Below is the complete list of Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Dream-Hunter books in order. For this series, the chronological reading order is the same as the order of publication.
Publication Order of Dream-Hunter Books
- Fear the Darkness (2007)
Fear the Darkness was first published in 2007; within the Dream-Hunter series, it is listed as book #5. 
About Dream-Hunter
The Dream-Hunter series by Sherrilyn Kenyon explores one of the most unusual corners of her Dark-Hunter universe, where immortal guardians protect sleeping minds from supernatural predators. Blending Greek mythology, paranormal romance, psychological conflict, and dark fantasy, the novels introduce powerful beings whose existence is governed by an extraordinary contradiction: they can enter the dreams and emotions of others, yet many are forbidden from experiencing emotions themselves.
At the centre of this mythology are the Oneroi, supernatural beings descended from the gods of sleep, dreams, and nightmares. Also known as Dream-Hunters, they patrol the dream world, protecting humans, immortals, and other supernatural creatures from entities that exploit the vulnerability of sleeping minds.
Their principal enemies are the Skoti, dream beings who have become addicted to experiencing emotions through others. Rather than simply observing dreams, the Skoti manipulate them, creating terrifying experiences to intensify the feelings they consume. Their predatory behaviour can eventually drive victims into madness or death, making the Dream-Hunters essential guardians of a realm most people never realise exists.
The mythology becomes particularly compelling through the punishment imposed upon the Oneroi. Cursed by Zeus, many have been stripped of their emotional capacities, leaving them unable to experience ordinary feelings while awake. They can briefly encounter emotions within dreams, but this possibility also creates the temptation that leads some toward corruption. Kenyon uses this conflict to examine emotional deprivation, obsession, temptation, and the importance of human connection.
The Dream-Hunter (2007) introduces Arik, an immortal dream god who becomes fascinated with Dr. Megeara Kafieri, an archaeologist searching for evidence of Atlantis. Unlike other dream encounters, his connection with Geary develops into an overwhelming desire to experience life and love beyond the boundaries of his supernatural existence. His pursuit of humanity brings him into conflict with divine restrictions and dangerous mythological forces.
The novel also strengthens the connection between the Dream-Hunters and Kenyon’s wider supernatural mythology, particularly through Atlantis and the ancient gods whose actions continue to influence the modern world.
Upon the Midnight Clear (2007) follows Aidan O’Conner, a former celebrity who has withdrawn from society after suffering devastating betrayals. His isolation is interrupted by Leta, a goddess whose survival depends upon human emotions. Their relationship explores the destructive effects of bitterness and the possibility of rebuilding trust after profound disappointment.
In Dream Chaser (2008), the mythology takes a darker direction through Xypher, a supernatural warrior condemned to punishment in the underworld. His encounter with Simone Dubois, a medical examiner who can communicate with the dead, brings together supernatural danger, unconventional abilities, and questions of personal redemption.
Dream Warrior (2009) further explores the complex hierarchy of dream gods through Cratus, a powerful immortal whose punishment has left him embittered and isolated. His involvement with Delphine, an Oneroi warrior, highlights the consequences of divine cruelty and the struggle between obedience and compassion.
Later novels, including The Guardian (2011) and Shadow Fallen (2022), expand the supernatural conflicts beyond the original dream-world mythology. The stories incorporate additional realms, dangerous bargains, and characters whose responsibilities connect different branches of the Dark-Hunter universe.
Although each novel generally centres on a particular romantic relationship, the shared mythology provides continuity through recurring supernatural factions, divine rivalries, and characters whose histories influence events across multiple books. The emotional struggles of individual protagonists frequently mirror the larger conflicts surrounding freedom, punishment, and the abuse of immortal power.
The Dream-Hunter novels also overlap with the main Dark-Hunter and Were-Hunter storylines. Characters and events can therefore have significance beyond their immediate narratives, although the individual romances retain their own central conflicts.
What distinguishes the Dream-Hunter series is its imaginative treatment of dreams as both a vulnerable human experience and a supernatural battleground. Kenyon transforms the familiar experience of sleeping into a realm governed by powerful, often cruel immortals. Beneath the mythology and romantic suspense lies a persistent concern with emotional freedom: the ability to feel, to love, and to choose compassion even when ancient powers have made those choices dangerous.