The Recommended Reading Order for Sam Reilly
For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to read the Sam Reilly series in publication order. While each book is structured around a self-contained mission—a distinct mystery, lost treasure, or threat that is resolved by the final page—reading them in the order they were written allows you to witness the natural progression of Sam's personal life, his evolving relationships, and the recurring characters who support him.
Starting at the beginning is particularly important for tracking the character's growth and the development of his high-tech marine exploration fleet, which expands as his adventures grow in scale.
The Complete Sam Reilly Book List
Below is the complete list of the Sam Reilly novels in their recommended reading order, spanning from the debut release in 2015 to the latest thrillers published in 2026:
- The Last Airship (2015)
- The Mahogany Ship (2016)
- Atlantis Stolen (2016)
- Rogue Wave (2016)
- The Cassidy Project (2016)
- The Nostradamus Equation (2017)
- The Third Temple (2017)
- The Aleutian Portal (2017)
- Code to Extinction (2017)
- The Ironclad Covenant (2018)
- The Heisenberg Legacy (2018)
- Omega Deep (2018)
- The Holy Grail (2018)
- The Phoenix Sanction (2018)
- Habitat Zero (2018)
- The Hunt for Excalibur (2019)
- Ghost Ship (2019)
- The Tomb of El Dorado (2019)
- The Labyrinth Key (2019)
- The Obsidian Chamber (2020)
- Shangri-La (2020)
- Alexander's Treasure (2020)
- Valhalla Found (2021)
- Medusa's Curse (2021)
- Dragon's Breath (2022)
- The Vostok Enigma (2022)
- Skeleton Crew (2023)
- The Midas Vault (2024)
- The Medallion of Petra (2024)
- The Relic Hunter (2024)
- The Elixir of Life (2025)
- Necropolis of the Gods (2025)
- Abyss Codex (2025)
- Caliburn's Fight (2025)
- Icarus Adrift (2025)
- The Shield of Hercules (2025)
- Shogun Resurrection (2025)
- The Celtic Prophecy (2026)
- The Eye of Horus (2026)
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
Fortunately for readers, there is no convoluted timeline to navigate when diving into Sam Reilly's adventures. The chronological timeline of the novels matches their publication order. Christopher Cartwright writes and releases these books in a linear fashion, meaning you do not have to worry about prequels or flashbacks that disrupt the narrative flow. Simply follow the list from the very first book to the most recent release.
Can the Books Be Read as Standalones?
Yes. Christopher Cartwright intentionally designs each novel to function as an independent adventure. Because the main plot of each book—whether it is hunting down Nazi secrets in The Heisenberg Legacy or finding lost gold in Alexander's Treasure—is self-contained, you can pick up almost any book in the middle of the series and understand the action. However, jumping around means you will miss the subtle growth of the characters and references to past events, so sticking to the publication order remains the ideal path.
The Pax West Connection: Is There a Crossover?
Christopher Cartwright has also introduced a second suspense and action-thriller series featuring a new protagonist named Pax West. Pax West is a former Navy SEAL and CIA operative who gets pulled into high-stakes operations. While fans of Sam Reilly will find the same fast-paced, cinematic style in the Pax West books, there is no crossover between these two series. They take place in separate universes with independent storylines, meaning you do not need to read the Pax West novels to understand Sam Reilly's adventures.
The Pax West Series (In Order)
- Scorched Earth (2024)
- Nothing to Lose (2025)
- Caribbean Wraith (2025)
- Judge, Jury, & Executioner (2026)
What to Know Before You Start
If you are a fan of Clive Cussler's Dirk Pitt adventures or James Rollins' Sigma Force novels, you will feel right at home with Sam Reilly. Sam is a wealthy marine biologist who operates with immense resources, allowing him to employ state-of-the-art submersibles, salvage vessels, and advanced technology. The books are heavily focused on ocean exploration, marine archeology, and detailed descriptions of scuba diving. Expect a fast-paced, cinematic writing style filled with cliffhangers, high-tech gadgets, and globetrotting treasure hunts.