Craig Alanson Books in Order

Where to Start with Craig Alanson

For most readers, the journey into Craig Alanson's work begins with one name: Skippy. The snarky, beer-can-shaped, incredibly advanced artificial intelligence is the breakout star of Alanson's massive Expeditionary Force series. If you are new to this author, your absolute best starting point is Columbus Day, the first book of the main science fiction series. It introduces soldier Joe Bishop and establishes the signature blend of high-concept military operations and comedic banter that Alanson is famous for.

However, Alanson isn't just a one-trick pony. For readers looking for something different, he has also penned a complete portal fantasy trilogy (Ascendant) and a contemporary urban fantasy series (Convergence). Below, we break down exactly how to tackle each of these universes, highlighting crucial spin-offs and order caveats.

The Expeditionary Force Recommended Reading Order

While you could simply read the main Expeditionary Force novels in order, you would miss out on vital context. Alanson wrote a spin-off series, Mavericks, and a few companion novellas that directly impact the main storyline. Characters and events from the spin-offs merge back into the main books, especially around Book 10 (Critical Mass). To avoid major spoilers and confusion, fans and the author recommend this integrated reading order:

1. Columbus Day (Book 1) (2016)
2. SpecOps (Book 2) (2016)
3. Paradise (Book 3) (2016)
4. Trouble on Paradise (Book 3.5 Novella) (2017)
5. Black Ops (Book 4) (2017)
6. Zero Hour (Book 5) (2017)
7. Mavericks (Book 6) (2018)
8. Renegades (Book 7) (2018)
9. Deathtrap (Mavericks Book 1) (2019)
10. Homefront (Book 7.5 Audio Drama / Script) (2019)
11. Armageddon (Book 8) (2019)
12. Valkyrie (Book 9) (2019)
13. Freefall (Mavericks Book 2) (2020)
14. Critical Mass (Book 10) (2020)
15. Brushfire (Book 11) (2020)
16. Breakaway (Book 12) (2021)
17. Fallout (Book 13) (2021)
18. Match Game (Book 14) (2022)
19. Failure Mode (Book 15) (2022)
20. Aftermath (Book 16) (2023)
21. Task Force Hammer (Book 17) (2024)
22. Gateway (Book 18) (2025)
23. Ground State (Book 19) (2026)

Chronological Caveats & Key Media Details

There are two major stumbling blocks for readers trying to navigate the Expeditionary Force series: the status of the spin-offs and the formatting of the audio drama Homefront.

First, do not skip Trouble on Paradise (Book 3.5) or the two Mavericks novels (Deathtrap and Freefall). While the main series concentrates on Joe Bishop and Skippy, these side stories focus on the human soldiers and alien allies stranded on the planet Paradise. The events in these books establish major plotlines regarding the galactic alliance and the behavior of the alien species that directly resolve in Critical Mass. Skipping them will leave you confused about how certain forces and characters suddenly arrived in the main narrative.

Second, Homefront (Book 7.5) is uniquely structured as a full-cast audio drama featuring sound effects, music, and voice actors like Kate Mulgrew. Because it was not originally a traditional novel, some print and ebook readers skipped it. However, the events of Armageddon (Book 8) pick up directly after the climax of Homefront. If you do not listen to audiobooks, Alanson has released a printed script version of Homefront so you can stay caught up on the plot.

The Convergence Series (Urban Fantasy)

If you want a break from deep-space military tactics, Alanson's Convergence series offers an engaging modern urban fantasy adventure. The story follows a contemporary protagonist who suddenly discovers that magic, ancient entities, and mythical creatures exist in our world. This series is straightforward and should be read in publication order:

1. Convergence (Book 1) (2022)
2. Dragonslayer (Book 2) (2023)
3. First Strike (Book 3) (2023)
4. Recon (Book 4) (2024)
5. Desperate Measures (Book 5) (2025)

The Ascendant Series (Epic Fantasy)

For readers who prefer a classic, coming-of-age high fantasy setting, Alanson wrote the Ascendant trilogy. Set in a world where magic is strictly controlled and often misunderstood, the trilogy focuses on a young wizard who must navigate dangerous politics and deadly secrets. The trilogy is fully complete and must be read in order:

1. Ascendant (Book 1) (2016)
2. Transcendent (Book 2) (2016)
3. Deceptions (Book 3) (2018)

Standalone Novels

Alanson has also published one Young Adult standalone science fiction novel:

• Aces (2016): A fast-paced survival story focused on siblings navigating a sudden, dangerous crisis. It is entirely standalone and does not connect to the Expeditionary Force or any other universe.

Practical Reader Advice & Audiobook Tips

When diving into Craig Alanson's library, keep these essential tips in mind to maximize your enjoyment:

The Audio Format is King: While the books are widely available in print and ebook formats, the Expeditionary Force series is a legendary phenomenon in the audiobook community. Narrated by R.C. Bray, the audiobooks bring Skippy's sarcastic voice, distinct alien accents, and military urgency to life. Bray's performance earned a Audie Award nomination in 2018 for Columbus Day, and many fans argue that the audio format is the definitive way to experience this particular story.

The Tone Shift in Columbus Day: If you start the first book and find yourself reading a standard, somewhat serious military sci-fi story, do not give up. The entire dynamic of the series shifts dramatically about halfway through the book when Skippy is introduced. This is where the humor, pacing, and core appeal of the franchise truly begin.

Are they standalones? No. Unlike episodic sci-fi, Alanson's main series are continuous, serialized narratives. You cannot read them out of order or skip books without losing track of the overarching war, political alliances, and character arcs.