Read Land Of Story Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on June 25, 2026

Note: This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases when you click on the link, but you are not charged extra.

The Land of Stories book series, crafted by author Chris Colfer, is a captivating blend of adventure, magic, and classic fairy tales with a modern twist. It has become a beloved franchise among readers of all ages, combining the charm of traditional storytelling with an imaginative, whimsical world full of vibrant characters, unexpected challenges, and timeless themes.

The series revolves around two siblings, Alex and Conner Bailey, who find themselves thrust into a magical world that exists parallel to their own-where all the fairy tales we know and love are alive and unfolding. As they navigate this enchanting realm, they encounter characters from classic stories, but also discover new adventures that take them to unexpected places. With its blend of humor, heart, and intrigue, the Land of Stories series has earned a place in the hearts of young readers and adults alike.

In this article, we will dive into the essence of The Land of Stories, explore the reading order, examine what makes the series so special, and ultimately answer the question: should you read the books in order?

List Of Land Of Story Books In Order

More On Land Of Story Books In Chronological Order

1. The Wishing Spell (2012)

This is the first book in *The Land of Stories* series, and trust me, it sets the stage for everything that comes next. Twins Alex and Conner Bailey find themselves sucked into a magical world after their grandmother gives them an enchanted book. What follows is an epic journey through fairy-tale lands where the twins need to find pieces of a powerful wishing spell. The adventures are wild, and let’s just say, fairy-tale creatures aren’t always as friendly as they seem!

2. The Enchantress Returns (2013)

If you thought the first book was wild, wait until you get into *The Enchantress Returns*. Here, Alex and Conner are back in the Land of Stories, facing a terrifying new villain, the Enchantress. She’s no ordinary bad guy-she’s been locked away for centuries and now she’s back, more dangerous than ever! The twins must navigate even more perilous adventures to stop her, and their quest involves trying to gather some powerful allies. It’s a thrill ride, no question.

3. A Grimm Warning (2014)

In the third book, things get even more intense! *A Grimm Warning* brings the twins face to face with the legendary Grimm brothers-yes, those Grimm brothers who wrote the fairy tales! Alex and Conner are tasked with uncovering a hidden secret that might just be the key to saving both their world and the Land of Stories. There’s betrayal, danger, and all sorts of twists, making it one of the more heart-pounding books in the series!

4. Beyond the Kingdoms (2015)

*Beyond the Kingdoms* is exactly what it sounds like-an adventure that takes our heroes far, far beyond the familiar fairy-tale land! Alex and Conner find themselves journeying through different storybook worlds, from the adventures of Peter Pan to the epic trials of King Arthur. Each world they visit presents a unique challenge, and the stakes are higher than ever. This book really pushes the boundaries of the world we’ve come to know.

5. An Author’s Odyssey (2016)

Hold on tight because *An Author’s Odyssey* takes a pretty wild turn. In this book, Conner discovers something truly mind-blowing: he’s written a book that comes to life! And what’s even crazier is that Alex and Conner must dive into the world of their own book to stop the villain who’s making everything fall apart. It’s like stepping into a story within a story, and the adventure gets super meta-definitely one of the most unique books in the series!

6. Worlds Collide (2017)

If you thought things couldn’t get crazier, *Worlds Collide* totally raises the stakes. The worlds of the fairy-tale realm and the real world are on the verge of merging, which would cause total chaos. Alex and Conner have to stop this from happening before everything is destroyed, and the plot twists keep coming. Allies become enemies, and enemies might just turn into allies-it’s a high-stakes race against time, and the ending will have you questioning everything!

7. The Land of Stories: The Ultimate Book Hug (2018)

Okay, so this one’s a little different-it’s a special companion book that ties everything together and gives you a deeper dive into the world of *The Land of Stories*. It’s packed with extra content, character backstories, and fun insights into the creation of the series. If you’re a die-hard fan, this is the perfect way to relive the magic and learn more about the characters and the world behind the books!

Background On Land Of Stories Books

The Land of Stories series began with the first book titled The Wishing Spell, published in 2012. Chris Colfer, perhaps best known for his role as Kurt Hummel on the hit TV series Glee, created a world where fairy tales are not just stories told by adults but living realities. This imaginative world-building lays the foundation for a series that spans six main books, with several supplementary tales and companion books that dive deeper into the lore of the Land of Stories universe.

At its core, The Land of Stories follows the journey of twins Alex and Conner Bailey. After a tragic family event, the siblings discover a magical book-The Land of Stories-which opens a portal to a fantastical world filled with legendary figures and characters straight out of folklore. As the twins navigate this enchanting yet perilous world, they realize that they must embark on a series of quests to protect not only the Land of Stories but also their own reality.

What makes the series stand out is the way it merges traditional fairy tales with new, original content. The characters the Bailey twins meet, such as Red Riding Hood, Goldilocks, the Big Bad Wolf, and even the Evil Queen, are reimagined in fresh, often unexpected ways. This blend of nostalgia and originality has captivated a wide audience, making the Land of Stories books a memorable and magical experience for readers.

Reading Order Explained

To get the most out of The Land of Stories series, understanding the reading order is essential. Chris Colfer wrote the books in a linear fashion, with each title building upon the events and developments of its predecessor. Reading them in the order they were published allows the reader to follow the Baileys’ evolving journey in the Land of Stories while gradually uncovering deeper layers of the plot.

1. The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell (2012)

   • The first book introduces Alex and Conner Bailey as they stumble into the magical world of the Land of Stories. They must collect several items, known as the Wishing Spell, to return home. Along the way, they encounter well-known fairy tale characters and learn that they have a bigger role to play in this world than they initially realized.

2. The Land of Stories: The Enchantress Returns (2013)

   • The sequel dives into the threat of the powerful Enchantress, who aims to take control of the Land of Stories. Alex and Conner find themselves once again at the heart of a grand adventure, facing new challenges and forging alliances with old fairy tale friends.

3. The Land of Stories: A Grimm Warning (2014)

   • The third book focuses on the Grimm Brothers’ legacy and the hidden magic within their tales. The Baileys must once again save the Land of Stories from an ancient threat while dealing with personal challenges back in their world.

4. The Land of Stories: Beyond the Kingdoms (2015)

   • In this installment, Alex and Conner travel through various fairy-tale worlds, each inspired by different stories and myths from around the globe. They face new dangers, as well as reuniting with old allies and enemies alike.

5. The Land of Stories: An Author’s Odyssey (2016)

   • In this book, Alex and Conner must confront a powerful villain, who happens to be a writer himself, aiming to alter the course of history in the Land of Stories. The twins must unravel the mysteries of the world’s origins and face one of their toughest battles yet.

6. The Land of Stories: Worlds Collide (2017)

   • The epic conclusion to the series, where all the plotlines converge. Alex and Conner must deal with the fallout of all their adventures, uniting their allies to fight against an unprecedented threat that could destroy both the Land of Stories and the real world.

There are also Land of Stories companion books, such as The Land of Stories: Queen Red Riding Hood’s Guide to Royalty and The Land of Stories: A Treasury of Classic Fairy Tales, which add depth and context to the series. These are not essential to the main storyline but offer fun side stories and expanded lore for fans to enjoy after finishing the primary six books.

What I Like About The Series?

One of the most striking aspects of The Land of Stories is its world-building. Chris Colfer has created an intricate, immersive world where the lines between familiar fairy tales and new adventures blur seamlessly. Readers can easily lose themselves in a place where every character has depth, every kingdom has a rich history, and every quest is filled with layers of meaning.

The books also shine because of their strong character development. Alex and Conner Bailey, while initially seeming like typical young protagonists, grow and evolve throughout the series. They face tremendous personal losses, make difficult choices, and learn the value of family, friendship, and courage. Their journey is a metaphor for growing up, making the series both magical and relatable.

Additionally, Colfer’s ability to reinvent well-known fairy tale characters in surprising ways is one of the series’ greatest strengths. Characters like the Big Bad Wolf, Cinderella, and Snow White are not just static icons of their fairy tales; instead, they are fleshed-out, multi-dimensional characters with their own motivations, flaws, and desires. The subversion of classic tropes makes for an engaging read that keeps both kids and adults on their toes.

Lastly, the series is filled with moments of humor, heart, and tension. Colfer weaves in witty dialogue and clever references, and his handling of themes like family, sacrifice, and bravery resonates on a deeper level. There’s an emotional weight to the series that makes it stand out in the genre of fantasy for younger readers.

Should You Read Land Of Stories Books In Order?

Yes, the Land of Stories books should be read in order. While each installment introduces new characters and challenges, the plot and character arcs evolve continuously throughout the series. Reading the books in sequence allows you to fully appreciate the growth of Alex and Conner, as well as the gradual unfolding of the larger narrative that ties all the books together.

The books are also full of intricate details, and many plot points or character developments in later books make more sense if you’ve followed the journey from the beginning. The themes, conflicts, and resolutions are layered, so reading out of order could potentially spoil major plot twists or diminish the emotional payoff of the characters’ arcs.

For example, Alex’s development into a powerful and confident young woman, as well as Conner’s transformation from a reluctant hero to a wise leader, is best experienced through the progression of the series. Their emotional journeys are integral to the larger story, and missing key moments could detract from the overall experience.