If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to fall in love across lifetimes—only to have fate (or a mischievous fallen angel) keep ripping you apart—then Lauren Kate’s books are your next obsession. As a #1 New York Times bestselling author, Kate has captivated millions with her lush, atmospheric tales of forbidden romance, celestial drama, and soul-deep yearning. Her flagship Fallen series alone has sold over 10 million copies worldwide, been translated into more than 30 languages, and even inspired a major motion picture. Whether you’re a longtime fan craving a refresher or a newbie ready to dive into her angelic universe, this Lauren Kate books in order guide has everything you need.
From the shadowy halls of reform schools haunted by wings and whispers to time-bending quests through history’s most romantic (and tragic) moments, Kate’s stories blend young adult fantasy with heart-wrenching emotion. Think Twilight meets A Court of Thorns and Roses, but with a heavenly twist. Ready to spread your wings? Let’s soar through her bibliography, starting with the must-read Fallen series.
Lauren Kate Books In Order to Read
The Fallen Series: Where Eternal Love Meets Eternal Damnation
The Fallen series is Lauren Kate’s crown jewel—a five-book saga (plus novellas) following Luce Price, a teen girl plagued by mysterious “shadows” and drawn to the enigmatic Daniel Grigori. Spoiler-free alert: It’s a whirlwind of fallen angels, demons, and a love story that’s been doomed (and reborn) for millennia. Fans rave about the swoon-worthy tension and Kate’s poetic prose that makes every page feel like a stolen glance.
To get the full, heart-pounding experience, read the Fallen books in publication order (which aligns perfectly with the chronological story). Here’s the complete lineup:
| Book # | Title | Publication Year | Quick Tease |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fallen | 2009 | Luce arrives at Sword & Cross reform school, where danger—and Daniel—lurk in every shadow. The addictive entry that launched a phenomenon. |
| 2 | Torment | 2010 | Luce uncovers secrets at a coastal academy for “nephilim,” but freedom comes at a deadly price. Twists that’ll have you flipping pages till dawn. |
| 3 | Passion | 2011 | Desperate to break their curse, Luce time-travels through her past lives. History’s greatest romances? They’re hers—and heartbreakingly real. |
| 3.5 | Fallen in Love | 2012 | A novella collection of side stories from Miles, Shelby, and more. Perfect palate-cleanser between books 3 and 4, full of unexpected swoons. |
| 4 | Rapture | 2012 | The epic finale ramps up with battles against Lucifer himself. Will Luce and Daniel rewrite destiny? Closure that satisfies (mostly). |
| 5 | Unforgiven | 2015 | A gripping spin-off starring Cam, the brooding bad boy from the series. Redemption arcs and new temptations—because angels deserve second chances too. |
Pro tip: If you’re binging, grab the Fallen Series Complete 6-Book Collection for seamless reading. And yes, the 2016 movie adaptation of Fallen (starring Addison Riecke and Jeremy Irvine) captures the vibe—though the books’ depth is unmatched. Goodreads ratings hover around 3.8–4.0 stars, with fans calling it “the ultimate guilty pleasure read.”
Teardrop Series: Mythical Waters and Mermaid Mysteries
Craving a shift from angels to ancient lore? Lauren Kate’s Teardrop duology plunges into a watery world of forbidden love, selkies, and Polynesian-inspired myths. It’s got that same intoxicating romance, but with a siren-song pull and themes of grief and self-discovery. Ideal for Fallen fans wanting more ethereal fantasy.
Read in this straightforward order:
| Book # | Title | Publication Year | Quick Tease |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Teardrop | 2013 | Eureka Boudreaux drowns in tears after a family tragedy—until a mysterious boy warns her they’re no ordinary drops. A flood of secrets awaits. |
| 2 | Waterfall | 2014 | Eureka dives deeper into a world of cursed waters and vengeful spirits. High-stakes romance meets mythical mayhem. |
This series flew under the radar compared to Fallen, but it’s a hidden gem for mythology buffs. Expect lush descriptions of New Orleans swamps and emotional gut-punches that linger like saltwater on skin.
Standalone Novels: Fresh Starts with Timeless Magic
Lauren Kate isn’t one to stay grounded in series—she’s evolved into standalone wonders that pack the punch of her epics into single, satisfying reads. These are perfect entry points if you want a taste of her style without commitment. (Psst: Her recent adult novels lean rom-com with a fantastical edge—think Nora Ephron meets time travel.)
Here’s the lineup in publication order:
| Title | Publication Year | Quick Tease |
|---|---|---|
| The Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove | 2009 | A deliciously dark high-school thriller about popularity’s poisonous side. Pre-Fallen vibe: Scheming teens and Southern gothic intrigue. |
| The Orphan’s Song | 2011 | Kate’s adult debut—a sweeping historical romance set in 18th-century Venice, where a convent girl’s voice sparks scandal and forbidden passion. |
| By Any Other Name | 2024 | A magical time-slip tale of a woman torn between two versions of the same man: one young and wild, the other worldly and weary. Heartwarming enemies-to-lovers magic. |
These standalones showcase Kate’s range—from YA edge to grown-up glow. By Any Other Name is her latest buzz-maker, earning starred reviews for its “buoyant celebration of love.” If you’re new, start here for a quick win.
Bonus Novella: Angels in the Dark (2015)
Tucked into the Fallen universe, this short story collection expands on fan-favorite moments. It’s non-essential but delightful—like eavesdropping on angel gossip. Slot it after Unforgiven for maximum feels.
Why Read Lauren Kate? Because Love Stories Like Hers Don’t Come Often
Lauren Kate’s magic lies in making the impossible feel achingly real. Her heroines aren’t damsels; they’re fierce souls wrestling with curses, losses, and the kind of love that defies heaven and hell. With vivid settings—from misty Georgia graveyards to shimmering underwater realms—her books transport you while tugging at your heartstrings. Critics and readers alike praise her for blending swoony romance with profound questions: What if soulmates were your greatest curse? What if redemption meant falling all over again?
Over 10 million copies sold? A Hollywood adaptation? Translations in 30+ languages? The hype is earned. But don’t just take our word—dive in and let Luce, Eureka, and the gang remind you why we read: for those late-night “one more chapter” thrills.
Which Lauren Kate book calls to you first? Drop a comment below—Fallen diehards, what’s your favorite twist? Newbies, start with the series or a standalone? Grab your copy today and join the flock. Happy reading—may your love stories be as epic as hers.
Looking for more author guides? Check out our lists for Sarah J. Maas books in order or Holly Black’s Folk of the Air series next!
