Socket Books in Order

How to Read the Socket Greeny Series

The Socket Greeny series is a fast-paced young adult science fiction saga that follows a white-haired teenager who discovers he can manipulate time (a process called "timeslicing") and joins a secretive organization known as the Paladin Nation. Written by Tony Bertauski, this indie science fiction series blends virtual reality, psychic abilities, and existential coming-of-age struggles. Because the series includes the core trilogy as well as prequels and short stories published years later, readers often debate the best entry point.

The Recommended Reading Order

For first-time readers, we highly recommend reading the books in publication order. While reading chronologically is possible, starting with the original trilogy preserves the mystery of Socket's origins and keeps the narrative twists intact. Here is the recommended path:

1. The Discovery of Socket Greeny (Book 1) - Introduces Socket, his unique white hair, his developing abilities, and his first encounter with the Paladin Nation.
2. The Training of Socket Greeny (Book 2) - Follows Socket as he undergoes rigorous training to control his psychic and physical abilities while balancing normal high school life.
3. The Legend of Socket Greeny (Book 3) - The high-stakes finale of the core trilogy where Socket must lead the Paladin Nation against cosmic threats.
4. The Making of Socket Greeny (Prequel Novella) - Published in 2015, this prequel goes back in time to explore the backstory and history of the Paladin Nation before Socket’s birth.
5. The Making (Short Story) - A supplemental companion story published in 2019 that adds further depth to the lore of the universe.

Alternative Chronological Reading Order

If you prefer to read the history of the universe in a linear timeline, you can start with the prequel material. However, be aware that the prequels assume some familiarity with the world's terminology, such as the "Virtualmode" and timeslicing.

1. The Making of Socket Greeny (Prequel)
2. The Discovery of Socket Greeny (Book 1)
3. The Training of Socket Greeny (Book 2)
4. The Legend of Socket Greeny (Book 3)
5. The Making (Short Story)

What to Know Before You Start

Before diving in, here are a few key details to keep in mind about Tony Bertauski's sci-fi universe:

• Standalones vs. Continuity: The core trilogy is highly serialized and should not be read out of order. Each book picks up where the previous one left off. The prequel novella can technically be read on its own, but its emotional weight is much stronger after completing the main trilogy.
• The Two "Making" Titles: Be careful not to confuse The Making of Socket Greeny (the 2015 prequel novella) with The Making (the 2019 short story). While both explore the background elements of the series, they are separate releases.
• Tone and Themes: The books read like a mix of Ready Player One and Ender's Game. Expect a lot of focus on virtual reality training simulations, nanomachines, wormhole travel, and classic YA tropes like teenage romance and identity struggles.