J

Jo Clayton

Bestselling Author • 11 Series • 38 Books

11
Series
38
Books
11
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Diadem Books
Start with: Diadem from the Stars (1977)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Diadem: Shadith's Quest Books
Start with: Shadowplay (1990)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Diadem: Shadowsong Books
Start with: Fire in the Sky (1995)

About Jo Clayton

About Jo Clayton An American writer of fantasy and science-fiction, the author Jo Clayton was well known for her imaginative and intelligent fiction. Really pushing the boundaries of what the genres could actually do, she took her work to bold, interesting and fresh new heights. In time, this would go on to establish her as a writer with something different and interesting to say, as she would deliver it in an informative and down-to-earth manner. Reaching many readers from around the world, she would create a number of series, making sure they came back for more time and time again. During her lifetime, she managed to reshape the genre she was working within, essentially allowing it to come alive for her on the page. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Diadem Books series, Jo Clayton has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.

📚 All Book Series by Jo Clayton

Publication Order of Diadem Books
10 books 1977–1988
1

Diadem from the Stars

Diadem from the Stars is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Diadem Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jo Clayton have come to expect.

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1977
2

Lamarchos

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Diadem Books with Lamarchos, another outstanding contribution from Jo Clayton.

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1978
3

Irsud

Irsud continues the Publication Order of Diadem Books story arc with Jo Clayton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1978
4

Maeve

Maeve continues the Publication Order of Diadem Books story arc with Jo Clayton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1979
5

Star Hunters

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Diadem Books with Star Hunters, another outstanding contribution from Jo Clayton.

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1980
6

The Nowhere Hunt

The Nowhere Hunt is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Diadem Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jo Clayton have come to expect.

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1981
7

Ghosthunt

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Diadem Books with Ghosthunt, another outstanding contribution from Jo Clayton.

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1983
8

The Snares of Ibex

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Diadem Books with The Snares of Ibex, another outstanding contribution from Jo Clayton.

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1984
9

Quester's Endgame

Epic adventure awaits in Quester's Endgame, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Diadem Books series that raises the stakes across the realm Jo Clayton has built.

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1986
10

Shadow of the Warmaster

Conflict and courage define Shadow of the Warmaster, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Diadem Books series by Jo Clayton that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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1988
Publication Order of Diadem: Shadith's Quest Books
3 books 1990–1991
1

Shadowplay

Shadowplay continues the Publication Order of Diadem: Shadith's Quest Books story arc with Jo Clayton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1990
2

Shadowspeer

Shadowspeer is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Diadem: Shadith's Quest Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jo Clayton have come to expect.

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1990
3

Shadowkill

A gripping mystery unfolds in Shadowkill as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Diadem: Shadith's Quest Books series showcases Jo Clayton's mastery of suspense.

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1991
Publication Order of Diadem: Shadowsong Books
3 books 1995–1996
1

Fire in the Sky

Fire in the Sky continues the Publication Order of Diadem: Shadowsong Books story arc with Jo Clayton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1995
2

The Burning Ground

The Burning Ground is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Diadem: Shadowsong Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jo Clayton have come to expect.

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1995
3

Crystal Heat

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Diadem: Shadowsong Books with Crystal Heat, another outstanding contribution from Jo Clayton.

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1996
Publication Order of Drinker of Souls Books
3 books 1986–1989
1

Drinker of Souls

Drinker of Souls is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Drinker of Souls Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jo Clayton have come to expect.

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1986
2

Blue Magic

Magic takes center stage in Blue Magic, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Drinker of Souls Books series that expands the enchanting world created by Jo Clayton.

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1988
3

A Gathering of Stones

A Gathering of Stones continues the Publication Order of Drinker of Souls Books story arc with Jo Clayton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1989
Publication Order of Drinker of Souls: Wild Magic Books
3 books 1991–1993
1

Wild Magic

Magic takes center stage in Wild Magic, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Drinker of Souls: Wild Magic Books series that expands the enchanting world created by Jo Clayton.

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1991
2

Wildfire

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Drinker of Souls: Wild Magic Books with Wildfire, another outstanding contribution from Jo Clayton.

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1992
3

The Magic Wars

Magic takes center stage in The Magic Wars, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Drinker of Souls: Wild Magic Books series that expands the enchanting world created by Jo Clayton.

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1993
Publication Order of Drums of Chaos Books
3 books 1996–2002
1

Drum Warning

Conflict and courage define Drum Warning, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Drums of Chaos Books series by Jo Clayton that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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1996
2

Drum Calls

Drum Calls continues the Publication Order of Drums of Chaos Books story arc with Jo Clayton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1997
3

Drum Into Silence

Drum Into Silence is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Drums of Chaos Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jo Clayton have come to expect.

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2002
Publication Order of Duel of Sorcery Books
3 books 1982–1985
1

Moongather

Moongather is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Duel of Sorcery Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jo Clayton have come to expect.

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1982
2

Moonscatter

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Duel of Sorcery Books with Moonscatter, another outstanding contribution from Jo Clayton.

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1983
3

Changer's Moon

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Duel of Sorcery Books with Changer's Moon, another outstanding contribution from Jo Clayton.

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1985
Publication Order of Duel of Sorcery: Dancer Books
3 books 1993–1994
1

Dancer's Rise

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Duel of Sorcery: Dancer Books with Dancer's Rise, another outstanding contribution from Jo Clayton.

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1993
2

Serpent Waltz

Serpent Waltz is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Duel of Sorcery: Dancer Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jo Clayton have come to expect.

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1994
3

Dance Down the Stars

Dance Down the Stars continues the Publication Order of Duel of Sorcery: Dancer Books story arc with Jo Clayton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1994
Publication Order of Skeen Books
3 books 1986–1987
1

Skeen's Leap

Skeen's Leap continues the Publication Order of Skeen Books story arc with Jo Clayton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1986
2

Skeen's Return

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Skeen Books with Skeen's Return, another outstanding contribution from Jo Clayton.

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1987
3

Skeen's Search

Skeen's Search continues the Publication Order of Skeen Books story arc with Jo Clayton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1987
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
1 books 1985–1985
1

A Bait of Dreams

A Bait of Dreams is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jo Clayton have come to expect.

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1985
Publication Order of Anthologies
3 books 1979–1998
1

Isaac Asimov's Marvels of Science Fiction

Isaac Asimov's Marvels of Science Fiction continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Jo Clayton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1979
2

Moonsinger's Friends: An Anthology in Honor of Andre Norton

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Moonsinger's Friends: An Anthology in Honor of Andre Norton, another outstanding contribution from Jo Clayton.

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1985
3

In the Shadow of the Gargoyle

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with In the Shadow of the Gargoyle, another outstanding contribution from Jo Clayton.

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1998

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Jo Clayton?

Jo Clayton is a bestselling author known for 11 book series containing over 38 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Diadem Books, Publication Order of Diadem: Shadith's Quest Books, Publication Order of Diadem: Shadowsong Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Jo Clayton series to start with?

For readers new to Jo Clayton's work, the Publication Order of Diadem Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 10 books. Begin with Diadem from the Stars to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Jo Clayton written?

Jo Clayton has written over 38 books across 11 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Jo Clayton books in order?

Yes, reading Jo Clayton's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.

What genre does Jo Clayton write in?

Jo Clayton writes primarily in fiction. With 11 series across 38 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Jo Clayton's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Jo Clayton's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.

What is Jo Clayton's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Jo Clayton's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Diadem Books series. The first book, Diadem from the Stars, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.