Reading Order
The Expanse Reading Order
James S.A. Corey's The Expanse is a complete nine-book science fiction series set 200 years in the future, when humanity has colonized the solar system but the gap between Earth, Mars, and the Belt (asteroid belt colonies) has produced three distinct civilizations in conflict. The series begins with Leviathan Wakes, when a detective hired to find a missing girl and the executive officer of a destroyed freighter independently discover something that will change humanity's place in the universe. The series is famous for its hard science, its political realism, and one of the most authentic large ensemble casts in science fiction.
Where to start
Leviathan Wakes
Complete The Expanse Book List
- 1Buy
Leviathan Wakes
James S.A. Corey·2011·Book 1 — The protomolecule is discovered; James Holden and Detective Miller find themselves at the center of an interplanetary crisis - 2Buy
Caliban's War
James S.A. Corey·2012·Book 2 — The protomolecule has been weaponized; new POV characters join the Rocinante crew - 3Buy
Abaddon's Gate
James S.A. Corey·2013·Book 3 — A ring gate opens beyond the orbit of Uranus; humanity must decide whether to go through - 4Buy
Cibola Burn
James S.A. Corey·2014·Book 4 — Colonists and corporate interests clash on the first planet beyond the gate - 5Buy
Nemesis Games
James S.A. Corey·2015·Book 5 — the Rocinante crew separates for the first time; catastrophe strikes the inner planets - 6Buy
Babylon's Ashes
James S.A. Corey·2016·Book 6 — The war for the solar system reaches its conclusion; a government-in-exile fights for control - 7Buy
Persepolis Rising
James S.A. Corey·2017·Book 7 — 30 years later; a new threat emerges from the ring space - 8Buy
Tiamat's Wrath
James S.A. Corey·2019·Book 8 — the resistance and the Laconian Empire; the builders of the rings are found - 9Buy
Leviathan Falls
James S.A. Corey·2021·Book 9 — the series finale; humanity faces the existential threat that destroyed the builders
The Expanse — Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Expanse reading order?
The Expanse should be read in publication order: Leviathan Wakes (2011), Caliban's War (2012), Abaddon's Gate (2013), Cibola Burn (2014), Nemesis Games (2015), Babylon's Ashes (2016), Persepolis Rising (2017), Tiamat's Wrath (2019), and Leviathan Falls (2021). James S.A. Corey has also published several novellas set in the same universe that can be read alongside the novels.
How many The Expanse books are there?
The Expanse series has nine main novels plus a collection of novellas. The main series is complete with Leviathan Falls (2021). James S.A. Corey — the pen name of co-authors Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck — has said the story is finished.
Is The Expanse hard science fiction?
The Expanse is known for being one of the most scientifically rigorous major science fiction series — ships must decelerate as well as accelerate, characters experience realistic zero-g physiology, and the political and economic dynamics of a solar-system civilization are worked out in careful detail. It is hard sci-fi in the tradition of Kim Stanley Robinson and Arthur C. Clarke, but with character-driven drama that makes it accessible to readers who don't normally read hard SF.
Can I watch The Expanse TV show instead of reading the books?
The Expanse TV series (Amazon Prime, 6 seasons) is widely considered one of the best science fiction adaptations ever made, covering roughly the first six books. The show and books diverge in details but tell the same story. Many readers start with the show and come to the books for what happens after Season 6 — both approaches work.
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