If you’re a fan of heart-pounding dystopian worlds, high-stakes adventures, and unforgettable young adult (YA) characters, then Marie Lu’s books are an absolute must-add to your reading list. As a #1 New York Times bestselling author, Marie Lu has captivated millions with her gripping tales of rebellion, magic, and futuristic intrigue. From the explosive Legend trilogy that launched her career to her enchanting fantasy epics and even a DC Comics crossover, her stories blend action, romance, and social commentary in ways that keep readers turning pages late into the night.
But with multiple series, graphic novel adaptations, and standalone novels, keeping track of Marie Lu books in order can feel overwhelming. That’s where this guide comes in! Whether you’re a longtime fan revisiting her works or a newcomer wondering where to start, we’ll break down her complete bibliography by publication order, highlight key series reading orders, and share why her books deserve a spot on your shelf. Let’s dive into the worlds of Marie Lu—spoiler-free, of course!
Who Is Marie Lu? A Quick Intro to the Author
Born in 1984 in Wuxi, China, Marie Lu (born Xiwei Lu) moved to the United States at age five, settling in Texas amid the echoes of the Tiananmen Square protests. Growing up between Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Houston, she immersed herself in stories to learn English, fueling her passion for writing. After studying political science and biology at the University of Southern California (USC), Lu dove into the video game industry, working as an artist at Disney Interactive Studios.
Her debut novel, Legend, exploded onto the scene in 2011, drawing comparisons to The Hunger Games for its dystopian flair and dynamic protagonists. Inspired by classics like Les Misérables, Lu crafts narratives that explore themes of inequality, identity, and resilience. Today, she lives in Los Angeles with her husband, son, and three dogs, continuing to blend her artistic background with storytelling. With over 50 books to her name (including adaptations), her influence spans YA sci-fi, fantasy, and beyond—proving she’s a powerhouse in modern literature.
Marie Lu Books in Order by Series
Below is a comprehensive table listing all of Marie Lu’s books, organized by series and in reading order, including novels, novellas, and graphic novel adaptations. The table also includes standalone novels and anthology contributions. Publication years are provided for clarity.
| Series/Standalone | Title | Publication Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legend Series | Legend | 2011 | Book 1 |
| Prodigy | 2013 | Book 2 | |
| Champion | 2013 | Book 3 | |
| Legend: The Graphic Novel | 2017 | Adaptation of Book 1 | |
| Prodigy: The Graphic Novel | 2019 | Adaptation of Book 2 | |
| Champion: The Graphic Novel | 2022 | Adaptation of Book 3 | |
| Rebel | 2022 | Novella, set 10 years after Champion | |
| The Young Elites Series | The Young Elites | 2014 | Book 1 |
| The Rose Society | 2015 | Book 2 | |
| The Midnight Star | 2017 | Book 3 | |
| Warcross Series | Warcross | 2017 | Book 1 |
| Wildcard | 2018 | Book 2 | |
| Skyhunter Duology | Skyhunter | 2020 | Book 1 |
| Steelstriker | 2021 | Book 2 | |
| Standalone Novels | Batman: Nightwalker | 2018 | Part of DC Icons series |
| The Kingdom of Back | 2020 | Historical fantasy | |
| Stars and Smoke | 2023 | Sci-fi romance | |
| Red City | 2025 | Adult contemporary fantasy | |
| Anthology Contributions | Hope Nation | 2018 | Editor and contributor, essay collection |
Notes:
- The table prioritizes series reading order, with standalones and anthology contributions listed separately.
- Graphic novels are adaptations of the Legend series novels and can be read alongside or independently.
- Red City (2025) is upcoming, so confirm its release date before purchasing.
This table provides a clear, SEO-friendly reference for fans and new readers to navigate Marie Lu’s bibliography. For detailed descriptions of each book, refer to other guides or official retailers like Amazon.
Marie Lu Books in Publication Order: The Complete List
To make it easy, here’s Marie Lu’s full list of books in the order they were published. This includes novels, graphic novels, short stories, and anthologies where she contributed. (Note: Some works are adaptations or collaborations, but we’ve focused on her primary titles.) We’ve grouped them loosely by series for clarity, but the dates reflect original releases.
Standalone Novels and Early Works
- The Kingdom of Back (2020) – A historical fantasy reimagining of Mozart’s early life through his sister Nannerl’s eyes, infused with magical realism.
- Batman: Nightwalker (2018) – Part of the DC Icons series, this thrilling YA take on Bruce Wayne teams him up with teen hacker Madeleine Wallace to uncover Gotham’s corruption.
- Stars and Smoke (2023) – A standalone sci-fi romance about a world-famous singer and a master thief forced into a high-stakes undercover mission.
- Skyhunter (2020) – The gripping start to a duology set in a war-torn world (more on this below).
- Steelstriker (2021) – The explosive conclusion to the Skyhunter duology.
- Red City (2025) – Her highly anticipated adult debut, a dark contemporary fantasy blending The Godfather vibes with magical warfare—perfect for fans of V.E. Schwab.
The Legend Series (Including Graphic Novels and Novellas)
- Legend (2011) – Book 1: In a dystopian Republic, prodigy June hunts legendary criminal Day, sparking an unlikely alliance.
- Prodigy (2013) – Book 2: June and Day navigate betrayal and rebellion in the heart of enemy territory.
- Champion (2013) – Book 3: As war looms, personal sacrifices test the limits of loyalty and love.
- Legend: The Graphic Novel (adapted by Marie Lu and F. K. Yousaf, 2017)
- Prodigy: The Graphic Novel (adapted by Marie Lu and F. K. Yousaf, 2019)
- Champion: The Graphic Novel (adapted by Marie Lu and F. K. Yousaf, 2022)
- Rebel (2022) – A novella set 10 years after Champion, catching up with June and Day in a changed world.
The Young Elites Series
- The Young Elites (2014) – Book 1: In a medieval-inspired world, Adelina discovers her dark powers amid a society that fears her kind.
- The Rose Society (2015) – Book 2: Adelina’s quest for vengeance leads her to build an army of outcasts.
- The Midnight Star (2017) – Book 3: As gods awaken, Adelina faces her ultimate destiny in an epic finale.
The Warcross Series
- Warcross (2017) – Book 1: Bounty hunter Emika Chen hacks into the world’s biggest virtual reality game, uncovering a conspiracy.
- Wildcard (2018) – Book 2: Emika dives deeper into a digital underworld, where reality and virtual worlds collide.
Other Contributions and Anthologies
- Hope Nation: YA Authors Share How Hope Heals, Lights Up Life, and Makes Change Possible (editor and contributor, 2018) – An inspiring collection of essays from YA stars.
- Various short stories in anthologies like The New Alchemists (2023) or contributions to GEEKOMANCY-related works, but these are minor compared to her novels.
This publication order helps you follow Lu’s evolution as a writer—from dystopian roots to lush fantasies and adult fiction. If you’re collecting, many are available in boxed sets, like the Legend Trilogy Boxed Set or The Warcross Box Set.
Best Marie Lu Series Reading Order: Dive Deeper into Her Worlds
While you can jump into most of Marie Lu’s books standalone, her series shine when read in sequence. Here’s the ideal order for her major trilogies and duologies, with quick hooks to get you excited (no spoilers!).
1. Legend Series Reading Order (4 Books + Graphic Adaptations)
Start here if you love fast-paced dystopias like Divergent or Maze Runner. This is Marie Lu’s breakout series, with over 3 million copies sold.
- Legend (2011)
- Prodigy (2013)
- Champion (2013)
- Rebel (2022)
The graphic novels follow the same order and are great for visual learners or re-reads. Why read it? Prodigies June and Day’s enemies-to-lovers arc is electric, packed with twists that question what it means to fight for freedom.
2. The Young Elites Series Reading Order (3 Books)
For fans of dark fantasy like Grishaverse or A Court of Thorns and Roses, this series flips the “chosen one” trope with anti-heroine Adelina.
- The Young Elites (2014)
- The Rose Society (2015)
- The Midnight Star (2017)
It’s a morally gray tale of power and prejudice—Adelina’s journey from survivor to conqueror will have you rooting for the “villain.”
3. Warcross Series Reading Order (2 Books)
Cyberpunk thriller lovers, this one’s for you. Think Ready Player One meets Neuromancer in a virtual reality game that changes everything.
- Warcross (2017)
- Wildcard (2018)
Emika’s hacker adventures blend high-tech action with identity themes, making it a binge-worthy duo.
4. Skyhunter Duology Reading Order (2 Books)
A post-apocalyptic military sci-fi with linguistic twists—ideal if you crave The 5th Wave-style survival stories.
- Skyhunter (2020)
- Steelstriker (2021)
Refugee Talin pilots mechs against invaders in a world without words, delivering non-stop adrenaline.
Pro tip: If you’re short on time, start with Legend—it’s her most accessible entry point and often recommended for newcomers.
Why Read Marie Lu Books? What Makes Her Stories So Addictive?
Marie Lu’s magic lies in her ability to create immersive worlds that feel real and relatable. Her diverse casts (drawing from her own immigrant experience) tackle big issues like inequality and mental health without preaching. Plus, her backgrounds in art and gaming shine through in vivid descriptions and innovative plots—think holographic battles or enchanted gems.
Critics and fans rave: Legend earned awards like the 2014 Iowa Teen Book Award, while Warcross hit bestseller lists instantly. Readers on Goodreads give her series averages of 4.1+ stars, praising the “page-turning” pacing and emotional depth. Whether you’re into sci-fi hacks, fantasy rebellions, or superhero origins, Lu delivers thrills with heart.
Where to Start with Marie Lu Books: Recommendations for Every Reader
- New to YA Dystopia? Begin with Legend—it’s action-packed and sets up her signature style.
- Fantasy Fan? Jump into The Young Elites for its lush, villain-led narrative.
- Tech-Savvy Thriller Seeker? Warcross is your gateway to virtual worlds.
- Want Something Shorter? Try Batman: Nightwalker for a quick, Bat-family adventure.
- Adult Fiction Curious? Hold out for Red City in 2025—it’s her bold step into mature themes.
No matter where you start, Marie Lu’s books in order will take you on journeys that linger long after the last page.
Final Thoughts: Time to Join the Legend
Marie Lu’s bibliography is a treasure trove for anyone craving smart, exciting reads that challenge and inspire. By following this books in order guide, you’ll never miss a beat in her ever-expanding universe. Grab Legend today, and let June and Day pull you into the Republic’s chaos—you won’t regret it!
What’s your favorite Marie Lu series? Drop a comment below, and if this guide helped, share it with fellow book lovers. Happy reading!
