Recommended Reading Path: Where to Start?
For readers new to the work of Alex Wells (who also writes as Alex Acks), the absolute best starting point is the Ghost Wolves series. Starting with Hunger Makes the Wolf is highly recommended, as it establishes the anti-corporate, sci-fi western setting of Tanegawa's World, introduces the main protagonist Hob Ravani, and lays the groundwork for the magical and geological elements that define the series' universe.
Alternatively, if you prefer a quick, standalone preview of the author's writing style, you can read the space-smuggling novella Angel of the Blockade first. However, to experience the author's primary world-building and character dynamics, the main series remains the optimal path.
The Ghost Wolves Series in Publication & Chronological Order
The Ghost Wolves series currently consists of two novels. The chronological order matches the publication order exactly, making it straightforward for readers to follow the narrative arc without confusion.
- Hunger Makes the Wolf (2017) – The debut novel introduces Tanegawa's World, a harsh desert planet controlled by the monolithic corporation TransRifts Inc. Hob Ravani, a member of the Ghost Wolves motorcycle club who possesses mysterious "witchy" powers, must confront the corporate overlords after a close friend is murdered.
- Blood Binds the Pack (2018) – The direct sequel picks up the story with Hob Ravani leading a strike against TransRifts Inc. and diving deeper into the magical undercurrents of the planet while facing increasing corporate retaliation.
Standalone Novellas and Collections
Beyond the core novels, the author has released standalone science fiction and steampunk stories, often published under the name Alex Acks:
- Angel of the Blockade (2017) – A standalone space opera novella published by Tor.com, featuring a story of smuggling, blockade-running, and survival in deep space.
- Murder on the Titania and Other Steam-Powered Adventures (2018) – A collection of queer-friendly steampunk mystery stories featuring Captain Martha "Marta" Vance and her crew.
What to Know Before You Start
Alex Wells brings a unique background to speculative fiction. Holding a Master's degree in sedimentology, they craft highly realistic desert landscapes where the sand, hardpan, and dunes are geologically accurate. This realism is blended with a soft magic system (often described as "witchiness") and a heavy focus on worker solidarity, labor unions, and anti-corporate rebellion. Readers of modern space westerns like Firefly or gritty sci-fi like Mad Max will feel right at home.