Finding the right sequence for elizabeth hunter books in order is honestly a bit of a puzzle. If you’ve just stumbled upon her work, you’re looking at a massive, sprawling multiverse that spans centuries, continents, and a whole lot of supernatural politics. She doesn't just write "vampire books." She writes historical-epic-romance-mysteries that happen to have vampires, angels, and shifters in them.
You’ve got the Elemental Universe, which is the big one. Then there are the Irin Chronicles, the Cambio Springs shifters, and her newer "Midlife" paranormal series. It's a lot. If you try to read by publication date alone, you’re going to be jumping back and forth between different centuries and different continents like a caffeinated time traveler.
Here is how you actually navigate this library without getting a headache.
The Elemental Universe Reading Order
This is the flagship. If you want the full experience, you start here. Most people find Elizabeth Hunter through the Elemental Mysteries. It's the story of Giovanni Vecchio (a very old, very grumpy, very rich vampire book dealer) and Beatrice De Novo (a grad student with a mysterious past).
Basically, the "main" story is a tetralogy. You read these four first:
- A Hidden Fire
- This Same Earth
- The Force of Wind
- A Fall of Water
Once you finish those, the world opens up into the Elemental World and Elemental Legacy series. These are mostly standalones or smaller arcs featuring characters you met in the first four books. For example, Building from Ashes follows Carwyn and Brigid. It's a fan favorite because Carwyn is basically a ginger ray of sunshine in a world of broody immortals.
The Newest Additions (2024-2026)
If you're caught up on the classics, you’re probably looking for the newer stuff. She’s been busy. The Firebird and the Wolf series is the current heavy hitter.
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- Blood Mosaic (2024)
- Crimson Oath (2025)
- Obsidian Empire (2026)
Then there's the Shadowlands series, which took off recently:
- First Light (2024)
- The Shadow Path (2025)
- Broken Veil (2025)
Why the Irin Chronicles are Different
Don’t confuse these with the vampires. The Irin Chronicles are about a race of scribes descended from angels. It’s got a much more mythological, "Dan Brown meets paranormal romance" vibe.
- The Scribe
- The Singer
- The Secret
After the initial trilogy, she released The Staff and the Blade, which is a prequel but honestly, you should read it after the first three. It hits harder that way. Then you’ve got the "expansion" books like The Silent, The Storm, and The Seeker.
The "Midlife" Magic: Glimmer Lake and Moonstone Cove
Lately, Hunter has leaned into the "Paranormal Women's Fiction" genre. Think: women in their 40s who suddenly realize they have powers while dealing with divorces and hot flashes. It’s refreshing.
Glimmer Lake Series:
- Suddenly Psychic
- Semi-Psychic Life
- Psychic Dreams
Moonstone Cove Series:
- Runaway Fate
- Fate Actually
- Fate Interrupted
These are technically separate from the Elemental Universe, so you can read them whenever you need a break from the high-stakes vampire wars.
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A Quick Cheat Sheet for Elizabeth Hunter Books in Order
If you just want a list to check off, here is the chronological flow of the major series releases through 2026.
The Elemental World & Covenant Sequence
- Saint’s Passage
- Martyr’s Promise
- Paladin’s Kiss
- Bishop’s Flight (2023)
- Tin God (2024)
The Cambio Springs Mysteries (Shifters)
- Long Ride Home
- Shifting Dreams
- Desert Bound
- Waking Hearts
- Stings and Arrows (2025)
Common Pitfalls for New Readers
One mistake people make is skipping the novellas. Hunter uses novellas like The Bronze Blade or Shadows and Gold to fill in massive chunks of backstory for characters who become huge players later. The Bronze Blade, for instance, is the origin story for Tenzin. If you don't know who Tenzin is yet, just know she’s a tiny, ancient, deadly vampire who loves hoodies and snacks. She’s the best character in the series. Period.
Another thing? The 7th and Main series. It’s contemporary romance. No magic. No fangs. Just humans falling in love in a small town. If you go into Ink or Grit expecting a fire-throwing priest, you’re going to be disappointed. They’re great books, but they’re "normal."
Making Sense of the 2026 Releases
The most recent buzz is all about Obsidian Empire. This concludes the Firebird and the Wolf trilogy. If you’ve been holding off on starting that series because you hate cliffhangers, now is the time to dive in. The 2025-2026 release cycle has been focused on wrapping up these newer branches of the Elemental Universe.
Actionable Next Steps
If you are a total beginner, download A Hidden Fire. It’s often free or very cheap on most ebook platforms. It's the "drug" that gets everyone hooked.
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If you’ve already read the main series and you're lost, look for the Elemental Universe Master List on Hunter's official site. She updates it every time a new book drops to show exactly where it fits in the timeline.
Finally, don't sleep on the audiobooks. Zachary Webber and Kai Kennicott do a lot of the narration, and they’ve basically become the "voices" of these characters for the hardcore fandom.
Next Steps:
- Start with A Hidden Fire if you want the "vampire and librarian" mystery.
- Choose The Scribe if you prefer angel mythology and international intrigue.
- Pick up Suddenly Psychic if you want a cozy, funny mystery with a relatable 40-something protagonist.