Reading Order List — Book Series Reading Order Guide

James L. Nelson Reading Order

8 series · 34 books

Action & AdventureNon-Fiction

James L. Nelson crafts historical maritime fiction grounded in meticulous research, bringing the Age of Sail to vivid life through multiple interconnected series. His prolific output includes the Blood, Steel, and Empire saga and character-driven narratives featuring protagonists like Isaac Biddlecomb and Samuel Bowater, blending authentic naval warfare with compelling storytelling. Beyond fiction, Nelson has established himself as a respected historian of maritime history, drawing on deep expertise to infuse both his novels and non-fiction works with credible period detail.

Blood, Steel, and Empire Series

Ongoing

2 books (2021–2024)

Start with The Buccaneer Coast and read in order.

Start this series with The Buccaneer Coast

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#Title
1
The Buccaneer Coast
2021Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2
The Tortuga Plantation
2024Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

Caleb Hayes Series

Complete

1 book (2016–2016)

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

Isaac Biddlecomb Series

Likely Complete

6 books (1996–2022)

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

Start this series with By Force of Arms

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

Non-Fiction Series

Complete

6 books (2001–2011)

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

Start this series with The Only Life That Mattered

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

Samuel Bowater Series

Complete

2 books (2003–2005)

Start with Glory in the Name and read in order.

Start this series with Glory in the Name

Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
#Title
1
Cover of Glory in the Name
Glory in the Name
2003Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2
Cover of Thieves of Mercy
Thieves of Mercy
2005Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

Standalone Novels Series

Complete

1 book (2015–2015)

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

The Norsemen Saga Series

Ongoing

13 books (2013–2025)

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

Start this series with Fin Gall

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

Thomas Marlowe Series

Complete

3 books (2000–2002)

Start with The Guardship and read in order.

Start this series with The Guardship

Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
#Title
1
Cover of The Guardship
The Guardship
2000Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2
Cover of The Blackbirder
The Blackbirder
2001Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3
Cover of The Pirate Round
The Pirate Round
2002Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

Frequently Asked Questions

How many books has James L. Nelson written?
James L. Nelson has written 34 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.

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