Reading Order
GrishaverseSix of Crows Reading Order
The Grishaverse by Leigh Bardugo spans a richly detailed world of soldiers, thieves, and magic. The Six of Crows duology is widely considered the crown jewel — but where you start depends on how much context you want. Here's the complete Grishaverse reading order.
Where to start
You can start with either the Shadow and Bone trilogy or Six of Crows. Six of Crows is the more popular entry point for adult readers — it stands alone well, and the heist premise is immediately gripping. Reading Shadow and Bone first gives richer Grishaverse context.
Complete Grishaverse Book List
- 1Buy
Shadow and Bone
Leigh Bardugo·2012·Grisha Trilogy Book 1 — optional first entry point - 2Buy
Siege and Storm
Leigh Bardugo·2013·Grisha Trilogy Book 2 - 3Buy
Ruin and Rising
Leigh Bardugo·2014·Grisha Trilogy Book 3 - 4Buy
Six of Crows
Leigh Bardugo·2015·Duology Book 1 — most popular entry point - 5Buy
Crooked Kingdom
Leigh Bardugo·2016·Duology Book 2 — must read immediately after - 6Buy
King of Scars
Leigh Bardugo·2019·Nikolai Duology Book 1 — read after both trilogies - 7Buy
Rule of Wolves
Leigh Bardugo·2021·Nikolai Duology Book 2 - Buy
The Lives of Saints
OptionalLeigh Bardugo·2020·Companion — Grishaverse mythology
Grishaverse — Frequently Asked Questions
Should I read Shadow and Bone or Six of Crows first?
Both work as entry points. Most readers who start with Six of Crows love it immediately. Starting with Shadow and Bone gives you Grisha world context but is slower-paced. If you prefer heist stories, start with Six of Crows.
Do Six of Crows and Shadow and Bone share characters?
They share the same world and some background characters, but Six of Crows has a completely different protagonist group (Kaz, Inej, Jesper, etc.) vs. Shadow and Bone (Alina, Mal, the Darkling). They can be read independently.
Is the Grishaverse series finished?
The Six of Crows duology and the original Shadow and Bone trilogy are complete. The Nikolai duology (King of Scars, Rule of Wolves) is complete. Leigh Bardugo has hinted at returning to the Grishaverse but nothing is officially confirmed.
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