Where Should You Start Reading Analeigh Ford?
For readers new to Analeigh Ford's spellbinding romantasy and reverse harem worlds, there are two primary entry points depending on your preference for setting and stakes. If you love sweeping high-fantasy fae romance with intricate political maneuvering, you should start with her most popular work, The Veiled Realm series, beginning with A Veil of Truth and Trickery. However, if you prefer urban fantasy settings with a classic magical school vibe, the completed Forgotten Affinities trilogy starting with Absorb is the perfect weekend read.
Publication Order of The Veiled Realm Books
The Veiled Realm is Ford's flagship fantasy series. It follows Delphine, a fae-marked human thrust into a fading, dangerous realm to save its magic. The books should be read in strict publication order to follow the continuous narrative and character development:
- A Veil of Truth and Trickery (2021)
- A Veil of Stardust and Savagery (2022)
- A Veil of Moonlight and Madness (2022)
- A Veil of Dusk and Deceit (2023)
- A Veil of Blood and Bravery (2024)
Publication Order of The Forgotten Affinities Books
This urban fantasy romance trilogy is a fast-paced academy series following Octavia Hadley, a mage navigating forbidden magic and dangerous romances at the New York Academy of Mages. The series is complete and flows in a direct chronological sequence:
- Absorb (2018)
- Adapt (2018)
- Abandon (2018)
Publication Order of Asylum Bound Books
Also known to fans as the Ashford Asylum series, this paranormal romance follows Thalia, a protagonist locked up in a supernatural prison ruled by three powerful inmate "princes" (Ives, Price, and Kingsley). The books can be read in two ways due to the prequel novella release:
- A House So Mad (2020) — Also released under the title Asylum Bound
- A House So Dark (2021) — A prequel novella (often numbered as Book 0.5)
- A House So Cruel (2021) — Book 2
Reading Caveat: Chronological vs. Publication Order
While A House So Dark acts as a prequel setting up the dark atmosphere and backstory of the asylum, we recommend reading by publication order. Start with A House So Mad to experience the mystery of the asylum and its hierarchy through Thalia's eyes first, then read the prequel to fill in the gaps before finishing with A House So Cruel.
Academy of the Dark Arts
For readers who enjoy darker paranormal academy romance, Ford's standalone entry in this universe is a great quick read:
- Dark Witch (2019)
The book follows Wren, a witch who expects to become a Highborne Witch, only to discover she possesses forbidden dark magic after a ritual goes wrong.
Writing as Eden Beck: Darker Romance and Co-Authored Series
Under her pseudonym Eden Beck, the author explores darker, more explicit, and high-tension fantasy romance. Her most notable work under this pen name is the co-authored series with Sabrina Thatcher, A Court of Thieves and Traitors (often listed under both names). This four-book reverse harem fae series follows a changeling protagonist and should be read in this order:
- The Court the Fae Forgot
- The Heir the Fae Forgot
- The Crown the Fae Forgot
- The Queen the Fae Forgot
She has also published several other dark romance series under the Eden Beck moniker, including Wolfish, Wicked Brotherhood, Hawthorne Holy Trinity, and The Forgotten Elites.