Andrew Moriarty Books in Order

Recommended Reading Order

Andrew Moriarty’s books are set in a shared "Jump Space" universe, a detailed science fiction setting where the collapse of an interstellar empire is viewed through the lens of logistics, trade, and economic reality rather than just military blaster fights. While the two main series are independent, they share a backdrop of imperial decline, frontier economics, and recurring regional struggles. For the best experience, readers have two primary entry points depending on their preference for economic intrigue or military strategy.

Path 1: Adventures of a Jump Space Accountant (Recommended Start)

This is the author's debut and flagship series, following the career of Jake Stewart. It is the best starting point for most readers as it establishes the core rules of jump space travel, trade mechanics, and the slow fragmentation of the empire. Read this series in strict publication order:

1. Trans Galactic Insurance (2017)
2. Orbital Claims Adjuster (2018)
3. Third Moon Chemicals (2019)
4. A Corporate Coup (2021)
5. The Jump Ship (2022)
6. The Military Advisors (2023)
7. Revolt in the Palace (2023)
8. A Free Trader (2025)

Path 2: Decline and Fall of the Galactic Empire

If you prefer a military science fiction angle that focuses on fleet movements, rebellion, and naval desertion, you can start with this series. It runs parallel to the later books of the Accountant series but focuses on Dirk and his crew as the empire collapses. You can read the prequel novella first or start with the first novel:

1. New Madrid (2022) – Prequel Novella (Book 0.5)
2. Imperial Deserter (2022) – Book 1
3. Imperial Smuggler (2022) – Book 2
4. Imperial Mercenary (2023) – Book 3
5. Imperial Hijacker (2023) – Book 4
6. Imperial Privateer (2024) – Book 5
7. Imperial Raider (2024) – Book 6
8. Imperial Legionary (2025) – Book 7

Chronological Order vs. Publication Order

Because the two series take place concurrently in the same universe, reading them in publication order is highly recommended. The events of Decline and Fall of the Galactic Empire begin around the time the empire's collapse accelerates, which aligns chronologically with the middle-to-later books of the Adventures of a Jump Space Accountant series (specifically around The Jump Ship and The Military Advisors). Reading the Accountant series first provides the essential geopolitical and financial context of the universe, making the military logistics in the second series much easier to appreciate.

Detailed Series Breakdown

Adventures of a Jump Space Accountant

This series introduces Jake Stewart, a merchant academy student who finds himself in hot water after fleeing his home station. Instead of the typical space marine or chosen one, Jake survives using his brain, understanding of contract law, and financial calculations. The series is highly praised by readers who enjoy "harder" soft sci-fi where the cost of spaceship fuel, insurance premiums, and planetary tariffs actually matter to the plot. Over the course of the eight novels, Jake transitions from an accidental fugitive to a key negotiator navigating corporate espionage, resource shortages, and political coups.

Decline and Fall of the Galactic Empire

Shifting focus from commerce to military and political maneuvering, this series explores the chaotic collapse of the central imperial authority. The story kicks off with Imperial Deserter, introducing Dirk and his crew. As the imperial navy falls apart, officers, smugglers, and mercenaries are forced to choose sides or carve out their own fiefdoms. It retains Moriarty’s signature style—emphasizing strategy, logistics, and resource management over simple action-heavy shootouts—while delivering high-stakes space battles and political intrigue.

Short Stories and Anthologies

For readers who want to explore side stories in the Jump Space universe, Andrew Moriarty contributed to the 2024 anthology AI Apocalypse. This collection contains two of his short stories:

• "A Herd of Tabbos"
• "The Mining Claim"

These stories can be read at any point after finishing the first few books of the Accountant series, as they flesh out the culture and daily life of the outer belt and frontier planets.

What to Know Before You Start

Andrew Moriarty's writing style is a throwback to classic sci-fi juveniles, particularly the work of Robert A. Heinlein, but updated with a modern sensibility regarding economics and bureaucracy. The central premise of his books is that the universe is governed by laws of supply and demand, shipping manifests, and legal agreements. If you enjoy competent protagonists who solve problems through intelligence, preparation, and trade-offs rather than magical technology or pure violence, this universe will appeal to you. While books within a series must be read in order due to continuing character arcs, the two main series can be enjoyed independently without losing track of the main plots.