Alina Starkov discovers she has a power that could be the key to saving her war-torn world, but this power also makes her a target. Forced into the army's elite magical unit, she must learn to control her abilities while managing politics and betrayal. Her power could save everyone or destroy them all.
Series guide · 3 out
Shadow and Bone Reading Order: All 3 Books in Order
An orphan with a rare magical power is thrust into a war between darkness and light. The trilogy explores her journey as she discovers her true potential and navigates dangerous romantic entanglements.
Shadow and Bone is a complete series by Leigh Bardugo. There are 3 numbered books on our shelf.
It starts with Shadow and Bone (2012), and the newest numbered book out now is Ruin and Rising (2014). The books came out in the same order as their numbers, so release order is reading order.
On our heat scale, all three books we have rated sit at 1 (mild). On Goodreads the books average 4.0 stars across 920,000 ratings.
Reading order
All 3 Shadow and Bone books in order
Every book, with release date, heat rating and what it is about. Signed in, tick the circle when you finish one.
Alina is on the run, her power and her life in danger from those who want to use her for their own gain. She must forge new alliances and uncover the truth about the forces hunting her. Trust is a luxury she can no longer afford.
The final installment brings Alina's journey to a close as she makes a final stand against the darkness threatening to consume her world. Old friendships shatter and new bonds form in the struggle for survival. The choice between victory and survival isn't always clear.
Heat across the series
Heat holds steady across Shadow and Bone: every book we have rated is Mild, 1 of 5. What you get in book one is what you get later.
How we rate heat →Shadow and Bone publication order
The books came out in the same order as their numbers, so publication order and reading order are the same list. We do not list a separate in-world chronological order for this series, so we follow the author's numbering.
Publication order
- Shadow and Bone (2012)
- Siege and Storm (2013)
- Ruin and Rising (2014)
Where to start
Start with Shadow and Bone. It is book one, and every later book builds on it. Read the numbered books in order, which is also the order they came out.
Series like Shadow and Bone
Picked by shared tropes. Each one links to its own reading order.
- Chosen One, Morally Gray
- Chosen One, Slow Burn
- Slow Burn, Chosen One
- Morally Gray, Slow Burn
- Chosen One, Morally Gray
More by Leigh Bardugo
Six of Crows
A paranormal heist series following six dangerous criminals on an impossible mission. The duology combines paranormal elements with intricate plotting and slow-burn paranormal romance.
2 books · Complete · Heat 2
King of Scars
A paranormal fantasy following Nikolai Lantsov as he battles demons, dark magic, and his own haunted past. Political intrigue, paranormal horror, and forbidden desire converge in this duology.
2 books · Complete · Heat 1
Alex Stern
3 books · Ongoing · Heat 2
Shadow and Bone reading order FAQ
How many books are in Shadow and Bone?
Shadow and Bone has 3 numbered books.
What order should I read Shadow and Bone in?
Read them in this order: Shadow and Bone, Siege and Storm, then Ruin and Rising. That is also the order they were published.
Is Shadow and Bone finished?
Yes. Shadow and Bone is complete at 3 books, so you can read it start to finish without waiting.
How spicy is Shadow and Bone?
Every Shadow and Bone book we have rated sits at 1 (mild) on our 0 to 5 heat scale. Spice Guide
Where should I start with Leigh Bardugo?
If you are new to Leigh Bardugo, Shadow and Bone starts with Shadow and Bone. Leigh Bardugo also writes Six of Crows, King of Scars and Alex Stern. The author page lists every book with its heat rating. Leigh Bardugo books
