Emily Larkin Books in Order

How to Navigate the Baleful Godmother Universe

Emily Larkin has crafted a unique niche in historical romance by blending meticulous Regency-era detail with a delightful touch of faerie magic. Her main literary achievement is the expanded Baleful Godmother universe, which spans multiple subseries, novellas, and interconnected novels. Because the stories share character groups and recurring magical folklore, choosing where to start can seem daunting. Fortunately, Larkin writes her books so they can be enjoyed as standalones, though reading them in order maximizes the fun of spotting cameos and tracking the overall arc of the mischievous godmother's gifts.

For the absolute best experience, readers have two primary entry points. The first is to begin chronologically with the series prequels, The Fey Quartet, which introduces the magical rules of the universe. The second, and most popular, is to jump straight into the first full-length novel, Unmasking Miss Appleby. Conveniently, the author offers a free "Starter Library" containing both the prequels and the first novel for newsletter subscribers on her official site, emilylarkin.com.

Chronological vs. Publication Order

For most of the series, the publication order matches the chronological progression of the universe. The main exception is the prequel novellas, which were published alongside the first few books but take place beforehand. If you prefer to watch the magic unfold from its very inception, read the prequel novellas first. If you prefer to jump straight into a full-length historical mystery and romance, start with the main novels and read the prequels later as companion pieces.

The Baleful Godmother Universe Series Breakdown

1. The Fey Quartet (Series Prequel)

This collection of four novellas, all published in 2016, establishes the magical lore of the universe. In these stories, a whimsical and sometimes troublesome faerie godmother bestows unique magical gifts upon her chosen recipients, setting up the events for the full-length books.

• Maythorn's Wish (2016)
• Hazel's Promise (2016)
• Ivy's Choice (2016)
• Larkspur's Quest (2016)

2. The Main Baleful Godmother Novels

The core series follows various heroes and heroines in Regency England who must navigate high society, dark secrets, and their own magical godmother-given talents. The first book, Unmasking Miss Appleby, was a Koru Award finalist, and the fifth book, Ruining Miss Wrotham, won multiple awards at the Romance Writers of New Zealand conference.

1. Unmasking Miss Appleby (2016)
2. Resisting Miss Merryweather (2016)
3. Trusting Miss Trentham (2017)
4. Claiming Mister Kemp (2017)
5. Ruining Miss Wrotham (2017)
6. Discovering Miss Dalrymple (2017)

3. The Garland Cousins Subseries

This subseries continues the Baleful Godmother lore, shifting focus to the Garland family. The first book is often grouped directly as Book 7 of the main series.

1. Primrose and the Dreadful Duke (2018)
2. Violet and the Bow Street Runner (2022)

4. The Pryor Cousins Subseries

This branch of the universe follows the Pryor family. It is preceded by a set of four short stories known as the Pryor Prequels (Selina's Wish, Maximus's Wish, Maximus and Sons, and Maximus and Grandsons), which are best read before starting the novels.

1. Octavius and the Perfect Governess (2020)
2. Decimus and the Wary Widow (2023)

Other Historical Romances: The Midnight Quill Series & Standalones

The Midnight Quill Series

Originally published under the pen name Emily May, these linked Regency romances are often collected together as the Midnight Quill Trio. They focus on secrets, societal constraints, and second chances, without the magical elements of the Godmother books.

• The Countess's Groom (2013 - Book 0.5 Novella)
• The Spinster's Secret (2013 - Book 1)
• The Baronet's Bride (2018 - Book 1.5 Novella)

Standalone Historical Romance Novels

Larkin has also written several standalone Regency romances. Lady Isabella's Ogre was originally published under her Emily May pseudonym before being revised, expanded, and reissued under the Emily Larkin name.

• The Earl's Dilemma (2008)
• My Lady Thief (2010 - originally published as The Unmasking of a Lady)
• Lady Isabella's Ogre (2017)
• Holiday Duet (2019 - A festive short story collection)

Writing as Emily Gee: Fantasy Novels

Before finding her niche in historical romance, the author wrote high-stakes fantasy novels under her real name, Emily Gee. These books features rich world-building, romantic subplots, and complex magical systems.

The Cursed Kingdoms Trilogy

This high fantasy trilogy must be read in order due to its continuous, overarching plot structure.

1. The Sentinel Mage (2011)
2. The Fire Prince (2014)
3. The Blood Curse (2015)

Standalone Fantasy Novels

• Thief with No Shadow (2007)
• The Laurentine Spy (2007)

Reader Advice: What to Know Before You Start

Emily Larkin was born in New Zealand into a highly literary household. Her father is the famous New Zealand novelist Maurice Gee, and her mother was a librarian, meaning she spent her childhood surrounded by books. Despite this, she originally pursued a degree in geology and traveled the world, working as an Antarctic field assistant, waitressing on the Isle of Skye, and backpacking across Europe and the Middle East. It was a "what if" moment on a bus in Syria that finally inspired her to start writing.

Her adventurous spirit shines through her independent, witty heroines and unconventional heroes. When reading her works, expect a beautiful balance of historical accuracy, playful sensuality, emotional depth, and a cozy touch of magic that makes the Regency world feel fresh and new.