Book Series · 3 Books

Half Upon a Time Books

In order from Half Upon a Time to Once Upon the End.

A completed fractured-fairy-tale trilogy that pairs Jack, son of the famous beanstalk thief, with May, a girl from our world who may have a surprising place in the stories she knows.

Reviewed by the Bookroo Editors Updated August 13, 2026

Reading order

How to Read Half Upon a Time

Read Half Upon a Time, Twice Upon a Time, and Once Upon the End in numbered order. The mystery of May's identity, Jack's family reputation, and the conflict with the Wicked Queen build toward the third book's conclusion.

Once Upon Another Time is a later trilogy set in the same broader fairy-tale world, but it follows a new lead and is cataloged separately. Children can finish this original trilogy before deciding whether to continue there.

Sources: Simon & Schuster's official series order, Simon & Schuster's official complete boxed set, James Riley's official series page.

For parents

What Parents Should Know

The jokes and familiar storybook figures come with fantasy peril, including swords, giants, mermaids, villainous rulers, battles, separation, and threats to families. The action is adventurous rather than grim, and the trilogy emphasizes loyalty, bravery, identity, and looking past the roles a story or family history assigns someone.

Where the story begins

First Book in the Series

Sale price

$1899

Book #1 · Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2010

Half Upon a Time

By James Riley

A boy and a girl from different worlds must rescue a kidnapped grandmother in a fractured fairy tale adventure.

385 pages· 74,852 words· Est. 10.5 hour read

6.0/7 Bookroo

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Jack, son of the infamous beanstalk thief, seeks redemption by helping May, a girl from another world. When May's grandmother, possibly the missing Snow White, is kidnapped, they embark on a wild quest. With a huntsman on their trail and a Wicked Queen in the shadows, Jack and May must navigate a world where fairy tales collide. Can they unravel the mystery and save her grandmother before it's too late? This thrilling adventure blends humor and magic, challenging everything they thought they knew about fairy tales.

In reading order

Half Upon a Time Series

3 books · Published 2010–2013

#1 in Series

Sale price

$1899

Half Upon a Time

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2010

A boy and a girl from different worlds must rescue a kidnapped grandmother in a fractured fairy tale adventure.

#2 in Series

Sale price

$1899

Twice Upon a Time

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2012

A quest for identity leads to battles with pirates, mermaids, and a wicked curse.

#3 in Series

Sale price

$858

Once Upon the End

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2013

Can Jack and May defeat the Wicked Queen and find their true destinies?

Good to know

Common Questions

How many books are in the Half Upon a Time series?

There are 3 books in the Half Upon a Time series. It began with Half Upon a Time in 2010, and the newest book, Once Upon the End, was published in 2013.