Adrian Phoenix
Adrian Phoenix has published 9 books across 3 series. The recommended reading order starts with A Rush of Wings (2008).
Adrian Phoenix is an American writer of urban and paranormal fantasy who brings a genuine fascination with the supernatural to every page. Based in Springfield, Oregon, she dreams of haunted tours and paranormal investigations, and that craving for the unexplained fuels fiction where danger and desire collide in shadowy realms that feel immediate and undeniable.
Phoenix made her debut in 2008 with A Rush of Wings, establishing herself as a writer unafraid to explore the darker corners of fantasy. She has since built two series that pulse with supernatural energy: The Maker's Song and the Hoodoo series, both weaving paranormal themes through narratives that feel visceral and startlingly real. Her worlds are richly imagined and alive with the kind of tension that lingers long past midnight.
When she's not writing, Phoenix balances her love of creepy things with hiking alongside her granddog, watching movies, and spending time with friends. She lives with three cats, and her two sons and three grandchildren keep her grounded in the everyday even as her fiction embraces the shadows.
Shelf & Shadows
Order of Hoodoo Books
- Tagsurban-fantasyfantasyromancecrimemysteryDescriptionThe air in New Orleans is thick with secrets and danger, a place where the party never stops but the darkness is always waiting. When the Hecatean Alliance’s annual carnival kicks off, the music is loud and the drinks are flowing, but the celebration takes a deadly turn. A night of passion ends in a blood-soaked bed, leaving a hard-bodied conjurer dead and a fiery Cajun hoodoo apprentice standing in the wreckage. The atmosphere shifts from revelry to terror as the realization hits—this wasn’t just a murder, it was a message. Kallie Rivière knows trouble, but this is something else entirely. The killer used the darkest of dark juju, a soul-eating black dust hex that reeks of malice and power. It’s the kind of magic her mentor warned her about, the kind that doesn’t just destroy—it consumes. Now, Kallie is the prime suspect, and the walls are closing in. The bayou-bred mojo she’s relied on her whole life might be the only thing standing between her and a fate worse than death. With her name on the line and a killer lurking in the shadows, Kallie has to dig deep. Every bit of hoodoo knowledge she’s ever learned is put to the test as she hunts for the truth. The stakes are higher than ever, and the clock is ticking. This isn’t just about clearing her name—it’s about surviving the night.Publication date1 July 2010Amazon rating3.9/5Print length384LanguageEnglishPublisherGALLERY BOOKS
- Tagsfantasyromanceurban-fantasyDescriptionThere is a specific kind of heat that rises from the asphalt in New Orleans, a thick, supernatural humidity that clings to Kallie Rivière, a powerful hoodoo apprentice caught in a web of ancient debts and darker magic. In Black Heart Loa, the stakes are immediate and visceral, as a routine ritual turns deadly, forcing Kallie to navigate a world where the spirits are as dangerous as the mortals who seek to control them. The city itself feels like a character here, breathing with a rhythm that matches the pounding heart of the protagonist, making every shadow feel like a potential threat. What truly sets this apart is the seamless blend of gritty urban reality with the intricate, often terrifying lore of hoodoo, presented not as a gimmick but as a lived, breathing system of belief and consequence. Adrian Phoenix doesn’t just tell a story; they immerse you in the sensory details of the craft, from the rustle of snake skins to the burn of ritual candles, creating a narrative that feels both grounded and wildly otherworldly. The tension is relentless, driving the reader forward through a labyrinth of betrayal and sacrifice. This is a book that demands your full attention, offering a thrill ride that is as emotionally resonant as it is suspenseful. If you are looking for a story that lingers like the scent of burnt sage and old secrets, this is the one to lose yourself in.Publication date28 June 2011Amazon rating4/5Print length432LanguageEnglishPublisherPocket Books
- Tagsurban-fantasyfantasyDescriptionCaught Forever Between plunges readers into the shadowy intersection of the supernatural and the criminal underworld, a place where magic is as dangerous as a loaded gun. Adrian Phoenix constructs a narrative that feels less like a fantasy novel and more like a gritty noir, steeped in the atmospheric lore of the Order of Hoodoo. The setting is not merely a backdrop but a living, breathing entity, where every shadow holds a secret and every spell cast comes with a price that is often paid in blood rather than coin. At the heart of this turmoil lies a protagonist suspended between two worlds, neither fully belonging to the light nor the dark. The central conflict is a desperate struggle for identity and survival, forcing characters to navigate a labyrinth of ancient curses and modern betrayals. Phoenix masterfully ratchets up the tension, blending the visceral thrill of a chase with the psychological weight of a haunting, ensuring that the stakes feel personal and immediate. What makes this installment compelling is its refusal to rely on easy answers or clear moral distinctions. The magic system is intricate and unforgiving, mirroring the complexity of the characters who wield it. By the final page, Caught Forever Between leaves you questioning the nature of loyalty and the cost of power, proving that in this world, the most dangerous traps are the ones we set for ourselves.Publication date21 January 2012Amazon rating4.2/5Print length40LanguageEnglishPublisherDreaming Nomad Books
Order of Maker's Song Books
- Tagsfantasymysteryromancesuspensethrillerurban-fantasyDescriptionA Rush of Wings does not merely introduce a vampire romance; it constructs a labyrinthine noir where the supernatural bleeds into the gritty reality of a federal manhunt. At the center stands Dante, the mesmerizing and volatile frontman of the band Inferno, whose existence is a cipher of erased records and foster-home scars. He is a creature of the nightkind, claiming vampiric origins while harboring a history fractured by an unspeakable evil, drawing the reader into a world where beauty and bloodshed are inextricably intertwined. FBI Special Agent Heather Wallace enters this seductive darkness chasing the Cross Country Killer, a sadist whose trail of corpses terminates at the doors of Club Hell. Her investigation collides with Dante’s guarded secrecy, creating a friction that is as dangerous as it is compelling. While Heather finds no birth date or social security number to anchor him to the human world, she uncovers a terrifying connection between the rock star and the murderer she hunts. As she peels back the layers of Dante’s past, guarded by the enigmatic Lucien DeNoir, the line between predator and prey dissolves, leaving her to wonder if she is hunting a monster or falling into the arms of one.Publication date8 January 2008Amazon rating4/5Print length416LanguageEnglishPublisherGallery Books
- Tagsfantasyromanceparanormal-romancehorrorurban-fantasyDescriptionHow far would you go to save a life that isn't yours? Dante is a vampire with a death sentence hanging over his head. He is dangerous, damaged, and running out of time. But he is also the only hope for a woman caught in a web of dark magic and murder. The bond between them is volatile. It is forged in blood and desperation. As they hunt for the truth, they uncover a conspiracy that threatens to tear their world apart. The stakes are high, and the body count is rising. This is urban noir with a fang. It is gritty, emotional, and impossible to put down. If you crave a romance that fights back against the darkness, pick this up.Publication date30 December 2008Amazon rating4.5/5Print length400LanguageEnglishPublisherGallery Books
- Tagsfantasyromanceparanormal-romancehorrorurban-fantasyDescriptionDante Baptiste stands at the precipice of his own terrifying nature, a rock star caught in a rhythm that is as lethal as it is seductive. The world knows his voice, but they do not know the monster lurking beneath the skin, a creature of ancient power and violent hunger. He is a man divided, torn between the human life he tries to lead and the dark, pulsing reality of his existence. Heather Wallace is an FBI agent who sees the crime scenes that others cannot explain, drawn into a shadow world where the rules of evidence dissolve. When her path crosses with Dante’s, the professional becomes dangerously personal, blurring the lines between hunter and hunted. She is forced to question everything she knows about justice and the nature of evil. What sets this narrative apart is its unflinching gaze into the soul of a predator who desperately wants to be human. It is not merely a romance or a thriller, but a gritty exploration of identity and the cost of survival. The prose cuts sharp, balancing the visceral horror of the supernatural with the fragile, tentative hope of connection. The stakes are absolute, measured in blood and the quiet moments of understanding between two damaged people. To survive, they must navigate a labyrinth of betrayal and ancient grudges. It is a story that lingers, haunting the reader long after the final note is sung.Publication date29 December 2009Amazon rating4.5/5Print length432LanguageEnglishPublisherPocket Books
- Tagsfantasyromanceparanormal-romancehorrorurban-fantasymysteryDescriptionAdrian Phoenix’s *Etched in Bone* doesn’t just pull you into a story; it drags you by the throat into a world where the supernatural bleeds into the gritty reality of New Orleans. This isn't a polite urban fantasy where magic is hidden behind closed doors. Here, the darkness is visceral, the romance is dangerous, and the stakes are life and death. If you crave a narrative that feels as raw and unpredictable as its protagonist, this is the book that will leave you breathless. At the heart of this chaos is Dante, a character who embodies the beautiful tragedy of being caught between two worlds. He is a maker, a creature of immense power and terrifying vulnerability, struggling to hold onto his humanity while surrounded by those who would exploit him. The tension isn't just in the action scenes—which are heart-pounding—but in the quiet, desperate moments where Dante fights his own nature. It’s a portrayal of monstrosity that feels achingly human. What makes this novel truly unforgettable is how it balances high-octane thrills with deep emotional resonance. The plot twists are sharp, but they never overshadow the complex relationships that drive the story. You’ll find yourself rooting for characters who should be villains, fearing for those who seem invincible. It’s a wild, haunting ride that lingers in your mind long after you’ve turned the final page.Publication date1 April 2011Amazon rating4.3/5Print length400LanguageEnglishPublisherPocket Books
- Tagsurban-fantasyfantasyromancehorrorthrillerDescriptionDante stands in the shadows, his past a bloody stain he can’t wash away. He is a vampire, but he is also something more. Something broken and dangerous. He fights the darkness inside him every single day. It is a war he never asked for, but one he must win to keep his humanity intact. Then Heather enters his life. She is an FBI agent with a sharp mind and a fierce spirit. She sees the monster, but she also sees the man. Their connection is instant and undeniable. It is a spark in the deep, cold night. She challenges him at every turn. She refuses to back down. But their world is under siege. An ancient evil rises, threatening to consume everything they hold dear. The stakes are higher than ever before. Secrets unravel, and loyalties are tested. Dante must embrace his true power to protect those he loves. The clock is ticking. The enemy is always watching. This book grabs you from the first page. It is dark, gritty, and utterly compelling. The chemistry between Dante and Heather burns bright. The action is relentless. You will not want to put it down. It is a story of love, sacrifice, and the fight for redemption.Publication date4 July 2015Amazon rating4.4/5Print length400LanguageEnglishPublisherGallery Books
Order of Standalone Novels
- Tagsurban-fantasyfantasychildrenmysteryhorrorparanormal-romanceDescriptionWhat happens when the sanctity of the operating theater is invaded by a predator far more dangerous than any disease? Adrian Phoenix’s *Thinning the Herd* drags you into the sterile, fluorescent-lit corridors of a hospital where the scent of antiseptic barely masks the copper tang of blood. It is a place of healing, or so we believe, but Phoenix quickly dismantles that illusion, replacing it with a suffocating dread that clings to the pages like a second skin. The atmosphere is thick, heavy, and undeniably wrong. At the center of this nightmare stands a surgeon whose hands are meant to save lives, yet something has fractured deep within. The narrative doesn’t just recount a series of gruesome events; it immerses you in a psychological unraveling that feels terrifyingly intimate. As the bodies begin to pile up, the line between medical necessity and murderous intent blurs, leaving you to question the nature of care itself. The tension is a tight wire, pulled taut and ready to snap. This is not a story for the faint of heart, nor is it a simple procedural. It is a visceral exploration of madness, wrapped in the chilling precision of a clinical setting. Phoenix writes with a scalpel’s sharpness, cutting through the noise to deliver a thriller that is as intellectually stimulating as it is horrifying. You won’t just read this book; you will survive it.Publication date4 January 2016Amazon rating4.1/5Print length194LanguageEnglishPublisherPocket Star
Frequently Asked Questions about Adrian Phoenix
Adrian Phoenix writes books within distinct series and also standalone novels. The Order of Hoodoo series includes Black Dust Mambo, Black Heart Loa, and Caught Forever Between. The Order of Maker's Song series includes A Rush of Wings, In the Blood, Beneath the Skin, Etched in Bone, and On Midnight Wings. The standalone novel is Thinning the Herd. For the series, it is best to read the books in the order they were published. The Maker's Song series began with A Rush of Wings, and the Hoodoo series began with Black Dust Mambo. Thinning the Herd can be read at any time.
A good starting point for Adrian Phoenix is with the Order of Maker's Song series, beginning with A Rush of Wings, published in 2008. This series offers a foundational experience of the author's writing. Alternatively, readers can begin with the first book in the Order of Hoodoo series, Black Dust Mambo, also published in 2010. Both series are distinct, so starting with either one will provide a clear entry into Adrian Phoenix's work. The standalone novel, Thinning the Herd, can be read independently of the series.
It is recommended to read the books within each of Adrian Phoenix's series in the order they were published. The Order of Maker's Song books, for instance, should be read starting with A Rush of Wings, followed by In the Blood, Beneath the Skin, Etched in Bone, and finally On Midnight Wings. Similarly, the Order of Hoodoo books should be read as Black Dust Mambo, Black Heart Loa, and Caught Forever Between. The standalone novel, Thinning the Herd, does not require any prior reading.
Adrian Phoenix writes both series and standalone novels. The author has two notable series: the Order of Hoodoo Books, which consists of three titles, and the Order of Maker's Song Books, comprising five titles. In addition to these series, Adrian Phoenix has also written standalone novels, with Thinning the Herd being an example of this form. This variety allows readers to engage with interconnected stories or individual narratives.
Adrian Phoenix has written a total of nine books across three distinct categories: the Order of Hoodoo Books, the Order of Maker's Song Books, and standalone novels. The Order of Hoodoo series includes three titles. The Order of Maker's Song series contains five titles. Additionally, there is one standalone novel, Thinning the Herd. These works represent the author's published output.
The first book written by Adrian Phoenix is A Rush of Wings, published in 2008. This title marks the beginning of the Order of Maker's Song series. It was released in the same year as another book, In the Blood, which is also part of the same series. A Rush of Wings serves as the initial entry point into this particular collection of works by the author.
The most recent book written by Adrian Phoenix is Thinning the Herd, published in 2016. This title is a standalone novel, meaning it does not belong to a series and can be read independently. It represents the latest addition to Adrian Phoenix's published works, following the completion of the Order of Maker's Song and Order of Hoodoo series.
Adrian Phoenix writes books that fall into the fantasy and horror genres. The series such as the Order of Hoodoo Books and the Order of Maker's Song Books explore supernatural elements, dark magic, and complex character relationships within these frameworks. The standalone novel, Thinning the Herd, also engages with themes common to these genres. The writing often involves intricate world-building and suspenseful plots.
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We verified the reading order for Adrian Phoenix's books by cross-referencing official publication dates, ISBN databases, and publisher catalogs.
Last verified: April 2026
Shelf & Shadows. (…). “Adrian Phoenix Books in Order.” Retrieved …, from https://www.shelfandshadows.com/authors/adrian-phoenix