April Aasheim Books in Order

Where to Start with April Aasheim

If you are new to April Aasheim's cozy paranormal fantasy worlds, the absolute best starting point is The Witches of Dark Root, which is the first book in her flagship series, The Daughters of Dark Root. This book introduces the magical, isolated town of Dark Root, Oregon, and the four estranged Maddock sisters who must return home to save their mother and reclaim their heritage.

While her different series focus on different generations and timelines, starting with the original Daughters of Dark Root books provides the necessary foundation, rules of magic, and character dynamics that enrich the prequels, sequels, and spin-offs.

The Dark Root Universe Reading Order

The Dark Root universe is a multi-generational saga spanning several subseries. While the prequel series Alchemy of a Witch takes place centuries earlier, reading it first is not recommended as it contains major lore reveals that are best appreciated after reading the main series. The author recommends following the publication order of the main subseries to avoid spoilers and maintain narrative continuity.

Phase 1: The Daughters of Dark Root (The Main Series)

This is where the saga begins. It follows the four Maddock sisters—Maggie, Merry, Mel, and Mitch—as they discover their coven's strength, battle dark entities, and navigate family relationships.

• The Witches of Dark Root (2012)
• The Magick of Dark Root (2014)
• The Council of Dark Root (2015)
• The Curse of Dark Root: Part One (2015)
• The Curse of Dark Root: Part Two (2016)
• The Shadows of Dark Root (2017)

Phase 2: The Children of Dark Root (The Sequel Series)

Taking place five years after the events of The Shadows of Dark Root, this sequel trilogy shifts the spotlight to the next generation of witches and magicians in Dark Root, dealing with inherited powers and new supernatural threats.

• Inherited Magick (2018)
• Gifted Magick (2019)
• The Mystery of Ice Pond Road (2020)

Phase 3: Alchemy of a Witch (The Prequel Series)

Set during the medieval era amidst plague and witch hunts, this historical fantasy prequel series tells the origin story of the Dark Root ancestry. It follows Morgan as she flees persecution and learns the true secrets of alchemy and transmutation.

• Alchemy of a Witch: Part One (2020)
• Alchemy of a Witch: Part Two (2020)
• Alchemy of a Witch: Part Three (2021)
• Alchemy of a Witch: Part Four (2021)

Phase 4: Miss Sasha's School of Magick (The Epilogue Series)

Serving as both a nostalgic look-back and an epilogue to the saga, this series dives into the history of the town's legendary matriarch, Sasha Shantay (Miss Sasha), and the secret school she ran for young magical talents decades before the main series began.

• Abracadabra and Alchemy (2021)
• Bloodlines and Bindings (2022)
• Constellations and Candles (2022)

Dark Root Novellas and Holiday Specials

Aasheim has written several companion novellas that provide extra festive flavor and character insights. These are best read after book 3 or 4 of the main series, or anytime after completing Phase 1:

• A Dark Root Christmas (2015)
• A Dark Root Halloween (2016)
• A Dark Root Samhain (2018)

The Reed Hollow Chronicles

Outside of Dark Root, Aasheim has penned another highly popular urban fantasy and cozy mystery series: the Reed Hollow Chronicles. This series follows Baylee Scott, a woman blessed—or cursed—with the ability to see memories through touch, as she solves supernatural mysteries with her family and her mother's ghost. The recommended reading order is straightforward:

1. Touch of Light (2017)
2. Touch of Shadow (2018)
3. Touch of Lace (2021)

Standalones and Shared Universes

Aasheim's standalone works and contributions to collaborative projects can be read at any time without spoiling her main series:

• The Universe is a Very Big Place (2012) – Her debut romantic comedy novel.
• The Good Girl's Guide to Being a Demon (2015) – A quirky, fun paranormal comedy contributed to the multi-author Woodland Creek shared world.
• Anthologies (Curses and Cauldrons, Curses and Candy Canes, Pumpkins and Potions) – Collaborative holiday mystery anthologies containing short stories by Aasheim and fellow cozy authors.