The Recommended Reading Order for Daughters of Dark Root
If you want to experience the story of the Maddock sisters exactly as it unfolded, the best way to read the core series is in publication order. This path allows you to follow the natural progression of Maggie's untamed powers, the growth of the sister coven, and the mounting threats to the town of Dark Root. Crucially, the holiday novellas and companion pieces fit beautifully between the main novels, offering festive context that deepens your understanding of the characters.
Here is the recommended reading path for the core Daughters of Dark Root series, including the holiday companion stories:
- The Witches of Dark Root (Book 1) (2012) – The essential starting point. This book introduces Maggie Maddock, a wilder witch with untamed powers who returns to Dark Root, Oregon, to reunite with her sisters—Merry, Eve, and Ruth Anne—to save their town and their ailing coven-leader mother from a dark force.
- The Magick of Dark Root (Book 2) (2014) – Maggie grapples with her new role as coven leader, deepening her magical skills while dealing with the town's mounting supernatural challenges and secrets.
- The Council of Dark Root (Book 0.5 / Companion) (2015) – A novella focusing on the history of Armand. While it functions as a prequel, reading it after Book 2 provides excellent context before diving into the high stakes of the curse storyline.
- The Curse of Dark Root: Part One (Book 3) (2015) – A malicious curse targets Maggie's unborn child, raising the supernatural stakes and forcing the sisters to seek powerful countermeasures.
- A Dark Root Christmas: Merry's Gift (Novella) (2015) – A festive companion story centered around Merry Maddock that is best enjoyed immediately after the events of Curse Part One.
- The Curse of Dark Root: Part Two (Book 4) (2016) – The thrilling continuation of the curse storyline as the sisters band together to protect their family and break the dark spell.
- A Dark Root Halloween: The Witching Hour (Novella) (2016) – A spooky season companion story focusing on Ruth Anne, perfect for reading after Curse Part Two.
- The Shadows of Dark Root (Book 5) (2017) – The dramatic conclusion to the core series' main curse storyline, wrapping up key mysteries and setting the stage for future generations.
- A Dark Root Samhain: A Lesson in Magick (Novella) (2018) – A post-series companion tale that checks back in with the sisters during the sacred autumn holiday.
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
While the publication order is highly recommended for first-time readers, you can choose a chronological approach by moving the prequel elements to the very beginning. Here is how that looks:
- The Council of Dark Root (Prequel)
- The Witches of Dark Root
- The Magick of Dark Root
- The Curse of Dark Root: Part One
- A Dark Root Christmas
- The Curse of Dark Root: Part Two
- A Dark Root Halloween
- The Shadows of Dark Root
- A Dark Root Samhain
The Prequel Caveat: While starting with The Council of Dark Root is chronologically accurate, it may spoil some of the mystery surrounding Armand's character and the nature of the town's magic. For the most satisfying narrative payoff, stick to reading it as the third installment.
The Expanded Dark Root Universe (Sequels, Prequels, and Spin-Offs)
Once you finish the core story of Maggie and her sisters, April Aasheim’s universe expands significantly. To avoid spoilers and maintain continuity, the author recommends reading the subseries in a specific order. The broader Dark Root Universe consists of the following series:
1. The Children of Dark Root (Sequel Series)
Set five years after Maggie’s journey to the Netherworld, this sequel series follows the next generation of the Maddock family. The peaceful town of Dark Root is threatened once again as new supernatural children display unique magical gifts, drawing the attention of dark forces. This series consists of:
- Inherited Magick (Book 1)
- Gifted Magick (Book 2)
2. Alchemy of a Witch (Prequel Series)
Although it is a prequel series set during the historical era of plague and witch hunts, Alchemy of a Witch (also known as the Dark Root Ancestry series) should be read after the main and sequel series. Reading it early will spoil major secrets regarding the origins of Dark Root's magic and the Maddock bloodline. The series unfolds in four parts:
- Alchemy of a Witch: Part One (Calcination and Dissolution)
- Alchemy of a Witch: Part Two (Separation and Conjunction)
- Alchemy of a Witch: Part Three
- Alchemy of a Witch: Part Four
3. Miss Sasha's School of Magick (Epilogue Series)
This series serves as the epilogue to the entire saga. It begins when Maggie accidentally unleashes a horde of demons upon Dark Root, forcing a mysterious magical school from another dimension to manifest. This series bridges the gap between generations and uncovers the deepest secrets of the town's origins. It includes:
- Abracadabra and Alchemy (Book 1)
- Bloodlines and Bindings: Part One (Book 2)
- Constellations and Candles (Book 3)
- Bloodlines and Bindings: Part Two (Book 4)
4. Reed Hollow Chronicles (Spin-Off Series)
Set in the neighboring magical town of Reed Hollow, this spin-off series expands the universe with new characters while maintaining the same cozy, paranormal tone. It can be read independently of the main Dark Root books, but is best enjoyed after the core series. The trilogy includes:
- Touch of Light (2017) – Introduces the magical town of Reed Hollow and a new cast of characters dealing with light and shadow.
- Touch of Shadow (2018) – Continues the paranormal romance and mystery in Reed Hollow as secrets deepen.
- Touch of Lace (2021) – Concludes the trilogy, wrapping up the local magical conflicts and character arcs.
What to Know Before You Start
The Daughters of Dark Root series is a perfect match for fans of stories like Charmed and Practical Magic. The town of Dark Root, Oregon, acts as a character itself, filled with witchy shops, haunted houses, and an atmospheric fog that keeps secrets close. At its core, this series is not just about spellcasting; it is a story about the strength of sisterhood, family dynamics, and overcoming personal trauma. The relationship between the sisters—Maggie, Merry, Eve, and Ruth Anne—drives the narrative, balancing magical battles with grounded, emotional family drama.
While the main novels tell a continuous story that must be read in order, the holiday novellas are lighter, character-focused pieces. They add depth to individual sisters but can be skipped if you want to focus solely on the main plot. Additionally, look out for smaller companion stories such as A Dark Root Solstice: Dora's Dilemma, Magick Mistletoe, and The Pumpkin Problem, which add extra flavor to the town's festive traditions.