Lois McMaster Bujold Reading Order
11 series · 106 books · Born 1949-11-02
Lois McMaster Bujold is a decorated science fiction and fantasy author best known for the expansive Vorkosigan Saga, which launched her career in 1986 and established her as a master of character-driven military science fiction. Her work has earned multiple Hugo and Nebula Awards, recognizing her skill at blending intricate plotting with deeply human storytelling across novels, novellas, and short fiction. In addition to the Vorkosigan universe, Bujold has created other acclaimed fantasy worlds, including the richly imagined setting of the Curse of Chalion series.
Anthologies Series
Complete11 books (1987–2021)
Start with Free Lancers, the first of 9 books in the Anthologies series.
Start this series with Free Lancers
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Collections Series
Complete1 book (2011–2011)
Curse Of Chalion Series
Complete3 books (2000–2005)
Start with The Curse of Chalion and read in order.
Start this series with The Curse of Chalion
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
L. Ron Hubbard Presents: Writers of the Future Series
Ongoing41 books (1985–2025)
Start with L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future 1, the first of 41 books in the L. Ron Hubbard Presents: Writers of the Future series.
Start this series with L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future 1
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Non-Fiction Series
Likely Complete2 books (2013–2022)
Start with Sidelines and read in order.
Start this series with Sidelines
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudiblePenric and Desdemona Series
Ongoing16 books (2015–2026)
Start with Penric's Demon, the first of 15 books in the Penric and Desdemona series.
Start this series with Penric's Demon
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Penric and Desdemona Collections Series
Complete1 book (2022–2022)
Standalone Novels Series
Complete1 book (1992–1992)
The Sharing Knife Series
Complete5 books (2006–2019)
Start with Beguilement, the first of 5 books in the The Sharing Knife series.
Start this series with Beguilement
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Vorkosigan Collections Series
Complete1 book (2008–2008)
Vorkosigan Saga Series
CompleteChronological order differs24 books (1986–2018)
Start with Aftermath (In the Cordelia's Honor Collection). Publication and chronological order differ — publication order is recommended for first-time readers.
Start this series with Aftermath (In the Cordelia's Honor Collection)
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Frequently Asked Questions
- How many books has Lois McMaster Bujold written?
- Lois McMaster Bujold has written 106 books across 11 series. Their published works span from 1985 to 2026.
- What is the first book in each Lois McMaster Bujold series?
- Here are the first books in Lois McMaster Bujold's series: Anthologies: Free Lancers; Curse Of Chalion: The Curse of Chalion; L. Ron Hubbard Presents: Writers of the Future: L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future 1; Non-Fiction: Sidelines; Penric and Desdemona: Penric's Demon.
- What order should I read Lois McMaster Bujold's books?
- We recommend reading Lois McMaster Bujold's series in publication order. Note that some series have a different chronological order — see the series details above for guidance. Each series can be read independently.
- Is Lois McMaster Bujold still writing new books?
- Yes, Lois McMaster Bujold has 2 ongoing series: L. Ron Hubbard Presents: Writers of the Future, Penric and Desdemona.
- Should I read Lois McMaster Bujold's books in chronological or publication order?
- For first-time readers, we recommend publication order. Some of Lois McMaster Bujold's series have a different chronological order, but the stories were written to be enjoyed in the order they were published.