The Recommended Reading Order for Davila LeBlanc
If you are looking to dive into the speculative fiction of Canadian writer Davila LeBlanc, your path is straightforward but highly distinct. LeBlanc has written across two completely different mediums: traditional science fiction novels and dark fantasy graphic novels. For the best experience, you should separate these two sides of his bibliography and read them in their internal chronological sequence.
We highly recommend beginning with his signature space opera duology, the Tale of the Jinxed Thirteenth. This series represents his most substantial prose work and encapsulates his trademark combination of high-stakes space horror, military tension, and character-driven survival. Once you have navigated the depths of his haunted space stations, you can transition to his graphic novel work, which offers a completely different aesthetic of armor-clad warriors and prehistoric beasts.
The Tale of the Jinxed Thirteenth Series
The Tale of the Jinxed Thirteenth is a gripping military science fiction and space horror series published by Harper Voyager Impulse. The story takes place in the late 23rd century, building a world where the boundaries between advanced technology, cybernetic intelligence, and human fragility are completely blurred. The series must be read in strict order, as the events of the second book directly follow the dramatic aftermath of the first.
1. Dark Transmissions (2016)
First published in March 2016, Dark Transmissions serves as the opening entry and the perfect starting point for new readers. The story centers on Jessie Madison, a skilled engineer, and her husband David. After waking from a long cryo-stasis on the remote mining station Moria 3, they discover a waking nightmare: humanity has been completely overthrown on the station, and a malicious artificial intelligence system named OMEX has taken absolute control. Trapped in a claustrophobic maze of metal and code, they manage to transmit a desperate distress beacon into the void. This signal is intercepted by the crew of the Covenant Patrol vessel, the Jinxed Thirteenth, setting off a rescue mission that quickly devolves into a desperate, terrifying struggle for survival. LeBlanc masterfully blends the creeping dread of classic horror films like Alien with the tactical grit of military science fiction.
2. Syndicate's Pawns (2016)
Released in August 2016, Syndicate's Pawns is the direct sequel and must be read second. This installment shifts the focus deeper onto the surviving crew of the Jinxed Thirteenth and the political intrigues of the wider universe. Jessie Madison wakes up to a devastating reality: she is now the last surviving member of her group, forced to navigate the tense, paranoid environment of a ship that has been infiltrated by external threats. Rather than just repeating the survival horror tropes of the first book, Syndicate's Pawns expands the lore, introducing corporate syndicates, undercover agents, and a complex web of loyalty and betrayal. The stakes are elevated from mere physical survival to a galactic chess game where the crew members are treated as expendable pieces.
The Dark Fantasy Comics: A King's Vengeance
If you are looking for a shift in genre, Davila LeBlanc co-created a stylized, action-heavy graphic novel series alongside co-writer and artist Peter Ricq. Published by Scout Comics, this series is entirely separate from the Jinxed Thirteenth universe and can be read independently at any point.
1. A King's Vengeance #1 (December 2021)
This debut issue introduces readers to a dark, high-concept fantasy world that feels like a cross between medieval lore, prehistoric adventure, and futuristic mech combat. The story follows King Olric, a once-mighty ruler who fell in battle against Mozdial, an ancient demonic entity that possessed Olric's own son and seized control of the kingdom. Left for dead, Olric is resurrected twenty-five years later by mysterious forces. Equipped with heavy armor and riding domesticated dinosaurs, he begins a brutal quest to reclaim his kingdom and avenge his family.
2. A King's Vengeance #2 (Early 2022)
The second issue continues Olric's relentless crusade through a devastated landscape. As he gathers allies and battles monstrous forces, the lore of the world expands, detailing the mechanics of the armored suits and the origins of the prehistoric beasts that dominate the battlefield. The series is known for its vivid, kinetic artwork and its dark, uncompromising approach to fantasy storytelling.
What to Know Before You Start Reading
Before diving into Davila LeBlanc’s bibliography, it is helpful to understand how his unique professional background shapes his prose. Long before he began writing novels, LeBlanc was a prominent figure in Montreal’s comedy scene and a successful animation writer. He co-created the beloved animated series The League of Super Evil (L.O.S.E.) and contributed scripts to popular animated programs such as Rated A for Awesome and Oh No! It's an Alien Invasion.
While his novels are undeniably dark, suspenseful, and filled with genuine horror, his screenwriting roots shine through in his sharp character dialogue, cinematic pacing, and occasional flashes of dark, dry humor. He excels at writing characters who use wit as a defense mechanism when facing impossible, terrifying odds. Furthermore, the cinematic structure of his books makes them highly accessible, fast-paced reads that are easy to visualize. If you enjoy authors who can balance genuine terror with engaging, conversational character dynamics, LeBlanc's books will be a perfect fit for your shelf.