Amy A. Bartol Books in Order

Recommended Starting Path for Amy A. Bartol

If you are new to Amy A. Bartol’s work, the best place to start depends on your favorite subgenre. Her bibliography spans paranormal romance, space fantasy, and dystopian science fiction. Because each of her series is a self-contained story set in its own distinct universe, there is no cross-series continuity. You can dive into any of them without worrying about missing plot points from the others.

For most readers, the recommended starting point is the Premonition Series, beginning with Inescapable. This is Bartol’s debut novel and her most popular work, serving as a perfect introduction to her signature blend of intense romance, high-stakes action, and strong-willed heroines. If you prefer interstellar adventure and space fantasy, start with the Kricket Series (beginning with Under Different Stars). For fans of dark, political dystopian thrillers, the Secondborn Series (starting with Secondborn) is the ideal gateway.

The Premonition Series

The Premonition series is a five-book young adult paranormal romance saga. It follows Evie Claremont, a college freshman who discovers she is at the center of an ancient, supernatural battle between angels and dark forces. The books must be read in order, as they form a continuous, chronological narrative:

1. Inescapable (2011) – Evie Claremont starts college at Hillsdale, hoping for a normal life, but finds herself drawn to the enigmatic Reed Wellington and targeted by supernatural entities.
2. Intuition (2011) – Evie’s powers grow as she is thrust deeper into the angelic hierarchy and faces escalating danger.
3. Indebted (2012) – The stakes rise as Evie struggles to protect those she loves while navigating complex alliances and betrayals.
4. Incendiary (2012) – Secrets about Evie’s origin and destiny are revealed, leading to a massive conflict.
5. Iniquity (2015) – The climactic conclusion to Evie’s journey, resolving the battle for her soul and the fate of the supernatural world.

Reading Advice: There are no spin-offs, prequels, or companion novels for the Premonition series. The five novels tell a complete story, and readers should follow the exact publication order. The debut novel, Inescapable, won the 2012 UtopYA Award for Best Debut Novel, making it a highly celebrated entry in paranormal YA literature.

The Kricket Series

The Kricket series is a young adult science fiction fantasy trilogy set on the harsh, alien planet of Ethar. The story centers on Kricket Hollowell, a foster kid from Chicago who discovers she has rare abilities and is the key to a prophecy on another world. This trilogy is a tightly knit story and must be read in chronological order:

1. Under Different Stars (2013) – Kricket is captured and integrated into the complex faction politics of Ethar, finding herself caught between dangerous leaders and her own destiny.
2. Sea of Stars (2015) – As war looms on Ethar, Kricket must hone her skills and decide where her loyalties lie.
3. Darken the Stars (2015) – The dramatic conclusion to the trilogy, where Kricket fights for her freedom and the future of Ethar.

Reading Advice: The trilogy is complete, featuring intense romantic tension and detailed world-building. Under Different Stars won the Penned Con 2014 Award for Best Fantasy Plot, proving its popularity among fantasy fans.

The Secondborn Series

The Secondborn series is a dystopian science fiction romance trilogy. In a highly stratified society where firstborns inherit everything and secondborns are forced to serve the state, Roselle St. Sismode is a secondborn who has been hidden away. When she is thrust into the public eye, she becomes a symbol of rebellion. The books should be read in order:

1. Secondborn (2017) – Roselle is forced into the military training transition, navigating political corruption, betrayal, and romance.
2. Traitor Born (2018) – Roselle fights to survive as she is accused of treason and dragged deeper into a web of conspiracies.
3. Rebel Born (2019) – The final book in the trilogy, wrapping up Roselle’s fight against the oppressive regime.

Short Stories and Anthologies

In addition to her three main trilogies and series, Amy A. Bartol has contributed to one multi-author anthology:

• Take Me To Your Reader: An Otherworld Anthology (2014) – This anthology features Bartol’s science fiction romance short story, "The Divided". The story follows a grieving protagonist trying to reach her deceased fiancé in a mysterious middle realm called "the twilight."

Note on Continuity: "The Divided" is a completely standalone story and does not connect to the universes of Premonition, Kricket, or Secondborn. Reading it is optional and does not affect your understanding of her major series.

Chronological vs. Publication Order

For Amy A. Bartol’s bibliography, there is no difference between publication order and chronological order. Every series was written and published in chronological sequence. Because none of the series cross over or share characters, you do not need to worry about timeline overlap or jumping between series. Simply pick a series and read it from the first book to the last.

What to Know Before You Start

Before diving into Amy A. Bartol’s books, keep the following reader caveats in mind:

• Complete Series: All three of Bartol’s major series (Premonition, Kricket, and Secondborn) are fully completed. You can binge-read them without waiting for sequels.
• Genre and Tone: Her stories feature classic Young Adult romance tropes, including high-stakes love triangles, protective male leads, and chosen-one narratives, blended with dark paranormal or dystopian elements.
• No Co-Authored Books: Unlike some authors in the YA fantasy space, Amy A. Bartol writes all of her books solo, and there are currently no co-authored books in her catalog.
• Availability: Several of her books, particularly the Kricket and Secondborn series, were published via 47North (Amazon Publishing) and are widely available on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited.