How to Start Reading Ciannon Smart's Books
If you are ready to jump into the worlds of Ciannon Smart, your entry point depends entirely on what kind of story you are looking for. Smart writes across two distinct age groups—young adult fantasy and middle-grade urban fantasy. Both pathways offer vibrant, folklore-steeped worlds, but they differ significantly in tone, themes, and reading difficulty. There is no crossover between the two main series, so you can choose whichever path fits your reading mood.
Path 1: The Witches Steeped in Gold Duology (For Young Adults)
If you love high-stakes political intrigue, deadly magical rivalries, and lush Caribbean-inspired world-building, you should start with her debut YA fantasy novel, Witches Steeped in Gold. This story and its sequel are written for young adults and older readers. The duology features morally grey protagonists, complex magic systems based on Obeah folklore, and a slow-burn, tense atmosphere of vengeance. Because this is a continuous story with a major cliffhanger, you must read the books in order.
Path 2: The Rayleigh Mann Series (For Middle-Grade Readers)
If you prefer a lighter, humorous, and fast-paced adventure filled with mischievous monsters and hidden worlds, start with Rayleigh Mann in the Company of Monsters. Designed for middle-grade readers (ages 9–12), this series follows a young trickster who discovers he is the son of the legendary Bogey Mann. It is an excellent choice for fans of urban fantasy, magical treasure hunts, and cozy, spooky season reads.
Witches Steeped in Gold Duology
Smart's debut duology is set on the dangerous, beautiful island of Aiyca, heavily inspired by Jamaican culture and Obeah mythology. The world-building details a divided society: the ruling Order of the witches who control magic and the oppressed rebels. The narrative follows two rival witches: Iraya Adair, a captive seeking vengeance for her slaughtered family, and Jazmyne Cariot, the daughter of the tyrannical ruler who wants to avoid her mother's ruthless fate. They are forced into a shaky, untrustworthy alliance to overthrow the common enemy, leading to a complex web of betrayal, double-crossing, and shifts in power.
- Witches Steeped in Gold (2021): The first book introduces Aiyca and the two main perspectives. Iraya is the last heir of a royal line, imprisoned for years and bent on taking back her throne. Jazmyne is a reluctant high witch, trying to survive the court's deadly politics. They strike a deal to destroy the Empress, but neither can fully trust the other. The book is known for its exceptionally dense world-building, deep cultural terminology, and slow-burning pacing.
- Empress Crowned in Red (2022): Picking up after the explosive events of the first book, the sequel raises the stakes. With the island of Aiyca on the brink of war, Iraya and Jazmyne must navigate new alliances, betrayal, and their own fractured dynamic. The story explores themes of resistance, identity, and the heavy price of vengeance. It brings the duology to its epic, action-packed conclusion.
Rayleigh Mann Series
In this middle-grade urban fantasy series, Ciannon Smart shifts to a fun, action-packed tone. The story introduces readers to "Below London," a hidden realm right under the streets of London where monsters live and mischief is highly encouraged. In this world, the social norms of the surface are reversed: causing a ruckus is the law, and good behavior is frowned upon.
- Rayleigh Mann in the Company of Monsters (2023): The series starts on Halloween. Rayleigh Mann, a notorious troublemaker, sneaks out and meets a real monster who reveals a shocking secret: Rayleigh's missing father is the infamous Bogey Mann, the "Supreme Scarer." To find him, Rayleigh travels to Below London, navigating a realm where causing trouble is the law and monsters are the good guys. Rayleigh must use his own penchant for tricks and mischief to survive.
- Rayleigh Mann and the Quest of Misfits (2025): Grounded alongside his best friend Marley after his previous adventures, Rayleigh is forced to break the rules once again. The villainous Illustrious Three and the shape-shifting Imposter have returned, threatening Below London. Rayleigh must embark on a mysterious, clue-filled treasure hunt to uncover a traitor in their midst and save the monster realm.
Short Fiction & Anthologies
For readers who want a smaller taste of Ciannon Smart's writing, she has also contributed to young adult anthologies:
- "Betty's Best Craft" in Cool. Awkward. Black. (2023): Edited by Karen Strong, this multi-genre YA anthology celebrates Black geek culture. Smart’s contribution, "Betty's Best Craft," is a heartwarming short story tailored for nerdy Black girls who feel like they are "a little too much." It is a great standalone read that highlights Smart's ability to craft relatable, authentic characters outside of high-fantasy settings.
Complete Publication Order of Ciannon Smart's Books
If you prefer to read Ciannon Smart's work in the exact order it was released to the public, here is the complete chronological publication timeline:
- Witches Steeped in Gold (Novel, 2021)
- Empress Crowned in Red (Novel, 2022)
- "Betty's Best Craft" in the anthology Cool. Awkward. Black. (Short Story, 2023)
- Rayleigh Mann in the Company of Monsters (Novel, 2023)
- Rayleigh Mann and the Quest of Misfits (Novel, 2025)
What to Know Before You Start Reading
Before diving into Ciannon Smart's novels, there are a few useful tips to keep in mind to enhance your reading experience:
- Glossary and Lore Density: Witches Steeped in Gold features an incredibly rich and dense world. The magic, slang, and hierarchy are heavily rooted in Jamaican culture, patois, and Obeah traditions. Some editions contain a glossary, which can be highly useful to check as you get used to the terminology. Give yourself a few chapters to settle into the prose.
- Morally Grey Characters: Do not expect clear-cut heroes and villains in the YA duology. Both Iraya and Jazmyne make selfish, dangerous, and sometimes frustrating choices. Embracing their flaws is key to enjoying their complex dynamic.
- Contrasting Tones: The transition from the YA duology to the Rayleigh Mann series is stark. Rayleigh Mann is whimsical, humorous, and perfect for younger readers or those looking for a cozy, lighthearted magical adventure, while the YA novels are dark, political, and intense.