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George Alec Effinger

Bestselling Author • 12 Series • 71 Books

12
Series
71
Books
12
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Anthologies
Start with: Orbit 11 (1972)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of The Nick of Time Books
Start with: The Nick of Time (1985)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Planet of the Apes Books
Start with: Man the Fugitive (1974)

About George Alec Effinger

George Alec Effinger is a Cleveland born author of the “Marid Audran” series of novels. The author went to Yale where he studied medicine but since he could not pass an organic chemistry course, he finally let go of a dream of becoming a doctor. He would then get married to his first wife who introduced him to many of his science fiction idols, as she baby sat some famous babies including Kate Wilhelm and Damon Knight. Encouraged by meeting his idols, he embarked on a science fiction manuscript writing spree in 1970. He would publish six collections of short fiction including “The Exile Kiss” and “When Gravity Fails” and at least twenty novels. He also penned and published “Shadow Money” and “Felicia” in an attempt to get into crime novels. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Anthologies series, George Alec Effinger 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 George Alec Effinger

Publication Order of The Budayeen Cycle Books
3 books 1986–1991
1

When Gravity Fails

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of The Budayeen Cycle Books with When Gravity Fails, another outstanding contribution from George Alec Effinger.

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1986
2

A Fire in the Sun

A Fire in the Sun is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The Budayeen Cycle Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of George Alec Effinger have come to expect.

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1990
3

The Exile Kiss

The Exile Kiss explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of The Budayeen Cycle Books series by George Alec Effinger.

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1991
Publication Order of The Nick of Time Books
2 books 1985–1986
1

The Nick of Time

The Nick of Time is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The Nick of Time Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of George Alec Effinger have come to expect.

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1985
2

The Bird of Time

The Bird of Time continues the Publication Order of The Nick of Time Books story arc with George Alec Effinger's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1986
Publication Order of Planet of the Apes Books
4 books 1974–1976
1

Man the Fugitive

Man the Fugitive is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Planet of the Apes Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of George Alec Effinger have come to expect.

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1974
2

Escape to Tomorrow

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Planet of the Apes Books with Escape to Tomorrow, another outstanding contribution from George Alec Effinger.

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1975
3

Journey Into Terror

Journey Into Terror continues the Publication Order of Planet of the Apes Books story arc with George Alec Effinger's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1975
4

Lord of the Apes

Lord of the Apes is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Planet of the Apes Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of George Alec Effinger have come to expect.

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1976
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
10 books 1972–1997
1

What Entropy Means to Me

What Entropy Means to Me is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of George Alec Effinger have come to expect.

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1972
2

Relatives

Relatives is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of George Alec Effinger have come to expect.

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1973
3

Those Gentle Voices

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Those Gentle Voices, another outstanding contribution from George Alec Effinger.

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1976
4

Felicia

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Felicia, another outstanding contribution from George Alec Effinger.

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1976
5

Death in Florence / Utopia 3

A gripping mystery unfolds in Death in Florence / Utopia 3 as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases George Alec Effinger's mastery of suspense.

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1978
6

Heroics

Heroics continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with George Alec Effinger's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1979
7

The Wolves Of Memory

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Wolves Of Memory, another outstanding contribution from George Alec Effinger.

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1981
8

Shadow Money

Shadow Money is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of George Alec Effinger have come to expect.

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1988
9

Look Away

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Look Away, another outstanding contribution from George Alec Effinger.

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1990
10

Trinity: Hope-Sacrifice-Unity

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Trinity: Hope-Sacrifice-Unity, another outstanding contribution from George Alec Effinger.

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1997
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
3 books 1988–2011
1

Schrödinger's Kitten

Schrödinger's Kitten is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of George Alec Effinger have come to expect.

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1988
2

Everything But Honor (in Asimov's)

Everything But Honor (in Asimov's) continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with George Alec Effinger's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1989
3

The Aliens Who Knew, I Mean, Everything & Target

The Aliens Who Knew, I Mean, Everything & Target is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of George Alec Effinger have come to expect.

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2011
Publication Order of Collections
9 books 1974–2016
1

Mixed Feelings

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with Mixed Feelings, another outstanding contribution from George Alec Effinger.

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1974
2

Irrational Numbers

Irrational Numbers is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of George Alec Effinger have come to expect.

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1976
3

Dirty Tricks

Dirty Tricks is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of George Alec Effinger have come to expect.

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1978
4

Idle Pleasures

Idle Pleasures is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of George Alec Effinger have come to expect.

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1983
5

Maureen Birnbaum, Barbarian Swordsperson

Epic adventure awaits in Maureen Birnbaum, Barbarian Swordsperson, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Collections series that raises the stakes across the realm George Alec Effinger has built.

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1993
6

Budayeen Nights

Budayeen Nights continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with George Alec Effinger's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2003
7

Live! from Planet Earth

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with Live! from Planet Earth, another outstanding contribution from George Alec Effinger.

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2005
8

A Thousand Deaths

A gripping mystery unfolds in A Thousand Deaths as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Collections series showcases George Alec Effinger's mastery of suspense.

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2007
9

Bliss-Bestowing Hands

Bliss-Bestowing Hands is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of George Alec Effinger have come to expect.

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2016
Publication Order of Heroes in Hell Books
1 books 1989–1989
1

Prophets in Hell

Prophets in Hell continues the Publication Order of Heroes in Hell Books story arc with George Alec Effinger's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1989
Chronological Order of Heroes in Hell Books
1 books 1989–1989
1

Prophets in Hell

Prophets in Hell continues the Chronological Order of Heroes in Hell Books story arc with George Alec Effinger's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1989
Publication Order of Infocom Books
1 books 1990–1990
1

The Zork Chronicles

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Infocom Books with The Zork Chronicles, another outstanding contribution from George Alec Effinger.

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1990
Publication Order of Best Science Fiction of the Year Books
16 books 1972–1987
1

The Best Science Fiction of the Year 1

The Best Science Fiction of the Year 1 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Best Science Fiction of the Year Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of George Alec Effinger have come to expect.

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1972
2

The Best Science Fiction of the Year 2

The Best Science Fiction of the Year 2 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Best Science Fiction of the Year Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of George Alec Effinger have come to expect.

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1973
3

The Best Science Fiction of the Year 3

The Best Science Fiction of the Year 3 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Best Science Fiction of the Year Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of George Alec Effinger have come to expect.

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1974
4

The Best Science Fiction of the Year 4

The Best Science Fiction of the Year 4 continues the Publication Order of Best Science Fiction of the Year Books story arc with George Alec Effinger's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1975
5

The Best Science Fiction of the Year 5

The Best Science Fiction of the Year 5 continues the Publication Order of Best Science Fiction of the Year Books story arc with George Alec Effinger's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1976
6

The Best Science Fiction of the Year 6

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Best Science Fiction of the Year Books with The Best Science Fiction of the Year 6, another outstanding contribution from George Alec Effinger.

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1977
7

The Best Science Fiction of the Year 7

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Best Science Fiction of the Year Books with The Best Science Fiction of the Year 7, another outstanding contribution from George Alec Effinger.

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1978
8

The Best Science Fiction of the Year 8

The Best Science Fiction of the Year 8 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Best Science Fiction of the Year Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of George Alec Effinger have come to expect.

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1979
9

The Best Science Fiction of the Year 9

The Best Science Fiction of the Year 9 continues the Publication Order of Best Science Fiction of the Year Books story arc with George Alec Effinger's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1980
10

The Best Science Fiction of the Year 10

The Best Science Fiction of the Year 10 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Best Science Fiction of the Year Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of George Alec Effinger have come to expect.

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1981
11

The Best Science Fiction of the Year 11

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Best Science Fiction of the Year Books with The Best Science Fiction of the Year 11, another outstanding contribution from George Alec Effinger.

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1982
12

The Best Science Fiction of the Year 12

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Best Science Fiction of the Year Books with The Best Science Fiction of the Year 12, another outstanding contribution from George Alec Effinger.

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1983
13

Best Science Fiction of the Year 13

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Best Science Fiction of the Year Books with Best Science Fiction of the Year 13, another outstanding contribution from George Alec Effinger.

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1984
14

Best Science Fiction of the Year 14

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Best Science Fiction of the Year Books with Best Science Fiction of the Year 14, another outstanding contribution from George Alec Effinger.

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1984
15

Best Science Fiction of the Year 15

Best Science Fiction of the Year 15 continues the Publication Order of Best Science Fiction of the Year Books story arc with George Alec Effinger's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1986
16

Best Science Fiction and Fantasy of the Year 16

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Best Science Fiction of the Year Books with Best Science Fiction and Fantasy of the Year 16, another outstanding contribution from George Alec Effinger.

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1987
Publication Order of Author's Choice Monthly Books
1 books 1989–1989
1

The Old Funny Stuff

The Old Funny Stuff is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Author's Choice Monthly Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of George Alec Effinger have come to expect.

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1989
Publication Order of Anthologies
20 books 1972–2011
1

Orbit 11

Orbit 11 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with George Alec Effinger's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1972
2

Wandering Stars: An Anthology of Jewish Fantasy and Science Fiction

Wandering Stars: An Anthology of Jewish Fantasy and Science Fiction is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of George Alec Effinger have come to expect.

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1973
3

Ascents of Wonder

Ascents of Wonder continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with George Alec Effinger's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1977
4

Study War No More

Conflict and courage define Study War No More, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Anthologies series by George Alec Effinger that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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1977
5

Alpha 7

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Alpha 7, another outstanding contribution from George Alec Effinger.

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1977
6

Galaxy Science Fiction, September-October 1979

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Galaxy Science Fiction, September-October 1979, another outstanding contribution from George Alec Effinger.

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1979
7

Laughing Space: An Anthology of Science Fiction Humor

Laughing Space: An Anthology of Science Fiction Humor is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of George Alec Effinger have come to expect.

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1982
8

The Best Science Fiction of the Year 12

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Best Science Fiction of the Year 12, another outstanding contribution from George Alec Effinger.

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1983
9

The Year's Best Fantasy Stories 12

The Year's Best Fantasy Stories 12 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with George Alec Effinger's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1986
10

Friends of the Horseclans

Friends of the Horseclans is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of George Alec Effinger have come to expect.

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1987
11

Robert Adams' Book of Alternate Worlds

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Robert Adams' Book of Alternate Worlds, another outstanding contribution from George Alec Effinger.

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1987
12

Barbarians 2

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Barbarians 2, another outstanding contribution from George Alec Effinger.

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1988
13

Tropical Chills: Fourteen Tales of Scorching Horror to Make Your Blood Run Cold

A gripping mystery unfolds in Tropical Chills: Fourteen Tales of Scorching Horror to Make Your Blood Run Cold as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases George Alec Effinger's mastery of suspense.

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1988
14

The Year's Best Science Fiction: Sixth Annual Collection

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Year's Best Science Fiction: Sixth Annual Collection, another outstanding contribution from George Alec Effinger.

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1989
15

Isaac Asimov's Fantasy!

Isaac Asimov's Fantasy! continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with George Alec Effinger's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1989
16

Inside the Funhouse

Inside the Funhouse is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of George Alec Effinger have come to expect.

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1992
17

South From Midnight

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with South From Midnight, another outstanding contribution from George Alec Effinger.

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1994
18

War of the Worlds: Global Dispatches

Conflict and courage define War of the Worlds: Global Dispatches, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Anthologies series by George Alec Effinger that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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1996
19

Don't Forget Your Spacesuit, Dear

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Don't Forget Your Spacesuit, Dear, another outstanding contribution from George Alec Effinger.

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1996
20

Alien Contact

Alien Contact is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of George Alec Effinger have come to expect.

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2011

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is George Alec Effinger?

George Alec Effinger is a bestselling author known for 12 book series containing over 71 books. Popular series include Publication Order of The Budayeen Cycle Books, Publication Order of The Nick of Time Books, Publication Order of Planet of the Apes Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best George Alec Effinger series to start with?

For readers new to George Alec Effinger's work, the Publication Order of Anthologies series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 20 books. Begin with Orbit 11 to start from the very beginning.

How many books has George Alec Effinger written?

George Alec Effinger has written over 71 books across 12 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read George Alec Effinger books in order?

Yes, reading George Alec Effinger'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 George Alec Effinger write in?

George Alec Effinger writes primarily in fiction. With 12 series across 71 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are George Alec Effinger's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of George Alec Effinger'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 George Alec Effinger's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, George Alec Effinger's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Anthologies series. The first book, Orbit 11, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.