Night Huntress Reading Order: How to Read Jeaniene Frost’s Vampire Series the Right Way
Confused about the Night Huntress reading order? Here’s the complete author-recommended order including novellas, outtakes, and the Cat vs Bones POV options, plus quick by-series lists.
Night Huntress Reading Order: Where to Start
If you’re ready to lose sleep, fall head over heels for vampires (again), and live inside one of the most iconic urban fantasy series of all time, you’re in the right place. The Night Huntress series by Jeaniene Frost is legendary for a reason, and not just because Bones redefined book boyfriend energy before BookTok was even a thing.
Whether you’re diving in for the first time or doing a full re-read (like I did, which I never do), this is your go-to guide for the complete Night Huntress reading order, including all the books, novellas, spin-offs, and all the interconnected stories in between. And yes, we recommend following this order and not skipping.
Want to read with us? If you want this to feel like an actual readalong (discussion, schedule, and people who get it), join us here.
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Why This Night Huntress Reading Order?
This is the reading order Jeaniene Frost herself recommends, which preserves the emotional arcs, character development, and crossover moments between the main series and companion books. If you want to truly experience every betrayal and steamy moment in the right place? Follow this list.
And trust me. Reading this series in the right order is like watching the extended edition of The Lord of the Rings, you’ll never go back.
Complete Night Huntress Books in Order
- Reckoning (novella – Bones POV prequel, not a romance)
- Halfway to the Grave (Night Huntress #1) (or The Other Half of the Grave for Bones’ POV)
- Happily Never After (novella)
- One Foot in the Grave (Night Huntress #2) (or Both Feet in the Grave for Bones’ POV)
- At Grave’s End (Night Huntress #3)
- Devil to Pay (novella)
- Destined for an Early Grave (Night Huntress #4)
- Outtakes from the Grave (anthology of alternate scenes/deleted content from the first 4 full length books)
- One for the Money (short Cat & Bones story)
- First Drop of Crimson (Night Huntress World #1 – Spade’s book)
- Eternal Kiss of Darkness (Night Huntress World #2 – Mencheres’ book)
- This Side of the Grave (Night Huntress #5)
- One Grave at a Time (Night Huntress #6)
- Home for the Holidays (novella – long Cat & Bones holiday special)
- Once Burned (Night Prince #1 – Vlad’s series, a personal fave)
- Twice Tempted (Night Prince #2)
- Up From the Grave (Night Huntress #7)
- Bound by Flames (Night Prince #3)
- Outtakes from the Grave (yes, again-extra scenes post-final books)
- Into the Fire (Night Prince #4)
- Shades of Wicked (Night Rebel #1 – Ian’s series)
- Wicked Bite (Night Rebel #2)
- Wicked All Night (Night Rebel #3)
- A Grave Girls’ Getaway (Cat & Bones novella reunion)
So grab your copy of Halfway to the Grave and let’s get to reading.
Want to Read Along With Us?
We’re running a Night Huntress readalong where you can join by email, read each book at your own pace, and get access to exclusive podcast discussions breaking down each installment. Basically, your personal vampire book club. Sign up right here.
A Personal Note From a Lifelong Fan
I don’t re-read books. Like, ever. But I’ve re-read this entire series, and not just once. That should tell you everything.
I love and adore every single character in this world. Every sharp-tongued heroine, every brooding immortal, every ride-or-die sidekick. And even though it’s been over a decade since I first read Vlad’s books? He’s still one of my top three book boyfriends of all time. There’s just something about his blend of ruthlessness and loyalty, fire magic and dry humor, that lives rent-free in my heart.
If you’re just starting this journey, I’m jealous. If you’re coming back for a re-read, welcome. Either way, you’re in for one hell of a ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should You Read the Bones POV Books First?
While The Other Half of the Grave and Both Feet in the Grave retell the original Night Huntress books from Bones’ point of view, they hit so much harder after you’ve read the full series. Think of them like the perfect encore… you already know the plot, but now you’re getting all the emotional undercurrents you missed the first time. You can read them early, but we highly recommend saving them as a re-read for later.
Do You Have to Read the Spin-Offs?
Technically? No. But should you? Absolutely. The Night Huntress World standalones (First Drop of Crimson and Eternal Kiss of Darkness) and the spin-off series (Night Prince and Night Rebel) are essential if you want the full experience. Characters criss-cross between stories, major emotional arcs play out across series, and let’s be honest… missing out on Vlad or Ian? That’s a tragedy. So while the core Cat & Bones arc can stand alone, the universe is infinitely better when you read it all together.
Can I Skip the Novellas?
You can… but some novellas include major character moments or emotional resolutions. If you’re emotionally invested (and you will be), don’t skip.
Which Spin-Off Series Is the Best?
This one’s personal, but Night Prince (Vlad’s series) is the one I’ll never shut up about. Night Rebel (Ian’s series) is a fan-favorite too, especially for longtime readers.
Final Thoughts on the Night Huntress Series
If you’re here mapping out your Night Huntress reading order, chances are you’re already hooked or about to be. This series has everything: iconic characters, unforgettable banter, deep emotional arcs, and just the right amount of stabby chaos. Whether it’s your first time or your fifth re-read, diving into the Night Huntress universe in order only makes it better.
And if you want to read with fellow fans and obsess over every little moment? Don’t forget to join the Night Huntress readalong, you’ll get podcast episodes for each book, sent right after you finish.
See you in Chapter One (or Chapter 32).
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