David Drake Reading Order
32 series · 269 books
David Drake is a prolific science fiction and fantasy author whose career spans five decades and encompasses over 260 books across 31 series. A Vietnam War veteran who later practiced law, Drake brings authentic military experience and technical precision to his action-driven narratives, particularly in the military science fiction genre where he remains a defining voice. His most significant works include the Belisarius series, the ARC Riders sequence, and the Car Warriors universe, establishing him as a master of hard science fiction and imaginative world-building.
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ARC Riders Series
Complete2 books (1995–1996)
The ARC Riders duology by David Drake is a complete science fiction adventure series consisting of two books published in 1995 and 1996. Reading the books in publication order, beginning with ARC Riders and followed by The Fourth Rome, provides the intended experience of the story. This compact two-book series offers a self-contained narrative within Drake's broader science fiction and action-adventure catalog.
Start with ARC Riders and read in order.
Start this series with ARC Riders
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Anthologies Series
Likely Complete43 books (1975–2023)
David Drake's Anthologies series comprises 43 books of diverse science fiction, fantasy, and horror collections published between 1975 and 2023. The series appears to be complete and should be read in publication order, beginning with Nameless Places. These anthologies span various themed collections including The Year's Best Horror Stories volumes, tributes to classic authors like Rudyard Kipling, and shared-world science fiction projects featuring multiple contributors.
Start with Nameless Places, the first of 43 books in the Anthologies series.
Start this series with Nameless Places
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Belisarius Series
Complete6 books (1998–2006)
David Drake's Belisarius series comprises six complete books published between 1998 and 2006, blending fantasy and science fiction with historical elements. The books should be read in publication order, beginning with An Oblique Approach and concluding with The Dance of Time. This sweeping saga follows a military commander navigating complex political and supernatural forces across an alternative historical landscape.
Start with An Oblique Approach, the first of 6 books in the Belisarius series.
Start this series with An Oblique Approach
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Car Warriors Series
Complete3 books (1992–1999)
The Car Warriors trilogy is a complete science fiction and action series consisting of three books published between 1992 and 1999. The first installment, The Square Deal, was written by David Drake, while subsequent volumes feature contributions from Aaron Allston, Herrmann, and Mick Farren. Readers should follow the publication order to experience the full narrative arc of this action-driven series.
Start with The Square Deal and read in order.
Start this series with The Square Deal
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Citizen Series
Complete2 books (2011–2015)
The Citizen series by David Drake comprises two science fiction novels published between 2011 and 2015. This complete series should be read in publication order, beginning with Into the Hinterlands followed by Into the Maelstrom. Both books are standalone entries that can be enjoyed independently, though reading them sequentially provides the intended narrative experience.
Start with Into the Hinterlands and read in order.
Start this series with Into the Hinterlands
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Crisis of Empire Series
Complete4 books (1988–2012)
The Crisis of Empire series comprises four science fiction novels published between 1988 and 2012, with the first two books written by David Drake and the latter two co-authored with other writers. This complete series should be read in publication order, beginning with An Honorable Defense and continuing through Cluster Command, The War Machine, and Crown of Empire. The books combine action and adventure elements across their shared universe, making sequential reading essential for following the story's progression.
Start with An Honorable Defense, the first of 4 books in the Crisis of Empire series.
Start this series with An Honorable Defense
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Crown Of The Isles Series
Complete3 books (2006–2008)
David Drake's Crown of the Isles trilogy was published between 2006 and 2008 as a complete series that should be read in publication order. The three books are The Fortress of Glass, The Mirror of Worlds, and The Gods Return. This fantasy and action-adventure series showcases Drake's talents across multiple genres in an epic arc.
Start with The Fortress of Glass and read in order.
Start this series with The Fortress of Glass
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General Series
Complete1 book (2014–2014)
Hammer's Slammers Series
Complete8 books (1979–2002)
David Drake's Hammer's Slammers series comprises eight science fiction and military adventure novels published between 1979 and 2002. The series follows the exploits of Colonel Alois Hammer's mercenary unit across multiple campaigns and conflicts. Readers should begin with the first installment, Hammer's Slammers, and progress through the subsequent volumes in publication order to experience the full arc of the completed series.
Start with Hammer's Slammers, the first of 8 books in the Hammer's Slammers series.
Start this series with Hammer's Slammers
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Hammerverse Series
Complete3 books (1984–1994)
David Drake's Hammerverse is a complete three-book science fiction and fantasy series featuring interconnected stories across a richly detailed universe. Published between 1984 and 1994, the novels should be read in publication order beginning with Cross The Stars, followed by The Forlorn Hope and The Voyage. This series blends Drake's signature action-adventure elements with speculative worldbuilding across its full span.
Start with Cross The Stars and read in order.
Start this series with Cross The Stars
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Heroes in Hell Series
Ongoing31 books (1986–2024)
Heroes in Hell is an ongoing science fiction and fantasy anthology series that began in 1986 and continues through 2024, comprising 26 books to date. The series should be read in publication order, beginning with the original Heroes in Hell and proceeding through subsequent installments by various authors including David Drake, Janet Morris, and C.J. Cherryh. Each book in the collection features different characters and perspectives within the shared universe, with later entries often collecting multiple authored stories around thematic elements like rogues, lawyers, and explorers.
Start with Heroes in Hell, the first of 26 books in the Heroes in Hell series.
Start this series with Heroes in Hell
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| 19 | Rogues in Hell(By: Bradley H. Sinor,Janet Morris,Nancy Asire,Chris Morris,Shirley Meier,Michael Z. Williamson,Michael H. Hanson,Julie Cochrane,David L. Burkhead,H. David Blalock,Bruce Durham,Sarah Hulcy,Larry Atchley Jr.,John Manning,Richard Groller,Michael A. Armstrong,Bill Snider,Deborah Koren,Jack William Finley,Edward McKeown,Allan Gibreath) |
| 20 | Dreamers in Hell(By: Janet Morris,Nancy Asire,Chris Morris,Michael H. Hanson,Ed McKeown,Sara M. Harvey,David L. Burkhead,Jason Cordova,Sarah Hulcy,Larry Atchley Jr.,John Manning,Richard Groller,Tom Barczak,Yelle Hughes,Bill Snider,Deborah Koren,Shebat Legion,Jack William Finley,Michael A. Ventrella,Bettina Meister,Petra Jorns) |
| 21 |  Poets in Hell(By: Janet Morris,Nancy Asire,Chris Morris,Michael H. Hanson,Joe Bonadonna,pdmac,Bruce Durham,Larry Atchley Jr.,Richard Groller,Michael A. Armstrong,Tom Barczak,Matthew Kirshenblatt,Beth W. Patterson,Yelle Hughes,Bill Snider,Deborah Koren,Shebat Legion,Bill Barnhill,Jack William Finley) |
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Honorverse Series
Likely Complete59 books (1992–2022)
The Honorverse is a 59-book science fiction series set in a shared universe, published between 1992 and 2022 and likely now complete. Created primarily by David Weber with contributions from multiple co-authors including S.M. Stirling, Roland J. Green, Jane Lindskold, and Linda Evans, the series should be read in publication order to follow the interconnected storylines and character development. The collection includes novels, novellas, and short stories that expand the universe through different perspectives and timelines, making it essential to follow the established reading sequence rather than jumping between entries.
Start with On Basilisk Station(By: David Weber), the first of 59 books in the Honorverse series.
Start this series with On Basilisk Station(By: David Weber)
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Lord of the Isles Series
Complete6 books (1997–2004)
The Lord of the Isles is a complete fantasy series comprising six books published between 1997 and 2004. This action-driven epic should be read in publication order, beginning with Lord of the Isles and concluding with Master of the Cauldron. David Drake's finished series spans the full narrative arc across its sequential entries, making chronological publication order essential for following the story.
Start with Lord of the Isles, the first of 6 books in the Lord of the Isles series.
Start this series with Lord of the Isles
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Lt. Leary / RCN Series
Complete14 books (1998–2019)
The Lt. Leary series, also known as the RCN series, comprises 14 science fiction novels by David Drake published between 1998 and 2019. The complete sequence should be read in publication order, beginning with With the Lightnings and concluding with To Clear Away the Shadows. This action-driven science fiction series follows the exploits of a naval officer and spans the career of its protagonist across multiple military adventures and campaigns.
Start with With the Lightnings, the first of 14 books in the Lt. Leary / RCN series.
Start this series with With the Lightnings
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Non-Fiction Series
Complete1 book (1984–1984)
Northworld Series
Complete3 books (1990–1992)
David Drake's Northworld trilogy is a complete science fiction and fantasy series that spans three books published between 1990 and 1992. The series should be read in publication order, beginning with Northworld, followed by Vengeance, and concluding with Justice. This action-driven trilogy combines elements of both science fiction and fantasy within Drake's signature style.
Start with Northworld and read in order.
Start this series with Northworld
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Raj Whitehall/The General Series
Complete10 books (1991–2014)
The Raj Whitehall/The General series is a ten-book military science fiction saga following the protagonist through conquest and transformation across an alien world. Published between 1991 and 2014, the series was written collaboratively by David Drake with various co-authors, including S.M. Stirling, Eric Flint, and Tony Daniel. The complete series should be read in publication order, beginning with The Forge and concluding with The Savior. Each installment builds on the previous one, making sequential reading essential for following the story's arc.
Start with The Forge(With: S.M. Stirling), the first of 10 books in the Raj Whitehall/The General series.
Start this series with The Forge(With: S.M. Stirling)
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Ranks of Bronze Series
Complete3 books (1986–2001)
This complete science fiction series spans three books published between 1986 and 2001 and should be read in publication order. The first book, Ranks of Bronze, stands as a solo Drake work, while the subsequent anthologies Foreign Legions and The Excalibur Alternative feature contributions from Drake alongside other notable science fiction authors including S.M. Stirling, David Weber, Eric Flint, and Mark L. Van Name.
Start with Ranks of Bronze and read in order.
Start this series with Ranks of Bronze
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Reaches Series
Complete3 books (1994–1996)
The Reaches is a complete science fiction series by David Drake comprising three books published between 1994 and 1996. The trilogy should be read in publication order, beginning with Igniting the Reaches, followed by Through the Breach, and concluding with Fireships. This action-packed science fiction adventure spans an expansive galactic setting filled with exploration and conflict across distant regions of space.
Start with Igniting the Reaches and read in order.
Start this series with Igniting the Reaches
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Renegade Swords Series
Ongoing4 books (2020–2026)
David Drake's Renegade Swords is an ongoing fantasy and action series comprising four books published between 2020 and 2026. The series should be read in publication order, beginning with the first volume and continuing through the sequels. With the fourth installment now available, readers can experience the complete story arc as Drake originally intended.
Start with Renegade Swords, the first of 4 books in the Renegade Swords series.
Start this series with Renegade Swords
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleSeas of Venus Series
Complete2 books (1990–1992)
David Drake's Seas of Venus duology consists of two science fiction adventure novels published between 1990 and 1992. The series is complete and should be read in publication order, beginning with Surface Action followed by The Jungle. These standalone yet connected stories explore the challenges of military operations and survival on a hostile alien world.
Start with Surface Action and read in order.
Start this series with Surface Action
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Short Stories/Novellas Series
Complete1 book (1975–1975)
Short Story Collections Series
Complete8 books (1982–2012)
David Drake's Short Story Collections series spans eight volumes of science fiction and fantasy stories published between 1982 and 2012, now complete. These collections should be read in publication order, beginning with Time Safari and progressing through From the Heart of Darkness, The Military Dimension, The Military Dimension Mark II, All the Way to the Gallows, Grimmer Than Hell, Balefires, and concluding with Night Demons. Each volume gathers Drake's shorter works across his signature genres of military science fiction, fantasy, and action-oriented speculative fiction.
Start with Time Safari, the first of 8 books in the Short Story Collections series.
Start this series with Time Safari
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Standalone Novels Series
Complete22 books (1979–2014)
David Drake's Standalone Novels collection spans 22 books published between 1979 and 2014, representing a complete series that concludes with Starliner and seven additional titles. These works blend fantasy, science fiction, and action-adventure across diverse standalone narratives, many featuring collaborations with authors including Janet Morris, Karl Edward Wagner, and L. Sprague de Camp. Readers should approach this series in publication order to experience Drake's evolution as a writer across nearly four decades. Begin with Dragon Lord and proceed chronologically through the collection to fully appreciate the breadth of themes and genres the author explores throughout the series.
Start with Dragon Lord, the first of 22 books in the Standalone Novels series.
Start this series with Dragon Lord
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Starhunters Series
Complete3 books (1988–1990)
David Drake's complete Starhunters trilogy consists of three science fiction adventure novels published between 1988 and 1990. The series should be read in publication order, beginning with Men Hunting Things, followed by Things Hunting Men, and concluding with Bluebloods. All three books are now available, making this a finished series for readers looking for a complete story arc.
Start with Men Hunting Things and read in order.
Start this series with Men Hunting Things
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The Books of the Elements Series
Complete4 books (2010–2015)
The Books of the Elements is a four-book fantasy and science fiction series by David Drake published between 2010 and 2015. The series is complete and should be read in publication order, beginning with The Legions of Fire and continuing through Out of the Waters, Monsters of the Earth, and concluding with Air and Darkness. This action-driven fantasy epic combines Drake's signature storytelling with elemental themes across its carefully sequenced narrative arc.
Start with The Legions of Fire, the first of 4 books in the The Books of the Elements series.
Start this series with The Legions of Fire
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The Fleet Series
Complete5 books (1988–1991)
The Fleet is a complete science fiction series by David Drake consisting of five books published between 1988 and 1991. Read in publication order beginning with Counter Attack, followed by Breakthrough, Sworn Allies, Total War, and Crisis. This military action series delivers Drake's signature blend of tactical combat and speculative fiction across its full arc.
Start with Counter Attack, the first of 5 books in the The Fleet series.
Start this series with Counter Attack
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Time of Heroes Series
Likely Complete3 books (2017–2021)
David Drake's Time of Heroes trilogy follows a consistent cast of characters across three books published between 2017 and 2021, with The Spark, The Storm, and The Serpent completing what appears to be a finished series. Read the books in their publication order to experience the narrative as Drake intended, beginning with The Spark and continuing sequentially through the final installment. The series blends Drake's characteristic action-driven storytelling with fantasy and science fiction elements.
Start with The Spark and read in order.
Start this series with The Spark
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Tom Kelly Series
Complete2 books (1983–1987)
The Tom Kelly series by David Drake consists of two complete science fiction and fantasy adventure novels published between 1983 and 1987. Readers should follow the publication order, beginning with Skyripper and continuing to Fortress, as the books build on each other's events and developments.
Start with Skyripper and read in order.
Start this series with Skyripper
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War and Honor Series
Complete1 book (1993–1993)
World Of Crystal Walls Series
Complete1 book (1988–1988)
Worlds of Honor Series
Ongoing8 books (1998–2025)
The Worlds of Honor series is a science fiction anthology collection spanning eight books from 1998 to 2025. Each volume features stories from multiple authors including David Weber, David Drake, Eric Flint, Timothy Zahn, and others, exploring different aspects of a shared fictional universe. The series is ongoing and should be read in publication order to follow the development of the world and its interconnected narratives. Start with More Than Honor, the first installment, to experience the foundation of this expanding science fiction saga.
Start with More Than Honor(With: S.M. Stirling,David Weber), the first of 8 books in the Worlds of Honor series.
Start this series with More Than Honor(With: S.M. Stirling,David Weber)
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Frequently Asked Questions
- How many books has David Drake written?
- David Drake has written 269 books across 32 series. Their published works span from 1975 to 2026.
- What is the first book in each David Drake series?
- Here are the first books in David Drake's series: ARC Riders: ARC Riders; Anthologies: Nameless Places; Belisarius: An Oblique Approach; Car Warriors: The Square Deal; Citizen: Into the Hinterlands.
- What order should I read David Drake's books?
- We recommend reading David Drake's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
- Is David Drake still writing new books?
- Yes, David Drake has 3 ongoing series: Heroes in Hell, Renegade Swords, Worlds of Honor.