Read The 100 Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on July 6, 2026

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The The 100 series by Kass Morgan has captivated a generation of readers with its dystopian world-building, complex characters, and relentless exploration of survival. Starting as a young adult science fiction series, it has evolved into a multifaceted universe that delves deep into themes of human nature, power, morality, and the repercussions of decisions made in the face of extinction. With its compelling storylines and well-developed world, The 100 has drawn comparisons to other iconic dystopian works, but it holds its own by offering unique twists and a blend of heart-pounding adventure, political intrigue, and emotional depth.

Whether you are looking to dive into this gripping universe for the first time or are a fan seeking to revisit the world through a different lens, understanding the reading order, the evolution of the story across the series, and the appeal of the novels will enrich your experience. Let’s take an in-depth look at the The 100 series, how the books fit together, and why this post-apocalyptic adventure continues to resonate with readers around the globe.

List Of The 100 Books In Order

More On The 100 Books In Chronological Order

1. The 100 (2013)

Oh, this is where it all begins! Picture this: humanity has been living in space for generations after Earth became uninhabitable, and now 100 juvenile delinquents are sent down to the planet to see if it’s livable again. Chaos, survival, first love, and tough choices-this book kicks off the series with a bang and makes you question what you’d do if the fate of humanity rested on your shoulders.

2. Day 21 (2014)

This is the sequel where things get messier-literally and emotionally. The 100 are trying to settle on Earth, but, surprise, there’s a lot of conflict and danger lurking. Alliances are tested, secrets are revealed, and the tension is like a ticking bomb. If you loved the first one, get ready to be glued to the page and probably screaming at the characters in frustration and awe.

3. Homecoming (2015)

Ah, the series continues! In ’Homecoming,’ the 100 face even more dilemmas, balancing survival with morality. The stakes are higher, the emotions are rawer, and the twists just keep coming. It’s the kind of book that makes you simultaneously want to hug and shake the characters while whispering ’think before you act!’

4. Rebellion (2016)

The grand finale! ’Rebellion’ wraps up the saga with epic tension, dramatic confrontations, and heartbreaking choices. Morgan pulls out all the stops here, mixing action, strategy, and emotional payoffs that hit you right in the feels. It’s the perfect storm of everything that made the series addictive.

5. Light Years (2019)

Switching gears, this is a standalone sci-fi that takes you on a journey across galaxies and time. Morgan’s storytelling is as sharp as ever, filled with adventure, ethical dilemmas, and that signature suspense that keeps you flipping pages. It’s less about the 100 and more about exploring humanity’s place in a vast, mysterious universe.

6. The Ravens (2021)

And here we have her foray into fantasy! ’The Ravens’ introduces readers to a darkly magical world filled with secrets, danger, and morally gray characters who are impossible not to root for. If you like complex world-building and political intrigue with a side of magic, this book will pull you right in.

Background On The 100 Books

At its core, The 100 series takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity has been driven to the brink of extinction. Set nearly a century after a nuclear apocalypse wiped out most of the population, the story begins aboard a massive space station called the Ark, where the descendants of survivors have lived for generations. The inhabitants of the Ark are faced with dwindling resources, escalating tensions, and the looming question of what remains on Earth.

The central premise of the series hinges on 100 juvenile delinquents being sent back to Earth on a risky mission to determine if the planet is habitable once again. These teenagers, referred to as "The 100," are forced to navigate a hostile environment filled with dangerous survivors, wild animals, and the remnants of a civilization long since destroyed.

The series spans four primary books, each adding complexity to the narrative and the world-building. The journey of these young delinquents as they face moral dilemmas, the horrors of war, and the struggle to define what it means to rebuild a society in the ashes of the old one is both compelling and thought-provoking.

The four main books in The 100 series include:

1. The 100 (2013)
2. Day 21 (2014)
3. Homecoming (2015)
4. Rebellion (2016)

In addition to these, there are several short stories and a prequel, The 100: The Final Survival Guide, which offer additional insights into the universe. The series has also been adapted into a highly successful television show, which, while drawing heavily from the books, diverges in significant ways to create a distinct experience.

Reading Order Explained

Reading the The 100 books in order is crucial for fully understanding the plot progression, character development, and thematic shifts. The narrative is intricately woven, and the relationships between characters evolve significantly over time. Jumping into the middle of the series may cause some confusion and detract from the overall impact of the journey.

Here’s a breakdown of the optimal reading order:

1. The 100: The first book introduces readers to the dystopian world of the Ark, the 100 juvenile delinquents, and the harsh environment they are thrust into. The narrative is told through multiple perspectives, giving insight into the lives of key characters like Clarke, Bellamy, Wells, and Glass. This book sets the stage for everything that follows, establishing both the personal stakes of the characters and the larger, world-altering consequences of their actions.
2. Day 21: The second book picks up where the first left off, focusing on the 100’s continued survival on Earth. It deepens character arcs and explores the psychological toll that living in such an unforgiving environment takes on the teens. New conflicts arise, and the tension between the human desire for survival and the ethical cost of that survival begins to unfold.
3. Homecoming: By now, the series takes a more intense turn. This book delves further into the political implications of the survivors’ actions and the rise of power struggles within the community. The stakes are higher, and more alliances are formed (and broken). There are shocking twists, including revelations about the nature of the Earth’s post-apocalyptic state.
4. Rebellion: The final book of the series brings the characters to a tipping point. The choices they have made earlier in the series come back to haunt them, leading to an all-out rebellion that could alter the course of humanity. This book ties up the many character arcs while delivering a conclusion that both satisfies and challenges readers’ expectations about the future of the survivors.

While these four books form the core of The 100 series, there are also several related works that offer additional context:

• The 100: The Final Survival Guide: This is a supplementary work that delves into the universe’s backstory and gives more detail about the events leading up to the series. It’s not essential to the main plot but offers a rich layer of context for those who want to immerse themselves further in the world.
• Prequel Series (The 100: Rebellion): For those interested in how the apocalypse began and how the first generation on the Ark lived, the prequel series provides additional backstory and context to the entire world of The 100. This is a worthwhile read for anyone who wants to explore the origins of the story’s central conflicts.

What I Like About The Series?

The The 100 series has a compelling blend of elements that make it highly engaging. Here are a few aspects that stand out:

1. Complex Characters: One of the strongest elements of The 100 is its well-developed characters. Each of the protagonists is deeply flawed, making them relatable and interesting to follow. Clarke, Bellamy, Wells, and Glass all have distinct personalities and motivations, which evolve over the course of the series. They are not mere pawns in the plot; their decisions have weight, and the consequences are often harsh.
2. Moral Dilemmas: The series doesn’t shy away from exploring difficult ethical questions. The characters must face decisions that force them to choose between the greater good and personal loyalty. Issues such as leadership, justice, and the price of survival are explored in depth. The series constantly challenges the characters’ ideals, and by extension, the reader’s notions of right and wrong.
3. World-Building: The world of The 100 feels expansive, from the deteriorating Ark to the wild and dangerous Earth below. The post-apocalyptic setting is grim but fascinating, with different tribes, survivalist factions, and remnants of a once-thriving civilization all contributing to the lore of the world.
4. Action-Packed Plot: If you enjoy high-stakes drama, The 100 delivers. The plot is fast-paced, with plenty of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. From the perilous descent to Earth to the confrontations with rival factions, there is always something at risk.
5. Themes of Survival and Rebirth: At its heart, The 100 is about survival – not just physical survival, but the survival of humanity’s values, traditions, and ideals. How do you rebuild a society from scratch? What does it mean to be human in the face of overwhelming adversity? These themes are explored with nuance and sophistication.

Should You Read The 100 Books In Order?

Yes, absolutely. The series is written to be read in sequence. The plot builds upon itself with each installment, and the character development is spread across the books. Jumping ahead to later books would diminish the emotional weight of earlier moments. Additionally, many key twists and reveals are set up early on and pay off later, making it essential to experience the story in order.

Starting with the first book gives you a solid foundation of the world and the characters, and without that understanding, the more nuanced plotlines in the subsequent books might lose their impact. The slow burn of the series, where each piece of information is revealed over time, rewards the reader who follows the recommended reading order.