Angel Martinez Books in Order

Where to Start: Recommended Reading Path

For readers new to Angel Martinez, the absolute best entry point is the ESTO Universe. Starting with her flagship novel, Gravitational Attraction, introduces you to her signature blend of space-faring adventure, detailed world-building, and heartfelt queer romance. It offers the perfect introduction to her optimistic storytelling style and diverse cast of characters.

If you prefer urban fantasy with a heavy dose of humor and quirky paranormal investigations, your ideal starting point is the Offbeat Crimes series, beginning with Lime Gelatin and Other Monsters. For those who love mischievous supernatural comedy, the Brimstone series, starting chronologically with the prequel short story Potato Surprise or the first novel Hell for the Company, provides a fantastic gateway into her fantasy work.

The ESTO Universe: Publication vs. Chronological Order

The Eridani Sector Treaty Organization (ESTO) series is a space opera setting born from a rebellion against a plutocratic regime. While these novels and novellas are designed to work as standalones, reading them in chronological order helps track the broader political shifts and world-building dynamics of the sector.

ESTO Chronological Reading Order

• Prisoner 374215 (2013) – Set more than a century before the main events of the series, this prequel provides foundational history on the sector.
• Gravitational Attraction (2012) – The flagship novel following a courier crew responding to a mysterious distress call.
• A Matter of Faces (2013) – Follows the consequences of identity and genetic adaptation in the sector.
• Vassily the Beautiful (2014) – A sci-fi retelling of the classic fairy tale, centering on a composer overcoming personal tragedy and addiction.
• Sub Zero (2020) – A tightly paced romance focusing on corporate greed, prejudice, and survival in extreme environments.
• By Imperial Decree (2020) – Features an imperial prince navigating a fake engagement, blending humor and cosmic stakes.

If you prefer to read in the order these books were released, the publication order is: Gravitational Attraction (2012), A Matter of Faces (2013), Prisoner 374215 (2013), Vassily the Beautiful (2014), Sub Zero (2020), and By Imperial Decree (2020).

Brimstone Series: A Demon's Guide to Space and Mischief

The Brimstone series follows the exploits of Shax, the Demon Prince of Thieves, who decides to leave Earth behind for interplanetary adventures. The reading order differs slightly depending on whether you start with the prequel short story or the first full-length novel.

Recommended Brimstone Reading Order

• Potato Surprise (2015) – The prequel story detailing how Shax's chaotic journey begins. Although published later, it serves as the narrative starting point.
• Hell for the Company (2013) – The first novel where Shax establishes himself in his new environment.
• Brimstone: Demon Owned & Operated (2014) – Continues Shax's misadventures as he manages his operations.

For fans who want to read everything in this universe, the short stories and vignettes are collected in The Brimstone Journals, which should be read alongside the main novels:

• The Brimstone Journals: Collection One (2016)
• The Brimstone Journals: Collection Two (2018)

Offbeat Crimes: Paranormal Investigations

Set in a world where the bizarre is routine, the Offbeat Crimes series follows Kyle Monroe and Vikash Soren as they solve cases involving unusual monsters and supernatural occurrences. While the individual mysteries are self-contained, readers should follow the publication order to experience the gradual development of Kyle and Vikash's romantic relationship.

Offbeat Crimes Order of Books

1. Lime Gelatin and Other Monsters (2016) – Introduces Kyle, Vikash, and the bizarre occurrences of the 77th District.
2. The Pill Bugs of Time (2016) – Kyle and Vikash deal with temporal anomalies and strange insects.
3. Skim Blood and Savage Verse (2017) – A deeper dive into the district's poetic and vampiric underbelly.
4. Jackalopes and Woofen-Poofs (2017) – Investigating cryptids and strange beasts.
5. All the World's an Undead Stage (2018) – The theatrical and zombie-filled conclusion to their major cases.

Other Major Series, Subseries, and Shared Universes

Beyond her main trilogies, Angel Martinez has contributed to several other series, both solo and co-authored, which cover a wide range of fantasy and sci-fi subgenres.

AURA Series (Co-authored with Bellora Quinn)

The Agency for Unnatural Resettlement and Assimilation (AURA) handles the magical fallout of dimensional rifts that allow magical creatures to cross into the human world. Read them in this order:

1. Quinn's Gambit (2015)
2. Flax's Pursuit (2015)
3. Kellen's Awakening (2016)

Brandywine Investigations

This series centers on Hades, who relocates to the modern world and starts a private investigation firm. The books should be read in sequence:

1. Open for Business (2016)
2. Family Matters (2018)

Endangered Fae

A fantasy series focusing on ancient mythological creatures trying to survive and find love in the modern world. The books are:

1. Finn (2018)
2. Diego (2018)
3. Semper Fae (2018)

Variant Configurations

A science fiction duology set in a future where genetically mutated humans (variants) fight for survival and civil rights. Read them in order:

1. Rarely Pure and Never Simple (2014)
2. From the Noblest Motives (2022)

Lijun Series

A romantic fantasy universe centering on dual-spirit shapeshifters who can transition between human and animal forms. The books are:

1. Fireworks & Stolen Kisses (2018)
2. Trysts and Burning Embers (2018)

The Magic Emporium

The Magic Emporium is a collaborative multi-author series set around a mysterious, shifting magic shop. Angel Martinez's primary contribution to this universe is Geoffrey the Very Strange, but the full 2021 series includes:

• Knight and Day, Brought to Light, A Dragon's Fortune, The Muffin Man, Hexes and Horns, Must Love Demons, Elven Duty, The Young Man's Guide to Love and Loyalty, Geoffrey the Very Strange, Purgatory Playhouse, Stop Dragon My Heart Around, and Haven.

What to Know Before You Start

Angel Martinez is celebrated for her refusal to write sad endings. Her stories are designed to offer hope and light, particularly for LGBTQ+ readers looking for optimistic speculative fiction. Her writing style frequently balances high-stakes drama with humorous character interactions. Additionally, Martinez writes all-ages science fiction under the pen name Sandra Stixrude, showcasing her ability to craft worlds accessible to younger audiences while reserving the Angel Martinez name for mature queer romance.