Read Adam Silvera Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on March 23, 2026

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Adam Silvera is a name that has become synonymous with emotionally charged, thought-provoking young adult fiction. Known for crafting stories that explore love, identity, grief, and the often-unforgiving realities of life, Silvera’s novels resonate deeply with readers of all ages. His works stand out not just for their relatable characters and heartrending plots, but for their ability to spark reflection on the human experience, often leaving readers both heartbroken and hopeful.

For those new to his work-or even seasoned readers-questions often arise: Should you read his books in the order they were published? Is there a recommended sequence to fully appreciate the thematic depth of his storytelling? This guide aims to answer these questions, while providing insight into the books themselves, their reading order, and why Silvera’s works are a must-read in contemporary literature.

List Of Adam Silvera Books In Order

More On Adam Silvera Books In Chronological Order

1. More Happy Than Not (2015)

Okay, so *More Happy Than Not* was Adam Silvera’s big debut, and it hits you with all kinds of emotions. The story centers around Aaron Soto, a teenager in the Bronx who’s dealing with grief after the suicide of his father. He’s also struggling with his own identity, and on top of that, there’s this experimental procedure called the Leteo Institute that erases memories. If you love books that tackle tough themes like identity, mental health, and the pressure of feeling ’normal’, this one will punch you right in the gut-*in a good way*. Plus, it has an insane twist that you’ll never see coming.

2. History Is All You Left Me (2017)

Now, *History Is All You Left Me*? Whew. This book’s all about grief and love. It follows Griffin, a teen whose ex-boyfriend, Theo, has tragically passed away. Griffin’s struggling with the loss, the guilt, and his feelings of ’what if?’ The book is a mix of flashbacks (to their relationship) and Griffin’s current-day life, trying to make sense of Theo’s death and his own place in the world. You get this beautiful yet heart-wrenching portrayal of how messy love can be, and you’ll need a box of tissues because it’s emotional. Definitely one of those books that’ll make you think about the people you’ve lost in your own life.

3. They Both Die at the End (2017)

*They Both Die at the End* is literally in the title: you know from the start that the two protagonists, Mateo and Rufus, are going to die at the end of the day. But don’t be fooled; this is not a book that’s about the destination. It’s all about the journey. Mateo and Rufus get a call from ’Death-Cast,’ letting them know they have less than 24 hours to live. With that time, they make the most of it, trying to live a lifetime in a day. It’s this mix of adventure, heart, and deep life reflections-how would you spend your last day? It’ll leave you thinking about how short life can be and the importance of living fully.

4. Infinity Son (2020)

Alright, so if you’re into magic, fantasy, and sibling rivalry, *Infinity Son* is where Adam Silvera goes full throttle into the world of urban fantasy. The book is set in a world where certain people have magical abilities, and it follows two brothers, Emil and Brighton. Emil’s been obsessed with the idea of being a ’Specter’ (a magical being), and when things go terribly wrong, he’s thrown into this chaotic, super-powered battle for survival. It’s packed with action, tension, and, of course, Silvera’s signature emotional depth. It’s a bit of a change from his previous books, but if you love a good magical world, this one’s got you covered.

5. Infinity Reaper (2021)

Okay, so *Infinity Reaper* is the sequel to *Infinity Son*, and it takes everything from the first book and ramps it up. The magical battles? Bigger. The emotional stakes? Higher. This time, Emil has fully embraced his powers and is trying to figure out who he is, what side he’s on, and how he can fight for the greater good without losing himself in the process. If you thought *Infinity Son* was wild, just wait until you dive into this one. It continues the high-energy saga of magic, loyalty, and family, but it also dives into some pretty deep and dark themes of sacrifice and personal growth.

6. The First to Die at the End (2022)

If you loved *They Both Die at the End*, then *The First to Die at the End* is the perfect follow-up, even though it’s a prequel. You get to meet Death-Cast again and see how things work in their system before Mateo and Rufus’ story. It introduces two new characters, Orion and Valentino, who get the same terrifying phone call from Death-Cast, telling them they’ll die soon. Like in the previous book, it’s all about how you live when you know you’re going to die. But there’s something even more intense about the way the book explores death, hope, and fate-seriously, it will keep you turning the pages, feeling like you’re on the edge of something big.

Background On Adam Silvera Books

Adam Silvera burst onto the young adult literary scene with a unique voice that blends realism, fantasy elements, and profound emotional depth. His stories often tackle sensitive and complex topics such as mental health, identity struggles, mortality, and the bittersweet nature of love and friendship. He approaches these themes with authenticity, making his characters feel profoundly human and his stories resonant on a deeply personal level.

Silvera’s bibliography includes stand-alone novels as well as interconnected works. Some of his most notable books include:

• ’They Both Die at the End’ (2017) – A heartrending tale exploring mortality, fate, and living life to the fullest, following two boys who discover they have only one day left to live.
• ’More Happy Than Not’ (2015) – A moving story about memory, trauma, and self-discovery, examining the lengths people will go to reshape who they are.
• ’History Is All You Left Me’ (2017) – A raw exploration of grief, love, and the complexities of moving on after losing someone dear.
• ’Infinity Son’ series (2020-2022) – A superhero fantasy duology combining adventure, family dynamics, and questions of morality and power.

While each book can be appreciated individually, some of Silvera’s works are interconnected in subtle ways, particularly in his duologies, where characters, themes, or events cross over, enriching the reading experience for those who read in the recommended order.

Reading Order Explained

For many readers, understanding the best reading order for Adam Silvera’s works can enhance the emotional and narrative journey. Broadly, his works can be divided into stand-alone novels and series/duologies:

1. Stand-Alone Novels – These include More Happy Than Not, They Both Die at the End, and History Is All You Left Me. While independent, reading them in the order of publication allows readers to witness Silvera’s growth as a storyteller and see recurring thematic explorations evolve over time.

   Recommended Order For Stand-Alone Books (Publication Order)

   • More Happy Than Not (2015)
   • History Is All You Left Me (2017)
   • They Both Die at the End (2017)
   • What If It’s Us (2018, co-written with Becky Albertalli)

2. Series/Duologies – The Infinity Cycle (starting with Infinity Son) should be read in sequential order to avoid spoilers and to fully appreciate character development, plot progression, and the world-building that Silvera carefully constructs.

   Recommended Infinity Series Reading Order

   • Infinity Son (2020)
   • Infinity Reaper (2021)

Following the publication order is usually the safest bet for readers who want to experience the narrative and thematic growth as intended by the author, though stand-alone books can also be read in any order if one is looking for an emotional, self-contained journey.

What I Like About The Series?

Adam Silvera’s books stand out for a variety of reasons:

1. Emotional Authenticity – Few authors capture the raw intensity of adolescence, love, and grief as convincingly as Silvera. His characters’ emotions feel tangible; their heartbreak, confusion, and joy resonate long after the final page.
2. Complex Characters – Silvera crafts characters with depth, internal conflict, and a sense of realism that makes them relatable. They are not idealized heroes or villains-they are nuanced individuals navigating imperfect lives.
3. Exploration of Identity – LGBTQ+ themes, mental health, and self-discovery are central to many of Silvera’s stories. His narratives provide representation while also tackling universal questions of who we are and how we relate to others.
4. Beautifully Crafted Worlds – While some of his works are contemporary realism, the Infinity Son series introduces a rich, imaginative universe filled with magic, family legacies, and moral dilemmas, showcasing Silvera’s versatility as a writer.
5. Thought-Provoking Themes – Mortality, choice, and consequence are recurring motifs, prompting readers to reflect on their own lives and relationships.

Should You Read Adam Silvera Books In Order?

The short answer is: it depends on your goals as a reader.

• If you are reading stand-alone novels, the order is less critical because each book tells a complete story. However, reading in publication order can give you a sense of Silvera’s evolution as a writer and his increasing sophistication in handling complex themes.
• For series or duologies, such as the Infinity Son saga, reading in chronological order is highly recommended to avoid confusion, spoilers, or loss of narrative impact.

Ultimately, Silvera’s books are designed to be emotionally impactful, whether read individually or sequentially, but following the suggested reading order maximizes both enjoyment and thematic resonance.