The Recommended Adrienne Tooley Reading Path
Adrienne Tooley has quickly carved out a beloved niche in young adult fantasy by writing lush, atmospheric stories that feature prominent sapphic romances, complex magic systems, and characters dealing with deep personal struggles like grief and ambition. Because her bibliography consists of standalone novels and a single completed duology, readers have a couple of excellent entry points depending on their reading preferences.
If you prefer a complete, self-contained story to test the waters, we recommend starting with her debut novel, Sweet & Bitter Magic (2021). It showcases Tooley's signature fairytale-like atmosphere and emotional depth. Alternatively, if you are looking for an immersive fantasy world with political intrigue, royal rivalries, and deity-level stakes, you should start directly with The Third Daughter (2023), which launches her Betrayal Prophecies duology.
The Standalone Novels
Tooley’s standalone works are perfect for readers who want rich, atmospheric fantasy worlds that resolve fully within a single volume. Each book features a distinct magic system and unique emotional core.
Sweet & Bitter Magic (2021)
As Adrienne Tooley's debut novel, this sapphic YA fantasy introduces readers to a world where magic comes at a steep cost. The story follows Tamsin, a powerful witch who has been cursed to never feel love or joy, forced to steal feelings from others to survive. When a memory-stealing plague begins to ravage the realm, Tamsin strikes a bargain with Wren, a girl who has spent her life hiding her own magical abilities to protect her family. Wren agrees to give Tamsin her love for her father in exchange for Tamsin's help in stopping the plague. What follows is a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance that explores the nature of sacrifice, grief, and what it truly means to love.
Sofi and the Bone Song (2022)
Set in the winter-bound kingdom of Aell, this standalone novel blends magic and music. The narrative centers on Sofi, a young musician who has trained her entire life to inherit her father's prestigious title of Musik. However, when her father dies suddenly, the title is instead awarded to Lara, a quiet lute player who Sofi suspects is using illegal magic to achieve musical perfection. Determined to prove Lara's cheating, Sofi embarks on a journey with her rival, only to uncover dark secrets about her father’s legacy, the sacrifices made for art, and the true source of music. The book is highly praised for its lyrical prose and its nuanced exploration of parental pressure, envy, and healing.
There Are Ghosts Here (Forthcoming August 2026)
Moving away from traditional high fantasy, Tooley's upcoming release, There Are Ghosts Here, is a speculative young adult thriller scheduled for publication on August 11, 2026, by Delacorte Press. This novel promises to bring the author's signature emotional depth and atmospheric tension into a contemporary speculative setting, exploring ghosts and haunting themes.
The Betrayal Prophecies Duology
For readers who want a longer story arc filled with dark court politics, family loyalty, and religious prophecy, this duology is the perfect choice. It is set in the matriarchal queendom of Velle and must be read in strict chronological order.
1. The Third Daughter (2023)
The series begins with the birth of a third daughter to the queen of Velle, which triggers a centuries-old prophecy forecasting the return of the New Maiden deity. This event instantly strips the queen's eldest daughter, Elodie, of her birthright to the throne. Desperate to reclaim her position and protect her kingdom from what she believes is a dangerous myth, Elodie seeks out Sabine, a young apothecary who creates illegal mind-altering potions. An attempt to temporarily incapacitate the prophesied sister goes horribly wrong when Sabine's potion turns out to be a lethal poison. Forced to work together to cover up the crime and find a cure, Elodie and Sabine develop a complex, slow-burn romantic connection amidst rising political tension.
2. The Second Son (2024)
The concluding chapter of the duology picks up in the aftermath of the first book's shocking revelations. With the monarchy of Velle in disarray and the Church of the New Maiden facing an existential crisis, Elodie and Sabine must navigate a dangerous new landscape. A manipulative demi-god and his fanatical cult emerge as a threat to both the crown and the existing religious order. To protect Velle, the characters must confront the nature of power, faith, and the long-term consequences of their past betrayals. It resolves the overarching romantic and political arcs of the duology.
Complete Publication Order
If you prefer to read Adrienne Tooley's books in the order they were written and published, follow this simple sequence:
- Sweet & Bitter Magic (Standalone Novel) — March 2021
- Sofi and the Bone Song (Standalone Novel) — April 2022
- The Third Daughter (The Betrayal Prophecies Book 1) — July 2023
- The Second Son (The Betrayal Prophecies Book 2) — July 2024
- There Are Ghosts Here (Standalone Speculative Thriller) — Expected August 2026
What to Know Before You Start
One of the most notable features of Adrienne Tooley's writing is the seamless integration of music and performance into her fantasy settings. Having trained in musical theater and released several indie-folk EPs, Tooley brings a musician's ear to her prose, structuring her scenes with a rhythmic, lyrical cadence that mirrors musical compositions. This is most prominent in Sofi and the Bone Song, where music functions as both an art form and a conduit for magical influence.
Additionally, prospective readers should note that while all of Tooley's current books feature sapphic romance, they also deal with heavy themes. Her characters frequently grapple with profound grief, parental expectations, emotional manipulation, and the ethical gray areas of power. Checking the author's official website for content warnings prior to reading is recommended if you are sensitive to themes of death, self-harm, or emotional abuse.