The Expanse Reading Order

James S.A. Corey's Expanse series is hard science fiction following the crew of the Rocinante through a solar system on the brink of war. 9 novels, multiple novellas, and a critically acclaimed TV adaptation.

Our Recommendation: Novels First, Novellas Optional Read the 9 main novels in order. The novellas add background but aren't essential. If you want to include them, we show the integrated order below.

Main Novels Only

Leviathan WakesBuy Now Audible2011
Caliban's WarBuy Now Audible2012
Abaddon's GateBuy Now Audible2013
Cibola BurnBuy Now Audible2014
Nemesis GamesBuy Now Audible2015
Babylon's AshesBuy Now Audible2016
Persepolis RisingBuy Now Audible2017
Tiamat's WrathBuy Now Audible2019
Leviathan FallsBuy Now Audible2021

Own the Complete Series Buying the whole series at once is usually cheaper than individual books, and box sets make a great gift. See The Expanse box set options on Amazon ›

Complete Order with Novellas

If you want the full experience, here's where the novellas fit. All novellas are available in Memory's Legion (complete collection):

The Butcher of Anderson Station (novella) → Leviathan Wakes
Gods of Risk (novella) → Caliban's War
The Churn (novella) → Abaddon's Gate
Cibola Burn
The Vital Abyss (novella) → Nemesis Games
Strange Dogs (novella) → Babylon's Ashes
Persepolis Rising
Auberon (novella) → Tiamat's Wrath
The Sins of Our Fathers (novella) → Leviathan Falls

Get all novellas: Memory's Legion: The Complete Expanse Story CollectionBuy Now Audible includes all 9 novellas plus bonus content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Expanse series finished?

Yes! Leviathan Falls (2021) is the final book. The series is complete at 9 novels and 9 novellas/short stories.

Books or TV show first?

Either works. The TV show adapts the first 6 books faithfully. The final 3 books haven't been adapted yet. Many fans enjoy both.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.