Recommended Reading Path
Because A.J. Hackwith's novels span distinct settings and a pseudonym, there is no single chronological timeline linking all of her work. Instead, your best starting point depends on the subgenre you want to explore:
- For Meta-Fantasy & Found Family: Start with The Library of the Unwritten (2019). This is the opening novel of her signature trilogy, Hell's Library, and her most popular entry point.
- For a Snarky Standalone Retelling: Start with Toto (2024), a profane, humorous reimagining of The Wizard of Oz told from the perspective of Dorothy's loyal terrier.
- For Dark Queer Fairy Tales: Dive into Goblin Market (2026), a twisty retelling of Christina Rossetti's classic poem centering on a goblin changeling named Toast.
- For Sci-Fi Romance: Start with A Conspiracy of Whispers (2018), written under her pseudonym Ada Harper.
Hell's Library Trilogy
The Hell's Library series is a complete fantasy trilogy set in a neutral wing of Hell where unfinished books reside. The books must be read in publication order, as they follow a continuous narrative arc involving the librarian Claire, the muse Brevity, and the demon Leto.
- The Library of the Unwritten (2019) – Claire, the Head Librarian, must retrieve a restless character who escaped from an uncompleted draft, sparking a conflict between Heaven and Hell.
- The Archive of the Forgotten (2020) – Set in the aftermath of the first book, the librarians must deal with a mysterious ink that threatens the very structure of the library and its history.
- The God of Lost Words (2021) – The final volume sees the characters racing across realms to locate a missing codex and secure the future of the Library.
Note: Hackwith also published a free digital-only companion short story titled "Hellhound Valentine" set within this universe, which is best read after completing the first book.
Standalone Novels
Hackwith's standalone novels showcase her talent for subverting classic stories and folklore. These can be read in any order:
- Toto (2024) – A witty, modern retelling of the journey down the Yellow Brick Road, narrated by Dorothy's dog Toto, who has some very cynical opinions about the Wizard, the companions, and Oz itself.
- Goblin Market (2026) – A dark, atmospheric retelling of Christina Rossetti's famous poem. The story follows Toast, a goblin changeling navigating the faerie market's dangerous politics to solve a murder mystery and save her sister.
The Whisper Series (As Ada Harper)
Under the pen name Ada Harper, Hackwith writes science fiction romance. This duology combines futuristic political intrigue with queer romantic elements and should be read in order:
- A Conspiracy of Whispers (2018) – Introduces a high-stakes sci-fi world where telepathic abilities and political negotiations collide.
- A Treason of Truths (2018) – Concludes the romantic and political storylines established in the first book.
What to Know Before You Start
Hackwith's work is characterized by a strong queer perspective, themes of identity and found family, and a love for meta-storytelling and classic RPG tropes. While the Hell's Library trilogy is a highly interconnected saga, her standalone books like Toto and Goblin Market are entirely self-contained and require no prior reading. If you are looking for romance-heavy speculative fiction, seek out her Ada Harper books, as her main-line A.J. Hackwith books focus more heavily on fantasy and adventure.