Books On Board
series Reading Order

Ember War Books in Order

12 Books
2015 – 2024 Published
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Reading order

Where to Start: The Ember War Saga

For newcomers to the Ember-Verse, the absolute best place to start is the core nine-book series: The Ember War Saga. Written by former U.S. Army veteran Richard Fox, this series establishes the foundation of the entire universe. It begins when an alien probe warns college student Marc Ibarra of an impending invasion by the Xaros—a relentless droid swarm bent on wiping out all organic life in the galaxy. Sixty years later, humanity’s survivors must wage a desperate, high-stakes war using advanced technology, tactical brilliance, and sheer determination.

The core series won the 2017 Dragon Award for Best Military Science Fiction and has been praised by fans of epic space operas for its fast pacing, authentic combat tactics, and compelling character growth. Reading these original nine books in publication order is highly recommended to properly experience the unfolding mystery of the Xaros threat and the desperate defense of Earth.

  • The Ember War (2015)
  • The Ruins of Anthalas (2015)
  • Blood of Heroes (2015)
  • Earth Defiant (2016)
  • The Gardens of Nibiru (2016)
  • The Battle of the Void (2016)
  • The Siege of Earth (2016)
  • The Crucible (2016)
  • The Xaros Reckoning (2016)

Prequels and Chronological Caveats

As the universe grew, Richard Fox introduced stories that take place before the events of the first novel. While these can be read first chronologically, doing so may spoil some of the mystery of the main saga. Instead, they are best enjoyed as companion reads after completing the core series, or whenever you want a deeper look at the lore.

Til Valhalla (2019) is a collection of short stories and prequel novellas including Going Dark, Iron Hearts, Vent Rats, Schism, The Iron Within, and The Anvil. These stories flesh out characters and factions from the early days of the war.

The Fall of Earth (2024), though marketed as Book 10 of the main saga, is actually a ground-level prequel. It depicts the initial, surprise invasion of Earth by the Xaros from multiple viewpoints, including Strike Marines in Los Angeles, a fighter pilot, and Armor soldiers standing against the overwhelming drone swarm.

The Parallel Spin-offs: Armor vs. Marines

Once you finish The Xaros Reckoning (Book 9), the timeline expands. Fox launched two companion series that run parallel to each other, sharing the same timeline and major events but focusing on completely different military branches. You can choose which path to read first depending on your preference, or read them together in publication order:

The Terran Armor Corps (Mech Focus)

If you love heavy power armor, massive mechs, and armored warfare, follow the Terran Armor Corps series. This six-book sequence follows the Iron Dragoons as they take the fight to the enemy with heavy machinery and armor tactics.

  • Iron Dragoons (2017)
  • The Ibarra Sanction (2017)
  • The True Measure (2018)
  • A House Divided (2018)
  • The Last Aeon (2019)
  • Ferrum Corde (2019)

The Terran Strike Marines (Infantry Focus)

If you prefer ground-level infantry combat, boarding actions, and marine grit, read the Terran Strike Marines series. Co-authored with Scott Moon, this five-book spin-off delivers intense infantry engagements and tight-knit squad dynamics.

  • The Dotari Salvation (2018)
  • Rage of Winter (2018)
  • Valdar's Hammer (2018)
  • The Beast of Eridu (2018)
  • Gott Mit Uns (2019)

Post-Saga Expansion: Terra Nova and The Ibarra Crusade

After finishing the parallel stories of the Armor Corps and Strike Marines, the narrative moves forward into the colonization era and the legacy of the Ibarra family. These series should be read in the following order to maintain continuity:

The Terra Nova Chronicles

Co-authored with Josh Hayes, The Terra Nova Chronicles bridge the gap between the immediate aftermath of the Xaros conflict and the future of human colonization. This four-book series follows a second wave of colonists on a mission to settle a new world, only to discover that the frontier holds terrifying new dangers.

  • Terra Nova (2017)
  • Bloodlines (2017)
  • Wings of Redemption (2018)
  • Hale's War (2018)

The Ibarra Crusade

The Ibarra Crusade is a four-book series that shifts the spotlight to Elias (Ely) Hale. This arc deals with the political and military fallout of the Ibarra family legacy, leading humanity through a series of cold wars, rogue coalitions, and dark fleets.

  • Ashes Fall (2019)
  • Steel Sworn (2019)
  • Soul Invictus (2020)
  • Valdar's Legacy (2020)

Ember War Pathfinders

Co-authored with B. Michael Stevens, the Ember War Pathfinders series offers a more episodic, grounded take on the universe. Instead of massive fleet actions, it focuses on scouting, exploration, and first-contact operations on strange alien worlds.

  • Light the Way (2020)
  • Belisarius (2020)

The Grand Finale: Terran Expeditionary Corps

The entire Ember-Verse culminates in the Terran Expeditionary Corps series. This five-book saga brings the overarching plotlines to a definitive resolution, dealing with the reopening of the bridge between Earth and Terra Nova and the arrival of a dangerous new alien threat known as the Inheritors.

  • Call to Armor (2024)
  • Fire Forged (2024)
  • Shall Not Pass (2025)
  • Shadows Fall (2025)
  • The Light Within (2025)

The final book, The Light Within, serves as the ultimate conclusion to the entire Ember War universe, tying together threads from the main saga, the spin-offs, and the crusades into a final, satisfying ending.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the recommended starting point for the Ember War universe?

You should start with the first novel of the main series, The Ember War (2015). Reading the core nine-book saga in publication order provides the best foundation before exploring any spin-offs.

QAre the Terran Armor Corps and Terran Strike Marines series connected?

Yes, both series take place during the same timeline and cover similar galactic events from different perspectives—one focusing on mechs and heavy armor, the other on ground infantry and strike marines.

QWhere does the prequel novel 'The Fall of Earth' fit into the reading order?

Although it is listed as Book 10, The Fall of Earth is a prequel depicting the initial Xaros invasion of Earth. It is best read after the core saga to avoid spoiling the main mysteries.

QWhat is the final book in the entire Ember War saga?

The definitive conclusion to the entire universe is The Light Within (2025), which serves as the final book of the five-part Terran Expeditionary Corps series.

QCan I read the spin-off series like 'Terra Nova Chronicles' as standalones?

While they feature new story arcs, they heavily reference the events, technology, and factions established in the core Ember War Saga. Reading the main series first is highly recommended.