Our Mission
Books In Order exists for one simple reason: to help readers navigate the sometimes confusing world of book series. Whether you're diving into a beloved fantasy saga, exploring a mystery series, or discovering a new author's work, we're here to ensure you experience these stories as they were meant to be read.
We believe that reading books in the correct order enhances the storytelling experience, preserves plot surprises, and allows character development to unfold naturally. Our goal is to be the most comprehensive, accurate, and user-friendly resource for reading order information.
What We Do
Comprehensive Series Guides
For each series in our database, we provide:
- Complete book listings in recommended reading order
- Publication information including release dates and ISBN numbers
- Series descriptions without spoilers
- Alternative reading orders when applicable (chronological vs publication)
- Related series information for shared universes
- Notes on novellas, short stories, and companion works
Author Profiles
Our author pages help you:
- Discover all series and standalone works by an author
- Understand connections between different series
- Find the best starting point for new readers
- Learn about pseudonyms and co-authored works
Reading Guides
Beyond simple book lists, we offer guidance on:
- Choosing between publication and chronological order
- Understanding complex multi-series universes
- Deciding whether to read prequels first
- Managing long series without burnout
Our Story
The Books In Order team
Books In Order began as a passion project born from personal frustration. Like many readers, we'd accidentally read series out of order, spoiling major plot points or missing important character development. We searched for a reliable resource that could definitively answer "What order should I read these books in?" but found information scattered across author websites, fan wikis, and forum discussions.
We decided to create the resource we wished existed: a clean, easy-to-navigate website dedicated solely to helping readers find the correct reading order for any series. Starting with a handful of popular series, we've grown to cover thousands of series across all genres.
Our Process
Accuracy is paramount to us. For every series we add:
- Research multiple sources: We consult author websites, publisher information, and trusted fan resources
- Verify publication data: We cross-reference ISBNs, release dates, and edition information
- Consider reader experience: We think about spoilers, story flow, and accessibility
- Update regularly: We monitor for new releases, revised editions, and author updates
- Listen to feedback: Reader corrections help us maintain accuracy
Our Values
Reader-First Approach
Every decision we make prioritizes the reader's experience. We avoid spoilers, provide clear navigation, and offer multiple ways to find the information you need.
Accuracy and Transparency
When reading orders are debated, we explain our reasoning. If authors have stated preferences, we follow them. When multiple valid orders exist, we present options.
Inclusivity
We cover series across all genres, from mainstream bestsellers to niche favorites. Every reader should find their next great series here.
Continuous Improvement
The publishing world constantly evolves, and so do we. We regularly update our database, improve our features, and expand our coverage based on reader needs.
How We Keep the Lights On
Books In Order is a free resource, and we intend to keep it that way. To cover our hosting costs and the time invested in maintaining this comprehensive database, we use Amazon affiliate links. When you click through to Amazon from our site and make a purchase, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
We chose this approach because:
- No intrusive ads: We believe cluttered, ad-heavy pages ruin the reading experience
- Reader-friendly: You only support us when you find a book you want to buy
- Transparent: We're upfront about our affiliate relationships
- Aligned interests: We only earn when we help you find books you'll love
Your support through these links helps us maintain and improve the site, add new series, and keep Books In Order free for all readers. Thank you for understanding and supporting our mission!
Join Our Community
Books In Order is more than a reference site—it's a community of readers who love series. We invite you to:
- Use our resources to enhance your reading experience
- Share our site with fellow readers who might benefit
- Report errors to help us maintain accuracy
- Suggest series we should add to our database
- Join our newsletter for updates on new series and reading tips
Looking Forward
As we continue to grow, our mission remains the same: to be the most trusted resource for reading order information. We're constantly working on new features, expanding our database, and finding ways to better serve readers.
Thank you for making Books In Order part of your reading journey. Happy reading, and may you always find your next book in the right order!