Doran

Q: "How many books are in the Doran series?"

"There are four books in the Doran series, published between 1987 and 2004."

Q: "What is the first book in the Doran series?"

"The first book in the Doran series is Wise Child, published in 1987."

Q: "In what order should the Doran books be read?"

"Though 'Wise Child' (1987) was published first, 'Juniper' (1990) is actually a prequel. Most readers start with 'Wise Child' and then read 'Juniper' and 'Colman' (2004). However, reading in chronological order (Juniper, Wise Child, Colman) also works."

Reading order

#	Title	Published	Author	Buy on Amazon
1	Wise Child	1987	Monica Furlong	Buy
2	Juniper	1990	Monica Furlong	N/A
3	Juniper / A Year and a Day	1990	Monica Furlong	Buy
4	Colman	2004	Monica Furlong	Buy

The Doran series is Monica Furlong’s best-known work, a children’s fantasy set in a version of medieval Britain. “Wise Child” (1987) tells the story of a young girl taken in by Juniper, a healer and practitioner of magic, after her parents are absent. “Juniper” (1990), published as both a prequel and under the alternate title “A Year and a Day,” tells Juniper’s own story of learning magic as a young woman.

“Colman” (2004), published posthumously, continues the series with a new protagonist in the same world. The books are set in a time and place where Christianity and older magical traditions coexist uneasily, and Furlong draws on her deep knowledge of religious history to make that tension feel genuine. The series is treasured by readers who encountered it in childhood and has maintained a quiet following.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many books are in the Doran series?

There are four books in the Doran series, published between 1987 and 2004.

What is the first book in the Doran series?

The first book in the Doran series is Wise Child, published in 1987.

In what order should the Doran books be read?

Though ‘Wise Child’ (1987) was published first, ‘Juniper’ (1990) is actually a prequel. Most readers start with ‘Wise Child’ and then read ‘Juniper’ and ‘Colman’ (2004). However, reading in chronological order (Juniper, Wise Child, Colman) also works.

Reading order#

Frequently Asked Questions

Reading order