The five published novels
Start with The Bone Season, then read The Mime Order, The Song Rising, The Mask Falling, and The Dark Mirror. This is the numbered main-novel sequence; the series is still ongoing.
Original books and revised editions
The original publication years are 2013, 2015, 2017, 2021, and 2025. The featured US hardcovers for books one through four contain the Author's Preferred Text: the first appeared in 2023 and the next three in 2024. These are revised editions of the same novels, not additional entries in the reading order. Shannon directs new readers to the revised texts.
Where the novellas fit
The author's guide identifies The Pale Dreamer as a prequel that can be read at any point. The Dawn Chorus belongs between The Song Rising and The Mask Falling. Neither novella is counted as a main novel here; their individual edition records remain to be indexed.
Book six and series status
Seven main novels are planned. Bloomsbury lists The Moth Reborn, book six, for February 23, 2027 in the US. The UK listing gives February 25; these are market-specific dates, not interchangeable release dates. Checked August 31, 2026.
Reading order
The Bone Season
Main novel 1.
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The Mime Order
Main novel 2.
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The Song Rising
Main novel 3.
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The Mask Falling
Main novel 4.
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The Dark Mirror
Main novel 5.
Open index entry →The Bone Season
Series status and the next expected US release.
Open index entry →Samantha Shannon
Samantha Shannon's indexed books and series.
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