Stephen King
Reading Order Guide.
Stephen Edwin King (born September 21, 1947) is an American author of horror, supernatural fiction, suspense, crime, science-fiction, and fantasy novels. His books have sold more than 350 million copies, and many have been adapted into films, television series, miniseries, and comic books. King has published 63 novels, including seven under the pen name Richard Bachman, and five non-fiction books. He has also written approximately 200 short stories, most of which have been published in book collections. King has received Bram Stoker Awards, World Fantasy Awards, and British Fantasy Society Awards. In 2003, the National Book Foundation awarded him the Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters. He has also received awards for his contribution to literature for his entire bibliography, such as the 2004 World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement and the 2007 Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America. In 2015, he was awarded with a National Medal of Arts from the U.S. National Endowment for the Arts for his contributions to literature. He has been described as the "King of Horror", a play on his surname and a reference to his high standing in pop culture.

New to Stephen?
Start with "Collections"
The most popular entry point is Cults!. It introduces the core world-building and key themes found in the author's most acclaimed works.
Collections Series
Recommended reading order for the Collections universe.
The Dark Tower Series Series
Recommended reading order for the The Dark Tower Series universe.
Night Visions Series
Recommended reading order for the Night Visions universe.
Holly Gibney Series
Recommended reading order for the Holly Gibney universe.
Bill Hodges Trilogy Series
Recommended reading order for the Bill Hodges Trilogy universe.
Standalone Books
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I start reading Stephen King?
For most new readers, the best place to start is the Collections series, beginning with the first book, "Cults!".
How many series has Stephen King written?
Stephen King has written 5 book series, spanning a total of 365 individual works.
Are there standalone books by Stephen King?
Yes, Stephen King has written 105 standalone novels that can be read independently of any series.
What is the correct reading order for Stephen King books?
We recommend reading each specific series in its Publication Order to preserve character reveals and plot twists as the author intended.