If you’re searching for the originals books in order audiobooks, the simplest answer is to start with The Originals: The Rise and continue straight through the trilogy in publication order. For this series, publication order is also the best beginner order, so there is no separate “special” sequence to memorize.
- The Originals: The Rise
- The Originals: The Loss
- The Originals: The Resurrection
If you want to build a bigger vampire-and-screen queue, you may also like The Vampire Diaries books in order, The Vampire Diaries TV series watch order, Books like The Originals, Vampire romance books in order, Supernatural books for TV fans, and Best audiobook series for commuters.
Quick Reading Order
For audiobook listeners, the order is the same as the book order above. Queue the trilogy in sequence, and you’ll avoid the only real compatibility issue here: jumping into the middle before the setup is in place.
That makes The Originals unusually easy compared with longer franchise reading maps. There is no alternate branch you need to track, and no reason to shuffle titles around for a better experience.
A quick reminder for listeners: if your app shows the trilogy as separate titles, keep them in the same order from start to finish. That matters more than whether you’re using Audible, another audiobook app, or an ebook companion on Kindle.
Best Order for Beginners
For beginners, the best order is also the publication order. In other words: start at book one and go forward one title at a time.
That is the cleanest path because the trilogy is built to be read as a continuous sequence. Even if you already know the broader The Originals universe from the screen side, book one still works as the right entry point for the written version.
If you’re deciding between “chronological” and “publication” order, you do not need to overthink it here. The practical beginner choice is the same as the published sequence, which makes this one of the easier franchise orders to follow.
A simple rule of thumb:
- First-time reader or listener: start with book one
- Audiobook commuter: keep the titles in order and let the trilogy play straight through
- Book club or shared listen: use publication order so everyone stays on the same page
Book-by-Book Guide
1. The Originals: The Rise
Start here. This is the foundation book, so it introduces the trilogy’s setup and gives you the tone you’ll be living with for the rest of the series.
If you’re testing the audiobook format, this is the best place to do it. You’ll learn quickly whether the pacing, voice style, and overall vibe work for your commute, workout, or nightly listening routine.
It’s also the right choice if you like starting with context rather than jumping around. Even if you think you already know the world, book one is the safest and most satisfying entry point.
2. The Originals: The Loss
Read or listen to this second. The middle book is where sequence matters most, because it depends on the foundation laid in the first title.
For audiobook listeners, this is the easiest “keep going” title in the trilogy. You already know the cast of the story and the overall setup, so it’s a smooth follow-up for long drives, chores, or a weekend binge.
If you like reading in short bursts, this is still best handled in order. The middle of a trilogy usually works best when you don’t leave a long gap between installments.
3. The Originals: The Resurrection
Finish here. The final book is the one you want at the end, not the middle, because it closes the trilogy’s main arc.
That makes it especially important not to jump ahead just because you’re curious. Reading or listening straight through preserves the pacing and gives the ending the weight it’s meant to have.
If you’re using audiobooks, this is the title that completes the experience. The payoff works best when the first two books have had room to do their job.
Should You Read or Listen?
The best format depends on how you actually use books day to day.
Choose the audiobook if:
- you want hands-free entertainment on a commute
- you like finishing a short trilogy without having to sit down with a screen
- you’re listening while walking, cleaning, or doing chores
- you prefer voice performance to carrying a physical book
Choose the ebook or print version if:
- you like highlighting or bookmarking passages
- you want to flip back and forth to compare details
- you’re using the series for a book club or notes
- you prefer faster reference when you’re checking names, events, or continuity
For most people, the audio version is a strong fit because this series is short and linear. That means you can move from one title to the next without losing your place, which is exactly what commuters and binge listeners usually want.
If you like to compare formats, Audible and Amazon are natural places to check the audiobook and ebook editions. The experience changes most when you care about voice, searchability, and how easily you can pause and resume.
Where the Show or Movie Fits
There is no movie slot to place in this reading order. The screen version most fans mean is the TV side of The Originals, and it sits alongside the books rather than replacing them.
That means you do not need a complicated watch-read timeline. You can read or listen first if you want the written version to feel fresh, or you can watch first if you want the TV universe in your head before you start the trilogy.
The most practical approach is this: if you want the cleanest story path, start with the books and then move to the screen version. If you’re here because you already know the show, you can still start at book one without worrying about a separate crossover order.
Either way, the book order itself does not change. The trilogy remains a straight read or listen from The Rise to The Resurrection.
Best Starting Point
The best starting point is The Originals: The Rise.
That’s true whether you’re a new reader, a returning fan, or someone picking the audiobook for a commute. Starting with book one gives you the most natural introduction and keeps the story flow intact.
If you only want one rule to follow, use this one: start at the beginning and stay in order. For The Originals, that’s the easiest way to get the full experience without second-guessing the sequence.
If you’re choosing between formats, let workflow decide for you. Pick audio if you want convenience and momentum, or pick Kindle/print if you want more control over note-taking and rereading.
What to Check for the originals books in order audiobooks
| Check | Why it matters | What changes the advice |
|---|---|---|
| Main constraint | Keeps the guidance tied to the actual decision instead of generic tips | Size, timing, compatibility, policy, budget, or skill level |
| Wrong-fit signal | Shows when the default advice is likely to disappoint | The reader cannot meet the setup, maintenance, storage, or follow-through requirement |
| Next step | Turns the guide into an action plan | Measure, compare, test, verify, or choose the lower-risk path before committing |
FAQ
What is the correct order of The Originals books?
Start with The Originals: The Rise, then The Originals: The Loss, then The Originals: The Resurrection.
Is the audiobook order different from the print order?
No. The audiobook listening order should match the book order.
Do I need to read The Vampire Diaries first?
Not for this trilogy. You can start with The Originals and still follow the reading order.
Can I start with book two or three if I already know the show?
You can, but book one is still the best starting point. It gives you the cleanest entry into the trilogy.
Is there a movie version I need to place in the order?
No movie needs to be slotted into this sequence. The screen side people usually mean is the TV series connection.
Where should I look for the audiobook edition?
Audible and Amazon/Kindle are natural places to check for the audio and ebook versions.