The Expanse Series - Complete Overview (Reading Order)

The Expanse Series -  Complete Overview (Reading Order)

What if our future wasn't in one galaxy, but scattered across the stars, tangled in war, politics, love, and the unknown? That’s what The Expanse series, the bestselling sci-fi epic by James S. A. Corey, delivers across a sweeping saga of 9 main novels and 9 novellas. More than just epic space battles and alien tech, The Expanse series dives deep into human nature, survival, and evolution, making it a must-read for any fan of thought-provoking science fiction.

Spanning centuries and star systems, The Expanse follows a diverse cast, primarily the crew of the gunship Rocinante, as they navigate interplanetary tensions, alien artifacts, corporate greed, and revolutionary movements. With characters that grow with every book and plots that escalate from intimate mysteries to galactic threats, it’s widely regarded as one of the greatest sci-fi sagas of our time.

In this guide, we break down each of the 18 works in reading order (not publication order). If a novella falls between two books, we refer to it as 1.5, 3.5, etc. This order gives you the best narrative flow, ensuring that every plot point and character beat lands just right. 

Reading Order & Summaries

0.1 – Drive (Novella)

This short story serves as the technological origin of The Expanse universe. It follows Solomon Epstein, the engineer who creates the Epstein Drive, a powerful and fuel-efficient propulsion system that enables humanity to colonize the solar system. Through Solomon’s personal story and tragic consequences, we get a glimpse into how one invention triggered an interplanetary boom. It's a foundational piece that enriches the political and economic backdrop of the series.

1 – Leviathan Wakes (Novel)

The story kicks off with two central characters, James Holden, an XO on an ice hauler, and Detective Miller, a weary cop searching for a missing woman, Julie Mao. Their paths converge as a mysterious alien substance, known as the protomolecule, wreaks havoc on the asteroid belt. Holden and Miller uncover a conspiracy that could ignite war between Earth, Mars, and the Belt. At the heart of this chaos is the formation of the Rocinante crew, a group of unlikely heroes who become central to the fate of humanity.

1.5 – The Butcher of Anderson Station (Novella)

This story focuses on Fred Johnson, a former Earth military commander whose brutal suppression of a Belter rebellion earned him the nickname “The Butcher.” Haunted by guilt and disillusioned with Earth’s politics, Johnson eventually joins the Outer Planets Alliance (OPA). The novella provides critical insight into his transformation and his moral complexity. It paints the human side of interplanetary politics and power shifts, making him one of the series' most nuanced secondary characters.

2 – Caliban’s War (Novel)

Set on Ganymede, a key food-producing moon, this book introduces Bobbie Draper, a Martian marine who survives an attack by a horrifying protomolecule-based hybrid. At the same time, Chrisjen Avasarala, a cunning UN official, maneuvers political tensions on Earth. As Holden and the Rocinante investigate, they uncover a terrifying conspiracy involving genetic experiments on children. The novel raises the stakes of the protomolecule’s reach, while deepening the personal arcs of the Rocinante crew.

2.5 – Gods of Risk (Novella)

This Mars-based story follows David Draper, Bobbie’s teenage nephew, as he becomes entangled in the Martian drug trade. The novella explores Mars’ militarized culture and the expectations placed on young people growing up under pressure. With themes of youth, identity, and systemic failure, it provides a grounded, intimate perspective on Martian society, serving as a valuable character piece that complements Caliban’s War.

3 – Abaddon’s Gate (Novel)

The alien protomolecule has constructed a massive Ring Gate near Uranus. Governments and factions scramble to investigate, each with their own agenda. The Rocinante is drawn into a mission beyond the gate, where physics itself seems altered. The novel explores religious fanaticism, redemption, and humanity’s first cautious steps into the unknown. New characters add layers to the narrative, while old ones confront inner demons. It’s a tense and thoughtful book that shifts the series toward grander cosmic horizons.

3.5 – The Churn (Novella)

This gritty novella goes deep into Amos Burton’s past in Baltimore, Earth. Before becoming the calm yet terrifying mechanic of the Rocinante, Amos lived a violent life shaped by abuse, crime, and survival. It’s a brutal but important backstory that explains his detachment, loyalty, and moral code. You see the events that forged one of the series' most iconic and enigmatic characters.

4 – Cibola Burn (Novel)

With the Ring Gates open, new planets become available for colonization. On Ilus, settlers and a corporate science team clash violently. Holden is sent as a mediator, but ancient alien tech buried on the planet threatens them all. The novel questions humanity's right to conquer new worlds, showing how old Earth conflicts are carried to new frontiers. It’s part western, part environmental thriller, and introduces the risks of meddling with alien technology.

5 – Nemesis Games (Novel)

The Rocinante crew splits up to deal with personal issues. Naomi confronts her past with a violent Belter faction, Amos visits Earth, Alex reconnects with family, and Holden stays behind. Meanwhile, Marco Inaros leads a devastating asteroid attack on Earth, initiating a solar system-wide conflict. The book is emotionally heavy and dramatically shifts the balance of power in the system. It's also the most character-focused installment in the series.

5.5 – The Vital Abyss (Novella)

This psychological story follows a scientist who worked on the protomolecule experiments. Now imprisoned, he reflects on his past and the philosophy of evil. The novella adds chilling depth to the ethical implications of scientific research under corporate rule. It also hints at secrets about the protomolecule and its creators, bridging the gap toward the Laconia arc.

6 – Babylon’s Ashes (Novel)

The solar system is in chaos. The Free Navy, led by Marco Inaros, has fractured human civilization. Earth is devastated, the Belt is rising, and alliances are crumbling. The novel follows multiple POVs to show how ordinary people, military leaders, and rebels cope with disaster. The Rocinante plays a key role in resisting tyranny, and justice begins to take form. It’s a sprawling, fast-paced installment about revolution, revenge, and rebuilding.

6.5 – Strange Dogs (Novella)

Set on Laconia, a young girl named Cara befriends strange alien dogs with the power to resurrect the dead. What starts as a touching story turns eerie, introducing a dark twist on alien biology and mortality. The novella foreshadows the Laconian Empire and its morally murky use of alien tech. It’s creepy, powerful, and sets the stage for major developments in the next books.

7 – Persepolis Rising (Novel)

Decades after Babylon’s Ashes, the Rocinante crew is older and the solar system is at relative peace—until the return of the Laconian Empire, led by Duarte, who has used protomolecule tech to build godlike warships. Laconia’s takeover is swift and brutal, and the resistance begins anew. The novel marks the beginning of the final trilogy and shifts from politics to epic-scale authoritarianism and rebellion.

7.5 – Auberon (Novella)

Taking place on the newly conquered planet of Auberon, this novella explores how Laconia governs through both benevolence and fear. A new governor must suppress rebellion while trying to impose order, showing the internal tensions of the Laconian regime. It’s a thoughtful, morally ambiguous story about compromise, control, and the cost of peace.

8 – Tiamat’s Wrath (Novel)

The resistance escalates. Major characters face death, transformation, and betrayal. Laconian rule expands, but Duarte seeks transcendence through alien tech, triggering unforeseen consequences. Meanwhile, Holden becomes a symbol of rebellion even in captivity. It’s a tragic and action-filled novel that explores power, sacrifice, and what it means to be human. Every moment feels heavy with purpose.

9 – Leviathan Falls (Novel)

The end of the saga. Humanity’s final stand comes as the dark gods behind the protomolecule begin to awaken. Holden and his crew risk everything to save what remains. The novel delivers emotional closure, high-stakes drama, and philosophical depth. Relationships come full circle, and the fate of not just humanity—but sentient life—hangs in the balance. A fitting and unforgettable conclusion.

9.5 – The Sins of Our Fathers (Novella)

Set after the fall of Laconia, this story focuses on the next generation—children raised in the aftermath of conflict. It’s a quiet, hopeful tale that reflects on forgiveness, rebuilding, and learning from the past. While the main story ends with Leviathan Falls, this novella acts as a gentle epilogue for a new chapter of humanity.

Final Thoughts

With 9 main novels and 9 novellas, The Expanse is a monumental achievement in modern science fiction. From noir detective work to philosophical sci-fi horror, from grounded political drama to intergalactic rebellion—this series has it all. Reading in this order gives you the full emotional impact, character development, and worldbuilding mastery.

Whether you're new to the series or returning for a re-read, now is the perfect time to dive into humanity's most thrilling space epic.