C

Catherine Asaro

Bestselling Author • 12 Series • 64 Books

12
Series
64
Books
12
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Skolian Empire Books
Start with: Primary Inversion (1995)
Popular Choice
Chronological Order of Skolian Empire Books
Start with: Skyfall (2003)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Skolian Empire: Ruby Dynasty Books
Start with: Lightning Strike (2014)

About Catherine Asaro

Catherine Asaro is an American scientist and scholar who also writes science fiction and fantasy. Asaro is best known for the Saga of the Skolian Empire novels. +Biography Catherine Asaro is one of those rare scholars that refused to let her numerous certifications in the areas of physics, chemistry and chemical physics keep her from her desire to produce fiction. If anything, Catherine has shown an uncanny ability to use her doctorate to bring a grounded edge to the arena of science fiction and fantasy. The author was born in 1955 in Oakland, California, though most of her childhood was spent in El Cerrito. A student of Kennedy High School in Richmond, the author eventually went to and left UCLA with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Skolian Empire Books series, Catherine Asaro 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 Catherine Asaro

Publication Order of Skolian Empire Books
14 books 1995–2011
1

Primary Inversion

Primary Inversion continues the Publication Order of Skolian Empire Books story arc with Catherine Asaro's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1995
2

Catch the Lightning

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Skolian Empire Books with Catch the Lightning, another outstanding contribution from Catherine Asaro.

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1996
3

The Last Hawk

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Skolian Empire Books with The Last Hawk, another outstanding contribution from Catherine Asaro.

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1997
4

The Radiant Seas

The Radiant Seas continues the Publication Order of Skolian Empire Books story arc with Catherine Asaro's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1998
5

Ascendant Sun

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Skolian Empire Books with Ascendant Sun, another outstanding contribution from Catherine Asaro.

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2000
6

The Quantum Rose

The Quantum Rose continues the Publication Order of Skolian Empire Books story arc with Catherine Asaro's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2000
7

Spherical Harmonic

Spherical Harmonic continues the Publication Order of Skolian Empire Books story arc with Catherine Asaro's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2001
8

The Moon's Shadow

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Skolian Empire Books with The Moon's Shadow, another outstanding contribution from Catherine Asaro.

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2003
9

Skyfall

Skyfall continues the Publication Order of Skolian Empire Books story arc with Catherine Asaro's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2003
10

Schism

Schism is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Skolian Empire Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Catherine Asaro have come to expect.

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2004
11

The Final Key

The Final Key is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Skolian Empire Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Catherine Asaro have come to expect.

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2005
12

The Ruby Dice

The Ruby Dice is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Skolian Empire Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Catherine Asaro have come to expect.

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2008
13

Diamond Star

Diamond Star is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Skolian Empire Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Catherine Asaro have come to expect.

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2009
14

Carnelians

Carnelians is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Skolian Empire Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Catherine Asaro have come to expect.

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2011
Chronological Order of Skolian Empire Books
14 books 2003–1996
1

Skyfall

Skyfall continues the Chronological Order of Skolian Empire Books story arc with Catherine Asaro's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2003
2

Schism

Schism is an essential installment in the Chronological Order of Skolian Empire Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Catherine Asaro have come to expect.

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2004
3

The Final Key

The Final Key is an essential installment in the Chronological Order of Skolian Empire Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Catherine Asaro have come to expect.

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2005
4

The Last Hawk

Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Skolian Empire Books with The Last Hawk, another outstanding contribution from Catherine Asaro.

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1997
5

Primary Inversion

Primary Inversion continues the Chronological Order of Skolian Empire Books story arc with Catherine Asaro's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1995
6

The Radiant Seas

The Radiant Seas continues the Chronological Order of Skolian Empire Books story arc with Catherine Asaro's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1998
7

Ascendant Sun

Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Skolian Empire Books with Ascendant Sun, another outstanding contribution from Catherine Asaro.

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2000
8

The Quantum Rose

The Quantum Rose continues the Chronological Order of Skolian Empire Books story arc with Catherine Asaro's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2000
9

Spherical Harmonic

Spherical Harmonic continues the Chronological Order of Skolian Empire Books story arc with Catherine Asaro's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2001
10

The Moon's Shadow

Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Skolian Empire Books with The Moon's Shadow, another outstanding contribution from Catherine Asaro.

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2003
11

Diamond Star

Diamond Star is an essential installment in the Chronological Order of Skolian Empire Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Catherine Asaro have come to expect.

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2009
12

The Ruby Dice

The Ruby Dice is an essential installment in the Chronological Order of Skolian Empire Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Catherine Asaro have come to expect.

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2008
13

Carnelians

Carnelians is an essential installment in the Chronological Order of Skolian Empire Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Catherine Asaro have come to expect.

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2011
14

Catch the Lightning

Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Skolian Empire Books with Catch the Lightning, another outstanding contribution from Catherine Asaro.

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1996
Publication Order of Skolian Empire: Ruby Dynasty Books
1 books 2014–2014
1

Lightning Strike

Lightning Strike continues the Publication Order of Skolian Empire: Ruby Dynasty Books story arc with Catherine Asaro's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2014
Publication Order of Dust Knights Books
2 books 2024–2025
1

The Down Deep

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Dust Knights Books with The Down Deep, another outstanding contribution from Catherine Asaro.

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2024
2

Gold Dust

Gold Dust is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Dust Knights Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Catherine Asaro have come to expect.

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2025
Publication Order of Major Bhaajan Books
5 books 2011–2022
1

The City of Cries

The City of Cries continues the Publication Order of Major Bhaajan Books story arc with Catherine Asaro's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2011
2

Undercity

Undercity is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Major Bhaajan Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Catherine Asaro have come to expect.

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2014
3

The Bronze Skies

The Bronze Skies continues the Publication Order of Major Bhaajan Books story arc with Catherine Asaro's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2017
4

The Vanished Seas

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Major Bhaajan Books with The Vanished Seas, another outstanding contribution from Catherine Asaro.

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2020
5

The Jigsaw Assassin

The Jigsaw Assassin continues the Publication Order of Major Bhaajan Books story arc with Catherine Asaro's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2022
Publication Order of Skolian Empire Anthologies
1 books 2011–2011
1

Aurora in Four Voices

Aurora in Four Voices is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Skolian Empire Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Catherine Asaro have come to expect.

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2011
Publication Order of Lightning Strike Books
2 books 2023–2023
1

Earthborn

Earthborn continues the Publication Order of Lightning Strike Books story arc with Catherine Asaro's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2023
2

Starborn

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Lightning Strike Books with Starborn, another outstanding contribution from Catherine Asaro.

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2023
Publication Order of Lost Continent Books
5 books 2004–2008
1

The Charmed Sphere

The Charmed Sphere is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Lost Continent Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Catherine Asaro have come to expect.

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2004
2

The Misted Cliffs

The Misted Cliffs continues the Publication Order of Lost Continent Books story arc with Catherine Asaro's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2005
3

The Dawn Star

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Lost Continent Books with The Dawn Star, another outstanding contribution from Catherine Asaro.

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2006
4

The Fire Opal

The Fire Opal is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Lost Continent Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Catherine Asaro have come to expect.

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2007
5

The Night Bird

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Lost Continent Books with The Night Bird, another outstanding contribution from Catherine Asaro.

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2008
Publication Order of Sunrise Alley/Charon Books
2 books 2004–2004
1

Sunrise Alley

Sunrise Alley is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Sunrise Alley/Charon Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Catherine Asaro have come to expect.

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2004
2

Alpha

Alpha is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Sunrise Alley/Charon Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Catherine Asaro have come to expect.

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2004
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
2 books 1999–2000
1

The Veiled Web

The Veiled Web continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Catherine Asaro's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1999
2

The Phoenix Code

The Phoenix Code continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Catherine Asaro's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2000
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
3 books 2000–2008
1

A Roll of the Dice

A Roll of the Dice continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Catherine Asaro's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2000
2

Walk in Silence

Walk in Silence continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Catherine Asaro's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2003
3

The Spacetime Pool

The Spacetime Pool is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Catherine Asaro have come to expect.

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2008
Publication Order of Anthologies
13 books 1998–2017
1

Analog, December 1998

Analog, December 1998 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Catherine Asaro have come to expect.

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1998
2

Civil War Fantastic

Conflict and courage define Civil War Fantastic, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Anthologies series by Catherine Asaro that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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2000
3

Analog Science Fiction and Fact Magazine, July/August 2000

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Analog Science Fiction and Fact Magazine, July/August 2000, another outstanding contribution from Catherine Asaro.

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2000
4

Charmed Destinies

Charmed Destinies continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Catherine Asaro's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2003
5

Irresistible Forces

Irresistible Forces is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Catherine Asaro have come to expect.

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2004
6

Space Cadets

Space Cadets is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Catherine Asaro have come to expect.

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2006
7

The Space Opera Renaissance

The Space Opera Renaissance continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Catherine Asaro's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2006
8

Best New Paranormal Romance

Best New Paranormal Romance explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Anthologies series by Catherine Asaro.

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2006
9

Nebula Awards Showcase 2007

Conflict and courage define Nebula Awards Showcase 2007, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Anthologies series by Catherine Asaro that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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2007
10

The Mammoth Book of SF Wars

Conflict and courage define The Mammoth Book of SF Wars, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Anthologies series by Catherine Asaro that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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2012
11

Nebula Awards 47 (2013)

Conflict and courage define Nebula Awards 47 (2013), an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Anthologies series by Catherine Asaro that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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2013
12

Visions of the Future

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Visions of the Future, another outstanding contribution from Catherine Asaro.

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2015
13

Infinite Stars

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Infinite Stars, another outstanding contribution from Catherine Asaro.

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2017

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Catherine Asaro?

Catherine Asaro is a bestselling author known for 12 book series containing over 64 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Skolian Empire Books, Chronological Order of Skolian Empire Books, Publication Order of Skolian Empire: Ruby Dynasty Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Catherine Asaro series to start with?

For readers new to Catherine Asaro's work, the Publication Order of Skolian Empire Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 14 books. Begin with Primary Inversion to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Catherine Asaro written?

Catherine Asaro has written over 64 books across 12 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Catherine Asaro books in order?

Yes, reading Catherine Asaro'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 Catherine Asaro write in?

Catherine Asaro writes primarily in fiction. With 12 series across 64 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Catherine Asaro's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Catherine Asaro'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 Catherine Asaro's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Catherine Asaro's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Skolian Empire Books series. The first book, Primary Inversion, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.