Rifts Books in Order
Complete reading order for the Rifts series.
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Title
Date
How to Read the Rifts series
Mostly Standalone
· Start Anywhere
Mostly standalone stories with recurring characters in a shared setting.
Readers do not need to follow the Rifts books in order to enjoy the series. Each novel tells a complete romance with its own central conflict and satisfying resolution. The continuity comes from the shared post-Rift world, recurring characters, and the ongoing relationships between the different supernatural communities rather than a single continuing storyline. Reading out of order may spoil earlier couples or reveal established friendships, but it does not make the individual stories difficult to follow.
About the Rifts series
Series Premise
The Rifts series is a paranormal romance series set after mysterious magical rifts have permanently changed the world. Humans now live alongside centaurs, dragons, fae, shapeshifters, and other supernatural races, creating new alliances and new conflicts. Each novel follows a different couple as they confront magical threats while building a lasting relationship.
Main Characters
Rather than following one protagonist throughout the series, each book introduces a new hero and heroine. The leads include members of various supernatural races, including centaurs, dragons, fae, and other magical beings, alongside human allies. Characters from earlier books frequently return in supporting roles, expanding the connections within the shared world.
Setting
The series takes place in a contemporary North America transformed by magical rifts that have brought mythological races into public life. Ordinary towns, ranches, and wilderness areas exist alongside magical communities, where different species must learn to coexist despite cultural differences and lingering distrust. This evolving world is one of the series' strongest connecting elements.
Tone & Themes
The Rifts series blends paranormal romance with fantasy adventure and action. Common themes include acceptance, trust, cooperation between different cultures, found family, and protecting loved ones during times of change. The stories balance romance with magical conflict and world-building.
Is This Series Worth Reading?
The Rifts series is a good choice for readers who enjoy paranormal romance with interconnected standalone couples and an evolving fantasy setting. It also appeals to fans of urban fantasy who prefer romance-driven stories featuring multiple supernatural races instead of a single type of magical creature.
Content Warnings and Heat Level
The books contain fantasy violence, magical combat, peril, and adult romantic relationships. Sexual content is moderately explicit, and there is occasional strong language consistent with adult paranormal romance.
Readers looking for the Rifts series order should start with Take the Reins for the best introduction to the post-Rift world and its recurring cast. Although each novel stands on its own, reading the books in order provides additional context for the returning characters and the expanding supernatural setting.
FAQ
How many books are in the Rifts series?
3 books
When will the next book in the series be released?
No new book is currently scheduled. The latest book, In Death's Shadow, was published in March 2017.
When was the most recent book released?
In Death's Shadow was published in March 2017.
What was the first book in the series?
The first book in the series is Take the Reins, published in December 2014.
What genre is the Rifts series?
The series primarily falls into the Fantasy Romance genre.
Do you need to read the Rifts series in order?
No, the books do not need to be read in order. Each story stands on its own, but recurring characters and the shared setting connect the series.
What is the Rifts series about?
The Rifts series is a paranormal romance series set after mysterious magical rifts have permanently changed the world. Humans now live alongside centaurs, dragons, fae, shapeshifters, and other supernatural races, creating new alliances and new conflicts. Each novel follows a different couple as they confront magical threats while building a lasting relationship.
Is the Rifts series finished?
The series does not currently have a new book scheduled.
Cover Art From the Rifts series
Browse covers from the Rifts series.
