Where to Start with Donna Augustine
With over two dozen books spanning several distinct urban fantasy, paranormal romance, and post-apocalyptic dystopian series, Donna Augustine has built a dedicated following. Her signature blends of slow-burn romance, resilient and snarky heroines, and ruined yet magical worlds make her a staple for fans of Ilona Andrews and Karen Marie Moning. Because she writes in standalone universes, readers have a few excellent options for where to dive in first:
- For Dystopian & Post-Apocalyptic Fans: Start with The Wilds. This is arguably Augustine's most popular series, set in a dangerous, plague-ravaged world with a compelling survival story and high-stakes romantic tension.
- For Witty, Supernatural Comedy Lovers: Start with Karma. If you prefer urban fantasy with a touch of cosmic bureaucracy, dark humor, and quirky characters, this series is the perfect entry point.
- For Classic Urban Fantasy Enthusiasts: Start with the Alchemy series (commencing with The Keepers). This is Augustine's debut series and showcases the foundation of her urban fantasy styling, featuring a tough-as-nails heroine thrown into a hidden world of monsters and magic.
The Wilds Universe and Born Wild
While Donna Augustine has written multiple post-apocalyptic series, two of her most notable share similar thematic vibes but remain narratively separate. Readers should note that you do not need to read these series in a combined order, though they appeal to the same appetite for gritty survival and slow-burn romance.
The Wilds Series
This series follows Dahlia, a survivors' pariah known as a "Plaguer" who is immune to the Bloody Death but feared by those around her. Together with a cast of pirates, beasts, and dangerous magical forces, she fights to survive in a ruined wasteland. Read this series in strict publication order:
- The Wilds (2015)
- The Hunt (2015)
- The Dead (2016)
- The Magic (2016)
Born Wild Series
Set in a similarly ruined, dystopian landscape, this duology centers on Teddy, a girl cursed with the ability to foresee when people will die. After a lifetime of exploitation, she finds an unlikely protector and partner in Callon. The order is straightforward:
- Wild One (2018)
- Savage One (2019)
The Karma Series
If you like your fantasy mixed with cosmic justice and a dry sense of humor, the Karma series is highly recommended. It centers on Camilla (Milla), a murdered woman who is recruited as the physical embodiment of Karma to balance the universe's scales. She has to deal with quirky coworkers like Lady Luck and an ongoing, tense rivalry with Fate itself. This four-book arc is fully completed and should be read in order:
- Karma (2014)
- Jinxed (2014)
- Fated (2015)
- Dead Ink (2015)
The Alchemy Series (The Keepers)
As Donna Augustine's debut series, the Alchemy series (often referred to by its first book's title, The Keepers) follows Josephine "Jo" Davids. Jo is a college student and waitress with a difficult past who is suddenly thrust into a secret world of monsters, magic, and ancient keepers. The reading order is:
- The Keepers (2013)
- Keepers and Killers (2013)
- Shattered (2013)
- Redemption (2014)
Tales of Xest and Going Nowhere
These two series explore whimsical portals and alternate magical realms, showcasing a lighter, more adventurous side of Augustine's world-building.
Tales of Xest
Tippi is a witch who doesn't seem to fit in—until she is abducted and taken to the bizarre, magical alternate realm of Xest. Alongside the enigmatic Hawk, she must navigate a whimsical yet dangerous landscape. The series should be read in sequence:
- The Whimsy Witch Who Wasn't (2020)
- The Nowhere Witch (2020)
- The Most Wanted Witch (2021)
- Witch of All Witches (2021)
Going Nowhere Series
This portal-esque urban fantasy series follows Billie, who crosses a mysterious drawbridge and finds herself trapped in a strange out-of-the-way realm known as the Outpost. The reading order is:
- A Bridge to Nowhereland (2022)
- Burning Bridges in Nowhere (2023)
- Out of Nowhere (2023)
Ollie Wit and Wyrd Blood
Both of these series lean heavily into urban fantasy tropes with stubborn, fiercely independent heroines hiding their dangerous magical heritage.
Ollie Wit Series
Set in Boston, this series follows Ollie Wit, a shadow walker who uses her magical abilities to navigate a dangerous supernatural underworld. Her life gets complicated when she crosses paths with Kane. The series consists of three books:
- A Step into the Dark (2017)
- Walking in the Dark (2017)
- Kissed by the Dark (2018)
Wyrd Blood Series
In a world where magic users are hunted or enslaved, Bugs has spent her life hiding her magical heritage. When she tries to steal from a powerful magic user named Ryker, her secrets are exposed, forcing them into a complex alliance. Read this series in order:
- Wyrd Blood (2017)
- Full Blood (2018)
- Blood Binds (2019)
Torn Worlds and Life After Death Day
These series display Augustine's versatility in paranormal romance and post-apocalyptic fiction.
Torn Worlds Series
Unlike most of Augustine's other series, which follow one protagonist throughout their run, the Torn Worlds series features a new couple in each book. The series is set in a dystopian future where supernatural creatures have enslaved humanity. The reading order is:
- Gut Deep (2019) - Following Penelope and werewolf alpha Donovan.
- Visceral Reaction (2021) - Following Sassy and Cole.
- River of Luck (2022) - Following River and Dante.
Life After Death Day Series
This series centers on Piper, a young woman struggling to protect her brother in the aftermath of "Death Day," a mysterious global event that wiped out 90% of the human population. The reading order is:
- Living in the Shadow of Death (2023)
- Surviving in the Shadow of Death (2024)
- Haunted by the Shadow of Death (2024)
- Shadow of Death (2024)
Anthologies and Short Stories
For completionist readers, Donna Augustine has also contributed short stories to multi-author anthologies:
- "Dance with the Devil" in Once Upon a Curse (2016)
- "The Ugly Daughter" in Once Upon a Bite (2022)