The Recommended Reading Path for Terran Times
With a series as massive as Terran Times, finding the right starting point can feel like launching into hyperspace without a map. Fortunately, the best way to read this series is straightforward: by publication order. Canadian author Viola Grace (who also writes as Zenina Masters) designed this universe as a sequence of quick, punchy, standalone romance novellas. Reading them in the order they were released ensures that you organically absorb the gradual expansion of the Alliance universe, its technology, and its alien cultures.
We recommend starting with the original book, Flicker (2008), and following the first wave of 78 novels. Once you complete the original series, you can seamlessly transition into the 36-book sequel series, Terran Times Second Wave, starting with Avenging Enjel.
What to Know Before You Start
The Terran Times books are published by eXtasy Books and blend science fiction adventure with steamy, often fated-mate romance. The central premise revolves around the Terran Volunteers—human women from Earth who possess unique genetic mutations or extraordinary abilities. These women volunteer to leave Earth and join the Alliance, a vast galactic coalition, serving as bodyguards, pilots, negotiators, and specialists. Along the way, they encounter diverse alien races, political intrigue, and intense romance.
Because the books average under 100 pages, they are fast-paced, high-concept, and highly focused on the immediate connection between the heroine and her alien partner. While each book features a self-contained romance with a happy ending, characters from earlier novels frequently make cameo appearances or provide logistical support in later books, rewarding readers who follow the series in order.
The Original Terran Times Tales (Books 1 to 78)
The original series spanned from 2008 to 2014, showcasing a rapid release cycle. Below is a structured look at the publication sequence and some of the key standout stories that anchor the early, middle, and late phases of this 78-book saga:
The Early Wave (Books 1–23)
This phase introduces the core concepts of the Alliance and the initial recruitments of Terran Volunteers. Key books include:
- Book 1: Flicker (2008) – The series opener features Seval Wythin, a Terran Volunteer gifted with invisibility, who teams up with an Azon partner named Ben to protect an Alliance group.
- Book 2: Scorcher (2009) – Follows a heroine with heat-based abilities navigating a fiery romance.
- Book 3: Minder (2009)
- Book 4: Healer (2009)
- Book 5: Spinner (2009)
- Book 6: Station 13 (2009)
- Book 7: Guardian Enjel (2009) – Miranda enters the Aerie of Women and must navigate complex alien customs alongside her romance with Osias.
- Books 8–23: The series continues through Pan's Legacy, the 'Entranced/Entwined' block, the 'Impure/Impulse' block, and ends this phase with Encode.
The Mid-Series Expansion (Books 24–52)
In this phase, the setting expands to pirate ships, uncharted border worlds, and highly specialized Alliance divisions:
- Book 26: Chaos (2011) – Zora, an exploration expert, inadvertently awakens a sentient planet while navigating a complex relationship with two shapeshifting Oefric mates.
- Books 24–52: Includes the 'Charm/Chase' group, the 'Intact/Interface' group, the 'Astral/Ascent' sequence, the 'Avenge/Awake' sequence, the 'Bait/Bane' sequence, and closes with Command.
The Late Phase (Books 53–78)
The original series wraps up by exploring deep-space mysteries and the legacy of the original volunteers:
- Book 64: Gadget (2013) – A cyborg Terran pilot bonds with a sentient ship and a highly protective Guardian.
- Books 53–78: Covers Conflict, Defender, Factor, the 'Govern/Harness' group, and concludes with the 'Jaded/Jury' sequence ending with Jury (Book 78) in 2014.
The Second Wave Series (Books 1 to 36)
Beginning in 2013 and running through 2016, Terran Times Second Wave follows a new generation of human volunteers who venture into the Alliance. It should be read directly after the original series to maintain continuity. The Second Wave consists of 36 books, beginning with Avenging Enjel and running alphabetically/thematically through to Quit:
- Book 1: Avenging Enjel (2013) – Connects back to the legacy of the original series while kicking off the new recruitment wave.
- Books 2–17: Includes Karma, Keeper, Lady, Laser, Logic, and Naked.
- Books 18–36: Follows the sequence through Neutral, Obedient, Oblige, Panacea, Prohibit, Query, Quick, Quell, and finishes with Quit (Book 36) in 2016.
Chronological Caveats and Companion Stories
While the overall reading order is exceptionally straightforward due to the standalone nature of the novellas, there is one key continuity note regarding Viola Grace's self-published companion short stories. The author has noted that the specialized Terran Times Short Stories collection is best read specifically between Book 5 (Spinner) and Book 6 (Station 13). Doing so provides additional context on the early days of the Volunteer program and minor characters before the scope of the Alliance expands in the subsequent novellas.
Practical Reading Advice
Here are a few quick tips for readers looking to dive into the series:
- Standalone friendly: You do not need to commit to reading all 78 books to enjoy the series. If a particular premise, power, or alien species catches your eye, you can jump in and read that book as a standalone.
- Tone expectations: Expect lighthearted, fast-paced, and highly imaginative storytelling. The books focus on romance and rapid world-building rather than dense, complex political structures.
- Availability: The ebooks are widely available via eXtasy Books, Kobo, and Kindle.