Reading Order List β€” Book Series Reading Order Guide
Greg Bear

Greg Bear Reading Order

18 series Β· 236 books Β· Born 1951-08-20

Greg Bear is an acclaimed science fiction author whose expansive career spans multiple decades and explores conceptually ambitious themes from galactic apocalypse to human evolution and artificial consciousness. His work encompasses sprawling series like The Forge of God novels and the Darwin's Radio duology, alongside standalone works and anthologies that examine everything from accelerated biological change to the nature of consciousness itself. As a prolific writer with over two hundred publications across numerous series, Bear has established himself as a cornerstone of hard science fiction, combining rigorous speculative concepts with compelling human narratives.

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Anthologies Series

Complete

26 books (1975–2016)

Greg Bear edited 21 anthologies spanning science fiction and related genres from 1975 to 2016. These collections feature various authors and should be read in publication order beginning with Tomorrow: New Worlds of Science Fiction. The series is now complete.

Start with Tomorrow: New Worlds of Science Fiction, the first of 21 books in the Anthologies series.

Start this series with Tomorrow: New Worlds of Science Fiction

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#Title
1
Cover of Tomorrow: New Worlds of Science Fiction
Tomorrow: New Worlds of Science Fiction
2
3
Cover of The First Omni Book of Science Fiction
The First Omni Book of Science Fiction
4
5
Mississippi Review 47 / 48
6
The Year's Best Fantasy and Horror: Third Annual Collection
7
Third Annual Collection
8
9
10
The Ascent of Wonder
11
12
13
14
Cover of New Skies: An Anthology of Today's Science Fiction
New Skies: An Anthology of Today's Science Fiction
15
Cover of The Best of the Best: 20 Years of the Best Short Science Fiction Novels
The Best of the Best: 20 Years of the Best Short Science Fiction Novels
16
The Mammoth Book of Extreme Science Fiction
17
18
Engineering Infinity
19
Cover of Like Water for Quarks
Like Water for Quarks
20
Telling Tales: The Clarion West 30th Anniversary Anthology
21
22
23
Nebula Awards 49 (2015)
24
The Madness of Cthulhu: Volume Two
25
Visions of the Future
26

Ares Rising Series

Complete

3 books (2014–2016)

The Ares Rising trilogy by Greg Bear consists of three science fiction novels published between 2014 and 2016. The complete series should be read in publication order, beginning with War Dogs, followed by Killing Titan, and concluding with Take Back the Sky. This finished sequence delivers a self-contained narrative arc across its three installments.

Start with War Dogs and read in order.

Darwin's Radio Series

Complete

2 books (1999–2002)

Greg Bear's two-book science fiction series follows a speculative biological mystery across two novels published between 1999 and 2002. The complete series should be read in publication order, beginning with Darwin's Radio and continuing to Darwin's Children. Both books explore themes rooted in evolutionary biology and genetic science, characteristic of Bear's approach to hard science fiction.

Start with Darwin's Radio and read in order.

Eon Series

Complete

3 books (1984–1994)

Greg Bear's Eon trilogy spans a decade of publication from 1984 to 1994, presenting a complete science fiction series best experienced in publication order. The three booksβ€”Eon, Eternity, and Legacyβ€”form a continuous narrative that should be read sequentially to fully appreciate the story's development and interconnected themes.

Start with Eon and read in order.

Forge of God Series

Complete

2 books (1987–1992)

Greg Bear's Forge of God series consists of two science fiction novels published between 1987 and 1992. This complete duology should be read in publication order, beginning with The Forge of God followed by Anvil of Stars. The series explores humanity's confrontation with catastrophic cosmic events and the species' struggle for survival in the face of overwhelming odds.

Start with The Forge of God and read in order.

Start this series with The Forge of God

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Halo: The Forerunner Saga Series

Complete

3 books (2011–2013)

Greg Bear's Forerunner Saga is a complete science fiction trilogy published between 2011 and 2013, consisting of Cryptum, Primordium, and Silentium. The three books should be read in publication order to experience the full narrative arc. This series offers an in-depth exploration of the Halo universe's ancient history and the powerful civilization that shaped its lore.

Start with Cryptum and read in order.

Jurassic Park Graphic Novels Series

Complete

10 books (1993–2014)

The Jurassic Park Graphic Novels series comprises ten complete graphic novels published between 1993 and 2014, featuring work from various writers and artists including Walter Simonson, Steve Englehart, and John Byrne. These stories should be read in publication order, beginning with Classic Jurassic Park and concluding with The Lost World. The series expands the Jurassic Park universe through sequential art, offering adventures that complement the films and novels of the franchise.

Start with Classic Jurassic Park(By: Walter Simonson), the first of 10 books in the Jurassic Park Graphic Novels series.

Start this series with Classic Jurassic Park(By: Walter Simonson)

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#Title
1
Cover of Classic Jurassic Park(By: Walter Simonson)
Classic Jurassic Park(By: Walter Simonson)
2
Cover of Amazon Adventure(By: Steve Englehart)
Amazon Adventure(By: Steve Englehart)
3
Cover of Raptor's Revenge(By: Walter Simonson)
Raptor's Revenge(By: Walter Simonson)
4
Cover of The Devils in the Desert(By: John Byrne)
The Devils in the Desert(By: John Byrne)
5
6
Cover of Return to Jurassic Park Part Two(By: Keith Giffen,Tom Bierbaum,Mary Bierbaum,Renee Witterstaetter)
Return to Jurassic Park Part Two(By: Keith Giffen,Tom Bierbaum,Mary Bierbaum,Renee Witterstaetter)
7
Cover of Return to Jurassic Park(By: Steve Englehart)
Return to Jurassic Park(By: Steve Englehart)
8
Cover of Aftershocks!(By: Steve Englehart)
Aftershocks!(By: Steve Englehart)
9
Cover of Raptors Attack!(By: Steve Englehart)
Raptors Attack!(By: Steve Englehart)
10
Cover of The Lost World(By: Claude St. Aubin,Don McGregor,Jeff Butler)
The Lost World(By: Claude St. Aubin,Don McGregor,Jeff Butler)

Quantum Logic Series

Complete

2 books (2007–2009)

Greg Bear's Quantum Logic series consists of two science fiction novels published between 2007 and 2009. The complete series should be read in publication order, beginning with Quantico followed by Mariposa. This duology explores themes of quantum mechanics and consciousness within its narrative framework.

Start with Quantico and read in order.

Queen of Angels Series

Complete

4 books (1990–1997)

Greg Bear's Queen of Angels series consists of four science fiction novels published between 1990 and 1997, with the sequence complete as of 1997. The books should be read in publication order, beginning with Heads and continuing through Queen of Angels, Moving Mars, and Slant. This interconnected saga spans the late 21st century and explores themes of artificial intelligence, human evolution, and interstellar civilization through overlapping narratives and shared worldbuilding.

Start with Heads, the first of 4 books in the Queen of Angels series.

Second Foundation Trilogy Series

Complete

3 books (1997–2000)

The Second Foundation Trilogy is a complete science fiction series of three books published between 1997 and 2000, written by Greg Bear along with Gregory Benford and David Brin. These novels should be read in publication order, beginning with Foundation's Fear, followed by Foundation and Chaos, and concluding with Foundation's Triumph. The series expands on Isaac Asimov's Foundation universe with new stories and perspectives set within that established science fiction world.

Start with Foundation's Fear(By: Gregory Benford) and read in order.

Start this series with Foundation's Fear(By: Gregory Benford)

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#Title
1
Cover of Foundation's Fear(By: Gregory Benford)
Foundation's Fear(By: Gregory Benford)
2
Cover of Foundation and Chaos
Foundation and Chaos
3
Foundation's Triumph(By: David Brin)

Short Stories/Novellas Series

Complete

3 books (1982–1992)

Greg Bear's collection of science fiction short works spans from 1982 to 1992 and comprises three complete entries that should be read in publication order: Petra, Hardfought, and Sisters. This finished series showcases Bear's early work in shorter form storytelling across the science fiction genre.

Start with Petra and read in order.

Short Story Collections Series

Complete

11 books (1983–2016)

Greg Bear's Short Story Collections series comprises eleven volumes of science fiction and speculative fiction stories published between 1983 and 2016. The series is complete and should be read in publication order, beginning with The Venging and concluding with Just Over the Horizon. These collections showcase Bear's range across multiple genres and demonstrate the evolution of his short fiction writing over more than three decades.

Start with The Venging, the first of 11 books in the Short Story Collections series.

#Title
1
2
Cover of The Wind from a Burning Woman
The Wind from a Burning Woman
3
4
5
6
7
The Collected Stories of Greg Bear
8
9
Cover of Beyond the Farthest Suns
Beyond the Farthest Suns
10
Cover of Far Thoughts and Pale Gods
Far Thoughts and Pale Gods
11
Cover of Just Over the Horizon
Just Over the Horizon

Songs of Earth and Power Series

Complete

3 books (1984–1984)

Songs of Earth and Power is a complete three-book science fiction series by Greg Bear published in 1984, consisting of Infinity Concerto, Songs of Earth and Power, and The Serpent Mage. The books should be read in publication order to experience the story as intended. This series combines elements of science fiction with imaginative worldbuilding across its interconnected narrative.

Start with Infinity Concerto and read in order.

Start this series with Infinity Concerto

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#Title
1
2
Cover of Songs of Earth and Power
Songs of Earth and Power
3

Standalone Novels Series

Complete

13 books (1953–2019)

Greg Bear's collection of 13 standalone science fiction novels spans from 1953 to 2019 and is now complete. Each book presents its own independent story and world, allowing readers to begin anywhere, though publication order is recommended for experiencing Bear's evolving ideas and style across decades. The series includes titles such as Hegira, Blood Music, Dinosaur Summer, Dead Lines, and Hull Zero Three, showcasing Bear's range across hard science fiction, speculative horror, and ambitious world-building.

Start with Hegira, the first of 13 books in the Standalone Novels series.

Star Trek: TOS Series

Complete

62 books (1982–2013)

The Star Trek: TOS series comprises 61 novels published between 1982 and 2013, following the adventures of Captain Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise. Written by various authors including Diane Duane, Barbara Hambly, and Janet Kagan, these books expand on the original television series with new missions and storylines. The series is complete and should be read in publication order, beginning with The Abode of Life and concluding with the final entry in 2013.

Start with The Abode of Life(By: Lee Correy), the first of 61 books in the Star Trek: TOS series.

Start this series with The Abode of Life(By: Lee Correy)

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#Title
1
Cover of The Abode of Life(By: Lee Correy)
The Abode of Life(By: Lee Correy)
2
Cover of The Prometheus Design(By: Sondra Marshak,Myrna Culbreath)
The Prometheus Design(By: Sondra Marshak,Myrna Culbreath)
3
Black Fire(By: Sonni Cooper)
4
The Wounded Sky(By: Diane Duane)
5
Cover of Triangle(By: Sondra Marshak,Myrna Culbreath)
Triangle(By: Sondra Marshak,Myrna Culbreath)
6
Cover of Web of the Romulans(By: Leonard Nimoy,M.S. Murdock)
Web of the Romulans(By: Leonard Nimoy,M.S. Murdock)
7
8
Cover of The Tears of the Singers(By: Melinda M. Snodgrass)
The Tears of the Singers(By: Melinda M. Snodgrass)
9
Cover of The Vulcan Academy Murders(By: Jean Lorrah)
The Vulcan Academy Murders(By: Jean Lorrah)
10
Dwellers in the Crucible(By: Margaret Wander Bonanno)
11
Cover of Ishmael(By: Barbara Hambly)
Ishmael(By: Barbara Hambly)
12
Killing Time(By: Della Van Hise)
13
Cover of Pawns and Symbols(By: Majliss Larson)
Pawns and Symbols(By: Majliss Larson)
14
Shadow Lord(By: Laurence Yep)
15
Uhura's Song(By: Janet Kagan)
16
Cover of Bloodthirst(By: J.M. Dillard)
Bloodthirst(By: J.M. Dillard)
17
Cover of Chain of Attack(By: Gene DeWeese)
Chain of Attack(By: Gene DeWeese)
18
The Final Nexus(By: Gene DeWeese)
19
Cover of The IDIC Epidemic(By: Jean Lorrah)
The IDIC Epidemic(By: Jean Lorrah)
20
Cover of The Three-Minute Universe(By: Barbara Paul)
The Three-Minute Universe(By: Barbara Paul)
21
Double, Double(By: Michael Jan Friedman)
22
The Lost Years(By: J.M. Dillard)
23
Cover of Vulcan's Glory(By: D.C. Fontana)
Vulcan's Glory(By: D.C. Fontana)
24
Home Is the Hunter(By: Dana Kramer-Rolls)
25
A Flag Full of Stars(By: Brad Ferguson)
26
Cover of Ghost-Walker(By: Barbara Hambly)
Ghost-Walker(By: Barbara Hambly)
27
Cover of Renegade(By: Gene DeWeese)
Renegade(By: Gene DeWeese)
28
Cover of The Rift(By: Peter David)
The Rift(By: Peter David)
29
Cover of Death Count(By: L.A. Graf)
Death Count(By: L.A. Graf)
30
Faces of Fire(By: Michael Jan Friedman)
31
Cover of Ice Trap(By: L.A. Graf)
Ice Trap(By: L.A. Graf)
32
Cover of Sanctuary(By: John Vornholt)
Sanctuary(By: John Vornholt)
33
Cover of From the Depths(By: Victor MilΓ‘n)
From the Depths(By: Victor MilΓ‘n)
34
Cover of Shell Game(By: Melissa Crandall)
Shell Game(By: Melissa Crandall)
35
Cover of The Great Starship Race(By: Diane Carey)
The Great Starship Race(By: Diane Carey)
36
Cover of The Starship Trap(By: Mel Gilden)
The Starship Trap(By: Mel Gilden)
37
Cover of Crossroad(By: Barbara Hambly)
Crossroad(By: Barbara Hambly)
38
Firestorm(By: L.A. Graf)
39
The Better Man(By: Howard Weinstein)
40
Cover of The Patrian Transgression(By: Simon Hawke)
The Patrian Transgression(By: Simon Hawke)
41
Traitor Winds(By: L.A. Graf)
42
Cover of First Frontier(By: Diane Carey,James I. Kirkland)
First Frontier(By: Diane Carey,James I. Kirkland)
43
Recovery(By: J.M. Dillard)
44
Cover of The Captain's Daughter(By: Peter David)
The Captain's Daughter(By: Peter David)
45
Cover of The Fearful Summons(By: Denny Martin Flinn)
The Fearful Summons(By: Denny Martin Flinn)
46
The Joy Machine(By: Theodore Sturgeon,James Edwin Gunn)
47
The Joy Machine(By: Theodore Sturgeon,James Gunn)
48
The Rings of Tautee(By: Dean Wesley Smith)
49
Twilight's End(By: Jerry Oltion)
50
Cover of Mind Meld(By: John Vornholt)
Mind Meld(By: John Vornholt)
51
Mudd in Your Eye(By: Jerry Oltion)
52
Assignment: Eternity(By: Greg Cox)
53
Cover of Across the Universe(By: Pamela Sargent)
Across the Universe(By: Pamela Sargent)
54
Cover of Vulcan's Heart(By: Josepha Sherman,Susan Shwartz)
Vulcan's Heart(By: Josepha Sherman,Susan Shwartz)
55
Cover of In the Name of Honor(By: Dayton Ward)
In the Name of Honor(By: Dayton Ward)
56
Ex Machina(By: Christopher L. Bennett)
57
Federation(By: Judith Reeves-Stevens)
58
Excelsior: Forged in Fire(By: Andy Mangels,Michael A. Martin)
59
Cover of The Disinherited(By: Peter David,Robert Greenberger,Michael Jan Friedman)
The Disinherited(By: Peter David,Robert Greenberger,Michael Jan Friedman)
60
Cover of The Children of Kings(By: Dave Stern)
The Children of Kings(By: Dave Stern)
61
Cover of Cast No Shadow(By: James Swallow,Dayton Ward)
Cast No Shadow(By: James Swallow,Dayton Ward)
62
Cover of Allegiance in Exile(By: David R. George III)
Allegiance in Exile(By: David R. George III)

Star Wars Legends Series

Complete

66 books (1978–2013)

The Star Wars Legends series is a sprawling collection of 65 science fiction novels set in the Star Wars universe, published between 1978 and 2013. Written by multiple authors including Greg Bear, Timothy Zahn, Kevin J. Anderson, and many others, this complete series should be read in publication order to follow the interconnected storylines and character development across decades of galactic history. Beginning with Splinter of the Mind's Eye and concluding after the final entry, this expanded universe explores adventures and conflicts beyond the original films, featuring familiar characters and introducing new ones throughout the saga.

Start with Splinter of the Mind's Eye(By: Alan Dean Foster), the first of 65 books in the Star Wars Legends series.

Start this series with Splinter of the Mind's Eye(By: Alan Dean Foster)

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#Title
1
Splinter of the Mind's Eye(By: Alan Dean Foster)
2
The Han Solo Adventures(By: Brian Daley)
3
The Adventures of Lando Calrissian(By: L. Neil Smith)
4
The Courtship of Princess Leia(By: Dave Wolverton)
5
The Crystal Star(By: Vonda N. McIntyre)
6
The Truce at Bakura(By: Kathy Tyers)
7
Children of the Jedi(By: Barbara Hambly)
8
Darksaber(By: Kevin J. Anderson)
9
Hammertong: The Tale of the "Tonnika Sisters"(By: Timothy Zahn)
10
Cover of Mist Encounter(By: Timothy Zahn)
Mist Encounter(By: Timothy Zahn)
11
Cover of We Don't Do Weddings(By: Kathy Tyers)
We Don't Do Weddings(By: Kathy Tyers)
12
The New Rebellion(By: Kristine Kathryn Rusch)
13
Planet of Twilight(By: Barbara Hambly)
14
I, Jedi(By: Michael A. Stackpole)
15
Cover of General Jar Jar(By: Lara Bergen)
General Jar Jar(By: Lara Bergen)
16
Obi-Wan's Bongo Adventure(By: Gail Herman)
17
Cover of Podrace!(By: Lara Bergen)
Podrace!(By: Lara Bergen)
18
Cover of Star Wars: Episode I - Dangers of the Core(By: Jim Thomas)
Star Wars: Episode I - Dangers of the Core(By: Jim Thomas)
19
Cover of Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace(By: John Whitman)
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace(By: John Whitman)
20
Cloak of Deception(By: James Luceno)
21
Cover of Droid to the Rescue(By: Gail Herman)
Droid to the Rescue(By: Gail Herman)
22
Cover of Meet the Jedi High Council(By: Laura Dower)
Meet the Jedi High Council(By: Laura Dower)
23
24
Cover of Save Naboo!(By: Gail Herman)
Save Naboo!(By: Gail Herman)
25
Sith Attack(By: Lara Bergen)
26
Cover of Star Wars: Episode I - Anakin's Pit Droid(By: Justine Korman Fontes)
Star Wars: Episode I - Anakin's Pit Droid(By: Justine Korman Fontes)
27
Darth Maul Shadow Hunter(By: Michael Reaves)
28
The Approaching Storm(By: Alan Dean Foster)
29
A Forest Apart(By: Troy Denning)
30
Shatterpoint(By: Matthew Woodring Stover)
31
Tatooine Ghost(By: Troy Denning)
32
The Ruins of Dantooine(By: Voronica Whitney-Robinson,W. Haden Blackman)
33
Fool's Bargain(By: Timothy Zahn)
34
Jedi Trial(By: David Sherman,Dan Cragg)
35
Survivor's Quest(By: Timothy Zahn)
36
The Cestus Deception(By: Steven Barnes)
37
The Hive(By: Steven Barnes)
38
Yoda: Dark Rendezvous(By: Sean Stewart)
39
Labyrinth of Evil(By: James Luceno)
40
Cover of Star Wars: Labyrinth of Evil(By: James Luceno)
Star Wars: Labyrinth of Evil(By: James Luceno)
41
The Cestus Deception(By: Steven Barnes)
42
Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader(By: James Luceno)
43
Outbound Flight(By: Timothy Zahn)
44
Allegiance(By: Timothy Zahn)
45
Death Star(By: Steve Perry,Michael Reaves)
46
Luke Skywalker and the Shadows of Mindor(By: Matthew Woodring Stover)
47
Millennium Falcon(By: James Luceno)
48
Death Troopers(By: Joe Schreiber)
49
Crosscurrent(By: Paul S. Kemp)
50
Red Harvest(By: Joe Schreiber)
51
Choices of One(By: Timothy Zahn)
52
Judge's Call(By: Timothy Zahn)
53
Knight Errant(By: John Jackson Miller)
54
Riptide(By: Paul S. Kemp)
55
Shadow Games(By: Michael Reaves,Maya Kaathryn Bohnhoff)
56
Shadows of the Empire(By: Steve Perry)
57
Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire(By: Steve Perry)
58
Darth Plagueis(By: James Luceno)
59
Lost Tribe of the Sith(By: John Jackson Miller)
60
Cover of Maul: Lockdown(By: Joe Schreiber)
Maul: Lockdown(By: Joe Schreiber)
61
Scourge(By: Jeff Grubb)
62
Winner Lose All(By: Timothy Zahn)
63
Crucible(By: Troy Denning)
64
Into the Void: Dawn of the Jedi(By: Tim Lebbon)
65
Kenobi(By: John Jackson Miller)
66
Cover of Scoundrels(By: Timothy Zahn)
Scoundrels(By: Timothy Zahn)

The Madness of Cthulhu Series

Complete

2 books (2014–2015)

The Madness of Cthulhu is a two-volume anthology series featuring contributions from multiple acclaimed science fiction and horror authors. Published in 2014 and 2015, the series is now complete. Readers should begin with the first volume and continue to the second in publication order to experience the full collection of interconnected tales exploring themes of cosmic horror and existential dread.

Start with The Madness of Cthulhu(By: Robert Silverberg,Harry Turtledove,Arthur C. Clarke,John Shirley,S.T. Joshi,CaitlΓ­n R. Kiernan) and read in order.

Start this series with The Madness of Cthulhu(By: Robert Silverberg,Harry Turtledove,Arthur C. Clarke,John Shirley,S.T. Joshi,CaitlΓ­n R. Kiernan)

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#Title
1
The Madness of Cthulhu(By: Robert Silverberg,Harry Turtledove,Arthur C. Clarke,John Shirley,S.T. Joshi,CaitlΓ­n R. Kiernan)
2
The Madness of Cthulhu: Volume Two(With: Jonathan Maberry,William F. Nolan,Erik Bear,Kevin J. Anderson,Alan Dean Foster,Steve Rasnic Tem,S.T. Joshi,Karen Haber,Laird Barron,Nancy Kilpatrick,Cody Goodfellow,Jason C. Eckhardt,Donald Tyson,Mark Howard Jones,Brian Stableford)

Year's Best SF Anthology Series

Complete

18 books (1996–2013)

Greg Bear edited the Year's Best SF anthology series, a collection of 18 volumes published between 1996 and 2013 that has now concluded. Each book gathers the finest science fiction stories from its respective year, selected by Bear to represent the genre's best work. Readers should begin with the first volume and progress through publication order to experience how the field of science fiction evolved across nearly two decades.

Start with Year's Best SF, the first of 18 books in the Year's Best SF Anthology series.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many books has Greg Bear written?
Greg Bear has written 236 books across 18 series. Their published works span from 1953 to 2019.
What is the first book in each Greg Bear series?
Here are the first books in Greg Bear's series: Anthologies: Tomorrow: New Worlds of Science Fiction; Ares Rising: War Dogs; Darwin's Radio: Darwin's Radio; Eon: Eon; Forge of God: The Forge of God.
What order should I read Greg Bear's books?
We recommend reading Greg Bear's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
Are Greg Bear's series complete?
Greg Bear has 18 completed series.

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