Where to Start with Alys Arden
For readers looking to dive into the eerie, spellbinding worlds created by Alys Arden, the choice is simple. Her flagship series is The Casquette Girls, a sprawling Southern Gothic urban fantasy set in New Orleans. You should start with the first novel, The Casquette Girls, to properly understand the complex mythology, character relations, and history that drive the narrative forward. Reading the series in publication order is highly recommended, as the books follow a linear chronological timeline that expands on the protagonist's growth and the rising magical threats to the French Quarter.
If you prefer graphic novels or are a fan of DC Comics, you can also start with her standalone work, Zatanna: The Jewel of Gravesend. Since this graphic novel is set in a completely different universe and locations, it does not share any continuity with her main series and can be read at any time.
The Casquette Girls Series in Publication Order
This series blends real historical events—specifically the French casket girls (filles à la cassette) who arrived in 18th-century New Orleans—with modern supernatural intrigue. The books should be read in this exact sequence:
- The Casquette Girls (2013): Adele Le Moyne returns to a storm-ravaged New Orleans and accidentally unleashes a centuries-old coven of witches and vampires linked to her ancestors.
- The Romeo Catchers (2017): Adele's magical abilities develop further as she navigates deep alchemical secrets, rising tensions among the supernatural factions, and a slow-burn romance.
- The Cities of Dead (2019): The stakes grow darker and grittier as the story delves into Voodoo traditions, ancient family feuds, and the cemetery culture of New Orleans.
- The Gates of Guinée (2021): Adele must break away from her coven and venture directly into the Voodoo Afterworld (Guinée) to rescue her father, Macalister, who is held hostage.
- The Immortal Saint-Germain (Expected 2026): The announced fifth and final installment of the series, which is set to bring Adele's journey to a dramatic conclusion.
Chronological Order and Caveats
Chronologically, the main story of The Casquette Girls moves forward from book to book, starting shortly after the devastation of a major storm (reminiscent of Hurricane Katrina) in New Orleans. However, the books are rich with flashbacks and historical accounts, moving back to 18th-century France and early colonial New Orleans. These historical segments explain the origin of the vampires and the original casquette girls, but they are nested within the main narrative. Therefore, attempting to read the historical segments separately is not recommended; the publication order is the only logical chronological reading path.
Standalone Works and Graphic Novels
Outside of her primary series, Arden has written for DC Comics' young adult graphic novel line:
- Zatanna: The Jewel of Gravesend (2022): Illustrated by Jacquelin de Leon, this graphic novel reimagines the iconic DC magician Zatanna Zatara. Set in Coney Island, it follows a teenage Zatanna as she discovers her family's theatrical legacy is actually real magic. It has no connection to the Casquette Girls universe.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into Arden's work, it helps to understand her background and the unique atmosphere of her writing. Arden was raised in the French Quarter of New Orleans, surrounded by street performers, artists, and local lore. She began writing The Casquette Girls while living in London, channeling her homesickness into a vivid, sensory-rich portrayal of her hometown. Consequently, New Orleans acts as a living, breathing character in the series.
The series initially gained massive traction on Wattpad, accumulating over a million reads before being picked up for traditional publication. The tone of the books is deeply atmospheric, featuring poetic prose, slow-burn romantic tension, and a respectful exploration of local cultures, including Voodoo history, Creole heritage, and the resilience of a community rebuilding after disaster.