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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.

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Ready to begin?

Start with Leviathan Wakes

The recommended first purchase for this reading order.

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Leviathan Wakes

  • Buy from Waterstones
  • Buy from Amazon UK

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1
Cover of Leviathan Wakes

Leviathan Wakes

2011

Recommended Start

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

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Leviathan Wakes

  • Buy from Waterstones
  • Buy from Amazon UK

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2
Cover of Caliban's War

Caliban's War

2012

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

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Caliban's War

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3
Cover of Abaddon's Gate

Abaddon's Gate

2013

Ring Gate Arc

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

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Abaddon's Gate

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4
Cover of Cibola Burn

Cibola Burn

2014

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

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Cibola Burn

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5
Cover of Nemesis Games

Nemesis Games

2015

Inaros Conflict

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

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Nemesis Games

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6
Cover of Babylon's Ashes

Babylon's Ashes

2016

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

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Babylon's Ashes

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7
Cover of Persepolis Rising

Persepolis Rising

2017

Laconia Trilogy

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

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Persepolis Rising

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8
Cover of Tiamat's Wrath

Tiamat's Wrath

2019

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

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Tiamat's Wrath

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9
Cover of Leviathan Falls

Leviathan Falls

2021

Series Finale

The ninth and final novel concluding The Expanse main saga.

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Leviathan Falls

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