J

John Joseph Adams

Bestselling Author • 3 Series • 92 Books

3
Series
92
Books
3
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of The Dystopia Triptych Books
Start with: Ignorance Is Strength (2020)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Wastelands Books
Start with: Wastelands (2007)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Anthologies
Start with: Lightspeed Magazine, April 2011 (1998)

About John Joseph Adams

John Joseph Adams (1976-) is a well-established American editor, critic and publisher of science fiction and fantasy books and anthologies. Little is known about his early life, but his success in the fantasy world has made him one of the prominent figures in the field of science fiction around the world. He is best known as the editor of the Best American Science Fiction & Fantasy. Adams’ interest in science fiction and fantasy won him international recognition and a number of awards. Barnes & Nobles called him “the reigning king of the anthology world”. He won the Hugo Award two times and he is a seven-time finalist for the World Fantasy Award. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of The Dystopia Triptych Books series, John Joseph Adams 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 John Joseph Adams

Publication Order of The Dystopia Triptych Books
3 books 2020–2020
1

Ignorance Is Strength

Ignorance Is Strength continues the Publication Order of The Dystopia Triptych Books story arc with John Joseph Adams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2020
2

Burn the Ashes

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of The Dystopia Triptych Books with Burn the Ashes, another outstanding contribution from John Joseph Adams.

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2020
3

Or Else the Light

Or Else the Light continues the Publication Order of The Dystopia Triptych Books story arc with John Joseph Adams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2020
Publication Order of Wastelands Books
3 books 2007–2019
1

Wastelands

Wastelands is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Wastelands Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Joseph Adams have come to expect.

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2007
2

Wastelands 2

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Wastelands Books with Wastelands 2, another outstanding contribution from John Joseph Adams.

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2015
3

Wastelands: The New Apocalypse

Wastelands: The New Apocalypse continues the Publication Order of Wastelands Books story arc with John Joseph Adams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2019
Publication Order of Anthologies
86 books 1998–2026
1

Lightspeed Magazine, April 2011

Lightspeed Magazine, April 2011 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with John Joseph Adams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1998
2

The Improbable Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Improbable Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, another outstanding contribution from John Joseph Adams.

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2007
3

Wastelands: Stories of the Apocalypse

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Wastelands: Stories of the Apocalypse, another outstanding contribution from John Joseph Adams.

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2008
4

The Living Dead

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Living Dead as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases John Joseph Adams's mastery of suspense.

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2008
5

Federations

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Federations, another outstanding contribution from John Joseph Adams.

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2009
6

Epic

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Epic, another outstanding contribution from John Joseph Adams.

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2010
7

Brave New Worlds

Brave New Worlds is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Joseph Adams have come to expect.

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2010
8

The Living Dead 2

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Living Dead 2 as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases John Joseph Adams's mastery of suspense.

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2010
9

The Way of the Wizard

Magic takes center stage in The Way of the Wizard, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Anthologies series that expands the enchanting world created by John Joseph Adams.

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2010
10

Lightspeed Magazine, June 2011

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Lightspeed Magazine, June 2011, another outstanding contribution from John Joseph Adams.

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2011
11

Fantasy Magazine, July 2011

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Fantasy Magazine, July 2011, another outstanding contribution from John Joseph Adams.

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2011
12

Lightspeed: Year One

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Lightspeed: Year One, another outstanding contribution from John Joseph Adams.

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2011
13

Under the Moons of Mars

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Under the Moons of Mars, another outstanding contribution from John Joseph Adams.

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2012
14

Armored

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Armored, another outstanding contribution from John Joseph Adams.

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2012
15

Lightspeed Magazine, April 2012

Lightspeed Magazine, April 2012 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with John Joseph Adams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2012
16

Other Worlds Than These

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Other Worlds Than These, another outstanding contribution from John Joseph Adams.

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2012
17

Lightspeed Magazine, January 2015

Lightspeed Magazine, January 2015 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Joseph Adams have come to expect.

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2012
18

Lightspeed Magazine, October 2012

Lightspeed Magazine, October 2012 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with John Joseph Adams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2012
19

Lightspeed Magazine, November 2012

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Lightspeed Magazine, November 2012, another outstanding contribution from John Joseph Adams.

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2012
20

Lightspeed Magazine, December 2012

Lightspeed Magazine, December 2012 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with John Joseph Adams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2012
21

The Mad Scientist's Guide to World Domination

The Mad Scientist's Guide to World Domination continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with John Joseph Adams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2013
22

Lightspeed Magazine, Issue 35, April 2013

Lightspeed Magazine, Issue 35, April 2013 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Joseph Adams have come to expect.

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2013
23

Oz Reimagined

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Oz Reimagined, another outstanding contribution from John Joseph Adams.

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2013
24

Lightspeed Magazine, August 2013

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Lightspeed Magazine, August 2013, another outstanding contribution from John Joseph Adams.

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2013
25

Nightmare Magazine 13: October 2013

Nightmare Magazine 13: October 2013 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Joseph Adams have come to expect.

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2013
26

The Geek's Guide to the Galaxy #82-84

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Geek's Guide to the Galaxy #82-84, another outstanding contribution from John Joseph Adams.

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2013
27

Nightmare Magazine, January 2014

Nightmare Magazine, January 2014 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Joseph Adams have come to expect.

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2013
28

Lightspeed Magazine, February 2014

Lightspeed Magazine, February 2014 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Joseph Adams have come to expect.

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2014
29

The End is Nigh

The End is Nigh is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Joseph Adams have come to expect.

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2014
30

Robot Uprisings

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Robot Uprisings, another outstanding contribution from John Joseph Adams.

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2014
31

Dead Man's Hand

A gripping mystery unfolds in Dead Man's Hand as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases John Joseph Adams's mastery of suspense.

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2014
32

Lightspeed Magazine, July 2014

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Lightspeed Magazine, July 2014, another outstanding contribution from John Joseph Adams.

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2014
33

Help Fund my Robot Army!!! & Other Improbable Crowdfunding Projects

Conflict and courage define Help Fund my Robot Army!!! & Other Improbable Crowdfunding Projects, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Anthologies series by John Joseph Adams that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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2014
34

The End is Now

The End is Now is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Joseph Adams have come to expect.

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2014
35

Lightspeed Magazine, October 2014

Lightspeed Magazine, October 2014 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with John Joseph Adams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2014
36

Lightspeed Magazine, December 2014

Lightspeed Magazine, December 2014 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with John Joseph Adams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2014
37

Wastelands - Stories of the Apocalypse

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Wastelands - Stories of the Apocalypse, another outstanding contribution from John Joseph Adams.

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2015
38

Operation Arcana

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Operation Arcana, another outstanding contribution from John Joseph Adams.

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2015
39

The End Has Come

The End Has Come continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with John Joseph Adams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2015
40

Lightspeed Magazine, July 2015

Lightspeed Magazine, July 2015 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with John Joseph Adams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2015
41

Press Start to Play

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Press Start to Play, another outstanding contribution from John Joseph Adams.

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2015
42

Loosed Upon the World

Loosed Upon the World continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with John Joseph Adams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2015
43

Lightspeed Magazine, October 2015

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Lightspeed Magazine, October 2015, another outstanding contribution from John Joseph Adams.

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2015
44

The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2015

The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2015 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Joseph Adams have come to expect.

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2015
45

Lightspeed Magazine, December 2015

Lightspeed Magazine, December 2015 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Joseph Adams have come to expect.

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2015
46

Lightspeed Magazine, May 2016

Lightspeed Magazine, May 2016 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with John Joseph Adams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2016
47

People of Color Destroy Science Fiction!

People of Color Destroy Science Fiction! is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Joseph Adams have come to expect.

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2016
48

Lightspeed Magazine, July 2016

Lightspeed Magazine, July 2016 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with John Joseph Adams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2016
49

Nightmare Magazine 48: September 2016

Nightmare Magazine 48: September 2016 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Joseph Adams have come to expect.

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2016
50

The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2016

The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2016 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with John Joseph Adams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2016
51

What the #@&% Is That?

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with What the #@&% Is That?, another outstanding contribution from John Joseph Adams.

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2016
52

Lightspeed Magazine, February 2017

Lightspeed Magazine, February 2017 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with John Joseph Adams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2017
53

Nightmare Magazine, Issue 77

Nightmare Magazine, Issue 77 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Joseph Adams have come to expect.

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2018
54

Nightmare Magazine 67: April 2018

Nightmare Magazine 67: April 2018 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with John Joseph Adams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2018
55

Lightspeed Magazine, September 2018

Lightspeed Magazine, September 2018 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Joseph Adams have come to expect.

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2018
56

Nightmare Magazine, Issue 73

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Nightmare Magazine, Issue 73, another outstanding contribution from John Joseph Adams.

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2018
57

The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2018

The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2018 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Joseph Adams have come to expect.

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2018
58

Nightmare Magazine, Issue 74

Nightmare Magazine, Issue 74 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with John Joseph Adams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2018
59

Nightmare Magazine, Issue 75

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Nightmare Magazine, Issue 75, another outstanding contribution from John Joseph Adams.

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2018
60

Futures & Fantasies

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Futures & Fantasies, another outstanding contribution from John Joseph Adams.

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2018
61

Lightspeed Magazine, Issue 105, February 2019

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Lightspeed Magazine, Issue 105, February 2019, another outstanding contribution from John Joseph Adams.

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2019
62

A People's Future of the United States: Speculative Fiction from 25 Extraordinary Writers

A People's Future of the United States: Speculative Fiction from 25 Extraordinary Writers continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with John Joseph Adams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2019
63

Nightmare Magazine, Issue 80

Nightmare Magazine, Issue 80 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with John Joseph Adams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2019
64

Nightmare Magazine, Issue 83

Nightmare Magazine, Issue 83 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Joseph Adams have come to expect.

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2019
65

The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2019

The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2019 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Joseph Adams have come to expect.

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2019
66

Nightmare Magazine, Issue 86

Nightmare Magazine, Issue 86 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Joseph Adams have come to expect.

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2019
67

Ignorance Is Strength

Ignorance Is Strength continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with John Joseph Adams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2020
68

Burn the Ashes

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Burn the Ashes, another outstanding contribution from John Joseph Adams.

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2020
69

Or Else the Light

Or Else the Light continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with John Joseph Adams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2020
70

Nightmare Magazine, Issue 98

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Nightmare Magazine, Issue 98, another outstanding contribution from John Joseph Adams.

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2020
71

The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2020

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2020, another outstanding contribution from John Joseph Adams.

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2020
72

One Stormy Night

One Stormy Night is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Joseph Adams have come to expect.

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2021
73

The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2021

The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2021 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with John Joseph Adams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2021
74

Lost Worlds & Mythological Kingdoms

Epic adventure awaits in Lost Worlds & Mythological Kingdoms, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Anthologies series that raises the stakes across the realm John Joseph Adams has built.

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2022
75

Lightspeed Magazine, Issue 143, April 2022

Lightspeed Magazine, Issue 143, April 2022 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Joseph Adams have come to expect.

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2022
76

Kobold Guide to Worldbuilding, Volume 2

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Kobold Guide to Worldbuilding, Volume 2, another outstanding contribution from John Joseph Adams.

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2022
77

The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2022

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2022, another outstanding contribution from John Joseph Adams.

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2022
78

Lightspeed Magazine, Issue 153, February 2023

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Lightspeed Magazine, Issue 153, February 2023, another outstanding contribution from John Joseph Adams.

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2023
79

Lightspeed Magazine, Issue 155, April 2023

Lightspeed Magazine, Issue 155, April 2023 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with John Joseph Adams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2023
80

Lightspeed Magazine, Issue 161

Lightspeed Magazine, Issue 161 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Joseph Adams have come to expect.

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2023
81

Out There Screaming: An Anthology of New Black Horror

Out There Screaming: An Anthology of New Black Horror continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with John Joseph Adams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2023
82

Kobold Guide to Roleplaying

Kobold Guide to Roleplaying is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Joseph Adams have come to expect.

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2024
83

Lightspeed Magazine, Issue 169

Lightspeed Magazine, Issue 169 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with John Joseph Adams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2024
84

Lightspeed Magazine, Issue 185

Lightspeed Magazine, Issue 185 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with John Joseph Adams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2025
85

The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2025

The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2025 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with John Joseph Adams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2025
86

Lightspeed Magazine, Issue 189

Lightspeed Magazine, Issue 189 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with John Joseph Adams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2026

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is John Joseph Adams?

John Joseph Adams is a bestselling author known for 3 book series containing over 92 books. Popular series include Publication Order of The Dystopia Triptych Books, Publication Order of Wastelands Books, Publication Order of Anthologies. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best John Joseph Adams series to start with?

For readers new to John Joseph Adams's work, the Publication Order of The Dystopia Triptych Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 3 books. Begin with Ignorance Is Strength to start from the very beginning.

How many books has John Joseph Adams written?

John Joseph Adams has written over 92 books across 3 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read John Joseph Adams books in order?

Yes, reading John Joseph Adams'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 John Joseph Adams write in?

John Joseph Adams writes primarily in fiction. With 3 series across 92 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are John Joseph Adams's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of John Joseph Adams'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 John Joseph Adams's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, John Joseph Adams's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of The Dystopia Triptych Books series. The first book, Ignorance Is Strength, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.