Where to Start with Alechia Dow
If you are diving into the vibrant, music-filled, and sensory-rich worlds of Alechia Dow, the absolute best place to start is with her debut novel, The Sound of Stars. Published in 2020, this book lays the groundwork for her young adult science fiction universe. From there, you should follow the publication order for her companion sci-fi novels before exploring her middle-grade mysteries and her cozy fantasy novels.
Dow's writing is heavily influenced by her diverse background as a former pastry chef, food critic, and youth services librarian. This manifests in books that are packed with delicious food descriptions, deep appreciation for books and libraries, and diverse representation, including plus-size, biracial, queer, and demisexual protagonists.
The Sound of Stars Shared Universe (YA Sci-Fi Companion Novels)
While Alechia Dow’s young adult science fiction novels are often described as standalone companion novels, they are set in the exact same universe and feature recurring characters, overlapping events, and references. To get the full experience and avoid spoilers, you should read them in order of publication:
- The Sound of Stars (2020)
- The Kindred (2022)
- A Song of Salvation (2023)
1. The Sound of Stars (2020)
Set in a dystopian near-future, Earth has been conquered by a cold, emotionless alien race known as the Ilori. Human expression, art, books, and music are strictly outlawed. Janelle 'Ellie' Baker runs a secret library in her apartment building, risking execution to preserve human culture. When a young alien named M0Rr1S discovers her library, he doesn't report her; instead, he reveals a shared secret love for forbidden pop music. The two form an unlikely alliance and embark on a dangerous road trip across the country to save humanity. This novel introduces the core alien threat and setting that defines Dow's sci-fi universe.
2. The Kindred (2022)
This companion novel shifts focus to a grander space opera setting within the same universe. It follows Joy Abara, a working-class girl from a simple planet, and Duke Felix Hamartia, a royal heir of a wealthy planet. They are connected by 'the Kindred,' a rare mental bond that links their minds, thoughts, and emotions across the galaxy, despite having never met in person. When Felix is framed for his family's assassination and Joy is accused of aiding him, they are forced to flee together. They crash-land on a familiar blue planet—Earth—bringing the galactic politics of the Ilori universe directly into contact with the home planet from the first book.
3. A Song of Salvation (2023)
This novel serves as the spectacular culmination of the sci-fi trilogy. It follows Ziva, a biracial girl and reincarnation of a powerful god, who is captured by the alien empire. She is rescued by a ragtag crew including a charming space pirate, a grieving commander, and a young scientist. This book functions as a major crossover event: characters from both The Sound of Stars (including Ellie and Morris) and The Kindred cross paths, teaming up to defeat the overarching alien threat. Reading this book out of order will spoil the resolutions of the previous two novels, making publication order essential.
Middle-Grade Novels: Magic, Baking, and Mysteries
Beyond her young adult sci-fi universe, Alechia Dow has crafted magical and mysterious contemporary stories for middle-grade readers. These books are completely standalone and can be read in any order.
Just a Pinch of Magic (2023)
Drawing directly from Dow’s culinary training, this magical middle-grade fantasy is set in a world where magic is woven into recipes. It follows Wylie, a young girl whose family runs a struggling magical bakery, and Bella, the daughter of a wealthy family. When Wylie’s family is threatened with losing their home, the girls team up to solve a town mystery involving a missing map, magical ingredients, and family secrets. It is a heartwarming story about friendship, family, and the power of baking.
The Cookie Crumbles (2024)
Co-authored with Tracy Badua, this book is pitched as The Great British Bake Off meets Knives Out. It follows two inseparable best friends, Laila and Lucy, who are determined to get into the prestigious Sunderland boarding school to stay together. Laila enters the Golden Cookie competition to win a culinary scholarship, while Lucy tries to cover the event for her journalism portfolio. The stakes skyrocket when a celebrity judge collapses after eating one of Laila's cookies. With Laila accused of poisoning the judge and a major storm trapping everyone at the competition, the two friends must investigate and find the real culprit.
Cozy Fantasy Novels
In addition to science fiction and middle-grade mystery, Dow writes cozy, romantic fantasy novels targeted at young adult and crossover audiences.
Until the Clock Strikes Midnight (2026)
Released in early 2026, this cozy fantasy is described as a blend of The Good Place and Cinderella. The story follows two competing supernatural beings, Darling (a Guardian who guides mortals toward happiness) and Calamity (a Misfortune who guides mortals away from dangerous fairy-tale endings). Both are assigned to Lucy Addlesberg, a struggling bookshop owner. To sabotage each other, the rivals pose as a betrothed couple and insert themselves into Lucy's life, only to discover their rivalry might be turning into something romantic.
A Taste of Memories (Expected 2027)
Slated for release in spring 2027, this cozy fantasy centers on a witch working at a magical tearoom who helps patrons relive their memories through specific recipes, while a warlock fights to save a fading spirit from being forgotten.
Anthologies and Short Stories
For readers who want to explore every corner of Alechia Dow's bibliography, she has contributed short stories to notable young adult anthologies:
- Out There: Into the Queer New Yonder (2022) – Edited by Saundra Mitchell, this sci-fi anthology features Dow's short story Beauty Sleep, which offers a futuristic, queer reimagining of classic fairy tales.
- Ab Normal: Short Stories That Smash Mental Health Stereotypes (2023) – A collection designed to challenge stigma surrounding mental health, featuring a short story contribution by Dow.
What to Know Before You Start
When picking up an Alechia Dow book, readers should prepare for a highly sensory reading experience. Whether it is the taste of pastries in her middle-grade works, the sound of pop and rock music in her sci-fi novels, or the cozy atmospheres of her fantasies, Dow integrates these elements directly into the magic systems and plots. Additionally, her books deal with heavy themes like colonization, grief, and mental health, but they are always grounded in a strong sense of hope, community, and the power of art as resistance.