Ali Cross Series
Reading Order.
Start Ali Cross Series by James Patterson with "Ali Cross", then follow the publication sequence. This order preserves the intended narrative twists and world-building progression.
The young adult spin-off series focusing on Ali Cross, the son of Alex Cross, who begins solving mysteries of his own.
Short Answer:
Start with "Ali Cross"
To experience the narrative as intended, read the main sequence in Publication Order.Ignore novellas and side stories until you finish the first 3 core novels. This resolves all timeline confusion and preserves every major twist.
Community Consensus
"The recommended order is to begin with a core set of works (referred to as the 'big four' or foundational books like Elric or Eternal Champion). The 'End of Time books' should be integrated about halfway through, following or adapting the 'old Millenium order.' The volume 'Moonbeam Roads' must be read much later as it relies heavily on the wider multiverse."
Start with the foundational series ('big four' or 'Elric'/'Eternal Champion'). Integrate the 'End of Time books' halfway through. Read 'Moonbeam Roads' significantly later, and skip the 'newer Beks.'
At a Glance
- First Book:Ali Cross
- Latest Book:Ali Cross
- Timeline:2021 - 2021
Why This Order Is Confusing
Many reading lists for Ali Cross 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.
Can I skip the short stories?
Technically yes, but we strongly advise against it for Ali Cross Series. The shorter volumes often establish the core character motivations and world-building that the main saga assumes you already know.
I watched the show/movie first — where should I start?
Ignore the screen adaptations' timeline. Start with "Ali Cross" to see the original depth of the world. The books offer a significantly different (and usually more complete) experience than the on-screen versions.
Why do people disagree on the order?
Disagreement usually stems from the conflict between purely chronological order and publication order. Most long-term fans recommend publication order to preserve the emotional arc and mystery reveals.
Recommended Reading Order Strategy
The authoritative way to read the "Ali Cross Series" series is in Publication Order. Start with the first published book. It's the way the author intended the world to be revealed.This ensures you experience character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.
Complete Series Reading Order
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Is it okay to skip books in the Ali Cross Series series?
We recommend ignoring novellas and short stories until you finish the core sequence. However, main sequence novels should never be skipped as they contain critical character development and plot progression.
What is the best order to read Ali Cross Series?
The final answer for the best experience is to start with "Ali Cross" and proceed in publication order. This sequence preserves character developments and plot reveals exactly as James Patterson intended.
Can I read Ali Cross Series books in any order?
No. The main narrative is strictly sequential. Skipping volumes or reading out of order will lead to significant plot spoilers and confusion regarding character arcs.
Are there spin-offs or companion books?
Yes, the Ali Cross Series universe includes several companion works. These are marked as 'Optional' in our guide and can be read at any time without disrupting the main storyline.