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Empire of Bones Saga Books in Order

14 Books
2014 – 2021 Published
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Reading order

Where to Start Reading the Empire of Bones Saga

For the best reading experience, you should start with the first novel, Empire of Bones (2014). This book introduces the main characters—Commander Jared Mertz, the Emperor's illegitimate son and naval officer, and Princess Kelsey Bandar, his half-sister—and establishes the setting of a galaxy recovering from a catastrophic collapse five centuries prior. Starting here ensures you understand the character dynamics, the nature of the Old Terran Empire's ruins, and the initial threats facing the New Terran Empire.

The Empire of Bones Saga Publication Order

Reading the main series in order of publication is the most natural path. It follows the narrative progression of Princess Kelsey's growth and Jared's military campaigns sequentially:

  1. Empire of Bones (2014)
  2. Veil of Shadows (2014)
  3. Command Decisions (2015)
  4. Ghosts of Empire (2015)
  5. Paying the Price (2017)
  6. Recon in Force (2017)
  7. Behind Enemy Lines (2017)
  8. The Terra Gambit (2018)
  9. Hidden Enemies (2018)
  10. Race to Terra (2019)
  11. Ruined Terra (2020)
  12. Victory on Terra (2020)
  13. When Luck Runs Out (2020)
  14. Gunboat Diplomacy (2021)
  15. Empire Reborn (2025)

Understanding the Story Arcs

The saga is structured into distinct story arcs that help group the narrative into manageable segments:

  • The Exploration Arc (Books 1–4): Follows Jared and Kelsey's initial expedition into the ruins of the Old Terran Empire. Kelsey discovers advanced technology integrated into her body, and they encounter the hostile remnants of an ancient AI force.
  • The Recon & Conflict Arc (Books 5–7): Moves past initial exploration into active military engagement. The New Terran Empire must defend itself and begin pushing back against hostile factions.
  • The Terra Arc (Books 8–12): A high-stakes campaign centering on the homeworld, beginning with the deep-cover deception of The Terra Gambit and culminating in the desperate battle for control in Victory on Terra.
  • The Liberation & Reconstruction Arc (Books 13–15): Focuses on the aftermath of the war with the master AI. Jared and Kelsey work to stabilize the Rebel Empire, contain rampaging Clans, and deal with mysterious new political factions.

The Spin-Off: The Imperial Marines Saga

Terry Mixon wrote a prequel spin-off series called The Imperial Marines Saga. It includes three books:

  1. Spoils of War (2020)
  2. Imperial Recruit (2021)
  3. Enemy Action (2022)

This series focuses on different characters, notably Lieutenant Grace Tolliver, and is set approximately 500 years before the events of the main series. It details the fall of the Old Empire and the initial conflict with the AI Singularity.

Should You Read the Prequel First?

Although it is set chronologically earlier, it is highly recommended to read The Imperial Marines Saga after finishing the main series (or at least after Book 12, Victory on Terra). The prequel series contains deep implications and lore context regarding the AI threat and the origins of the empire that are much more impactful once you are already familiar with Jared and Kelsey's journey. Reading it first may also spoil key mysteries of the main series.

Other Series and Co-authored Works

Terry Mixon has written or co-written several other series that readers frequently encounter, though they are distinct from the Empire of Bones universe:

  • The Last Hunter (with J.N. Chaney): A popular 16-book military sci-fi series. Despite sharing a similar action-oriented, space opera style, it takes place in an entirely separate literary universe.
  • Humanity Unlimited & The Forgotten Ship: These are independent series written by Mixon that do not crossover with the Empire of Bones timeline. They can be read completely independently.

What to Know Before You Start

Terry Mixon's background heavily shapes the Empire of Bones Saga. As a U.S. Army veteran and a former staffer at NASA Mission Control, Mixon brings a realistic military structure and tactical command detail to his starship fleets. Expect realistic chains of command, shipboard operations, and ground tactical maneuvers mixed with classic, fast-paced space opera pulp fun. The series is celebrated for its accessibility, focus on camaraderie, and the distinct personal growth of Princess Kelsey Bandar from a spoiled royal to a battle-hardened commander.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the best starting point for the Empire of Bones Saga?

The best place to start is the first novel, Empire of Bones (2014), which establishes the universe, characters, and core conflict.

QWhere does the Imperial Marines Saga fit in the reading order?

The Imperial Marines Saga is a prequel set 500 years earlier. It is best read after Victory on Terra (Book 12) or after the main series, as it contains lore details that are more meaningful with background knowledge of the main saga.

QCan the books in the Empire of Bones Saga be read as standalones?

No. The series features a continuous narrative and significant character progression, meaning they should be read in order to understand the ongoing plot and character growth.

QIs The Last Hunter series connected to the Empire of Bones Saga?

No. While co-authored by Terry Mixon and J.N. Chaney, The Last Hunter is set in an entirely separate fictional universe.

QWhen was the most recent book in the saga published?

The 15th book in the main series, Empire Reborn, was published on October 28, 2025, continuing the story of the post-AI stabilization.