Literature – Page 6 – Reading Orders

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The Laundry Files Reading Order

By Loki Content, Espionage, Fantasy, Horror, Literature, Military, Random, Science Fiction, Superhero

Charles Stross’ brilliant combination of the Cthulhu Mythos and Le Carre style espionage

The Atrocity Archive: Short story published in 2003 in The Atrocity Archives.
The Concrete Jungle: Short story published in 2003 in The Atrocity Archives.
The Jennifer Morgue: Novel published in 2007.
Pimpf: Short story published in The Jennifer Morgue.
Down on the Farm: Short story published in 2013.
Equoid: Short story published in 2013.
The Fuller Memorandum: Novel published in 2010.
Overtime: Short story published in 2009; set at Christmas.
The Apocalypse Codex: Novel published in 2012.
A Conventional Boy: Novel published in 2025.
The Rhesus Chart: Novel published in 2014; set in Spring.
The Annihilation Score: Novel published in 2015; set in Summer and Autumn.
Escape from Yokai Land: Novella published in 2022; set in March – April.
The Nightmare Stacks: Novel published in 2016; set in March – April. These two stories occur in parallel.
The Delirium Brief: Novel published in 2017; set in May – June.
The Labyrinth Index: Novel published in 2018; set in January – February.
Dead Lies Dreaming: Novel published in 2020; set in December.
Quantum of Nightmares: Novel published in 2022; set in December.
Season of Skulls: Novel published in 2022; set in March.

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The Song of Ice and Fire Reading Order

By Loki Content, Fantasy, Literature, Random

George R.R. Martin’s epic fantasy series

Aegon’s Conquest: Chapter of Fire and Blood, published 2020.
Reign of the Dragon – The Wars of King Aegon I Three Heads Had the Dragon – Governance Under King Aegon I: Chapters of Fire and Blood, published 2020.
The Sons of the Dragon: Chapter of Fire and Blood, published 2020; also published (in edited form) in The Book of Swords, published 2017.
Prince into King – The Ascension of Jaehaerys I: Chapter of Fire and Blood, published 2020.
The Year of the Three Brides: Chapter of Fire and Blood, published 2020.
A Surfeit of Rulers: Chapter of Fire and Blood, published 2020.
A Time of Testing – The Realm Remade I Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I I Jaehaerys and Alysanne – Their Triumphs and Tragedies I The Long Reign – Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain: Chapters of Fire and Blood, published 2020.
Heirs of the Dragon – A Question of Succession: Chapter of Fire and Blood, published 2020.
The Rogue Prince: Novelette collected in Rogues, published 2014. A shortened version of the preceding entry, containing much the same text.
The Princess and the Queen: Novella collected in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, published 2013. This is an abridged version of The Dying of the Dragons.
The Dying of the Dragons – The Blacks and the Greens The Dying of the Dragons – A Son for a Son The Dying of the Dragons – The Red Dragon and the Gold The Dying of the Dragons – Rhaenyra Triumphant The Dying of the Dragons – Rhaenyra Overthrown The Dying of the Dragons – The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II: Chapters of Fire and Blood, published 2020.
Aftermath – The Hour of the Wolf Under the Regents – The Hooded Hand Under the Regents – War and Peace and Cattle Shows Under the Regents – The Voyage of Alyn Oakenfist The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency: Chapters of Fire and Blood, published 2020.
The Hedge Knight: Novella collected in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, published 2015.
The Sworn Sword: Novella collected in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, published 2015.
The Mystery Knight: Novella collected in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, published 2015.
A Game of Thrones: Novel originally published in 1996.
A Clash of Kings: Novel originally published in 1998.
A Storm of Swords: Novel originally published in 2000.
A Feast for Crows: Novel originally published in 2005.
A Dance with Dragons: Novel originally published in 2011.

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Marvel Earth 691 — Killraven and the Guardians of the Galaxy

By Loki Comics, Content, Literature, Marvel Alternate Timelines, Marvel Comics, Random, Science Fiction, Superhero

The original Guardians of the Galaxy, the Martians of H.G. Wells and Killraven, Warrior of the Worlds!

Note that items on this Reading Order are placed in chronological order for Earth 691, which does not always match where events crossover with Earth 616, the main Marvel Universe.

The War of the Worlds: The original novel by H.G. Wells is canonical on Earth 691, taking place in 1901.
Essential Killraven, vol.1: Reprints Amazing Adventures #18-39 (May 1973 – December 1976); Marvel Team-Up #45 (May 1976); Marvel Graphic Novel #7 (August 1983) & Killraven #1 (February 2001).
The bulk of this volume takes place in the alternate future of Earth 691, but the Marvel Team-Up story crosses over with the Marvel Universe.
Wolverine & the Black Cat: Claws II: Reprints Wolverine & Black Cat: Claws II #1-3 (August 2011 – November 2011).
Wisdom: Rudiments of Wisdom: Reprints Wisdom #1-6 (January 2007 – July 2007).
Marvel Zombies 5: Reprints Marvel Zombies 5 #1-5 (June 2010 – September 2010).
It is unclear whether the Earth-691 visited in this storyline is the actual one, or just a closely related alternate. This story crosses over with the main Marvel Universe.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Tomorrow’s Avengers, vol.1: Reprints Marvel Super-Heroes #18 (January 1969); Marvel Two-In-One #4-5 (July 1974 – September 1974); Giant-Size Defenders #5 (July 1975); Defenders #26-29 (August 1975 – November 1975); & Marvel Presents #3-12 (February 1976 – August 1977).
Guardians of the Galaxy: Tomorrow’s Avengers, vol.2: Reprints Thor Annual 6 (1977); Avengers #167-168 & 170-177 (January 1978 – February 1978 & April 1978 – November 1978); Ms. Marvel #23 (April 1979); Marvel Team-Up #86 (October 1979); Marvel Two-In-One #61-63 & 69 (March 1980 – May 1980 & November 1980).
JLA/Avengers: The Collector’s Edition: Reprints JLA/Avengers #1-4 (September 2003 – December 2003).
The Guardians of the Galaxy appear among the Avengers in this story, drawn from approximately this point in their timeline.
Guardians of the Galaxy by Jim Valentino, vol.1: Reprints Guardians of the Galaxy #1-7 (June 1990 – December 1990) & Annual #1 (July 1991); Fantastic Four Annual #24 (July 1991); Thor Annual #16 (July 1991); & Silver Surfer Annual #4 (July 1991).
Crosses over with the main Marvel Universe.
Fantastic Four: Korvac Quest: Reprints Fantastic Four Annual #24 (July 1991); Thor Annual #16 (July 1991); Silver Surfer Annual #4 (July 1991); & Guardians of the Galaxy Annual #1 (July 1991).
Crosses over with the main Marvel Universe.
Guardians of the Galaxy by Jim Valentino, vol.2: Reprints Guardians of the Galaxy #8-20 (February 1991 – January 1992).
Guardians of the Galaxy by Jim Valentino, vol.3: Reprints Guardians of the Galaxy #21-29 (February 1992 – October 1992) & Annual #2 (1992); & Marvel Super-Heroes #18 (January 1969, Guardians story only).
Guardians of the Galaxy Classic: In the Year 3000, vol.1: Reprints Guardians of the Galaxy #30-39 (November 1992 – August 1993) & Annual #3 (1993); & Marvel Comics Presents #134 (August 1993, Major Victory story only).
Guardians of the Galaxy Classic: In the Year 3000, vol.2: Reprints Guardians of the Galaxy #40-50 (September 1993 – July 1994) & Annual #4 (1994); & Galactic Guardians #1-4 (July 1994 – October 1994).
Thor Corps: Reprints Thor Corps #1-4 (September 1993 – December 1993); & Thor #337, 384, 433 & parts of 438-441 (November 1983, October 1987, June 1991 & November 1991 – December 1991).
Takes place during In The Year 3000 at some point after Guardians of the Galaxy #43; also crosses over with Earth 8710 and the main Marvel Universe.
Guardians of the Galaxy Classic: In the Year 3000, vol.3: Reprints Guardians of the Galaxy #51-62 (August 1994 – July 1995) & Annual #4 (1994).
Guardians of the Galaxy, vol.1: Legacy: Reprints Guardians of the Galaxy #1-6 (July 2008 – December 2008).
This volume takes place in the modern day of the Marvel Universe, but includes important appearances by Earth 691 characters.
Guardians of the Galaxy, vol.2: War of Kings, Book 1: Reprints Guardians of the Galaxy #7-12 (January 2009 – May 2009).
This volume takes place in the modern day of the Marvel Universe, but includes important appearances by Earth 691 characters.
Guardians of the Galaxy, vol.3: War of Kings, Book 2: Reprints Guardians of the Galaxy #13-19 (June 2009 – December 2009).
This volume takes place in the modern day of the Marvel Universe, but includes important appearances by Earth 691 characters.
Guardians of the Galaxy, vol.4: Realm of Kings: Reprints Guardians of the Galaxy #20-25 (January 2010 – June 2010).
This volume takes place in the modern day of the Marvel Universe, but includes important appearances by Earth 691 characters.
Guardians 3000, vol.1: Time After Time: Reprints Guardians 3000 #1-5 (December 2014 – April 2015).
Korvac Saga: Warzones!: Reprints Guardians 3000 #6-8 (May 2015 – July 2015); & Korvac Saga #1-4 (August 2015 – November 2015).
Guardians of the Galaxy: Tales of the Cosmos: Reprints Guardians of Infinity #1-8 (February 2016 – September 2016; lead stories only).

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The Scarlet Traces Reading Order

By Loki Comics, Content, Literature, Military, Random, Science Fiction, Steampunk

Ian Edginton and D’Israeli’s excellent adaptation and sequels to H.G. Wells’ “War of the Worlds”

The War of the Worlds: Graphic novel adaptation published in 2006.
The Adventure of the Wheezing Man: Short story by James Lovegrove, appearing in Scarlet Traces: A War of the Worlds Anthology. Date specified in story, features Sherlock Holmes.
The Menagerie: Short story by Emma Beeby, appearing in Scarlet Traces: A War of the Worlds Anthology. Date specified in story.
Scarlet Traces: Reprints Judge Dredd Megazine #4.16-4.18 (October 2002 – December 2002; Scarlet Traces stories only).
Spitting Blood: Short story by Mark Morris, appearing in Scarlet Traces: A War of the Worlds Anthology. Date specified in story.
The Alarmist: Short story by Dan Whitehead, appearing in Scarlet Traces: A War of the Worlds Anthology. Date specified in story.
Red Frame, White Heat: Short story by Andrew Lane, appearing in Scarlet Traces: A War of the Worlds Anthology. No date specified in story, placed here as a best fit.
The Martian Wasteland: Short story by Adam Roberts, appearing in Scarlet Traces: A War of the Worlds Anthology. No date specified in story, placed here based on parallel events in our history.
Wonderful Things: Short story by Jonathon Green, appearing in Scarlet Traces: A War of the Worlds Anthology. Date specified in story.
The Mechanical Marionette Mob: Short story by Maura McHugh, appearing in Scarlet Traces: A War of the Worlds Anthology. Date specified in story.
Going Up the Blue: Short story by Stephen Baxter, appearing in Scarlet Traces: A War of the Worlds Anthology. Date specified in story.
Scarlet Traces: The Great Game: Reprints Scarlet Traces: The Great Game #1-4 (July 2006 – October 2006).
Last Shot: Short story by Chris Roberson, appearing in Scarlet Traces: A War of the Worlds Anthology. Date specified in story.
Cold War: Reprints 2000AD #1988-1999 & 2023-2034 (2016 & 2017; Scarlet Traces stories only).
Something Sweet in the Superstitions: Short story by I.N.J. Culard, appearing in Scarlet Traces: A War of the Worlds Anthology.
Voice for a Generation: Short story by Nathan Duck, appearing in Scarlet Traces: A War of the Worlds Anthology. Date specified in story.
Scarlet Traces, vol.3: Reprints 2000AD #2126–2129 & 2131–2138 (2019; Scarlet Traces stories only) & #2250–2255 and 2257–2261 (2021; Scarlet Traces stories only).

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The Adrian Mole Reading Order

By Loki Comedy, Content, Literature, Random, Web

The abstract and brief chronicles of the times

The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13 3/4: Novel published in 1982
The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole: Novel published in 1985
The True Confessions of Adrian Mole: Novel published in 1989
Adrian Mole and the Small Amphibians: Short story published in 1991
Adrian Mole: The Wilderness Years: Novel published in 1993
Mole Cooks His Goose: Short story published in 1993
Adrian Mole: The Cappuccino Years: Novel published in 1999
The Lost Diaries of Adrian Mole, 1999-2001: Novel published in 2008
Adrian Mole and the Weapons of Mass Destruction: Novel published in 2004
Adrian Mole: The Prostrate Years: Novel published in 2009
Adrian Mole’s royal wedding diary: Essay published in 2011

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The Firefly / Serenity Chronology

By Loki Comics, Content, Film, Literature, Random, Science Fiction, Television, Western

No power in the ‘verse can stop this chronology… Continue reading

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The Dune Reading Order

By Loki Content, Literature, Random, Science Fiction

Frank Herbert’s legendary science fiction epic

Hunting Harkonnens: short story by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson in “The Road to Dune” (2005)
The Butlerian Jihad: novel by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson (2002)
Whipping Mek: short story by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson in “The Road to Dune” (2005)
The Machine Crusade: novel by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson (2003)
The Faces of a Martyr: short story by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson in “The Road to Dune” (2005)
The Battle of Corrin: novel by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson (2004)
Sisterhood of Dune: novel by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson (2012)
Mentats of Dune: novel by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson (2014)
Red Plague: short story by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson on the Tor.com website (2016)
Navigators of Dune: novel by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson (2017)
Imperial Court: short story by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson in “Sands of Dune” (2022)
Edge of a Crysknife: short story by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson in “Sands of Dune” (2022)
House Atreides: novel by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson (1999)
House Harkonnen: novel by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson (2000)
House Corrino: novel by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson (2001)
Paul of Dune: Part II, Part IV & Part VI: sections of novel by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson in “Paul of Dune” (2005)
Wedding Silk: short story by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson in “Tales of Dune” (2005)
Winds of Dune: Part II: section of novel by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson in “The Winds of Dune” (2009)
Princess of Dune: novel by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson (2023)
Dune: The Duke of Caladan: novel by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson (2020)
Dune: The Lady of Caladan: novel by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson (2021)
Dune: The Heir of Caladan: novel by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson (2022)
Dune: novel by Frank Herbert (1965).
Edge of a Crysknife: short story by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson in “Sands of Dune” (2022)
A Whisper of Caladan Seas: short story by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson in “The Road to Dune” (2005). Takes place during Dune.
The Waters of Kanly: short story by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson in “The Road to Dune” (2017). Takes place during Dune.
Paul of Dune: Part I, Part III, Part V & Part VII: sections of novel by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson in “Paul of Dune” (2005)
Winds of Dune: Part IV: section of novel by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson in “The Winds of Dune” (2009)
The Road to Dune: short story by Frank Herbert in “Eye” (1985).
Dune Messiah: novel by Frank Herbert (1969).
Winds of Dune: Part I, Part III & Part V: sections of novel by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson in “The Winds of Dune” (2009)
Children of Dune: novel by Frank Herbert (1976).
God Emperor of Dune: novel by Frank Herbert (1981).
Heretics of Dune: novel by Frank Herbert (1984).
Chapterhouse: Dune: novel by Frank Herbert (1985).
Sea Child: short story by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson in “Tales of Dune” (2005). Takes place during Chapterhouse: Dune.
Hunters of Dune: novel by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson (2006)
Treasure in the Sand: short story by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson in “Tales of Dune” (2005)
Sandworms of Dune: novel by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson (2007)

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The Earthsea Reading Order

By Loki Content, Fantasy, Literature, Random

A reading order for Ursula K. Le Guin’s brilliant fantasy series

The Word of Unbinding: Short story published in “The Wind’s Twelve Quarters”, 1975.
The Finder: Short story published in “Tales from Earthsea”, 2001.
Darkrose and Diamond: Short story published in “Tales from Earthsea”, 2001.
The Rule of Names: Short story published in “The Wind’s Twelve Quarters”, 1975.
The Bones of the Earth: Short story published in “Tales from Earthsea”, 2001.
A Wizard of Earthsea: Novel published in 1968.
The Tombs of Atuan: Novel published in 1971.
On The High Marsh: Short story published in “Tales from Earthsea”, 2001.
The Farthest Shore: Novel published in 1972.
Tehanu: Novel published in 1990.
Dragonfly: Short story published in “Tales from Earthsea”, 2001.
The Daughter of Odren: Short story published in “The Book of Earthsea”, 2018.
Firelight: Short story published in “The Book of Earthsea”, 2018.

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The American Gods Reading Order

By Loki Content, Fantasy, Literature, Random

Neil Gaiman’s stories of mythologies old and new…

Norse Mythology: Published in 2017.
Not technically a part of the series – but hey, it’s the same author writing about some of the same characters and retelling the same stories that inform his characterisation of them in the series proper.
American Gods: Novel published in 2001.
Anansi Boys: Novel published in 2004.
There has been some to-ing and fro-ing over the years as to whether this book is part of the American Gods canon or not. Read it anyway, it’s fun.
Keepsakes and Treasures: Short story originally published in the collection Fragile Things, 2006.
The Monarch of the Glen: Short story originally published in the collection Legends II, 2004.
Black Dog: Short story originally published in the collection Trigger Warning, 2015.

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The Vorkosigan Saga Reading Order

By Loki Content, Espionage, Literature, Military, Random, Science Fiction

One of the all time great science fiction series. .

This reading order lists all the novels and short stories of Lois McMaster Bujold’s Vorkosigan Saga, and every book that any of them has been published in.

It follows the internal chronology rather than the publishing order of the books themselves. The multiple books listed for most entries are listed in order of publication, earliest to latest. In the interests of clarity, novels appear in bold and short stories/novellas in italics.

The Adventure of the Lady on the Embankment [1]	Dreamweaver’s Dilemma
Dreamweaver’s Dilemma	Dreamweaver’s Dilemma
Falling Free	Falling Free Miles, Mutants and Microbes
Shards of Honor	Shards of Honour Test of Honor Cordelia’s Honor
Barrayar	Barrayar Cordelia’s Honor
The Warrior’s Apprentice	The Warrior’s Apprentice Test of Honor Young Miles
The Mountains of Mourning	Borders of Infinity Dreamweaver’s Dilemma Vorkosigan’s Game Young Miles
The Vor Game	The Vor Game Vorkosigan’s Game Young Miles
Cetaganda	Miles, Mystery & Mayhem
Ethan of Athos	Ethan of Athos Miles, Mystery & Mayhem
Labyrinth	Borders of Infinity Vorkosigan’s Game Miles, Mystery & Mayhem Miles, Mutants and Microbes
The Borders of Infinity [2]	Free Lancers (Alien Stars, No. 4) Borders of Infinity Vorkosigan’s Game Miles Errant Infinite Stars
Borders of Infinity [3]	Borders of Infinity Vorkosigan’s Game
Brothers in Arms	Brothers in Arms Miles Errant
Mirror Dance	Mirror Dance Miles Errant
Memory	Memory
Komarr	Komarr Miles in Love
A Civil Campaign	A Civil Campaign Miles in Love
Winterfair Gifts	Irresistible Forces Miles in Love
Diplomatic Immunity	Diplomatic Immunity Miles, Mutants and Microbes
Captain Vorpatril’s Alliance	Captain Vorpatril’s Alliance
Flowers of Vashnoi	Flowers of Vashnoi
CryoBurn	Cryoburn
Gentleman Jole and the Red Queen	Gentleman Jole and the Red Queen

Footnotes:

Okay, most people – including Lois McMaster Bujold – do not include this as a part of the Saga, but I do. It features characters who are clearly spiritual, if not literal, ancestors of the Vorkosigan family. Plus, there’s always room for a good Sherlock Holmes story.
This is the short story (distinguished by the “The”) of that title.
This is the framing story from the anthology of the same title. It is not reprinted in the more recent omnibus reprints of the saga.

2002

2003

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2 BC – 1 AC

1 AC – 27 AC

7 AC – 48 AC

48 AC

49 AC

50 AC

50 AC

92 AC – 129 AC

103 AC – 129 AC

129 AC – 131 AC

131 AC – 136 AC

209 AC

211 AC

297 AC – 299 AC

299 AC

299 AC – 300 AC

300 AC

1898

1904

1905

1908

1910

1922

1923

1937

1938

1948

1965

1967

1968

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