Kate Quinn is one of the most captivating voices in historical fiction today. Known for her richly detailed storytelling, strong female protagonists, and seamless blending of real historical events with gripping drama, her books transport readers to eras like ancient Rome, World War I and II, and the Italian Renaissance.
If you’re new to Kate Quinn or want to dive into her work in the best possible way, the big question is: What order should you read Kate Quinn books?
While most of her novels are standalone (meaning you can pick up any one without prior knowledge), a few are connected in series or share loose ties. Below, I’ll break down her books in publication order (the order she wrote and released them), which is the most common and recommended way to read them for first-time fans. This lets you experience her growth as an author—from her early Roman epics to her modern WWII masterpieces.
Kate Quinn Books in Publication Order
- Mistress of Rome (2010) The book that launched her career: a sultry, intrigue-filled saga set in ancient Rome following a slave girl who rises to become the emperor’s mistress amid gladiators, betrayal, and power struggles.
- Daughters of Rome (2011) A prequel/connected story to Mistress of Rome, focusing on two noblewomen navigating the chaos of Rome’s Year of the Four Emperors (69 AD).
- Empress of the Seven Hills (2012) Continues the Empress of Rome saga, following Vix (a character introduced earlier) and the rise of Emperor Hadrian.
- The Serpent and the Pearl (2013) A delicious Renaissance tale centered on the Borgia family, a papal chef, and a courtesan caught in Vatican intrigue.
- The Lion and the Rose (2014) Sequel to The Serpent and the Pearl, continuing the Borgia saga with more scandal, poison, and power plays.
- The Alice Network (2017) Her breakout modern hit—a dual-timeline story of a WWI female spy network and a post-WWII search for a missing cousin. Reese’s Book Club pick and a bestseller that put her on the map for many readers.
- The Huntress (2019) A gripping WWII thriller about a Nazi war criminal known as “the Huntress” and the people hunting her down years later. Intense, emotional, and full of moral complexity.
- The Rose Code (2021) Set at Bletchley Park during WWII, this follows three women codebreakers whose friendship is tested by secrets, betrayal, and a traitor in their midst. One of her most beloved books.
- The Diamond Eye (2022) Based on the true story of Lyudmila Pavlichenko, the Soviet Union’s deadliest female sniper, and her unlikely friendship with Eleanor Roosevelt during WWII.
- The Phoenix Crown (2024) Co-authored with Janie Chang—a dual-timeline mystery blending the 1906 San Francisco earthquake with 1920s Peking and hidden treasures.
- The Briar Club (2024) A suspenseful 1950s Washington, D.C. tale about a mysterious boarding house, a new resident with secrets, and a murder that unravels the lives of the women living there.
Upcoming Releases
Kate Quinn has a new novel, The Astral Library, slated for release in early 2026. It promises a fantastical twist on her signature historical style—readers are already buzzing about it!
List Of Kate Quinn Books in Order to Read
Here is a complete list of Kate Quinn’s novels grouped by series (where applicable), presented in the recommended reading order within each series. Most of her books are standalone or loosely themed (especially her WWII-era novels), but the Empress of Rome saga and Borgia duology have direct character and plot connections.
I’ve focused on her solo-authored novels (excluding collaborative anthologies like A Day of Fire, Ribbons of Scarlet, etc., unless they form a core series). Publication years are included for context. As of December 25, 2025, her upcoming book The Astral Library (a standalone magical realism novel) is scheduled for release in February 2026.
| Series / Group | Reading/Publication Order | Book Title | Publication Year | Notes / Brief Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Empress of Rome Saga | 1 | Daughters of Rome | 2011 | Prequel focusing on the Year of the Four Emperors (69 AD); best read first for timeline. |
| 2 | Mistress of Rome | 2010 | Introduces key characters like Thea; gladiators, emperors, and intrigue in ancient Rome. | |
| 3 | Empress of the Seven Hills | 2012 | Follows Vix and the rise of Hadrian; direct continuation. | |
| 4 | Lady of the Eternal City | — (forthcoming) | Long-awaited fourth volume; completes the saga with politics, power, and passion in Rome. | |
| Borgia Chronicles | 1 | The Serpent and the Pearl | 2013 | Renaissance intrigue with the Borgia family, a chef, and a courtesan. |
| 2 | The Lion and the Rose | 2014 | Direct sequel continuing the Borgia scandals and power struggles. | |
| Standalone / WWII & Modern Era | — | The Alice Network | 2017 | Dual timeline: WWI female spies and post-WWII search; breakout bestseller. |
| — | The Huntress | 2019 | Thriller hunting a Nazi war criminal known as “the Huntress.” | |
| — | The Rose Code | 2021 | Bletchley Park codebreakers during WWII; friendship, secrets, and betrayal. | |
| — | The Diamond Eye | 2022 | True story of Soviet sniper Lyudmila Pavlichenko and her bond with Eleanor Roosevelt. | |
| — | The Phoenix Crown | 2024 | Co-authored with Janie Chang; dual timeline (1906 San Francisco earthquake & 1920s Peking). | |
| — | The Briar Club | 2024 | 1950s Washington, D.C. boarding house mystery with secrets and murder. | |
| Upcoming Standalone | — | The Astral Library | 2026 (Feb) | Fantastical adventure: a magical library where readers escape into books; her first magical realism novel. |
Quick Reading Tips
- Empress of Rome saga: Read in chronological order (Daughters → Mistress → Empress → Lady) for best continuity, even though publication order differs slightly.
- Borgia duology: Read in sequence for the ongoing story.
- All other books are fully standalone—start anywhere based on your preferred era (e.g., many fans begin with The Alice Network or The Rose Code for their modern appeal and fast pace).
- Her WWII novels share themes (strong women in history) but no plot connections.
This covers all her major novels. If you’re looking for novellas, short stories, or collaborations, let me know for more details. Which series or book are you most excited to dive into? 📖
Should You Read in Chronological Order Instead?
Most Kate Quinn books stand alone beautifully, so publication order works best for enjoying her evolving style. That said:
- The Empress of Rome saga (Mistress of Rome → Daughters of Rome → Empress of the Seven Hills) is best read in that sequence for character continuity.
- The Borgia books (The Serpent and the Pearl → The Lion and the Rose) form a clear duology.
- Her WWII-era novels (The Alice Network, The Huntress, The Rose Code, The Diamond Eye) share thematic ties but no direct plot connections—read them in any order.
Why Kate Quinn Books Are Perfect for Historical Fiction Fans
If you love authors like Kristin Hannah, Pam Jenoff, or Natasha Lester, Kate Quinn delivers the same emotional depth and meticulous research—but with sharper suspense, bolder heroines, and unforgettable twists. Her stories highlight women who shaped history (or survived its darkest corners) in ways textbooks rarely mention.
Ready to start? Many readers begin with The Alice Network or The Rose Code for their accessibility and page-turning pace, then circle back to her Roman and Renaissance novels.
Which Kate Quinn book are you picking up first? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts or recommendations for fellow fans!
Happy reading! 📚
