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series Reading Order

Athena Lee Chronicles Books in Order

13 Books
2016 – 2018 Published
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Reading order

Where to Start the Athena Lee Chronicles

For the best experience, most readers should start with The Forgotten Engineer. This is the first full-length novel in the series and introduces the main protagonist, Ensign Athena Lee, along with her loyal AI companion, Wilson. Starting here allows you to experience Athena's growth and survival instincts from the absolute beginning of her spacefaring career.

Alternatively, if you prefer to dive straight into the deep lore and backstory of the universe, you can start with the prequel novella The Lost Pilot (often designated as Book 0.5). It follows Sam, a genetically enhanced soldier, and sets the stage for the galactic politics that shape Athena's journey.

Athena Lee Chronicles Recommended Reading Order

While the books were released rapidly between 2016 and 2018, reading them in numerical order is the most straightforward path. Here is the recommended reading sequence:

  1. The Lost Pilot (2016) - Prequel novella focusing on Sam, the genetically enhanced pilot.
  2. The Forgotten Engineer (2016) - Book 1 and the official starting point of Athena's main storyline.
  3. Engineering Murder (2017) - Book 2, where Athena's skills are put to the test in a mystery.
  4. Ghost Ships of Terra (2017) - Book 3, dealing with mysterious vessels and pirate encounters.
  5. Revolutionary (2017) - Book 4, which takes Athena back to her corrupt home planet.
  6. Insurrection (2017) - Book 5, continuing the high-stakes political and military struggles.
  7. Imperial Subversion (2017) - Book 6, exploring deeper conspiracies in the galaxy.
  8. The Martian Inheritance (2017) - Book 7, expanding the scope of the solar system.
  9. Infiltration (2017) - Book 8, featuring stealth missions and high tension.
  10. Prelude to War (2017) - Book 9, setting the stage for the final conflict.
  11. Uncommon Life (2016) - Book 9.5, a companion novel focusing on Athena's sister, Minerva Lee.
  12. War to the Knife (2017) - Book 10, bringing the military clashes to a head.
  13. Forgotten Hope (2018) - Book 11, the final novel in the main series (co-authored with Freddie Kim).

Chronological Order vs. Publication Order Caveats

T.S. Paul wrote the series at a lightning-fast pace, occasionally releasing companion stories out of chronological sequence. The main outlier is Uncommon Life, which was published in 2016 but is chronologically best read late in the series (around Book 9.5) because it focuses on the backstory and military career of Athena's older sister, Commander Minerva Lee. Reading it earlier can spoil minor family dynamics and galactic developments.

Spin-Offs and the Broader Athena Lee Universe

If you finish the main 11 novels and want more from this universe, T.S. Paul co-authored the Smuggle Life spin-off series with Nathan Howe. Set in the same universe, this series follows the crew of the spaceship Rossi on their smuggling escapades and is a perfect match for fans who love the lighter, action-packed side of the main books. Additionally, the final main novel, Forgotten Hope, was completed with co-author Freddie Kim.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the recommended starting point for the Athena Lee Chronicles?

The recommended starting point is the first novel, The Forgotten Engineer, which introduces Athena Lee and her AI companion Wilson. However, you can also start with the prequel novella, The Lost Pilot, if you want the earliest chronological backstory.

QIs the Athena Lee Chronicles series finished?

Yes. Following the passing of author T.S. Paul in 2020, the series concluded with the eleventh novel, Forgotten Hope, and no further installments are planned.

QWhere does the book Uncommon Life fit into the reading order?

Uncommon Life is best read as Book 9.5, after Prelude to War. Although published earlier, it is a companion novel focusing on Athena's sister Minerva Lee and fits best near the end of the series.

QAre there any spin-offs set in the Athena Lee Universe?

Yes. T.S. Paul co-authored the Smuggle Life series with Nathan Howe, which is set in the same universe and follows the crew of the spaceship Rossi.

QWho is Wilson in the Athena Lee Chronicles?

Wilson is Athena's witty and resourceful AI sidekick who assists her with ship engineering, survival, and provides humorous commentary throughout the series.

QDid T.S. Paul write the series alone?

While T.S. Paul wrote the majority of the series alone, he collaborated with Freddie Kim on the final novel, Forgotten Hope, and with Nathan Howe on the Smuggle Life spin-off series.