Carl Ashmore Books in Order

Where to Start Your Carl Ashmore Adventure

If you are new to the whimsical, fast-paced worlds of Carl Ashmore, your absolute best starting point is The Time Hunters, the first book in his smash-hit time-travel series. It introduces you to the core storytelling style that has made Ashmore a beloved name in middle-grade fiction: a blend of historical mythology, quirky British humor, and high-stakes adventure.

However, if you are looking for a standalone read filled with magic, heart, and pure imagination, we highly recommend starting with Bernard and the Bibble. This story is a beautiful entry point that showcases Ashmore's ability to turn real-life emotional depth into a spectacular fantasy world, making it an ideal first read for both children and parents.

The Time Hunters Saga in Publication Order

The Time Hunters series follows the thrilling exploits of siblings Becky and Joe Mellor. After discovering their Uncle Percy's secret time-traveling abilities at Bowen Hall, they find themselves whisked away on missions across history to protect or retrieve powerful legendary artifacts. Because the overall narrative, character growth, and overarching threats build from book to book, it is highly recommended to read this series in strict publication order. Note that after a five-year hiatus following the fifth book, the series resumed in 2020 with the same characters progressing in their adventure.

1. The Time Hunters (2010) – Becky and Joe uncover Uncle Percy's secret and embark on an epic quest through time to locate the legendary Golden Fleece.
2. The Time Hunters and the Box of Eternity (2011) – The adventure intensifies as the siblings travel from 1920s Chicago to Victorian Edinburgh and the pirate-infested 18th-century Caribbean.
3. The Time Hunters and the Spear of Fate (2012) – The stakes rise as the search begins for the legendary Spear of Destiny, taking them to Ancient Egypt and beyond.
4. The Time Hunters and the Sword of Ages (2014) – A race against time and enemies to locate a mystical sword of immense power.
5. The Time Hunters and the Lost City (2015) – The team goes in search of a hidden civilization, encountering ancient dangers and secrets.
6. The Time Hunters and the Wraith's Revenge (2020) – Returning after a five-year hiatus, the series follows the children as they face a vengeful, spectral foe.
7. The Time Hunters and the Odin Horn (2021) – Norse mythology takes center stage in this wintry, action-packed installment.
8. The Time Hunters and the Blessed Isle (2023) – The group travels to a mythical, paradisiacal island hiding ancient secrets.
9. The Time Hunters and the Silent Child (2024) – A darker threat looms as Becky and Joe face mysteries surrounding a quiet but powerful force.
10. The Time Hunters and the Eden Crown (2025) – The tenth milestone volume in the saga, continuing the search for legendary items of cosmic importance.

The Alice Mason Saga

Carl Ashmore began the Alice Mason Saga to fulfill a long-standing promise to his daughter, Alice. The series is planned to span seven books and centers around a fourteen-year-old girl who discovers she is a direct descendant of the legendary sorceress Morgan Le Fay. Suddenly, she finds herself targeted by the dangerous Grand Wizard Valerius Mallagan. This series is perfect for readers who enjoy magical academies, spellcraft, and dark wizardry.

• Alice Mason and the Grand Wizardess (2026) – The magical debut introducing Alice to her extraordinary heritage and the dangerous wizarding world.
• Alice Mason and the Potion of Souls (Planned Sequel) – The upcoming second chapter continuing Alice's education and fight against Mallagan.

The Zak Fisher Series

For readers who want a mix of modern-day mystery and ancient prophecies, Ashmore introduced Zak Fisher. It is a faster-paced, slightly more action-oriented fantasy adventure that fits well with middle-grade and early young adult readers.

• Zak Fisher and the Angel Prophecy (2018) – Zak discovers a hidden world of angels, demons, and an ancient prophecy that he is destined to fulfill.

Standalone Novels and Short Story Collections

Aside from his multi-book fantasy epics, Ashmore has penned standalone works that showcase his range, from festive comedies to deeply emotional stories about grief and hope.

• The Night They Nicked Saint Nick (2010) – A hilarious Christmas romp featuring edible steam trains and lighthearted holiday chaos. Ideal for a fun December read.
• Bernard and the Bibble (2011) – One of Ashmore's most personal novels. Inspired by the sudden loss of his father, Bernard Ashmore, the story follows nine-year-old Bernard Williams into the magical underground kingdom of Arcalia. Despite its origins in grief, the book is incredibly uplifting, filled with whimsical details like pizza-flavored flowers and sprinting snails.
• Rhyme and Reason (2017) – A collection of short stories and novellas that showcases Ashmore's versatility across different themes and formats.

The Picture Books: "The That" Series

If you have younger children (ages 3–7) who aren't quite ready for the time-traveling adventures of the Mellor siblings, Ashmore has written a delightful series of verse-based picture books known as "The That" series. These can be read in any order:

• The Star That Doesn't Twinkle
• The Tooth That Wouldn't Budge
• The Alien That Moved in Next Door

Reading Order Caveats: Publication vs. Chronological

Because The Time Hunters revolves entirely around time travel, readers often wonder if there is a chronological order to the historical events that makes more sense than the publication order. However, the time travel in the series is experienced linearly by the protagonists, Becky and Joe Mellor. Their personal development, their understanding of Uncle Percy's devices, and the overarching antagonist's plans all follow a straight line. Attempting to read the books based on the historical eras visited would completely ruin the character arcs and ruin the plots of later books. Stick strictly to the publication order for the best experience.

What to Know Before You Start

Carl Ashmore's writing style is frequently compared to Roald Dahl and Lewis Carroll due to his love for whimsical creatures, eccentric adult figures, and fast-paced adventure. However, his books also carry a lot of heart. Understanding that books like Bernard and the Bibble were written as a therapeutic way to process personal grief helps highlight the emotional resonance behind the fantastical elements. Parents should note that while the stories are full of humor and fun, they also touch on real-world themes of family, legacy, and courage, making them excellent books for shared family reading time.