Anthony J. Melchiorri is a rare breed of storyteller. As a real-world biomedical engineer with a PhD in Bioengineering, he designs 3D-printed artificial organs by day and constructs biological doomsday scenarios by night. His background gives his science fiction, horror, and action-thrillers an edge of scientific authenticity that sets them apart from typical post-apocalyptic fare.
Because his books span multi-series universes, standalones, and collaborative projects, finding the best path forward can be tricky. This guide organizes his bibliography to help you decide exactly where to start and how to read his works in the most satisfying order.
The Recommended Starting Point
If you are new to Melchiorri's writing, the best place to start is with his blockbuster series, The Tide. It represents the perfect encapsulation of his style: relentless pacing, deep biological horror, and high-stakes military action. The series focuses on Captain Dominic Holland as his black-ops team battles the "Oni Agent"—a terrifying bioweapon that mutates victims into monstrous, aggressive creatures known as Skulls.
Alternatively, if you prefer near-future technothrillers in the vein of Michael Crichton, start with Biostorm, the first book in his high-octane Vector series. For readers who enjoy classic space opera and exploration, the Eternal Frontier series offers a great entry point into his outer-space worldbuilding.
The Tide & After the Tide Universe
Melchiorri's signature universe consists of the original 12-book series, a sequel trilogy, and a standalone companion novel. They should be read in order of release to avoid major spoilers regarding the survival of key characters and the evolution of the bioweapon threat.
1. The Tide Series
The core series spans 11 main novels and one prequel novella. While the prequel novella No Refuge from the Dead can technically be read first, it is best enjoyed after you have read the first few books to better appreciate the context of the outbreak.
- The Tide (2015)
- Breakwater (2015)
- Salvage (2016)
- Deadrise (2016)
- Iron Wind (2017)
- Dead Ashore (2017)
- Ghost Fleet (2018)
- No Refuge from the Dead (2018) - Prequel Novella
- Devil to Pay (2018)
- Dry Gallows (2019)
- Final Surge (2019)
- Hybrid (2021) - Standalone spin-off novel in the Tide universe
2. After the Tide Series
This follow-up series is a direct continuation of the events in the original saga, exploring the rebuilding of humanity and new threats arising in the aftermath of the Tide.
- After the Tide (2024)
- Defiant (2024)
- Inferno (2024)
Nicholas Sansbury Smith Collaborations & Spin-offs
Melchiorri has collaborated extensively with post-apocalyptic author Nicholas Sansbury Smith. These books are set within Smith's established universes, but Melchiorri's bioengineering expertise brings a fresh flavor to the stories.
Extinction Cycle: Dark Age
This series is a direct sequel/spin-off of Smith's original Extinction Cycle saga. You should read the original Extinction Cycle books first, and then transition to this co-authored series:
- Extinction Shadow (2019)
- Extinction Inferno (2019)
- Extinction Ashes (2019)
- Extinction Darkness (2020)
New Frontier Series
This is a spin-off set in Nicholas Sansbury Smith's Trackers universe, dealing with the aftermath of an EMP attack and societal collapse. Read them in publication order:
- Wild Fire (2022)
- Wild Lands (2022)
- Wild Warriors (2023)
The Orbs Series Collaboration
While Nicholas Sansbury Smith wrote the first three main Orbs books, Melchiorri co-authored the later entries. Note that while Solar Storms was published early, chronological guides place it after the third core book to maintain narrative flow.
- Orbs I (2013)
- Orbs II: Stranded (2014)
- Orbs III: Redemption (2015)
- Solar Storms (2013) - Chronological spin-off/prequel story
- White Sands and Red Sands (2018)
- Exodus (2018) - Co-authored with Nicholas Sansbury Smith
Other Major Series by Anthony J. Melchiorri
Black Market DNA Series
This near-future sci-fi thriller series focuses on the terrifying possibilities and ethical limits of genetic engineering. Read them in order of release:
- Enhancement (2014)
- The God Organ (2014)
- Fatal Injection (2015)
- Malignant (2015)
- Variant (2015)
Deadmen's War Series
A dark, military sci-fi saga dealing with interstellar conflicts and augmented soldiers. Read them in order:
- Sentinel (2021)
- Dreadnaught (2021)
- Scourge (2022)
- Conquest (2022)
- Titans (2023)
- Cataclysm (2023)
The Eternal Frontier Series
A space opera series about a crew exploring the dangerous edges of known space. Read them in order:
- Eternal Frontier (2016)
- Edge of War (2017)
- Shattered Dawn (2017)
- Rebel World (2017)
- Dark Abyss (2020)
Vector Series
A medical action-thriller series featuring near-future biological security threats. Read them in order:
- Biostorm (2021)
- Demon Mind (2021)
- Silent Fire (2022)
Sunken Spaceship Series
A fast-paced science fiction adventure involving a mysterious alien vessel discovered deep underwater. Read them in order:
- Sunken Spaceship (2024)
- Terminal Pursuit (2024)
- Final Crucible (2024)
- Spectral Prey (2024)
Standalone Novels
If you want a quick, self-contained story without committing to a multi-book series, Melchiorri has written two standalones:
- Shipwrecked in Siberia (2014) - A survival thriller set in the freezing Russian wilderness.
- The Human Forged (2014) - A post-apocalyptic sci-fi tale exploring survival and human augmentation.