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The Expanse Books in Order.

Authorby James S. A. Corey
18 Entries

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Leviathan Wakes (2011)

Start with Leviathan Wakes (2011), book 1, and read the nine novels in publication order.

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Quick Answer

Start with Leviathan Wakes (2011), book 1, and read the nine novels in publication order. The series is complete with Leviathan Falls (2021).

The complete reading order for the The Expanse series by James S. A. Corey. Below you'll find the authoritative guide on how to read the books in order, including publication dates and chronological timeline placements.

Where to start

Start with Leviathan Wakes (2011), book 1, and read the nine novels in publication order. The series is complete with Leviathan Falls (2021).

  • •The novellas and short stories (The Butcher of Anderson Station, Gods of Risk, Drive, The Churn, The Vital Abyss, Strange Dogs, The Last Flight of the Cassandra, Auberon and The Sins of Our Fathers) are optional extras; read the novels first and add them whenever you like.
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Publication Reading Order18 Titles

Why Publication Order?We recommend reading in Publication Order (default). This follows the author's release schedule, ensuring you experience plot twists, character growth, and world-building exactly as intended without spoilers.
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1

Leviathan Wakes

Pub: 2011
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2

Caliban's War

Pub: 2012
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Plot details hidden until you finish "Leviathan Wakes".

3

Abaddon's Gate

Pub: 2013
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Plot details hidden until you finish "Caliban's War".

4

Cibola Burn

Pub: 2014
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Plot details hidden until you finish "Abaddon's Gate".

5

Nemesis Games

Pub: 2015
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Plot details hidden until you finish "Cibola Burn".

6

Babylon's Ashes

Pub: 2016
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Plot details hidden until you finish "Nemesis Games".

7

Persepolis Rising

Pub: 2017
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Plot details hidden until you finish "Babylon's Ashes".

8

Tiamat's Wrath

Pub: 2019
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Plot details hidden until you finish "Persepolis Rising".

9

Leviathan Falls

Pub: 2021
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Plot details hidden until you finish "Tiamat's Wrath".

10

The Butcher of Anderson Station

Pub: 2011Optional
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Plot details hidden until you finish "Leviathan Falls".

11

Gods of Risk

Pub: 2012Optional
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Plot details hidden until you finish "The Butcher of Anderson Station".

12

Drive

Pub: 2012Optional
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Plot details hidden until you finish "Gods of Risk".

13

The Churn

Pub: 2014Optional
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Plot details hidden until you finish "Drive".

14

The Vital Abyss

Pub: 2015Optional
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Plot details hidden until you finish "The Churn".

15

Strange Dogs

Pub: 2017Optional
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Plot details hidden until you finish "The Vital Abyss".

16

The Last Flight of the Cassandra

Pub: 2019Optional
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Plot details hidden until you finish "Strange Dogs".

17

Auberon

Pub: 2019Optional
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Plot details hidden until you finish "The Last Flight of the Cassandra".

18

The Sins of Our Fathers

Pub: 2022Optional
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Plot details hidden until you finish "Auberon".

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Frequently Asked Questions

What order should I read The Expanse in?

Start with Leviathan Wakes (2011), book 1, and read the nine novels in publication order. The series is complete with Leviathan Falls (2021).

How many books are in The Expanse?

9 main books, published 2011–2021, plus 9 side stories.

Can I read The Expanse out of order?

It's best not to. The books build on each other, so reading out of order spoils earlier twists.

Which books in The Expanse are prequels, novellas or side stories?

"The Butcher of Anderson Station" (novella), "Gods of Risk" (novella), "Drive" (novella), "The Churn" (novella), "The Vital Abyss" (novella), "Strange Dogs" (novella), "The Last Flight of the Cassandra" (novella), "Auberon" (novella), "The Sins of Our Fathers" (novella). Each is placed in the reading order below.