Confluence Books in Order

Where to Start with the Confluence Series

For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to follow the publication order. The story is split between two primary threads—one following NASA linguist Dr. Jane Holloway (introduced in Fluency) and the other following medical student Darcy Eberhardt (introduced in Inheritance). Reading the books in order allows these storylines and characters to build upon one another, culminating in a satisfying convergence of events in Vengeance.

The Recommended Reading Order

Here is the definitive guide to reading the Confluence books:

1. Fluency (2014) - The debut novel that introduces Dr. Jane Holloway, a linguist recruited by NASA to explore a silent, derelict alien ship discovered in the asteroid belt. Jane forms a telepathic connection with the ship's navigator, setting off a galaxy-spanning adventure.
2. Remanence (2016) - Jane Holloway and her crew return to space, defying earthbound authorities to guide the alien navigator back to his home world. However, they soon find themselves navigating a plague-ridden society and dangerous political schemes.
3. The Grove (Optional Novelette) - This side-story introduces Hain, a sentient plant creature trying to escape her home world's collective consciousness. While it is a prequel of sorts, it is best read right before Inheritance because Hain plays a central role in that novel.
4. Inheritance (2016) - Originally published under the title The Druid Gene. This book introduces Darcy Eberhardt, a young medical student who discovers her DNA contains ancient secrets that throw her into the center of an interstellar conflict, linking her destiny directly to Jane Holloway's.
5. Valence (2017) - The storylines of Jane and Darcy begin to cross paths directly. Earth faces growing turmoil, and multiple perspectives show how humanity tries to adapt to the reality of the larger, hostile galaxy.
6. Vengeance (2018) - The climactic book where all the plot threads and characters unite to face a massive threat, concluding the primary narrative arc of the series.

A Note on Book 6 ("Convergence")

The author originally planned a sixth installment titled Convergence to fully wrap up the universe. However, she has faced significant writing delays due to health challenges. For now, Vengeance acts as the primary resolution to the main story arc.