Where to Start Reading Brenda K. Davies
Brenda K. Davies has crafted multiple interconnected paranormal and fantasy universes. Because her work spans both adult paranormal romance (written as Brenda K. Davies) and young adult paranormal fantasy (frequently written under her pen name, Erica Stevens), your best starting point depends on your preferred subgenre.
Option 1: The Vampire Awakenings Universe (Adult Paranormal Romance)
If you love high-stakes vampire romance with alpha heroes and strong emotional arcs, start with Awakened, the first book in the Vampire Awakenings series. This is Davies's flagship series and serves as the gateway to her larger vampire mythos, which eventually spins off into The Alliance. Reading Vampire Awakenings first is highly recommended, as it establishes the rules of the supernatural world and introduces key characters who later reappear.
Option 2: The Shadow Realms (Dark Fae & Magic)
If you prefer dark fae, witches, dragons, and gladiator-style trials, start with Shadows of Fire, the opening book of the Shadow Realms series. This leads directly into the spin-off series, Tempest of Shadows.
Option 3: The Young Adult Portals (Erica Stevens)
For readers looking for young adult dystopian and paranormal romance, start with Captured (the first book of The Captive series) or Kindred (the first book of The Kindred series), both written under her Erica Stevens pseudonym.
The Vampire Awakenings & The Alliance Universe
The Vampire Awakenings series and its companion spin-off, The Alliance, are set in the same world. While the author notes that both series can technically be read independently, readers will get the most enjoyment by reading Vampire Awakenings first. The Alliance deals with the aftermath of the conflicts and factions introduced in the later books of Vampire Awakenings.
Vampire Awakenings Series Order
- Awakened (2012)
- Destined (2012)
- Untamed (2014)
- Enraptured (2015)
- Undone (2016)
- Fractured (2017)
- Ravaged (2017)
- Consumed (2018)
- Unforeseen (2019)
- Forsaken (2020)
- Relentless (2020)
- Legacy (2021)
The Alliance Series Order
- Eternally Bound (2017)
- Bound by Vengeance (2018)
- Bound by Darkness (2018)
- Bound by Passion (2019)
- Bound by Torment (2020)
- Bound by Danger (2020)
- Bound by Deception (2021)
- Bound by Fate (2022)
- Bound by Blood (2022)
- Bound by Love (2023)
The Shadow Realms & Tempest of Shadows
This universe blends dark fantasy, fae courts, and elemental magic. The original Shadow Realms series focuses on Cole and Lexi, while the spin-off series, Tempest of Shadows, follows a new set of characters in the same world. You do not need to read the main series to enjoy Tempest of Shadows, but doing so provides deep context for the political dynamics of the realms.
The Shadow Realms Series Order
- Shadows of Fire (2021)
- Shadows of Discovery (2021)
- Shadows of Betrayal (2021)
- Shadows of Fury (2022)
- Shadows of Destiny (2022)
- Shadows of Light (2022)
- Wicked Curses (2023)
- Sinful Curses (2023)
- Gilded Curses (2023)
- Whispers of Ruin (2023)
- Secrets of Ruin (2024)
Tempest of Shadows Series Order
- A Tempest of Shadows (2024)
- A Tempest of Thieves (2024)
- A Tempest of Revelations (2025)
The Road to Hell & Hell on Earth
This post-apocalyptic demon romance series is set in a world where a war tore open the gates of Hell, unleashing demons upon the human realm. The spin-off series, Hell on Earth, takes place in the same world and follows new protagonists dealing with the fallout of the war. They are best read in publication order to preserve the chronological timeline of the apocalypse.
The Road to Hell Series Order
- Good Intentions (2016)
- Carved (2016)
- The Road (2016)
- Into Hell (2017)
Hell on Earth Series Order
- Hell on Earth (2017)
- Into the Abyss (2018)
- Kiss of Death (2019)
- The Edge of the Darkness (2020)
Young Adult Series (Written as Erica Stevens)
Under her Erica Stevens pen name, the author has created several highly popular young adult series. These focus on dystopian survival, vampire captivity, and werewolf packs.
The Captive Series Order
This series details a dystopian world where vampires rule over captured humans.
- Captured (2012)
- Renegade (2012)
- Refugee (2012)
- Salvation (2013)
- Redemption (2014)
- Vengeance (2016)
- Unbound (2016)
- Broken (2020)
The Kindred Series Order
A classic shape-shifter and werewolf romance series.
- Kindred (2012)
- Ashes (2012)
- Kindled (2012)
- Inferno (2012)
- Phoenix Rising (2013)
The Survivor Chronicles Order
A post-apocalyptic series focusing on survival after a virus decimates humanity.
- The Upheaval (2013)
- The Divide (2013)
- The Forsaken (2014)
- The Risen (2015)
Other Erica Stevens Series
The Fire and Ice and The Ravening series are shorter, targeted YA romance stories.
- Fire and Ice: Frost Burn (2015), Arctic Fire (2016), Scorched Ice (2016)
- The Ravening: Ravenous (2013), Taken Over (2013), Reclamation (2014)
- The Coven: Nightmares (2018), The Maze (2019), Dream Walker (2019)
Standalone Novels & Anthologies
Outside of her major series, Davies has released select standalone works including historical romance and thrillers.
- A Stolen Heart (2014) - A Wild West historical romance.
- The Girl Behind the Gates (2021) - A standalone historical fiction/thriller novel.
- Dark World (2014) - A paranormal anthology containing companion stories.