Books On Board
series Reading Order

Big Sigma Books in Order

8 Books
2011 – 2023 Published
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Reading order

Where to Start Reading Big Sigma

For most readers, the best place to start is with the first full-length novel, Bypass Gemini (2011). It introduces Trevor 'Lex' Alexander, his snarky AI companions, and the corporate conspiracies that drive the series. While the prequel novella, Beta Testers, takes place chronologically before the first book, it was published much later and is best enjoyed as a companion piece once you are already familiar with the universe and its characters.

Big Sigma Recommended Reading Order

Since the series is highly episodic but features ongoing character development and overarching plots, reading in publication order is highly recommended. Below is the recommended sequence, including the prequel and short stories:

  1. Bypass Gemini (Book 1) – Published 2011
  2. Unstable Prototypes (Book 2) – Published 2012
  3. Artificial Evolution (Book 3) – Published 2014
  4. Temporal Contingency (Book 4) – Published 2016
  5. Beta Testers (Prequel Novella, Book 0.5) – Published 2018 (Chronological starting point, but best read here for context)
  6. Indra Station (Book 5) – Published 2019
  7. Nova Igniter (Book 6) – Published 2020
  8. Meeting of the Mas (Short Story) – Published 2020 (Featured in the Volume 2 collection)
  9. Quantum Shift (Book 7) – Published 2023

Chronological Order Caveats

If you prefer a strictly chronological reading experience, you can start with the prequel novella Beta Testers. Just keep in mind that starting here might feel like jumping into a sandbox that hasn't been fully explained yet, as the narrative assumes a level of familiarity with the tech and setting established in the first few novels.

Omnibus Collections and Bonus Stories

If you prefer to grab the books in bulk, Joseph R. Lallo has compiled the series into two main collections:

  • The Big Sigma Collection: Volume 1: Contains the first three novels: Bypass Gemini, Unstable Prototypes, and Artificial Evolution.
  • The Big Sigma Collection: Volume 2: Contains novels 4, 5, and 6 (Temporal Contingency, Indra Station, and Nova Igniter) plus the exclusive bonus short story Meeting of the Mas, which focuses on Karter Dee's multi-instanced AI companion, Ma.

The Multiverse Crossover: Between

For readers who enjoy Joseph R. Lallo’s other works, he wrote a standalone crossover novel called Between (2016). This sci-fi/fantasy adventure unites elements and characters from his three major settings: Big Sigma, The Book of Deacon (fantasy), and Free-Wrench (steampunk). While it is not required reading for the Big Sigma series, it offers a fun easter-egg-filled excursion for completionists.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the best entry point for the Big Sigma series?

We highly recommend starting with Bypass Gemini. It sets up the universe, the main characters, and the tone of the series much better than the prequel novella does for new readers.

QShould I read Beta Testers first?

While Beta Testers is chronologically the first story (Book 0.5), it was published in 2018 after Book 4. Reading it later in publication order provides a richer experience, though reading it first is fine if you prefer strict chronological order.

QHow many novels are in the Big Sigma series?

There are currently seven main novels in the series, starting with Bypass Gemini (2011) and the most recent being Quantum Shift (2023).

QWhere can I read the short story 'Meeting of the Mas'?

The bonus short story Meeting of the Mas is officially included in the omnibus edition The Big Sigma Collection: Volume 2, which bundles books 4, 5, and 6 together.

QIs the book 'Between' part of the Big Sigma series?

No, Between is a standalone crossover novel that brings together characters from Big Sigma, The Book of Deacon, and Free-Wrench. It can be read separately as a fun multiversal spin-off.

QWho is the main protagonist of Big Sigma?

The series centers on Trevor 'Lex' Alexander, a disgraced former race pilot who ends up working as a high-stakes cargo courier and repeatedly saving the galaxy.