When it comes to reading book series, especially those with prequels or interquels, you’ll often encounter discussions about publication order versus chronological order.
Publication Order
Publication order means reading the books in the sequence they were originally released to the public by the author or publisher.
Advantages of Publication Order:
- Author’s Intent: This is generally the order the author intended you to experience the story. They often build the world, characters, and plot twists in a specific way, sometimes even withholding information in earlier books that a later-published prequel might reveal.
- Avoids Spoilers: Prequels, even if set earlier in the timeline, are often written after the main series. They might contain references, foreshadowing, or even outright reveals that assume you’ve already read the main series. Reading them in publication order prevents you from spoiling yourself.
- Character and World Evolution: You experience the characters’ growth and the world’s development as the author conceived and wrote it. This includes improvements in writing style, deeper world-building, and evolving themes.
- Original Experience: If you’re joining a series that’s already out, reading in publication order allows you to have a similar experience to those who followed the series as it was being released.
Chronological Order
Chronological order means reading the books based on the internal timeline of the story’s events, from the earliest point in the narrative to the latest. This often means reading prequels first, even if they were published later.
Advantages of Chronological Order:
- Clear Timeline: It provides a continuous, linear progression of events, which can be easier for some readers to follow, especially in complex worlds with long histories.
- Deeper Backstory: You get all the foundational history and character backstories upfront, which can enrich your understanding of later events and character motivations.
- Sense of “Completeness”: For some, starting at the very beginning of the in-universe timeline feels more satisfying.
Which is Best for You?
There’s no single “right” answer, and it often depends on the specific series and your personal preference.
- For most first-time readers of a series, publication order is generally recommended. This is because authors usually craft their series for first-time readers in that sequence, building mysteries and reveals as they go.
- If you’re re-reading a series or if the author explicitly states that their books can be read in any order, then chronological can be a fun alternative.
Ultimately, the goal is to enjoy the story!