🎯 Where Should I Start?
ⓘ About John Varley
John Varley is a bestselling science fiction author best known for his novels on Big Ideas, compelling characters, and plausible science. He wrote his first piece of fiction “Picnic on Nearside,” a short story in 1974 before he published his world-beating debut novel “The Ophiuchi Hotline” in 1977. His “Eight World” series that would become his most popular is about the future in a densely populated solar system, sentient black holes, gigantic themes, fluid genders, mind uploading and more. Varley was brought up in Austin Texas, and spent much of his childhood on a farm where he used to run behind DDT spraying trucks getting bitten by mosquitoes. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Anthologies series, John Varley 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 Varley
The Ophiuchi Hotline
The Ophiuchi Hotline is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Eight Worlds Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Varley have come to expect.
Lollipop and the Tar Baby
Lollipop and the Tar Baby continues the Publication Order of Eight Worlds Books story arc with John Varley's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Persistence of Vision
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Eight Worlds Books with The Persistence of Vision, another outstanding contribution from John Varley.
Blue Champagne
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Eight Worlds Books with Blue Champagne, another outstanding contribution from John Varley.
Irontown Blues
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Eight Worlds Books with Irontown Blues, another outstanding contribution from John Varley.
Titan
Titan is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Gaea Trilogy Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Varley have come to expect.
Wizard
Magic takes center stage in Wizard, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Gaea Trilogy Books series that expands the enchanting world created by John Varley.
Demon
Demon continues the Publication Order of Gaea Trilogy Books story arc with John Varley's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Steel Beach
Steel Beach is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Metal Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Varley have come to expect.
The Golden Globe
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Metal Books with The Golden Globe, another outstanding contribution from John Varley.
Red Thunder
Red Thunder continues the Publication Order of Thunder and Lightning Books story arc with John Varley's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Red Lightning
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Thunder and Lightning Books with Red Lightning, another outstanding contribution from John Varley.
Rolling Thunder
Rolling Thunder continues the Publication Order of Thunder and Lightning Books story arc with John Varley's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Dark Lightning
Dark Lightning continues the Publication Order of Thunder and Lightning Books story arc with John Varley's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Millennium
Millennium is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Varley have come to expect.
Mammoth
Mammoth is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Varley have come to expect.
Slow Apocalypse
Slow Apocalypse is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Varley have come to expect.
In the Bowl
In the Bowl is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Varley have come to expect.
The Black Hole Passes
The Black Hole Passes is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Varley have come to expect.
Good-Bye, Robinson Crusoe
Good-Bye, Robinson Crusoe is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Varley have come to expect.
Air Raid
Air Raid is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Varley have come to expect.
The Pusher
The Pusher continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with John Varley's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Manhattan Phone Book (Abridged)
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with The Manhattan Phone Book (Abridged), another outstanding contribution from John Varley.
Tango Charlie and Foxtrot Romeo
Tango Charlie and Foxtrot Romeo continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with John Varley's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Just Another Perfect Day
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Just Another Perfect Day, another outstanding contribution from John Varley.
Truth, Justice and the Politically Correct Socialist Path
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Truth, Justice and the Politically Correct Socialist Path, another outstanding contribution from John Varley.
The Bellman
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with The Bellman, another outstanding contribution from John Varley.
In Fading Suns and Dying Moons
In Fading Suns and Dying Moons is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Varley have come to expect.
In The Hall of the Martian Kings
In The Hall of the Martian Kings is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Chapbooks series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Varley have come to expect.
Press Enter
Press Enter is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Chapbooks series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Varley have come to expect.
The Barbie Murders
A gripping mystery unfolds in The Barbie Murders as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series showcases John Varley's mastery of suspense.
Picnic On Nearside
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with Picnic On Nearside, another outstanding contribution from John Varley.
The John Varley Reader
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with The John Varley Reader, another outstanding contribution from John Varley.
Good-Bye, Robinson Crusoe and Other Stories
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with Good-Bye, Robinson Crusoe and Other Stories, another outstanding contribution from John Varley.
The Best from Fantasy and Science Fiction 22nd Series
The Best from Fantasy and Science Fiction 22nd Series is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Varley have come to expect.
Ascents of Wonder
Ascents of Wonder continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with John Varley's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Nebula Awards 13
Conflict and courage define Nebula Awards 13, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Anthologies series by John Varley that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.
The Arbor House Treasury of Modern Science Fiction / Great Science Fiction of the 20th Century
The Arbor House Treasury of Modern Science Fiction / Great Science Fiction of the 20th Century continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with John Varley's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Best from Fantasy and Science Fiction 24
The Best from Fantasy and Science Fiction 24 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with John Varley's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Fourth Planet from the Sun
Fourth Planet from the Sun continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with John Varley's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Year's Best Science Fiction: Second Annual Collection
The Year's Best Science Fiction: Second Annual Collection is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Varley have come to expect.
Worlds Apart
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Worlds Apart, another outstanding contribution from John Varley.
The Dark Void
The Dark Void continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with John Varley's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Year's Best Science Fiction: Seventh Annual Collection
The Year's Best Science Fiction: Seventh Annual Collection is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Varley have come to expect.
Mondo Barbie
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Mondo Barbie, another outstanding contribution from John Varley.
Superheroes
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Superheroes, another outstanding contribution from John Varley.
The Good New Stuff
The Good New Stuff continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with John Varley's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Bangs & Whimpers
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Bangs & Whimpers, another outstanding contribution from John Varley.
Explorers
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Explorers, another outstanding contribution from John Varley.
Stars: Original Stories Based on the Songs of Janis Ian
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Stars: Original Stories Based on the Songs of Janis Ian, another outstanding contribution from John Varley.
The Year's Best Science Fiction: 21 Annual Edition
The Year's Best Science Fiction: 21 Annual Edition continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with John Varley's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine: 30th Anniversary Anthology
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine: 30th Anniversary Anthology, another outstanding contribution from John Varley.
The Mammoth Book of Mindblowing SF
The Mammoth Book of Mindblowing SF continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with John Varley's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Wesleyan Anthology of Science Fiction
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Wesleyan Anthology of Science Fiction, another outstanding contribution from John Varley.
The Mammoth Book of Time Travel SF
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Mammoth Book of Time Travel SF, another outstanding contribution from John Varley.
Humanity 2.0
Humanity 2.0 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Varley have come to expect.
Flight or Fright
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Flight or Fright, another outstanding contribution from John Varley.
? Frequently Asked Questions
Who is John Varley?
John Varley is a bestselling author known for 9 book series containing over 57 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Eight Worlds Books, Publication Order of Gaea Trilogy Books, Publication Order of Metal Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.
What is the best John Varley series to start with?
For readers new to John Varley's work, the Publication Order of Anthologies series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 23 books. Begin with The Best from Fantasy and Science Fiction 22nd Series to start from the very beginning.
How many books has John Varley written?
John Varley has written over 57 books across 9 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.
Should I read John Varley books in order?
Yes, reading John Varley'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 Varley write in?
John Varley writes primarily in fiction. With 9 series across 57 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.
Are John Varley's books standalone or must they be read as a series?
Most of John Varley'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 Varley's most popular book?
Based on reader reviews and sales data, John Varley's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Anthologies series. The first book, The Best from Fantasy and Science Fiction 22nd Series, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.