Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse is an expansive fantasy world that centers around the Grisha – people with magical abilities. The series takes place in the Russia-inspired lands of Ravka, where the Grisha serve the ruling class. The riveting adventure begins with the Shadow and Bone Trilogy, which follows orphan soldier Alina Starkov as she discovers she is a Grisha with a rare power over light. As she trains to help destroy the Shadow Fold plaguing Ravka, she gets entangled in political schemes and a love triangle.
Rife with gritty action, irresistible characters, inventive magic systems, and lavish world-building, the books in the Grishaverse transport readers to lands that feel simultaneously fantastical and realistically grounded. Leigh Bardugo weaves together heart-pounding adventures across multiple series set in this richly imagined original fantasy world.
See also: Robin Hobb’s Books in Order.
Books in Order
The Shadow and Bone Series
- Demon in the Wood (Prequel Novella) (2022)
- The Witch of Duva (Prequel Novella) (2012)
- Shadow and Bone (2012)
- The Tailor (2013)
- Siege and Storm (2013)
- Ruin and Rising (2014)
Six of Crows Series
King of Scars Duology
Other Books from The Grishaverse
Similar Authors
- “An Ember in the Ashes” by Sabaa Tahir – A gripping tale of survival and rebellion set in a richly imagined world.
- “The Cruel Prince” by Holly Black – A dark and enchanting story of faeries, politics, and forbidden romance. See Holly Black’s Cruel Prince Series in Order.
- “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins – A thrilling tale of survival and rebellion in a post-apocalyptic world where teenagers are forced to fight to the death in an annual televised event.
See also: Dark Fantasy Books with Romance.
Most Recommended Books
- Crooked Kingdom (Six of Crows, #2) (4.61 Goodreads score)
- Six of Crows (Six of Crows, #1) (4.50 Goodreads score)
- Rule of Wolves (King of Scars, #2) (4.37 Goodreads score)
- The Witch of Duva (The Shadow and Bone, #2) (4.07 Goodreads score)
Awards
Leigh Bardugo received the German Fantasy Awards’ Best International Novel for Six of Crows in 2018, the Inkpot Award in 2019, the Goodreads Choice Awards’ Best Fantasy for Ninth House in 2019, and the Goodreads Choice Awards’ Best Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction for Rule of Wolves in 2021.
Upcoming Releases
Book Summaries
Demon in the Wood
"Demon in the Wood" tells the story of Eryk, a lonely boy with a special power. Before he became the Darkling, Eryk was just a Grisha, but he is actually the most dangerous and rarest of his kind. Through beautiful illustrations and heartfelt emotions, this book delves into the Darkling's past and explores why he has always been feared and forced to hide his true abilities. However, even in this tale of how the villain came to be, dark secrets are bound to be uncovered.
The Witch of Duva
"The Witch of Duva" is a short story that takes place in the town of Duva. According to the local legend, the woods surrounding Duva have a dark secret - they devour young girls. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the real danger may be lurking much closer to home.
Shadow and Bone
"Shadow and Bone" is a story about Alina Starkov, a young soldier who embarks on a dangerous journey through the Shadow Fold, a dark and monster-infested land. Unexpectedly, Alina discovers she possesses a dormant magical power that could save her war-torn country. As she trains with the Grisha, a group of powerful magic users, Alina becomes entangled in a world of royalty and intrigue. With the guidance of the enigmatic Darkling, Alina must learn to control her untamed gift in order to defeat the Shadow Fold and protect her loved ones. However, as she delves into her past, Alina uncovers a dangerous secret that could jeopardize everything she holds dear.
The Tailor
This story follows the journey of a skilled tailor as he navigates through a world filled with adventure and mystery.
Siege and Storm
In "Siege and Storm" Alina Starkov, a soldier with special powers, is being hunted for her abilities. She and her companion, Mal, are trying to escape their enemies, but the Darkling is determined to use Alina's magic to take control of the kingdom. Alina seeks help from a notorious pirate and leads the Grisha army. However, as she learns more about her destiny, she becomes entangled in the Darkling's dangerous world of forbidden magic. To save her country, Alina must make a difficult choice between her power and her love. Sacrifice is necessary for victory, and only she can face the upcoming challenges.
Ruin and Rising
"Ruin and Rising" is a thrilling fantasy novel about a broken Sun Summoner, a disgraced tracker, and the remnants of a once-great magical army. Alina Starkov, the protagonist, is recovering from a battle with the Darkling, who now rules from his shadow throne. With the help of a long-lost ancient creature and the possibility of an outlaw prince's survival, Alina must protect her country from impending darkness. However, her quest to claim the power of a legendary firebird may lead to her downfall.
Six of Crows
In the book "Six of Crows" Kaz Brekker, a skilled criminal, is given the opportunity to participate in a dangerous heist that could make him incredibly wealthy. However, he can't do it alone. He assembles a team of six outcasts, including a vengeful convict, a talented sharpshooter, a runaway with a privileged background, a secretive spy, a magic user, and a gifted thief. Together, they must work together to complete the impossible heist and save the world from destruction, all while trying not to turn on each other.
Crooked Kingdom
In "Crooked Kingdom" readers are introduced to the world of the Grisha. The story follows Kaz Brekker and his group of outcasts who have just completed a daring heist. However, instead of receiving a reward, they find themselves in a fight for their lives. With limited resources and allies, the crew must navigate a dangerous world as powerful forces converge on their city. As old rivals and new enemies emerge, Kaz's cunning and the team's loyalty are put to the test.
King of Scars Duology : King of Scars
"King of Scars" follows Nikolai Lantsov, a young king with a mysterious past. As enemies gather at his borders, Nikolai must find a way to strengthen his country and stop a growing threat. However, he also struggles with a dark magic inside him that threatens to destroy everything he has worked for. With the help of a monk and a powerful Grisha, Nikolai embarks on a dangerous journey to confront his inner demons and save his country. But as secrets are revealed and wounds resurface, Nikolai realizes that some things cannot be hidden or easily healed.
Rule of Wolves
"Rule of Wolves" follows the story of Nikolai Lantsov, the young king of Fjerda. As his country faces the threat of invasion, Nikolai must use his cleverness and charm, and even tap into his inner monster, to win the fight. Meanwhile, Zoya Nazyalensky, who has suffered great losses in war, must embrace her powers to become the weapon her country needs. Nina Zenik, working undercover, risks everything to wage war on Fjerda from within. Together, these three must navigate the darkness and find a way to secure a future for their nation, or risk its downfall.
The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic
"The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic" is a collection of fairy tales set in the Grishaverse. Filled with themes of love, betrayal, revenge, and sacrifice, these fully-illustrated stories take readers on a journey to a world of dark bargains, haunted towns, and talking beasts. From deadly storms summoned by a mermaid's voice to a river that grants wishes at a terrible cost, these tales transport readers to a world of dangerous magic.
