Red Queen Books in Order

This reading order guide provides the complete list of Red Queen books in order, from the very first to the latest, so you won’t miss anything! It includes both publication and chronological order.

About the Red Queen Series

The Red Queen series, written by American author Victoria Aveyard, is a thrilling young adult fantasy saga that mixes royalty, rebellion, and romance in a world where power is divided by the color of your blood. It all started in 2015, when the first book, Red Queen, hit the shelves and quickly captured readers’ hearts around the world. Since then, the series has grown into a global phenomenon, translated into more than 37 languages, and featured on both the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists.

At the heart of the story is Mare Barrow, a fiery and determined 17-year-old girl from a poverty-stricken Red village. In Mare’s world, society is split into Reds and Silvers. Reds are ordinary people, forced to serve the elite Silvers—who not only rule but also possess supernatural powers, like controlling fire, water, or even minds. Mare believes she’s just another powerless Red—until a shocking twist reveals she has a power of her own, something no one thought possible. This discovery doesn’t just change her life, it shakes the very foundation of the kingdom.

Victoria Aveyard, who studied screenwriting at the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts, draws inspiration from historical events and mythological themes. You can feel the influence of epic storytellers like George R. R. Martin and J. R. R. Tolkien in her work—especially in the way she blends fantasy with raw emotion and complex political conflict. Her writing is vivid and cinematic, making every chapter feel like a scene from a film.

But the Red Queen series is more than just action and power struggles. It dives deep into themes like betrayal, identity, and what it truly means to fight for justice. Mare’s journey is full of hard choices, painful losses, and personal growth. She starts off just trying to survive, but as the series unfolds, she becomes the symbol of a growing rebellion—a girl who dares to challenge a world that has always told her she was nothing.

In the second book, Glass Sword, Mare is no longer a hidden secret—she’s a weapon the Silvers want to control and a hope the Reds need to believe in. She begins the dangerous task of searching for others like her, people with both Red blood and Silver abilities. These “newbloods,” as they’re called, could be the key to toppling the Silver throne. But freedom comes at a cost. As Mare gathers her army, she must also confront the darkness growing inside her. The fight for justice begins to take a toll, testing her strength, her trust in others, and even her own humanity.

By the time we reach the third book, King’s Cage, Mare has fallen into the hands of her enemy—King Maven, a boy she once trusted, now twisted by betrayal and obsession. Powerless and imprisoned, Mare is forced to watch the world burn from the inside of a golden cage. The rebellion continues without her, and allies must step up to lead the cause. Meanwhile, Mare is trapped not just by walls and guards, but by her own fears and painful memories. It’s a gripping exploration of trauma and endurance, where even the smallest spark of hope can become a weapon.

What makes the Red Queen series stand out is how it refuses to offer easy answers. There are no perfect heroes or villains—just people trying to survive in a broken world. Love and war constantly collide. Loyalty is tested again and again. And through it all, Mare’s voice remains strong and real. She’s flawed, she’s fierce, and she never gives up—even when it seems like everything is falling apart.

Victoria Aveyard has crafted a world that feels both fantastical and familiar, one where magic and monarchy mix with rebellion and heartbreak. Whether you’re drawn in by the suspenseful plot, the explosive battles, or the emotional character arcs, Red Queen has something for every reader who loves fast-paced fantasy with heart.

If you’re just starting the series, prepare for a wild ride. And if you’ve already read it, you know—once you enter Mare Barrow’s world, it’s nearly impossible to leave.