Book #9 of 16 in Short Story Collections & Novellas (Author Compiled)Status: Ongoing

Thousand Worlds

Quick Answer

Read "Thousand Worlds" as the 9th book in the Short Story Collections & Novellas (Author Compiled) sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "Nightflyers & Other Stories" (Book 8)

❓ Can I skip this book?

❌ No — Required

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Verdict Insight: As the 9th installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

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2023272 pp

Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents Yoon Ha Lee's second space opera inspired by Korean mythology, this time narrated by a nonbinary tiger spirit. "With a delightful mix of Korean mythology and science fiction, Lee expands on the intriguing world of his previous novel to create another exhilarating adventure with a new precocious protagonist."--Booklist Sebin, a young tiger spirit from the Juhwang Clan, wants nothing more than to join the Thousand World Space Forces and, like their Uncle Hwan, captain a battle cruiser someday. But when Sebin's acceptance letter finally arrives, it's accompanied by the shocking news that Hwan has been declared a traitor. Apparently the captain abandoned his duty to steal a magical artifact, the Dragon Pearl, and his whereabouts are still unknown. Sebin hopes to help clear their hero's name and restore honor to the clan. Nothing goes according to plan, however. As soon as Sebin arrives for orientation, they are met by a special investigator named Yi and Yi's assistant, a girl named Min. Yi informs Sebin that they must immediately report to the ship Haetae and await further instructions. Sebin finds this highly unusual, but soon all protocol is forgotten when there's an explosion on the ship, the crew is knocked out, and the communication system goes down. It's up to Sebin, three other cadets, and Yi and Min to determine who is sabotaging the battle cruiser. When Sebin is suddenly accused of collaborating with the enemy, the cadet realizes that Min is the most dangerous foe of all... Yoon Ha Lee brilliantly turns the tables on DRAGON PEARL in another unputdownable sci-fi adventure about what honor really means. Endorsed by Rick Riordan, author of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, soon to be a series on Disney+. Complete your middle grade fantasy collection with: <ul> <li>Rick Riordan Presents: DRAGON PEARL by Yoon Ha Lee</li> <li>Rick Riordan Presents: RACE TO THE SUN by Rebecca Roanhorse</li> <li>Rick Riordan Presents: SAL AND GABI BREAK THE UNIVERSE by Carlos Hernandez</li> <li>Rick Riordan Presents: THE LAST FALLEN STAR by Graci Kim</li> <li>Rick Riordan Presents: PAHUA AND THE SOUL STEALER by Lori M. Lee</li> </ul>

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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 Thousand Worlds?

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Can I read Thousand Worlds before Nightflyers & Other Stories?

No. We recommend reading Nightflyers & Other Stories first. Thousand Worlds is the 9th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.