Books On Board
series Reading Order

Assassin Books in Order

7 Books
2011 – 2015 Published
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Reading order

The Recommended Reading Order

If you want to experience the gripping story of the cartel super-assassin El Rey, you have a choice between publication order and chronological order. However, the author himself suggests a hybrid path for the best reading experience.

Our Recommended Path: The Hybrid Order

While the prequel takes place first chronologically, starting with the first published novel is the best way to get hooked on the tension and mystery of El Rey.

  1. King of Swords (2011) – Start here to meet the assassin El Rey and Captain Romero Cruz.
  2. Night of the Assassin (2012) – The prequel. Read this second to learn El Rey's dark origin story.
  3. Revenge of the Assassin (2012)
  4. Return of the Assassin (2012)
  5. Blood of the Assassin (2013)
  6. Requiem for the Assassin (2014)
  7. Rage of the Assassin (2015)

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order

Russell Blake wrote the prequel, Night of the Assassin, after the initial success of the first two novels. Reading in strict publication order means you'll dive into the prequel after Return of the Assassin. Here is how they were released:

  • King of Swords (2011)
  • Revenge of the Assassin (2012)
  • Return of the Assassin (2012)
  • Night of the Assassin (Prequel, 2012)
  • Blood of the Assassin (2013)
  • Requiem for the Assassin (2014)
  • Rage of the Assassin (2015)

If you prefer strict chronological order, you would start with Night of the Assassin and then read the rest in sequence. However, doing so might spoil the mystique of El Rey's character, which is why the hybrid route is highly recommended.

Inside the Assassin Universe

The Assassin series is widely recognized for its uncompromising, raw depiction of modern-day Mexican cartel conflicts. Unlike some of Russell Blake's other high-octane series like JET, the Assassin books are darker, grittier, and focus heavily on the psychological profile of a cold-blooded contract killer. The series reached its definitive conclusion in late 2015 with Rage of the Assassin.

Frequently Asked

QWhere should I start reading the Assassin series?

We recommend starting with the first published novel, King of Swords, and then reading the prequel, Night of the Assassin, second. This preserves the mystery around the main character.

QIs the Assassin series completed?

Yes, the series concluded with the release of the sixth full-length novel, Rage of the Assassin, in late 2015.

QWhat is the difference between the Assassin series and the JET series?

While both are high-octane thrillers by Russell Blake, the Assassin series is darker and grittier, focusing on a Mexican cartel contract killer, whereas the JET series follows a former Mossad operative.

QWho is El Rey in the Assassin books?

El Rey (the King of Swords) is the central anti-hero—a highly skilled, sociopathic contract killer working within the Mexican cartel underworld.

QCan I read Night of the Assassin first?

You can read the prequel first if you prefer chronological order, but the author has noted that reading it after King of Swords provides a more satisfying character introduction.

QAre there any co-authored books or spin-offs in the Assassin series?

No. Unlike Blake's collaborations with Clive Cussler or the Kindle Worlds stories for JET, the Assassin series was written entirely by Russell Blake alone and has no official spin-offs.