Where to Start Reading Alexis Henderson
For readers new to Alexis Henderson's hauntingly atmospheric worlds, the best starting point is her acclaimed debut novel, The Year of the Witching (2020). This book perfectly establishes her signature style: a blend of puritanical dread, feminist rebellion, and rich, atmospheric world-building. It serves as the opening chapter of her Bethel series.
If you prefer a complete standalone experience that trades religious dread for decadent, blood-soaked gothic aristocracy, you can start with her second novel, House of Hunger (2022). Both entry points showcase her strengths, but beginning with her debut in publication order remains the most popular recommendation among dark fantasy enthusiasts.
The Bethel Series
The Bethel series is Henderson's only multi-book project, set in a repressive, patriarchal theocracy surrounded by dark, forbidden woods.
- The Year of the Witching (2020) – Follows Immanuelle Moore as she uncovers her mother’s dangerous legacy and the dark secrets of the coven living in the bordering forest of Bethel.
- The Dawn of the Coven (Unreleased) – The planned sequel to the debut novel. The author has shared with readers that while she began drafting the sequel, she chose to put it on hold until she feels ready to deliver a story that matches the quality her audience deserves.
Standalone Novels
Aside from her Bethel universe, Alexis Henderson has penned several highly praised standalone speculative fiction novels across different subgenres:
- House of Hunger (2022) – A lush gothic horror novel following Marion Shaw, a young woman who escapes poverty by becoming a "bloodmaid" to a decadent, blood-drinking nobility.
- An Academy for Liars (2024) – A dark academia thriller set in a hidden magic school in Savannah, Georgia, where students learn the dangerous art of persuasion magic.
- When I Was Death (2026) – Henderson's Young Adult debut, focusing on speculative horror and chilling supernatural themes.
Short Stories and Anthologies
If you want to read Henderson's shorter works, she has contributed short stories to several notable speculative and horror collections:
- The Best of Helios Quarterly Magazine (2021) – Collects early short fiction.
- Eternally Yours (2022) – A Young Adult paranormal romance anthology featuring Henderson's short story "In the Eyes of Angels".
- The White Guy Dies First (2024) – A horror anthology featuring her creepy short story "Gray Grove".
Complete Book List in Publication Order
Because Henderson's standalones can be read in any order, following the order of publication is a highly practical way to experience the evolution of her writing style:
- The Year of the Witching (2020) – Novel (Bethel Book 1)
- The Best of Helios Quarterly Magazine (2021) – Anthology Contribution
- House of Hunger (2022) – Standalone Novel
- Eternally Yours (2022) – Anthology containing "In the Eyes of Angels"
- An Academy for Liars (2024) – Standalone Novel
- The White Guy Dies First (2024) – Anthology containing "Gray Grove"
- When I Was Death (2026) – Standalone YA Novel
What to Know Before You Start
Alexis Henderson’s writing is heavily inspired by her Savannah, Georgia roots—steeped in local ghost stories, folklore, and historic architecture. Her books frequently feature strong, marginalized heroines who challenge patriarchal authority, spiritual abuse, and systemic oppression. Readers should expect vivid, sometimes gruesome imagery, atmospheric gothic settings, and nuanced, character-driven plots. While her novels explore dark themes, they are grounded in themes of resilience and self-discovery.