Are the X-Files books considered canon?

Most of the original 1990s novels and episode adaptations are considered non-canon or alternate-continuity stories that do not affect the main TV show plot. However, the 2017 Origins novels and the 2024 novel Perihelion are officially authorized and designed to fit directly into the show's established continuity.

Do I need to watch the TV show to understand the books?

No, the classic novels like Goblins and Ground Zero are designed as standalone investigations that explain the characters' dynamics clearly, making them accessible to newcomers. However, the continuation novel Perihelion relies heavily on the events of Season 11 and is best read after watching the show.

What order should I read the X-Files Origins books in?

It is recommended to read Devil's Advocate (Scully's story) first, followed by Agent of Chaos (Mulder's story). Even though they take place concurrently in 1979, elements of Scully's book introduce characters and concepts that carry over into Mulder's story.

Who wrote the original X-Files novels?

The original line of adult novels was written by prominent science fiction and horror novelists, including Charles L. Grant (who wrote Goblins and Whirlwind ) and Kevin J. Anderson (who wrote Ground Zero , Ruins , and Antibodies ).

Where does the novel Perihelion fit in the timeline?

The X-Files: Perihelion by Claudia Gray is set immediately after the events of the Season 11 TV finale , making it the chronological end of the current prose timeline.

The X-Files Books in Order

Where to Start Reading The X-Files

For most readers, the best place to start is with the original adult novels published in the mid-1990s. These books capture the classic feel of the television show's early seasons. Specifically, Goblins by Charles L. Grant (1994) serves as the official launchpad. It introduces the literary versions of Fox Mulder and Dana Scully in a standalone investigation that requires no prior knowledge of the show's deeper mythology.

Depending on what you are looking for, there are three primary entry paths into the written universe of the FBI's most famous fringe division:

The Origin Path: Start with the prequel novels Agent of Chaos and Devil's Advocate to see how a teenage Mulder and Scully first encountered the paranormal before they ever met each other.
The Classic Standalone Path: Read the original six adult novels in publication order starting with Goblins. These are self-contained 'Monster of the Week' cases that fit neatly within the show's prime seasons.
The Continuation Path: If you have finished watching the television show, jump straight to The X-Files: Perihelion by Claudia Gray, which acts as a direct canonical continuation of Season 11.

The Original Adult Novels (Classic Era)

Between 1994 and 1999, HarperPrism published a series of original novels. Written by established science fiction and horror authors, these books are beloved by fans for capturing the unique chemistry and banter of Mulder and Scully. They can be read in any order, but publication order is the most common way to experience them:

Goblins by Charles L. Grant (1994) – Mulder and Scully investigate a series of bizarre murders linked to a mysterious killer who seems to have the ability to blend invisibly into his surroundings.
Ground Zero by Kevin J. Anderson (1995) – A nuclear weapons scientist is killed by what appears to be a direct hit from a nuclear blast inside a secure room, leading the agents to a conspiracy involving weapons testing.
Whirlwind by Charles L. Grant (1995) – Set in Arizona, the duo investigates bizarre deaths caused by freak weather anomalies and dust devils that seem to target specific victims.
Ruins by Kevin J. Anderson (1995) – Mulder and Scully travel to the Mayan ruins of Xitaclan, where archaeological exploration clashes with reports of electronic disruptions, strange lights, and potential alien activity.
Hunter by Charles L. Grant (1995) – A novelized adaptation of the show's landmark Season 2 two-part storyline, 'Colony' and 'End Game,' featuring the iconic Alien Bounty Hunter.
Antibodies by Kevin J. Anderson (1997) – The agents investigate a high-tech medical research facility where a breakthrough in nanotechnology goes horribly wrong, turning biological research into a terrifying threat.
Skin by Ben Mezrich (1998) – Mulder and Scully investigate a mysterious skin disease affecting organ transplant recipients, leading to a shadowy conspiracy involving bio-engineering.

The Origins Prequels

In 2017, the franchise expanded with two Young Adult prequel novels designed to establish the backstories of the main characters. They are set in 1979 and follow both characters as teenagers facing personal trials that set them on their respective paths toward the FBI and the X-Files.

Devil's Advocate by Jonathan Maberry (2017) – Focuses on a 15-year-old Dana Scully in Oregon as she begins experiencing premonitions and dealing with a series of mysterious local deaths.
Agent of Chaos by Kami Garcia (2017) – Follows a 17-year-old Fox Mulder in Washington, D.C., as he searches for a missing friend, a quest that marks his first real investigation and begins his obsession with conspiracies.

Although Devil's Advocate has a slightly lower order index in some lists, many readers recommend starting with Scully's story first, as it introduces key elements and characters that subtly cross over into Mulder's volume.

The Movie Novelizations

For readers who want to experience the theatrical films in print form, two official novelizations bridge key eras of the television show's continuity:

Fight the Future by Elizabeth Hand (1998) – Adaption of the first feature film, which is set between Season 5 and Season 6 of the television series. This book expands on the movie's scenes and provides additional internal dialogue for the characters.
I Want to Believe by Max Allan Collins (2008) – Adaption of the second feature film, which takes place between Season 9 and the 2016 revival (Season 10).

The Modern Continuation: Perihelion

Released in 2024, The X-Files: Perihelion by Claudia Gray is a significant entry for completionists. Unlike the standalone nature of the 1990s novels, Perihelion serves as a direct sequel to the Season 11 TV finale. The story addresses the fallout of the show's final episodes, including Scully's pregnancy and the status of their FBI investigations, making it essential reading for fans looking for closure.

Short Story Anthologies

For readers who enjoy bite-sized mysteries, editor Jonathan Maberry compiled officially licensed collections of short stories written by various science fiction and horror authors. These collections present original cases set across various eras of the franchise:

Trust No One (2015) – The first volume of short stories, featuring tales of government conspiracies, cryptids, and classic urban legends.
The Truth Is Out There (2016) – The second anthology volume, continuing the format of original case files spanning Mulder and Scully's careers.

The YA and Junior Episode Adaptations

In the mid-to-late 1990s, HarperCollins released two series aimed at younger readers. These books were direct, streamlined novelizations of popular episodes from the television show:

The Young Adult Novelizations

The YA line adapted some of the show's darker, more character-driven episodes, including:

Bad Sign (1996) – Adapts the Season 3 episode 'Syzygy'.
The Calusari (1997) – Adapts the Season 2 episode 'The Calusari'.
Eve (1997) – Adapts the Season 1 episode 'Eve'.
Our Town (1997) – Adapts the Season 2 episode 'Our Town'.
The Host (1997) – Adapts the Season 2 episode 'The Host' featuring the Flukeman.

The Junior Novelizations

The Junior line adapted early episodes with a slightly simplified vocabulary for middle-grade readers:

X Marks the Spot (1995) – Adapts the series pilot episode.
Darkness Falls (1995) – Adapts the Season 1 episode 'Darkness Falls'.
Squeeze (1996) – Adapts the Season 1 episode 'Squeeze' featuring Eugene Victor Tooms.
Humbug (1996) – Adapts the Season 2 episode 'Humbug'.
Ghost in the Machine (1997) – Adapts the Season 1 episode 'Ghost in the Machine'.