The Recommended Betsy Schow Reading Path
If you are looking to dive into the whimsical, fast-paced, and highly humorous worlds created by Betsy Schow, the best path is clear: start with her signature young adult fantasy trilogy, The Storymakers. Because this series builds a cohesive, continuous world with overarching conflicts and evolving characters, you should read these books in their strict chronological publication order. Here is the recommended order for the main series:
- Spelled (2015)
- Wanted (2017)
- Banished (2018)
For readers interested in her other works, her standalone novel and non-fiction self-help books can be read at any time, as they do not connect to the fantasy universe of the Storymakers series.
What to Know Before You Start
Before cracking open your first Betsy Schow book, it is helpful to understand her unique storytelling style. Schow's fantasy novels are modern, fractured fairy-tale retellings. They are characterized by a high volume of pop-culture references, wordplay, and self-aware humor. If you enjoy sassy protagonists who don't fit the classic, passive princess mold, you will feel right at home here.
Schow also weaves her personal experiences into her writing. As an author who embraces neurodiversity and LGBTQIA+ representation, she crafts characters who feel modern, inclusive, and multi-faceted. Her fantasy world blends elements from classic stories like The Wizard of Oz, Robin Hood, and Arthurian legend, but gives them a rebellious twist that challenges traditional tropes.
The Storymakers Trilogy: Detailed Book Breakdown
Spelled (2015)
The trilogy kicks off with Spelled, introducing us to Princess Dorthea of Emerald. Dorthea is a spoiled princess who wants nothing more than to escape her arranged marriage and the stifling royal duties of the land of Grimm. When she makes a reckless wish on a cursed star, she accidentally turns her parents to glass and unleashes a magical disaster that threatens to tear her kingdom apart. Alongside her steed and a band of unlikely allies, Dorthea must embark on a quest down the yellow brick road to reverse the curse. The novel is packed with fairy-tale references, rapid-fire puns, and a strong message about taking responsibility for one's actions.
Wanted (2017)
The second book shifts focus to a new protagonist, Rexi, who is the non-magical daughter of Robin Hood. Unlike the magically gifted inhabitants of the realm, Rexi must rely on her wits, archery, and street-smarts to get by. When Dorthea's magical curse continues to disrupt the world, Rexi finds herself caught in a fight against a wicked witch and on a quest to claim the legendary sword Excalibur. Wanted expands the borders of Schow's fantasy world, bringing Arthurian legend and outlaw folklore into the mix while maintaining the series' trademark snarky humor and fast-paced adventure.
Banished (2018)
The trilogy culminates in Banished, which brings the storylines of Dorthea and Rexi together. As the boundaries between reality, fairy tales, and the real world begin to blur, Dorthea must fight to reclaim her narrative and save her kingdom once and for all. The finale balances the high-energy comedy of the previous books with a more emotional and poignant exploration of identity, agency, and what it truly means to write your own happy ending.
Other Works by Betsy Schow
Trouble's on the Menu: A Tippy Canoe Romp (2013)
Before launching her young adult fantasy series, Betsy Schow co-authored a unique standalone novel with Caleb Warnock titled Trouble's on the Menu: A Tippy Canoe Romp--With Recipes. Published in 2013, this book is a lighthearted, humorous romp that combines fictional storytelling with actual culinary recipes, showing early signs of the playful, genre-blending style that would later define her fantasy writing.
Betsy Schow's Non-Fiction Guides
Schow has also written two inspirational non-fiction books that draw directly from her own life journey, including her public battle with weight loss and goal setting:
- Finished Being Fat: An Accidental Adventure in Losing Weight and Learning How to Finish (2013) – A candid memoir detailing her 75-pound weight loss journey, which was featured on national programs like The Today Show.
- The Quitter's Guide to Finishing: 101 Ways to Get Where You Want to Be (2017) – A practical, motivational guide designed to help readers overcome obstacles, stop giving up, and cross their personal finish lines.
Reading Order and Practical Advice
When approaching Betsy Schow's bibliography, keep these practical tips in mind:
Stick to publication order for the fantasy books: Although Wanted features a different main character than Spelled, the events of the second book build directly on the magical fallout of the first. Reading them out of order will spoil key plot points of the first book and leave you confused about the magical rules of the universe.
Read the non-fiction whenever you need inspiration: There are no narrative ties between Schow's non-fiction works and her novels. If you need a break from fantasy and want practical goal-setting advice, you can jump into her non-fiction guides at any point.