The Lunar Chronicles book cover

The Lunar Chronicles in Order

The Lunar Chronicles series must be read in order, starting with Cinder, as the story follows a continuous narrative across the books. Linh Cinder, a cyborg mechanic in New Beijing, discovers she is the lost Lunar princess Selene and joins a rebellion against the tyrannical Queen Levana.

🔴 Must Read in Order · Start with Book 1

The Lunar Chronicles Books in Order

9 books total 4 main + 4 extra stories + 1 companion book
#
Title
Date
Rating
0.1
Feb 2015
0.5
Dec 2011
1
Jan 2012
1.5
Nov 2012
2
Feb 2013
3
Feb 2014
4
Nov 2015
Feb 2016

How to Read the Lunar Chronicles

🔴 Must Read in Order · Start with Book 1

Read in order—each book builds directly on the previous one.

The Lunar Chronicles series must be read in order. The story follows a continuous narrative across all books, with events and character arcs carrying directly from one book to the next as the rebellion grows. Reading out of order causes confusion and major spoilers because later books assume knowledge of earlier revelations, alliances, and character identities.

About the Lunar Chronicles

Series Premise

The Lunar Chronicles series reimagines classic fairy tales in a futuristic world where Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, and Winter fight to stop Queen Levana’s invasion of Earth. The books weave together the stories of these heroines as they unite against oppression.

Main Characters

Linh Cinder (Princess Selene) serves as the central protagonist and leader of the rebellion. She is joined by Scarlet, Cress, and Winter, each bringing unique skills and fairy-tale-inspired backstories to the fight against Queen Levana.

Setting

The series is set in a futuristic world with advanced technology, cyborgs, and the moon colony of Luna, where Earth and Lunar societies are in conflict.

Tone & Themes

The tone mixes action, romance, and clever twists on familiar tales. Central themes include identity and self-worth, resistance against tyranny, found family, and the power of unity.

Is This Series Worth Reading?

This series appeals to readers who enjoy fairy tale retellings, strong female protagonists, and epic science fiction with romance and rebellion.

Content Warnings and Heat Level

Contains moderate violence and romantic elements; suitable for young adult readers.

The Lunar Chronicles series tells one continuous story of rebellion and self-discovery across a futuristic fairy tale world. Its sequential structure is essential for following the full scope of the revolution and character journeys. The blend of familiar stories with fresh twists and strong heroines creates a beloved young adult series.

FAQ

How many books are in the Lunar Chronicles?

9 books total: 4 main + 4 extra stories + 1 companion book

When will the next book in the series be released?

No new book is currently scheduled. The latest book, Cinder’s Adventure: Get Me to the Wedding!, was published in March 2022.

When was the most recent book released?

Cinder’s Adventure: Get Me to the Wedding! was published in March 2022.

What was the first book in the series?

The first book in the series is Glitches, published in December 2011.

What genre is the Lunar Chronicles?

The series primarily falls into the Science Fiction Romance genre.

Do you need to read the Lunar Chronicles in order?

Yes, the series should be read in order. The books follow a continuous story, starting with Glitches.

What is the Lunar Chronicles about?

The Lunar Chronicles series reimagines classic fairy tales in a futuristic world where Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, and Winter fight to stop Queen Levana’s invasion of Earth. The books weave together the stories of these heroines as they unite against oppression.

Is the Lunar Chronicles finished?

The series does not currently have a new book scheduled.