Below is the complete list of Leigh Bardugo’s Grisha books in order. For this series, the chronological reading order is the same as the order of publication.
Publication Order of Grisha Books
About Grisha
The Grisha series, also known as the Shadow and Bone trilogy, is a young adult fantasy series by American author Leigh Bardugo. It consists of Shadow and Bone (2012), Siege and Storm (2013), and Ruin and Rising (2014). Set primarily in the fictional kingdom of Ravka, the trilogy introduces the Grishaverse, a world of political rivalries, dangerous magic, and ancient supernatural forces that Bardugo later expanded through several interconnected series.
The story begins with Shadow and Bone, which follows Alina Starkov, a young orphan serving as a mapmaker in Ravka’s First Army. Alongside her childhood friend Malyen Oretsev, known as Mal, Alina prepares to cross the Shadow Fold, a vast region of unnatural darkness that divides the kingdom.
The Fold is inhabited by terrifying creatures called volcra, making travel through it extraordinarily dangerous. During an attack, Alina unexpectedly reveals a rare magical ability: she can summon sunlight. This discovery identifies her as a Sun Summoner, someone whose power might finally destroy the Fold.
Alina is taken to the Little Palace, where she begins training among the Grisha, individuals capable of manipulating the physical world through a discipline known as the Small Science. Their abilities are organized into different orders, including Corporalki, Etherealki, and Materialki.
Her training brings her under the influence of the Darkling, the mysterious leader of Ravka’s Second Army. Charismatic and immensely powerful, he initially appears to offer Alina guidance and a sense of belonging. However, his ambitions gradually reveal a far more dangerous struggle over the future of Ravka.
Siege and Storm continues Alina’s journey as she attempts to escape the Darkling’s influence while confronting the responsibilities associated with her extraordinary abilities. The novel introduces the privateer Sturmhond, whose intelligence, humor, and political connections add a new dimension to the conflict.
As Ravka faces increasing instability, Alina must navigate competing loyalties and the temptation to acquire greater power. Her relationship with Mal also becomes more complicated as their circumstances change and the demands placed upon her grow.
In Ruin and Rising, the trilogy reaches its conclusion. Alina and her allies prepare for a final confrontation with the Darkling, while the search for powerful amplifiers becomes central to their hopes of saving Ravka. The novel resolves the principal conflict while examining the sacrifices required of those who become symbols of hope.
One of the trilogy’s distinguishing features is its Russian-inspired setting. Bardugo draws upon elements of Slavic culture, folklore, architecture, and history to create Ravka, a kingdom whose military traditions and political struggles contribute to the atmosphere of the narrative.
The Grisha magic system also plays an important role in the worldbuilding. Rather than treating magic as an entirely unrestricted supernatural force, Bardugo presents the Small Science as a specialized ability governed by particular disciplines and limitations.
Alina’s character development provides the emotional foundation of the trilogy. Initially uncertain of her identity and place in the world, she gradually becomes a figure of immense political and religious significance. Her experiences explore the difference between personal desires and the expectations imposed upon someone regarded as a potential savior.
The Darkling serves as both an antagonist and a representation of the dangers of unchecked power. His history and ambitions complicate the apparent division between heroism and villainy, particularly when his stated desire to protect Ravka conflicts with the methods he employs.
Friendship, love, ambition, and sacrifice remain central themes throughout the books. Alina’s relationships with Mal, the Darkling, and her fellow Grisha influence her choices as she struggles to determine what kind of future she wants.
The recommended reading order is Shadow and Bone, followed by Siege and Storm and Ruin and Rising. The three novels form a continuous narrative, and each installment builds directly upon the events of its predecessor.
The Grisha trilogy is followed chronologically by the Six of Crows duology, consisting of Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom, and the King of Scars duology, consisting of King of Scars and Rule of Wolves. Although these later books feature different central characters, they expand the political and magical history established in the original trilogy.
Through its combination of atmospheric worldbuilding, character-driven conflict, and a distinctive magical system, the Grisha series established Leigh Bardugo as a prominent voice in young adult fantasy and laid the foundation for the wider Grishaverse.