The Recommended Reading Path
For the best experience, you should read the Richard Blade series in its original publication order. Because the books follow a linear sequence of missions, starting from the beginning allows you to watch the technology and character relationships develop naturally. The ultimate starting point is the very first book, The Bronze Axe (1969), which introduces Richard Blade, his boss J, the brilliant but eccentric scientist Lord Leighton, and the brain-computer interface that enables his dimension travel.
The Original 37-Book English Series
Between 1969 and 1984, Pinnacle Books published 37 novels in the United States. While the covers credited the house pseudonym Jeffrey Lord, the series was actually written by three distinct American authors. Manning Lee Stokes kicked off the franchise by writing the first 8 books. Roland J. Green then took the reins, authoring books 9 through 29 and 31 through 37. Sci-fi writer Ray Nelson contributed a single volume, the 30th book, Dimension of Horror (1979).
Chronological vs. Publication Order
There is no complex timeline mapping required for this series. The chronological order matches the publication order exactly. Each novel starts with Blade in London, follows his teleportation to a dangerous new dimension where he must survive using his wits and physical power, and ends with his return to his own reality. There are no prequel novels or retrospectives in the English run.
The Vast International Sequels (French and Russian)
While the English-language series concluded with book 37, Warriors of Latan, in 1984, the character enjoyed an enormous second life overseas in non-English editions:
- The French Continuation: In France, the series (titled Richard Blade: Voyageur de l'Infini) exploded. French author Olivier Raynaud (writing as Richard D. Nolane and using the Jeffrey Lord house name) wrote 43 original novels. The French series kept going under other writers, ultimately exceeding 200 titles by 2012.
- The Russian Sequels: In the early 1990s, Russian publishers commissioned translator Mikhail Akhmanov and popular fantasy author Nick Perumov to write original sequels. They produced over 16 novels to satisfy local demand.
None of these French or Russian sequels have been officially translated into English, meaning English-speaking collectors only need to focus on the core 37 novels.