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Answer-first: The Queens of Renthia by Sarah Beth Durst is best read in publication order, beginning with The Queen of Blood (2016), followed by The Reluctant Queen (2017), and concluding with The Queen of Sorrow (2018). The standalone novella The Deepest Blue (2019) is set in the same world (Renthia) and can be enjoyed either after the trilogy or on its own for additional world‑building insight.
Publication Order
Here are the core novels of The Queens of Renthia series listed in the order they were published:
| # | Title | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Queen of Blood | 2016 |
| 2 | The Reluctant Queen | 2017 |
| 3 | The Queen of Sorrow | 2018 |
| – | The Deepest Blue (standalone novella) | 2019 |
- The Queen of Blood kicks off the trilogy with Daleina, a young woman who discovers she has the rare ability to control nature spirits in a world where these spirits are deadly to humans.
- The Reluctant Queen follows after Daleina becomes Queen, introducing new threats, political intrigue, and the character Naelin, a reluctant heir.
- The Queen of Sorrow wraps up the central arc, resolving the tensions between the queens, addressing the nature spirit uprising, and offering a dramatic conclusion to the trilogy.
- The Deepest Blue is not part of the main trilogy but takes place in Renthia’s world, offering readers more of its magic and lore from a different perspective.
Chronological Order
The main trilogy follows a straightforward linear timeline, so the chronological order matches the publication order. The standalone The Deepest Blue occurs after the trilogy in the timeline and is only loosely connected to the main plot.
Recommended Reading Order
Recommended reading order refers to the sequence that offers the best narrative experience and respects authorial intent.
Recommendation: Read the trilogy in publication order, then read The Deepest Blue afterward, unless you’re reading for standalone context, in which case you may place it at the end or separately.
Why this works best:
- Narrative continuity: The trilogy’s story arc—Daleina’s rise, her challenges, and the stakes among Queens—is structured to build across the three books.
- Spoiler-free progression: Reading in order avoids unintended reveals about character alliances, spirit lore, or political outcomes.
- Standalone flexibility: The Deepest Blue expands the world rather than advancing the trilogy’s plot, so reading it after the core story enhances but doesn’t disrupt flow.
- Fan and author consensus: The trilogy is consistently listed as three primary books, with The Deepest Blue categorized separately.
Complete Book Series List
Here’s everything related to The Queens of Renthia world, including standalone and companion works:
- The Queen of Blood (2016)
- The Reluctant Queen (2017)
- The Queen of Sorrow (2018)
- The Deepest Blue (2019) – standalone in the same universe
Upcoming / Latest Release
- The main Queens of Renthia trilogy concluded in 2018 with The Queen of Sorrow.
- Since then, no additional main series novels have been announced, confirming the trilogy is complete.
- The Deepest Blue (2019) remains the latest published work set in Renthia’s world.
FAQs
Here are frequently asked questions about The Queens of Renthia:
How many books are in the Queens of Renthia series?
There are three main books: The Queen of Blood, The Reluctant Queen, and The Queen of Sorrow. Additionally, there is one standalone novella, The Deepest Blue.
Is the series finished?
Yes. The trilogy is completed with the third novel released in 2018. The Deepest Blue (2019) is a related standalone and not part of the main trilogy.
What order should I read the books in?
Follow the publication order of the trilogy: The Queen of Blood, then The Reluctant Queen, then The Queen of Sorrow. The Deepest Blue can be read afterward for added depth.
Do I need to read The Deepest Blue?
No—it is optional. It doesn’t continue the trilogy’s main story arc but enriches the setting and perspective of Renthia.
What age group or reading level is this series aimed at?
The trilogy and standalone are aimed at adult epic fantasy readers, featuring themes of political intrigue, elemental magic, moral complexity, and world‑building.
Related Series Suggestions
If you enjoy The Queens of Renthia, you might also appreciate:
- The Green Bone Saga by Fonda Lee — for its blend of fantasy politics, power struggles, and rich world-building.
- The Dandelion Dynasty by Ken Liu — for its exploration of magic, empire, and nuanced leadership in an epic fantasy setting.
In summary, The Queens of Renthia trilogy offers a compelling arc rooted in elemental magic and political tension. Reading it in the publication order delivers the intended narrative impact, while exploring The Deepest Blue afterward gives added depth to the fantastical world of Renthia.