James L. Nelson Reading Order
8 series · 33 books
James L. Nelson is a renowned American author celebrated for his engaging historical nautical fiction. With an impressive catalog of 33 books across eight series, including notable titles like Blood, Steel, and Empire, he brings vivid seafaring adventures to life. Active from 1996 until 2025, Nelson also crafted the intriguing Isaac Biddlecomb and Thomas Marlowe series, captivating readers with his authentic storytelling.
Blood, Steel, and Empire Series
Ongoing2 books (2021–2024)
Start with The Buccaneer Coast and read in order.
Caleb Hayes Series
Complete1 book (2016–2016)
| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 |  Full Fathom Five 2016Buy 🇺🇸 |
Isaac Biddlecomb Series
Likely Complete6 books (1996–2022)
Start with By Force of Arms, the first of 6 books in the Isaac Biddlecomb series.
Non-Fiction Series
Complete6 books (2001–2011)
Start with The Only Life That Mattered, the first of 6 books in the Non-Fiction series.
Samuel Bowater Series
Complete2 books (2003–2005)
Start with Glory in the Name and read in order.
Standalone Novels Series
Complete1 book (2015–2015)
| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 |  The French Prize 2015Buy 🇺🇸 |
The Norsemen Saga Series
Ongoing12 books (2013–2025)
Start with Fin Gall, the first of 12 books in the The Norsemen Saga series.
| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 |  Fin Gall 2013Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 2 |  Dubh-linn 2014Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 3 |  Glendalough Fair 2015Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 4 |  The Lord of Vik-lo 2015Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 5 |  Night Wolf 2016Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 6 |  Loch Garman 2017Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 7 |  Raider's Wake 2017Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 8 |  A Vengeful Wind 2018Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 9 |  Kings and Pawns 2019Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 10 |  The Midgard Serpent of Viking Age England 2020Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 11 | The Narrow Seas 2023Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 12 | Land of the Wolf of the Viking Age 2025Buy 🇺🇸 |
Thomas Marlowe Series
Complete3 books (2000–2002)
Start with The Guardship and read in order.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many books has James L. Nelson written?
- James L. Nelson has written 33 books across 8 series. Their published works span from 1996 to 2025.
- What is the first book in each James L. Nelson series?
- Here are the first books in James L. Nelson's series: Blood, Steel, and Empire: The Buccaneer Coast; Isaac Biddlecomb: By Force of Arms; Non-Fiction: The Only Life That Mattered; Samuel Bowater: Glory in the Name; The Norsemen Saga: Fin Gall.
- What order should I read James L. Nelson's books?
- We recommend reading James L. Nelson's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
- Is James L. Nelson still writing new books?
- Yes, James L. Nelson has 2 ongoing series: Blood, Steel, and Empire, The Norsemen Saga.