The Recommended Reading Order for Analeigh Sbrana
For readers diving into the romantic fantasy ("romantasy") worlds of Sunday Times bestselling author Analeigh Sbrana, the recommended starting point is her breakout debut duology, Lore of the Wilds. Because her books are narrative-driven with high continuity, reading them in order is essential to follow the character arcs, magic systems, and overarching plotlines.
Here is the recommended reading path for her books:
- Lore of the Wilds (2024) – Book 1 of the Lore of the Wilds duology.
- Lore of the Tides (2025) – Book 2 and conclusion of the Lore of the Wilds duology.
- Heir of Prophecy (Expected August 25, 2026) – Book 1 of a brand-new romantasy duology.
The Lore of the Wilds Duology
Analeigh Sbrana's debut series is a cozy-yet-dark romantasy duology centering on Lore Alemeyu, a human woman trying to survive and protect her village in a world where humans are oppressed by the magic-wielding Fae. The series is celebrated for its lush, lyrical prose, vibrant cottagecore aesthetics, and centering of Black protagonists in a high-fantasy setting.
1. Lore of the Wilds (2024)
Originally self-published in late 2023 before being acquired in a multi-publisher auction and released by Harper Voyager in February 2024, this novel introduces readers to the world. To save her village from starvation and Fae cruelty, Lore Alemeyu strikes a dangerous bargain with a local Fae lord. Her task is to enter and catalog the legendary, enchanted library of the Wilds—a repository of magical knowledge that has been sealed and warded against the Fae for a thousand years. Because the library's wards prevent the Fae themselves from entering, a human's touch is required. Inside the dusty, magical corridors, Lore works alongside two Fae guardians, Asher and Finn (Finndryl), sparking a slow-burn love triangle while she uncovers secrets that could rewrite the history of their world.
2. Lore of the Tides (2025)
Released on July 8, 2025, this book serves as the direct sequel and final installment of the duology. Picking up immediately after the cliffhanger ending of the first book, the narrative expands the world beyond the enchanted forests. Lore finds herself imprisoned on a ship, navigating dangerous undersea politics and trying to uncover the "sun book"—the crucial counterpart to the grimoire she discovered in the library of the Wilds. The sequel ramps up the stakes, resolving the love triangle between Lore, the gruff Asher, and the magnetic Finn, while dealing with themes of rebellion, power, and found family.
The Heir of Prophecy Duology
Following the completion of her debut duology, Sbrana is launching a brand-new fantasy romance duology with HarperCollins, set to begin in late August 2026. While separate from the Lore of the Wilds universe, it features Sbrana's signature combination of high stakes, complex magic, and diverse representation.
1. Heir of Prophecy (Expected August 25, 2026)
This upcoming release follows a human woman named Audra, whose life is completely transformed when long-lost magic floods back into the world, bringing the Fae along with it. Audra is abducted by a shadowy cult of Fae Priestesses and forced to join a brutal, magical war academy. When her own unstable and violent magic begins to manifest, she is revealed to be the prophesied "Heir." Audra is caught between a destiny she does not want and a dangerous connection with the Prince of the Underworld, who is fated to either claim her or kill her.
Complete Publication Order
If you prefer to read Analeigh Sbrana's books as they were released to the public, the chronological publication timeline matches the narrative order:
- Lore of the Wilds (Harper Voyager / HarperCollins) – February 27, 2024
- Lore of the Tides (Harper Voyager / HarperCollins) – July 8, 2025
- Heir of Prophecy (HarperCollins) – Expected August 25, 2026
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into Analeigh Sbrana's books, there are a few useful tips and details to keep in mind:
- Start with Lore of the Wilds: You cannot read Lore of the Tides as a standalone. The second book begins immediately after a major cliffhanger and relies heavily on the worldbuilding and relationships established in the first volume.
- Cozy Vibes with Gritty Stakes: Sbrana's style is often described as blending "cottagecore" elements (magical libraries, tea, cozy escapes, and moonlit towers) with darker, grittier romantasy tropes (captives, dangerous magic, and systemic oppression).
- Enemies-to-Lovers and Love Triangles: The romance in the Lore duology features a prominent slow-burn dynamic and a love triangle involving Asher and Finn. While the first book sets up the tension, the final choices and romantic resolutions are fully resolved in Lore of the Tides.
- Diverse High Fantasy: A major appeal of Sbrana's work is her commitment to centering Black protagonists in high-fantasy and romantasy spaces, offering fresh representation in genres that have historically lacked diversity.