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Sorrowsong University Reading Order.

Expert Guideby Autumn Woods
1 Entries
Ongoing
Quick Answer

Start Sorrowsong University by Autumn Woods with "Nightshade", then follow the publication sequence. This order preserves the intended narrative twists and world-building progression.

The complete reading order for the Sorrowsong University series by Autumn Woods. Below you'll find the authoritative guide on how to read the books in order, including publication dates and chronological timeline placements.

Official Verdict

Short Answer:
Start with "Nightshade"

To experience the narrative as intended, read the main sequence in Publication Order.Ignore novellas and side stories until you finish the first 3 core novels. This resolves all timeline confusion and preserves every major twist.

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Community Consensus

Medium Debate

"The comments do not mention "Sorrowsong University" directly, but they extensively discuss the reading order for vast, interconnected fantasy universes (like the Cosmere). The strongest advice suggests that these universes are generally structured so that books are accessible and 'you can start anywhere.' However, there is a counter-argument that relying on this flexibility means missing key lore, character context, or 'Easter eggs,' necessitating a more sequential or targeted reading order to get 'everything.'"

Key Reddit Advice

Start with the entry that looks most appealing, as the system is designed so 'you can start anywhere.' If deep lore or crossover details are important, be prepared to consult fan guides or read adjacent works later, as complex lore is often intertwined (e.g., the Warbreaker/Oathbringer connection is cited as an example of required supplemental reading).

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Sorrowsong University conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Can I skip the short stories?

Technically yes, but we strongly advise against it for Sorrowsong University. The shorter volumes often establish the core character motivations and world-building that the main saga assumes you already know.

I watched the show/movie first — where should I start?

Ignore the screen adaptations' timeline. Start with "Nightshade" to see the original depth of the world. The books offer a significantly different (and usually more complete) experience than the on-screen versions.

Why do people disagree on the order?

Disagreement usually stems from the conflict between purely chronological order and publication order. Most long-term fans recommend publication order to preserve the emotional arc and mystery reveals.

Curator's Strategy

Recommended Reading Order Strategy

The authoritative way to read the "Sorrowsong University" series is in Publication Order. Start with the first published book. It's the way the author intended the world to be revealed.This ensures you experience character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Start with "Nightshade"Explore all by Autumn Woods

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended. Compare →

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for fans. Compare →

Publication Reading Order1 Titles

Why Publication Order?We recommend reading in Publication Order (default). This follows the author's release schedule, ensuring you experience plot twists, character growth, and world-building exactly as intended without spoilers.
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1

Nightshade

Pub: 2017★ 4.1

This nail-biting series from USA Today Best Selling author AJ Scudiere will have you on the edge of your seat. The NightShade series walks the edge between crime fiction and thrillers, so be prepared to stay up all night.As Agents Heath and Eames uncover the truth, a decades old scandal comes to light. Even now, some are willing to kill to keep their secrets hidden.Eleri wanted a different kind of case. She should have been careful what she wished for. When an odd human skeleton in Michigan’s Manistee-Huron National Forest triggers a NightShade investigation, Eleri and Donovan arrive to find it missing.But two other skeletons are a little too easily uncovered—each displays different anomalies that raise alarming questions. The bones aren’t from the area or probably even the continent. A decades-old abandoned building doesn’t register on satellite images. Files detailing genetic experiments on children are even more disturbing, and most of the children are unaccounted for. Who were the test subjects and where are the bodies?Eleri and Donovan believe there are others out there who haven’t died yet. But they will, if something isn’t done. Fast. If the case itself wasn’t enough of a problem, someone is watching. Someone with a particular interest in Donovan’s own skeletal anomalies . . .The Atlas Defect is the third book in the NightShade Forensic FBI Files series by USA Today bestselling author A.J. Scudiere. This book can be read as a standalone, but readers who love paranormal investigations and FBI thrillers will want to read the entire series! Perfect for fans of Andrew Mayne, LT Ryan, and Danielle Girard.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to skip books in the Sorrowsong University series?

We recommend ignoring novellas and short stories until you finish the core sequence. However, main sequence novels should never be skipped as they contain critical character development and plot progression.

What is the best order to read Sorrowsong University?

The final answer for the best experience is to start with "Nightshade" and proceed in publication order. This sequence preserves character developments and plot reveals exactly as Autumn Woods intended.

Can I read Sorrowsong University books in any order?

No. The main narrative is strictly sequential. Skipping volumes or reading out of order will lead to significant plot spoilers and confusion regarding character arcs.

Are there spin-offs or companion books?

Yes, the Sorrowsong University universe includes several companion works. These are marked as 'Optional' in our guide and can be read at any time without disrupting the main storyline.