Leigh Bardugo Books in Order: Grishaverse, Ninth House, and More

Bardugo has also written the adult Ninth House trilogy, the standalone historical fantasy The Familiar, the YA novel Wonder Woman: Warbringer, the graphic novel Demon in the Wood, the picture book The Invisible Parade, and several illustrated Grishaverse collections.

For readers who want the main Grishaverse reading order, Bardugo herself recommends starting with the Shadow and Bone trilogy, followed by the Six of Crows duology and then the King of Scars duology. She notes that you can start with Six of Crows, but doing so can spoil events from the original trilogy.

As of September 2026, the Ninth House trilogy is also approaching its conclusion: Ninth House and Hell Bent are published, while Dead Beat, Book 3, is scheduled for September 15, 2026.

Leigh Bardugo Books in Order at a Glance

Leigh Bardugo’s books are easiest to navigate by series and category:

• Shadow and Bone Trilogy — 3 books
• Six of Crows Duology — 2 books
• King of Scars Duology — 2 books
• Ninth House Trilogy — 2 published, Book 3 forthcoming
• The Familiar — standalone
• Wonder Woman: Warbringer — standalone YA
• Demon in the Wood — Grishaverse graphic novel
• The Language of Thorns — Grishaverse fairy-tale collection
• The Lives of Saints — Grishaverse illustrated collection
• The Severed Moon — Grishaverse journal
• The Invisible Parade — picture book, coauthored with John Picacio
• Short fiction and anthology contributions

Bardugo’s official website organizes her bibliography into the Grishaverse, Ninth House, The Familiar, and other standalone and special projects.

Grishaverse Books in Order

The Grishaverse is Leigh Bardugo’s interconnected fantasy universe.

It begins with Alina Starkov in the Shadow and Bone trilogy, moves to Kaz Brekker and his crew in the Six of Crows duology, and then returns to Ravka for the King of Scars duology.

Bardugo’s official reading guide gives this core order:

1. Shadow and Bone
2. Siege and Storm
3. Ruin and Rising
4. Six of Crows
5. Crooked Kingdom
6. King of Scars
7. Rule of Wolves

The author specifically describes Six of Crows as taking place two years after the original trilogy and King of Scars as returning to Ravka one year after the Six of Crows duology.

1. Shadow and Bone (2012)

Shadow and Bone introduces Alina Starkov, an orphan and soldier in Ravka.

During a dangerous crossing of the Shadow Fold, Alina discovers that she possesses an extraordinary magical ability. She is taken to the royal court to train with the Grisha, Ravka’s magical elite.

Her power may be the key to destroying the Shadow Fold, but mastering it comes with enormous personal and political consequences.

The novel introduces Alina, Mal, the Darkling, Ravka, the Grisha, and the Shadow Fold — the foundations of the entire Grishaverse.

Series: Shadow and Bone #1

2. Siege and Storm (2013)

Alina’s power has grown, but she is now being hunted.

She and Mal attempt to escape their enemies while the Darkling becomes increasingly determined to control Alina and use her power to reshape Ravka.

The story expands the political and magical conflict introduced in the first novel and introduces the privateer Sturmhond.

Series: Shadow and Bone #2

3. Ruin and Rising (2014)

The original trilogy concludes with Alina preparing for the final confrontation over Ravka’s future.

Her powers, relationships, and understanding of the Grisha world are pushed to their limits as the conflict with the Darkling reaches its climax.

This is the conclusion of Alina’s central story in the original trilogy.

Series: Shadow and Bone #3

Six of Crows Books in Order

The Six of Crows duology moves away from Alina’s story and introduces a new group of characters led by criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker.

The setting shifts to Ketterdam, a wealthy but dangerous trading city.

Bardugo’s official reading guide says that the duology takes place two years after the end of the Shadow and Bone trilogy. It can be read independently, although starting here means you may encounter spoilers for the original trilogy.

1. Six of Crows (2015)

Kaz Brekker is offered an impossible heist.

To succeed, he needs a team:

• a convict seeking revenge
• a sharpshooter
• a runaway with a privileged background
• a spy known as the Wraith
• a Heartrender
• a talented thief

Together, they must attempt a dangerous job that could make them incredibly wealthy — if they survive it.

Six of Crows introduces some of the Grishaverse’s most popular characters and shifts the series toward criminal heists, found-family dynamics, political intrigue, and darker fantasy.

Series: Six of Crows #1

2. Crooked Kingdom (2016)

Kaz and his crew have survived their impossible heist, but their problems are far from over.

Instead of receiving their expected reward, they find themselves fighting for survival after being betrayed and weakened.

The conflict expands around jurda parem, a dangerous drug capable of dramatically enhancing Grisha abilities.

The duology concludes with the crew facing enemies from across the Grishaverse while struggling to protect their friendships, loyalties, and futures.

Series: Six of Crows #2

King of Scars Books in Order

The King of Scars duology returns to Ravka and brings back several major characters from the earlier Grishaverse books.

Bardugo’s official reading order places it one year after the Six of Crows duology and recommends reading the earlier Grishaverse novels first.

1. King of Scars (2019)

The first book focuses heavily on Nikolai Lantsov, the young king of Ravka.

Nikolai has survived war and political upheaval, but he is hiding a dangerous secret: a dark force inside him that threatens to destroy everything he is trying to rebuild.

Meanwhile, Zoya Nazyalensky is working to strengthen the Grisha army, while Nina Zenik wages her own battle against those who want to eradicate the Grisha.

The book brings together characters and storylines from both the original trilogy and Six of Crows.

Series: King of Scars #1

2. Rule of Wolves (2021)

The duology concludes as Nikolai, Zoya, Nina, and their allies face threats to Ravka and the wider Grishaverse.

The book brings together many of the political, magical, and personal conflicts developed across Bardugo’s earlier Grishaverse novels.

Series: King of Scars #2

Complete Grishaverse Reading Order

If you want the recommended Leigh Bardugo Grishaverse reading order, read:

1. Shadow and Bone
2. Siege and Storm
3. Ruin and Rising
4. Six of Crows
5. Crooked Kingdom
6. King of Scars
7. Rule of Wolves

This is the core seven-novel sequence recommended by Bardugo’s official reading guide.

Grishaverse Companion Books

The Grishaverse contains several books outside the main seven novels.

These aren’t required to understand the primary storyline, but they’re worthwhile for readers who want to explore Bardugo’s world more deeply.

The Language of Thorns (2017)

The Language of Thorns is a beautifully illustrated collection of dark fairy tales and folklore from the Grishaverse.

The stories are presented as tales that characters within the Grishaverse might have encountered themselves.

They include dangerous bargains, enchanted creatures, revenge, sacrifice, love, and magic.

Importantly, Bardugo’s official reading guide says that you can read The Language of Thorns without any prior knowledge of the Grishaverse.

Type: Illustrated short-story collection

Reading order: Any time; no prior Grishaverse knowledge required

The Lives of Saints (2020)

The Lives of Saints is an illustrated collection of stories about saints from the Grishaverse.

It expands the mythology surrounding figures such as Sankta Lizabeta of the Roses, Sankt Ilya in Chains, Sankta Ursula, Sankta Maradi, and the Starless Saint.

Bardugo’s official reading guide describes it as spoiler-free but recommends it for readers who have already begun exploring the Grishaverse.

Type: Illustrated Grishaverse collection

Best read: After you’ve started the main series

The Severed Moon: A Year-Long Journal of Magic (2019)

The Severed Moon is not a conventional novel.

It is a Grishaverse-inspired journal containing writing prompts and quotations drawn from Bardugo’s world.

Type: Journal / companion book

Reading order: Optional

Demon in the Wood

Demon in the Wood (2022)

Demon in the Wood is a graphic novel prequel to Shadow and Bone.

It explores the early life of the character who eventually becomes known as the Darkling.

Before he became one of the most powerful figures in Ravka, he was a young Grisha named Eryk traveling with his mother, Lena.

They live constantly on the run because their abilities make them both feared and valuable.

The story gives readers a more human look at the Darkling’s origins and his experiences before the events of Shadow and Bone.

Bardugo’s official reading guide recommends reading it after Shadow and Bone.

Type: Graphic novel

Best placement: After Shadow and Bone

Six of Crows: A Darker Shore

Six of Crows: A Darker Shore

This is a new Grishaverse short story presented through found documents.

It takes place after Crooked Kingdom and follows an investigation into a series of attacks connected to Ketterdam and the Wraith.

The story includes correspondence, evidence, and other in-world materials, giving it a different format from Bardugo’s full-length novels.

Best placement: After Crooked Kingdom

Because it occurs after the events of the Six of Crows duology, it is best saved until you’ve finished both Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom.

Ninth House Books in Order

Leigh Bardugo’s Ninth House series is completely separate from the Grishaverse.

It is an adult dark fantasy / supernatural thriller centered on Yale University’s secret societies.

The series follows Galaxy “Alex” Stern, a young woman who receives an unexpected opportunity to attend Yale after surviving a horrific multiple homicide.

At Yale, Alex becomes involved with Lethe, an organization responsible for monitoring the university’s secret societies and their occult practices.

1. Ninth House (2019)

Ninth House introduces Alex Stern and the occult world hidden beneath Yale’s prestigious surface.

Yale’s secret societies aren’t merely networking organizations for wealthy students and influential alumni. Their rituals involve genuine magic, including attempts to manipulate the dead and supernatural forces.

Alex’s unusual abilities make her uniquely suited to seeing things that others cannot.

But as she investigates the activities of the secret societies, she discovers that the danger surrounding Yale is much more serious than she expected.

Series: Ninth House #1

2. Hell Bent (2023)

Hell Bent continues Alex’s story.

This time, Alex is determined to rescue Darlington, who is trapped in a supernatural realm.

The plan sounds straightforward: find a way into hell, retrieve Darlington, and get back out.

Unfortunately, people who make that journey rarely return.

Alex and Dawes assemble an unconventional group of allies and begin investigating the occult secrets hidden beneath Yale.

Series: Ninth House #2

3. Dead Beat (2026) — Forthcoming

Dead Beat is the third and final book in the Ninth House trilogy.

As of September 5, 2026, the book has not yet been released. Macmillan lists its publication date as September 15, 2026.

The conclusion finds Alex dealing with the consequences of having opened a door to hell. Demons are entering New Haven and Yale, while Alex and her allies face an increasingly dangerous supernatural threat.

Darlington is also back, but with dangerous powers of his own.

Series: Ninth House #3

Publication date: September 15, 2026

Status: Forthcoming as of September 5, 2026

Ninth House Reading Order

1. Ninth House (2019)
2. Hell Bent (2023)
3. Dead Beat (2026) — forthcoming

The official Leigh Bardugo website describes Dead Beat as the explosive conclusion to the Ninth House trilogy.

The Familiar

The Familiar (2024)

The Familiar is a standalone historical fantasy novel and is not part of the Grishaverse or Ninth House.

Set in Spain during the time of the Inquisition, it follows Luzia Cotado, a kitchen scullion who secretly possesses the ability to perform small miracles.

When her employer discovers Luzia’s talent, she is pushed into a dangerous world of nobles, kings, religious authorities, magic, and deception.

Luzia must use her abilities to improve her position while keeping the truth about her ancestry hidden.

The novel combines historical fiction, fantasy, romance, political intrigue, and magic.

Publication: 2024

Type: Standalone historical fantasy

Reading order: Independent

You can read The Familiar without reading any other Leigh Bardugo book.

Wonder Woman: Warbringer

Wonder Woman: Warbringer (2017)

Wonder Woman: Warbringer is Leigh Bardugo’s contribution to the DC Icons series.

The novel reimagines Wonder Woman in a YA adventure involving Diana and a young woman named Alia.

It is separate from Bardugo’s Grishaverse and does not need to be read alongside her other books.

Series: DC Icons

Reading order: Standalone within the DC Icons series

Penguin Random House identifies Bardugo as the author of Wonder Woman: Warbringer and notes that it is part of the DC Icons collection.

The Invisible Parade

The Invisible Parade (2024)

The Invisible Parade is a picture book written by Leigh Bardugo and John Picacio.

The story follows Cala on the night of Día de Muertos.

While her family prepares for a celebration, Cala is grieving her grandfather. After becoming separated from her family in a cemetery, she encounters four mysterious riders who help her discover her own courage.

It is a magical story about love, loss, family, and bravery.

Authors: Leigh Bardugo and John Picacio

Type: Picture book

Reading order: Standalone

Leigh Bardugo Books in Publication Order

If you want to explore Bardugo’s major books approximately in original publication order, rather than following the recommended Grishaverse reading order, the sequence begins:

1. Shadow and Bone — 2012
2. Siege and Storm — 2013
3. Ruin and Rising — 2014
4. Six of Crows — 2015
5. Crooked Kingdom — 2016
6. Wonder Woman: Warbringer — 2017
7. The Language of Thorns — 2017
8. King of Scars — 2019
9. Ninth House — 2019
10. The Severed Moon — 2019
11. Rule of Wolves — 2021
12. The Lives of Saints — 2020
13. Demon in the Wood — 2022
14. Hell Bent — 2023
15. The Invisible Parade — 2024
16. The Familiar — 2024
17. Dead Beat — 2026

Because Bardugo’s bibliography includes companion books, graphic novels, picture books, and short fiction, publication order isn’t necessarily the best reading order.

For the Grishaverse, the author’s own recommended sequence is more useful.

Should You Read Leigh Bardugo’s Books in Order?

Only if you’re following a connected series.

You don’t need to read every Leigh Bardugo book chronologically.

For the Grishaverse: Yes

The recommended main sequence is:

Shadow and Bone → Siege and Storm → Ruin and Rising → Six of Crows → Crooked Kingdom → King of Scars → Rule of Wolves

This gives you the intended progression through the major Grishaverse storylines and minimizes spoilers.

For Ninth House: Yes

Read:

Ninth House → Hell Bent → Dead Beat

The books follow a continuing story about Alex Stern and the supernatural world surrounding Yale.

For The Familiar: No

The Familiar is standalone.

For Wonder Woman: Warbringer: No

You don’t need any Grishaverse knowledge to read it.

For The Invisible Parade: No

It’s a standalone picture book.

For The Language of Thorns: No

Bardugo explicitly says it can be read without knowledge of the rest of the Grishaverse.

For Demon in the Wood: Somewhat

It’s a prequel, but Bardugo recommends reading it after Shadow and Bone.

What Leigh Bardugo Book Should You Read First?

Start with Shadow and Bone for the complete Grishaverse experience

If you want to experience the Grishaverse in the author’s recommended order, begin with Shadow and Bone.

You’ll meet Alina Starkov and learn the fundamental history of Ravka, the Grisha, the Shadow Fold, and the Darkling before moving on to the later characters and storylines.

Start with Six of Crows if you prefer heists

If you’re more interested in clever criminals, found family, morally gray characters, and elaborate heists, you can start with Six of Crows.

Bardugo herself says readers can start there without being lost, although the book can spoil parts of the original trilogy.

Start with Ninth House for adult dark fantasy

If YA fantasy isn’t what you’re looking for, try Ninth House.

It’s much darker than the original Grishaverse novels and combines occult magic, murder, secret societies, Yale, and supernatural horror.

Start with The Familiar for standalone historical fantasy

If you want one self-contained novel, The Familiar is the easiest choice.

Its Spanish Inquisition setting, magical protagonist, romance, and historical fantasy elements make it quite different from Bardugo’s Grishaverse.

How Many Leigh Bardugo Books Are There?

The answer depends on whether you count novels, companion books, graphic novels, picture books, short fiction, anthology contributions, and special editions.

Her principal fictional series currently include:

• 3 Shadow and Bone novels
• 2 Six of Crows novels
• 2 King of Scars novels
• 3 Ninth House novels, with Book 3 forthcoming as of September 5, 2026
• 1 standalone novel, The Familiar
• 1 YA novel, Wonder Woman: Warbringer
• 1 graphic novel, Demon in the Wood
• 1 picture book, The Invisible Parade

There are also illustrated Grishaverse collections and journal/companion works.

Bardugo’s official books page separates her bibliography into categories including the Grishaverse, Ninth House, The Familiar, The Invisible Parade, and special editions.

Leigh Bardugo Books by Series

The three core Grishaverse series contain seven main novels, while Ninth House is a separate adult fantasy trilogy.

Is the Grishaverse Finished?

The main Grishaverse novel sequence is complete for now.

The core storyline consists of:

1. Shadow and Bone
2. Siege and Storm
3. Ruin and Rising
4. Six of Crows
5. Crooked Kingdom
6. King of Scars
7. Rule of Wolves

Bardugo’s official reading guide presents these as the three main Grishaverse series.

There are also companion works and newer Grishaverse short fiction, including Six of Crows: A Darker Shore, which takes place after Crooked Kingdom.

Is Ninth House Finished?

Almost.

Dead Beat is the third and final book in the Ninth House trilogy.

As of September 5, 2026, it is still forthcoming, with a U.S. publication date of September 15, 2026.

The complete series will therefore be:

1. Ninth House
2. Hell Bent
3. Dead Beat

Once Dead Beat is released, the trilogy will have its planned concluding volume.

Final Leigh Bardugo Reading Order

For the simplest Leigh Bardugo books in order guide, use the following.

Grishaverse

Shadow and Bone Trilogy

1. Shadow and Bone
2. Siege and Storm
3. Ruin and Rising

Six of Crows Duology

4. Six of Crows
5. Crooked Kingdom

King of Scars Duology

6. King of Scars
7. Rule of Wolves

Optional Grishaverse Companion Books

• The Language of Thorns
• The Lives of Saints
• Demon in the Wood
• The Severed Moon
• Six of Crows: A Darker Shore

For the smoothest experience, read the seven main novels first and add the companion works afterward. The exception is Demon in the Wood, which Bardugo specifically recommends reading after Shadow and Bone.

Ninth House Trilogy

1. Ninth House
2. Hell Bent
3. Dead Beat — September 15, 2026

Standalone Books

• The Familiar
• Wonder Woman: Warbringer
• The Invisible Parade

Leigh Bardugo’s bibliography is unusually easy to navigate once you separate the Grishaverse, Ninth House, and standalone works. For most fantasy readers, the best starting point remains Shadow and Bone; for readers who prefer darker adult fantasy, Ninth House is an excellent alternative.

The most important distinction is that the Grishaverse and Ninth House are separate universes. You do not need to read one before the other.

Written by

Emon Anam

Hi, I’m Emon. I’m the voice and heart behind Whimsy Read. After nine years in the world of banking, I followed my passion for storytelling into the world of SEO and content strategy. Now, I blend that analytical eye with a deep love for literature to bring you book reviews that are thoughtful, honest, and always focused on the stories that stay with you. When I’m not reading or writing, you’ll find me enjoying joyful chaos with my wife and three kids, getting lost in a new series, or revisiting my old loves: theater, music, and gaming. At the end of the day, I believe great books are meant to be shared, and I’m so glad you’re here to share them with me.