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series Reading Order

Alan Lewrie Books in Order

26 Books
2 Reading orders
1989 – 2014 Published
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Reading order

Where to Start Reading the Alan Lewrie Series

To experience the full journey of Alan Lewrie, you should start with the very first novel, The King’s Coat (1989). Because the series follows Lewrie’s life and career in a strict chronological timeline—from a young 17-year-old midshipman forced into service to a seasoned officer—reading the books in order is essential to follow his character development and recurring rivalries.

Publication vs. Chronological Order

For the main novels, the publication order and the chronological timeline are identical. Each book picks up where the previous one left off, following the historical events of the American Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. The only minor exception is the 2012 short story, Lewrie and the Hogsheads. Chronologically, this short adventure fits between the 18th novel, Reefs and Shoals, and the 19th novel, Hostile Shores.

The Complete Alan Lewrie Reading Order

Here is the recommended path to follow Alan Lewrie’s exploits on the high seas:

  1. The King's Coat (1989)
  2. The French Admiral (1990)
  3. The King's Commission (1991)
  4. The King's Privateer (1992)
  5. The Gun Ketch (1993)
  6. H.M.S. Cockerel (1995)
  7. A King's Commander (1997)
  8. Jester's Fortune (1999)
  9. King's Captain (2000)
  10. Sea of Grey (2002)
  11. Havoc's Sword (2003)
  12. The Captain's Vengeance (2004)
  13. A King's Trade (2006)
  14. Troubled Waters (2008)
  15. The Baltic Gambit (2009)
  16. King, Ship, and Sword (2010)
  17. The Invasion Year (2011)
  18. Reefs and Shoals (2012)
  19. Lewrie and the Hogsheads (2012) – Novella / Short Story
  20. Hostile Shores (2013)
  21. The King's Marauder (2014)
  22. Kings and Emperors (2015)
  23. A Hard, Cruel Shore (2016)
  24. A Fine Retribution (2017)
  25. An Onshore Storm (2018)
  26. Much Ado about Lewrie (2019)

Spin-offs and Co-authored Books

Dewey Lambdin was the sole author of the series, and there are no official spin-offs, co-authored novels, or authorized continuation series. A 26th novel was in progress at the time of Lambdin's passing in 2021 but remains unfinished and unpublished.

Frequently Asked

QWhere should I start reading the Alan Lewrie series?

You should start with the first novel, The King’s Coat (1989), which details how Alan Lewrie is forced into the Royal Navy and introduces his early character arc.

QDo I need to read the Alan Lewrie books in chronological order?

Yes, reading chronologically is highly recommended. The series tracks Lewrie's continuous career and personal life, meaning later books rely heavily on prior events and recurring characters.

QWhere does the short story "Lewrie and the Hogsheads" fit?

Chronologically, the 2012 novella Lewrie and the Hogsheads takes place right after the events of the 18th novel, Reefs and Shoals, and before the 19th novel, Hostile Shores.

QIs the Alan Lewrie series finished?

Yes, the series concludes with the 25th novel, Much Ado about Lewrie (2019). The author, Dewey Lambdin, passed away in 2021 before completing his planned 26th novel.

QDid Dewey Lambdin co-author any books in this series?

No, Dewey Lambdin was the sole creator and author of the entire series. There are no co-authored books or spin-offs.

QHow does Alan Lewrie compare to other naval fiction heroes?

Unlike the stoic, duty-bound heroes like C.S. Forester's Horatio Hornblower, Alan Lewrie is a roguish, bawdy, and self-serving libertine who matures into a capable leader while keeping his mischievous streak.