Where to Start with Ben Alderson's Books
For readers looking to dive into Ben Alderson's catalog of queer romantic fantasy, the entry point largely depends on which subgenre you prefer. As a bestselling author and former booktuber (known online as Benjamin of Tomes), Alderson specializes in MM (male/male) fantasy romance featuring high-stakes political intrigue, elemental magic, and gothic environments. If you want epic high fantasy with elves, dragons, and royal betrayals, your best starting point is The Dragori Series, beginning with Cloaked in Shadow. If you prefer gothic paranormal romance with vampires, shifters, and witches, you should start with the Darkmourn Universe, beginning with Lord of Eternal Night.
While his series are distinct, some of his books undergo revisions or title changes. For instance, his standalone novel The Lost Mage was later reworked and republished to become the start of a brand-new trilogy. Understanding these shifts helps avoid purchasing the same story twice and ensures you follow the narrative arcs as the author intended.
The Dragori Series: Chronological vs. Publication Order
The Dragori series is Ben Alderson's debut fantasy series. It follows Zacriah Trovirn, a young elf with hidden magical abilities who is thrust into a dangerous world of shapeshifters, elemental magic, and royal intrigue in the kingdom of Elysium. The series consists of three main novels and a prequel novella that covers the backstory of Prince Hadrian.
Dragori Chronological Reading Order
- Prince of Flames (Prequel Novella / Book 0.5) - Originally published in 2020, this story takes place before the events of the main trilogy. It focuses on the early life and trials of Prince Hadrian, offering crucial context for his motivations and the political climate of the kingdom.
- Cloaked in Shadow (Book 1) - Published in 2017. This is the official starting point of the main storyline, introducing Zacriah, his training, and his slow-burn M/M romance.
- Found in Night (Book 2) - Published in 2018. The story continues as Zacriah and his allies face rising tensions and deeper betrayals in the elven courts.
- Poisoned in Light (Book 3) - Published in 2019. The epic conclusion to Zacriah's journey and the war for the fate of Elysium.
Should you read the prequel first?
While reading Prince of Flames first provides a chronological flow, most readers recommend starting with Cloaked in Shadow. Beginning with the first published novel allows you to discover the magic system and the world through Zacriah's eyes, making the revelations in the prequel novella far more impactful later on.
The Darkmourn Universe Reading Order
The Darkmourn Universe is a series of standalone gothic fairytale and mythological reimagining novels. Each book focuses on a different couple and can technically be read as a standalone, but they are all set in the same dark fantasy world populated by vampires, witches, werewolves, and sirens. Reading them in publication order is highly recommended to appreciate the subtle references and building lore across the universe.
- Lord of Eternal Night (2021) - A dark M/M Beauty and the Beast reimagining featuring Jak, a witch, and Devish, a cursed vampire lord.
- King of Immortal Tithe (2022) - A Hades and Persephone retelling set in the same gothic universe, focusing on Julien and Kaelen.
- Alpha of Mortal Flesh (2023) - A shifter-focused romance that dives into werewolf pack politics and forbidden bonds.
- Prince of Endless Tides (2024) - A siren-themed romance that expands the nautical and coastal lore of the Darkmourn world.
Realm of Fey Series
The Realm of Fey is a four-book epic romantic fantasy published in collaboration with Angry Robot Books. It centers on Robin Icethorn, a half-fey youth who discovers he is the last surviving heir to an ancient magical dynasty. Alongside his protector and former fey-hunter Duncan Rackley, Robin must navigate the dangerous court dynamics of the Fey realm.
- A Betrayal of Storms (2022)
- A Kingdom of Lies (2022)
- A Deception of Courts (2023)
- A Game of Monsters (2025)
The final book, A Game of Monsters, resolves the conflict surrounding Robin and Duncan as they face the threat of a demon god and seek alliances with the Nephilim to prevent a celestial war.
Court of Broken Bonds (Formerly War of the Wood)
One common point of confusion for readers tracking Alderson's bibliography is the transition of The Lost Mage. Originally published in 2021 as the start of the War of the Wood series, the book was later expanded, revised, and officially rebranded by the publisher Second Sky as Heir to Thorn and Flame. This revised edition launched the completed Court of Broken Bonds trilogy, which follows Max as he is forced to impersonate a dead royal heir and enter an arranged marriage with Prince Camron.
Court of Broken Bonds Reading Order
- Heir to Thorn and Flame (2023) - (Note: This is the expanded version of The Lost Mage).
- Heir to Frost and Storm (2023)
- Heir to Dreams and Darkness (2024)
Co-Authored Series and Standalones
In addition to his solo fantasy epics, Ben Alderson has engaged in collaborative writing projects and standalone contemporary releases:
Hillcrest Supernaturals (Co-authored with Danielle Rose)
This is a paranormal romance trilogy co-written with Danielle Rose, blending vampire, werewolf, and witch elements in a modern supernatural setting.
- Crimson Bite (2018)
- Moon Struck (2019)
- Hex Bound (2019)
Witch Trials Series
Starting a new era of paranormal fantasy, this series focuses on Hector Briar and his magical journey.
- The Witch and His Crow (2025)
Standalone Novel
- The Actor and His Secret (2024) - A contemporary M/M romance co-authored with Laura R. Samotin, departing from his usual high fantasy settings to tell a modern, character-driven love story.
Anthologies and Prompts
- Because You Love to Hate Me (2017) - While Alderson is listed as a contributor to this YA villain anthology, he did not write a story himself. Instead, acting in his capacity as a booktuber, he teamed up with author Cindy Pon, challenging her with a Medusa-themed writing prompt that resulted in Pon's story, "Beautiful Venom."