BookPath

Witch & Wizard Reading Order.

Quick Answer

Start Witch & Wizard by James Patterson with "Witch & Wizard", then follow the publication sequence. This order preserves the intended narrative twists and world-building progression.

Wisty and Whit Allgood are persecuted for having magical abilities in a totalitarian society.

Reader's Guide

This series spans 5 main titles released between 2009 and 2014. For the best experience, we recommend following the Publication Order below to preserve key plot reveals.

Official Verdict

Short Answer:
Start with "Witch & Wizard"

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

Medium Debate

"The overwhelming recommendation for a first read of any lengthy or complex fantasy series is to follow Publication (Release) Order. This approach is favored because it allows the reader to witness the world and the author's writing style evolve in the way the author intended. However, for series composed of distinct, standalone character arcs or sub-series (like the Witches or Wizards books in Discworld, or T. Kingfisher's linked novels), the order between those sub-series is often flexible, but books within a specific arc must be read sequentially."

Key Reddit Advice

Follow Publication/Release Order for the initial read-through. If the series consists of highly standalone sub-series, prioritize reading the books internally in order (e.g., read the Saint of Steel novels in order, or Clockwork Boys > Swordheart > Saint of Steel) and use Publication Order to determine the sequence of sub-series.

?Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Witch & Wizard 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 Witch & Wizard. 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 "Witch & Wizard" 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 "Witch & Wizard" 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

Publication Reading Order5 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

Witch & Wizard

Pub: 2009

Your books, music, and art - BANNED You are holding an urgent and vital narrative that reveals the forbidden truth about these perilous times... This is the astonishing testimonial of Wisty and Whit Allgood, a sister and brother who were torn from their family in the middle of the night, slammed into prison, and accused of being a witch and wizard. They are not alone in their terrifying predicament. Thousands of young people have been kidnapped. Some have been accused; many others remain missing. Their fate is unknown, and the worst is feared - for the ruling regime will stop at nothing to suppress life and liberty, music and books, art and magic... and the pursuit of being a normal teenager. Most copies of this story have already been seized, shredded, or burned. Read this rare, surviving edition and pass it along with care - before it's too late.

2

The Gift

Pub: 2010

Plot details hidden until you finish "Witch & Wizard".

After escaping imprisonment by the totalitarian regime known as the New Order, siblings Wisty and Whit Allgood, who possess magical powers, establish themselves as leaders of the Resistance, a hidden community of teenagers like themselves, hunted by the state and determined to defy its ban on the arts, magic, and all other forms of creativity.

3

The Fire

Pub: 2011

Plot details hidden until you finish "The Gift".

AN INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER The scorching new thriller from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Girl on the Train.   “A Slow Fire Burning twists and turns like a great thriller should, but it's also deep, intelligent and intensely human.” – Lee Child “Only a clairvoyant could anticipate the book’s ending” – New York Times   With the same propulsion that captivated millions of readers worldwide in The Girl on the Train and Into the Water, Paula Hawkins unfurls a gripping, twisting story of deceit, murder, and revenge. When a young man is found gruesomely murdered in a London houseboat, it triggers questions about three women who knew him. Laura is the troubled one-night-stand last seen in the victim’s home. Carla is his grief-stricken aunt, already mourning the recent death of yet another family member. And Miriam is the nosy neighbor clearly keeping secrets from the police. Three women with separate connections to the victim. Three women who are – for different reasons – simmering with resentment. Who are, whether they know it or not, burning to right the wrongs done to them. When it comes to revenge, even good people might be capable of terrible deeds. How far might any one of them go to find peace? How long can secrets smolder before they explode into flame?   Look what you started.

4

The Kiss

Pub: 2013

Plot details hidden until you finish "The Fire".

"For the first time in their lives, Wisty and Whit Allgood find themselves at odds as Wisty is drawn to a mysterious and magical stranger named Heath"--

5

The Lost

Pub: 2014

Plot details hidden until you finish "The Kiss".

KIM'S LOST WORDS, My Found VoiceUnearthing the Silent Voices of the Past for Justice TodayIn the glittering world of fame and fortune, some stories remain untold, some voices silenced. Kimberly Antwinette Porter, a radiant beauty, a devoted mother, a woman of unwavering strength, lived a life that captivated millions. Yet, her untimely death left behind a legacy shrouded in whispers and unanswered questions.This is not just a biography; it's an excavation of truth, a testament to resilience, and a clarion call for justice.Peel back the layers of celebrity and step into the intimate world of a woman who dared to dream, to love, and to fight for what she believed in.Walk alongside Kim as she navigates the complexities of motherhood, the challenges of a high-profile relationship, and the relentless pressures faced by women of color in the spotlight.Feel the raw emotion of her loved ones as they grapple with the shock of her sudden passing and the lingering questions that demand answers."KIM'S LOST WORDS, My Found Voice" is a heart-wrenching yet empowering journey that will leave you breathless. It is a story of love, loss, and the enduring power of the human spirit.Within these pages, you will discover: The untold story of Kim Porter, a woman whose light shone brightly, but whose voice was tragically silenced. A searing indictment of a system that too often fails to protect the vulnerable, leaving families shattered and justice unserved. A passionate call to action, urging readers to break free from silence, challenge injustice, and amplify the voices of the marginalized. An inspiring testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the power of community, and the unwavering pursuit of truth. A message of hope and healing, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there is always the possibility of transformation and a brighter future.If you've ever felt silenced, marginalized, or forgotten, this book is for you.If you believe in the power of truth, the importance of justice, and the enduring legacy of love, this book is for you.If you're ready to join the chorus of voices demanding change, to break free from the shackles of silence, and to create a world where every voice matters, this book is for you."KIM'S LOST WORDS, My Found Voice" is not just a book; it is a movement. It is a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit and a call to action for a more just and compassionate world.Order your copy today and let Kim's story ignite a fire within you.

Prefer Listening?

Best if you commute

Get the professional narration of "Witch & Wizard" free with an Audible trial.

Try Audible →

Own the Physical Copy

Best value option

Add "Witch & Wizard" to your library. Curated links ensure you get the correct edition.

View on Amazon →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to skip books in the Witch & Wizard 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 Witch & Wizard?

The final answer for the best experience is to start with "Witch & Wizard" and proceed in publication order. This sequence preserves character developments and plot reveals exactly as James Patterson intended.

Can I read Witch & Wizard 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 Witch & Wizard 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.