Bryan W. Alaspa Books in Order

Where to Start Reading Bryan W. Alaspa

With a massive bibliography spanning horror, sci-fi, gritty crime fiction, and non-fiction true crime, finding a starting point in Bryan W. Alaspa's catalog can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, his work is organized into distinct series and standalone novels, allowing readers to choose their preferred flavor of suspense.

For fans of supernatural horror and dark urban fantasy, the clear starting point is the Sin-Eater Series, beginning with the self-titled novel Sin-Eater (2007). This series represents Alaspa at his world-building best. If you prefer hard-boiled detective mysteries and gritty police procedurals, you should start with the Deklan Falls Series, beginning with One Against Many (2012). Readers looking for a quick, mind-bending thrill should pick up his acclaimed standalone novel The Man From Taured (2015), while history and true crime enthusiasts will want to begin with Chicago's Unsolved Crimes & Mysteries (2013).

The Sin-Eater Series: Grady MacDonnell's Supernatural Crusade

The Sin-Eater trilogy is Alaspa's most famous fiction series. It follows Grady MacDonnell, a man who inherits the ability and duty to absorb the sins of the deceased, saving their souls from damnation while bearing the psychological and spiritual weight of their dark deeds. Working for a mysterious organization, Grady's life becomes increasingly dangerous as supernatural forces and rogue sin-eaters clash.

This series must be read in publication order to follow the overarching narrative and Grady's character development:

• Sin-Eater (2007) – Introduces Grady MacDonnell and the rules of sin-eating.
• Destiny (2011) – Expands the scope to a global scale as Grady faces a rogue sin-eater.
• Renegade (2014) – Concludes the primary story arc with high-stakes supernatural battles.

The Deklan Falls Series: Gritty Chicago Crime

Stepping away from the supernatural, the Deklan Falls series is a collection of hard-boiled detective thrillers. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of Chicago, the series follows investigator Deklan Falls as he tackles corrupt systems, dangerous conspiracies, and brutal crimes. It blends the classic noir detective vibe with modern suspense elements.

For the best experience, follow the publication order to trace Deklan's personal and professional struggles:

• One Against Many (2012) – The debut case that establishes Falls' gritty investigative style.
• Fracktured (2014) – A suspenseful follow-up dealing with localized environmental and political corruption.
• Radiowaves (2017) – A thriller involving broadcast conspiracies and high-tech tracking.
• Judgement Town (2021) – The fourth entry, putting Falls in a claustrophobic, hostile community.

Sci-Fi and YA Fantasy Series

Alaspa has also ventured into post-apocalyptic science fiction and young adult fantasy, showcasing his versatility as a genre writer. These series are shorter but offer unique concepts.

Rotate the Earth Series

Inspired by dystopian car-combat classics like Death Race 2000, this post-apocalyptic duology focuses on a deadly race across the ruined wastes of the former United States. Reading order is straightforward:

1. The Drivers (2014)
2. The Starting Line (2016)

The Elementals Series

A young adult fantasy series centering on a group of young individuals who discover they have the power to control the fundamental elements of the earth. Note: This is an original series by Alaspa and is entirely unrelated to the famous 1981 horror novel 'The Elementals' by Michael McDowell.

1. The Lightning Weaver (2015)
2. The Lord of Winter (2016)

The Defender Series

A short-lived suspense thriller series that currently features a single entry:

• The Hat Trick (2015)

Must-Read Standalone Novels

If you aren't ready to commit to a multi-book series, Alaspa's standalone novels offer excellent entry points into his fast-paced, atmospheric writing style. Many of these combine supernatural elements with psychological horror.

• Dust (2006) – An early horror novel that established Alaspa's knack for building dread.
• The Dead Phone (2011) – A paranormal thriller about a writer who discovers an old telephone that allows him to speak with the dead, leading to a descent into madness.
• The Man From Taured (2015) – A mind-bending mystery based on the famous urban legend of a man who arrives at an airport with a passport from a country that doesn't exist.
• Devoured (2023) – A modern horror novel dealing with isolation, hunger, and terrifying supernatural forces.

True Crime and Chicago Non-Fiction

Alaspa is deeply rooted in the history of Illinois and Chicago. His non-fiction works are highly regarded by local history buffs and true crime fans. These books explore the real-life horrors and mysteries of the Windy City, which in turn inspire the gritty atmosphere of his fiction. Key non-fiction titles include:

• Ghosts of St. Louis (2007) – An exploration of local hauntings and historical legends.
• Chicago Crime Stories (2008) – A look at the legendary criminals and mobsters who shaped Chicago's history.
• Forgotten Tales of Illinois (2009) – A collection of obscure historical events and local lore from across the state.
• Chicago's Unsolved Crimes & Mysteries (2013) – A gripping deep dive into cold cases and unexplained events in Chicago history.

What to Know Before You Start

As a prolific independent author, Bryan W. Alaspa publishes his books directly, meaning his work is highly accessible on ebook platforms. His writing style is heavily influenced by master storytellers like Stephen King and Richard Matheson, emphasizing quick pacing, relatable characters, and a creeping sense of dread. Many of his stories take place in or around Chicago, using the city's unique geography, weather, and history as an active character in the narrative. In addition to his full-length novels, Alaspa has published dozens of short stories, novellas, and collections like Flashpoint (2012) and Red Graves (2022), which are perfect for readers looking for quick, bite-sized scares.