Most Recommended Books

Track reading, wishlists & new-book alerts

Get
Skip to content
Share:

Holly Black Books in Order

Explore Holly Black books in order, from Spiderwick to Elfhame, with quick summaries, series guides, reading order, and easy advice on where to start.

Last updated: July 2, 2026

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases (at no extra cost to you).

View

Holly Black books in publication order

Sort:

51 books

Tithe

by Holly Black

2002

Sixteen-year-old Kaye returns to New Jersey and stumbles back into the faerie world she thought was half imagined. Soon she is caught between rival courts and the kind of bargain that can ruin a life.

Goblins Attack

by Holly Black

2003

This short Spiderwick adventure throws the Grace children into an ugly clash with goblins. It is a quick, creepy reminder that the creatures around Spiderwick Estate are not interested in playing nice.

Lucinda's Secret

by Holly Black

2003

With strange creatures closing in and the field guide causing chaos, the Grace children turn to Aunt Lucinda for answers. What they learn makes the Spiderwick secrets feel bigger, older, and far more dangerous.

The Field Guide

by Holly Black

2003

After moving into a creaky old house, Jared, Simon, and Mallory Grace discover a mysterious field guide that proves faeries are real. Their new home suddenly feels a lot less ordinary, and much more dangerous.

The Seeing Stone

by Holly Black

2003

When Simon vanishes, Jared and Mallory race to rescue him from unseen goblins. To save their brother, they need a way to see through faerie glamour and understand what is really hunting them.

Troll Trouble

by Holly Black

2003

The Grace kids discover that moving to Spiderwick means dealing with more than one kind of monster. In this brisk companion tale, a troll turns an ordinary crossing into real danger.

The Ironwood Tree

by Holly Black

2004

Something is poisoning the land near Spiderwick, Mallory disappears, and clues lead Jared to an abandoned quarry. The deeper the Grace children go, the clearer it becomes that the faerie world wants more than mischief.

The Wrath of Mulgarath

by Holly Black

2004

Mulgarath has stolen Arthur Spiderwick's guide and taken the Grace children's mother. Jared, Simon, and Mallory have one last chance to stop an ogre with an army before everything they love is lost.

Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around You

by Holly Black

2005

This lavish guide collects Arthur Spiderwick's notes on the hidden creatures living beside the human world. It is a richly illustrated compendium for readers who want more lore, warnings, and faerie detail.

Notebook for Fantastical Observations

by Holly Black

2005

Part journal, part field notebook, this Spiderwick companion invites readers to record creatures, clues, and curious discoveries of their own. It expands the series' world in a playful, in-universe way.

Valiant

by Holly Black

2005

After a brutal betrayal, Val runs away to New York and falls in with a dangerous crowd living beneath the city. Down in the tunnels, she finds monsters, magic, and choices that could change her forever.

Care and Feeding of Sprites

by Holly Black

2006

This Spiderwick companion is a tongue-in-cheek handbook on sprites, their habits, and the trouble they can cause. It is more guidebook than story, and all the more fun for it.

Great Escape

by Holly Black

2007

Another quick Spiderwick outing, this story drops the Grace children into a fast-moving scrape with faerie trouble close behind. It keeps the series' mix of danger, humor, and sibling teamwork.

Ironside

by Holly Black

2007

Kaye and Roiben are trying to hold together love, power, and two worlds that do not mix easily. As court politics and old dangers close in, survival means choosing what can be saved and what cannot.

The Chronicles of Spiderwick

by Holly Black

2007

This larger Spiderwick collection gathers the Grace children's encounters with the hidden faerie world into one volume. It is a handy way to revisit the early discoveries, danger, and creature lore.

The Nixie's Song

by Holly Black

2007

Nick Vargas thinks moving to Florida is bad enough before a tiny nixie asks for help. Soon he, his brother Julian, and his stepsister Laurie are facing giants and a whole new kind of Spiderwick trouble.

A Giant Problem

by Holly Black

2008

Nick, Laurie, and Julian are still dealing with the fallout from helping a nixie when an even bigger threat arrives. Giants are on the move, and stopping them will take nerve, teamwork, and luck.

Kin

by Holly Black

2008

Rue Silver's ordinary life unravels after her mother disappears and faerie secrets begin surfacing all around her. The more Rue learns about her family, the less safe her neighborhood becomes.

Geektastic

by Holly Black

2009

Coedited with Cecil Castellucci, this anthology celebrates every kind of geek, from gamers and cosplayers to theater kids and fan-fiction obsessives. The stories are funny, affectionate, and proudly dorky.

Kith

by Holly Black

2009

Rue's world keeps sliding deeper into faerie chaos as family secrets, divided loyalties, and dangerous magic tighten around her. The middle book darkens the story without losing its emotional pull.

The Wyrm King

by Holly Black

2009

The final Beyond Spiderwick book raises the stakes as old enemies and ancient creatures push toward open conflict. Nick, Laurie, and Julian have to decide how much they are willing to risk to stop it.

Kind

by Holly Black

2010

Rue's story reaches its breaking point as faerie power spreads through her town and every relationship feels strained. The finale brings the series' family wounds and supernatural danger crashing together.

The Poison Eaters and Other Stories

by Holly Black

2010

This story collection gathers eerie, sharp-edged tales full of monsters, bargains, and people who wander too close to danger. It is a good sampler of Holly Black's darker short fiction.

White Cat

by Holly Black

2010

Cassel Sharpe comes from a family of curse workers and criminals, but he thinks he has no magic of his own. Then a white cat, missing memories, and old lies force him to question everything he knows.

Red Glove

by Holly Black

2011

Cassel is trying to hold on to something like a normal life, but his family, the mob, and the law all have plans for him. To survive, he has to outplay people who know exactly how dangerous he is.

Black Heart

by Holly Black

2012

Cassel is pulled into a deadly con where politics, crime families, and curse work collide. The final book asks what loyalty is worth when every side wants to use him.

Doll Bones

by Holly Black

2013

Three friends set out on an eerie road trip to bury a doll that may be haunted. It is a ghost story, but also a tender book about childhood, change, and not wanting to grow up alone.

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown

by Holly Black

2013

Tana wakes after a massacre to find herself trapped between the infected, the dead, and a mysterious boy with secrets. To save the people still alive, she heads straight for the deadly heart of Coldtown.

Lights Out

by Holly Black

2014

This short Doctor Who story turns darkness into the real threat. Holly Black packs a lot of unease and momentum into a very small adventure.

The Iron Trial

by Holly Black

2014

Callum Hunt has spent his life being warned away from magic, so the last thing he wants is a place at the Magisterium. But failing the entrance test goes very wrong, and the school may know more about him than he does.

The Copper Gauntlet

by Holly Black

2015

Call's summer ends with a terrifying discovery about his father and a return to the Magisterium. Once a powerful copper gauntlet is stolen, he and his friends are pulled into a hunt full of danger and hard truths.

The Darkest Part of the Forest

by Holly Black

2015

In Fairfold, humans and faeries live dangerously close together, and a horned boy sleeps in a glass coffin in the woods. When he wakes, Hazel and Ben are pulled into a story older and darker than they knew.

Lucifer, Volume 1: Cold Heaven

by Holly Black

2016

Lucifer Morningstar is pulled back into supernatural schemes that stretch across Earth, Heaven, and Hell. Holly Black gives the fallen angel a story full of old grudges, cosmic danger, and sharp wit.

Lucifer, Volume 2: Father Lucifer

by Holly Black

2016

The second volume deepens Lucifer's troubles, mixing family tension with darker metaphysical stakes. The story grows stranger, sadder, and more dangerous as old obligations come due.

The Bronze Key

by Holly Black

2016

Call, Tamara, and Aaron should be enjoying their status as heroes, but a brutal death proves the Magisterium is not safe. To stop a killer, they have to trust their magic while fearing what it might reveal.

Lucifer, Volume 3: Blood in the Streets

by Holly Black

2017

The final volume widens the supernatural conflict and brings Lucifer's story toward a bloody reckoning. It keeps the series' mix of mythic scale, moral ambiguity, and dangerous family ties.

The Silver Mask

by Holly Black

2017

Call's life is in ruins, his secret is out, and freedom comes with a terrible price. Fourth year at the Magisterium forces him to choose between loyalty, power, and everything he has left to lose.

Lumberjanes: Bonus Tracks

by Holly Black

2018

This collection gathers standalone Lumberjanes one-shots, from ghost ponies to mysterious plants and bizarre field trips. Each story spotlights a different facet of camp life, offering extra glimpses of Jo, April, Mal, Molly and Ripley between the main arcs.

The Cruel Prince

by Holly Black

2018

Jude is a mortal girl raised in the High Court of Faerie, where power matters more than kindness. To earn a place there, she must outmaneuver Prince Cardan and survive a nest of court intrigue.

Recommended by

1 person
  • Zack D'Aleo recommended this book

The Golden Tower

by Holly Black

2018

As Call begins his final year at the Magisterium, he is more isolated and feared than ever. The last battle is coming, and it will test everything he has learned about magic, friendship, and himself.

The Lost Sisters

by Holly Black

2018

This companion novella retells key events around The Cruel Prince through Taryn's eyes. It fills in her choices, loyalties, and secrets without replacing the main trilogy.

Heart of the Moors

by Holly Black

2019

Set between the two live-action Maleficent films, this novel follows Aurora as she tries to rule humans and fair folk alike. Love, leadership, and old wounds make peace harder than it looks.

The Queen of Nothing

by Holly Black

2019

Exiled from Faerie, Jude is pulled back just as war and old bargains come crashing together. To save her family and her kingdom, she must risk everything in the place that has always wanted her broken.

The Wicked King

by Holly Black

2019

Jude has more power than ever, but holding it may be harder than winning it. As betrayal closes in from every side, she has to decide whom she can trust in Elfhame's deadly court.

How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories

by Holly Black

2020

Told from Cardan's point of view, this illustrated companion returns to Elfhame before, during, and after the main trilogy. It adds new layers to his childhood, his crown, and his complicated heart.

Book of Night

by Holly Black

2022

Charlie Hall is a former thief in a world where shadow magic can buy power, beauty, and ruin. Trying to stay out of trouble only drags her deeper into murder, secrets, and the people who profit from them.

Sir Morien

by Holly Black

2023

This Arthurian picture book retells the legend of Sir Morien, a young knight on a journey to find his missing father and claim his place in the wider world of King Arthur.

The Stolen Heir

by Holly Black

2023

Suren, the former child queen of the Court of Teeth, has been hiding in the human world until Prince Oak finds her again. Their uneasy alliance leads back into Elfhame, where every favor has teeth.

The Prisoner's Throne

by Holly Black

2024

Prince Oak is imprisoned in the north by a queen who has every reason to hate him. With war approaching, he must choose between love, loyalty, and the fate of Elfhame itself.

Thief of Night

by Holly Black

2025

Charlie Hall is back in a darker, sharper sequel built around shadow theft and secret societies. She is good at stealing impossible things, but this time the job may cost her far more than she planned.

New

A Conspiracy of Charming Monsters

by Holly Black

2026

This illustrated collection returns to Holly Black's faerie world through stories of dangerous beauty, sharp bargains, and love that never comes safely. It promises wonder, menace, and monsters with good manners.

Where to start with Holly Black

If you want dark faerie politics: The Cruel PrinceThe Wicked KingThe Queen of Nothing
If you want the earlier urban faerie books: TitheValiantIronside
If you want a younger fantasy adventure: The Field GuideThe Seeing StoneLucinda's Secret
If you want magical school drama: The Iron TrialThe Copper GauntletThe Bronze Key
If you want her adult fantasy: Book of NightThief of Night

Beyond The Spiderwick Chronicles books in order

Explore this series
  1. Book cover for "The Nixie's Song"

    The Nixie's Song

    by Holly Black

    2007Beyond The Spiderwick Chronicles, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "A Giant Problem"

    A Giant Problem

    by Holly Black

    2008Beyond The Spiderwick Chronicles, Book 2
  3. Book cover for "The Wyrm King"

    The Wyrm King

    by Holly Black

    2009Beyond The Spiderwick Chronicles, Book 3

Beyond The Spiderwick Chronicles books in chronological order

  1. Book cover for "The Nixie's Song"

    The Nixie's Song

    by Holly Black

    2007Beyond The Spiderwick Chronicles, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "A Giant Problem"

    A Giant Problem

    by Holly Black

    2008Beyond The Spiderwick Chronicles, Book 2
  3. Book cover for "The Wyrm King"

    The Wyrm King

    by Holly Black

    2009Beyond The Spiderwick Chronicles, Book 3

Book of Night books in order

Explore this series
  1. Book cover for "Book of Night"

    Book of Night

    by Holly Black

    2022Book of Night, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "Thief of Night"

    Thief of Night

    by Holly Black

    2025Book of Night, Book 2

Book of Night books in chronological order

  1. Book cover for "Book of Night"

    Book of Night

    by Holly Black

    2022Book of Night, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "Thief of Night"

    Thief of Night

    by Holly Black

    2025Book of Night, Book 2

Curse Workers books in order

Explore this series
  1. Book cover for "White Cat"

    White Cat

    by Holly Black

    2010Curse Workers, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "Red Glove"

    Red Glove

    by Holly Black

    2011Curse Workers, Book 2
  3. Book cover for "Black Heart"

    Black Heart

    by Holly Black

    2012Curse Workers, Book 3

Curse Workers books in chronological order

  1. Book cover for "White Cat"

    White Cat

    by Holly Black

    2010Curse Workers, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "Red Glove"

    Red Glove

    by Holly Black

    2011Curse Workers, Book 2
  3. Book cover for "Black Heart"

    Black Heart

    by Holly Black

    2012Curse Workers, Book 3

Folk Of The Air books in order

Explore this series
  1. Book cover for "The Cruel Prince"

    The Cruel Prince

    by Holly Black

    2018Folk Of The Air, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "The Lost Sisters"

    The Lost Sisters

    by Holly Black

    2018Folk Of The Air, Book 2
  3. Book cover for "The Queen of Nothing"

    The Queen of Nothing

    by Holly Black

    2019Folk Of The Air, Book 4
  4. Book cover for "The Wicked King"

    The Wicked King

    by Holly Black

    2019Folk Of The Air, Book 3
  5. Book cover for "How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories"

    How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories

    by Holly Black

    2020Folk Of The Air, Book 5
  6. Book cover for "A Conspiracy of Charming Monsters"

    A Conspiracy of Charming Monsters

    by Holly Black

    2026Folk Of The Air, Book 6

Folk Of The Air books in chronological order

  1. Book cover for "The Cruel Prince"

    The Cruel Prince

    by Holly Black

    2018Folk Of The Air, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "The Lost Sisters"

    The Lost Sisters

    by Holly Black

    2018Folk Of The Air, Book 2
  3. Book cover for "The Wicked King"

    The Wicked King

    by Holly Black

    2019Folk Of The Air, Book 3
  4. Book cover for "The Queen of Nothing"

    The Queen of Nothing

    by Holly Black

    2019Folk Of The Air, Book 4
  5. Book cover for "How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories"

    How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories

    by Holly Black

    2020Folk Of The Air, Book 5
  6. Book cover for "A Conspiracy of Charming Monsters"

    A Conspiracy of Charming Monsters

    by Holly Black

    2026Folk Of The Air, Book 6

Good Neighbors books in order

Explore this series
  1. Book cover for "Kin"

    Kin

    by Holly Black

    2008Good Neighbors, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "Kith"

    Kith

    by Holly Black

    2009Good Neighbors, Book 2
  3. Book cover for "Kind"

    Kind

    by Holly Black

    2010Good Neighbors, Book 3

Good Neighbors books in chronological order

  1. Book cover for "Kin"

    Kin

    by Holly Black

    2008Good Neighbors, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "Kith"

    Kith

    by Holly Black

    2009Good Neighbors, Book 2
  3. Book cover for "Kind"

    Kind

    by Holly Black

    2010Good Neighbors, Book 3

Lucifer, Volume II books in order

Explore this series
  1. Book cover for "Lucifer, Volume 1: Cold Heaven"

    Lucifer, Volume 1: Cold Heaven

    by Holly Black

    2016Lucifer, Volume II, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "Lucifer, Volume 2: Father Lucifer"

    Lucifer, Volume 2: Father Lucifer

    by Holly Black

    2016Lucifer, Volume II, Book 2
  3. Book cover for "Lucifer, Volume 3: Blood in the Streets"

    Lucifer, Volume 3: Blood in the Streets

    by Holly Black

    2017Lucifer, Volume II, Book 3

Lucifer, Volume II books in chronological order

  1. Book cover for "Lucifer, Volume 1: Cold Heaven"

    Lucifer, Volume 1: Cold Heaven

    by Holly Black

    2016Lucifer, Volume II, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "Lucifer, Volume 2: Father Lucifer"

    Lucifer, Volume 2: Father Lucifer

    by Holly Black

    2016Lucifer, Volume II, Book 2
  3. Book cover for "Lucifer, Volume 3: Blood in the Streets"

    Lucifer, Volume 3: Blood in the Streets

    by Holly Black

    2017Lucifer, Volume II, Book 3

Magisterium books in order

Explore this series
  1. Book cover for "The Iron Trial"

    The Iron Trial

    by Holly Black

    2014Magisterium, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "The Copper Gauntlet"

    The Copper Gauntlet

    by Holly Black

    2015Magisterium, Book 2
  3. Book cover for "The Bronze Key"

    The Bronze Key

    by Holly Black

    2016Magisterium, Book 3
  4. Book cover for "The Silver Mask"

    The Silver Mask

    by Holly Black

    2017Magisterium, Book 4
  5. Book cover for "The Golden Tower"

    The Golden Tower

    by Holly Black

    2018Magisterium, Book 5

Magisterium books in chronological order

  1. Book cover for "The Iron Trial"

    The Iron Trial

    by Holly Black

    2014Magisterium, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "The Copper Gauntlet"

    The Copper Gauntlet

    by Holly Black

    2015Magisterium, Book 2
  3. Book cover for "The Bronze Key"

    The Bronze Key

    by Holly Black

    2016Magisterium, Book 3
  4. Book cover for "The Silver Mask"

    The Silver Mask

    by Holly Black

    2017Magisterium, Book 4
  5. Book cover for "The Golden Tower"

    The Golden Tower

    by Holly Black

    2018Magisterium, Book 5

Modern Faerie Tales books in order

Explore this series
  1. Book cover for "Tithe"

    Tithe

    by Holly Black

    2002Modern Faerie Tales, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "Valiant"

    Valiant

    by Holly Black

    2005Modern Faerie Tales, Book 2
  3. Book cover for "Ironside"

    Ironside

    by Holly Black

    2007Modern Faerie Tales, Book 3

Modern Faerie Tales books in chronological order

  1. Book cover for "Tithe"

    Tithe

    by Holly Black

    2002Modern Faerie Tales, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "Valiant"

    Valiant

    by Holly Black

    2005Modern Faerie Tales, Book 2
  3. Book cover for "Ironside"

    Ironside

    by Holly Black

    2007Modern Faerie Tales, Book 3

Spiderwick Chronicles books in order

Explore this series
  1. Book cover for "Lucinda's Secret"

    Lucinda's Secret

    by Holly Black

    2003Spiderwick Chronicles, Book 3
  2. Book cover for "The Field Guide"

    The Field Guide

    by Holly Black

    2003Spiderwick Chronicles, Book 1
  3. Book cover for "The Seeing Stone"

    The Seeing Stone

    by Holly Black

    2003Spiderwick Chronicles, Book 2
  4. Book cover for "The Ironwood Tree"

    The Ironwood Tree

    by Holly Black

    2004Spiderwick Chronicles, Book 4
  5. Book cover for "The Wrath of Mulgarath"

    The Wrath of Mulgarath

    by Holly Black

    2004Spiderwick Chronicles, Book 5

Spiderwick Chronicles books in chronological order

  1. Book cover for "The Field Guide"

    The Field Guide

    by Holly Black

    2003Spiderwick Chronicles, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "The Seeing Stone"

    The Seeing Stone

    by Holly Black

    2003Spiderwick Chronicles, Book 2
  3. Book cover for "Lucinda's Secret"

    Lucinda's Secret

    by Holly Black

    2003Spiderwick Chronicles, Book 3
  4. Book cover for "The Ironwood Tree"

    The Ironwood Tree

    by Holly Black

    2004Spiderwick Chronicles, Book 4
  5. Book cover for "The Wrath of Mulgarath"

    The Wrath of Mulgarath

    by Holly Black

    2004Spiderwick Chronicles, Book 5

Spiderwick Chronicles: Special Edition Of The Seeing Stone books in order

Explore this series
  1. Book cover for "Goblins Attack"

    Goblins Attack

    by Holly Black

    2003Spiderwick Chronicles: Special Edition Of The Seeing Stone, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "Troll Trouble"

    Troll Trouble

    by Holly Black

    2003Spiderwick Chronicles: Special Edition Of The Seeing Stone, Book 2
  3. Book cover for "Great Escape"

    Great Escape

    by Holly Black

    2007Spiderwick Chronicles: Special Edition Of The Seeing Stone, Book 3

Spiderwick Chronicles: Special Edition Of The Seeing Stone books in chronological order

  1. Book cover for "Goblins Attack"

    Goblins Attack

    by Holly Black

    2003Spiderwick Chronicles: Special Edition Of The Seeing Stone, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "Troll Trouble"

    Troll Trouble

    by Holly Black

    2003Spiderwick Chronicles: Special Edition Of The Seeing Stone, Book 2
  3. Book cover for "Great Escape"

    Great Escape

    by Holly Black

    2007Spiderwick Chronicles: Special Edition Of The Seeing Stone, Book 3

The Spiderwick Chronicles - Companion Books books in order

Explore this series
  1. Book cover for "Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around You"

    Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around You

    by Holly Black

    2005The Spiderwick Chronicles - Companion Books, Book 2
  2. Book cover for "Notebook for Fantastical Observations"

    Notebook for Fantastical Observations

    by Holly Black

    2005The Spiderwick Chronicles - Companion Books, Book 1
  3. Book cover for "Care and Feeding of Sprites"

    Care and Feeding of Sprites

    by Holly Black

    2006The Spiderwick Chronicles - Companion Books, Book 3
  4. Book cover for "The Chronicles of Spiderwick"

    The Chronicles of Spiderwick

    by Holly Black

    2007The Spiderwick Chronicles - Companion Books, Book 4

The Spiderwick Chronicles - Companion Books books in chronological order

  1. Book cover for "Notebook for Fantastical Observations"

    Notebook for Fantastical Observations

    by Holly Black

    2005The Spiderwick Chronicles - Companion Books, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around You"

    Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around You

    by Holly Black

    2005The Spiderwick Chronicles - Companion Books, Book 2
  3. Book cover for "Care and Feeding of Sprites"

    Care and Feeding of Sprites

    by Holly Black

    2006The Spiderwick Chronicles - Companion Books, Book 3
  4. Book cover for "The Chronicles of Spiderwick"

    The Chronicles of Spiderwick

    by Holly Black

    2007The Spiderwick Chronicles - Companion Books, Book 4

The Stolen Heir Duology books in order

Explore this series
  1. Book cover for "The Stolen Heir"

    The Stolen Heir

    by Holly Black

    2023The Stolen Heir Duology, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "The Prisoner's Throne"

    The Prisoner's Throne

    by Holly Black

    2024The Stolen Heir Duology, Book 2

The Stolen Heir Duology books in chronological order

  1. Book cover for "The Stolen Heir"

    The Stolen Heir

    by Holly Black

    2023The Stolen Heir Duology, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "The Prisoner's Throne"

    The Prisoner's Throne

    by Holly Black

    2024The Stolen Heir Duology, Book 2

Holly Black collections, short stories, and related book types

Short Story Collections

  1. Book cover for "The Poison Eaters and Other Stories"

    The Poison Eaters and Other Stories

    by Holly Black

    2010

Graphic Novels

  1. Book cover for "Lumberjanes: Bonus Tracks"

    Lumberjanes: Bonus Tracks

    by Holly Black

    2018
  2. Book cover for "Sir Morien"

    Sir Morien

    by Holly Black

    2023

Standalone Holly Black books

  1. Book cover for "Geektastic"

    Geektastic

    by Holly Black

    2009Stories from the Nerd Herd
  2. Book cover for "Doll Bones"

    Doll Bones

    by Holly Black

    2013
  3. Book cover for "The Coldest Girl in Coldtown"

    The Coldest Girl in Coldtown

    by Holly Black

    2013
  4. Book cover for "Lights Out"

    Lights Out

    by Holly Black

    2014
  5. Book cover for "The Darkest Part of the Forest"

    The Darkest Part of the Forest

    by Holly Black

    2015
  6. Book cover for "Heart of the Moors"

    Heart of the Moors

    by Holly Black

    2019

Author bio

Holly Black was born in West Long Branch, New Jersey, and grew up in New Jersey in the kind of old house that feels like it belongs in one of her stories. She has said she spent her early years in a decaying Victorian home, and that detail makes a lot of sense once you read her work. Her books are full of ordinary places with something sharp and magical hiding just out of sight.

She studied English at The College of New Jersey and graduated in 1994. Long before she became a full-time novelist, she was already living close to stories, books, and the habits of close reading that show up in her fiction. You can feel that care in the way her worlds work. Even when the magic gets wild, the rules underneath it are solid.

Faeries got there first.

Her first novel, Tithe, came out in 2002 and quickly made clear what kind of writer she was going to be. This was not soft-focus fantasy. It was modern, messy, urban, and a little dangerous. The companion novel Valiant and the sequel Ironside built that same world through New Jersey back roads, New York subways, bad choices, uneasy loyalties, and faeries who were beautiful right up until they were terrifying.

A year later, she reached a huge new audience with The Spiderwick Chronicles, created with Tony DiTerlizzi. Those books are short, fast, funny, and genuinely eerie, with just enough menace to make younger readers feel deliciously brave. The Grace children, the hidden field guide, the old house, the creatures in the yard, all of it helped make the series a lasting favorite, and it later moved into film and television too.

She has always been especially good at making wonder feel risky.

That gift runs through the rest of her bibliography. The Cruel Prince and the other Elfhame books brought her court politics, deception, and mortal ambition into a colder, more glittering kind of faerie story, one where power matters as much as romance. Doll Bones shows another side of her work, quieter and more tender, but still haunted, as childhood friendship turns into something stranger and sadder. And in Book of Night, her first adult novel, she shifts into shadow magic, thieves, and secret societies without losing the sly, dangerous energy that readers come to her for.

Across her books, certain things keep returning. Bargains always cost more than people expect. Beauty is usually a trap. Her main characters tend to be observant, stubborn, and a little hard to impress. They lie, scheme, get hurt, and keep moving. Black is interested in power, but she is just as interested in what power asks from the people who want it.

She has also written graphic novels, edited anthologies, and collaborated with other writers, including Cassandra Clare on the Magisterium series. Over the years, her work has earned major honors, including a Nebula, a Mythopoeic Award, and a Newbery Honor. She now lives in New England with her husband and son in a house with a secret library. There are cats there too, which feels exactly right.

Edited by

Richard Reis

Software engineer whose passion for tracking book recommendations from podcasts inspired the creation of MRB.

Anurag Ramdasan

Lead investor at 3one4 Capital whose startup expertise and love for books helped shaped MRB and its growth.

Comments

Did we miss something? Have feedback?

Help us improve this page by sharing your thoughts

We only use your email to notify you about replies.

All comments are moderated.

Discover and track your reading on the go

Track your reading, manage wishlists, and get notified when new books are added.