Reading Order for Lisa’s Books
New to my books? You’re in the right place. Below you’ll find the recommended reading order for all of my series — including which ones to read first, and where to go next.
YOUNG ADULT EPIC FANTASY
Perfect for readers who love magical academies, coming-of-age stories, and magic that comes at a cost.
Protagonist: Alyx Egalion
A sheltered girl arrives at DarkSkull Hall — a ruthless magical academy — and discovers that the world beyond her privilege is darker, more dangerous, and more demanding than anything she was prepared for.
Reading order:
- DarkSkull Hall
- Taliath
- Darkmage
- Heartfire
Heir to the Darkmage — Read after The Mage Chronicles
Protagonist: Lira Astor
Set a generation after The Mage Chronicles, Lira Astor carries the blood of the most infamous mage in history — and everyone’s suspicion to go with it. A story of legacy, rebellion, and the cost of becoming who you were always meant to be.
Reading order:
- Heir to the Darkmage
- Mark of the Huntress
- Whisper of the Darksong
- Rise of the Shadowcouncil
ADULT EPIC FANTASY
Political intrigue, found family, wyverns, and worlds that get darker before they get better.
Protagonist: Talyn Dynan
A warrior with a haunted past arrives in a winged kingdom rife with political unrest — and finds herself caught between loyalty, justice, and a masked rebel who isn’t what he seems.
Reading order:
- A Tale of Stars and Shadow
- A Prince of Song and Shade
- A King of Masks and Magic
- A Duet of Sword and Song
The Inkweaver Archive — Can be read alongside or after AToSaS
Protagonist: Arya Ravenstrike
Born without a name or bloodline, Arya has clawed her way up through the ranks of an elite military force — only to discover she may be heir to a throne she never knew existed, with a golden wyvern bond and a storm magic she barely understands.
Reading order:
- The Nameless Throne
- The Dreadwater Gate
- The Wyvern’s Cry
- The Unleashed Storm
Book of the Doomshroud — Read after A Tale of Stars and Shadow
Protagonist: Kaeri Venador
The sequel series to A Tale of Stars and Shadow. Readers who have completed both AToSaS and The Inkweaver Archive will get the most from this series — but we’ll say no more than that. You’ll understand why when you get there.
Reading order:
- Call of the Shadow Rift (releasing June 2026)
FAQ
Do I have to read the series in a specific order? For the YA series, yes — read The Mage Chronicles before Heir to the Darkmage, as it’s a direct sequel set. For the adult series, A Tale of Stars and Shadow and The Inkweaver Archive can technically be read in either order, but I’d recommend starting with AToSaS. Both should be read before Book of the Doomshroud.
Can I start with any book in a series? No — all of my series are designed to be read from Book 1. Each series has a complete arc that builds across all four books.
Is Book of the Doomshroud a standalone series or a sequel? It is the direct sequel series to A Tale of Stars and Shadow, set in the same world two years after the events of A Duet of Sword and Song. New readers are welcome, but returning AToSaS readers will have a richer experience — and may notice things others won’t.
Where can I buy Lisa Cassidy’s books? You can buy direct from my store at lisacassidybooks.com for the best price and instant delivery, or from all major retailers including Amazon, Kobo, Apple Books, and more.