The Expanse Reading Order

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 Now2011
  2. Caliban's WarBuy Now2012
  3. Abaddon's GateBuy Now2013
  4. Cibola BurnBuy Now2014
  5. Nemesis GamesBuy Now2015
  6. Babylon's AshesBuy Now2016
  7. Persepolis RisingBuy Now2017
  8. Tiamat's WrathBuy Now2019
  9. Leviathan FallsBuy Now2021

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 Now includes all 9 novellas plus bonus content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Expanse series finished?

Yes! Leviathan Falls (2021) is the final book. The series is complete at 9 novels and 9 novellas/short stories.

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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