Maya and the Rising Dark Books

Read Maya and the Rising Dark, Maya and the Return of the Godlings, and Maya and the Lord of Shadows in numbered order. The conflict, friendships, and family revelations form one continuing story that reaches its conclusion in book three.

Rena Barron's Kingdom of Souls trilogy is a separate YA fantasy with different characters and a different world, not a prequel or continuation of Maya's story.

Sources: Rena Barron's official trilogy and series FAQ.

The trilogy includes a missing and endangered parent, supernatural monsters, possession and corruption, magical battles, injuries, death, grief, and threats to Maya's family, friends, and city. Some creatures and trips into the Dark may be frightening for sensitive readers.

Friendship and family support remain central, and Maya's power grows alongside her confidence. The fantasy draws on West African mythology and places a Black girl and her Chicago community at the center of a large-scale adventure.