Author Reading Order

Elena Lawson Books in Order

25Books
7Series & collections
2018 – 2023Published
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Recommended Starting Points for Elena Lawson's Universe

Elena Lawson has established herself as a prolific voice in the reverse harem (why-choose) romance genre, spanning paranormal academy adventures, dark urban fantasy, and contemporary romantic suspense. Because her books are divided into distinct series that take place in separate settings, you do not need to follow one massive timeline. Instead, your best starting point depends entirely on your favorite romance subgenre.

For fans of magical schools, shifters, and slow-burn mysteries, the best place to start is the Arcane Arts Academy series, starting with Soul Bound. If you prefer high-fantasy realms with royal courts, fae politics, and medium-burn romance, you should begin with her debut trilogy, The Queen's Consorts, starting with Claimed by Night. For readers who enjoy gritty, contemporary dark romance and suspense without paranormal elements, the Boys of Briar Hall series, beginning with Crooked Crows, offers an ideal entry point.

The Arcane Arts Academy Series

This series follows Harper Hawkins, an orphan who sells illegal potions until a magical accident forces her to enroll in the prestigious Arcane Arts Academy. There, she must navigate snobbish classmates, ancient secrets, and her bonds with shifters and witches. The series underwent a significant revision and expansion in 2021. Originally published in 2019 as a four-book series using "Of Wolves and Witches" styling, Lawson expanded the story into a five-book series under new titles, adding bonus content and male character perspectives.

Original 2019 Release Order

  • Of Wolves and Witches (2019)
  • Of Magic and Moonlight (2019)
  • Of Beasts and Blood (2019)
  • Of Fate and Fortune (2019)

Revised and Expanded 2021 Reading Order (Recommended)

This is the definitive, expanded version of the story. Readers should seek out these titles for the complete narrative experience:

  1. Soul Bound (2021) - Originally published as Of Wolves and Witches
  2. Magic Untamed (2021) - Originally published as Of Magic and Moonlight
  3. Blood Pledged (2021) - Originally published as Of Beasts and Blood
  4. Shadow Tainted (2021) - Originally published as Of Fate and Fortune
  5. Death Kissed (2021) - The brand-new fifth book wrapping up the revised series

The Wolves of Forest Grove

A companion shifter series that focuses on fated mates, pack dynamics, and paranormal secrets in a small-town setting. The series is complete and should be read in chronological publication order:

  1. Shifted Fate (2019)
  2. Shifted Soul (2020)
  3. Shifted Rule (2020)
  4. Shifted Scars (2021)

The Last Vocari

For readers seeking a darker, more intense urban fantasy romance, this series features vampires, hidden bloodlines, and high-stakes tension. It follows a direct storyline and must be read in order:

  1. Compel Me (2019)
  2. Provoke Me (2019)
  3. Redeem Me (2020)
  4. Destroy Me (2021)

Fallen Cities: Elisium

This series, sometimes referred to simply as Elisium, blends post-apocalyptic settings with dark paranormal romance, centering on dangerous alliances and supernatural survival. Read the trilogy in this order:

  1. Kiss of the Damned (2020)
  2. Sins of the Damned (2021)
  3. Rise of the Damned (2022)

Boys of Briar Hall & Kings of Kilborn University

Leaving the paranormal behind, Lawson ventured into contemporary dark romance and romantic suspense. The Boys of Briar Hall series is set in a gritty environment filled with suspense, gang dynamics, and emotional intensity. Kings of Kilborn University continues this gritty contemporary focus with college-based dark romance. These series do not require paranormal knowledge and should be read in their individual publication orders.

Boys of Briar Hall Reading Order

  1. Crooked Crows (2021)
  2. Wicked Trials (2021)
  3. Twisted Games (2022)
  4. Warped Minds (2022)

Kings of Kilborn University Reading Order

  1. Soulless Saint (2023)
  2. Ruthless Reign (2024)

Painted Sinners Series

Co-authored with Blake Lawson, this dark contemporary romance series is known for its intense themes, secrets, and high emotional stakes. The books follow a continuous story and should be read in order:

  1. White Rose Painted Red (2025)
  2. Black Heart Painted Gold (2026)
  3. Red Queen Painted Black (2026)

Collaborations and Standalones

In addition to her primary series, Elena Lawson co-authored Chasing Time (2019) with fellow reverse harem author Katie May. This book serves as the introduction to the Her Immortal Legacy series, blending time-travel elements with paranormal romance.

Frequently Asked

What is the difference between Of Wolves and Witches and Soul Bound?

Soul Bound is the revised and expanded version of Of Wolves and Witches. In 2021, Elena Lawson revised the Arcane Arts Academy series, renaming the books and expanding them to include new chapters written from the male characters' points of view, culminating in a fifth book, Death Kissed.

Do I need to read Elena Lawson's series in a specific order?

No, you do not need to read her different series in a specific order because they are set in separate universes with unique characters. However, you must read the books within each individual series in their proper numerical order to follow the plot.

Is Boys of Briar Hall a paranormal romance series?

Unlike her academy and shifter series, the Boys of Briar Hall is a gritty, contemporary dark romance and suspense series without any magic, shifters, or paranormal elements.

Who did Elena Lawson co-write the Painted Sinners series with?

Elena Lawson co-wrote the Painted Sinners series, starting with White Rose Painted Red, with author Blake Lawson.

What is Elena Lawson's debut series?

Elena Lawson's debut series is The Queen's Consorts, which launched in 2018 with the release of the high-fantasy fae romance novel Claimed by Night.