Into Darkness
Reading Order.
Start Into Darkness by Navessa Allen with "LIGHTS OUT", then follow the publication sequence. This order preserves the intended narrative twists and world-building progression.
The complete reading order for the Into Darkness series by Navessa Allen. Below you'll find the authoritative guide on how to read the books in order, including publication dates and chronological timeline placements.
Short Answer:
Start with "LIGHTS OUT"
To experience the narrative as intended, read the main sequence in Publication Order.Ignore novellas and side stories until you finish the first 3 core novels. This resolves all timeline confusion and preserves every major twist.
Community Consensus
"The overwhelming consensus, particularly regarding the highly detailed Malazan reading order, is to start with the main chronological sequence (Gardens of the Moon) and proceed through the primary ten books in order of release. Prequel novels (like Forge of Darkness) and companion series (like the Esslemont novels) should be held off until the main series is completed, as they rely heavily on prior knowledge or contain spoilers. For Dragonlance, the core novels (Chronicles 1-3, Legends, Dragons of Summer Flame) are the required starting path."
Start with Gardens of the Moon (Book 1 of the Malazan Book of the Fallen). Follow the main sequence (1-10) before attempting prequels or tie-in novels. For maximum safety, read all 10 Erikson novels first, then the Esslemont books.
At a Glance
- First Book:LIGHTS OUT
- Latest Book:CAUGHT UP
- Timeline:2024 - 2025
?Why This Order Is Confusing
Many reading lists for Into Darkness conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.
Can I skip the short stories?
Technically yes, but we strongly advise against it for Into Darkness. The shorter volumes often establish the core character motivations and world-building that the main saga assumes you already know.
I watched the show/movie first — where should I start?
Ignore the screen adaptations' timeline. Start with "LIGHTS OUT" to see the original depth of the world. The books offer a significantly different (and usually more complete) experience than the on-screen versions.
Why do people disagree on the order?
Disagreement usually stems from the conflict between purely chronological order and publication order. Most long-term fans recommend publication order to preserve the emotional arc and mystery reveals.
Recommended Reading Order Strategy
The authoritative way to read the "Into Darkness" series is in Publication Order. Start with the first published book. It's the way the author intended the world to be revealed.This ensures you experience character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.
Complete Series Reading Order
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View on Amazon →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to skip books in the Into Darkness series?
We recommend ignoring novellas and short stories until you finish the core sequence. However, main sequence novels should never be skipped as they contain critical character development and plot progression.
What is the best order to read Into Darkness?
The final answer for the best experience is to start with "LIGHTS OUT" and proceed in publication order. This sequence preserves character developments and plot reveals exactly as Navessa Allen intended.
Can I read Into Darkness books in any order?
No. The main narrative is strictly sequential. Skipping volumes or reading out of order will lead to significant plot spoilers and confusion regarding character arcs.
Are there spin-offs or companion books?
Yes, the Into Darkness universe includes several companion works. These are marked as 'Optional' in our guide and can be read at any time without disrupting the main storyline.