Books On Board
series Reading Order

Breakthrough Books in Order

7 Books
2013 – 2021 Published
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Reading order
01
Breakthrough
Breakthrough
2013
Amazon
02
Leap
Leap
2014
Amazon
03
Catalyst
2015
Amazon
04
Genesis
Genesis
2016
Amazon
05
Ripple
Ripple
2017
Amazon
06
Mosaic
Mosaic
2019
Amazon
07
Echo
Echo
2021
Amazon

Recommended Reading Path: How to Read the Breakthrough Series

If you are jumping into Michael C. Grumley's thrilling world of interspecies communication and global conspiracies, the best way to read the series is in publication order. This aligns with the chronological flow of the main storyline, allowing the technological, biological, and ecological mysteries to unfold naturally.

The only exception is the prequel novella, Genesis. While it takes place chronologically before the first book, we recommend starting with the main novel, Breakthrough, to get hooked on the central plot, and then reading Genesis either immediately after or as a quick flashback later.

Publication Order of Breakthrough Books

Here is the list of Michael C. Grumley's Breakthrough books in their order of release:

  • Breakthrough (2013) – The core novel where marine biologist Alison Shaw uses the IMIS system to achieve two-way communication with dolphins, only to uncover a deep-sea mystery.
  • Leap (2014) – Alison's team expands their research, bringing gorillas into the mix and exploring alien influences.
  • Catalyst (2015) – The stakes escalate as geopolitical conspiracies threaten the group's research and the world at large.
  • Genesis (2016) – A prequel novella that explores the origin of the IMIS project and Alison's early struggles.
  • Ripple (2016/2017) – The plot goes deeper into human evolution, DNA mysteries, and new communication milestones.
  • Mosaic (2019) – A high-stakes race against time that threatens global stability.
  • Echo (2021) – The latest main installment, which pushes the boundaries of the team's scientific breakthroughs.

Chronological Order vs. Publication Order Caveats

Because the prequel novella Genesis (Book 0.5) sets up the events of the first book, some readers prefer to read it first. However, starting with Breakthrough is highly recommended because it immediately introduces the high-stakes thriller pacing of the series. Reading Genesis first is a defensible alternative if you want a complete chronological journey from the very beginning, but beginning with the primary novel is the safest and most engaging starting point.

Other Series by Michael C. Grumley

If you've finished the Breakthrough books and want more techno-thrillers, Grumley has written several other distinct series. Note that these are separate stories and do not cross over with Breakthrough:

  • The Monument Series: Starting with The Last Monument (2020) and followed by The Desert of Glass (2021).
  • The Revival Series: Starting with Deep Freeze (2024) and followed by Cold Storage (2025).
  • The Rollback Series: A newer thriller series following Mike Mansfield, starting with Rollback (2025).

Frequently Asked

QWhere should I start reading the Breakthrough series?

You should start with the first novel, Breakthrough (2013). While there is a prequel novella, starting with the primary book is the best way to get introduced to the characters and high-stakes thriller style.

QWhat is the prequel novella Genesis and when should I read it?

Genesis is a prequel novella (Book 0.5) that details the early development of the IMIS project and Alison's team. You can read it first chronologically, or read it after the first novel to understand the backstory.

QHow many books are in the Breakthrough series?

There are currently six main novels and one prequel novella in the Breakthrough series, spanning from 2013 to 2021.

QAre Michael C. Grumley's other series connected to Breakthrough?

No. Grumley's other works, such as the Monument series, the Revival series, and the Rollback series, are completely standalone and do not share a crossover universe with the Breakthrough books.

QIs there a seventh book coming out in the Breakthrough series?

As of 2026, there is no official release date or confirmation for a seventh Breakthrough book. The author has been focused on his other thriller projects like Revival and Rollback.

QWho are the main characters in the Breakthrough series?

The series primarily follows marine biologist Alison Shaw and naval investigator John Clay, along with key animal characters like the dolphins Dirk and Sally and the gorilla Dulce.