Do you like stories full of magic and adventure? Then Leigh Bardugo’s books are a must-read for you. She is a really good fiction fantasy writer, famous for her Grishaverse Series. Let’s check out all Leigh Bardugo books In order so you can easily read them.
Who is Leigh Bardugo?
Leigh Bardugo is the #1 New York Times bestselling author. For those who don’t know her, Leigh Bardugo is an American author best known for creating the fantasy universe ‘Grishaverse’. Born in Jerusalem and raised in Los Angeles. She didn’t start as a writer, she worked in copywriting and even makeup artistry before writing. In 2012 she wrote her first book, Shadow and Bone. Her stories combine fantasy, deep characters, and unique plots.
Leigh Bardugo Books In Order
Leigh Bardugo is known for her exciting and magical fantasy worlds. If you’re new to Bardugo’s work or want to read Leigh Bardugo’s books in order, you’re in the right place.
Bardugo’s books are mostly set in the Grishaverse, a fantasy world of magic, politics, and action. Her writing is so addictive and once you start it’s really hard to stop. Bardugo knows how to keep her readers hooked.
Bardugo’s books can be split into two main categories: 1. Grishaverse and 2. Standalone Works. So it’s really important to read Leigh Bardugo’s books in order. Let’s start with the Grishaverse first since it’s her most well-known creation.
The Grishaverse is a series of three main book sets: 1. Shadow and Bone trilogy, 2. Six of Crows duology, and 3. King of Scars duology. The best way to read these Leigh Bardugo books in order they were published so you can follow the storyline without missing any key details.
With so many books and spin-offs, figuring out the best reading order can be tricky. But no worries, this Leigh Bardugo books in order guide will help you explore her magical worlds, one book at a time.
Here’s a quick overview of all of Leigh Bardugo books in order:
Book Title | Year of Release |
Shadow and Bone | 2012 |
Siege and Storm | 2013 |
Ruin and Rising | 2014 |
Six of Crows | 1015 |
Crooked Kingdom | 2016 |
The Language of Thorns | 2017 |
King of Scars | 2019 |
Ninth House | 2019 |
The Lives of Saints | 2020 |
Rule of Wolves | 2021 |
Hell Bent | 2023 |
Grishaverse Series
The Grishaverse is where most of Leigh Bardugo’s books take place. This world is rich with magic, known as The Small Science, where certain people called Grisha can manipulate elements like wind, water, or fire.
1. The Shadow and Bone Trilogy
This is where the Grishaverse begins. It follows Alina Starkov, a young orphan who discovers she has a unique power that could change the fate of the world. But with power comes danger, and Alina soon finds herself drawn into the dark politics of the kingdom.
Shadow and Bone (2012)
The first book introduces us to Alina’s journey. She is stuck in a magical war when she uncovers her ability to summon light. The world-building in this book is mesmerizing, and it perfectly sets up the Grishaverse.
Siege and Storm (2013)
In the second installment, Alina is on the run from the powerful Darkling. As she struggles to control her powers, she gathers new allies to prepare for the inevitable showdown. The stakes are raised, and the adventure picks up pace.
Ruin and Rising (2014)
The final book of the trilogy wraps up Alina’s story. The tension builds to a dramatic climax as Alina faces off against the Darkling, fighting not just for her life but for the fate of her world. It’s a thrilling conclusion.
2. Six of Crows Duology
This duology is a fan-favorite for its heist plot and unforgettable characters. Though set in the same universe, it takes place after the events of Shadow and Bone.
Six of Crows (2015)
The story follows Kaz Brekker and his crew of criminals as they plan a near-impossible heist. The character dynamics in this book are phenomenal. Bardugo skillfully connects multiple storylines, making it impossible to put down.
Crooked Kingdom (2016)
The second book in the series continues the story of Kaz and his crew. After surviving the first heist, they face new enemies and bigger challenges. It’s an intense and satisfying sequel that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
3. King of Scars Duology
This duology brings back some familiar characters from Shadow and Bone and Six of Crows, adding more depth to the Grishaverse.
King of Scars (2019)
The story revolves around Nikolai Lantsov, the charismatic king of Ravka, who is dealing with a dark force threatening his kingdom. This book is a blend of political intrigue and magical mysteries.
Rule of Wolves (2021)
The final book wraps up Nikolai’s story and the Grishaverse saga in a grand way. This book is filled with epic battles, emotional twists, and the entire universe’s fate at stake.
Other Works by Leigh Bardugo
Though the Grishaverse is Bardugo’s most famous creation, she has also written outside of this world. Let’s have a look at her standalone novels-
1. The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic (2017)
This is a collection of fairy tales set in the Grishaverse. Each story is dark, twisted, and beautifully written. The book contains stunning illustrations that make it a visual treat. For fans of folklore and mythology, this collection is a must-read.
2. The Lives of Saints (2020)
A companion book to the Grishaverse series, this one explores the legends and lore of the saints within the universe. The beautifully illustrated stories give more depth to the magic and religion of the Grishaverse.
3. Ninth House (2019)
Bardugo steps away from the Grishaverse with this adult novel. Ninth House is set in a dark, supernatural version of Yale University, where secret societies hold mysterious power. This book differs from her usual style, leaning into gothic horror and thrillers.
4. Hell Bent (2023)
The sequel to Ninth House continues the story of Alex Stern as she navigates the dangerous and occult world of Yale’s secret societies. Fans of dark and supernatural thrillers will find this series addictive.
Leigh Bardugo’s Netflix Adaptations
In early 2021, there was a lot of excitement about Netflix’s adaptation of Shadow and Bone. That buzz returned with the launch of the second season in 2023.
The first season is based on the novel Shadow and Bone, while the second season continues the story from Siege and Storm. The show combines different parts of the Grishaverse, mixing elements from the original trilogy and Six of Crows. It features actors like Jessie Mei Li, Archie Renaux, Freddy Carter, Amita Suman, Kit Young, and Ben Barnes.
According to Netflix, Shadow and Bone’s first season became the 8th most-watched TV show on their platform. It got 55 million views in just the first 28 days.
While the show includes the Crows in Alina’s story, fans are eager to see more of their thrilling heists. Showrunner Eric Heisserer has revealed that scripts for an eight-episode spin-off about the Crows have already been written. However, the spin-off and a third season of Shadow and Bone will depend on how well the second season performs.
Conclusion
Leigh Bardugo’s books are a journey into magic, mystery, and unforgettable adventures. Whether you start with the Shadow and Bone trilogy or Six of Crows, her books will transport you to a fictional world where anything is possible. With each new release, Bardugo expands her universe, offering readers even more reasons to stay connected with her storytelling. I hope this Leigh Bardugo book in order will help you to start your journey with her. So, pick a book and let the adventure begin!
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