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series Reading Order

Black Flagged Books in Order

8 Books
2011 – 2022 Published
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Reading order

Recommended Reading Order

For the most satisfying experience, we highly recommend starting with the first core novel, Black Flagged Alpha, and reading in publication order. While there is a prequel novella, reading it first ruins the mystery surrounding Daniel Petrovich's past and the shadowy origins of the defunct Department of Defense "Black Flag" program.

Chronological Reading Order

If you prefer a strict timeline progression and don't mind spoilers regarding character backstories, you can read the series in chronological order:

  1. Black Flagged: Inception (Prequel Novella #0.5)
  2. Black Flagged Alpha (Book 1)
  3. Black Flagged Redux (Book 2)
  4. Black Flagged Apex (Book 3)
  5. Black Flagged Vektor (Book 4)
  6. Black Flagged: Covenant (Novella #4.5)
  7. Black Flagged Omega (Book 5)
  8. Black Flagged Vindicta (Book 6)

Publication Reading Order

This is the order in which the books were released, which allows you to experience the tension and character reveals exactly as the author intended:

  1. Black Flagged Alpha (2011)
  2. Black Flagged Redux (2012)
  3. Black Flagged Apex (2012)
  4. Black Flagged Vektor (2013)
  5. Black Flagged Omega (2017)
  6. Black Flagged: Covenant (2018)
  7. Black Flagged: Inception (2018)
  8. Black Flagged Vindicta (2022)

Understanding the Novellas

The series features two companion works that are highly integrated into the plot, rather than being standalone spin-offs:

  • Inception (Book 0.5): Details the origin story of Daniel Petrovich and his initial entry into the Black Flag program. Best read as a flashback after Book 1 or Book 4, or saved until the end of the main series.
  • Covenant (Book 4.5): Follows Jessica Petrovich and a team of operatives on a chaotic overlapping mission in Uruguay. This novella bridges the narrative gap between the events of Vektor and Omega.

The Greater Black Flagged Universe

Steven Konkoly's thrillers exist in a shared fictional universe. Once you finish the core Black Flagged series, you can follow the characters as they cross over into other series:

  • Ryan Decker Series: The Black Flag crew (including Richard Farrington) makes a major appearance to assist the protagonist in Skystorm (Book 4).
  • Devin Gray Series: Operative Karl Berg and other Black Flag members appear starting in Deep Sleep (Book 1) to help uncover a Russian sleeper agent conspiracy.

Frequently Asked

QWhere should I start reading the Black Flagged series?

We recommend starting with the first novel, Black Flagged Alpha. Starting here preserves the mystery of Daniel Petrovich's background and mirrors how the series was originally experienced by fans.

QHow many books are in the Black Flagged series?

The complete series consists of six core novels (Alpha, Redux, Apex, Vektor, Omega, and Vindicta) and two companion novellas (Inception and Covenant).

QWhen should I read the novella Black Flagged: Covenant?

You should read Covenant (Book 4.5) after finishing Black Flagged Vektor (Book 4) and before starting Black Flagged Omega (Book 5), as it provides crucial bridge context between the two novels.

QCan I read Black Flagged: Inception first?

Yes, you can read the prequel Inception first if you prefer a strict chronological timeline. However, be aware that it reveals key backstory details that may lessen the early mystery surrounding Daniel Petrovich.

QIs the Black Flagged series connected to other Steven Konkoly books?

Yes, characters from the Black Flagged series cross over into the Ryan Decker series (particularly in Skystorm) and the Devin Gray series (beginning with Deep Sleep).

QHas the Black Flagged series concluded?

Yes, the main story arc of Daniel Petrovich concluded with the release of Vindicta in 2022, though the characters continue to make appearances in other series within the same universe.