Read Jodi Taylor Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

In the ever-expanding universe of science fiction and historical fiction, few authors have managed to blend both genres so seamlessly as Jodi Taylor. Known for her captivating mix of time travel, humor, and historical depth, Taylor’s works have carved a unique niche in the literary world. Her books are not just about the technicalities of time travel, but about the lives and relationships of the characters who travel through it. With a delicate balance of thrilling adventures, witty dialogue, and profound emotional stakes, Jodi Taylor’s stories offer readers a compelling experience that is both intellectually stimulating and heartwarming.

As the author behind the Chronicles of St. Mary’s series, Taylor invites readers into a world where time travel is not just a scientific curiosity, but a method of exploring the very fabric of history itself. But what makes these books so enticing, and why should you consider reading them? Let’s dive into the world of Jodi Taylor’s books, exploring the background of her writing, the ideal reading order, and what makes this series so special.

List Of Jodi Taylor Books In Order

More On Jodi Taylor Books In Chronological Order

1. Just One Damned Thing After Another (2013)

This is the first book in the *Chronicles of St. Mary’s* series. It introduces us to the wonderful, chaos-filled world of St. Mary’s, a secret historical research institution that travels through time. The protagonist, Max Maxwell, is a feisty historian with a knack for getting into all kinds of trouble. The book kicks off with an explosion of action, humor, and timey-wimey twists as Max and her colleagues try to navigate history while dodging danger and keeping the fabric of time from unraveling.

2. A Symphony of Echoes (2014)

The second book in the series continues Max’s adventure at St. Mary’s, and if you thought things couldn’t get crazier after the first book, you’re in for a surprise! Max is dealing with even more time-traveling mayhem, including a much deeper dive into historical events, new enemies, and a mystery that will keep you hooked. The humor, heart, and wit from the first book are back in full force, making this another rollicking good read.

3. A Second Chance (2015)

Max’s life takes another unexpected turn in *A Second Chance*. As she continues to try and make sense of the tangled web of time travel, her past comes back to haunt her. This book delves deeper into Max’s relationships with the people around her, and we see her character evolve in a way that makes this book stand out in the series. Time travel, danger, and deep personal growth are the key themes here.

4. Third Time Lucky (2016)

By now, you’re probably invested in Max’s world and all the craziness that comes with it. *Third Time Lucky* ramps up the stakes as Max and her team face even more perilous missions through history. Max is getting better at navigating time, but that doesn’t mean things are easy, and she has to confront some tough choices. Expect more of the wild action and laugh-out-loud moments, but with a little more emotional depth as Max grapples with what it means to be a time traveler.

5. No Time Like the Past (2017)

In *No Time Like the Past*, we see St. Mary’s facing even greater challenges as the lines between past, present, and future blur. Max and the team are tasked with investigating a historical event that could change the course of history itself. With more timey-wimey trouble, this book is packed with thrills and even more emotional depth, as Max struggles with her own identity and what it means to be part of a team that constantly faces danger.

6. What Could Possibly Go Wrong? (2018)

*What Could Possibly Go Wrong?* is a hilarious yet heart-pounding continuation of Max’s misadventures. As you can probably guess from the title, things go hilariously wrong from the very start. Max and her colleagues find themselves in even more historical scrapes, and the twists and turns keep coming. The humor is as sharp as ever, but there’s a real sense of the stakes being raised in this one. It’s a bit more personal for Max this time around.

7. Hope for the Best (2019)

Max and the gang are back in *Hope for the Best*, and let me tell you, it’s a rollercoaster. The team is facing even higher stakes, with the fate of history itself hanging in the balance. But it’s not just the history they’re worried about-it’s their own lives. Max is starting to face some tough realities, and the book explores her emotional growth in a way that is both touching and dramatic. Plus, the time travel hijinks? Absolutely wild, as always!

8. The Long Way Home (2020)

Max and her colleagues face what might be their most personal and life-altering journey yet in *The Long Way Home*. The book takes the team on an emotional journey through time, with characters confronting their pasts and facing tough decisions about their futures. As always, the humor and heart are front and center, but the stakes have never been higher. This one is a bit more introspective, as the characters reflect on everything they’ve gone through, and it’s a bit of a turning point in the series.

9. And the Rest is History (2021)

*And the Rest is History* brings the *Chronicles of St. Mary’s* series to a dramatic conclusion (for now). Max is still working hard to keep history from falling apart, but this book brings all of her experiences and growth to a head. With big stakes, plenty of action, and some unexpected twists, it’s a satisfying and emotional conclusion to this phase of the series. And of course, there’s still plenty of the signature wit and humor that fans have come to love.

Background On Jodi Taylor Books

Jodi Taylor’s breakthrough came with the Chronicles of St. Mary’s series, first published in 2013 with the novel Just One Damned Thing After Another. The series follows a team of historians who work for an institution known as St. Mary’s, where time travel is used for the purpose of investigating and observing significant historical events. The characters, primarily the witty and courageous Max and her colleagues, are tasked with maintaining the integrity of history while navigating the unpredictable nature of time travel itself.

The appeal of the series lies in Taylor’s unique approach to the time travel genre. Rather than focusing solely on the mechanics of time travel, she weaves together engaging plots that focus on the human element-the joy, fear, and even absurdity that comes with being an observer (and sometimes an accidental participant) in history. Taylor’s characters are rich in personality, often filled with quirks, humor, and emotional depth, which is what keeps readers coming back for more.

In addition to the Chronicles of St. Mary’s, Taylor has written several spin-offs and related works, including the Time Police series, which expands the universe and explores different facets of time travel and the institutional challenges surrounding it. These additional books, while set in the same universe, are distinct in their own right, offering a new set of characters and scenarios to explore.

Reading Order Explained

The Chronicles of St. Mary’s series is a long-running saga, and with multiple spin-offs, the reading order can seem daunting to new readers. But fear not; there’s a way to enjoy the books without feeling overwhelmed by the intricate timeline. Here’s a breakdown of the primary series and spin-offs, along with a recommended reading order.

The Chronicles Of St. Mary’s

1. Just One Damned Thing After Another (2013)
2. A Symphony of Echoes (2014)
3. A Second Chance (2015)
4. Time and Tide (2015)
5. No Time Like the Past (2016)
6. What Could Possibly Go Wrong? (2017)
7. The Long and Short of It (2018)
8. Hope for the Best (2018)
9. The Nothing Girl (2020)
10. The Fifth Elephant (2021)

The Time Police Series

1. The Time Police (2019)
2. The Change (2020)

Companion Books And Short Stories

• The St. Mary’s Chronicles: Tales from St. Mary’s (Short story collection)
• The Battle of St. Mary’s (2021)

Reading Order Strategy

The best way to approach this series is by starting with the Chronicles of St. Mary’s books in order of publication. These books should be read in sequence to fully appreciate the development of key characters, especially Max, and to experience the emotional depth that Taylor gradually builds across the series. Reading them in order also ensures that the larger narrative arcs around St. Mary’s and its unique take on time travel remain clear.

For those who are interested in the broader universe and the organizational aspect of time travel within Taylor’s world, the Time Police books can be read after the main Chronicles of St. Mary’s books. These spin-offs offer insight into a different facet of the time travel world, though it’s not essential to read them immediately.

It’s also worth noting that the short story collections and companion books offer additional lore and fun stories from the St. Mary’s universe. While they aren’t strictly necessary for understanding the main narrative, they are excellent for deepening your appreciation of the world and its characters.

What I Like About The Series?

One of the standout features of Jodi Taylor’s writing is her ability to balance complex time travel concepts with deeply relatable, human characters. While many time travel stories focus heavily on the mechanics of the science, Taylor centers the narrative on the personal stakes of her characters.

Max, the protagonist, is a particularly beloved character-feisty, witty, and always in over her head, but never without heart. The characters around her, each with their own quirks and personalities, bring a rich variety to the narrative. The relationships, especially the friendships and romances, are crafted with nuance, offering genuine emotional stakes that make the reader care deeply about the outcomes.

Another strong point of the series is Taylor’s sense of humor. The books are full of sharp wit and hilarious banter, particularly in moments of crisis, which adds a layer of levity to the otherwise high-stakes adventures. The tension between the absurdity of time travel and the seriousness of the historical events being observed is handled with finesse, often leading to moments of laugh-out-loud humor that never undercut the seriousness of the plot.

Lastly, the historical settings are richly detailed. Each time period Taylor’s characters visit feels distinct and fully realized, whether they’re navigating the chaos of medieval battles or the intrigue of ancient Rome. This historical richness grounds the more fantastical aspects of time travel and allows readers to experience pivotal moments in history in an intimate, character-driven way.

Should You Read Jodi Taylor Books In Order?

Yes, absolutely. While each book in the Chronicles of St. Mary’s series can be enjoyed individually, there’s a noticeable development of both character arcs and overarching plotlines that make reading the books in order highly recommended. Max’s journey, in particular, is a significant part of what keeps the series engaging, and it’s important to witness her growth and challenges in sequence to fully appreciate the emotional weight of the later books.

Moreover, the intricacies of the time travel mechanics and the evolving relationships between characters unfold across the books in ways that are best understood when read in order. Skipping ahead may leave you confused about key plot developments and character motivations.

However, for those who are just looking for a lighter read or want to dip their toes into the world of St. Mary’s without commitment, the books can still be enjoyable in isolation. The humor, historical adventures, and vibrant characters can carry much of the narrative on their own, but for a deeper, more satisfying experience, following the series as it was intended is the best approach.