The Recommended Reading Path for Donna Boyd’s Novels
If you are looking to dive into the captivating, atmospheric worlds of Donna Boyd (the pen name for the incredibly prolific Donna Ball), you have two distinct directions to choose from. You can submerge yourself in her highly acclaimed paranormal werewolf series, the Devoncroix Dynasty, or explore her two standalone supernatural thriller novels. Because her series is chronological and heavily character-driven, and her standalone books are completely self-contained, navigating her catalog is straightforward but highly rewarding.
For the best experience, we recommend starting with the series that put her on the supernatural map:
- Start with the Devoncroix Dynasty: Read The Passion (1998), followed by The Promise (1999), and finish with the long-awaited sequel Renegade (2011). This series redefined werewolf mythology in paranormal romance, swapping out simple monsters for cultured, wealthy, and ancient beings who live in secret among humans.
- Explore the Standalones: Once you have finished the trilogy, you can read The Alchemist (2002) and The Awakening (2003) in any order you prefer, as they have no narrative connection to each other or the Devoncroix books.
The Devoncroix Dynasty: A Sophisticated Werewolf Mythology
In the late 1990s, Donna Boyd took the traditional werewolf trope and elevated it. Instead of savage, mindless beasts, her werewolves—referred to as the lupinotuum or loup-garou—are elegant, highly intelligent, and politically powerful. They operate in the highest echelons of human society, keeping their ancient heritage a closely guarded secret while struggling with their dual nature.
1. The Passion (1998)
The saga begins with The Passion, which introduces readers to Alexander Devoncroix, the charismatic leader of the clan, and Tessa LeGuerre, a human woman who becomes entangled in their dangerous world. Set against a backdrop that shifts between historical eras and modern-day New York, the novel establishes the complex laws, internal political rivalries, and intense passions of the lupinotuum. It reads like a grand gothic drama, drawing frequent comparisons to Anne Rice's vampire chronicles for its lush prose and dark romance.
2. The Promise (1999)
The sequel, The Promise, expands the scope of the family dynamics, focusing heavily on Alexander’s siblings, Brianna and Matise. This book delves deeper into the history of the Devoncroix clan, showing how their past decisions back in historical Europe continue to shape their modern struggles. The narrative weaves historical fantasy with paranormal suspense, building on the lore introduced in the first book.
3. Renegade (2011)
After a twelve-year hiatus, Boyd returned to the series with Renegade. While it continues the overall mythos of the Devoncroix family, it functions differently from its predecessors. The book spans about thirty years and is framed around Emory Hilliford, an unassuming anthropology professor who was raised by a powerful lupinotuum family in Venice. When Emory is kidnapped and interrogated, he is forced to recount the history and secrets of his race. Because of this framing and its wide temporal scope, Renegade can technically be read as a standalone, though fans of the first two books will appreciate the deep continuity and answers to long-standing questions.
The Standalone Supernatural Novels
Aside from her werewolf series, Donna Boyd has written two standalone novels that showcase her versatility in the broader supernatural and speculative fiction genres. These can be read at any point.
The Alchemist (2002)
A sweeping historical fantasy that moves between ancient Egypt and modern-day New York, The Alchemist is a tale of three immortal souls—Han, Akan, and Nefar—who are trained in the House of Ra in the Egyptian desert. Combining their talents, they master the forbidden arts of alchemy, leading to a path of dark magic, ambition, and tragic betrayal. The modern framing story involves Randolf Sontime, a mysterious man who confesses to a New York psychologist, Dr. Anne Kramer, pulling her into a ancient web of destiny. Note that this is entirely separate from Paulo Coelho's famous book of the same name.
The Awakening (2003)
Switching gears from epic fantasy to a classic, chilling ghost story, The Awakening focuses on the Mason family—Paul, Penny, and their teenage daughter, Elsie. Hoping to repair their strained relationships, they retreat to an isolated lakeside family home. However, they are soon disturbed by a cold atmosphere, nightmares, and the apparition of a sad woman who seems to know them. It is a slow-burn supernatural mystery that deals with family secrets and psychological suspense, sharing a similar tone to films like The Others.
What to Know Before You Start: The Legend of 'The Covenant'
Readers tracing the history of the Devoncroix Dynasty will often hear references to a lost book called The Covenant. Originally, Boyd planned to publish this as the third book in the series shortly after The Promise. It was intended to be a historical installment set in the 14th century, focusing on the character Queen Eudora and the early days of the werewolf lineage. However, due to publishing shifts, the contract fell through, and the manuscript was never published in its original form. When Boyd finally returned to the universe with Renegade in 2011, she incorporated salvaged elements and background lore from the unpublished Covenant manuscript into the history of the lupinotuum, making Renegade a hybrid of the planned historical prequel and a modern-day conclusion.
Donna Boyd Publication Order List
For quick reference, here is the complete list of books published under the Donna Boyd pseudonym in order of release:
- The Passion (1998) – Devoncroix Dynasty Book 1
- The Promise (1999) – Devoncroix Dynasty Book 2
- The Alchemist (2002) – Standalone Novel
- The Awakening (2003) – Standalone Novel
- Renegade (2011) – Devoncroix Dynasty Book 3