Ravenloft (Christie Golden) Books in Order

Christie Golden began her novel career in Ravenloft with Vampire of the Mists in 1991. Her three books, Vampire of the Mists, Dance of the Dead, and The Enemy Within, each use the setting's Gothic horror approach: a trapped land, a powerful dark ruler or curse, and people trying to keep their humanity when escape may not be possible.

Vampire of the Mists follows Jander Sunstar, an elven vampire driven by grief and revenge into Barovia. There he accepts the hospitality of Count Strahd von Zarovich, which is exactly the kind of decision Ravenloft characters learn to regret.

Barovia is not built for clean endings.

Dance of the Dead moves to the swampy island of Souragne, where dancer Larissa Snowmane becomes caught in a zombie-plagued nightmare. The Enemy Within follows Sir Tristan Hiregaard, who fears the monstrous alter ego known as Malken and sets out to destroy the evil side of himself.

These novels are separate stories, so readers can pick the premise that appeals most. Start with Vampire of the Mists for Golden's first Ravenloft novel and the melancholy story of Jander Sunstar.