Where to Start in the Giftedverse
If you are ready to dive into Amanda Lynn Petrin's signature supernatural world, the best starting point is Prophecy, the opening novel of The Owens Chronicles. While the author has designed the spin-off series, The Gifted Chronicles, to be accessible to newcomers, starting with the Owens trilogy prevents major spoilers and builds the crucial lore of the Giftedverse from the ground up. Reading in publication order ensures you witness the evolution of the Gifted universe's magic, history, and character arcs as they were intended to unfold.
The Giftedverse in Publication Order
For readers who want to follow Amanda Lynn Petrin's release schedule, here is the publication order of the Giftedverse novels and novellas, along with her standalone contemporary book:
- Prophecy (The Owens Chronicles Book 1) – 2019
- Shards of Glass (Standalone Novel) – 2019
- Destiny (The Owens Chronicles Book 2) – 2020
- Legacy (The Owens Chronicles Book 3) – 2020
- Annabelle (The Owens Chronicles Prequel Novella) – 2021
- Etta (The Gifted Chronicles Prequel Novella) – 2021
- First Life (The Gifted Chronicles Book 1) – 2021
- For Hannah (The Gifted Chronicles Novella) – 2022
- Tristan (The Gifted Chronicles Companion Novella) – 2022
- Second Chance (The Gifted Chronicles Book 2) – 2022
The Owens Chronicles
The Owens Chronicles is the foundational trilogy of the Giftedverse. The story follows Lucy Owens, an ordinary eighteen-year-old who discovers she is part of a lineage of "Gifted" beings—individuals who possess unique supernatural abilities. Set against modern-day settings interspersed with historical mysteries, the series traces Lucy's struggle to control her abilities while dodging dangerous factions who want to exploit her lineage.
- Prophecy (2019): Introduces Lucy as she discovers her family's hidden magical heritage and the prophecies surrounding her future.
- Destiny (2020): Raises the stakes as Lucy confronts the reality of her powers and the sacrifices required to protect those she loves.
- Legacy (2020): The thrilling conclusion to Lucy's main arc, resolving the ancient conflicts threatening the Gifted community.
- Annabelle (2021): A prequel novella set in 1682. It details the life of Annabelle, one of Lucy's earliest ancestors, providing crucial historical context for the family's magical legacy.
The Gifted Chronicles
Taking place a few years after the events of the Owens Chronicles, this spin-off series shifts focus to a new protagonist, Alison, and a fresh set of supernatural conflicts. While it explores different corners of the Giftedverse, returning characters and ongoing references make it a rewarding continuation for fans of the original trilogy.
- Etta (2021): A prequel novella set in 1843, focusing on a historical Gifted ancestor, Etta, and her unique struggles in the 19th century.
- First Life (2021): The official start of Alison's journey, exploring her awakening and the dangerous world she must navigate.
- For Hannah (2022): A companion novella expanding the emotional relationships and backstories of the series' secondary characters.
- Tristan (2022): A parallel companion novella that retells the events of First Life entirely from Tristan Davis's point of view. It is also packaged alongside the first book in the First Life Duet edition.
- Second Chance (2022): The continuation of Alison's quest, escalating the conflicts and expanding the bounds of the Giftedverse's magic system.
Chronological Order vs. Publication Order
Because Petrin has written historical prequel novellas that stretch back centuries, readers often wonder if they should read chronologically. A strict chronological timeline of the Giftedverse looks like this:
- Annabelle (Set in 1682)
- Etta (Set in 1843)
- Prophecy
- Destiny
- Legacy
- First Life / Tristan (Parallel events)
- For Hannah
- Second Chance
Reading Caveat: The author explicitly recommends reading the main books in publication order. The prequel novellas—Annabelle and Etta—are self-contained historical snapshots designed to be enjoyed at any point in your reading journey without spoiling the main plots. Starting with the prequels might feel disjointed because they lack the modern framing and world-building explanations established in the main series openers.
Standalone Fiction and Alternate Pen Names
Outside of her urban fantasy universe, Amanda Lynn Petrin has written a standalone young adult contemporary novel and also publishes historical romance under a pseudonym.
Shards of Glass (2019)
Petrin's debut standalone novel, Shards of Glass, departs from urban fantasy to deliver a poignant contemporary story. Drawing inspiration from real-world tragedies and her academic background in psychology, the book follows teenager Rachel Glass as she processes the emotional aftermath and grief of a devastating school shooting. It is a standalone work and does not tie into the Giftedverse.
Writing as Amanda Mayfair
For fans who enjoy historical fiction, Petrin writes Regency romance under the pen name Amanda Mayfair. Her debut under this pseudonym, To Trap an Earl, kicked off the Sutton Family historical romance series, detailing a marriage of convenience and themes of healing and second chances in Regency-era England.