James L. Nelson Reading Order

3 books (2021–2026)

James L. Nelson's Blood, Steel, and Empire is an ongoing non-fiction series of action and adventure narratives spanning two books published between 2021 and 2024. The series should be read in publication order, beginning with The Buccaneer Coast, followed by The Tortuga Plantation. More volumes are planned for this historical adventure series.

Start with The Buccaneer Coast and read in order.

1 book (2016–2016)

#	Title
1	Full Fathom Five 2016Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

6 books (1996–2022)

James L. Nelson's Isaac Biddlecomb series spans six volumes published between 1996 and 2022, following publication order from By Force of Arms through The Falmouth Frigate. The series appears to be complete, with each book building on the narrative established in earlier entries. These action and adventure novels should be read in sequence, beginning with the first installment, to fully experience the story arc across all six books.

Start with By Force of Arms, the first of 6 books in the Isaac Biddlecomb series.

#	Title
1	By Force of Arms 1996Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	The Maddest Idea 1997Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	The Continental Risque 1998Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	Lords of the Ocean 1999Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	All the Brave Fellows 2000Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
6	The Falmouth Frigate 2022Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

6 books (2001–2011)

James L. Nelson's six-book non-fiction series explores dramatic naval and military episodes from American history, published between 2001 and 2011. Each work stands as a complete narrative while maintaining chronological progression through the era, making publication order the ideal reading path. The series concludes with With Fire and Sword, providing a comprehensive collection of action-packed historical accounts for readers interested in early American naval warfare and military strategy.

Start with The Only Life That Mattered, the first of 6 books in the Non-Fiction series.

#	Title
1	The Only Life That Mattered 2001Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Reign of Iron 2004Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Benedict Arnold's Navy 2006Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	George Washington's Secret Navy 2008Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	George Washington's Great Gamble 2010Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
6	With Fire and Sword 2011Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

2 books (2003–2005)

James L. Nelson's Samuel Bowater series consists of two complete historical fiction novels published between 2003 and 2005. The books should be read in publication order, beginning with Glory in the Name followed by Thieves of Mercy. This action-filled series is set during the American Civil War and follows its protagonist through naval adventures and wartime conflicts.

Start with Glory in the Name and read in order.

#	Title
1	Glory in the Name 2003Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Thieves of Mercy 2005Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

1 book (2015–2015)

#	Title
1	The French Prize 2015Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

13 books (2013–2025)

The Norsemen Saga is an action-adventure series comprising twelve books published between 2013 and 2025, with new installments continuing to be released. Written by James L. Nelson, the series should be read in publication order beginning with Fin Gall. The saga explores Viking Age history and seafaring conflict across multiple interconnected narratives, following the adventures and struggles of Norse raiders and warriors during this transformative period in European history.

Start with Fin Gall, the first of 12 books in the The Norsemen Saga series.

#	Title
1	Fin Gall 2013Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Dubh-linn 2014Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Glendalough Fair 2015Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	The Lord of Vik-lo 2015Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	Night Wolf 2016Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
6	Loch Garman 2017Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
7	Raider's Wake 2017Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
8	A Vengeful Wind 2018Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
9	Kings and Pawns 2019Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
10	The Midgard Serpent 2020Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
11	The Midgard Serpent of Viking Age England 2020Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
12	The Narrow Seas 2023Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
13	Land of the Wolf of the Viking Age 2025Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

3 books (2000–2002)

James L. Nelson's Thomas Marlowe series consists of three complete novels published between 2000 and 2002, following a protagonist navigating colonial-era maritime adventures. The books should be read in publication order: The Guardship, The Blackbirder, and The Pirate Round. This action-driven historical series combines elements of adventure fiction with the author's interest in nautical history.

Start with The Guardship and read in order.

#	Title
1	The Guardship 2000Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	The Blackbirder 2001Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	The Pirate Round 2002Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible