Aaron Oster Books in Order

Where to Start Reading Aaron Oster

If you are looking to dive into the action-packed, fast-paced worlds of Aaron Oster, you have a few excellent starting points depending on what subgenre of fantasy you prefer. As a prolific author in both the LitRPG (Literary Role-Playing Game) and progression/cultivation fantasy spaces, Oster has built multiple universes with detailed magic systems, leveling mechanics, and high stakes. Here are the best ways to begin:

• For Core LitRPG & Progression Fans: Start with Supermage, the first book in the Rise to Omniscience series. This is Oster’s breakout work, featuring classic level-ups, magic stats, and a zero-to-hero story that follows Morgan, a powerless teen who uncovers extraordinary, game-like abilities.
• For Cultivation & Martial Arts Lovers: Start with Power, the opening volume of the Buryoku series. This is a cultivation-heavy epic that focuses on training, martial tiers, and internal energy progression. It follows Roy's quest to unlock his potential in a might-makes-right world, drawing strong inspiration from traditional wuxia and xianxia web novels.
• For Monster-Slaying Adventures: Start with We Hunt Monsters. If you like survival stories, hunting giant beasts, and a protagonist dealing with powerful, mercurial entities, this is your best bet. It introduces Keith, a hero trapped in a deal with an immortal Trickster in the monster-filled world of Raiah.

The Rise to Omniscience Universe & Chronological Order

The Rise to Omniscience series is Oster's most expansive work, and while it is generally straightforward, it contains some chronological nuances that readers should be aware of. Specifically, the companion book Beast Zone was published later in the run (2023) but chronologically takes place between Book 5 (Stormforge) and Book 6 (Silverspear). Reading it in its chronological position (often referred to as Book 5.5) helps bridge character arcs and world-building details smoothly.

Additionally, the Shattered Kingdoms series (consisting of Age of Ancients and Time of Titans) is set in the same world as Rise to Omniscience but takes place in the distant past. While you can read it as a prequel, we recommend reading the main Rise to Omniscience books first to fully appreciate the lore connections.

Rise to Omniscience Reading Order (Chronological vs. Publication)

To avoid confusion, here is how the books line up chronologically compared to how they were released. For the best narrative flow, follow the chronological path:

1. Supermage (2019)
2. Starbreak (2019)
3. Skyflare (2019)
4. Solarspire (2019)
5. Stormforge (2020)
6. Beast Zone (2023) — Note: Published as Book 11, but chronologically Book 5.5.
7. Silverspear (2020)
8. Sandqueen (2020)
9. Sunscorch (2020)
10. Serpentlord (2021)
11. Soulstream (2021)
12. Stoneheart (2024)

Buryoku: The Cultivation Pathway

For readers who prefer progression fantasy without the game-like stats, menus, and interface screens of LitRPG, Buryoku is Oster’s signature cultivation series. The story follows Roy, a young man dismissed as weak in a world where martial strength is everything. The series is complete at 12 books and should be read in strict numerical/publication order:

1. Power (2019)
2. Light (2020)
3. Water (2020)
4. Wind (2020)
5. Fire (2021)
6. Earth (2021)
7. Darkness (2021)
8. Weakness (2022)
9. Spirit (2022)
10. Beast (2022)
11. Ghost (2022)
12. Archfiend (2023)

We Hunt Monsters: Keith's Monster-Slaying Journey

If you prefer active, adventure-focused LitRPG, We Hunt Monsters is highly recommended. The story centers on Keith, a protagonist who gets roped into a contract with a trickster deity and is sent to the monster-filled world of Raiah. The series has solid game mechanics, a focus on gear and abilities, and excellent pacing. Readers should follow the numerical sequence:

1. We Hunt Monsters (2022)
2. We Hunt Monsters 2 (2022)
3. We Hunt Monsters 3 (2022)
4. We Hunt Monsters 4 (2022)
5. We Hunt Monsters 5 (2023)
6. We Hunt Monsters 6 (2023)
7. We Hunt Monsters 7 (2023)
8. We Hunt Monsters 8 (2024)
9. We Hunt Monsters 9 (2024)
10. We Hunt Monsters 10 (2024)

Other Worlds and Standalones

Beyond his major series, Aaron Oster has written several smaller series and standalone novels that showcase his versatility in GameLit, Isekai, and urban fantasy. These can generally be read in any order, though you should read the individual series in order:

Land of the Elementals

This four-book series combines element-based magic with progression fantasy. Follow the publication order:

1. Rampage (2019)
2. Emerald (2020)
3. Origin (2020)
4. Reign (2021)

The Rules

A fun trilogy focusing on survival, system rules, and classic LitRPG tropes:

1. Somerset (2019)
2. Pendrackon (2020)
3. Grempire (2020)

Pal-Tee Planet

A humorous, lighthearted series that plays with standard superhero and gaming tropes:

1. Giantlands (2020)
2. Guardians (2020)
3. Look out it's... Trademark Man! (2024)

Recent and Standalone Projects

• End of the World (End of the World and End of the World 2, both released in 2023): A time-travel LitRPG series where the protagonist Nate journeys back in time to prevent human extinction.
• Beast Planet (2023): A virtual-reality style LitRPG where the main character Dan gets trapped in a twisted game universe.
• Mayhem (2024): An Isekai story featuring a protagonist Ben trapped in a beta test of a game, playing a heavily disliked character class.
• Animal Kingdom: Riot (2019): A standalone LitRPG novel about survival inside a dangerous game world with permanent death rules.

What to Know Before You Start

One of the most exciting aspects of Aaron Oster's work for long-term fans is the presence of a shared multiverse. While each series can be enjoyed entirely on its own, attentive readers will spot recurring names, cosmic powers, and brief easter eggs linking the different worlds. If you want to spot these connections, starting with the Rise to Omniscience series is highly recommended, as it lays down the cosmic foundation of Oster's writing. His writing is also characterized by rapid, frequent releases, meaning fans rarely have to wait long for the next installment in any given series.