A

Ada Palmer

Bestselling Author • 3 Series • 7 Books

3
Series
7
Books
3
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Terra Ignota Books
Start with: Too Like the Lightning (2016)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
Start with: Inventing the Renaissance: The Myth of a Golden Age (2025)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Anthologies
Start with: Homer Among the Moderns (2015)

About Ada Palmer

Ada Palmer is a professor of History at the University of Chicago. She is also an author with a preference for science fiction and fantasy. When she isn’t teaching or writing, Ada Palmer is composing folk music. +Biography Ada Palmer comes from Annapolis MD. A student of Bryn Mawr School in Baltimore and the Rock College of Bard, Ada’s love for history manifested at a very young age. In fact, the author left high school at the age of sixteen and went to college early so that she could indulge in her interest for Latin and Ancient Greek. Ada’s life has been one of scholarly pursuit. Following her graduation from Bryn Mawr College in 2001, the author immediately set her sights on Harvard, determining to get her Ph.D. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Terra Ignota Books series, Ada Palmer has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.

📚 All Book Series by Ada Palmer

Publication Order of Terra Ignota Books
4 books 2016–2021
1

Too Like the Lightning

Too Like the Lightning continues the Publication Order of Terra Ignota Books story arc with Ada Palmer's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2016
2

Seven Surrenders

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Terra Ignota Books with Seven Surrenders, another outstanding contribution from Ada Palmer.

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2017
3

The Will to Battle

Conflict and courage define The Will to Battle, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Terra Ignota Books series by Ada Palmer that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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2017
4

Perhaps the Stars

Perhaps the Stars continues the Publication Order of Terra Ignota Books story arc with Ada Palmer's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2021
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
1 books 2025–2025
1

Inventing the Renaissance: The Myth of a Golden Age

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Inventing the Renaissance: The Myth of a Golden Age, another outstanding contribution from Ada Palmer.

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2025
Publication Order of Anthologies
2 books 2015–2017
1

Homer Among the Moderns

Homer Among the Moderns continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Ada Palmer's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2015
2

Shoreline of Infinity 8½: Edinburgh International Book Festival Special Edition

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Shoreline of Infinity 8½: Edinburgh International Book Festival Special Edition, another outstanding contribution from Ada Palmer.

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2017

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Ada Palmer?

Ada Palmer is a bestselling author known for 3 book series containing over 7 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Terra Ignota Books, Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books, Publication Order of Anthologies. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Ada Palmer series to start with?

For readers new to Ada Palmer's work, the Publication Order of Terra Ignota Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 4 books. Begin with Too Like the Lightning to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Ada Palmer written?

Ada Palmer has written over 7 books across 3 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Ada Palmer books in order?

Yes, reading Ada Palmer's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.

What genre does Ada Palmer write in?

Ada Palmer writes primarily in fiction. With 3 series across 7 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Ada Palmer's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Ada Palmer's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.

What is Ada Palmer's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Ada Palmer's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Terra Ignota Books series. The first book, Too Like the Lightning, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.