Reading Order
Shadow and BoneGrishaverse (Shadow and Bone) Reading Order
Leigh Bardugo's Grishaverse spans two major series and multiple novellas, all set in the same world. The recommended reading order depends on your goals: most new readers start with Shadow and Bone, but Six of Crows can technically be read first. The Grishaverse is one of the most expansive and consistent fantasy universes in modern YA.
Where to start
Shadow and Bone
Complete Shadow and Bone Book List
- 1Buy
Shadow and Bone
Leigh Bardugo·2012·Book 1 of Shadow and Bone trilogy — Alina discovers she is a Grisha Sun Summoner - 2Buy
Siege and Storm
Leigh Bardugo·2013·Book 2 — Alina and Mal evade the Darkling; the Grisha army takes shape - 3Buy
Ruin and Rising
Leigh Bardugo·2014·Book 3 — The final confrontation with the Darkling; the war for Ravka - 4Buy
Six of Crows
Leigh Bardugo·2015·Book 1 of Six of Crows duology — a heist crew assembles for an impossible job in Ketterdam - 5Buy
Crooked Kingdom
Leigh Bardugo·2016·Book 2 — Kaz Brekker's crew face the consequences of their impossible heist - Buy
King of Scars
OptionalLeigh Bardugo·2019·Book 1 of King of Scars duology — Nikolai Lantsov is crowned king; contains major Shadow and Bone spoilers - Buy
Rule of Wolves
OptionalLeigh Bardugo·2021·Book 2 of King of Scars duology — the Grishaverse war reaches its next chapter - Buy
The Language of Thorns
OptionalLeigh Bardugo·2017·Novella collection — fairy tales from across the Grishaverse; beautiful illustrations; optional - Buy
The Lives of Saints
OptionalLeigh Bardugo·2020·A short companion about Ravka's saints; pairs with Shadow and Bone; optional
Shadow and Bone — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Shadow and Bone reading order?
Start with the Shadow and Bone trilogy (Shadow and Bone → Siege and Storm → Ruin and Rising), then Six of Crows → Crooked Kingdom. King of Scars and Rule of Wolves continue with Nikolai and require the full trilogy plus Six of Crows as context.
Should I read Shadow and Bone or Six of Crows first?
Most readers recommend starting with Shadow and Bone, which introduces the Grishaverse world. Six of Crows can technically be read first (it has a different cast and setting), but several references and a key character will be more meaningful if you've read the Shadow and Bone trilogy first.
How many books are in the Grishaverse?
The core Grishaverse consists of 7 novels: the Shadow and Bone trilogy (3 books), the Six of Crows duology (2 books), and the King of Scars duology (2 books). Plus 2 novella collections (The Language of Thorns, The Lives of Saints). All written by Leigh Bardugo.
Is the Shadow and Bone Netflix show in the same order as the books?
The Netflix Shadow and Bone series adapts the Shadow and Bone trilogy for its main storyline while weaving in the Six of Crows characters (who aren't in the original trilogy). The show compresses and reorganizes events from the books significantly — reading the books gives a much more complete picture of the world.
Monthly Newsletter
Never miss a big release
Get the most anticipated upcoming books delivered to your inbox once a month — no spam, no filler.
Monthly only. Unsubscribe anytime.
Book links are Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, BookReleaseRadar earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.