How to Read the Jack Sigler / Chess Team Adventures
Jeremy Robinson’s Jack Sigler / Chess Team Adventures is a blockbuster blend of high-octane military action, cutting-edge science, ancient mythology, and supernatural horror. At the heart of the series is Jack Sigler, callsign "King," who leads an elite Special Forces unit. Together with his team—Queen, Rook, Bishop, Knight, and their handler Deep Blue—they confront bizarre, world-ending threats that are too wild for conventional military forces.
Because the series spans multiple full-length novels, co-authored character-centric novellas, and a standalone companion series, deciding where to start can be a challenge. Below is a comprehensive guide to reading the books in both chronological and publication order, along with details on the spin-offs.
The Recommended Reading Order
For the best narrative experience, readers generally choose between two paths: Chronological Order (starting with the team's origins) or Publication Order (starting with the book that introduced the world to the public). Both methods are highly enjoyable, though each offers a slightly different perspective on the characters.
Path A: The Chronological Order (Recommended)
Starting chronologically allows you to watch the Chess Team form from the very beginning. In this order, the origin story Prime serves as the foundation. The recommended chronological reading path is as follows:
- Prime (2013) – A prequel novel exploring how the Chess Team was established and how the members met.
- Pulse (2009) – The first published adventure, where the team hunts a rogue genetics company.
- Instinct (2010) – A battle against a prehistoric genetic disease in the jungles of Vietnam.
- Threshold (2011) – The team protects a young girl and fights to stop an ancient threat.
- The Callsign Novellas (Chesspocalypse) – A collection of character-centric side stories (detailed below) that take place immediately after Threshold.
- Ragnarok (2012) – The team battles a threat that could trigger the end of the world.
- Omega (2013) – A massive, mythology-spanning event that serves as a turning point for the series.
- Savage (2014) – A brutal survival story set in the wilderness.
- Cannibal (2015) – The Chess Team faces off against an ancient, horrific threat in the jungle.
- Endgame (2015) – A high-stakes mission where the team must stop a global disaster.
- Empire (2016) – A massive conflict where the team faces its ultimate geopolitical and military trial.
- Kingdom (2024) – The final conclusion to the Chess Team saga, where they hunt for their abducted leader.
Path B: The Publication Order
If you prefer to read the series as the author originally released them, start with Pulse and save the prequel, Prime, for later. This allows you to experience the world-building exactly as early fans did:
- Pulse (2009)
- Instinct (2010)
- Threshold (2011)
- Ragnarok (2012)
- Prime (2013) – Read as a flashback origins story.
- Omega (2013)
- Savage (2014)
- Cannibal (2015)
- Endgame (2015)
- Empire (2016)
- Kingdom (2024)
Understanding the "Chesspocalypse" Callsign Novellas
In addition to the main novels, Jeremy Robinson partnered with several co-authors to expand the lore of individual Chess Team members. These novellas are collectively referred to as the Chesspocalypse. Chronologically, all of these stories take place in the aftermath of Threshold and before the events of Ragnarok. While not strictly mandatory to understand the main books, they offer deep character development and are highly recommended.
The individual novellas include:
- Callsign: King (co-authored with Sean Ellis)
- Callsign: Queen (co-authored with David Wood)
- Callsign: Rook (co-authored with Edward G. Talbot)
- Callsign: King II – Underworld (co-authored with Sean Ellis)
- Callsign: Bishop (co-authored with David McAfee)
- Callsign: Knight (co-authored with Ethan Cross)
- Callsign: Deep Blue (co-authored with Kane Gilmour)
- Callsign: King III – Blackout (co-authored with Sean Ellis)
For convenience, these novellas have been compiled into three omnibus editions: Callsign: King – The Brainstorm Trilogy (collecting the three King novellas), Callsign – Tripleshot (featuring Queen, Rook, and Bishop), and Callsign – Doubleshot (covering Knight and Deep Blue).
The Jack Sigler: Continuum Series
Co-authored with J. Kent Holloway, the Jack Sigler: Continuum series is a sci-fi action spin-off that follows Jack Sigler on standalone adventures. These books are set after the events of the full-length novel Omega. Because they are designed to be standalone thrillers, readers can enjoy them without having read the rest of the Chess Team series, though familiarity with Jack Sigler's character enhances the experience.
The Continuum novels are:
- Guardian (2014)
- Patriot (2015)
- Centurion (2017)
What to Know Before You Start
The Jack Sigler adventures exist in a larger, interconnected fictional universe often referred to by fans as Jeremy Robinson's "Infinite Timeline." While you do not need to read Robinson's other series (like the Nemesis Saga) to enjoy the Chess Team, you will notice minor cameos, references, and crossovers if you explore his wider library.
If you are a newcomer looking for the easiest entry point, grab a copy of Pulse to experience the team at their peak, or start with Prime if you want to know exactly how this unique crew of operatives came together.