Amber Smith Books in Order

Where to Start Reading Amber Smith

If you are new to Amber Smith's work, the absolute best place to start is with her groundbreaking debut novel, The Way I Used to Be. Published in 2016, this book established her as a major voice in contemporary young adult fiction, handling extremely sensitive themes with grace, vulnerability, and raw honesty. Beginning here allows you to experience her core storytelling strength and sets the stage for her bestselling companion novels.

For readers who prefer a lighter, heartwarming story, or if you are looking for middle-grade fiction, you can start directly with Code Name: Serendipity, which stands completely separate from her young adult bibliographies.

The Way I Used to Be Series in Reading Order

Amber Smith’s signature work has expanded from a standalone debut into a powerful trilogy that follows the life, trauma, and recovery of its protagonist, Eden. To follow this emotional journey, you must read these books in their exact order of publication:

1. The Way I Used to Be (2016) – Follows Eden through all four years of high school as she struggles with the painful aftermath of a sexual assault, keeping the trauma secret while trying to find her way back to herself.
2. The Way I Am Now (2023) – Picks up Eden's story as she enters college, exploring the rocky, realistic road of long-term healing, reconnecting with her first love, Josh, and learning how to trust again.
3. The Way We Become (October 6, 2026) – The highly anticipated conclusion to the trilogy, completing Eden and Josh's journey as they transition into young adulthood and build a future together.

Chronological vs. Publication Order for Eden's Story

Because the sequel and the upcoming third book directly continue the timeline established in the debut, the publication order and the chronological order are identical. Do not attempt to read The Way I Am Now or The Way We Become without reading The Way I Used to Be first, as they rely heavily on the character growth, shared history, and emotional context established in the first book.

Amber Smith's Standalone Novels

Outside of her main trilogy, Amber Smith has written several standalone young adult novels that explore deep personal issues, family dynamics, and identity. These can be read in any order, but reading them in publication order showcases her growth as a writer:

• The Last to Let Go (2018) – A poignant look at domestic violence and family dysfunction. It follows Brooke as she navigates the sudden, chaotic aftermath of a family tragedy and attempts to build a life of her own.
• Something Like Gravity (2019) – A tender and lyrical LGBTQ+ romance between Chris, a transgender boy healing from a near-fatal assault, and Maia, a girl grieving the loss of her older sister.
• Fade into You (November 4, 2025) – Co-written with her wife, Sam Gellar, this collaborative YA novel tells a heartfelt story of romance, self-discovery, and finding your voice in a complicated world.

Middle-Grade Fiction

In 2022, Smith ventured into writing for younger readers with her middle-grade debut:

• Code Name: Serendipity (2022) – A heartwarming, lighter tale about a lonely girl named Sadie who finds friendship, hope, and a special connection with a stray dog she believes might be telepathic. It is a beautiful story about family, animal rescue, and resilience.

Anthology Contributions

For complete completionists, Amber Smith contributed to the following compilation:

• Our Stories, Our Voices (2018) – A young adult non-fiction anthology featuring essays from diverse authors discussing growing up female, navigating identity, and fighting for equality.

Amber Smith Books in Order of Publication

If you want to read all of Amber Smith's books in the order they were released to the public, follow this list:

1. The Way I Used to Be (2016)
2. The Last to Let Go (2018)
3. Our Stories, Our Voices (Anthology Contributor, 2018)
4. Something Like Gravity (2019)
5. Code Name: Serendipity (2022)
6. The Way I Am Now (2023)
7. Fade into You (with Sam Gellar, 2025)
8. The Way We Become (Expected October 6, 2026)

What to Know Before You Start

Before diving into Amber Smith's young adult books, readers should be aware that she writes about heavy, real-world topics. Her books frequently feature themes of sexual assault, grief, domestic violence, bullying, and mental health struggles. However, while the topics are serious, her tone is fundamentally filled with hope, highlighting the strength, vulnerability, and resilience of her young protagonists. Her middle-grade work, Code Name: Serendipity, is much gentler and suitable for younger audiences while still addressing family struggles and the emotional difficulties of growing up.