Alex Lukeman Books in Order

The Recommended Starting Point

For anyone new to Alex Lukeman, the absolute best place to start is with the first book of his flagship series: White Jade. This novel introduces the core characters, the high-stakes operational setup, and the signature style that defines Lukeman’s fiction. Starting here allows you to experience the character growth and team dynamic as it is meant to unfold.

The Project Series in Detail

The Project is a covert counter-terrorism unit that reports directly and exclusively to the President of the United States. Led by former Recon Marine Nick Carter and linguist Selena Connor, this series mixes realistic military action with mythological relics, conspiracy theories, and global threats.

Because the relationships between the characters evolve significantly, and because events from earlier books are frequently referenced, you should read these books in their strict publication order:

1. White Jade (2011): The debut thriller where Nick Carter and Selena Connor team up to stop a global power grab extending from California to Tibet.
2. The Lance (2011): The team races to find a legendary relic that holds the power to shape the future of nations.
3. The Seventh Pillar (2012): An ancient order threatens to unleash devastation unless the Project can decipher a series of cryptic warnings.
4. Black Harvest (2012): A biological weapon threat forces the team into a desperate race against time.
5. The Tesla Secret (2012): Nick and Selena hunt for Nikola Tesla's lost designs before they can be weaponized by hostile forces.
6. The Nostradamus File (2013): The team investigates predictions of global destruction linked to a mysterious hidden manuscript.
7. The Ajax Protocol (2014): A high-tech conspiracy threatens to cripple global defense networks.
8. The Eye of Shiva (2014): The team travels to India to prevent a catastrophic weapon from falling into terrorist hands.
9. Black Rose (2015): An old enemy resurfaces, threatening the very existence of the Project.
10. The Solomon Scroll (2015): An ancient scroll reveals secrets that could spark a war in the Middle East.
11. The Russian Deception (2015): A conspiracy deep within the Kremlin threatens to trigger a global military confrontation.
12. The Atlantis Stone (2016): The discovery of an anomalous ancient stone leads to high-stakes political intrigue and danger.
13. The Cup (2016): A historical artifact is targeted by a radical group hoping to initiate a dark new age.
14. High Alert (2017): Bio-terrorism and betrayal push the Project to their absolute limits.
15. Solomon's Gold (2017): A massive financial conspiracy is linked to historical treasures, requiring the team's intervention.
16. Phoenix (2018): The team is targeted by a mysterious network bent on burning the Project to the ground.
17. The Last Option (2018): With options running out, the team must take a dangerous gamble to protect the country.
18. The Black Templar (2019): Modern terrorism meets ancient crusader history in a race across Europe.
19. The Sword (2019): A powerful relic with destructive potential becomes the focus of an international chase.
20. The Lair of Anubis (2020): Archaeological discoveries in Egypt pull the team into a web of ancient secrets and modern threats.
21. End Game (2020): The team faces one of their most personal and dangerous operations yet.
22. City of Gold (2021): A search for a legendary golden city becomes a battle for survival against ruthless mercenaries.
23. The Enemy (2022): A powerful shadow organization plots the downfall of the United States from within.

The Michael Thorne Series

If you are looking for a more traditional espionage thriller that focuses on lone-operator spy tactics rather than team dynamics, you should read the Michael Thorne series. Thorne is a CIA Specialized Skills Officer who operates in the dark, weary of agency politics but dedicated to the mission.

This series should be read in order:

1. The Russian Woman (2022): Thorne is sent to connect with a Russian Ministry of Defense official who has discovered a secret first-strike plan against the West.
2. Red Banner (2023): Thorne travels to Serbia to track down a black-market nuclear warhead before it can be detonated.

Alex Lukeman's Non-Fiction

Before finding success as an action-thriller novelist, Alex Lukeman worked as a psychotherapist. His non-fiction books focus heavily on dream analysis, psychology, and personal wellness, reflecting the deep understanding of human nature that he later brought to his fictional characters.

• What Your Dreams Can Teach You (1990): A practical guide to understanding the symbols and messages in your dreams.
• Beyond Blame: Reclaiming the Power You Give to Others (1996): Self-help advice on breaking free from victim mentalities and taking charge of your life.
• Nightmares: How to Make Sense of Your Darkest Dreams (2000): A targeted look at resolving bad dreams and understanding their psychological roots.
• Dreams from the Other Side: Messages of Love from Beyond the Veil (2002): An exploration of grief, healing, and spiritual dream experiences.
• Sleep Well, Sleep Deep: How Sleeping Well Can Change Your Life (2011): Practical strategies for improving sleep quality and health.

What to Know Before You Start

Alex Lukeman's thrillers are highly praised for their realism, drawing directly from his six years of service in the U.S. Marines. His writing does not rely on superhero tropes; instead, the characters are scarred, flawed, and deeply human. While the thrillers contain historical mysteries reminiscent of Indiana Jones or James Rollins, they maintain a gritty military core. The books can occasionally be read as standalones, but the personal relationships, trauma, and overall character growth are continuous. Therefore, sticking strictly to the publication order will give you the most rewarding reading experience.