Elizabeth May Books in Order

Where to Start with Elizabeth May

If you are new to Elizabeth May, your best starting point depends on your favorite genre. For readers who love dark fairy magic, steampunk settings, and high-stakes action, the clear entry point is The Falconer trilogy. However, if you prefer space operas with rebel crews, start with Seven Devils (co-authored with Laura Lam). If you are looking for mature romantasy filled with gods, political intrigue, and forbidden passion, dive into either To Cage a God (the start of the These Monstrous Gods duology) or The Wolf and the Crown of Blood (which launches the Broken Accords series).

An important detail for newcomers to The Falconer is the major revision published in 2025. While the series originally debuted in 2013 as a Young Adult (YA) fantasy trilogy, May completely rewrote and reimagined it for an adult romantasy audience under Aria (Bloomsbury) in 2025. The new adult editions feature darker elements, more mature themes, and added romantic intensity. Depending on your preference for YA vs. adult fantasy, you will want to make sure you grab the version that suits your taste.

The Falconer Trilogy

This is Elizabeth May's flagship series, blending historical fantasy, Scottish folklore, and steampunk gadgets. Set in 1844 Edinburgh, the story follows Aileana Kameron, a young debutante who secretly spends her nights hunting the murderous faeries responsible for her mother’s death.

Regardless of whether you choose the original YA editions or the 2025 adult romantasy rewrites, the books must be read in strict publication and chronological order, as they form a continuous narrative:

1. The Falconer (2013 / 2025 Adult Edition) – Introduces Aileana, her double life, and her alliance with a mysterious fae tutor named Kiaran. Aileana struggles to balance her duties as an Edinburgh debutante with her secret role as a fae hunter utilizing steampunk inventions.
2. The Vanishing Throne (2015 / 2025 Adult Edition) – Picks up in the aftermath of a devastating battle, with Aileana trapped and trying to survive in a ravaged fae realm while her friends deal with the chaos in the human world.
3. The Fallen Kingdom (2017 / 2025 Adult Edition) – The final book, where Aileana must make the ultimate sacrifice to save humanity and the fae alike, confronting ancient magic and deep personal losses.

Seven Devils Duology (Co-Authored with Laura Lam)

If you are looking for a break from fantasy, Elizabeth May teamed up with author Laura Lam to write a thrilling, fast-paced science fiction duology. Frequently described by readers as "Mad Max: Fury Road in space," this series is perfect for fans of rebel crews fighting against tyrannical galactic empires.

The reading order is straightforward and must be read in sequence:

1. Seven Devils (2020) – Introduces Eris Shona, a fugitive heir to an empire who faked her death to join a band of resistance fighters. Along with her partner Cloelia and a diverse crew, they embark on a dangerous mission to infiltrate the Tharsis Empire.
2. Seven Mercies (2022) – The conclusion, where the crew rallies to stop the empire's ultimate weapon and spark a galaxy-wide rebellion.

These Monstrous Gods Duology

This series represents May's official entry into adult dark fantasy. It features a world of winter, ancient dragon gods, and sibling bonds tested by rebellion.

• To Cage a God (2024) – The first book, following sisters Galina and Vanya as they attempt to overthrow a corrupt empire by caging powerful deities and absorbing their elemental powers.

Note: The series is planned as a duology. The second book is not yet released as of July 2026, though it is highly anticipated by fans of the first novel.

The Broken Accords Series

Launching in 2026, this dark romantasy series takes place in the world of Vartena, where the blood of royals is used as currency to appease gods, with monarchs being sacrificed and resurrected to maintain a fragile peace.

1. The Wolf and the Crown of Blood (2026) – Evander, the Wolf, is the god-king's deadliest weapon sent to destroy a rebellious princess, Bryony Devaliant, but finds himself unable to kill her, initiating a forbidden connection that threatens their world's order.
2. The Blade and the Last Sacrifice (Expected 2027) – The planned second volume in the series.

Katrina Kendrick Romance Novels

Under the pen name Katrina Kendrick, Elizabeth May writes steamy historical romance novels. If you love the Victorian setting of her fantasy novels but prefer stories focused entirely on romance, espionage, and character-driven drama, these books are highly recommended.

Private Arrangements Series

This Victorian historical romance series features spy-craft, second chances, and intense emotional stakes. While each book can be read as a standalone romance, they share a connected world and are best enjoyed in order:

1. A Touch Wicked (2018)
2. His Scandalous Lessons (2018)
3. Tempting the Scoundrel (2020)
4. A Bride by Morning (2021)
5. The Wayward Duke (2024)

Standalone Historical Romance

• A Lady's Handbook of Espionage (2025/2026) – A cat-and-mouse historical romance following a Crown spy and a criminal mastermind who are forced into a fake marriage to dismantle a crime syndicate.

Anthologies and Short Stories

If you want a quick taste of Elizabeth May's solo writing style, she contributed to a popular fantasy anthology:

• Toil & Trouble: 15 Tales of Women & Witchcraft (2018) – Features May's short story, "Why They Watch Us Burn", which showcases her trademark dark fantasy themes.

What to Know Before You Start

Before diving into Elizabeth May’s catalog, here are a few helpful tips to guide your reading experience:

• YA vs. Adult Romantasy Editions: When shopping for The Falconer trilogy, pay close attention to the publication date. The original 2013–2017 releases are Young Adult, while the 2025 rewrites published by Aria are Adult. If you prefer explicit romance and darker themes, ensure you get the 2025 editions.
• Collaborative vs. Solo Projects: May's co-authored duology, Seven Devils, has a distinctly different flavor from her solo fantasy projects. It is much more science fiction-focused with multiple perspectives.
• Genre Diversity: May writes across a variety of genres. If you find that the dark, monster-hunting fantasy of The Falconer isn't for you, her historical romance novels as Katrina Kendrick offer a lighter, emotion-driven reading experience with Victorian flair.