Where to Start Reading Andrew Warren
If you want to dive into the high-octane world of Thomas Caine, the safest and most popular entry point is Tokyo Black, the breakout novel that first introduced readers to Andrew Warren's betrayed CIA assassin. Beginning here allows you to experience the main storyline exactly as the author developed it, introducing you to Caine as he navigates the neon-soaked streets of Tokyo and clashes with a deadly Yakuza cult.
However, if you want a complete look at Caine's backstory before he lands in Japan, you can start with the prequel novella Devil's Due. This shorter work explains how Caine survived being burned by the CIA and sets up his survivalist lifestyle in Thailand. While not strictly required to enjoy the main series, it adds rich context to Caine's cynical outlook and lethal skillset.
Publication Order of the Thomas Caine Books
For readers who prefer to follow the author's release history, the main Thomas Caine series can be read in the order they were published. This sequence showcases the evolution of Warren's cinematic style and expanding global settings:
- Tokyo Black (2016) – Caine's first major mission, tracking a conspiracy through Tokyo's criminal underworld.
- Red Phoenix (2017) – Set in Beijing, Caine is pulled into a high-stakes conspiracy that threatens global security.
- Devil's Due (2017) – A gritty adventure in Pattaya, Thailand, focusing on a one-man rescue mission against human traffickers.
- Fire and Forget (2017) – Caine travels to the war-torn regions of Sudan and South Sudan to track down a missing spy and a lethal bioweapon.
- Cold Kill (2018) – A survival thriller where Caine is hunted across the frozen wilderness of Siberia by a Spetsnaz commander.
- Code Green (2022) – Caine returns to active duty with the CIA, leading a globetrotting hunt from Singapore to the jungles of Vietnam.
The Caine: Rapid Fire Novellas
In addition to the main novels, Warren has written a parallel series of shorter, faster-paced thrillers under the Caine: Rapid Fire banner. These books are co-authored or written as quick-read missions that focus on standalone operations:
- Sandfire (2018) – Co-authored with Aiden L. Bailey, this mission sends Caine into Yemen to investigate a downed cargo plane and a secret military operation.
- Depth Charge (2018) – A high-stakes maritime thriller focusing on a rapid underwater mission.
- Lethal Action (2024) – A fast-paced, standalone assignment that puts Caine's lethal reflexes to the test.
Chronological Reading Order and Caveats
Because several of Warren's works are prequel novellas or side stories, a chronological reading order looks slightly different from the publication sequence. Reading chronologically lets you follow Thomas Caine's timeline from the moment he is burned by the CIA to his return to official operations. Here is how to read the books based on the character's internal timeline:
- Devil's Due (Prequel novella set in Thailand)
- Cold Kill (Prequel novella set in Siberia)
- Sandfire (Rapid Fire mission set in Yemen)
- Depth Charge (Rapid Fire mission)
- Tokyo Black (The main series debut)
- Red Phoenix (The second main book)
- Fire and Forget (The third main book)
- Code Green (The fourth main book, returning Caine to active duty)
- Lethal Action (A later Rapid Fire release)
Note on Discrepancies: Depending on where you buy or track the books, you may see different labels. For example, some online databases classify Devil's Due and Cold Kill as "Rapid Fire" entries (often numbered 0.5 and 0.6) or as standalone prequels, while the official publication listings sometimes group them directly alongside the primary novels. Rest assured, whether you read them as prequels or in publication order, the main narrative remains easy to follow.
What to Know Before You Start
Andrew Warren's background in the film and television industry heavily influences his books. Before becoming a full-time author, he worked for a decade as a post-production supervisor and story producer. As a result, the Thomas Caine books read like blockbusters, featuring fast pacing, sharp dialogue, and highly visual descriptions. The series is heavily inspired by classic Ian Fleming James Bond novels, combined with the grit and raw energy of the Bourne Identity and Jack Reacher franchises.
Additionally, Warren's extensive travel in Asia inspires the atmospheric settings. From the neon-lit alleys of Tokyo to the dense jungles of Vietnam, the locations are characters in their own right, offering readers a virtual travelogue wrapped inside an action movie.