Where to Start with E.E. Holmes
If you are new to the novels of E.E. Holmes, the absolute best place to start is at the very beginning of her signature universe: Spirit Legacy, the first book of the Gateway Trilogy. Because her paranormal books build a highly detailed magic system, deep character histories, and ongoing multi-book story arcs, jumping into the middle of the universe will leave you spoiled and confused.
For readers who prefer historical fantasy over contemporary paranormal mysteries, you can start separately with the Riftmagic Saga. This trilogy is set in a completely different universe and does not require any prior reading.
The Recommended Reading Order: The Gateway Universe
The majority of E.E. Holmes's work takes place in the "World of the Gateway," focusing on the Durupinen—women who possess the rare ability to communicate with spirits and guard the boundary between the living and the dead. To experience this world without spoilers, you should follow the publication order, which matches the chronological progression of the characters' lives.
Phase 1: The Gateway Trilogy
This is the core trilogy that introduces college student Jess Ballard, her sister Hannah, and the rules of the spirit world. You must read these three books in order:
- Spirit Legacy (2013)
- Spirit Prophecy (2014)
- Spirit Ascendancy (2015)
Companion Story: Milo's Story (2015). Officially designated as Book 3.5, this short story is told from the perspective of Milo, a key spirit guide in the series. It explains his background and how he first met Hannah. It is best read after completing the original trilogy.
Phase 2: The Gateway Trackers
Picking up after the events of the original trilogy, this series expands the universe, sending Jess and her allies on missions to track paranormal disturbances around the globe. Read these in order:
- Whispers of the Walker (2016)
- Plague of the Shattered (2017)
- Awakening of the Seer (2017)
- Portraits of the Forsaken (2018)
- Heart of the Rebellion (2018)
- Soul of the Sentinel (2019)
- Gift of the Darkness (2019)
- Rise of the Coven (2022)
- City of the Forgotten (2023)
- Shadow of the Brotherhood (2024)
- Betrayal of the Sisterhood (2025)
Companion Anthology: Tales from the Gateway (2020). This collection of short stories expands on the backstories of the series' secondary characters. While published between books 7 and 8, you can read it any time after starting the Trackers series, though waiting until you are deep into the series will prevent minor spoilers.
Phase 3: The Vesper Coven
This spin-off series moves the focus to a new cast of witches on the coast, but it is set firmly in the same Gateway universe. While it begins as a separate adventure, characters from the main Gateway and Tracker series begin to make crossover cameos as the plot advances. To fully enjoy these cameos, it is highly recommended to read this series after completing the Trackers:
- Daughters of Sea and Storm (2023)
- Keepers of Forest and Flame (2024)
- Pages of Shadow and Smoke (2025)
- Tides of Magic and Memory (2026)
A Separate Path: The Riftmagic Saga
If you want a break from the contemporary ghost-hunting of the Gateway books, E.E. Holmes also writes "Gaslamp" historical fantasy. The Riftmagic Saga is set in a magical Victorian London where magic is tightly controlled by the elite class. It features Eliza Braxton, a lady's maid with a dangerous secret. It is a self-contained story that can be read entirely on its own:
- What the Lady's Maid Knew (2021)
- The Rebel Beneath the Stairs (2021)
- The Girl at the Heart of the Storm (2022)
What to Know Before You Start
E.E. Holmes's books bridge the gap between Young Adult and Adult fantasy. They feature coming-of-age themes, but also carry eerie, atmospheric mystery elements and emotional depth surrounding loss, grief, and moving on. Note that none of the main Gateway or Trackers books work well as standalones; they are continuous narratives where each book directly resolves the cliffhangers of the previous installment.