How to Read the Galactic Gladiators Universe
Anna Hackett’s Galactic Universe is a sprawling, interconnected science fiction romance saga. Set on the harsh desert planet of Carthago and the lawless outer rim, the series combines Gladiator-style arena combat with high-stakes space opera and intense romance. While each book focuses on a single couple and can technically be read as a standalone romance with a guaranteed happy ending, the overarching plot—involving human abductees from Earth, the fight against the Thraxian slavers, and the liberation of the arenas—unfolds chronologically across the books. To get the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to follow the publication order.
The Core Galactic Gladiators Series (Books 1–12)
The main series introduces readers to the House of Galen, a faction of honorable gladiators fighting for survival and freedom in the Kor Magna Arena. The reading order for the core series is as follows:
- Gladiator (2016): Features space marine Harper Adams and the arena champion Raiden Tiago. This book establishes the setting of Carthago and the threat of the Thraxian slavers.
- Warrior (2016): Pairs the human scientist Regan with the hulking warrior Thorin as they investigate underground conspiracies.
- Hero (2016): Follows Rory, a human survivor, and Kace, a disciplined soldier trying to keep his people safe.
- Protector (2017): Focuses on Madeline Cochran and the showman gladiator Lore Uma-Xilene.
- Champion (2017): Features a role-reversal dynamic starring Blaine, a human marine, and Saff, a fierce female alien gladiator.
- Barbarian (2017): Pairs the blind human doctor Winter Ashworth with Nero Krahn, a rugged hunter raised on a wild barbarian planet.
- Beast (2017): Follows Mia, an Earth spaceship pilot, and Vek (Vek’ker), a traumatized blue-skinned alien gladiator rescued from illegal fighting rings.
- Rogue (2017): A special volume containing two novellas: Information Rogue (starring Ryan and Zhim) and Desert Rogue (starring Neve and Corsair).
- Guardian (2018): Follows Dayna Caplan, a former cop hosting an alien symbiont, and Rillian, a powerful casino mogul on Carthago.
- Cyborg (2018): Focuses on Ever Haynes and Magnus Rone, a lethal cyborg gladiator struggling with memory loss.
- Imperator (2018): Pairs Sam Santos, the Champion of Zaabha, with Galen, the legendary Imperator of the House of Galen.
- Hunter (2019): The final book of the main series, compiling the novellas Desert Hunter (Mersi and Bren), Alien Hunter (Mina and Tannon Gi), and a special Christmas short story.
Spin-off Series: Galactic Gladiators: House of Rone (Books 1–6)
Following the events of the main series, the saga transitions to the cyborg gladiators led by Imperator Magnus Rone. Operating on the lawless outer rim, the House of Rone continues the fight against slavers and protects human survivors. These books should be read after the core 12 books:
- Sentinel (2019): Features Quinn Bennett and Jaxer Rone.
- Defender (2019): Features Dr. Jayna Lennox and Mace.
- Centurion (2019): Features Sage McAlister and Acton Vonn.
- Paladin (2020): Features Dr. Simone Li and Toren.
- Guard (2020): Features Seren and Xias, and includes the novella Dark Guard featuring Calla Ryss and Zaden.
- Weapons Master (2020): Features Bellamy Walsh and Maxon Shaye, wrapping up the House of Rone storyline.
Further Expansion: Galactic Kings (Books 1–4)
After finishing the House of Rone, readers can dive into the next chapter of the Galactic Universe. Galactic Kings is a loose spin-off that expands the scope of the galaxy while retaining the signature mix of action and romance:
- Overlord (2021)
- Emperor (2022)
- Captain of the Guard (2022)
- Conqueror (2022)
Chronological Caveats and Co-Author Details
Unlike some sci-fi romance collaborations, all books in the Galactic Gladiators universe are written solely by Anna Hackett. There are no co-authored entries, which ensures a consistent tone, pacing, and style throughout the series. While there are no major timeline discrepancies that require reading out of order, the novellas in Rogue (Book 8) and Hunter (Book 12) are critical bridges that establish characters and plot lines for subsequent books, so they should not be skipped. In particular, the novella Alien Hunter in the book Hunter directly sets up the emergence of the House of Rone spin-off.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into the sands of Carthago, new readers should know that the series features heavy themes of found family, physical and emotional healing, and resilience in the face of captivity. The romantic elements are steamy and character-driven, balanced by fast-paced action sequences that read like a cross between Star Wars and Gladiator. Because the world-building is highly progressive, starting anywhere other than Book 1 (Gladiator) will spoil the resolution of major galactic conflicts, including the fate of the Thraxian slavers and the development of the gladiators' rebellion.