Read V E Schwab Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!
By Kathy | Last Updated on May 20, 2026
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V. E. Schwab has established herself as one of the most dynamic voices in contemporary fantasy and science fiction, with an impressive body of work that has captivated readers worldwide. Known for her complex characters, intricate world-building, and masterful blending of genres, Schwab’s books span multiple series and standalone novels, each offering a unique and immersive experience. Whether delving into the realms of magic, alternate realities, or dystopian futures, Schwab has consistently delivered thought-provoking stories that leave a lasting impact.
This guide will explore the breadth of Schwab’s work, providing an overview of her most popular books, including the intricacies of her series, and addressing the question of whether reading her books in order matters. Whether you’re a newcomer to Schwab’s universe or someone looking to revisit her stories, this detailed exploration will help you navigate her diverse literary landscape.
Contents
List Of V E Schwab Books In Order
| The Near Witch (2011) | Details |
| Vicious (2013) | Details |
| Vengeful (2018) | Details |
| The Archived (2013) | Details |
| The Unbound (2014) | Details |
| A Darker Shade of Magic (2015) | Details |
| A Gathering of Shadows (2016) | Details |
| A Conjuring of Light (2017) | Details |
| The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue (2020) | Details |
| The Fragile Threads of Power (2023) | Details |
More On V E Schwab Books In Chronological Order
1. The Near Witch (2011)
This was Schwab’s debut novel, and it’s a beautifully atmospheric tale set in a small village called Near. The villagers believe in an ancient legend that a witch is responsible for the mysterious disappearances of children, and when a new girl named Lexi arrives, she starts to unravel secrets. It’s got a haunting, fairy-tale vibe and an eerie sense of foreboding-perfect for anyone who loves a dark, mystical atmosphere. It’s the kind of book that makes you feel like you’re walking through misty woods and hearing whispers in the wind.
2. Vicious (2013)
Vicious is Schwab’s take on the superhero genre, but with a gritty, morally gray twist. This one follows Victor Vale and Eli Ever, two college friends who discover they can gain extraordinary powers through near-death experiences. The catch? They become bitter enemies in the process. It’s a darker, more cerebral look at what happens when power corrupts, with sharp character arcs, thrilling tension, and all the anti-hero goodness you’d want from a novel about supervillains. It’s a great ride that doesn’t let up!
3. Vengeful (2018)
The sequel to Vicious, Vengeful picks up with Victor and Eli’s complicated rivalry at the heart of the story. But this time, we’re introduced to more characters who have their own powers and motives, adding layers to an already intense plot. Schwab keeps the stakes high and the tone tense, weaving in themes about identity, revenge, and power. If you loved Vicious, this is a must-read-it’s got all the same dark intrigue but ramps up the complexity and drama.
4. The Archived (2013)
This one takes us into the world of ’the Archive,’ where the dead are stored as ’Histories.’ Mackenzie, the main character, works as a ’Keeper’-someone who keeps these dead memories from escaping. The premise is fascinating, and Schwab’s storytelling is so immersive, you’ll feel like you’re walking through the Archive’s labyrinthine halls. It’s a haunting and atmospheric book with an intriguing mystery at its heart, exploring loss, memory, and the weight of the past.
5. The Unbound (2014)
The sequel to The Archived, this book continues Mackenzie’s journey in the mysterious world of the Archived. The stakes are higher, the secrets darker, and the action just as gripping as before. This time, Mackenzie faces even more dangers, not just from the Histories but from the very system that holds them. It’s a dark, suspenseful follow-up that deepens the world Schwab built, with twists that’ll keep you guessing.
6. A Darker Shade of Magic (2015)
Welcome to the world of parallel Londons-Red, Grey, White, and Black London, each with a different level of magic. Kell, the last Traveler (someone who can move between worlds), becomes tangled in a dangerous plot. This is where Schwab really started to hit her stride, mixing magic, adventure, and wit. The world-building is rich, the characters are complex, and there’s an intriguing sense of peril throughout. If you’ve ever wanted to visit magical alternate worlds, this series is the ultimate escape!
7. A Gathering of Shadows (2016)
The sequel to A Darker Shade of Magic picks up with more of Kell’s adventures, but this time the world of magic is expanding, and the stakes are growing higher. The tournament of magic is an exciting part of the story, and Schwab just nails the tension between the characters. It’s packed with action, emotional depth, and more of the compelling, magical world-building that made the first book so great. Plus, the characters you loved in the first book-like Lila-continue to grow and develop.
8. A Conjuring of Light (2017)
The final book in the Shades of Magic trilogy, A Conjuring of Light brings everything to a thrilling and emotional conclusion. All the build-up from the first two books pays off in spades as Kell, Lila, and their allies face off against a dark and powerful force threatening all of the Londons. Schwab delivers an epic, heart-pounding finale, full of twists and deep emotional moments. It’s a perfect end to a series that explores magic, family, and sacrifice.
9. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue (2020)
Addie LaRue is a story about love, time, and the consequences of making a deal with the devil. Addie, who makes a pact to live forever, but with the caveat that no one will remember her, struggles with her lonely existence over centuries. The story alternates between Addie’s past and present, with Schwab exploring themes of identity, freedom, and the impact we leave on the world. It’s one of Schwab’s most beautifully written works, deeply emotional, and with a premise that’s both haunting and captivating.
10. The Fragile Threads of Power (2023)
This is a new entry in the Shades of Magic world, and Schwab takes us back to the Londons with a new cast of characters, adding fresh layers to the world. The magic and politics of the different Londons are as complex as ever, and the intrigue is intense. If you’ve been longing for more from this universe, this book is everything you’ve been waiting for, with that signature Schwab style that mixes adventure, magic, and moral ambiguity.
Background On V E Schwab Books
V. E. Schwab, born Victoria Elizabeth Schwab, is an American author whose books often blur the lines between fantasy, horror, and speculative fiction. Her writing is marked by a distinctive mix of dark themes, rich world-building, and characters who grapple with questions of identity, morality, and power. Schwab’s work is also notable for its innovative settings: from cities that straddle alternate dimensions to the minds of tortured individuals caught between life and death. These themes of duality and the blurry lines between good and evil are recurring throughout her novels.
Schwab’s literary journey began in 2011 with her debut adult fantasy novel, The Near Witch, a dark fairy tale that introduces readers to her signature atmospheric writing. However, it was her later works, particularly Vicious (2013), A Darker Shade of Magic (2015), and The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue (2020), that solidified her reputation as a master of modern speculative fiction. Schwab’s ability to blend elements of magic, morality, and deep personal conflict has earned her a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim. Her versatility extends to both adult and young adult fiction, with standout series such as Shades of Magic and Villains offering readers a broad spectrum of stories, each deeply engaging in its own right.
Schwab’s books are often characterized by morally ambiguous characters, intricate plotting, and themes of self-discovery and transformation. She’s known for exploring the consequences of power-how it corrupts, empowers, and changes individuals, often in profound ways. Her writing is not just about fantasy worlds or supernatural elements; it’s about how these elements reflect our deepest fears, desires, and moral struggles.
Reading Order Explained
V. E. Schwab has written multiple series, each with its own continuity, characters, and world-building. While many of her books can be read as standalone novels, her series are often interconnected by themes, settings, or shared characters. Below, we’ll break down the order in which to read Schwab’s books to fully appreciate the depth and development of her stories.
Shades Of Magic Series
The Shades of Magic series is arguably Schwab’s most beloved work, set in a universe where parallel Londons exist, each with varying degrees of magic. The series consists of three books:
- A Darker Shade of Magic (2015)
- A Gathering of Shadows (2016)
- A Conjuring of Light (2017)
In this series, readers are introduced to Kell, one of the last Travelers-rare magicians who can move between the different Londons. The series is a mix of adventure, political intrigue, and character development, with Schwab’s signature world-building on full display. It’s recommended to read the books in this order, as each installment builds on the previous one, both in terms of plot and character growth.
Villains Series
The Villains series explores the darker side of heroism, focusing on the lives of antiheroes who gain extraordinary powers under morally dubious circumstances. This series is set in a gritty world where villains are just as compelling (if not more so) than the heroes. The two published books in this series are:
- Vicious (2013)
- Vengeful (2018)
Vicious introduces readers to Victor Vale and Eli Ever, two former friends turned rivals after discovering how to gain superpowers. The books explore themes of revenge, power, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. While each book can stand alone, reading them in order is essential for understanding the complex relationship between Victor and Eli, and the narrative arcs that unfold in Vengeful.
The Invisible Life Of Addie LaRue
This standalone novel, published in 2020, is one of Schwab’s most critically acclaimed works. The novel tells the story of Addie LaRue, a woman who makes a Faustian bargain with the devil in exchange for immortality, only to find herself forgotten by everyone she meets. The novel spans centuries and is a beautiful meditation on identity, memory, and the fleeting nature of time.
Given that Addie LaRue is a standalone novel, there’s no required reading order for this book. However, it shares many thematic elements with Schwab’s other works, particularly her exploration of personal transformation and the consequences of one’s choices.
The Near Witch
The Near Witch, Schwab’s debut novel, is a hauntingly atmospheric tale of witches, folklore, and a small town’s dark secrets. While it is not part of a series, it showcases many of the themes that would become central to her later works: the blurry line between good and evil, and the power of stories and myths. For those who are interested in Schwab’s early writing, The Near Witch is a must-read.
Other Standalone Works
Schwab has written a number of other standalone books, including This Savage Song (2016) and Our Dark Duet (2017), which are set in a world where monsters are created by violence and music plays a key role in the narrative. These books can be read in any order, though they form a duology with intertwined themes of power, choice, and the nature of evil.
What I Like About Schwab’s Books?
There’s a lot to love about V. E. Schwab’s writing. One of the most appealing aspects is her ability to craft morally complex characters. Schwab doesn’t just write heroes and villains-she writes people who exist in the gray areas in between. Take Victor Vale from Vicious or Kell from A Darker Shade of Magic: these are characters with flaws, desires, and ambitions that drive them to make questionable choices. Schwab’s nuanced exploration of these characters forces readers to reconsider traditional notions of good and evil.
Her world-building is another standout feature. Whether it’s the parallel Londons of Shades of Magic or the immortal cityscapes in Addie LaRue, Schwab creates worlds that are immersive and captivating. These settings aren’t mere backdrops-they feel alive, with their own histories, cultures, and tensions. Schwab’s attention to detail brings each environment to life, whether it’s the vibrant streets of Red London or the ominous shadows of the world Addie inhabits.
Finally, Schwab’s exploration of identity and transformation resonates deeply. Her characters often face existential questions about who they are, what they want, and what they’re willing to sacrifice. These themes are universal, making Schwab’s books feel deeply personal and relatable, even when the stories themselves are fantastical or supernatural.
Should You Read V E Schwab Books In Order?
The answer depends on what you’re looking to get out of her books. If you’re starting with Shades of Magic or Villains, reading the books in order is essential for understanding the ongoing character arcs and plot developments. Schwab’s world-building and character development often build upon previous installments, and skipping books may cause confusion.
However, if you’re more interested in a specific novel or series, you can jump into many of Schwab’s standalone works (like The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue) without needing to worry about reading them in order. Schwab’s books are designed to be approachable, and each story is self-contained to an extent, making it possible to enjoy them out of order without missing out on key details.