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Wicked Games Reading Order.

Expert Guideby Kaylie Smith
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Quick Answer

Start Wicked Games by Kaylie Smith with "Phantasma", then follow the publication sequence. This order preserves the intended narrative twists and world-building progression.

The complete reading order for the Wicked Games series by Kaylie Smith. Below you'll find the authoritative guide on how to read the books in order, including publication dates and chronological timeline placements.

Official Verdict

Short Answer:
Start with "Phantasma"

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.

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Community Consensus

Medium Debate

"The series "Wicked Games" is not mentioned in this set of comments, making it impossible to determine a recommended reading order. The discussions focus instead on the Isekai genre (with Re:Zero receiving high praise and Realist Hero strong criticism), upcoming releases in SFF (including Thomas Pynchon's Shadow Ticket and Max Gladstone's Dead Hand Rule), and general author Q&A."

Key Reddit Advice

No specific reading order for 'Wicked Games' is available. Based on the series that *are* mentioned (like The Craft Wars or Tear Down Heaven), sequential reading is implied, as the newest books referenced are Volume 3 and Volume 4, respectively.

?Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Wicked Games 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 Wicked Games. 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 "Phantasma" 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.

Curator's Strategy

Recommended Reading Order Strategy

The authoritative way to read the "Wicked Games" 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.

Start with "Phantasma"Explore all by Kaylie Smith

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Reading Order2 Titles

Why Publication Order?We recommend reading in Publication Order (default). This follows the author's release schedule, ensuring you experience plot twists, character growth, and world-building exactly as intended without spoilers.
Best Start Here
1

Phantasma

Pub: 2025★ 4.05

LIMITED PRINT EDITION―this gorgeous deluxe hardcover of Kaylie Smith's bestselling gothic romantasy includes a seductive new cover, two-colored stenciled edges, a stamped foil case, and designed endpapers. Available for a limited time and while supplies last. THE BOOKTOK SENSATION AND COMPANION TO #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER ENCHANTRA! Welcome to Phantasma. There are only two rules to the game: Stay alive. And don't fall in love. When Ophelia's sister disappears, there is only one way to save her. Ophelia must enter Phantasma, a deadly contest inside a haunted mansion, and claim its prize--a single wish. Phantasma is a maze of twisting corridors and lavish ballrooms, of demons and temptations. Ophelia will face nine challenges, each more dangerous than the last. There can only be one winner, and the other contestants will stop at nothing to eliminate their rivals. Every day the house creates new monsters. But just as Ophelia's fears threaten to overwhelm her, a mysterious stranger offers her a bargain. Charming, arrogant and infuriatingly attractive, Blackwell claims he can guide her through the lethal trials ahead. All he asks in return is ten years of her life. Ophelia knows she shouldn't trust him. Blackwell doesn't seem dangerous, but appearances can be deceptive. Worse still, she feels a dark and irresistible attraction drawing them closer and closer. Her life is on the line. But in Phantasma, the only thing deadlier than losing the game is losing your heart . . . Check out the deluxe hardcover of Enchantra, publishing simultaneously in December 2025!

2

Enchantra

Pub: 2026★ 4.31

Plot details hidden until you finish "Phantasma".

The second book in the Wicked Games series. Genevieve Grimm goes to a cursed palace and gets caught up in a deadly game.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to skip books in the Wicked Games 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 Wicked Games?

The final answer for the best experience is to start with "Phantasma" and proceed in publication order. This sequence preserves character developments and plot reveals exactly as Kaylie Smith intended.

Can I read Wicked Games 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 Wicked Games 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.