Julie C. Dao Reading Order
6 series · 13 books
Julie C. Dao crafts dark fantasy narratives steeped in East Asian mythology and folklore, earning recognition for her richly imagined world-building and complex character studies. Her debut novel Forest of a Thousand Lanterns reimagines the Evil Queen archetype through a Southeast Asian lens, establishing her signature style of morally gray protagonists navigating power and ambition. Across standalone novels, anthologies, and multiple series, Dao has built a diverse body of work that blends historical fantasy elements with contemporary themes of identity and belonging.
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Anthologies Series
Complete2 books (2023–2023)
Start this series with Mermaids Never Drown: Tales to Dive For
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleNow Comes the Mist Series
Ongoing2 books (2024–2025)
Julie C. Dao's Now Comes the Mist series is an ongoing fantasy duology published in 2024 and 2025. The two books should be read in publication order, beginning with Now Comes the Mist followed by So Blooms the Dawn.
Start with Now Comes the Mist and read in order.
Start this series with Now Comes the Mist
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleRise of the Empress Series
Complete2 books (2017–2018)
Rise of the Empress is a completed two-book fantasy series by Julie C. Dao, consisting of Forest of a Thousand Lanterns and Kingdom of the Blazing Phoenix, published between 2017 and 2018. The books should be read in publication order to experience the full arc of the story.
Start with Forest of a Thousand Lanterns and read in order.
Start this series with Forest of a Thousand Lanterns
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Standalone Novels Series
Complete1 book (2019–2019)
Team Chu Series
Ongoing3 books (2023–2024)
Julie C. Dao's Team Chu is an ongoing fantasy series consisting of three books published between 2023 and 2024. The series follows publication order, beginning with Team Chu and the Battle of Blackwood Arena, followed by Team Chu and the Epic Hero Quest and Team Chu and the Wild Ghost Chase. Readers should start with the first book to experience the story as intended.
Start with Team Chu and the Battle of Blackwood Arena and read in order.
Start this series with Team Chu and the Battle of Blackwood Arena
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
The Mirror Series
Likely Complete3 books (2020–2022)
The Mirror is a three-book fantasy series by Julie C. Dao, Dhonielle Clayton, and J.C. Cervantes, published between 2020 and 2022. The series appears to be complete and should be read in publication order, beginning with Broken Wish, followed by Shattered Midnight, and concluding with Fractured Path. Each installment builds on the previous entries, making sequential reading essential for following the narrative.
Start with Broken Wish and read in order.
Start this series with Broken Wish
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many books has Julie C. Dao written?
- Julie C. Dao has written 13 books across 6 series. Their published works span from 2017 to 2025.
- What is the first book in each Julie C. Dao series?
- Here are the first books in Julie C. Dao's series: Anthologies: Mermaids Never Drown: Tales to Dive For; Now Comes the Mist: Now Comes the Mist; Rise of the Empress: Forest of a Thousand Lanterns; Team Chu: Team Chu and the Battle of Blackwood Arena; The Mirror: Broken Wish.
- What order should I read Julie C. Dao's books?
- We recommend reading Julie C. Dao's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
- Is Julie C. Dao still writing new books?
- Yes, Julie C. Dao has 2 ongoing series: Now Comes the Mist, Team Chu.