Coyote Books in Order

The Recommended Reading Order

For the best experience, readers should follow the publication order of the Coyote universe. While the series contains standalone spinoffs, reading them in the order they were published allows you to experience the chronological expansion and political evolution of the colonization setting as the author intended.

1. Coyote (2002)
2. Coyote Rising (2004)
3. Coyote Frontier (2005)
4. Spindrift (2007)
5. Galaxy Blues (2008)
6. Coyote Horizon (2009)
7. Coyote Destiny (2010)
8. Hex (2011)

The Core Coyote Trilogy

The saga begins with the core trilogy, which focuses on the initial voyage to and colonization of the moon Coyote in the 47 Ursae Majoris system. It starts with Coyote, where a crew of dissidents hijacks a starship to flee a totalitarian Earth regime. The story continues through Coyote Rising, which chronicles a revolution against new arrivals from Earth, and concludes its initial arc in Coyote Frontier, exploring the complications of a starbridge connecting the colony back to the home planet.

The Standalone Spinoffs

Between and after the main storylines, Allen M. Steele published three novels set within the broader Coyote universe: Spindrift, Galaxy Blues, and Hex. These books function as standalone stories that expand the universe's lore by introducing alien species, new technologies, and deep-space exploration. While they can be read independently, they fit best in the publication sequence after Coyote Frontier to maintain continuity with the universe's political changes.

The Coyote Chronicles (The Sequel Duology)

The main storyline returns to the colony's evolution in a two-book arc consisting of Coyote Horizon and Coyote Destiny. Often referred to by fans and critics as the Coyote Chronicles, these novels delve into first contact with alien intelligences and the ultimate fate of the human settlements on Coyote.

Short Stories and Novellas

Two key pieces of short fiction enrich the Coyote universe:

• "The Days Between" (2001): This Hugo-nominated novelette follows a crew member awake alone during the long journey to Coyote. It was later integrated directly as a chapter in the first novel, Coyote, so you do not need to seek it out separately.
• "The River Horses" (2007): This novella is set chronologically between Coyote Rising and Coyote Frontier. It follows an expedition sent to explore the uncharted wild regions of Coyote and can be read between books two and three.