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The Expanse Publication Order

publication Order for The Expanse

The recommended core reading order for first-time readers. Follows the main nine-novel arc from Leviathan Wakes (2011) through Leviathan Falls (2021). Novellas can be read alongside or saved for after completing the main novels.

1
Cover of Leviathan Wakes

Leviathan Wakes

Recommended Start

2009

Start here. Introduces Jim Holden, Detective Miller, the Rocinante crew, and the alien protomolecule.

2
Cover of Caliban's War

Caliban's War

2012

Introduces Bobbie Draper and Chrisjen Avasarala as a solar system crisis erupts on Ganymede.

3
Cover of Abaddon's Gate

Abaddon's Gate

Ring Gate Arc

2013

The Ring Gate opens beyond Uranus, leading human fleets into the unknown starless dark.

4
Cover of Cibola Burn

Cibola Burn

2014

Set on Ilus (New Terra); humanity's first land rush onto alien worlds beyond the Ring.

5
Cover of Nemesis Games

Nemesis Games

Inaros Conflict

2015

The Rocinante crew disbands for personal errands as Marco Inaros launches a catastrophic assault.

6
Cover of Babylon's Ashes

Babylon's Ashes

2016

The Free Navy conflict reaches its climax across the inner planets and Belt.

7
Cover of Persepolis Rising

Persepolis Rising

Laconia Trilogy

2017

Set 30 years after Babylon's Ashes; High Consul Winston Duarte and the Laconian Empire emerge.

8
Cover of Tiamat's Wrath

Tiamat's Wrath

2018

The underground resistance fights back against Laconia's terrifying protomolecule technology.

9
Cover of Leviathan Falls

Leviathan Falls

Series Finale

2021

The ninth and final novel concluding The Expanse main saga.