Books On Board
series Reading Order

Connor Reed Books in Order

9 Books
2017 – 2024 Published
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Reading order

Where to Start with Connor Reed

If you want to experience the series the way author Quentin Black intended, you should start with the debut novel, The Bootneck. This book introduces Connor Reed right as he transitions from a Royal Marine commando to a black ops operative recruited into the secretive Chameleon Project under the direction of Bruce McQuillan. Reading in publication order allows you to follow Connor's character arc, the development of his close team, and the escalating stakes of his global missions naturally.

Connor Reed Books in Publication Order

Quentin Black has kept up a relentless release schedule since launching the series in 2017. Here is the complete list of Connor Reed novels in their order of release:

  • The Bootneck (2017)
  • Lessons in Blood (2018)
  • Ares' Thirst (2019)
  • Northern Wars (2020)
  • Counterpart (2021)
  • An Outlaw's Reprieve (2021)
  • The Puppet Master (2022)
  • A King's Gambit (2023)
  • The Devil's Nemesis (2024)
  • Armageddon Games (2025)
  • Storm Rider (2025)
  • Ashes of Albion (2026)

Chronological Order and the Spin-Off Prequel

While the main series is best read in publication order, Quentin Black expanded the universe in 2025 by launching a spin-off/prequel series centering on Bruce McQuillan, the enigmatic head of the Chameleon Project.

The Bruce McQuillan Origin Series

  • Opekun Genesis (2025)

Set in 1997, Opekun Genesis follows veteran agent Frank Carlsmith and a young Bruce McQuillan as they deal with a stolen Soviet suitcase nuke threat. Because this book takes place decades before Connor Reed's recruitment, it serves as a historical prequel to the entire universe. However, because it relies on the lore established in the main books, we recommend reading it after you have at least read the first few Connor Reed novels to fully appreciate McQuillan's backstory.

Reading Tips and Universe Connection

Quentin Black's real-life background as a former Royal Marine corporal shines through in the tactical accuracy, dark military humor, and gritty combat sequences. Because characters and running subplots (such as Reed's complicated relationship with the Ryder crime family) carry over across books, skipping around is not recommended. Stick to the publication order to avoid spoilers and keep up with the fast-evolving political landscape of the series.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the best book to start the Connor Reed series with?

You should start with the first novel, The Bootneck, published in 2017. It establishes Connor Reed's transition from the marines to the Chameleon Project.

QWho is the author of the Connor Reed series?

The series is written by Quentin Black, a former Royal Marine corporal who uses his real-world combat experience to ground the books' military details.

QHow many books are in the Connor Reed series?

As of 2026, there are 12 main novels in the Connor Reed series, starting with The Bootneck (2017) and running through to Ashes of Albion (2026).

QIs there a prequel or spin-off to the Connor Reed series?

Yes. In 2025, Quentin Black published Opekun Genesis, which launches a spin-off series focusing on the origin of Bruce McQuillan, set in 1997.

QShould I read Opekun Genesis before The Bootneck?

No. Even though Opekun Genesis is chronologically set earlier (in 1997), it is best read after you are already familiar with the universe through the main Connor Reed books.

QAre the Connor Reed books related to the Quentin Black Mystery series?

No. The Quentin Black Mystery series is a paranormal romance series written by J.C. Andrijeski. The Connor Reed series is written by an author named Quentin Black and is a realistic military action thriller.