D.A. Roberts Books in Order

  • 32 Books
  • 2019 – 2024 Published

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Reading order
9 of 9 reading orders shown

Welcome to the D.A. Verse

D.A. Roberts has crafted a sprawling, interconnected universe affectionately known by fans as the D.A. Verse (or DAVerse). Drawing on his real-world experience in law enforcement and his active research into cryptozoology, Roberts weaves stories that are structurally grounded in tactical realism but populated by legendary monsters and ancient gods. While each of his series focuses on different aspects of this universe—ranging from local Sheriff investigations to international black-ops hunts—they all occupy a shared timeline where actions in one series ripple into the next. To get the absolute most out of this massive universe, readers should understand how these stories link together and where the timeline eventually leads.

The Recommended Reading Order

Although you can read individual series on their own, the author recommends a specific chronological path. The general rule of thumb for the D.A. Verse is to read the modern-day cryptid and military horror series first, saving the post-apocalyptic Norse-zombie saga for last. Because the Ragnarok Rising Saga depicts the literal end of the world, reading it first will spoil the ultimate fates of several organizations, characters, and settings built up in the earlier books.

For the best experience, follow this sequence through the main branches of the D.A. Verse:

  1. Apex Predator Series: Start here to learn the baseline rules of cryptids in this world, focusing on creature lore and early encounters.
  2. The Lakeview Man Series: A localized look at cryptids that sets up the political and operational foundations for the international task forces.
  3. Code Name: Wild Hunt Series: Follow the elite tactical units that hunt these threats on a global scale.
  4. The Nightmare Hunter Series: Delve deeper into the supernatural and psychological threats facing humanity.
  5. Ragnarok Rising Saga: The grand finale of the timeline, where the world ends in a clash of Norse myth and zombie apocalypse.

Apex Predator Series

The Apex Predator series is the perfect entry point to D.A. Roberts's writing. It focuses on the primal horror of cryptids like the legendary Dogman, introducing readers to the deep folklore of the Ozarks and the terrifying reality of hunting things that do not want to be found. It also introduces key recurring universe figures, such as the Lakota guide Jay "White Bear" Matoskah, who acts as a primary bridge across different book series.

  • Wolf Moon (2020)
  • Blood Moon (2020)
  • Hunter's Moon (2020)
  • Horned Moon (2021)
  • Dark Moon (2022)

The Lakeview Man Series

Set around the rugged landscapes of Table Rock Lake, this series shifts the focus to local law enforcement dealing with supernatural anomalies. Sheriff Amanda Sanchez-Clark must defend her county from creatures like the Ozarks Howler. This series is crucial because it bridges the gap between localized monster encounters and the organized military responses seen in the next phase of the DAVerse.

  • The Lakeview Man (2020)
  • First Duty (2020)
  • Beast of Blunk Road (2022)

Code Name: Wild Hunt Series

Once you understand the cryptid threat, it is time to see how the world's most elite military forces deal with them. Code Name: Wild Hunt follows tactical units operating in the shadows to eliminate supernatural hazards before the public finds out. Blending high-stakes military action with pure horror, this series features intense battles against legendary creatures like the Wendigo.

  • Odin's Call (2020)
  • Curse of the Wendigo (2020)
  • Operation Blood Eagle (2021)
  • Operation Lilly & Other Tales (2021)
  • Death In Dyatlov Pass (2023)

The Nightmare Hunter Series

Taking a darker, more psychological turn, this series follows investigators who track down threats that defy physical explanation. It adds a layer of cosmic dread and supernatural intrigue to the modern-day timeline of the D.A. Verse.

  • Uncanny Valley (2021)

Dark Frontiers Series

A newer addition to the author's cryptid-focused lineup, Dark Frontiers continues the tradition of blending survival horror with cryptid encounters, offering fresh perspectives on the monsters lurking just beyond the edge of civilization.

  • First Hunt / Cry of the Wendigo (2023)
  • Howl of the Wolfman (2023)

Ragnarok Rising Saga

The Ragnarok Rising Saga is the crown jewel of Roberts's bibliography—an 11-novel epic that marks the end-point of the D.A. Verse. When a zombie outbreak occurs, it triggers the ancient Norse prophecy of Ragnarok. The remaining human survivors must fight alongside mythical forces like the Einherjar to survive the collapse of civilization. It is a unique blend of tactical survivalism and ancient mythology that concludes the overarching storyline of the shared universe.

  • Awakening (2020)
  • Crucible (2020)
  • Harrowing (2020)
  • The Reckoning (2020)
  • Crossing (2020)
  • Sundering (2020)
  • Redemption (2020)
  • Last Girl Standing (2020)
  • Balefire (2020)
  • Desolation (2020)
  • Maelstrom (2020)

Science Fiction Series

For readers looking for a change of pace, D.A. Roberts has also written in the science fiction genre. These series are set in a distinct futuristic universe and do not directly cross over with the modern-day cryptids of the D.A. Verse, making them great standalone reads.

The Infinite Black Books

Based on the popular space combat video game universe, this series plunges readers into futuristic cosmic battles and interstellar conflicts.

  • Blood and Honor (2019)
  • Perdition's Flames (2021)

Mann's Marauders Books

Set in the same cosmic universe, this series follows elite space marines on deadly missions across the stars.

  • A Planet Too Far (2022)

Standalone Novels

If you want a quick entry point to Roberts's writing style without committing to a massive multi-book arc, these standalone novels offer self-contained thrills.

  • Cold Hunger (2019)
  • Death Stalks Moon Valley (2024)

What to Know Before You Start

D.A. Roberts's books stand out for their gritty realism. Because the author spent nearly twenty years working in law enforcement and corrections, the way his characters communicate, utilize tactical maneuvers, and respond to trauma feels incredibly authentic. Furthermore, his real-world role as a cryptid researcher (including serving as the Region 2 Director of the North American Dogman Project) means that the monsters in his books are not just generic beasts; they are deeply researched figures of Native American lore and American folklore. Keep an eye out for recurring characters, such as the expert guide Jay Matoskah, who frequently pops up across different series to guide rookies through the terrifying reality of the D.A. Verse.

Frequently Asked

What is the recommended starting point for D.A. Roberts's books?

The best place to start is Wolf Moon, the first book of the Apex Predator series. It introduces the main rules of the D.A. Verse and the recurring character Jay Matoskah.

Are the D.A. Roberts book series connected?

Yes, most of his horror and cryptid books are part of the interconnected D.A. Verse. They share characters, organizations, and lead up to the events of the Ragnarok Rising Saga.

In what order should I read the Ragnarok Rising Saga?

The 11-novel saga should be read in publication order starting with Awakening and ending with Maelstrom. For the best experience, read the entire saga after completing the cryptid series.

Who is Jay Matoskah in the novels?

Jay 'White Bear' Matoskah is a recurring Lakota cryptid expert who appears in both the Apex Predator and Lakeview Man series, linking the stories together.

Are D.A. Roberts's science fiction books part of the same universe?

No, The Infinite Black and Mann's Marauders are set in a separate futuristic space universe and can be read independently of his cryptid-horror novels.