E.M. Foner Books in Order

Where to Start with E.M. Foner

E.M. Foner is best known for creating the EarthCent universe, a heartwarming space saga that offers a refreshing alternative to traditional, action-packed military sci-fi. Instead of space battles and grim violence, these books focus on PG-rated humor, interstellar trade, negotiation, and community building.

For the best introduction to Foner's optimistic future, the author and long-time fans recommend starting with Date Night on Union Station. Although Foner later wrote a prequel novel, Destiny: Union Station, starting with the first published book is highly recommended. It perfectly introduces Kelly Frank, Earth's first ambassador to Union Station, and establishes the witty, slow-burn character interactions that define the entire universe.

The Integrated EarthCent Timeline

While the flagship series is the EarthCent Ambassador (Union Station) series, E.M. Foner has expanded his fictional galaxy into several parallel spin-off series. Because characters, references, and technologies cross over between books, the author recommends reading the books in an integrated chronological order that matches their publication timeline.

The main subseries in the EarthCent universe include:

• EarthCent Ambassador (Union Station): Following the diplomatic and personal adventures of Kelly Frank and the station's residents.
• EarthCent Universe (Living series): Focusing on normal citizens navigating life and careers across the galaxy.
• EarthCent Auxiliaries (Galactic Tunnel Network): Following the merchants, freelancers, and crews working along the interstellar transit networks.
• EarthCent Metaverse (Bits series): Exploring the virtual realities, businesses, and digital societies within the EarthCent setting.
• EarthCent Families (Under the Influencers / Property series): Exploring family relationships, emerging technology, and domestic comedy in space.

The Chronological Reading Order

To experience the full progression of the EarthCent universe, follow this integrated master list:

1. Destiny: Union Station (Prequel, 2021) - Note: Best read after you have read at least a few Union Station books.
2. Date Night on Union Station (2014)
3. Alien Night on Union Station (2014)
4. High Priest on Union Station (2014)
5. Spy Night on Union Station (2015)
6. Carnival on Union Station (2015)
7. Wanderers on Union Station (2015)
8. Vacation on Union Station (2015)
9. Guest Night on Union Station (2015)
10. Word Night on Union Station (2016)
11. Party Night on Union Station (2016)
12. Review Night on Union Station (2018)
13. Family Night on Union Station (2018)
14. Book Night on Union Station (2018)
15. LARP Night on Union Station (2018)
16. Career Night on Union Station (2018)
17. Last Night on Union Station (2019)
18. Independent Living (2019)
19. Soup Night on Union Station (2019)
20. Assisted Living (2019)
21. Freelance on the Galactic Tunnel Network (2020)
22. Con Living (2020)
23. Empire Night on Union Station (2020)
24. Space Living (2020)
25. Traders on the Galactic Tunnel Network (2021)
26. Orphans on the Galactic Tunnel Network (2021)
27. Swap Night on Union Station (2021)
28. Slow Living (2022)
29. Artists on the Galactic Tunnel Network (2022)
30. History Night on Union Station (2022)
31. Bits of Anarchy (2022)
32. Double Living (2023)
33. Bits of Flower (2023)
34. Synergy of the Galactic Tunnel Network (2023)
35. Substitutes on Union Station (2023)
36. Bits of Catalyst (2023)
37. Elder Living (2023)
38. Royals on the Galactic Tunnel Network (2024)
39. Deal Night on Union Station (2024)
40. Intellectual Property (2024)
41. Bits of Business (2024)
42. Antique Living (2025)
43. Earth on the Galactic Tunnel Network (2025)
44. Cruise Night on Union Station (2025)
45. Stolen Property (2026)

What to Know Before You Start

Foner's style is characterized by snappy, dry dialogue and a total absence of graphic violence, explicit language, or high-stakes stress. Each book functions as a cozy slice-of-life comedy. You do not need to worry about cliffhangers; every book finishes its immediate story, although reading them in order lets you enjoy the slow evolution of relationships, recurring jokes, and the background political landscape.

Other Series and Standalones

If you need a break from the EarthCent universe, E.M. Foner has penned a few other projects:

The AI Diaries

Set in a completely separate universe, this four-book series follows a covert AI observer on Earth who poses as a PC repairman to study humanity. It begins with Turing Test and concludes with Mentor Test. It features the same lighthearted humor and character-centric writing as the EarthCent books.

Standalone Novels

For fantasy fans, Meghan's Dragon (2018) is a standalone novel that offers a cozy, low-stress fantasy adventure. It showcases Foner's signature warmth and dialogue in a magical setting.