Read Expeditionary Force Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on March 21, 2026

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The Expeditionary Force series by Craig Alanson has become a beloved staple for fans of military science fiction, blending space opera, humor, and intricate world-building in a way few other series have managed. What makes the series stand out isn’t just its imaginative settings or the high-stakes galactic conflicts-it’s the mix of humor, relatable characters, and clever writing that keeps readers eagerly turning the pages. But if you’re new to the series or considering diving in, one of the first questions that might come to mind is: how should you approach reading it?

With a universe as expansive as the one Alanson has crafted, it can be daunting to figure out how to start, especially with the vast array of characters, side stories, and the multiple arcs that span across the books. The Expeditionary Force series doesn’t follow a simple, linear plot but rather unfolds through multiple layers of action and character development. This guide will walk you through the series, help you understand its intricate structure, and provide insight into what makes this collection so enjoyable.

List Of Expeditionary Force Books In Order

More On Expeditionary Force Books In Chronological Order

1. Columbus Day (2016)

Alright, so this is where it all begins! We meet Joe Bishop, a grumpy, down-on-his-luck pilot who finds himself thrown into an intergalactic war after humanity’s first contact with aliens. It all starts on Earth with a mysterious alien ship that crashes and, without much warning, Joe is whisked away to a whole new reality. The book has a nice mix of humor, action, and the classic ’What do I do now?’ vibe, making you feel like you’re right there with Joe as he’s pushed into this crazy alien mess.

2. Aces (2017)

Things get a lot bigger and wilder in *Aces*. Joe’s not just trying to survive anymore; he’s learning to handle an entire fleet and deal with an alien species that has its own agenda. In this book, we dive deeper into the world-building, exploring more of the alien cultures and technologies. It’s got a lot of space combat, and you can tell the stakes are raising with each chapter. If you enjoyed *Columbus Day*, you’ll love how this one ramps things up.

3. Paradise (2017)

Here, we see Joe grappling with the consequences of his actions and facing down the consequences of meddling in an alien war that spans entire galaxies. He’s stuck trying to figure out what’s best for both humanity and the aliens he’s now allied with, and things don’t get any simpler. There’s a mix of high-stakes decisions and serious space warfare, but also some character moments that make you want to root for Joe even when he’s in way over his head.

4. Tactics (2018)

*Tactics* picks up with Joe still playing the strategic game in this intergalactic war. There’s a whole lot of maneuvering, both politically and militarily, and Joe is now facing the delicate balance of leading a multi-species alliance. Throw in some moral dilemmas, and you’ve got a book that’s part battle, part mind games. It’s the kind of read that’ll have you glued to the page wondering just how Joe is going to handle the next challenge.

5. Valkyrie (2019)

Now things are about to get even more intense in *Valkyrie*. Joe’s continuing his fight against the alien threat, but this time there’s a new set of challenges waiting for him. We’re introduced to even more complex characters and species, and the stakes keep getting higher. What I love about this book is the introduction of new technology and tactics that really spice things up, making the conflicts feel even more gripping and unpredictable.

6. Resurgence (2020)

In *Resurgence*, the action doesn’t slow down for a second. We see the results of Joe’s earlier choices playing out, and the galaxy is on the brink of all-out chaos. The book takes a deep dive into the consequences of Joe’s leadership and his relationships with both his allies and enemies. The battles are bigger, and the plot takes some unexpected turns that will leave you wanting to read faster and faster as it all unfolds.

7. Redemption (2020)

This one is all about Joe coming to terms with everything he’s done so far. He’s facing down enemies who are more ruthless than ever, and there’s a heavy focus on him trying to figure out how to redeem himself in the face of overwhelming odds. The twists are relentless in this book, with new revelations about the nature of the war and the players involved. It’s a real page-turner and one that pushes the characters to their absolute limits.

8. Calamity (2021)

*Calamity* ups the ante once again. There’s a lot of space to cover, and Joe is right at the center of it all, trying to prevent a galactic catastrophe. The book is full of deep-space battles and strategy, but it also focuses on the emotional stakes of everything Joe’s been through. The action is relentless, but there’s also some real character growth as Joe faces not just physical enemies, but the aftermath of everything he’s done.

9. Betrayal (2022)

In *Betrayal*, the twists are jaw-dropping. Joe is forced to deal with betrayals from both within his own ranks and from the alien factions he’s aligned with. There’s a constant sense of mistrust that permeates the plot, and the intensity of the battles matches the high emotional stakes. You’re never quite sure who’s going to backstab who next, which makes for a thrilling, unpredictable ride from start to finish.

10. Exile (2023)

If you thought things couldn’t get more complex, *Exile* shows you just how wrong you were. Joe’s faced so many challenges by this point, but *Exile* has him confronting something even more personal: his place in a galaxy that’s turned on him. The action is top-notch as always, but there’s a real sense of isolation and struggle as Joe fights not just for survival, but for his sense of identity in a universe that seems to be coming apart at the seams.

Background On Expeditionary Force Books

The Expeditionary Force series begins with Columbus Day (book one), which introduces us to the protagonist, Joe Bishop, a down-on-his-luck ex-soldier who unwittingly finds himself at the center of an intergalactic conflict between several alien species. The series is primarily focused on Joe’s adventures as he is thrust into a universe much larger and more dangerous than he ever imagined. Along the way, Joe is joined by an eclectic group of characters, most notably an AI named Skippy the Magnificent, whose wit and humor add a unique dynamic to the series.

The books incorporate elements from a variety of genres: military sci-fi, space opera, alien first contact, and even some light-hearted comedy. They are known for their fast-paced action, sharp dialogue, and the complex relationships that form between the characters as they navigate the political and military minefields of an ever-expanding universe.

As the series progresses, it expands its scope far beyond just Joe and Skippy, weaving in new characters, larger-scale conflicts, and evolving alien races. One of the most impressive aspects of the Expeditionary Force books is their ability to blend humor with high-stakes drama. What could easily have been a straightforward action-adventure story becomes something much more through Alanson’s skillful writing and the development of Joe’s personality and the relationships around him.

Reading Order Explained

The Expeditionary Force series consists of numerous books, with several spin-offs and prequels that further flesh out the universe Alanson has created. Here’s the basic reading order that will guide you through the main arc of the series:

1. Columbus Day (Book 1)

   The beginning of the series introduces Joe Bishop and sets the stage for the conflict with the alien species. It’s a fast-paced, action-heavy book that lays the foundation for everything to come.

2. SpecOps (Book 2)

   Joe Bishop takes on more responsibility as he faces a larger galactic war. New characters and conflicts emerge, and the story expands in scope.

3. Paradise (Book 3)

   The stakes get even higher, and Joe’s role becomes more crucial in the galactic landscape. This book explores more of the alien species and their motivations.

4. Black Ops (Book 4)

   Continuing the action, Joe’s journey leads to new challenges, including covert missions that impact the outcome of larger galactic struggles.

5. Mavericks (Book 5)

   The conflicts intensify, and Joe takes on some risky missions in an attempt to sway the tide of the galactic war.

6. End Game (Book 6)

   The culmination of the previous books, where the big questions about the fate of Joe’s universe are answered.

7. Aces (Book 7)

   Joe’s adventures continue, and the consequences of his previous actions are fully felt. New allies and enemies are introduced as the series nears its conclusion.

Beyond the main series, there are numerous spin-offs and side stories that delve deeper into the lore of the Expeditionary Force universe. These include prequels like The Goblin Wars and books that focus on specific characters or events, but they are often best enjoyed after getting through the core series. Reading the main series first will give you a solid understanding of the world and its mechanics.

What I Like About The Series?

There are many reasons why the Expeditionary Force series is so captivating. Here are some standout aspects that make it special:

1. Joe Bishop’s Character Growth

   One of the most compelling aspects of the series is the development of Joe Bishop as a character. Initially introduced as a somewhat cynical and reluctant hero, Joe grows in both maturity and leadership throughout the series. His transformation is natural and believable, making him a relatable figure even as he’s thrust into impossible situations.

2. The Dynamic Between Joe And Skippy

   Skippy the Magnificent, the AI, provides much of the humor and heart of the series. The banter between Skippy and Joe is often hilarious, with Skippy’s sarcastic and condescending attitude providing a stark contrast to Joe’s down-to-earth nature. This dynamic is a unique feature of the series and offers both levity and emotional depth.

3. The Fast-Paced, Engaging Storylines

   Alanson does a fantastic job of keeping the action moving at a brisk pace without sacrificing character development or plot. Each book introduces new challenges and twists that keep readers hooked, making it hard to put the books down once you start.

4. Humor And Wit

   The series is packed with moments of humor, particularly in the form of Skippy’s quips and Joe’s interactions with him. The humor is never forced; it flows naturally within the story and provides a nice counterbalance to the more serious moments.

5. World-Building And Alien Species

   Alanson has crafted a richly detailed universe, populated with unique alien species, each with their own cultures, technologies, and motivations. The intricate politics and military strategies that play out across the series are fascinating, and they add a layer of depth to the overall story.

6. Action And Tension

   The Expeditionary Force books never shy away from putting the characters in perilous situations. Whether it’s space battles, ground combat, or political maneuvering, the tension is always palpable. The action is well-paced and always leaves you wanting more.

Should You Read Expeditionary Force Books In Order?

Yes, reading the Expeditionary Force books in order is highly recommended. The series is built around character arcs, evolving plots, and the gradual unfolding of a larger narrative. While each book can stand on its own to some degree, the story benefits greatly from being experienced in sequence. By reading in order, you’ll get the full impact of Joe’s growth, the development of key relationships, and the overarching conflict that ties everything together.

That being said, if you want to dive into one of the spin-offs first, such as The Goblin Wars, you can do so, but be prepared to encounter spoilers for the main series. These spin-offs often explore events or characters in more depth, but they’re best enjoyed after you’ve gotten familiar with the core story.