How to Read Dan Hanks' Books
As of right now, Dan Hanks has written three standalone novels, which means you have complete freedom to choose where you start. There is no overarching continuity or shared universe linking his books, so you won't spoil anything by reading them out of order. Instead, the best way to choose your starting point is by picking the genre and tone that appeal to you most.
- For pulp-adventure fans: Start with his debut, Captain Moxley and the Embers of the Empire (2020), which reads like a cinematic love letter to Indiana Jones.
- For horror-comedy and nostalgia buffs: Start with Swashbucklers (2021), a story that blends 80s-style portal fantasy, Peak District folklore, and the chaotic struggles of modern parenthood.
- For sci-fi survival thriller lovers: Go straight to The Way Up Is Death (2025), a tense, locked-room tower escape story that pits thirteen strangers against their worst nightmares.
Dan Hanks Books in Publication Order
If you prefer to see how an author's writing style, world-building, and thematic focus evolve over time, reading in publication order is a great choice. Here is the chronological list of Dan Hanks' novels by release date:
- Captain Moxley and the Embers of the Empire (2020)
- Swashbucklers (2021)
- The Way Up Is Death (2025)
Deep Dive: The Standalone Novels
Captain Moxley and the Embers of the Empire (2020)
Set in 1952, Dan Hanks' debut novel follows Samantha Moxley, an ex-Spitfire pilot and rugged archaeologist. When her sister is targeted by shady government agents, Sam is dragged into a high-stakes global race to recover the ancient keys to Atlantis. Standing in her path are Nazis, shadowy operators, and legendary monsters. It is a fast-paced, action-packed adventure that balances pulp fun with a strong, witty female lead.
Reading note: Although written as a standalone, Hanks has stated in Q&As that he has plotted out and written parts of a potential sequel. While there are currently no immediate publication plans for a second book, he hopes to finish and release it in the future.
Swashbucklers (2021)
Set in a snowy Peak District town, this novel mixes supernatural horror with heart-warming family dynamics. Decades after defeating a ghostly pirate captain as a child, Cisco Collins returns to his hometown as a divorced father hoping for a quiet life. Unfortunately, the undead pirates are back, and Cisco must assemble his old childhood friends to save the town again—all while managing the everyday challenges of parenthood. Think The Goonies meets Stranger Things, but with a uniquely British, middle-aged twist.
Reading note: Hanks has written the first act of a potential sequel to Swashbucklers. However, whether it gets published depends largely on sales and publisher demand, so there are no official release dates set yet.
The Way Up Is Death (2025)
Hanks' third novel takes a dark turn into sci-fi survival horror. A massive, mysterious tower suddenly appears in the sky over England, and thirteen strangers are instantly abducted and placed at its base. With a deadly countdown ticking away and the word 'ASCEND' appearing before them, they realize their only hope of survival is to climb. As they scale the tower, they face logic-defying levels tailored to their own deepest fears and secrets.
Reading note: This book is highly recommended for fans of escape-room thrillers, survival games, and psychological sci-fi. It showcases a darker, more intense side of Hanks' writing style while maintaining his signature focus on character-driven resilience.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving in, it is helpful to understand the recurring elements that define Dan Hanks' storytelling. Thanks to his background as a trained archaeologist, his books are filled with accurate historical details, mythology, and a deep sense of place—particularly the Peak District, where he resides. You will also notice a frequent use of portals and hidden worlds, reflecting his childhood love for classic fantasy. Whether he is writing about ancient Atlantean artifacts or cosmic towers, Hanks balances high-stakes danger with sharp British humor and flawed, relatable heroes who rely on teamwork to survive.