The Chosen Book Series Reading Order Guide

Diving into The Chosen book series is an amazing way to go deeper with the groundbreaking show, but figuring out where to begin can be a bit tricky. The main novels adapt each season of the TV show, giving readers a chance to explore the story with far more detail than the screen allows.

You can read them right alongside watching the show, or even enjoy them as a totally separate experience.

Your Guide to The Chosen Book Series

So, you're ready to explore the literary world of The Chosen? Perfect. This is your roadmap to the novels, companion books, and even graphic novels that bring the story of Jesus and his disciples to life on the page. Whether you've seen every episode or you're just starting out, we’ve got you covered.

These books aren't just simple retellings. They're packed with deeper character insights and the kind of internal thoughts you just can't get from a TV show. It's a family affair, too—the series is primarily written by Jerry B. Jenkins, who happens to be the father of the show's creator, Dallas Jenkins.

Here’s what this guide will help you sort out:

• The Core Novels: We'll look at the books that directly follow each season of the show.

• Reading Order: Should you follow the publication date or the story's timeline? We'll break it down.

• Companion Materials: Discover how the devotionals and study guides can seriously enrich your experience.

If you're curious about how reading orders work for other series, our detailed article on arranging series books in order is a great resource. By the time you're done here, you’ll have everything you need to fully jump into The Chosen books.

Getting to Know the Different Types of Chosen Books

The world of The Chosen extends far beyond the screen, and the book series offers a whole new way to experience the story. But it's not just a simple novelization; there are several different formats to explore. Knowing what's available helps you pick the perfect entry point.

Each type of book is designed with a different purpose in mind, catering to different reading styles and goals. We can really break them down into three main categories that work together to create a much richer, more immersive narrative.

The Core Book Categories

When you dive into the literary side of The Chosen, you'll find these key formats:

• Core Novelizations: These are the heart of the book series, penned by the incredible Jerry B. Jenkins. Each novel is a direct adaptation of a season from the show. The real magic here is getting inside the characters' heads—you get to read their internal thoughts and perspectives in a way that simply isn't possible on screen.

• Graphic Novels: If you're a visual person, these are for you. The graphic novels take the same powerful storylines and translate them into a classic comic book format. They bring the most iconic moments to life with stunning illustrations and dynamic art, offering a completely different but equally compelling way to see the story unfold.

• Companion Books: This is a broader category that includes devotionals and in-depth Bible study guides. These books are specifically designed to help you connect the show's powerful themes back to scripture. They're perfect for personal reflection or for sparking deeper conversations in a group study.

The great thing is that each format really stands on its own. You can jump into the story from whatever angle appeals to you most. Whether you want a traditional novel, a visual adventure, or a spiritual study aid, The Chosen has a book that fits.

A Deeper Look at the Core Novelizations

The novelizations are the heart and soul of The Chosen book universe. Written by the legendary Jerry B. Jenkins, these books aren't just simple retellings of the show. They're crafted to stand entirely on their own, translating each TV season into rich, compelling prose.

Think of it this way: while each book sticks to the plot of its season, it adds a layer of depth that a camera just can't capture. You get inside the characters' heads.

Where the show lets you see a character's reaction, the novels let you read their private thoughts, their fears, and what truly motivates them. It’s this internal world that gives familiar scenes a powerful new perspective, making the whole experience feel much more personal.

Understanding the Content of Each Novel

So, where should you start? Here’s a quick, spoiler-free look at what makes the first couple of books in the chosen book series so special. Each volume zeroes in on the specific themes and character journeys that defined its season on screen.

• The Chosen: I Have Called You by Name: This is the one that started it all, based on Season One. It pulls you into the world of key figures like Simon, Matthew, Mary Magdalene, and Nicodemus right before their lives change forever. Jenkins does a masterful job diving into their backstories and the personal struggles that ultimately lead them to Jesus, setting the stage with powerful themes of hope and redemption.

• The Chosen: Come and See: Picking up where the first book left off, this novel adapts Season Two and expands the world as Jesus’s ministry begins to grow. The focus shifts to the group dynamics of the disciples—their conflicts, their questions, and their slow, dawning understanding of the mission they're on. You get a real feel for the day-to-day challenges, both logistical and emotional, of following Jesus.

It's no surprise these books are so popular, given the show's incredible success. The TV series has already been seen by over 200 million viewers across the globe, a testament to its widespread availability and the story's universal appeal. That kind of reach shows just how powerfully this story connects with people. You can find more details about The Chosen's extraordinary global viewership on Crosswalk.com.

For anyone looking to fully immerse themselves in the story behind the show, these novels are the perfect place to begin.

Publication Order Versus Chronological Reading

Figuring out how to tackle a book series like The Chosen is a big decision that can totally shape how you experience the story. You’ve really got two main paths: reading in publication order, which means following the release dates, or going with chronological order, which lines everything up on the story’s timeline.

Neither way is wrong, but they definitely offer two very different journeys.

Reading in publication order is all about experiencing the story exactly as the author unveiled it to the world. It’s the path early fans took, and it preserves all the plot twists and character introductions just as they were meant to be discovered. You get to grow with the series as it was originally built, which is a pretty special feeling.

On the other hand, a chronological reading strips away the publication dates and organizes the story into one seamless timeline. This is perfect if you can’t stand jumping around in time and just want the narrative to flow from beginning to end. It can make the overarching plot much easier to follow, especially when prequels or side stories are in the mix.

Comparing Publication vs Chronological Reading Order

So, how do you pick? It really comes down to what you're looking for. Do you love the slow burn of mystery and reveals as they were first told, or do you prefer the crystal-clear logic of a linear story?

To make it even clearer, here's a side-by-side look at the two approaches for The Chosen series.

Ultimately, the best approach is a matter of personal taste. Many readers swear by publication order for a first read-through to get that authentic experience. Then, they’ll revisit the series chronologically to see how all the events connect in a new light.

For a deeper dive into how these reading styles work for other famous series, check out our guide on understanding complete vs publication order. It’s packed with great examples and more insights to help you decide. No matter which path you choose, you're in for a fantastic journey through the world of The Chosen.

How Companion Books Deepen Your Experience

Watching The Chosen is one thing, but really living in its world is another. Beyond the main novels, a whole collection of companion books exists to take you from a passive viewer to an active participant in the story's spiritual journey.

Think of these books as a bridge. They connect what you see on screen—the characters, the drama, the emotion—directly to its scriptural roots. This allows you to dig into the powerful themes of the series in a much more personal and reflective way.

Moving from Entertainment to Engagement

Companion books aren't just add-ons; they're tools designed to completely change how you interact with the story. For anyone wanting to truly grasp the context and message behind The Chosen, these resources are essential.

They generally fall into a few key categories:

• Bible Study Guides: If you're looking for historical and scriptural context, start here. These guides link scenes from the show and novels directly to biblical passages. They are packed with cross-references and thought-provoking questions perfect for small group discussions or your own quiet time.

• Devotionals: For a dose of daily inspiration, the devotionals offer short, thematic reflections tied to the characters and their struggles. They are fantastic for helping you apply the story's lessons on faith, forgiveness, and hope to your own life.

• Children’s Literature: Want to share the experience with your family? Beautifully illustrated books retell key events in a simple, engaging way, making the story accessible and meaningful for younger audiences.

The TV show's incredible success, with an estimated 280 million viewers worldwide, has created a huge demand for these extra materials. The story's global impact, reaching both religious and non-religious audiences, has fueled the creation of a diverse range of books to support it. You can learn more about this on the Wikipedia page for The Chosen.

Where to Purchase The Chosen Book Series

Alright, you've figured out your reading order, so now for the fun part: getting the books! The good news is that The Chosen books are incredibly easy to find, whether you prefer shopping directly from the source or through major retailers.

One of the coolest things about The Chosen is its unique fan-funded model. When you buy directly from their official channels, you're not just getting a book; you're helping to fund future seasons and other literary projects. It’s a great way to show your support.

Official and Major Retailers

You've got a few solid options when it comes to tracking down the books in whatever format you like best. Here’s where I’d look first:

• The Chosen Gift Shop: This is the official storefront from Angel Studios. It's the most direct route to supporting the creators, and they often have exclusive bundles you won't find anywhere else.

• Amazon: The go-to for pretty much everything. You'll find hardcover, paperback, Kindle e-books, and even the Audible audiobooks all in one place.

• Barnes & Noble: A classic choice for book lovers. It's perfect if you want to browse in-store or if you're a fan of their Nook e-reader.

It's not just the books seeing massive success. The series has made a huge splash in theaters, grossing roughly

40 million worldwide. Even the debut of Season 5 pulled in nearly $60 million on its own. This just goes to show how much global interest there is in this story. You can read more about The Chosen's box office milestones on Gospel Music.

Of course, choosing your reading order is just the first step. If you need some general tips on how to tackle a new series, be sure to check out our guide on where to start with a book series.

Common Questions About The Chosen Books

Jumping into a new world like The Chosen always brings up a few questions. Let's tackle some of the most common ones to make sure your reading experience is as smooth as possible.

Do I Need to Watch the TV Show to Understand the Books?

Nope, you can dive right into the books without ever seeing an episode. The novels, penned by bestselling author Jerry B. Jenkins, are designed as fantastic standalone adaptations. They follow the show's plotlines but are a complete experience all on their own.

That said, watching the show can definitely add another layer to your experience. Seeing the actors' performances and the on-screen world they inhabit can create a deeper connection to the characters. The books then build on that foundation, giving you a look inside their heads—exploring the internal thoughts and motivations that a camera can't always capture.

Clarifying Key Details

A few other practical questions tend to pop up about how the books came to be and where to find them.

• Who is the author? The TV series was created by Dallas Jenkins. The core novels, however, are written by his father, Jerry B. Jenkins, who is famous for the Left Behind series.

• Are books available for every season? Novelizations are released for each season, but there's often a bit of a delay between the show's release and the book's publication. It's always a good idea to check official retailers for the most current release dates.

• What's the difference between the novels and graphic novels? The novels tell the story using traditional prose. The graphic novels take the same events and adapt them into a vibrant, comic-book-style format, which is a great option for visual readers.

For a broader look at common questions about reading series in general, you can explore our comprehensive reading order FAQ for more tips.

At Books In Order, we’re all about helping you navigate your favorite literary worlds with confidence. Find your next great read and its perfect sequence at https://booksinorder.org.

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