Elise Kova Books in Order

Where to Start with Elise Kova

For readers new to Elise Kova's storytelling, the best entry point is the original Air Awakens series. This five-book epic fantasy introduces her hallmark elements: a highly structured elemental magic system, complex political intrigue, and a slow-burn romance that drives the plot forward. Starting here gives you the perfect introduction to the world-building and lore that Kova expands upon in her later spin-off and sequel series.

If you prefer self-contained, standalone fantasy romances with less overarching commitment, you should begin with the Married to Magic series, starting with A Deal with the Elf King. These books are set in a shared universe but focus on different couples, offering a perfect entry point for fans of romantasy and folklore-inspired stories.

The Air Awakens Universe: Four Interconnected Series

Elise Kova has built an expansive, multi-generational fantasy universe centered around the Air Awakens setting. While each series can technically be read independently, they share historical lore, geographical settings, and recurring characters. To experience this universe fully, it is helpful to understand how these four series connect.

1. Air Awakens (The Main Series)

This is where the magic begins. The story follows Vhalla Yarl, a humble library apprentice who discovers she possesses rare wind-bending magic. She is pulled into a war, a complex trial of her powers, and a turbulent relationship with the crown prince, Aldrik. The main series consists of five novels and one companion collection:

• Air Awakens (2015)
• Fire Falling (2015)
• Tales from the Front (2015) – A collection of companion short stories that are best read as Book 2.5, between Fire Falling and Earth's End.
• Earth's End (2016)
• Water's Wrath (2016)
• Crystal Crowned (2016)

2. The Golden Guard Trilogy (Prequel Series)

The Golden Guard trilogy takes place before the events of Air Awakens. It centers on Crown Prince Aldrik's younger brother, Baldair, and the elite group of warriors known as the Golden Guard. While these books flesh out key characters and backstory, they are best read after the main series to appreciate the character dynamics and avoid early spoilers.

• The Crown's Dog (2016)
• The Prince's Rogue (2017)
• The Farmer's War (2017)

3. Air Awakens: Vortex Chronicles (The Sequel Series)

Set approximately twenty years after the conclusion of Crystal Crowned, this five-book series follows Vi Solaris, the daughter of Vhalla Yarl and Aldrik. Vi must navigate a mysterious power, dangerous visions, and her own destiny. While designed to stand alone, it contains major spoilers for the original series.

• Vortex Visions (2019)
• Chosen Champion (2019)
• Failed Future (2019)
• Sovereign Sacrifice (2019)
• Crystal Caged (2020)

4. A Trial of Sorcerers (The Next Generation)

This series takes place about twenty years after the original Air Awakens series and three years after the conclusion of Vortex Chronicles. It follows Eira Landan, a young sorceress competing in a dangerous tournament. The series features cameo appearances from legacy characters and deepens the magical lore of the universe.

• A Trial of Sorcerers (2021)
• A Hunt of Shadows (2022)
• A Tournament of Crowns (2023)
• An Heir of Frost (2024)
• A Queen of Ice (2024)

Chronological vs. Publication Order

If you want to read the Air Awakens universe chronologically, you would start with the prequels and follow the timeline of the world:

1. The Golden Guard Trilogy (Prequels)
2. Air Awakens Series (with Tales from the Front as Book 2.5)
3. Vortex Chronicles Series (20 years later)
4. A Trial of Sorcerers Series (23 years later)

However, publication order is highly recommended for first-time readers. Reading the prequel trilogy first can diminish the mystery surrounding the royal family and the Golden Guard in the main series. By reading in publication order, you experience the secrets, magic systems, and world rules exactly as the author intended to reveal them.

Married to Magic Series (Shared-World Standalones)

The Married to Magic books are standalone fantasy romances set in a world divided between humans and magical races like the Fae, Elves, and Vampires. Each book focuses on a different human woman forced into a magical treaty or marriage, drawing inspiration from classical mythology and folklore. Because they are standalones, they can be read in any order, though reading in publication order is a popular choice:

• A Deal with the Elf King (2020)
• A Dance with the Fae Prince (2021)
• A Duel with the Vampire Lord (2022)
• A Duet with the Siren Duke (2023)
• A Dawn with the Wolf Knight (2024)

The Loom Saga

For readers looking for something different from Kova's traditional high fantasy, the Loom Saga offers a unique blend of steampunk aesthetics and dark blood magic. It takes place in a world where magic is treated as a physical, harvestable resource. The series should be read in publication order:

• Alchemists of Loom (2017)
• The Dragons of Nova (2017)
• The Rebels of Gold (2017)

Age of Magic: Wish Quartet

Co-authored with Lynn Larsh, this urban fantasy series introduces a dark magic system based on wishes, bargains, and a secret society. The series is best read in publication order, though the prequel novella Prince of Gods can be read first if you prefer a chronological start:

• Society of Wishes (2018)
• Circle of Ashes (2018)
• Birth of Chaos (2018)
• Prince of Gods (2018) – A prequel novella set before the events of Book 1.
• Age of Magic (2018)

What to Know Before You Start

Before diving into Elise Kova's books, keep in mind that her main series are highly serialized. You cannot read books within Air Awakens, Vortex Chronicles, or A Trial of Sorcerers as standalones, as they form continuous story arcs. However, her co-authored projects and her Married to Magic novels are highly accessible and perfect for casual reading. Kova is also a pioneer in the indie fantasy community, having self-published her debut to massive success and cultivating a highly active online reader base.