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Alix E. Harrow is a celebrated author renowned for her enchanting tales that blend fantasy, history, and the power of imagination.
Her stories invite readers into magical worlds, where characters embark on extraordinary journeys of self-discovery and bravery.
In this blog post, we will delve into Harrow’s literary universe, presenting her books in chronological order. Each book synopsis will transport you to fantastical realms, providing insights into the genres, release years, and storylines.
For your convenience, a printable list of Alix E. Harrow books and book series in order is also attached at the bottom of this post. I hope you find this list useful! ✨
Books in Order | Common Questions | Printable List
About the Author
Alix E. Harrow is a popular author known for books like “The Ten Thousand Doors of January” and “The Once and Future Witches.”
She has also written short stories and fairy tale adaptations. Alix has received prestigious awards like the Hugo and British Fantasy Award and has been nominated for several others.
Originally from Kentucky, she now lives in Charlottesville, Virginia, with her husband and two lively children. Her literary work is managed by Kate McKean at Howard Morhaim Literary Agency.
Alix E. Harrow Books in Order
Let’s explore Harrow’s books in the order they were released. Each entry includes the book’s title, release date, a brief synopsis, and the genre it belongs to:
2019
The Ten Thousand Doors of January
Genre: Historical Fantasy, Portal Fantasy
In the early 1900s, January Scaller lives a peculiar life as the ward of Mr. Locke in a grand mansion. Feeling like an artifact herself, largely ignored and out of place, January stumbles upon a mysterious book hidden within the mansion’s depths. This book is no ordinary tale; it carries the aroma of other worlds and reveals stories of secret doors, love, adventure, and danger.
As January delves into the book’s pages, she discovers impossible truths about the world and finds her own story intricately woven into its narrative. The book takes her on a fantastical journey, exploring impossible realms, unforgettable love, and the enduring power of stories.
“The Ten Thousand Doors of January” is a lush and imaginative debut, brimming with wonder and questions. It’s a captivating story of nested worlds, stories within stories, and the magical potency of words. Filled with enchantment, this novel is a celebration of imagination, adventure, and the profound impact of different kinds of love.
2020
The Once and Future Witches
Genre: Historical Fantasy, Feminist Fiction
In the late 1800s, witchcraft is no more than nursery rhymes and charms. Witches, once feared, have been reduced to a distant memory due to the burnings. In this era, women seek power through the ballot box as the suffragette movement gains momentum.
Enter the Eastwood sisters – James Juniper, Agnes Amaranth, and Beatrice Belladonna. Joining the suffragists of New Salem, they decide to resurrect the forgotten magic of witches. Hunted by shadows and plagued by sickness, the sisters embark on a quest to revive the ancient ways, facing opposition that threatens not only their rights but their lives.
“The Once and Future Witches” is a powerful tale of magic, family, and women’s suffrage. It weaves a story of resilience, sisterhood, and the enduring spirit of women. This novel explores the indomitable power of women and the lost art of witchcraft, proving that even in the face of adversity, the strength of women can change the course of history.
2021
A Spindle Splintered
Genre: Fantasy, Fairy Tale Retellings
In “A Spindle Splintered,” Alix E. Harrow gives a fresh and empowering twist to the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty. Zinnia Gray, the protagonist, faces an unusual situation – a rare condition that allows no one to live past their twenty-first birthday. As her twenty-first birthday arrives, her best friend Charm plans a Sleeping Beauty-themed celebration, including a tower and a spinning wheel. However, when Zinnia pricks her finger on the spinning wheel, something unexpected occurs.
Instead of the traditional tale, Zinnia finds herself falling through different worlds, joined by another Sleeping Beauty desperately trying to escape her fate. This reimagined story is not just about destiny; it’s about courage, sisterhood, stubbornness, and a deep understanding of fairy tales. Harrow’s version challenges the implacable destiny, painting a vivid, subversive, and feminist narrative that captivates readers from start to finish.
2022
A Mirror Mended
Genre: Fantasy, Fairy Tale Retellings
Meet Zinnia Gray, a professional fairy-tale fixer, and former Sleeping Beauty who’s had her share of rescuing princesses and dealing with royal drama. But when she’s approached by the Evil Queen from Snow White’s story, Zinnia faces a unique challenge. The Evil Queen, tired of her villainous fate, seeks Zinnia’s help for a better ending.
Caught between a tempting yet poisonous request and the threat of a grim destiny, Zinnia must decide whether to assist the Evil Queen. As their fates hang in the balance, Zinnia is faced with a choice: embrace the dangerous path ahead or find another way out of this tangled tale. Will she accept the Queen’s plea and rewrite their destinies, or will she forge an alternative path for both of them? The story unfolds in a captivating blend of magic, choice, and unexpected alliances.
2023
Starling House
Genre: Southern Gothic, Mystery
For my book club questions for this book, click here!
In the eerie town of Eden, Kentucky, resides an infamous mansion called Starling House, once owned by the reclusive 19th-century author, E. Starling. Opal, a determined young woman striving for a better life for her brother Jasper, becomes entangled in the mysteries surrounding this haunted house.
Driven by her childhood obsession with Starling’s work, Opal seizes an opportunity to explore the enigmatic mansion and earn money for her brother’s escape. However, as she delves deeper, she uncovers sinister secrets that bind Starling House to the town’s dark history. Strange occurrences and Arthur, the mansion’s misanthropic heir, add to the chilling atmosphere.
Opal’s dreams and reality blur as she realizes that Starling House might hold the key to her own identity. With the town drowning in its ghosts and malevolent forces closing in, Opal finds a reason to fight back.
“Starling House” is a gripping modern gothic fantasy, weaving a tale of obsession, courage, and the supernatural. As Opal battles the haunted past of Starling House, readers are invited to join her on this spine-tingling journey through a haunted mansion filled with mysteries waiting to be unraveled. Will she uncover the truth, or will she become another ghostly resident of Starling House? Enter, if you dare, and discover the secrets that lie within.
Common questions
In this section, we’ve gathered answers to some common questions readers often have about Alix E. Harrow and her body of work.
What inspired Alix E. Harrow to become a writer?
Alix E. Harrow’s love for storytelling and her fascination with the intersection of history and magic inspired her to become a writer. She often draws from her own experiences and interests to craft rich and immersive narratives.
What is the order of Alix E. Harrow’s books?
Here’s the order of Harrow’s books listed by the year published:
- The Ten Thousand Doors of January (2019)
- The Once and Future Witches (2020)
- A Spindle Splintered (2021)
- A Mirror Mended (2022)
- Starling House (2023)
Is there a specific order to read Alix E. Harrow’s books?
While her books are not a series and can be read independently, starting with “The Ten Thousand Doors of January” offers a great introduction to her unique storytelling style.
Are there any hidden gems or Easter eggs in Alix E. Harrow’s books?
Alix E. Harrow is known for embedding subtle references and Easter eggs within her stories. These references can range from nods to folklore and mythology to subtle connections between her books. Readers often enjoy rereading her works to discover these hidden gems and appreciate the depth of her storytelling.
Printable List
Prefer a handy, offline reference of Alix E. Harrow books in chronological order? Look no further!
Download and print this curated list to keep track of your reading journey through Alix E. Harrow stories.
Final thoughts
I hope you enjoyed this guide through Alix E. Harrow’s books in chronological order.
Navigating Alix’s books, filled with magic, mystery, and the resilience of characters, is a personal journey. May these books inspire you as much as they have inspired me.
And as you dive into the worlds she has crafted, remember that every turn of the page reveals a new wonder, a fresh perspective, and a deeper understanding of the human spirit.
Happy reading! ❤️