The Expanse Reading Order

Here's the correct Expanse reading order: every book in the right order, where to start, and answers to common questions.

James S.A. Corey's Expanse series is hard science fiction following the crew of the Rocinante through a solar system on the brink of war. 9 novels, multiple novellas, and a critically acclaimed TV adaptation.

Our Recommendation: Novels First, Novellas Optional Read the 9 main novels in order. The novellas add background but aren't essential. If you want to include them, we show the integrated order below.

Main Novels Only

  1. Leviathan WakesBuy NowAudible2011
  2. Caliban's WarBuy NowAudible2012
  3. Abaddon's GateBuy NowAudible2013
  4. Cibola BurnBuy NowAudible2014
  5. Nemesis GamesBuy NowAudible2015
  6. Babylon's AshesBuy NowAudible2016
  7. Persepolis RisingBuy NowAudible2017
  8. Tiamat's WrathBuy NowAudible2019
  9. Leviathan FallsBuy NowAudible2021
Own the Complete Series Buying the whole series at once is usually cheaper than individual books, and box sets make a great gift. See The Expanse box set options on Amazon ›

Complete Order with Novellas

If you want the full experience, here's where the novellas fit. All novellas are available in Memory's Legion (complete collection):

  1. The Butcher of Anderson Station (novella) → Leviathan Wakes
  2. Gods of Risk (novella) → Caliban's War
  3. The Churn (novella) → Abaddon's Gate
  4. Cibola Burn
  5. The Vital Abyss (novella) → Nemesis Games
  6. Strange Dogs (novella) → Babylon's Ashes
  7. Persepolis Rising
  8. Auberon (novella) → Tiamat's Wrath
  9. The Sins of Our Fathers (novella) → Leviathan Falls

Get all novellas: Memory's Legion: The Complete Expanse Story CollectionBuy NowAudible includes all 9 novellas plus bonus content.

Finished The Expanse? See what to read after The Expanse: Red Rising, Old Man's War, Bobiverse and more, each with its correct reading order.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the correct Expanse reading order?

Novels First, Novellas Optional. Read the 9 main novels in order. The novellas add background but aren't essential. If you want to include them, we show the integrated order below.

Is the Expanse series finished?

Yes. Leviathan Falls (2021) concludes The Expanse.

Books or TV show first?

Either works. The TV show adapts the first 6 books faithfully. The final 3 books haven't been adapted yet. Many fans enjoy both.

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