B.V. Larson Books in Order

Where to Start Reading B.V. Larson

B.V. Larson is a highly prolific indie author, known for his relentless release schedules and action-packed storytelling. With over 70 novels spanning space opera, military science fiction, urban fantasy, and epic fantasy, his catalog can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, his major series are largely self-contained, meaning you can choose a starting point based on the flavor of speculative fiction you prefer.

If you love gritty, humorous military sci-fi with a lovable rogue of a protagonist, start with Steel World, the first book in the massive Undying Mercenaries series. If you prefer high-stakes alien invasions, complex technology, and macro-scale strategic warfare, start with Swarm, the opening novel of the Star Force saga. For fantasy fans, the urban magic of Technomancer (set in Las Vegas) or the classic elemental sorcery of Amber Magic (Haven series) are excellent entry points.

The Undying Mercenaries Series

This is B.V. Larson's flagship series and his most popular to date. It follows James McGill, a recruit in the Varus Legion. In this universe, Earth has been integrated into a galactic empire where humanity's only viable export is mercenary soldiers. Thanks to alien resurrection technology, dead soldiers are simply reconstituted, allowing McGill and his comrades to die horrible deaths and return to fight another day. The series is best read in publication order to track the shifting geopolitical status of Earth and McGill's chaotic career:

1. Steel World (2013)
2. Dust World (2014)
3. Tech World (2014)
4. Machine World (2015)
5. Death World (2015)
6. Home World (2016)
7. Rogue World (2017)
8. Blood World (2017)
9. Dark World (2018)
10. Storm World (2018)
11. Armor World (2019)
12. Clone World (2019)
13. Glass World (2020)
14. Edge World (2020)
15. Green World (2021)
16. Ice World (2021)
17. City World (2022)
18. Sky World (2022)
19. Jungle World (2023)
20. Crystal World (2023)
21. Throne World (2024)

Note: The series continues beyond Throne World with recent releases such as Rebel World and Rage World. Because of the linear progression of McGill's rank and his knowledge of the galaxy's mysterious alien overlords, skipping books in this series is not recommended.

The Star Force Series

Before McGill, there was Kyle Riggs. The Star Force series is a completed 13-book military sci-fi epic. It begins when a biomechanical alien invasion fleet arrives on Earth. Riggs, a computer science professor, is swept up in the conflict and quickly becomes the commander of Earth's defense forces. The series blends hard military sci-fi with themes of automation, artificial intelligence, and survival against overwhelming odds. Read this series in strict numerical order:

1. Swarm (2010)
2. Extinction (2011)
3. Rebellion (2011)
4. Conquest (2011)
5. Battle Station (2012)
6. Empire (2012)
7. Annihilation (2013)
8. Storm Assault (2013)
9. Army of One (2014)
10. The Dead Sun (2014)
11. Outcast (2014)
12. Exile (2014)
13. Demon Star (2015)

The Imperium (Mech) Series: Chronological vs. Publication Order

Larson's Imperium series focuses on heavy mech combat and human colonization. Unlike his other series, this one has a prequel that was published later. Readers can choose between two reading orders:

Option A: Chronological Order (Recommended for Continuity)

Reading the prequel first sets up the background of the mechanical war and the origins of the setting before diving into the main campaign:

1. Mech Zero (2012)
2. Mech 1 (2010)
3. Mech 2 (2010)
4. Mech 3 (2012)
5. Mech 4 (2017)

Option B: Publication Order (Author's Release Order)

Starting with Mech 1 allows you to experience the universe as early readers did, with Mech Zero serving as a retrospective origin story:

1. Mech 1 (2010)
2. Mech 2 (2010)
3. Mech Zero (2012)
4. Mech 3 (2012)
5. Mech 4 (2017)

Collaborations and Co-Authored Sagas

B.V. Larson frequently collaborates with other prominent science fiction authors to build massive space operas. His most notable co-authored series is the Galactic Liberation saga, written alongside David VanDyke. This series features high-stakes fleet actions and tactical combat across a hostile galaxy:

• Starship Liberator (2017)
• Battleship Indomitable (2017)
• Flagship Victory (2018)
• Hive War (2018)
• Straker's Breakers (2019)
• Hell's Reach (2019)

Newer Frontiers: Red Company and Rift Warrior

For readers looking for Larson's latest settings, he launched two new series in 2023 and 2024. Red Company is a gritty, boots-on-the-ground military sci-fi series following a tactical unit encountering hostile alien forces on remote worlds. Rift Warrior combines futuristic technology with dimensional rifts, introducing a fresh set of magical and high-tech rules.

Red Company Reading Order

1. First Strike! (2023)
2. Discovery (2023)
3. Contact (2023)
4. Invasion (2024)
5. Steel Rain (2024)

Rift Warrior Reading Order

1. Rift Warrior: The Techborn (2024)
2. Rift Warrior: Ghost Signal (2024)
3. Rift Warrior: Depths of Tamil (2024)

Fantasy and Urban Fantasy Sagas

While best known for military sci-fi, Larson has written substantial fantasy. The Haven series is a classic portal-style fantasy where elemental magic governs the world. It is accompanied by the Hyborean Dragons novellas, which expand the lore of the universe.

Haven Series Order

1. Amber Magic (2010)
2. Sky Magic (2010)
3. Shadow Magic (2010)
4. Dragon Magic (2010)
5. Blood Magic (2010)
6. Death Magic (2011)
7. Dream Magic (2013)

Unspeakable Things (Urban Fantasy)

For fans of contemporary fantasy, the Unspeakable Things series follows Quentin Draith, a paranormal investigator operating in Las Vegas, blending modern technology with supernatural threats:

1. Technomancer (2012)
2. The Bone Triangle (2013)