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The Long War
Terry Pratchett

The Long War

Quick Answer

Read "The Long War" as the 2nd book in the The Long Earth Series sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "The Long Earth" (Book 1)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

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

Verdict Insight: As the 2nd installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

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2013528 ppWikidataSource
A generation after the events of The Long Earth, humankind has spread across the new worlds opened up by stepping. Valhalla is emerging more than a million steps from Datum our Earth. Thanks to a bountiful environment, the Valhallan society mirrors the core values and behaviors of colonial America. And Valhalla is growing restless under the controlling long arm of the Datum government. Soon Joshua, now a married man, is summoned by Lobsang to deal with a building crisis that threatens to plunge the Long Earth into a war unlike any humankind has waged before.
Next Recommended Book

The Long Mars

Book #3 of 5 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 The Long Earth Series 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 The Long War?

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

Can I read The Long War before The Long Earth?

No. We recommend reading The Long Earth first. The Long War is the 2th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is The Long War required reading for the The Long Earth Series?

Yes, it is a core installment in the series reading order and contains critical character development and plot progression.

What comes after The Long War in the reading order?

The next recommended book after The Long War is The Long Mars (Book #3).