connected. The timeline progresses sequentially, and reading them in publication order is the safest way to experience the unfolding narrative.
1. The Trylle Trilogy
The series that started it all introduces us to Wendy Everly, a teenager who discovers she is a changeling troll princess. It is best read first in the following order:
- Switched (2010)
- Torn (2010)
- Ascend (2012)
2. The Kanin Chronicles
Taking place roughly four years after the events of the Trylle Trilogy, this spin-off follows Bryn Aven, a half-blood tracker determined to prove her loyalty to the secret Kanin kingdom. It should be read second:
- Frostfire (2015)
- Ice Kissed (2015)
- Crystal Kingdom (2015)
- Hidden Kingdom (2017) – Note: This is a special collected edition of the main trilogy that also includes a bonus prequel novelette titled "The King's Games."
3. The Omte Origins
Set five years after the Kanin Chronicles (and nine years after the original Trylle Trilogy), this series follows Ulla, a half-Omte outcast searching for her biological parents. It wraps up the troll universe and should be read third:
- The Lost City (2020)
- The Morning Flower (2020)
- The Ever After (2021)
My Blood Approves Series: Vampire Romance
This series centers on Alice Bonham, a teenage girl caught in a vampire love triangle between two brothers. It is a darker, fast-paced take on vampire lore. While the main books should be read in publication order, there are key companion novellas to keep in mind.
Main Series Order
- My Blood Approves (2010)
- Fate (2010)
- Flutter (2010)
- Wisdom (2010)
- Swear (2016)
Companion Novellas and Short Stories
- Letters to Elise (2010): A novella focusing on Peter Townsend's perspective. It serves as a bridge between the fourth book and the final novel, and is best read after Wisdom and before Swear.
- Little Tree (2022): A short story that can be read after completing the main series. Both Letters to Elise and Little Tree are compiled together in the companion collection titled Letters, Love, & Blood.
Watersong Quartet: Siren Magic
The Watersong series focuses on sirens, ancient mythological creatures with beautiful, deadly voices. It follows Gemma Fisher as she is pulled into a dark, magical world where she must fight to save herself and her loved ones. The recommended order is:
- Wake (2012)
- Forgotten Lyrics (2012) – A companion novella (often designated as Book 1.5) that offers extra depth to the mythology. It can be read right after Wake or saved for the end.
- Lullaby (2012)
- Tidal (2013)
- Elegy (2013)
The Hollows Series: Dystopian Survival
Originally written as a standalone, this post-apocalyptic zombie series follows Harlow as she fights to survive in a ruined world. It has since expanded to include several full-length novels and short companion stories:
- Hollowland (2010)
- Into the Hollow Dark (2023) – A companion short story written from Max's perspective. It is best read between the first two novels.
- Into the Hollow Horde (2023) – A companion short story written from Harlow's perspective. Best read between the first two novels.
- Hollowmen (2011)
- Hollow Stars (2023)
- Into the Hollow Years (2024) – A short story set in the Hollows universe.
- Hollow Child (2024)
Other Series and Co-Authored Works
Valkyrie Duology
A Norse-mythology-inspired urban fantasy following Malin, a young woman training to execute immortals who break the laws of the universe:
- Between the Blade and the Heart (2018)
- From the Earth to the Shadows (2018)
Seven Fallen Hearts
A fantasy series set in the magical world of Cormundie, following a royal family amidst world-ending chaos:
- Virtue (2021)
- Tristitia (2022)
- A Hungry Heart (2024) – A novelette following the character Gula on a mission to secure a dragon egg.
The Inevitable Trilogy
Co-authored with Jason Letts, this paranormal series follows a spirit attempting to alter human fate. While Hocking co-authored the first book, the subsequent entries were completed by Letts:
- Inevitable (2011)
- Impossible (2011)
- Incredible (2011)
Standalone Novels and Anthologies
If you are looking for standalone stories that do not require committing to a series, Hocking has written two prominent novels in different genres:
- Freeks (2017): A young adult paranormal mystery centering on a traveling carnival set in 1987.
- Bestow the Darkness (2021): A historical gothic romance set in 1890s Michigan, specifically written as Hocking's transition to adult fiction.
Additionally, Hocking has contributed short stories to various anthologies, including Dark Tomorrows (2010) and Grim (2014).