Craig Alanson Reading Order
5 series · 34 books · Born 1962
Craig Alanson is an American science fiction and fantasy author whose fast-paced, action-driven narratives have earned him recognition as a New York Times bestselling writer. He is best known for the Expeditionary Force series, a sprawling space opera that spawned multiple spin-off franchises including Aces, Ascendant, Convergence, and Expeditionary Force Mavericks. Across five interconnected series and thirty-two books published between 2016 and 2026, Alanson has built a reputation for blending military science fiction with humor, complex world-building, and character-driven storytelling.
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Aces Series
Complete1 book (2016–2016)
Ascendant Series
Complete3 books (2016–2018)
Craig Alanson's Ascendant trilogy is a science fiction and fantasy series comprising three books published between 2016 and 2018. The complete series should be read in publication order, beginning with Ascendant, followed by Transcendent, and concluding with Deceptions. This action-driven trilogy combines elements of fantasy and science fiction to create a finished narrative arc.
Start with Ascendant and read in order.
Start this series with Ascendant
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Convergence Series
Ongoing6 books (2022–2026)
Craig Alanson's Convergence series comprises five science fiction and fantasy adventure novels published between 2022 and 2025, with the series currently ongoing. These books should be read in publication order, beginning with Convergence and continuing through Dragonslayer, First Strike, Recon, Desperate Measures, and Dead World. The series blends action and adventure across its fantasy and science fiction elements as it unfolds across these interconnected installments.
Start with Convergence, the first of 5 books in the Convergence series.
Start this series with Convergence
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleExpeditionary Force Series
Ongoing22 books (2016–2026)
Expeditionary Force is an ongoing science fiction and action adventure series by Craig Alanson comprising 21 books published between 2016 and 2026. The series should be read in publication order, beginning with Columbus Day and continuing through the most recent installment. Each book builds on the events and character development of its predecessors, making sequential reading essential to following the story's progression.
Start with Columbus Day, the first of 21 books in the Expeditionary Force series.
Start this series with Columbus Day
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Expeditionary Force Mavericks Series
Complete2 books (2019–2020)
The Expeditionary Force Mavericks series consists of two complete science fiction novels by Craig Alanson, published between 2019 and 2020. Both books should be read in publication order, beginning with Deathtrap and continuing to Freefall, as the narrative builds sequentially across the entries.
Start with Deathtrap and read in order.
Start this series with Deathtrap
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleFrequently Asked Questions
- How many books has Craig Alanson written?
- Craig Alanson has written 34 books across 5 series. Their published works span from 2016 to 2026.
- What is the first book in each Craig Alanson series?
- Here are the first books in Craig Alanson's series: Ascendant: Ascendant; Convergence: Convergence; Expeditionary Force: Columbus Day; Expeditionary Force Mavericks: Deathtrap.
- What order should I read Craig Alanson's books?
- We recommend reading Craig Alanson's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
- Is Craig Alanson still writing new books?
- Yes, Craig Alanson has 2 ongoing series: Convergence, Expeditionary Force.