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The Expanse Integrated Reading Order

recommended Order for The Expanse

The complete integrated reading order combining all nine main novels and companion novellas (collected in Memory's Legion) at their optimal publication break points.

1
Cover of The Butcher of Anderson Station

The Butcher of Anderson Station

Optional Prequel

2011

Optional prequel novella detailing Fred Johnson's past in the UN Military before joining the OPA.

2
Cover of Drive

Drive

Optional Prequel

2012

Short story detailing Solomon Epstein's invention of the drive engine that opened up the solar system.

3
Cover of Leviathan Wakes

Leviathan Wakes

Novel 1

2009

Book 1. The main saga begins with Holden, Miller, and the Rocinante crew.

4
Cover of The Churn

The Churn

Novella 1.5

2014

Amos Burton's origin story set in Baltimore. Best read after Book 1 or before Book 5 (Nemesis Games).

5
Cover of Caliban's War

Caliban's War

Novel 2

2012

Book 2. Bobbie Draper and Chrisjen Avasarala join the main storyline.

6
Cover of Gods of Risk

Gods of Risk

Novella 2.5

2012

Set on Mars following Bobbie Draper's nephew; best read immediately after Caliban's War.

7
Cover of Abaddon's Gate

Abaddon's Gate

Novel 3

2013

Book 3. Exploration of the Ring Gate beyond Uranus.

8
Cover of The Vital Abyss

The Vital Abyss

Novella 3.5

2015

Focuses on protomolecule scientist Paolo Cortázar in prison; read after Abaddon's Gate.

9
Cover of Cibola Burn

Cibola Burn

Novel 4

2014

Book 4. Humanity's land rush on Ilus beyond the Ring.

10
Cover of Nemesis Games

Nemesis Games

Novel 5

2015

Book 5. Personal backstory storylines for all four Rocinante crew members.

11
Cover of Babylon's Ashes

Babylon's Ashes

Novel 6

2016

Book 6. Full-scale war against Marco Inaros and the Free Navy.

12
Cover of Strange Dogs

Strange Dogs

Novella 6.5

2017

Crucial bridge novella set on Laconia; essential reading before Persepolis Rising.

13
Cover of Persepolis Rising

Persepolis Rising

Novel 7

2017

Book 7. Begins the 30-year time jump and the Laconian Empire arc.

14
Cover of Auberon

Auberon

Novella 7.5

2019

Set on the colony world Auberon under Laconian occupation; read between Books 7 and 8.

15
Cover of Tiamat's Wrath

Tiamat's Wrath

Novel 8

2018

Book 8. The climactic battle against Laconia and the ancient Ring Builders' enemy.

16
Cover of Leviathan Falls

Leviathan Falls

Novel 9

2021

Book 9. The final novel in The Expanse series.

17
Cover of The Sins of Our Fathers

The Sins of Our Fathers

Epilogue Novella

2022

Final epilogue story focusing on Filip Inaros following the events of Leviathan Falls.