Charles Soule Books in Order

Where to Start with Charles Soule

Charles Soule is a remarkably versatile storyteller who successfully balances three distinct worlds: high-concept speculative prose novels, creator-owned indie comic books, and major franchise contributions for franchises like Star Wars and Marvel. Because his work spans different mediums and genres, the best place to start depends entirely on what kind of story you are looking for.

For prose readers, the absolute best starting point is his debut novel, The Oracle Year (2018). It is a fast-paced, contemporary sci-fi thriller that showcase his signature blend of legal tension, speculative concepts, and character-driven stakes. If you prefer comic books, starting with the complete sci-fi mystery Letter 44 or his celebrated run on Marvel's Darth Vader: Dark Lord of the Sith (2017) will give you a perfect introduction to his writing style.

The Standalone Sci-Fi Novels

Soule's prose novels are standalone stories set in near-future or contemporary environments, dealing with themes of power, technology, identity, and the human condition. They do not require any reading order and can be enjoyed in any sequence, though reading them in publication order shows his growth as a novelist.

• The Oracle Year (2018): Follows Will Dando, a musician who wakes up with 108 specific predictions about the future. As he begins selling these predictions through a secure website, he becomes the target of global power brokers, religious groups, and government agencies.
• Anyone (2019): A high-concept thriller centered on the invention of technology that allows human consciousness to swap bodies. The story jumps back and forth in time, exploring the dark criminal underbelly and philosophical questions of a world where physical identity no longer exists.
• Endless Vessel (2023): Set in a near-future world afflicted by "The Grey"—a mysterious, depression-like plague where people lose all drive and passion. The story follows a materials scientist named Lily Barnes on a globe-trotting, time-bending quest to find the source of a mysterious machine that may hold the key to saving humanity.

Creator-Owned Comics and Graphic Novels

Before writing novels, Soule built a massive reputation in the indie comic space. His creator-owned series are highly imaginative, completed story arcs that should be read in volume order.

Letter 44 (6 Volumes, 2014–2018)

This sci-fi political thriller is one of Soule's most acclaimed comic works. It begins as a newly elected US President receives a letter from his predecessor revealing a shocking secret: nine years ago, astronauts discovered an alien construction project in the asteroid belt. The story is split between the political drama on Earth and the crew of the Clarke investigating the anomaly in deep space.

1. Letter 44, Volume 1: Escape Velocity (2014)
2. Letter 44, Volume 2: Redundant (2015)
3. Letter 44, Volume 3: Dark Matter (2016)
4. Letter 44, Volume 4: Saviors (2017)
5. Letter 44, Volume 5: Blueshift (2017)
6. Letter 44, Volume 6: The End (2018)

Curse Words (5 Volumes, 2017–2019)

A comedic, dark fantasy adventure co-created with artist Ryan Browne. The series follows Wizord, a powerful rogue wizard sent from a hostile dimension to destroy Earth. Instead, he decides to settle in New York City, using his magic to become a celebrity for hire while defending the planet from the dark forces of his former master.

1. Curse Words, Vol. 1: The Devil's Devil (2017)
2. Curse Words, Vol. 2: Explosiontown (2018)
3. Curse Words, Vol. 3: The Hole Damned World (2018)
4. Curse Words, Vol. 4: Paleo (2019)
5. Curse Words, Vol. 5: Theme Park (2019)

27: Twenty-Seven (2 Volumes, 2011–2012)

One of Soule's earliest comic series, this urban fantasy story focuses on the infamous "27 Club" of musicians who died at age twenty-seven. The story follows a famous guitarist named Will Garland who is turning twenty-seven and tries to unlock the cosmic mystery behind this phenomenon to save his own life.

1. 27, Volume 1 (2011)
2. 27, Volume 2: Second Set (2012)

The Shrouded College Universe

A shared supernatural horror universe co-created with artist Will Sliney. It centers on an ancient, shadowy organization that recruits ordinary people to carry out impossible magical missions across the globe. While the books are standalone stories set in the same universe, they are best read in release order.

• Hell to Pay: A Tale of the Shrouded College (2023): Follows a married couple who work as indentured investigators for the college, tasked with reclaiming thirty coins of supernatural power.
• The Bloody Dozen (2023-2024): An orbital heist story featuring astronauts attempting to free imprisoned vampires.
• The Cold Witch: A Tale of the Shrouded College: A revenge-focused horror tale set in Siberia.

Star Wars: The High Republic Reading Order

Charles Soule is one of the primary architects of the High Republic multimedia initiative, set centuries before the events of the Skywalker Saga. Because this project features many interconnected novels, comics, and audio dramas by a team of authors, understanding the release vs. chronological order is vital for new readers.

The Phase Dilemma: Chronological vs. Publication Order

The High Republic is divided into three distinct Phases. In chronological order, Phase II takes place 150 years before Phase I. However, publication order is highly recommended for first-time readers. Starting with Phase I establishes the status quo of the Jedi Order at its peak and introduces the primary threats (the Nihil and the Drengir). Phase II then acts as a prequel that explains the historical origins of those threats, before Phase III returns to resolve the cliffhangers of Phase I.

• Phase I: Light of the Jedi (Recommended Start): Written by Charles Soule, the novel Light of the Jedi (2021) is the essential starting point that sets up the Great Disaster and the conflict with the Nihil. Other key Phase I titles include Into the Dark, The Rising Storm (also by Soule), and The Fallen Star.
• Phase II: Quest of the Jedi (Prequel Phase): Set 150 years in the past. Major titles include Quest for the Hidden City, Convergence, and Cataclysm, diving deep into the history of the galaxy.
• Phase III: Trials of the Jedi (Conclusion Phase): Picks up right after the devastating ending of Phase I. Key entries include The Eye of Darkness, Temptation of the Force, and the final novel Trials of the Jedi.

Star Wars Comics Crossovers

Soule has also written some of the most influential modern Star Wars comic book series, which fit tightly into the timeline of the original trilogy films.

Darth Vader: Dark Lord of the Sith (2017)

This 25-issue run begins literally seconds after the ending of Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, showing Vader adjusting to his armor, building his red lightsaber, and hunting down the surviving Jedi. It is completely self-contained and should be read before other Vader comic runs.

The Qi'ra / Crimson Dawn Trilogy

Soule wrote a trilogy of crossover events focusing on Lady Qi'ra (from Solo: A Star Wars Story) and her takeover of the Crimson Dawn syndicate, set between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.

1. Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters (2021): Boba Fett attempts to deliver Han Solo in carbonite to Jabba the Hutt, but the cargo is stolen by Crimson Dawn.
2. Star Wars: Crimson Reign (2022): Qi'ra launches her secret campaign to destroy the Sith by turning the galaxy's syndicates against the Empire.
3. Star Wars: Hidden Empire (2022-2023): The final confrontation between Qi'ra and Darth Vader/Emperor Palpatine.