The Recommended Reading Order
For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to follow the publication order of the series. While there is a prequel novella, reading it first can spoil key character dynamics and the magic of discovering the Enchanted Vale alongside the main protagonist. Follow this path to fully appreciate the romance, world-building, and character growth:
- Bonded by Thorns (Book 1) — Published February 2023
- Prince of the Arena (Book 1.5) — Published June 2025
- Woven by Gold (Book 2) — Published June 2023
- Forged by Malice (Book 3) — Published December 2023
- Broken by Daylight (Book 4) — Published July 2024
- Frozen by Stardust (Book 5) — Published April 2026
- Stolen by Shadows (Book 6) — Published July 2026
- Crowned by Roses (Book 7) — Scheduled for release on October 20, 2026
Understanding the Beasts of the Briar Series
Written by sister duo Helen and Elizabeth under the joint pen name Elizabeth Helen, the Beasts of the Briar series is a sensation in the indie fantasy romance community. Set in the lush and dangerous Enchanted Vale, the series is a cozy yet high-stakes, steamy 'why choose' (reverse harem) retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It blends elements of classic fairy tales, high fantasy adventure, and a rich magic system heavily inspired by the authors' love for Dungeons & Dragons.
The story begins when Rosalina O'Connell, a human bookworm, trades her own freedom to save her father from a mysterious, cursed castle. Once inside Castletree, she finds herself bound to four cursed fae princes, each representing a seasonal realm. To break the ancient curse that forces them to transform into monstrous wolves every night, the princes must find their fated mate. As the plot thickens, Rosalina discovers that her destiny is deeply intertwined with all four princes—and the survival of the Enchanted Vale itself.
Meet the Fae Princes
A key appeal of the series is the distinct personality and seasonal magic of each prince:
- Keldarion (Winter): The High Prince of the Winter Realm. Brooding, intense, and sporting long white hair, Keldarion is a classic grumpy protector who takes his duty seriously.
- Ezryn (Spring): The High Prince of the Spring Realm. Stern, aloof, and mysterious, Ezryn wears a helmet that shields his face from everyone except his fated mate.
- Dayton (Summer): The High Prince of the Summer Realm. A charismatic former gladiator who uses humor and fighting prowess to mask his deeper vulnerabilities.
- Farron (Autumn): The High Prince of the Autumn Realm. The studious, gentle librarian of the group, Farron spends his time searching for a way to break the curse.
- Caspian: The enigmatic Prince of Thorns, whose dark motives and complex connection to the group introduce significant tension and intrigue throughout the series.
Chronological Order vs. Publication Order Caveats
Technically, the prequel novella Prince of the Arena takes place chronologically years before Rosalina arrives at Castletree. It focuses entirely on the sweet-and-spicy MM (male/male) romance between Farron, the studious Autumn Prince, and Dayton, the reckless Summer Prince. It showcases their early relationship, Dayton's gladiator past in the Summer Realm, and the political intrigue of the courts.
Despite its chronological position, the authors explicitly recommend reading Prince of the Arena after Bonded by Thorns (as Book 1.5). Reading it first can disrupt the natural flow of the main narrative, and it works best when you already have an emotional investment in the characters and the seasonal realms. However, because it is a companion story, some readers choose to skip it initially and read it after Book 4 or Book 5 without losing track of the main plotline.
The Publishing History: Self-Published Roots to Global Distribution
If you have seen conflicting release dates online, it is because of the series' transition from self-publishing to traditional distribution partners. Elizabeth Helen initially self-published the eBooks starting in early 2023, rapidly gaining a massive following on social media, especially BookTok.
Following their indie success, print rights for the UK, Europe, and the Commonwealth (excluding Canada) were acquired by Magpie, an imprint of Harper Voyager, in 2024. In 2025, Bloom Books acquired the global print rights to publish deluxe editions featuring sprayed edges, foil covers, and interior illustrations. Consequently, deluxe and standard trade paperback editions of the earlier books were re-released in late 2025 and early 2026. The final books in the series, including Stolen by Shadows and the upcoming finale Crowned by Roses, are being published with simultaneous global eBook, audiobook, and physical print releases.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into the Enchanted Vale, readers should keep a few things in mind. The series features a 'why choose' polyamorous romantic dynamic, meaning Rosalina builds individual and collective relationships with the princes without being forced to pick just one. The story also features a high level of physical spice alongside emotional found-family themes and D&D-style questing. Because each book ends on a cliffhanger, it is best to have the next volume ready as you progress through the series.