Where to Start Reading Addie Thorley’s Novels
Addie Thorley has made a name for herself in the young adult landscape by blending rich historical backdrops with high-stakes magic. Because her bibliography consists of a self-contained fantasy duology and standalone novels, readers have a couple of excellent entry points depending on their mood. If you want a fast-paced historical conspiracy set in the French Royal Court, begin with her debut, An Affair of Poisons. If you prefer high-fantasy worldbuilding with unique magic systems and winter landscapes, start with her duology opener, Night Spinner.
Addie Thorley Books in Publication Order
For readers who want to follow the evolution of Thorley's writing and worldbuilding, reading her works in order of publication is the most straightforward path. Here is how her novels were released:
- An Affair of Poisons (2019) – Standalone Novel
- Night Spinner (2020) – Night Spinner Duology (Book 1)
- Sky Breaker (2021) – Night Spinner Duology (Book 2)
- Burn the Kingdom Down (2026) – Standalone Novel
Exploring the Night Spinner Duology
The Night Spinner duology is a standout YA fantasy series set in a harsh, tundra-inspired world. The books are a loose, creative retelling of Victor Hugo's classic The Hunchback of Notre Dame, centering on themes of redemption, sibling loyalty, and political manipulation. The books must be read in order:
1. Night Spinner (2020)
We are introduced to Enebish, once a legendary warrior in the Sky King’s Imperial Army. Enebish is a Night Spinner, possessing the rare and feared gift to manipulate threads of darkness. However, after losing control of her powers and causing a tragic massacre, she is stripped of her rank and banished to a remote monastery under the label 'Enebish the Destroyer'. Her sister, Ghoa, offers her a chance at redemption: hunt down a charismatic rebel leader named Temujin. But as Enebish pursues him across the frozen tundra, she begins to realize the Empire’s war is built on lies, forcing her to choose between the sister she loves and the people she once swore to protect.
2. Sky Breaker (2021)
Picking up after the dramatic events of the first book, the sequel expands the scope of the world and increases the stakes. Enebish is now on the run, branded a traitor, and must unite disparate forces to stop a tyrannical ruler. The conclusion to the duology delivers rich action sequences, explores complex moral choices, and resolves the intense emotional arc between Enebish, Ghoa, and Temujin.
The Standalone Novels
For readers looking for self-contained stories that do not require committing to a series, Thorley has written two highly acclaimed standalone historical fantasies:
An Affair of Poisons (2019)
Thorley’s debut novel is a dark historical fantasy set in 17th-century France, drawing heavy inspiration from the real-life historical 'Affair of the Poisons' scandal. The plot follows Mirabelle, a young alchemist who mistakenly helps her mother brew a deadly poison used to assassinate the King. Horrified by her family’s treason, she flees and allies with Josse, a royal bastard seeking to protect his siblings from the chaos. Together, they navigate a dangerous web of shadow magic, courtly intrigue, and forbidden romance in the streets of Paris.
Burn the Kingdom Down (2026)
Published by Sourcebooks Fire in April 2026, this standalone fantasy revolves around Indira Harrak, a master gardener from the subjugated kingdom of Tashir. Tashir is locked in a brutal treaty with the powerful rival nation of Vanzador, which demands sacred plants and a royal bride. When Indira's older sister Rowenna dies mysteriously after being sent to Vanzador, Indira takes her place as a bride to Rowenna's widower, Prince Alaric, seeking vengeance. However, once inside Vanzador's mountain fortress, she finds a far more complex political landscape than she expected, forcing her to rethink her quest for revenge.
What to Know Before You Start
Thorley’s books are characterized by morally gray protagonists, strong focus on sisterhood or sibling dynamics, and detailed, atmospheric settings. None of her standalone novels connect to each other or to the Night Spinner universe, so you can safely read them in any order you choose. The books are perfect for fans of dark YA fantasy who enjoy elaborate worldbuilding and complex character relationships without the burden of long-running multi-book commitments.