How to Read Cody Sisco’s Books
Cody Sisco is best known for his Resonant Earth series, a queer psychological science fiction saga set in a fractured, dystopian, alternate-history version of the United States. In this world, certain individuals suffer from Mirror Resonance Syndrome (MRS)—a condition characterized by extreme empathy, sensory overload, and dissociative episodes. Alongside his novels, Sisco has published prequel short fiction and contributed several standalone speculative stories to the local L.A. indie writing scene.
For the best experience, we recommend reading the core series in narrative chronological order. While the prequel novella can technically be read first, starting with the first full-length novel provides the most organic introduction to the complex terminology and worldbuilding of the Resonant Earth.
The Resonant Earth Series Reading Order
The primary reading order for the Resonant Earth series aligns closely with publication order, but it features a prequel novella that can alter your reading path depending on your preferences. Here is the recommended sequence:
1. Broken Mirror (Resonant Earth Book 1)
Published in 2016, Broken Mirror is the ideal entry point for new readers. The story introduces Victor Eastmore, a young programmer diagnosed with Mirror Resonance Syndrome (MRS). When Victor suspects that his grandfather, Jefferson Eastmore, was murdered rather than dying of natural causes, he embarks on a dangerous investigation. He must navigate a highly controlled, surveillance-heavy American Union while battling the debilitating symptoms of his own condition and the societal stigma that comes with it. Starting here allows you to learn about the world, the Mesh (a futuristic internet), and the mechanics of MRS alongside Victor.
2. Believe and Live: The Horrific Prelude to Broken Mirror (Resonant Earth Book 0)
Though released as a prequel short story/novella, Believe and Live is best read after finishing Broken Mirror. It serves as a dark backstory that explains some of the historical trauma mentioned in the main novels. The story is set in the suburban town of Carmichael, the site of a tragic massacre. It follows Mía Barrias, a character caught in a nightmare scenario as she encounters a man wielding a stunstick who forces his victims to repeat the phrase 'Believe and Live'. Reading this second provides crucial context without spoiling the initial mystery of the first book.
3. Tortured Echoes (Resonant Earth Book 2)
Published in 2017, this direct sequel continues Victor Eastmore's journey. Victor travels to the Louisiana Territories to seek justice and escape the oppressive grasp of the American Union. Here, the story expands on the wider geopolitical landscape of the Resonant Earth universe and delves deeper into the experimental and often questionable psychiatric treatments used to manage Mirror Resonance Syndrome. It is a darker, more expansive installment that raises the stakes for Victor and his companions.
4. Altered Bodies (Resonant Earth Book 3)
Released in October 2025, Altered Bodies is the third full-length novel in the series. It continues the overarching narrative of Victor's fight for autonomy, detailing the physiological and societal struggles of those living with MRS. The book explores themes of bodily autonomy, medical ethics, and corporate control in this alternate future.
5. Toxic Medicine (Resonant Earth Book 4)
Scheduled for publication in October 2026, Toxic Medicine is the upcoming fourth novel in the Resonant Earth series. It promises to further escalate the conflict between marginalized individuals with MRS and the corporate and governmental entities that seek to control or eliminate them.
Chronological Order vs. Publication Order
If you prefer to read the series strictly by the timeline of events, you can adjust your list to start with the prequel:
- Believe and Live (Prequel Novella / Book 0)
- Broken Mirror (Book 1)
- Tortured Echoes (Book 2)
- Altered Bodies (Book 3)
- Toxic Medicine (Book 4 - Forthcoming)
The Verdict: Start with Broken Mirror. The prequel, Believe and Live, relies on a sense of dread and mystery that is far more impactful once you already understand the fragility of the human mind and the dangers of resonance in Sisco's universe.
Made in L.A. Anthologies and Short Stories
In addition to his novels, Cody Sisco is a key figure in the Southern California indie publishing community and co-founded the Made in L.A. Writers collaborative. He has edited and contributed short stories to their annual anthologies, which highlight stories rooted in Los Angeles:
- Made in L.A. Vol. 1: Stories Rooted in the City of Angels (2018): Features three speculative short stories by Sisco: 'Little Woman' (a surreal fantasy tale), 'Salt in the Hell Mouth' (a dark fantasy/horror story about a demon-hunting curanderx closing dimensional portals in L.A.), and 'Unquiet Baggage'.
- Made in L.A. Vol. 2 (2019): Features editorial work and additional contributions from Sisco, continuing the focus on diverse, localized indie voices.
- Made in L.A. Vol. 4: Beyond the Precipice (2022): Features further speculative fiction exploring dystopian and transformative themes.
These anthologies are standalone works and can be read at any time, independently of the Resonant Earth series. They are excellent for readers who want to experience Sisco's shorter, more surreal, and fantasy-oriented writing.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into Cody Sisco's bibliography, keep these key elements in mind:
- Queer Speculative Fiction: Sisco’s work features prominent LGBTQ+ characters, themes of identity, and narratives focusing on marginalized communities finding solidarity in oppressive systems.
- Mental Health and Empathy: The Resonant Earth series uses Mirror Resonance Syndrome as a literal, physiological manifestation of hyper-empathy and mental illness. The books treat these struggles with psychological depth rather than using them as simple plot devices.
- Alternate History Worldbuilding: The setting is a fractured American Union that feels like a blend of historical 19th-century societal norms, mid-20th-century political paranoia, and futuristic cyberpunk technology like the Mesh.
- Indie Spirit: Sisco publishes under his own boutique press, Resonant Earth Publishing, and his books reflect an independent, experimental voice that sits in the 'uncanny valley' of science fiction.