Read After Series Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

The "After" series, written by Anna Todd, has captured the hearts of millions around the globe, evolving from a simple fanfiction to a massive publishing and film phenomenon. What began as a digital story posted on Wattpad has since blossomed into a literary juggernaut, complete with sequels, prequels, and even a film adaptation. At its core, the After series is a tale of love, betrayal, personal growth, and complex relationships, all centered around two characters whose tumultuous romance takes them on an emotional rollercoaster. But is the series merely another YA romance, or does it offer something more? Let’s explore the world of After, its books, and what makes it stand out in the genre.

List Of After Series Books In Order

More On After Series Books In Chronological Order

1. After (2014)

The first book kicks off the intense love story between Tessa Young, a smart, kind, and somewhat sheltered college student, and Hardin Scott, the brooding, rebellious bad boy with a tragic past. What starts as a very typical ’opposites attract’ romance soon turns into something far more complicated, with secrets, lies, and personal demons threatening to pull them apart. This book sets the stage for a whirlwind romance that is messy, dramatic, and totally addictive.

2. After We Collided (2014)

The drama doesn’t stop in the second book. Tessa and Hardin’s relationship is put to the test as secrets from Hardin’s past emerge, and Tessa has to figure out whether she can trust him again. Things get more complicated as they both grow and face the consequences of their actions. This book is all about heartbreak, growth, and the struggle between holding on and letting go. It’s one wild ride!

3. After We Fell (2016)

By the third book, things get even more intense. Tessa is forced to make some life-changing decisions regarding her future, her family, and her love life. Meanwhile, Hardin’s trust issues and his insecurities create even more friction. This book deals a lot with the tension between what Tessa wants in her future versus what Hardin’s destructive past brings into their relationship. If you thought the drama couldn’t get worse, just wait-this one will really test your emotional limits.

4. After Ever Happy (2015)

In *After Ever Happy*, we finally get a bit of closure… or at least we hope so. Tessa and Hardin’s relationship hits its highest highs and lowest lows. They each try to rebuild their lives, navigating forgiveness, healing, and learning to love each other with all their imperfections. The emotional rollercoaster continues, with twists, betrayals, and moments of pure love that’ll make you cheer and cry at the same time. It’s the dramatic conclusion to their saga, but it leaves room for more.

5. Before (2015)

This one is a bit of a prequel, offering a deep dive into Hardin’s troubled mind. *Before* is told from his perspective, and it reveals a lot about what made him the way he is. It’s full of raw, vulnerable moments that show the softer, more tormented side of Hardin we don’t always get to see in the main series. If you want to understand Hardin better or if you’re just a sucker for his troubled past, this book adds more depth to the entire series.

6. Aftershock (2020)

This book is a little different from the main series because it’s more like a bonus follow-up. It picks up with Tessa and Hardin’s journey after everything that’s happened, taking a look at their relationship post-trials and tribulations. There are more personal challenges to overcome, but *Aftershock* also gives us a look at their stability (or lack of it) in a quieter, more reflective way. It’s a softer, but still gripping look at love in its aftermath.

Background On After Series Books

The After series centers around two primary characters: Tessa Young, a diligent, studious young woman with her life carefully planned, and Hardin Scott, a rebellious, brooding bad boy with a mysterious past. Tessa is thrust into Hardin’s world when she begins her college journey, and what follows is a volatile, intense romance that explores themes of love, trust, personal growth, and the complexities of navigating relationships.

The series is divided into five main books:

1. After (2014)
2. After We Collided (2014)
3. After We Fell (2014)
4. After Ever Happy (2015)
5. Before (2015) – A prequel to the series, shedding light on Hardin’s perspective and past.

The initial book, After, was inspired by Anna Todd’s fascination with One Direction, particularly a fan fiction she wrote about a character named "Harry Styles." The story quickly gained popularity on Wattpad, where it amassed millions of readers and ultimately caught the attention of publishers. What began as a simple online project was soon turned into a multi-million-dollar book deal, and the rest, as they say, is history.

In addition to the five core novels, Todd expanded the After universe with a novella, Before, which tells the story of Hardin and Tessa’s relationship from Hardin’s point of view. Through this, readers are provided with deeper insight into Hardin’s character and his emotional turmoil, which adds layers to his often misunderstood persona.

The books have become synonymous with the New Adult (NA) genre, which tends to focus on characters navigating the emotional and physical challenges of young adulthood. The After books, however, go beyond typical romance and drama, diving into darker themes such as emotional abuse, obsession, and personal redemption.

Reading Order Explained

For those new to the After series, it’s essential to know the proper reading order to get the most out of the experience. While the books can be read independently, following the correct sequence ensures that the story unfolds in the way Anna Todd intended.

The most straightforward reading order is as follows:

1. After
2. After We Collided
3. After We Fell
4. After Ever Happy
5. Before (the prequel)

It’s worth noting that Before is technically a prequel, and while it provides valuable context, especially for understanding Hardin’s emotional struggles and past, it can be read after finishing the core four books. However, reading Before after After Ever Happy might also make sense, as it serves as a reflective and often redemptive exploration of Hardin’s character.

Why Read In This Order?

The books are intended to follow Tessa and Hardin’s evolving relationship, and each installment builds upon the previous one, deepening the characters’ arcs. Reading them in sequence ensures that you grasp the developments in their story, both individually and as a couple. The plotlines flow chronologically, and there are pivotal moments that are much more impactful when you experience them in order.

While Before offers a compelling perspective on Hardin’s character and motivations, the main narrative is about Tessa’s growth and her tumultuous love affair with Hardin. So, while Before provides additional layers, it’s more about gaining context rather than essential plot development.

What I Like About The Series?

The After series has a raw, unfiltered quality that many readers find both compelling and deeply relatable. One of the most engaging aspects of the books is the way they tackle the complexities of love and relationships. While some may see Hardin’s behavior as toxic, the series delves deep into the psychology behind his actions, allowing readers to empathize with his struggles, flaws, and emotional baggage.

The series is unapologetically dramatic, brimming with twists, turns, and unpredictable character arcs. The relationship between Tessa and Hardin is anything but conventional-there are moments of profound emotional connection followed by gut-wrenching misunderstandings and betrayal. These ups and downs can be frustrating to read, but they also make the characters feel real and relatable. Tessa’s internal struggles, her battles with her own identity and independence, are often reflections of the challenges faced by many young people as they transition into adulthood.

Additionally, Anna Todd’s writing style is straightforward, accessible, and emotionally charged. She knows how to create tension and suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with each chapter. The books explore difficult subjects such as controlling behavior, self-worth, forgiveness, and personal growth. They don’t shy away from the darker side of relationships, offering a balanced portrayal of love’s complexities.

Another element I appreciate about the After series is its exploration of growth-not just for the characters, but for readers themselves. As Tessa grows emotionally, learns to set boundaries, and develops a sense of self, readers are invited to reflect on their own experiences with love, power dynamics, and independence.

Should You Read After Series Books In Order?

The short answer is yes. While the After books are often considered a guilty pleasure for their dramatic flair and steamy romance, they are also a nuanced exploration of emotional growth, relationships, and forgiveness. Reading them in order is essential to truly understand the progression of both Tessa and Hardin’s relationship.

Reading out of order could diminish the emotional impact of certain plot points, as each book builds upon the previous one. There are important character developments that are revealed gradually, and reading them in order ensures a more fulfilling experience.

Before, while a fascinating prequel, provides additional depth to Hardin’s character but isn’t essential to the main plot. Therefore, you can enjoy the core books without feeling the need to dive into the prequel unless you want a more complete picture of Hardin’s psyche.