The We Were Liars series is a small, tightly focused set of young adult novels by E. Lockhart. If you are asking how many books in the We Were Liars series exist in print, the direct answer is four core books, with one additional related novella released separately. Below is a concise, fact-first overview of each book, publication order, and how the series fits together as a complete, evergreen story arc.
Overview and Series Count
As of the latest available catalog from the publisher and copyright records, the series consists of four main narrative books, plus one complementary novella. The series is sometimes described as a quartet with related shorter works. The four core books form a continuous, self-contained story; the novella provides a side character perspective rather than expanding the main plot. Readers seeking the central storyline can do so by reading the four core novels in order.
Books in Order and Publication Timeline
The series began in 2014 and concluded with the final core novel in the late 2010s. The order below reflects narrative progression and official publication sequence.
1. We Were Liars (2014)
The debut novel that introduces the Sinclair family, Cadence, and the mysterious summer on the island. It establishes the central mystery and unreliable narration that define the series.
2. Along for the Ride (2015)
A first-person perspective novel following Auden, a different character from the main quartet. While not part of the core four, it deepens the world and themes and was released shortly after the debut.
3. I'll Give You the Sun (2015)
Focuses on Jude and Noah, the twins from the core quartet, told across two time periods. This book expands the family backstory and deepens relationships central to the later novels.
4. The Space Between Us (2017)
The conclusion of the original quartet, bringing all storylines to resolution. It delivers the payoff for mysteries set up in the earlier books and defines the final status of the relationships and setting.
Status, Related Works, and Clarifications
The series is widely regarded as complete, with the author confirming the central arc is finished. No new core novels have been announced, and the author has not indicated plans for further main continuity books. The related novella released separately does not represent an ongoing continuation of the main plotline.
Related Novella
There is one additional published novella available separately. It is recommended for completists and deep fans but is not essential to understanding the primary narrative arc.
Quick Reference Table
Use the table below to identify the core novels at a glance, their release years, and their role in the overall series structure.
| Book Title | Year | Type | Narrative Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| We Were Liars | 2014 | Core novel | Introduces the central mystery and protagonist |
| Along for the Ride | 2015 | Related standalone | Side story; enriches world and themes |
| I'll Give You the Sun | 2015 | Core novel | Expands family background and relationships |
| The Space Between Us | 2017 | Core novel | Concludes the main quartet |
Reading Order Recommendations
For the clearest experience and intended impact of the mystery, read the four core novels in chronological publication order. This ensures that reveals and character development land as the author intended. The standalone novella and Along for the Ride can be read after the core series for additional context and depth, but they are not required to complete the main story.
Common Questions and Status Clarifications
Because the series is compact and often read quickly, several recurring questions appear in searches. Below are clarified answers to the most common points of confusion.
- How many main books are in the We Were Liars series? Four core novels.
- Is there a fifth book coming soon? No; the series is complete, with no new core novels announced.
- Should I read Along for the Ride before the main books? No; it is a standalone that can be read after the quartet.
- Does the related novella contain essential plot points? No; it offers a complementary perspective but is not required.
- Is the series ongoing or finished? The core story arc is finished; it is not an ongoing series.
Thematic and Structural Takeaways
The series is intentionally small by design, focusing on character, memory, and family dynamics rather than sprawling worldbuilding. The structure moves from introduction, through deepening backstory, to final resolution. Because the arc is closed, the series functions as a complete evergreen read rather than an unfinished saga.