How to Read Leigh Bardugo Books in Order: Grishaverse, The Ninth House, and More!

Published by Sarah Hass, Nov. 5, 2024


If you’re a fantasy fan, you’ve probably heard of Leigh Bardugo. Since her 2012 debut Shadow and Bone, Bardugo’s works have been known for their fast pace, immersive worlds, and morally grey characters. Whether you’re new to her work, a Shadow and Bone live-action series viewer, or a longtime fan, Bardugo’s storytelling weaves a rich tapestry that’s impossible to resist, with something for every fantasy fan.


Here’s a guide to navigating her literary worlds, discovering the depth of the Grishaverse and beyond!

Are all of Leigh Bardugo’s books young adult?

No. While the Grishaverse series is categorized as young adult, Leigh Bardugo has also written books for adults. See more about her adult works, namely the books in the Ninth House trilogy and The Familiar, below!


What is the Grishaverse?

It's impossible to talk about Bardugo's works without discussing the Grishaverse, which is the name of the fictional universe she has created. Bardugo first introduced readers to the Grishaverse with her 2012 work, Shadow and Bone, which is the first in the Shadow and Bone series. We recommend reading this trilogy first to understand the magic system, in which magic-users are called "Grisha," and to set the scene for for everything that happens in this world.

How do I read the Grishaverse books in order?

Want to make sure you're reading through Alina Starkov, Kaz Brekke, Nikolai Lantsov, and other characters' stories in the right order? Worried about starting in the wrong place and running into spoilers? We've got you covered. See the correct reading order for all of the Grishaverse books below.

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The Shadow and Bone series

  1. Shadow and Bone (2012)
  2. Siege and Storm (2013)
  3. Ruin and Rising (2014)
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The Six of Crows duology

  1. Six of Crows (2015)
  2. Crooked Kingdom (2016)
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The King of Scars duology

  1. King of Scars (2020)
  2. Rule of Wolves (2021)
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Other Grishaverse books

  1. The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic (2017)
  2. The Lives of Saints (2020)
  3. Demon in the Wood: A Shadow and Bone Graphic Novel (2022)

Can I read the Six of Crows duology without reading the Shadow and Bone series?

Yes, you can jump to Six of Crows if you want to start with the story of Kaz Brekker and the Dregs in Ketterdam. If you prefer tense heists to magic, this is the story for you! This duology takes place after the events of the Shadow and Bone trilogy and does include some spoilers of the events of that series. The Six of Crows books are high-stakes action, dark in tone, and more mature than the Shadow and Bone trilogy.


Can I read the King of Scars duology without having read the other Grishaverse books?

We don’t recommend starting with the King of Scars duology. This duology brings together the beloved character Nikolai from the Shadow and Bone series, Nina from the Six of Crows duology, and introduces a new POV character! This duology comes after both of the previous series in the Grishaverse and contains heavy spoilers for all the previous books. The King of Scars duology should ideally be read after both The Grisha Trilogy and Six of Crows, as it pulls together characters and plotlines from both series.


When should I read the supplementary Grishaverse books?

The best time to read these books is after reading the Shadow and Bone trilogy! The Lives of Saints is, as it says, a storybook about saints from the Grishaverse. The book is a replica of the book used in the Shadow and Bone live-action series, so it's a great addition to a Grishaverse fan’s collection!


A collection of beautifully illustrated short stories, The Language of Thorns explores the folklore and fairy tales of the Grishaverse. The stories are standalone, but they're best appreciated once you are familiar with the world.


A Demon in the Wood shares insight into the Darkling's early life and origins, adding depth to one of Bardugo's most complex and iconic characters. Knowing the conclusion to the Darkling’s story allows you to fully appreciate where he began!

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Other Books by Leigh Bardugo

Ninth House Trilogy

  1. Ninth House
  2. Hell Bent
  3. Unreleased work


The Ninth House trilogy is Bardugo’s first foray into adult fantasy and combines elements of dark academia, urban fantasy, horror, and the supernatural. The series follows Alex, a troubled young woman who is offered a second chance at life with a full scholarship to Yale University. But there’s a twist—she is recruited to join Lethe, a secret society tasked with monitoring Yale's other, darker societies that practice occult rituals and magic. The story explores the underworld of Yale, filled with ghosts, forbidden knowledge, and dangerous secrets. For those fans who have grown up with the Grishaverse, love Bardguo’s writing, and want something more mature, this is a great series to pick up!


The Familiar

The Familiar is Bardugo’s standalone historical fantasy set in the Spanish Golden Age. The story follows Luzia Cotado, a lowly kitchen maid in Madrid who has a hidden talent for performing small miracles. When her employer discovers Luzia's abilities, she is thrust into the world of the royal court, where magic is forbidden, and the Spanish Inquisition looms large.


Wonder Woman: Warbringer

This YA book was written as part of the DC Icons series, which reimagines iconic DC superheroes in new, fresh ways, and follows a teenage Diana before she becomes the Wonder Woman we all love!


What other authors and books would I like if I enjoy Leigh Bardugo's books?

If you're a fan of Bardugo's books, you'll enjoy fantasies with antiheroes and morally grey characters, books with a binge-able pace, and complex worlds you can feel yourself walking in.


Other authors you may enjoy: