Aleytys is the central figure of Jo Clayton’s Diadem novels. A half-alien woman with telepathic ability, she is driven from the world where she was raised and becomes permanently bonded to the Diadem, an alien artifact that magnifies the danger around her.
The ten books follow Aleytys through travel between worlds, mercenary work, and her search for her lost son while others pursue the Diadem. Read them in publication order, beginning with Diadem from the Stars. The larger Diadem universe continues after Aleytys’s sequence with later books led by Shadith.
Reading Order#
See the complete Diadem reading order for all books in the series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Aleytys?
Aleytys is the protagonist of Jo Clayton’s Diadem series. She is a half-alien woman with red hair and telepathic abilities, raised among primitive barbarians on the planet Jaydugar. After being forced to flee, she bonds with the Diadem, a stolen alien artifact of immense power.
How many books does Aleytys appear in?
Aleytys appears in ten novels in the main Diadem series, published between 1977 and 1988. The Diadem universe continues for six more books in two sequel sub-series following Shadith, a character introduced during Aleytys’s story.
What is the Diadem?
The Diadem is an alien artifact permanently bonded to Aleytys’s mind. It strengthens her abilities and makes her a target for people who want to control it.