The Recommended Reading Path
For the absolute best reading experience, it is highly recommended to follow the series in a hybrid chronological-publication format. While starting with the prequel novella is an option, beginning with the original novel preserves the mystery and terror of the ancient pliosaurs as they are first introduced to the modern world.
Here is the recommended order to read the Kronos Rising saga:
- Kronos Rising (2014) – Start here to experience the initial shock of the prehistoric pliosaur invasion in Paradise Cove.
- Diablo (2016) – Read this prequel novella second. It establishes the origin of the creatures in Diablo Caldera off the coast of Cuba.
- Plague (2016) – A vital bridge novella that explains the outbreak of 'Cretaceous Cancer' before the world changes.
- Kraken, Volume One (2016) – The start of the Kraken trilogy, jumping 30 years into the future with a new generation of characters.
- Kraken, Volume Two (2018) – The action intensifies with massive submarine battles and deep-sea cephalopods.
- Kraken, Volume Three (2020) – The climax of the Kraken subseries featuring monster-on-monster showdowns.
- Purgatory (2022) – The sixth full-length book which brings the story back to Diablo Caldera and follows a reborn Jake Braddock.
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
Because Max Hawthorne released prequels and bridge novellas in the middle of his writing schedule, there are two primary ways to approach the books. Understanding these differences will help you decide which path fits your reading style.
The Publication Order
Reading in publication order allows you to experience the series exactly as the author’s fanbase did. This order is particularly useful because the novellas were written to answer questions raised by the main novels or to flesh out concepts that become important in later volumes.
- Kronos Rising (2014)
- Plague (2016)
- Kraken, Volume One (2016)
- Diablo (2016)
- Kraken, Volume Two (2018)
- Kraken, Volume Three (2020)
- Purgatory (2022)
The Chronological Order
If you prefer to follow the timeline of the universe from the absolute beginning, the chronological order places the prequel novella Diablo first, setting up the hidden Cretaceous sanctuary before the main events of the first book begin.
- Diablo (Prequel)
- Kronos Rising (Book 1)
- Plague (Novella 1.5)
- Kraken, Volume One (Book 2 / Kraken 1)
- Kraken, Volume Two (Book 3 / Kraken 2)
- Kraken, Volume Three (Book 4 / Kraken 3)
- Purgatory (Book 5 / Series Conclusion)
Detailed Book Breakdowns
Diablo (2016)
Set before the events of the main series, this prequel novella introduces the terrifying Diablo Caldera, an isolated volcanic island near Cuba. Within its hidden Cretaceous-era saltwater lake, ancient marine predators have survived for millions of years, waiting for their chance to escape into the open ocean.
Kronos Rising (2014)
The novel that started it all. When a massive pliosaur (Kronosaurus) begins terrorizing Paradise Cove, Florida, Sheriff Jake Braddock must face the extinct beast. This book sets the tone for the series, blending modern thriller elements with authentic paleontology.
Plague (2016)
This survival-horror novella bridges the gap between the first novel and the Kraken trilogy. It explores the biological terror of 'Cretaceous Cancer,' an infectious disease carried in the ancient blood and saliva of the pliosaurs that threatens to devastate humanity on dry land.
Kraken, Volume One (2016)
Leaping 30 years into the future, the story introduces Jake's sons, Garm and Dirk Braddock. In a world where pliosaurs have multiplied and oceans are no longer safe, the brothers must navigate military conflicts, corporate greed, and the emergence of even larger deep-sea threats.
Kraken, Volume Two (2018)
The stakes escalate as the characters face colossal cephalopods. Ranging from deep-sea military operations to submarine warfare against giant octopuses, this volume won the AUTHORSdb Gold Medal for its high-octane action.
Kraken, Volume Three (2020)
The epic conclusion to the Kraken trilogy pits the ocean's greatest apex predators against one another. It features relentless monster-versus-monster battles, including clashes between a surviving Megalodon and the Kraken.
Purgatory (2022)
Jake Braddock returns in this direct continuation. Having survived the events of the Kraken trilogy, Braddock seeks vengeance and returns to the source of the nightmare: Diablo Caldera. Here he must survive not only the prehistoric marine life but also a starving population of mutated bipedal predators known as Homo sauridae.
What to Know Before You Start
Max Hawthorne’s series is a core pillar of the modern paleo-fiction subgenre, appealing to fans of Jurassic Park and Jaws. Because of the author's background in amateur paleontology, the books features highly detailed descriptions of prehistoric marine life and specialized marine equipment. Be prepared for a significant tone shift between the first book and the rest of the series; while the debut is a tight, localized thriller, the subsequent sequels expand into global sci-fi survival-horror, complete with futuristic military submersibles and biological pathogens.