The Red Queen series by Victoria Aveyard is one of the most popular young adult fantasy book series. With the first book published in 2015, the epic series follows a young woman’s coming-of-age story and her ascent from ordinary girl to princess. Author Victoria Aveyard tackles complex topics of love, betrayal, freedom, power, fantasy, and the disparity between different social classes.
Red Queen Novels and Novellas in Publishing Order
As more books emerged, fans realized that the Red Queen novels and novellas weren’t chronological. Yet the author did a fantastic job of resolving plot holes and keeping readers entertained rather than confusing them. If you started reading them in the original order or just picked up the Cruel Crown novella combo, this is how you may want to keep going forward.
Red Queen – novel
Mare Barrow lives in a world divided by the color of blood. People with red blood serve, while those with silver blood are the elite, blessed to rule, and have superhuman abilities. But everything changes once Mare, a common thief with red blood, develops her own power. She assumes the role of lost silver princess and spends every waking moment trying to protect her real identity.
Queen Song – novella
Released in the same year as the bestseller Red Queen, the Queen Song novella is a prequel. It takes readers into the past to a time when a Red Queen, Queen Coriane, ruled the land. And Coriane’s secret diary could contain important details and help Mare navigate the road ahead.
Steel Scars – novella
The 100-page digital novella, Steel Scars, is another prequel story. It follows Captain Farley, Scarlet Guard leader, and her exploits with the resistance, extremists, and black market traders. The book offers a unique and detailed look into the Scarlet Guard and the resistance.
Glass Sword – novel
The second novel in the series sees Mare Barrow on the run for her life. A vindictive king Maven, and former friend, betrays Mare. But the red blood girl with a silver ability has immense power. While on the run, she tries to recruit other like-minded fighters while avoiding becoming the same monster that hunts her.
King’s Cage – novel
King Maven struggles to control his country. And with Mare in prison and stripped of powers, it’s up to the Red Rebellion to prepare for war, form new allegiances, and rescue the Lightning Girl.
War Storm – novel
Mare Barrow is no stranger to betrayal. But when Cal turned against her, Mare had no choice. She put her heart and rebellion first. The Lightning Girl grows closer to changing the regime in the kingdom of Norta. But the task is easier said than done.
World Behind – novella
The World Behind novella is part of the Broken Throne collection. It tells the story of a Piedmont princess Lyrisa and her escape from Orrian Cygnet. Victoria Aveyard uses first-person storytelling from two perspectives: Lyrisa and that of her companion Ashe, a Red Riverman. The action takes place during Mare Barrow’s imprisonment.
Iron Heart – novella
Another Broken Throne novella, Iron Heart takes place in the aftermath of the Nortan Civil War and during King Ptolemus of the Rift’s abdication. It follows Evangeline and Elane as they try to adapt to a new way of life.
Fire Light – novella
Fire Light follows Mare, Cal, Kilorn Warren, and other important characters in the Red Queen series. The events occur after the Nortan Civil War, and the book opens at a Montfort gala. Evangeline brings everyone together to discuss a new potential threat coming from the Lakelands.
Fare Well – novella
Fare Well is a novella that looks deeper into one of the series’s main antagonists. The author’s last book features a story from Maven Calore’s perspective. The action takes place before his imprisonment and death.
The Chronological Order of Red Queen Titles
If you are a stickler for chronology and continuity, there’s another order to read the Red Queen book series. Reading the books for the first time in this order can help you better understand Mare Barrow’s world and the interactions between the characters.
- Queen Song (from Cruel Crown) - This novella tells the backstory of Queen Coriane, Cal's mother, from her own perspective, detailing her courtship with the future king and her eventual descent into despair.
- Steel Scars (from Cruel Crown) - This novella focuses on Farley and her experiences leading up to the events of the first novel. It provides insight into the Scarlet Guard and their operations.
- Red Queen - The first full novel in the series, where Mare Barrow discovers her powers and gets involved in the Silver world.
- Glass Sword - The sequel where Mare seeks to find and protect newbloods like herself while on the run from Maven.
- King's Cage - Mare is held captive by King Maven, dealing with the complexities of her powers and her feelings.
- War Storm - The final novel, where alliances are tested, and battles are fought to determine the future of the Kingdom.
- Broken Throne - A collection of novellas and short stories set after the events of War Storm, providing closure and additional details about the characters and the world.
About Victoria Aveyard
The #1 New York Times bestselling author, Victoria Aveyard, born in Western Massachusetts, is one of the youngest writers to pen a successful fantasy young adult series of epic proportions. The author rose to fame and received critical acclaim for her Red Queen book series. But her success didn’t surprise everyone. Victoria finished the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts with a BFA in Writing for Film & Television. Her stories are everywhere, from Amazon to Goodreads to Speechify and on the New York Times bestsellers list. She also started her work on the Realm Breaker series. It’s a new fantasy series with new characters, end-of-world consequences, and an unlikely hero’s journey as they rise to the occasion. Although a young author, Victoria keeps busy and leverages her storytelling to keep readers engaged and begging for more. Her work easily appeals to fans of Game of Thrones and similar fantasy titles.
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FAQ
Is there a 5th Red Queen book?
The Red Queen series has four books or novellas and several tie-in novellas. Often confused for a fifth book, the Broken Throne is a box set of novellas and novels written by Victoria Aveyard.
Do I need to read the Red Queen novellas?
Reading the novellas in the Victoria Aveyard Red Queen series isn’t necessary to understand the main story arc of the series. However, the novellas expand the lore and relationships between characters and help fill in some plot holes from the novels.
In what order should I start reading the Red Queen series?
If you are a first-time reader, the chronological order is an excellent way to start reading the bestselling Red Queen series.
