The Ultimate Matt Rogers Thriller Universe Reading Order
If you love high-octane action, black-ops operatives, and vigilante justice in the vein of Jack Reacher or Jason Bourne, Matt Rogers has built a massive, interconnected universe just for you. At the center of this action-packed world is Jason King, a retired black-ops operative who cannot seem to escape trouble, and Will Slater, a lethal weapon with a dark history. Together, their stories form one of the most prolific modern thriller universes.
Because Rogers writes multiple companion series that eventually merge into a single massive team-up saga, figuring out where to start can be intimidating. This guide breaks down the recommended reading path, the individual series, the chronological order, and the crossover sequels to ensure you don't miss a single pulse-pounding moment.
The Recommended Reading Path
To fully appreciate the character arcs, backstories, and the ultimate team-up between the universe's two powerhouses, readers should follow a specific path. Reading the books out of order can spoil key character development and plot points in later series. Here is the safest and most rewarding path through the universe:
- The Jason King Series: Start here to understand King's background, his training, his escape from the government, and his early lone-wolf missions.
- The Will Slater Series: Read this parallel series next. It introduces Will Slater, details his personal journey, and sets up his character before he crosses paths with King.
- The King & Slater Series: This is the flagship crossover series where the two operatives join forces in New York City and embark on a vigilante crusade together.
- Lore of King & Slater / King & Slater Jr.: Dive into these spin-offs and next-generation legacy sequels once you have finished the main crossover run.
1. The Jason King Series (Core Books)
Jason King's journey begins with high stakes, global locations, and explosive vigilante missions. While Hard Impact was published second, it acts as a prequel novella set before the events of Isolated. You can read it first for a purely chronological experience, or read it second in publication order.
- Isolated (2016) – Jason King attempts to retire in rural Australia but is forced back into action after witnessing an assassination.
- Hard Impact (2016) – The prequel novella detailing King's final, explosive mission as an active black-ops operative.
- Imprisoned (2016) – Framed and thrown into a corrupt Venezuelan gulag, King must fight for survival.
- Reloaded (2016) – On the run in Corsica, King is hunted by a deadly operative sent by his former employers.
- Betrayed (2017) – King goes off the grid to protect those he cares about when past allies turn on him.
- Corrupted (2017) – Set in the desolate Far East of Russia, King uncovers a dark plot at an isolated gold mine.
- Hunted (2017) – King becomes the target in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse across unforgiving terrain.
2. The Jason King Files
Published shortly after the core Jason King series concluded, this trilogy consists of standalone, prequel-style missions. They flesh out King's lethal capabilities and his life as an independent operator before his fateful meeting with Will Slater. They should ideally be read after the main Jason King series.
- Cartel (2017) – King goes head-to-head with a ruthless drug syndicate.
- Warrior (2017) – King faces elite combatants in a hostile environment.
- Savages (2018) – A brutal wilderness survival mission where King must protect the innocent from savage killers.
3. Will Slater's Parallel Journey
Before launching the crossover series, Matt Rogers introduced Will Slater, a rogue agent with a colder, more ruthless demeanor. Reading Slater's books is essential to understanding the dynamic in the joint series. The Will Slater books should be read in publication order:
- Wolf (2017)
- Lion (2018)
- Bear (2018)
- Lynx (2018)
- Bull (2018)
- Hawk (2019)
4. The King & Slater Crossover Series
After finishing their individual series, Jason King and Will Slater collide in New York City. Finding common ground in their shared trauma and lethal skillsets, they form an alliance to wage war on corruption, human trafficking, and global conspiracies. This series features rapid-fire, interconnected stories and is best read in strict publication order:
- Weapons (2019)
- Contracts (2019)
- Ciphers (2019)
- Outlaws (2019)
- Ghosts (2020)
- Sharks (2020)
- Messiahs (2020)
- Hunters (2020)
- Fathers (2021)
- Tyrants (2021)
- Monsters (2021)
- Daggers (2022)
- Heroes (2022)
5. Universe Spin-Offs and Next Generation
For die-hard fans, the universe continues to expand with side stories and legacy series:
Lore of King & Slater
This companion collection details crucial backstory moments and hidden operations from the duo's early careers. It currently includes:
- Recruited (2022)
- Thin Air (2023)
King & Slater Jr.
This spin-off shifts focus to the next generation, carrying on the vigilante legacy with the same fast-paced, high-stakes storytelling. The books in this series include:
- The Sons (2025)
- The Sins (2025)
- The Price (2026)
- The Chain (2026)
Practical Reader Advice
Can the books be read as standalones? While the early books in the Jason King and Will Slater series feature self-contained missions that can technically be enjoyed on their own, the overarching character development, recurring allies, and evolving political conspiracies build heavily from book to book. For the best experience, we strongly recommend following the publication order rather than dipping in and out.
Publication vs. Chronological Order: The only minor chronological detour is the prequel novella Hard Impact and the Jason King Files / Lore of King & Slater books. If you prefer to read everything in the exact order the characters lived it, you can start with Hard Impact, but starting with the full-length novel Isolated remains the preferred entry point recommended by most fans and the author himself.