Where to Start with Adrian Phoenix
If you are new to Adrian Phoenix's dark urban fantasy, the best starting point depends on what kind of supernatural flavor you prefer. For a gritty, rock-and-roll vampire saga filled with ancient conspiracies, start with A Rush of Wings, the first book in The Maker's Song series. If you prefer Southern Gothic charm, voodoo magic, and the swampy atmosphere of New Orleans, start with Black Dust Mambo, the opening novel of her Hoodoo series.
Both series feature complex characters, deep emotional stakes, and lush world-building, but they are set in separate universes and can be read independently of one another.
The Maker's Song Series
The Maker's Song is Phoenix's signature series, blending paranormal romance, dark urban fantasy, and thriller elements. The story follows Dante Baptiste, a brooding vampire and rock star, and Heather Wallace, an FBI agent, as they get caught up in a web of shadowy government experiments, fallen angels, and ancient destinies.
Publication and Recommended Reading Order
Because the series follows a tight, continuous narrative arc, it is highly recommended to read these books in strict publication order:
- A Rush of Wings (2008)
- In the Blood (2008)
- Beneath the Skin (2009)
- Etched in Bone (2011)
- On Midnight Wings (2013)
There is also an announced but unpublished sixth book in the series, tentatively titled Pale Blue Flames, which fans hope will continue Dante's story.
The Hoodoo Series
The Hoodoo series shifts the setting to the atmospheric streets and bayous of Louisiana. It centers on Kallie Rivière, a hoodoo practitioner who finds herself targeted by dark magical forces, loas, and dangerous secrets from her own past.
Publication and Recommended Reading Order
To follow Kallie's journey, you should read the main novels in order, with a special placement for the prequel short story:
- Black Dust Mambo (2010)
- Black Heart Loa (2011)
- Caught Forever Between (Short Story / Novella, 2012)
Note on Caught Forever Between: Although this short story features characters Gabrielle LaRue and Devlin Daniels (who play key roles in the Hoodoo novels) and was written early on, it was officially e-published in 2012. It functions well as a standalone story, but is best read after finishing the two main novels to appreciate the character dynamics.
Standalone Novels
For a change of pace, Adrian Phoenix has also written standalone fiction that does not connect to her main series:
- Thinning the Herd (2016) - A humorous urban fantasy novel centering on an Oregon-based animal control officer who unexpectedly has to deal with local werewolves.
What to Know Before You Start
Adrian Phoenix's writing style is poetic, gritty, and heavily character-driven. Unlike lighter, episodic urban fantasies, her stories—especially The Maker's Song—are deeply serialized. Skipping a book will leave you lost in the complex mythos of vampires, angels, and conspiracies. Additionally, her love of music, particularly the works of Trent Reznor and Nine Inch Nails, heavily influences the mood and themes of Dante Baptiste's journey.