How to Read Andrew Eliopulos’s Books
Since all of Andrew Eliopulos's novels are standalone works, there is no strict chronological narrative connecting them. Readers can dive into his bibliography in any order they choose. However, the best way to experience his growth as a writer is by following his publication order. This path highlights his transition from spooky middle-grade fantasy under a pen name to emotionally rich, queer-inclusive young adult and middle-grade fiction under his real name.
The Andrew Harwell Pen Name: Where It All Began
Before publishing under his own name, Andrew Eliopulos debuted in the literary world under the pen name Andrew Harwell. Under this pseudonym, he published his first middle-grade novel, The Spider Ring, in 2015. He later transitioned to writing under his legal name, Andrew Eliopulos, for his young adult debut, The Fascinators (2020), and his subsequent novels. When searching library catalogs or bookstores, it is helpful to keep both names in mind to ensure you do not miss his debut work.
Andrew Eliopulos Books in Publication Order
If you want to read his books in the exact order they were released to the public, follow this sequence:
- The Spider Ring (2015) — Published under the pen name Andrew Harwell. A middle-grade supernatural fantasy.
- The Fascinators (2020) — Published under Andrew Eliopulos. A queer young adult contemporary fantasy.
- Will on the Inside (2023) — Published under Andrew Eliopulos. A contemporary middle-grade novel dealing with chronic illness and identity.
- House of No Return (Forthcoming February 9, 2027) — Published under Andrew Eliopulos. A middle-grade supernatural mystery.
A Closer Look at the Novels
The Spider Ring (2015)
Written under the name Andrew Harwell, this spooky middle-grade fantasy follows Maria, a girl who inherits a mysterious ring from her grandmother. The ring grants her the power to command spiders. While she initially uses this power to solve her problems at school and home, she quickly realizes that magic comes with a steep, creepy price. It is a fantastic option for younger readers who enjoy eerie, suspenseful tales with moral lessons about control and consequences.
The Fascinators (2020)
Set in a small, conservative town in Georgia where magic is real but socially frowned upon, this young adult novel centers on Sam, a teenage boy navigating his final year of high school. Sam is secretly in love with his best friend James. Along with their friend Delia, they make up the school's struggling magic club, the Fascinators. When James gets involved with a dangerous supernatural group, the friends must band together to save him. The book is highly recommended for fans of queer romance, tight-knit friendships, and urban fantasy.
Will on the Inside (2023)
This contemporary middle-grade novel is a departure from fantasy, focusing instead on real-world challenges. The story follows Will, a twelve-year-old soccer player whose life is turned upside down when he is diagnosed with Crohn's disease. As he navigates the physical toll of his chronic illness, he also begins to grapple with his emerging queer identity and where he fits in. It is a deeply empathetic and hopeful story that has been praised for its authentic portrayal of juvenile chronic illness and self-discovery.
House of No Return (Forthcoming 2027)
Scheduled for release in early 2027, this upcoming middle-grade novel returns to supernatural themes. It follows Gabriel Wilson, who goes on a spring break trip with his newly blended family. During the trip, Gabriel encounters a haunted mansion and must solve a mystery while dealing with the challenges of adjusting to his new family dynamic.
What to Know Before You Start
Aside from being an author, Andrew Eliopulos is a highly accomplished publishing professional. Under his name Andrew Harwell, he has worked as a senior and executive editor at HarperCollins Children’s Books, editing award-winning titles such as Jerry Craft’s graphic novel New Kid. His deep editorial experience shines through in his own writing, which features tight pacing, realistic dialogue, and a strong understanding of adolescent emotional landscapes.
His books are also notable for their strong LGBTQ+ representation. As an openly queer author, Eliopulos crafts #OwnVoices narratives that deal honestly with the challenges of growing up queer in conservative environments, drawing inspiration from his own upbringing in small-town Georgia.