V.E. Schwab, a #1 New York Times bestselling author, has captivated readers with her imaginative worlds, compelling characters, and genre-blending storytelling. Whether you’re a new fan or a longtime reader, navigating her extensive bibliography can be daunting. This SEO-friendly guide lists all V.E. Schwab books in order of publication, including her major series and standalone novels, to help you dive into her work seamlessly.
Who is V.E. Schwab?
Victoria (V.E.) Schwab is a prolific author known for her fantasy, young adult, and adult fiction novels. With a knack for creating intricate magical systems and morally complex characters, Schwab has built a loyal fanbase. Her works, such as The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and the Shades of Magic series, have gained critical acclaim and commercial success. This guide covers her books written under both V.E. Schwab and Victoria Schwab, organized by publication order and series.
V.E. Schwab Books in Publication Order
Below is a comprehensive list of V.E. Schwab’s books in order of publication, including both her adult and young adult works.
Early Works (as Victoria Schwab)
- The Near Witch (2011)
- Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
- Description: A haunting fairy tale about Lexi, who investigates mysterious disappearances in her village after a strange boy appears.
- Good for: Fans of atmospheric, folklore-inspired stories.
- The Archived (2013)
- Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
- Series: The Archived #1
- Description: Mackenzie Bishop, a Keeper, must prevent the dead from escaping the Archive, a library of human memories.
- Good for: Readers who love supernatural mysteries.
- The Unbound (2014)
- Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
- Series: The Archived #2
- Description: Mackenzie faces new challenges as the Archive’s secrets unravel and her nightmares blur with reality.
- Note: A third book was planned but remains unpublished.
- Vicious (2013)
- Genre: Adult Fantasy/Sci-Fi
- Series: Villains #1
- Description: A gripping tale of two college friends turned superpowered enemies, Victor and Eli, in a morally gray battle.
- Good for: Fans of antiheroes and dark superhero stories.
Mid-Career Works
- A Darker Shade of Magic (2015)
- Genre: Adult Fantasy
- Series: Shades of Magic #1
- Description: Kell, a rare magician, travels between four parallel Londons while smuggling magical artifacts, entangling with thief Delilah Bard.
- Good for: Lovers of epic fantasy and parallel worlds.
- A Gathering of Shadows (2016)
- Genre: Adult Fantasy
- Series: Shades of Magic #2
- Description: Kell and Lila face new dangers during a magical tournament in Red London.
- Good for: Readers craving action-packed sequels.
- A Conjuring of Light (2017)
- Genre: Adult Fantasy
- Series: Shades of Magic #3
- Description: The thrilling conclusion to the trilogy, where Kell and Lila fight to save their worlds from a magical threat.
- Good for: Fans seeking an epic series finale.
- This Savage Song (2016)
- Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
- Series: Monsters of Verity #1
- Description: In a city divided by monsters and violence, Kate and August, heirs to rival factions, form an unlikely alliance.
- Good for: Fans of dystopian YA with dark themes.
- Our Dark Duet (2017)
- Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
- Series: Monsters of Verity #2
- Description: The heart-pounding conclusion to the duology, with Kate and August facing a new monstrous threat.
- Good for: Readers who love intense, emotional finales.
- Vengeful (2018)
- Genre: Adult Fantasy/Sci-Fi
- Series: Villains #2
- Description: A sequel to Vicious, introducing new ExtraOrdinaries and escalating the conflict between Victor and Eli.
- Good for: Fans of morally complex superhero narratives.
Recent Works
- City of Ghosts (2018)
- Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
- Series: Cassidy Blake #1
- Description: Cassidy, who can see ghosts, travels to haunted Edinburgh with her ghost best friend.
- Good for: Younger readers or fans of spooky, light-hearted adventures.
- Tunnel of Bones (2019)
- Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
- Series: Cassidy Blake #2
- Description: Cassidy’s ghost-hunting adventures continue in the catacombs of Paris.
- Good for: Fans of creepy yet accessible stories.
- Bridge of Souls (2021)
- Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
- Series: Cassidy Blake #3
- Description: The trilogy concludes in New Orleans, where Cassidy faces her most dangerous supernatural challenge.
- Good for: Readers seeking a satisfying series end.
- The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue (2020)
- Genre: Adult Fantasy/Historical Fiction
- Description: A standalone novel about Addie, who makes a deal with a dark god to live forever but be forgotten by everyone she meets.
- Good for: Fans of lyrical, character-driven stories.
- Gallant (2022)
- Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
- Description: Olivia uncovers dark secrets at her family’s eerie estate, Gallant, in this standalone gothic tale.
- Good for: Readers who love haunting, atmospheric stories.
- First Kill (2022)
- Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
- Description: A prequel novella to the Netflix series First Kill, co-authored with other writers, focusing on vampire and hunter dynamics.
- Good for: Fans of the First Kill series.
- ExtraOrdinary (2021)
- Genre: Graphic Novel
- Series: Villains #0.5
- Description: A prequel graphic novel to the Villains series, exploring the origins of ExtraOrdinaries.
- Good for: Fans of the Villains series and graphic novels.
- The Threads of Power Series
- The Fragile Threads of Power (2023)
- Genre: Adult Fantasy
- Series: Threads of Power #1
- Description: A new trilogy set in the Shades of Magic world, following new and returning characters in a magic-rich universe.
- Good for: Fans of the original trilogy eager for more.
Reading Order by Series
For readers who prefer to tackle Schwab’s books by series, here’s a breakdown:
Shades of Magic Series (Adult Fantasy)
- A Darker Shade of Magic (2015)
- A Gathering of Shadows (2016)
- A Conjuring of Light (2017)
Threads of Power Series (Adult Fantasy)
- The Fragile Threads of Power (2023)
Villains Series (Adult Fantasy/Sci-Fi)
- Vicious (2013)
- Vengeful (2018)
- ExtraOrdinary (2021, Graphic Novel Prequel)
Monsters of Verity Series (Young Adult Fantasy)
- This Savage Song (2016)
- Our Dark Duet (2017)
The Archived Series (Young Adult Fantasy)
- The Archived (2013)
- The Unbound (2014)
Cassidy Blake Series (Middle Grade Fantasy)
- City of Ghosts (2018)
- Tunnel of Bones (2019)
- Bridge of Souls (2021)
Standalone Novels
- The Near Witch (2011)
- The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue (2020)
- Gallant (2022)
Where to Start with V.E. Schwab’s Books
If you’re new to V.E. Schwab, choosing where to begin depends on your preferences:
- For Adult Fantasy Fans: Start with A Darker Shade of Magic for its rich world-building and fast-paced plot.
- For Young Adult Readers: Try This Savage Song for a gritty, monster-filled dystopia.
- For Standalone Lovers: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is a beautifully written, standalone novel with wide appeal.
- For Middle Grade Readers: City of Ghosts offers a spooky yet accessible entry point.
Why Read V.E. Schwab’s Books?
Schwab’s novels are celebrated for their:
- Unique Magic Systems: From the parallel Londons in Shades of Magic to the superpowers in Villains.
- Complex Characters: Her protagonists, like Lila Bard and Addie LaRue, are flawed, relatable, and unforgettable.
- Genre-Blending: Schwab seamlessly mixes fantasy, sci-fi, historical fiction, and horror.
Where to Buy V.E. Schwab Books
You can find V.E. Schwab’s books at major retailers like:
- Amazon: Offers ebooks, paperbacks, and audiobooks.
- Barnes & Noble: Stocks physical copies and special editions.
- Bookshop.org: Supports independent bookstores.
- Local Libraries: Many carry her popular titles.
FAQs About V.E. Schwab Books
What is V.E. Schwab’s most popular book?
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is her most widely acclaimed standalone, while A Darker Shade of Magic is a fan-favorite series starter.
Does V.E. Schwab write under another name?
Yes, earlier works like The Near Witch and The Archived were published under Victoria Schwab.
Is there a recommended reading order?
For series, follow the publication order listed above. For a standalone experience, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is a great starting point.
Are V.E. Schwab’s books connected?
Most of her series are self-contained, but The Threads of Power is set in the same universe as Shades of Magic.
Conclusion
V.E. Schwab’s books offer something for every reader, from epic fantasy to chilling ghost stories. By following this guide, you can explore her works in publication order or by series, ensuring you don’t miss any of her magical storytelling. Start with a standalone like The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue or dive into the Shades of Magic series for an unforgettable reading journey.
