M

Martha Wells

Bestselling Author • 14 Series • 60 Books

14
Series
60
Books
14
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Ile-Rien Books
Start with: The Element of Fire (1993)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Fall Of Ile-Rien Books
Start with: The Wizard Hunters (2003)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Books Of The Raksura Books
Start with: The Cloud Roads (2011)

About Martha Wells

Martha Wells is the bestselling American author of Fantasy, Science Fiction and Science Fiction Fantasy novels and has a great series in the Murderbot Diaries. She was born in Texas in the United States. Wells became a published novelist in 1993 after her first novel The Element of Fire the debut novel in Ile-Rien series was published. Since then Wells has published over five book series, three standalone novels, collections, and contributed to writing Stargate Atlantis and short stories such as Bad Medicine (1997), and Reliquary (1995). The second novel in Ile-Rien series, The Death of Necromancer was nominated for Nebula Awards Best Novel category. Wells graduated with a B.A. Degree in Anthropology; she resides in College Station, Texas with her beloved husband. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Ile-Rien Books series, Martha Wells 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 Martha Wells

Publication Order of Ile-Rien Books
2 books 1993–1998
1

The Element of Fire

The Element of Fire is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Ile-Rien Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Martha Wells have come to expect.

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1993
2

The Death of the Necromancer

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Death of the Necromancer as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Ile-Rien Books series showcases Martha Wells's mastery of suspense.

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1998
Publication Order of Fall Of Ile-Rien Books
3 books 2003–2005
1

The Wizard Hunters

Magic takes center stage in The Wizard Hunters, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Fall Of Ile-Rien Books series that expands the enchanting world created by Martha Wells.

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2003
2

The Ships of Air

The Ships of Air continues the Publication Order of Fall Of Ile-Rien Books story arc with Martha Wells's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2004
3

The Gate of Gods

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Fall Of Ile-Rien Books with The Gate of Gods, another outstanding contribution from Martha Wells.

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2005
Publication Order of Books Of The Raksura Books
6 books 2011–2017
1

The Cloud Roads

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Books Of The Raksura Books with The Cloud Roads, another outstanding contribution from Martha Wells.

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2011
2

The Serpent Sea

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Books Of The Raksura Books with The Serpent Sea, another outstanding contribution from Martha Wells.

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2012
3

The Siren Depths

The Siren Depths is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Books Of The Raksura Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Martha Wells have come to expect.

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2012
4

The Tale of Indigo and Cloud

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Books Of The Raksura Books with The Tale of Indigo and Cloud, another outstanding contribution from Martha Wells.

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2014
5

The Edge of Worlds

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Books Of The Raksura Books with The Edge of Worlds, another outstanding contribution from Martha Wells.

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2016
6

The Harbors of the Sun

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Books Of The Raksura Books with The Harbors of the Sun, another outstanding contribution from Martha Wells.

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2017
Publication Order of Emilie Books
2 books 2013–2014
1

Emilie and the Hollow World

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Emilie Books with Emilie and the Hollow World, another outstanding contribution from Martha Wells.

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2013
2

Emilie and the Sky World

Emilie and the Sky World is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Emilie Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Martha Wells have come to expect.

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2014
Publication Order of Stories Of The Raksura Books
2 books 2014–2017
1

The Falling World & The Tale of Indigo and Cloud

The Falling World & The Tale of Indigo and Cloud continues the Publication Order of Stories Of The Raksura Books story arc with Martha Wells's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2014
2

The Dead City & The Dark Earth Below

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Dead City & The Dark Earth Below as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Stories Of The Raksura Books series showcases Martha Wells's mastery of suspense.

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2017
Publication Order of Murderbot Diaries Books
12 books 2017–2026
1

All Systems Red

All Systems Red continues the Publication Order of Murderbot Diaries Books story arc with Martha Wells's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2017
2

Artificial Condition

Artificial Condition is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Murderbot Diaries Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Martha Wells have come to expect.

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2018
3

Rogue Protocol

Rogue Protocol continues the Publication Order of Murderbot Diaries Books story arc with Martha Wells's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2018
4

Exit Strategy

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Murderbot Diaries Books with Exit Strategy, another outstanding contribution from Martha Wells.

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2018
5

Compulsory

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Murderbot Diaries Books with Compulsory, another outstanding contribution from Martha Wells.

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2018
6

Obsolescence

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Murderbot Diaries Books with Obsolescence, another outstanding contribution from Martha Wells.

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2018
7

Network Effect

Network Effect continues the Publication Order of Murderbot Diaries Books story arc with Martha Wells's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2020
8

Home: Habitat, Range, Niche, Territory

Home: Habitat, Range, Niche, Territory continues the Publication Order of Murderbot Diaries Books story arc with Martha Wells's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2020
9

Fugitive Telemetry

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Murderbot Diaries Books with Fugitive Telemetry, another outstanding contribution from Martha Wells.

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2021
10

System Collapse

System Collapse is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Murderbot Diaries Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Martha Wells have come to expect.

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2023
11

Rapport

Rapport is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Murderbot Diaries Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Martha Wells have come to expect.

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2025
12

Platform Decay

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Murderbot Diaries Books with Platform Decay, another outstanding contribution from Martha Wells.

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2026
Chronological Order of Murderbot Diaries Books
12 books 2018–2026
1

Obsolescence

Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Murderbot Diaries Books with Obsolescence, another outstanding contribution from Martha Wells.

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2018
2

Compulsory

Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Murderbot Diaries Books with Compulsory, another outstanding contribution from Martha Wells.

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2018
3

All Systems Red

All Systems Red continues the Chronological Order of Murderbot Diaries Books story arc with Martha Wells's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2017
4

Artificial Condition

Artificial Condition is an essential installment in the Chronological Order of Murderbot Diaries Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Martha Wells have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2018
5

Rapport

Rapport is an essential installment in the Chronological Order of Murderbot Diaries Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Martha Wells have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2025
6

Rogue Protocol

Rogue Protocol continues the Chronological Order of Murderbot Diaries Books story arc with Martha Wells's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2018
7

Exit Strategy

Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Murderbot Diaries Books with Exit Strategy, another outstanding contribution from Martha Wells.

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2018
8

Home: Habitat, Range, Niche, Territory

Home: Habitat, Range, Niche, Territory continues the Chronological Order of Murderbot Diaries Books story arc with Martha Wells's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2020
9

Network Effect

Network Effect continues the Chronological Order of Murderbot Diaries Books story arc with Martha Wells's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2020
10

Fugitive Telemetry

Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Murderbot Diaries Books with Fugitive Telemetry, another outstanding contribution from Martha Wells.

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2021
11

System Collapse

System Collapse is an essential installment in the Chronological Order of Murderbot Diaries Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Martha Wells have come to expect.

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2023
12

Platform Decay

Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Murderbot Diaries Books with Platform Decay, another outstanding contribution from Martha Wells.

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2026
Publication Order of The Rising World Books
2 books 2023–2025
1

Witch King

Magic takes center stage in Witch King, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of The Rising World Books series that expands the enchanting world created by Martha Wells.

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2023
2

Queen Demon

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of The Rising World Books with Queen Demon, another outstanding contribution from Martha Wells.

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2025
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
2 books 1995–2000
1

City of Bones

City of Bones continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Martha Wells's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1995
2

Wheel of the Infinite

Wheel of the Infinite continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Martha Wells's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2000
Publication Order of Short Story Collections
1 books 2015–2015
1

Between Worlds

Between Worlds is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Martha Wells have come to expect.

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2015
Publication Order of Stargate Atlantis Books
2 books 2006–2007
1

Reliquary

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Stargate Atlantis Books with Reliquary, another outstanding contribution from Martha Wells.

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2006
2

Entanglement

Entanglement continues the Publication Order of Stargate Atlantis Books story arc with Martha Wells's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2007
Publication Order of Star Wars: Empire and Rebellion Books
1 books 2013–2013
1

Razor's Edge

Razor's Edge is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Star Wars: Empire and Rebellion Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Martha Wells have come to expect.

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2013
Publication Order of Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View Books
3 books 2017–2023
1

From a Certain Point of View Star Wars

Conflict and courage define From a Certain Point of View Star Wars, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View Books series by Martha Wells that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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2017
2

From a Certain Point of View: The Empire Strikes Back

From a Certain Point of View: The Empire Strikes Back is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Martha Wells have come to expect.

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2020
3

From a Certain Point of View: Return of the Jedi

From a Certain Point of View: Return of the Jedi is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Martha Wells have come to expect.

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2023
Publication Order of Anthologies
10 books 2006–2025
1

Elemental: The Tsunami Relief Anthology

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Elemental: The Tsunami Relief Anthology, another outstanding contribution from Martha Wells.

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2006
2

Chicks Unravel Time: Women Journey Through Every Season of Doctor Who

Chicks Unravel Time: Women Journey Through Every Season of Doctor Who is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Martha Wells have come to expect.

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2012
3

Tales of the Emerald Serpent: Ghosts of Taux

Tales of the Emerald Serpent: Ghosts of Taux is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Martha Wells have come to expect.

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2012
4

The Other Half of the Sky

The Other Half of the Sky continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Martha Wells's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2013
5

A Knight in the Silk Purse: Ghosts of Taux

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with A Knight in the Silk Purse: Ghosts of Taux, another outstanding contribution from Martha Wells.

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2014
6

The Gods of HP Lovecraft

The Gods of HP Lovecraft explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Anthologies series by Martha Wells.

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2015
7

Mech

Mech is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Martha Wells have come to expect.

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2017
8

Take Us to a Better Place

Take Us to a Better Place continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Martha Wells's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2020
9

From a Certain Point of View: The Empire Strikes Back

From a Certain Point of View: The Empire Strikes Back is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Martha Wells have come to expect.

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2020
10

Storyteller: A Tanith Lee Tribute Anthology

Storyteller: A Tanith Lee Tribute Anthology continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Martha Wells's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2025

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Martha Wells?

Martha Wells is a bestselling author known for 14 book series containing over 60 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Ile-Rien Books, Publication Order of Fall Of Ile-Rien Books, Publication Order of Books Of The Raksura Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Martha Wells series to start with?

For readers new to Martha Wells's work, the Publication Order of Ile-Rien Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 2 books. Begin with The Element of Fire to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Martha Wells written?

Martha Wells has written over 60 books across 14 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Martha Wells books in order?

Yes, reading Martha Wells'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 Martha Wells write in?

Martha Wells writes primarily in fiction. With 14 series across 60 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Martha Wells's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Martha Wells'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 Martha Wells's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Martha Wells's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Ile-Rien Books series. The first book, The Element of Fire, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.