Look, if you’ve spent any time on BookTok or Bookstagram lately, you’ve probably seen the name Rina Kent. Her books are everywhere. They're dark, they’re intense, and honestly, they're a bit of a labyrinth. If you’re trying to figure out the legacy of gods order, you aren’t just looking at a single trilogy. You’re stepping into a massive, interconnected "multiverse" of characters where everyone is related, everyone has a grudge, and almost everyone is a little bit unhinged.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed. You see a cover with a moody guy in a suit or a crown, and suddenly you realize that his parents had a three-book series, his cousins have a duet, and his best friend is the villain in a different spin-off. It’s a lot.
The Legacy of Gods series is technically the "second generation" of the Royal Elite world. This means the protagonists are the children of the characters from Kent’s previous books. While you could just jump right in, most die-hard fans will tell you that’s a mistake. You’ll miss the subtle nods, the cameos, and the reason why certain families absolutely despise each other.
Where the Legacy of Gods Order Usually Starts
Most readers find their way here through God of Malice. It features Killian Carson, who is... well, he’s a lot. He’s the son of characters from a previous series, and his book sets the tone for the entire God series. If you want the most basic, linear experience, you follow the publication dates of this specific set.
But here’s the thing. Rina Kent writes in "circles."
The legacy of gods order isn't just 1, 2, 3. It’s actually a payoff for years of world-building. If you read God of Malice without knowing who the parents are, it still works as a dark romance, but you lose the weight of the legacy. You don't see the irony of a son repeating his father's mistakes. You don't feel the tension when an "uncle" walks into the room.
If you’re a completionist, the "true" order starts way back with the Royal Elite series. We’re talking about Aiden King and Elsa Steel. That’s the foundation. From there, it branches into the Lies & Truths duet, the Thorns duet, and several standalone novels. By the time you actually reach the Legacy of Gods books, you’ve basically lived through two decades of fictional drama.
Why Chronology Kinda Matters (But Also Doesn't)
Some people argue you should read chronologically. I disagree. Reading chronologically in this universe is like trying to solve a Rubik's cube while someone is throwing books at your head. It’s messy. Characters pop up in one book as toddlers and in the next as twenty-somethings, depending on which series you’ve picked up.
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The best way to handle the legacy of gods order is to focus on the "Generation Two" core list first if you're short on time. These books focus on the elite students at Royal Elite University (REU) and their chaotic lives.
- God of Malice (Killian & Glyndon)
- God of Pain (Creighton & Annika)
- God of Wrath (Jeremy & Cecily)
- God of Ruin (Landon & Mia)
- God of Fury (Eli & Nikolai)
- God of War (Eli & Ava)
Notice something? The titles all follow a pattern. It’s a branding thing. But more importantly, the relationships between these guys are what drive the plot. If you skip God of Pain, you might be confused about why certain alliances exist in God of Ruin.
The Trouble With Spoilers in the Legacy of Gods Order
Let’s be real: Rina Kent writes tropes that aren't for everyone. We’re talking high-intensity, dark themes, and "anti-hero" doesn't even begin to cover it. Because the books are so interconnected, reading the legacy of gods order out of sequence is a spoiler minefield.
If you read God of Fury (which is a massive fan favorite featuring Nikolai and Brandon), you are going to find out exactly who ended up with whom in the previous generation. You'll find out who survived, who went to prison, and who is currently running the underground.
If you care about the mystery of the "parents'" books—like the Deception trilogy—you really should read those first. Vow of Deception and its sequels lay the groundwork for the characters you meet in God of Wrath. Honestly, the Jeremy Volkov storyline in God of Wrath hits ten times harder if you know the absolute chaos his father, Adrian, caused in the previous series.
Breaking Down the "Generation One" Prequels
You don't have to read these, but you'll want to. Trust me.
The Royal Elite series (starting with Deviant King) is where it all began. It’s the "OG" crew. Then you have the Empire series, which focuses on the more "corporate" and "mafia" side of things.
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What makes the legacy of gods order so interesting is how Kent mirrors the parents in the children. You’ll see a character in God of Ruin do something, and if you’ve read the earlier books, you’ll realize, "Oh no, he’s exactly like his dad." It adds a layer of psychological depth that you just don't get if you treat these as standalones.
Is "God of Fury" the Best Starting Point?
I see this question a lot on Reddit. God of Fury is often cited as the best book in the series. It’s an MM (Male/Male) romance, and the chemistry is off the charts. People want to jump straight to it.
Can you? Sure.
Should you? Kinda... maybe not.
While Nikolai and Brandon’s story is somewhat self-contained in terms of their emotional arc, the external plot involves the whole "God" squad. If you haven't followed the legacy of gods order up to that point, you’re going to be introduced to a dozen different characters who all seem important, and you won't know why you should care about them. It dilutes the experience.
The Evolution of the Writing Style
It’s also worth noting how Kent’s style has changed. The early Royal Elite books are very "classic" dark high school romance. By the time you get to the legacy of gods order, the writing is more polished, the plots are more complex, and the "dark" elements are handled with a bit more nuance (though they are still very much dark).
If you start with the newest books and go backward, the older ones might feel a bit jarring. It’s better to grow with the author.
Practical Steps for Your Reading Journey
If you’re ready to dive in, don’t just buy everything at once. This is a commitment.
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1. Decide your level of commitment. If you just want the hits, start with God of Malice. If you want the full experience, go find a "Rina Kent Universe" reading map. There are several popular ones floating around on Pinterest and author fan groups that color-code the series by family.
2. Check the trigger warnings. Seriously. These aren't "sweet" romances. Rina Kent is known for being unapologetically dark. Every book in the legacy of gods order has a detailed list of warnings. Read them.
3. Use the "Family Tree" resources. Because there are so many characters with similar names or overlapping backstories, keep a family tree handy. It’s not cheating; it’s survival. By the time you get to the third generation (which is inevitably coming), you’ll be glad you kept track of who belongs to which empire.
4. Don't rush. The beauty of a massive interconnected world is the "aha!" moments. When a character from Empire of Desire shows up for two pages in God of War, it’s supposed to feel like a reward for your loyalty as a reader.
The legacy of gods order is more than just a list of books. It’s a massive, sprawling epic about power, trauma, and really complicated love. Whether you start at the very beginning with Aiden King or jump into the deep end with Killian Carson, just be prepared for a wild ride. Most people who start one book end up finishing all twenty-plus in the universe within a month. You’ve been warned.
To get the most out of your reading, start by identifying which trope you love most. If you hate a specific trope, check where that book falls in the order—you might be able to skim it, but skipping it entirely usually leaves a hole in the overarching plot of the "Gods" at REU. Keep a notebook or a digital tracker. It helps.
Essential Reading Sequence for Beginners
If you want the "Quick Start" version of the universe that leads directly into the current hype:
- The Royal Elite Series: Start here to meet the parents. It’s the "core" of the world.
- The Deception Trilogy: This introduces the Volkov family, who are massive players in the later books.
- The Legacy of Gods Series: Follow the numerical order from God of Malice through God of War.
By following this path, you ensure that every "cameo" feels earned and every plot twist actually lands. Enjoy the chaos. It's a lot, but for fans of dark romance, it's basically the gold standard for world-building right now.
Next Steps for Readers:
Check the official Rina Kent website for the most updated "Master Checklist." Authors often release bonus scenes or "bridge" novellas that aren't always numbered in the main series but provide crucial context for the legacy of gods order. If you've already started, join a reader group to discuss the theories—half the fun is guessing which "Generation Three" kid is going to cause the most trouble next.