Are you ready to embark on a journey through enchanting realms filled with chimeras, dreamers, and forbidden love? If you’re a fan of young adult fantasy that blends lyrical prose with heart-pounding adventure, Laini Taylor’s books are a must-read. Known for her vivid world-building and unforgettable characters, Taylor has captivated readers worldwide. But with multiple series and standalones, where do you start? In this guide, we’ll break down all of Laini Taylor’s books in order, helping you navigate her bibliography like a pro. Whether you’re a newbie or a longtime fan, let’s uncover the magic together!
Who Is Laini Taylor? A Quick Bio
Born on December 22, 1971, in Chico, California, Laini Taylor grew up in a military family, moving between places like Hawaii, Italy, Belgium, and Virginia. This nomadic childhood likely fueled her boundless imagination. Today, she lives in Portland, Oregon, with her family, and is instantly recognizable by her signature pink hair. Taylor’s writing career kicked off with her debut in 2007, and she’s since become a New York Times bestselling author and a National Book Award finalist. Her stories often explore themes of identity, war, and the power of dreams, all wrapped in poetic language that lingers long after you turn the last page.
Taylor’s books are perfect for readers who love intricate plots with a touch of romance and mythology. If you’ve devoured series like The Cruel Prince by Holly Black or Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo, her works will feel like coming home.
📚 List Of Laini Taylor Books in Release Order
| Release Date | Title | Series | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 26, 2007 | Blackbringer | Dreamdark #1 | Novel |
| October 6, 2009 | Lips Touch: Three Times | Standalone | Short Story Collection |
| October 27, 2009 | Silksinger | Dreamdark #2 | Novel |
| September 27, 2011 | Daughter of Smoke & Bone | Daughter of Smoke & Bone #1 | Novel |
| November 6, 2012 | Days of Blood & Starlight | Daughter of Smoke & Bone #2 | Novel |
| November 5, 2013 | Night of Cake & Puppets | Daughter of Smoke & Bone (Novella) | Novella |
| April 8, 2014 | Dreams of Gods & Monsters | Daughter of Smoke & Bone #3 | Novel |
| March 28, 2017 | Strange the Dreamer | Strange the Dreamer #1 | Novel |
| October 2, 2018 | Muse of Nightmares | Strange the Dreamer #2 | Novel |
Laini Taylor’s Books in Publication Order
To fully appreciate Taylor’s evolution as a writer, reading her books in publication order is ideal. This way, you can see how her storytelling matures from fairy-tale-inspired tales to epic fantasies. Below, I’ve listed them chronologically, grouped by series for clarity. I’ve included brief, spoiler-free synopses to whet your appetite—without giving away the magic!
The Dreamdark Series (Faeries of Dreamdark)
This early duology introduces Taylor’s whimsical style, focusing on faeries in a world teetering on the edge of darkness. It’s a great entry point for younger readers or those seeking shorter, standalone-ish adventures.
- Blackbringer (2007): Follow Magpie Windwitch, a fierce faerie determined to save her world from ancient evils. Packed with action and folklore, it’s a delightful blend of heroism and humor.
- Silksinger (2009): Hirik Mothmage guards a secret that could change everything. This sequel expands the Dreamdark universe with themes of courage and hidden powers.
Standalone Works
Taylor’s one-off books showcase her versatility, from haunting short stories to novellas that tie into her larger worlds.
- Lips Touch: Three Times (2009): A collection of three gothic tales exploring first kisses with supernatural twists. Each story is a bite-sized masterpiece of desire, danger, and destiny. (National Book Award finalist!)
The Daughter of Smoke & Bone Trilogy
This is Taylor’s breakout series—a sweeping epic of angels, demons, and a blue-haired art student caught in an otherworldly war. It’s romantic, gritty, and impossible to put down. Read in this order for the full emotional rollercoaster.
The stunning cover of Daughter of Smoke & Bone, where the adventure begins.
- Daughter of Smoke & Bone (2011): Meet Karou, who collects teeth for her chimeric family in Prague. When she crosses paths with a fiery angel, secrets unravel in a tale of forbidden love and ancient grudges.
- Days of Blood & Starlight (2012): The stakes skyrocket as war erupts between worlds. Karou grapples with betrayal and resurrection in this darker, more intense sequel.
- Night of Cake & Puppets (2013): A charming novella focusing on side characters Zuzana and Mik. It’s a lighthearted interlude filled with puppets, sweets, and budding romance—perfect for fans craving more from the universe.
- Dreams of Gods & Monsters (2014): The trilogy’s explosive finale brings alliances, battles, and revelations. Expect epic scope and heart-wrenching twists that tie everything together beautifully.
Why read this series in order? The character arcs and plot revelations build layer by layer, making each book more rewarding than the last.
The Strange the Dreamer Duology
Taylor’s latest (as of now) is a mesmerizing duology about dreams, lost cities, and godlike beings. It’s poetic and philosophical, with a slower burn that explodes into wonder.
- Strange the Dreamer (2017): Orphaned librarian Lazlo Strange obsesses over the mythical city of Weep. When opportunity knocks, he uncovers gods, ghosts, and his own destiny in this lyrical tale.
- Muse of Nightmares (2018): The sequel delves deeper into nightmares and family legacies. Sarai and Lazlo face impossible choices in a story that’s equal parts haunting and hopeful.
This duology stands alone from her previous works, so it’s a fantastic starting point if you want something fresh. The dream motifs will leave you pondering your own subconscious long after finishing.
Reading Order Tips: Series vs. Standalone
If you’re series-focused:
- Start with Daughter of Smoke & Bone for high-stakes romance.
- Move to Strange the Dreamer for introspective fantasy.
For completionists, follow the publication order above. All her books are interconnected thematically—dreams, identity, and otherness—but not plot-wise, so no major spoilers if you jump around. However, within series, stick to the listed order!
Why Laini Taylor’s Books Deserve a Spot on Your Shelf
Taylor’s prose is like poetry: lush, evocative, and full of surprises. Her worlds feel alive, her characters relatable yet extraordinary. Whether it’s the bustling streets of Prague or the ethereal city of Weep, you’ll be transported. Fans rave about the emotional depth—prepare for laughs, tears, and “just one more chapter” nights.
Ready to start? Grab Daughter of Smoke & Bone and let the adventure unfold. What’s your favorite Laini Taylor book? Share in the comments below—I’d love to hear your thoughts! And if you’re hungry for more fantasy recommendations, check out our guides to similar authors.
Last updated: October 2025. No new releases announced yet, but fingers crossed for more magic from Taylor soon!
