The Milos 'Cowboy' Vesely Reading Order: Where to Begin
If you love fast-paced techno-thrillers that blend wild conspiracy theories, alternate history, and cinematic action, Jeremy Robinson's Milos Vesely series is a must-read. Centered around Milos 'Cowboy' Vesely—a Czech operative with an obsession for cowboy movies, a signature Stetson hat, six-shooters, and a deep hatred for Nazis—this character has evolved from a scene-stealing sidekick into a beloved mainstay of the interconnected 'Robinsonverse.'
For readers looking to dive into his adventures, the recommended reading path is simple and follows the order of publication. Since Cowboy's story is tightly woven into Robinson's wider universe, we also outline where he appears in later crossover novels.
The Core Reading Order
- SecondWorld (2012) – The novel that introduces the world and Milos 'Cowboy' Vesely as a secondary protagonist alongside Lincoln Miller.
- Nazi Hunter: Atlantis (2013) – Originally published under the title I Am Cowboy, this sequel novella places Vesely squarely in the spotlight as the main character.
Behind the Books: A Deeper Look at the Core Duology
SecondWorld (2012)
The series begins with SecondWorld, which introduces Lincoln Miller, an ex-Navy SEAL and NCIS Special Agent. Stationed at the sub-oceanic research facility 'Aquarius' off the Florida Keys, Miller's quiet investigation into ocean dumping is shattered when strange red flakes descend from the surface. These flakes strip the lower atmosphere of oxygen, triggering mass casualties in major cities worldwide, including Tokyo, Miami, and Tel Aviv.
A mysterious, highly organized faction with roots in Nazi Germany—calling itself 'SecondWorld'—claims responsibility for the attack. As Miller fights to survive underwater and navigate the global chaos, he crosses paths with Milos 'Cowboy' Vesely. Cowboy, a highly trained Czech operative, quickly steals the show with his charismatic swagger, conspiracy-theorist mindset, and lethal combat skills. Together, they embark on a race against time to stop a full-scale Nazi apocalypse.
Nazi Hunter: Atlantis (2013)
Following his breakout appearance in SecondWorld, Cowboy received his own spin-off adventure in the novella Nazi Hunter: Atlantis (first published as I Am Cowboy). The story shifts the focus entirely to Vesely's point of view, starting with his famous catchphrase: "I am cowboy, I am gunslinger."
Set in the ancient, subterranean ruins of Tanis, Egypt, Cowboy teams up with archaeologist Dr. Sarah Pasha. They face off against the Dirlewanger Brigade, a modern group of Nazi war criminals seeking to uncover a powerful ancient technology tied to the lost city of Atlantis. This installment doubles down on Cowboy's humor, quick reflexes, and action-adventure flair, cementing his role as one of Jeremy Robinson's most entertaining protagonists.
Expanding Into the Robinsonverse: Crossovers and Crossover Events
Milos Vesely's story doesn't end with his core duology. Jeremy Robinson is famous for connecting his standalone books and series into a massive, shared multiverse. If you want to follow Cowboy's journey beyond his own books, you should check out these major crossover events:
Project Legion (2016)
Cowboy plays a significant role in Project Legion, the epic fifth and final book of the Nemesis Saga (Robinson's famous Kaiju thriller series). This novel serves as a massive crossover event that gathers protagonists from over a dozen of Robinson's standalone novels and series—including SecondWorld, MirrorWorld, and The Didymus Contingency—to battle an apocalyptic threat across multiple dimensions. Seeing Cowboy interact with characters like Jon Hudson is a major highlight for long-time fans.
The Infinite Timeline
In recent years, Robinson formalized his interconnected universe into **The Infinite Timeline**, an expansive 13-book story arc. While Cowboy's standalone stories took place earlier, his presence is felt throughout the culmination of this timeline, specifically in the final crossover novel, Singularity (2023), where characters from across the timeline reunite for a final cosmic battle.
What to Know Before You Start: Practical Reader Advice
- Can they be read as standalones? Yes, SecondWorld functions perfectly as a standalone techno-thriller. However, to appreciate Nazi Hunter: Atlantis, you should definitely read SecondWorld first, as it establishes Cowboy's history, capabilities, and relationship to the anti-Nazi crusade.
- The Title Change Caveat: When looking for the sequel, keep in mind that it was originally published as I Am Cowboy in 2013, but was later rebranded as Nazi Hunter: Atlantis. They are the exact same book, so be careful not to buy both copies thinking they are separate stories.
- Tone and Pace: The series is heavily inspired by classic action-adventure movies and the fast-paced, high-stakes writing style of authors like Matthew Reilly. Expect rapid pacing, over-the-top action, and a blend of science fiction with historical mythology rather than slow, deep character studies.