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Nightflyers
George R. R. Martin

Nightflyers

Quick Answer

"Nightflyers" is an optional companion work. It can be read at any time, though it is usually best enjoyed after reading the first few core novels of the Short Story Collections & Novellas (Author Compiled).

Quick Verdict

🟡 Optional side story — not required for main plot

âť“ Can I skip this book?
✅ Yes — Optional

This is a companion work that enriches the lore but is not strictly necessary to follow the main plot.

Verdict Insight: While this novella provides deeper world-building, it is a standalone story and can be read at any stage.

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201869 ppNovellaOptional Side Story
The crew of the starship *Nightflyer* is heading into the outer reaches of known space in search of a legendary alien race known as the *volcryn*. The mission is led by Karoly d'Branin and the ship captained by the mysterious Royd Eris, who appears only as a hologram who drifts among them, sometimes playing chess with the beautiful and brilliant warrior, Melantha Jhirl. Soon the explorers begin to feel they are being watched. Macabre accidents befall them one by one. Is there someone else on board? Royd won't say. And there is no turning back: the *volcryn* are near...
Next Recommended Book

Songs The Dead Men Sing

Book #5 of 16 in Series

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

high Confidence

Why this order?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Short Story Collections & Novellas (Author Compiled) conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading Nightflyers?

This is a companion work that enriches the lore but is not strictly necessary to follow the main plot.

Can I read Nightflyers before The Ice Dragon?

Yes. Nightflyers is an optional side story and can be read at any time without spoiling the main series plot.

Is Nightflyers required reading for the Short Story Collections & Novellas (Author Compiled)?

No, it is a companion work that enriches the lore but is not essential to the central storyline.

What comes after Nightflyers in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Nightflyers is Songs The Dead Men Sing (Book #5).