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Adventures of Conrad Stargard Books in Order

9 Books
1986 – 2014 Published
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Reading order

Recommended Reading Order

For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to read the series in publication order. Although Conrad's Time Machine is a prequel chronologically, it was published later in the series and focuses on different characters. Starting with the first published book allows you to experience Conrad's journey of industrializing medieval Poland exactly as the author intended.

The Main Reading Sequence

  1. The Cross-Time Engineer (1986) – The essential starting point where Conrad Schwartz is accidentally sent back to 1231 Poland.
  2. The High-Tech Knight (1989) – Conrad continues to modernize the medieval society while facing political and religious scrutiny.
  3. The Radiant Warrior (1989) – Conrad builds a massive, modern military force utilizing 20th-century tactics.
  4. The Flying Warlord (1989) – The confrontation with the Mongol invasion begins, showcasing advanced weaponry and tech.
  5. Lord Conrad's Lady (1990) – The story continues as Conrad balances his personal life with his geopolitical influence.
  6. Conrad's Quest for Rubber (1998) – A supplementary adventure where Conrad seeks resources to sustain his high-tech revolution.
  7. Lord Conrad's Crusade (2005) – Co-authored with Rodger Olsen, the battle lines shift as Conrad prepares for further campaigns.
  8. Conrad's Last Campaign (2014) – The final book in the series, completed by Rodger Olsen using Frankowski's drafts and notes.

The Prequel: Conrad's Time Machine

Published in 2002, Conrad's Time Machine serves as a prequel. It does not follow Conrad himself, but rather a trio of friends in the modern era who find, rebuild, and experiment with the time machine that eventually sends Conrad back in time. While chronologically the first story, it is best enjoyed as a companion piece or read after Lord Conrad's Lady to understand the origins of the technology.

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order

If you prefer to read the series in chronological order, simply place Conrad's Time Machine (2002) at the very beginning of your list before The Cross-Time Engineer (1986). The rest of the series follows a linear chronological timeline. However, keep in mind that the tone and focus of the prequel differ significantly from the main sequence books.

Co-Authorship and Series Completion

Leo Frankowski wrote the first six books of the series. Following a publishing dispute, he collaborated with Rodger Olsen on Lord Conrad's Crusade. After Frankowski passed away in 2008, Olsen completed the final book, Conrad's Last Campaign (published in 2014), based on Frankowski's existing outlines and notes.

Frequently Asked

QWhere is the best place to start reading Adventures of Conrad Stargard?

You should start with the first published book, The Cross-Time Engineer. It introduces the main character Conrad and the premise of his time-travel adventures.

QIs Conrad's Time Machine a necessary read for the main story?

No, Conrad's Time Machine is a prequel that focuses on a different group of characters discovering the time travel device. It is an optional companion novel best read after you are already familiar with the series.

QWhat is the chronological order of the series?

The chronological order is: Conrad's Time Machine, The Cross-Time Engineer, The High-Tech Knight, The Radiant Warrior, The Flying Warlord, Lord Conrad's Lady, Conrad's Quest for Rubber, Lord Conrad's Crusade, and Conrad's Last Campaign.

QWhy did other authors finish the Conrad Stargard series?

Leo Frankowski passed away in 2008. The final novel, Conrad's Last Campaign, was completed posthumously by co-author Rodger Olsen using Frankowski's outlines.

QAre there any spin-offs or related series?

No, there are no official spin-off series. The main sequence of nine books (including the prequel and the companion novel Conrad's Quest for Rubber) comprises the entire Adventures of Conrad Stargard canon.