The Recommended Reading Order for Passage to Dawn
When entering the world of Doréa—a land where magic is strictly controlled and only clerics are permitted to wield it—readers have two main paths to follow. While both pathways are viable, they offer distinct experiences. We highly recommend starting with the publication order, as it allows you to uncover the world's mysteries and character dynamics in the exact sequence the author intended, building up the complex lore gradually.
Option 1: Publication Order (Recommended)
This is the ideal path for first-time readers. Starting with the flagship novel allows you to learn about the magic system alongside the main characters and preserves the suspense of the overarching plot. The companion prequels can then be read as refreshing interludes that flesh out the world's history and favorite side characters.
- The Other Magic (2019) — The core entry point that establishes the main characters, the oppressive magic system, and the primary conflicts of Doréa.
- To Earn the Sash (2020) — A companion prequel novella that details the background of a crucial antagonist, High Priest Grobennar, decades before the events of the first book.
- The Other Way (2021) — The direct sequel to the debut, expanding the narrative scope to encompass new point-of-view characters like Prince Aynward.
- To Wield a Plague (2022) — A standalone prequel novel focusing on the banished Danswa tribesman Dwapek, providing a rich look at the broader world outside the Empire.
- The Other Battle (2024) — The third main novel in the series, raising the stakes as the various character arcs and political conflicts begin to converge.
Option 2: Chronological Reading Order
If you prefer to follow the timeline of events chronologically, the prequels should be read first. This path provides deep historical and character context before the main storyline begins, though it may change how you perceive certain plot twists and character motivations in the main novels.
- To Earn the Sash (Prequel Novella) — Takes place decades prior to the main storyline.
- To Wield a Plague (Prequel Novel) — Follows Dwapek's journey prior to his appearance or relevance in the main series timeline.
- The Other Magic (Book 1) — The beginning of the main timeline.
- The Other Way (Book 2) — The continuation of the central narrative.
- The Other Battle (Book 3) — The latest chapter in the ongoing saga.
Understanding the Books of Doréa
Derrick Smythe's universe is built on a rich foundation of moral ambiguity, political intrigue, and a soft magic system where power is tied to religious authority. Here is a closer look at each entry in the series to help you choose what to read next.
The Main Novels
The Other Magic (2019): The novel that launched Smythe's indie fantasy career. It introduces Kibure, a slave who accidentally manifests forbidden magic, and Sindri, a rogue priestess who risks her life and status to guide him. The book won the prestigious B.R.A.G. Medallion and sets the stage for a rebellion against the Empire's clerical monopoly on magic.
The Other Way (2021): In the second volume, the narrative expands significantly. While Kibure and Sindri navigate the dangerous fallout of their actions, we are introduced to Prince Aynward, a spoiled royal who is suddenly framed for the murder of his own father, the king. Together with his sister Dagmara, Aynward is forced onto a path of survival and growth.
The Other Battle (2024): The third installment elevates the conflict to a global scale. As the Empire pushes to consolidate its control, our scattered protagonists must find a way to survive the brewing storm. The narrative continues to balance high-stakes action with intimate character development, setting up the foundation for the planned fourth book, The Other Truth.
The Prequels and Companion Novellas
To Earn the Sash (2020): This short prequel is a character study focusing on Grobennar, who is a zealous and ruthless priest in the main series. The story takes readers back decades to show how a young acolyte navigated the brutal, competitive hierarchy of the priesthood to earn his sash. It offers fascinating context for his actions in the main novels.
To Wield a Plague (2022): This standalone prequel novel was written in response to fan enthusiasm for the Danswa tribe. It follows Dwapek, a young tribal warrior who is banished after a coming-of-age ritual goes wrong. Banished into a hostile wilderness, Dwapek discovers an ancient, powerful artifact that changes his destiny. It functions beautifully as a standalone epic fantasy adventure.
What to Know Before You Start
Derrick Smythe's writing is heavily influenced by epic fantasy masters like Brandon Sanderson and Robert Jordan, which is reflected in his sweeping world-building and multi-perspective narrative style. However, Smythe utilizes a softer magic system where the limits of magical power are more mysterious and organic, rather than strictly rule-bound.
The tone of the series is classic epic fantasy but with a modern, character-focused lens. The characters are morally gray; even the antagonists are given deep, understandable motivations (as explored in To Earn the Sash), while the heroes are flawed and often forced into situations far beyond their control. Fans of audiobooks will also appreciate the series' premium production, as Derrick Smythe partnered with Podium Entertainment to bring the world of Doréa to life with professional narration.