R

Rachel Swirsky

Bestselling Author • 8 Series • 82 Books

8
Series
82
Books
8
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Anthologies
Start with: People of the Book (2007)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
Start with: A Memory of Wind (2009)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Short Story Collections
Start with: How the World Became Quiet (2013)

About Rachel Swirsky

She is a graduate of the University of California, Santa Cruz and the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, she taught undergrad science fiction and fantasy writing as a teaching assistant at the University of Iowa. In 2005, she went to the Clarion West Writers workshop. Rachel, in addition to her fiction writing, also writes critical reviews, essays, and other non fiction. She has donated her writing to a number of charity anthologies. “Heat Engine” appeared in “Last Bird, Drink Head”, which is a flash fiction anthology supporting the ProLiteracy charity. In September of 2010, she contributed this story to the online chapbook story collection “Clash of the Geeks”, presented by Subterranean Press and supporting the Lupus Alliance of America. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Anthologies series, Rachel Swirsky 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 Rachel Swirsky

Publication Order of Standalone Novels
1 books 2022–2022
1

January Fifteenth

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with January Fifteenth, another outstanding contribution from Rachel Swirsky.

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2022
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
11 books 2009–2025
1

A Memory of Wind

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with A Memory of Wind, another outstanding contribution from Rachel Swirsky.

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2009
2

The Lady Who Plucked Red Flowers Beneath the Queen’s Window

The Lady Who Plucked Red Flowers Beneath the Queen’s Window is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Rachel Swirsky have come to expect.

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2010
3

Eros, Philia, Agape

Eros, Philia, Agape continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Rachel Swirsky's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2010
4

The Monster's Million Faces

The Monster's Million Faces is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Rachel Swirsky have come to expect.

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2010
5

Fields of Gold

Fields of Gold continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Rachel Swirsky's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2011
6

Portrait of Lisane da Patagnia

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Portrait of Lisane da Patagnia, another outstanding contribution from Rachel Swirsky.

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2012
7

If You Were a Dinosaur, My Love

If You Were a Dinosaur, My Love explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series by Rachel Swirsky.

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2013
8

Grand Jeté (The Great Leap)

Grand Jeté (The Great Leap) continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Rachel Swirsky's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2014
9

Placed into Abyss

Placed into Abyss continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Rachel Swirsky's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2020
10

Also, the Cat: A Tor.Com Original

Also, the Cat: A Tor.Com Original is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Rachel Swirsky have come to expect.

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2024
11

After the Invasion of the Bug-Eyed Aliens

After the Invasion of the Bug-Eyed Aliens continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Rachel Swirsky's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2025
Publication Order of Short Story Collections
1 books 2013–2013
1

How the World Became Quiet

How the World Became Quiet continues the Publication Order of Short Story Collections story arc with Rachel Swirsky's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2013
Publication Order of Conversation Pieces Books
1 books 2010–2010
1

Through the Drowsy Dark

Through the Drowsy Dark is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Conversation Pieces Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Rachel Swirsky have come to expect.

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2010
Publication Order of Oz Reimagined Books
1 books 2013–2013
1

Beyond the Naked Eye

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Oz Reimagined Books with Beyond the Naked Eye, another outstanding contribution from Rachel Swirsky.

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2013
Publication Order of Doctor Who Anthologies
17 books 1999–2017
1

More Short Trips

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Doctor Who Anthologies with More Short Trips, another outstanding contribution from Rachel Swirsky.

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1999
2

Short Trips and Side Steps

Short Trips and Side Steps continues the Publication Order of Doctor Who Anthologies story arc with Rachel Swirsky's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2000
3

Companions

Companions is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Doctor Who Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Rachel Swirsky have come to expect.

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2003
4

Reprecussions

Reprecussions continues the Publication Order of Doctor Who Anthologies story arc with Rachel Swirsky's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2004
5

Tales from the TARDIS: Volume 2: Multi-Doctor Stories

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Doctor Who Anthologies with Tales from the TARDIS: Volume 2: Multi-Doctor Stories, another outstanding contribution from Rachel Swirsky.

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2004
6

Doctor Who: Short Trips: 2040

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Doctor Who Anthologies with Doctor Who: Short Trips: 2040, another outstanding contribution from Rachel Swirsky.

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2004
7

The Solar System

The Solar System is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Doctor Who Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Rachel Swirsky have come to expect.

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2005
8

The Centenarian

The Centenarian continues the Publication Order of Doctor Who Anthologies story arc with Rachel Swirsky's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2006
9

The Ghosts of Christmas

The Ghosts of Christmas is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Doctor Who Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Rachel Swirsky have come to expect.

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2007
10

Short Trips: Transmissions

Short Trips: Transmissions continues the Publication Order of Doctor Who Anthologies story arc with Rachel Swirsky's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2008
11

The Doctor Who Stories

The Doctor Who Stories continues the Publication Order of Doctor Who Anthologies story arc with Rachel Swirsky's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2009
12

Queers Dig Time Lords

Queers Dig Time Lords is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Doctor Who Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Rachel Swirsky have come to expect.

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2013
13

Summer Falls and Other Stories

Summer Falls and Other Stories continues the Publication Order of Doctor Who Anthologies story arc with Rachel Swirsky's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2013
14

Heroes and Monsters Collection

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Doctor Who Anthologies with Heroes and Monsters Collection, another outstanding contribution from Rachel Swirsky.

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2015
15

The Twelve Doctors of Christmas

The Twelve Doctors of Christmas continues the Publication Order of Doctor Who Anthologies story arc with Rachel Swirsky's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2016
16

Doctor Who: Twelve Doctors of Christmas

Doctor Who: Twelve Doctors of Christmas is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Doctor Who Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Rachel Swirsky have come to expect.

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2016
17

Red White and Who: The Story of Doctor Who in America

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Doctor Who Anthologies with Red White and Who: The Story of Doctor Who in America, another outstanding contribution from Rachel Swirsky.

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2017
Publication Order of The WisCon Chronicles Books
1 books 2008–2008
1

The WisCon Chronicles, Vol. 2

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of The WisCon Chronicles Books with The WisCon Chronicles, Vol. 2, another outstanding contribution from Rachel Swirsky.

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2008
Publication Order of Anthologies
49 books 2007–2024
1

People of the Book

People of the Book continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Rachel Swirsky's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2007
2

The WisCon Chronicles, Volume 1

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The WisCon Chronicles, Volume 1, another outstanding contribution from Rachel Swirsky.

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2007
3

Fast Ships, Black Sails

Fast Ships, Black Sails continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Rachel Swirsky's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2008
4

Fantasy: The Best of the Year, 2008 Edition

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Fantasy: The Best of the Year, 2008 Edition, another outstanding contribution from Rachel Swirsky.

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2008
5

The WisCon Chronicles, Vol. 2

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The WisCon Chronicles, Vol. 2, another outstanding contribution from Rachel Swirsky.

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2008
6

The Year's Best Science Fiction & Fantasy, 2009

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Year's Best Science Fiction & Fantasy, 2009, another outstanding contribution from Rachel Swirsky.

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2008
7

The Best of Abyss & Apex Volume One

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Best of Abyss & Apex Volume One, another outstanding contribution from Rachel Swirsky.

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2009
8

Triangulation: Dark Glass

Triangulation: Dark Glass continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Rachel Swirsky's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2009
9

Time in a Bottle, Volume 1

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Time in a Bottle, Volume 1, another outstanding contribution from Rachel Swirsky.

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2010
10

Bloody Fabulous

A gripping mystery unfolds in Bloody Fabulous as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Rachel Swirsky's mastery of suspense.

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2010
11

Nebula Awards Showcase 2012

Conflict and courage define Nebula Awards Showcase 2012, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Anthologies series by Rachel Swirsky that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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2010
12

Heiresses of Russ 2011: The Year's Best Lesbian Speculative Fiction

Heiresses of Russ 2011: The Year's Best Lesbian Speculative Fiction continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Rachel Swirsky's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2011
13

The Best Science Fiction and Fantasy of the Year, Volume 5

The Best Science Fiction and Fantasy of the Year, Volume 5 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Rachel Swirsky's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2011
14

The Year's Best Science Fiction & Fantasy, 2011

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Year's Best Science Fiction & Fantasy, 2011, another outstanding contribution from Rachel Swirsky.

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2011
15

The Thackery T. Lambshead Cabinet of Curiosities

The Thackery T. Lambshead Cabinet of Curiosities continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Rachel Swirsky's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2011
16

The Best of Beneath Ceaseless Skies Online Magazine, Year Two

The Best of Beneath Ceaseless Skies Online Magazine, Year Two is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Rachel Swirsky have come to expect.

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2011
17

Unstuck #1

Unstuck #1 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Rachel Swirsky have come to expect.

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2011
18

When the Villain Comes Home

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with When the Villain Comes Home, another outstanding contribution from Rachel Swirsky.

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2012
19

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 Rachel Swirsky have come to expect.

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2012
20

Robots: The Recent A.I.

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Robots: The Recent A.I., another outstanding contribution from Rachel Swirsky.

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2012
21

Zombies Vs Robots: This Means War!

Conflict and courage define Zombies Vs Robots: This Means War!, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Anthologies series by Rachel Swirsky that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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2012
22

The Year's Best Science Fiction & Fantasy, 2012

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Year's Best Science Fiction & Fantasy, 2012, another outstanding contribution from Rachel Swirsky.

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2012
23

The Best of Electric Velocipede

The Best of Electric Velocipede continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Rachel Swirsky's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2012
24

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 Rachel Swirsky have come to expect.

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2012
25

Some of the Best from Tor.com, 2012 Edition

Some of the Best from Tor.com, 2012 Edition is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Rachel Swirsky have come to expect.

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2013
26

Nebula Awards Showcase 2015

Conflict and courage define Nebula Awards Showcase 2015, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Anthologies series by Rachel Swirsky that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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2013
27

Oz Reimagined

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Oz Reimagined, another outstanding contribution from Rachel Swirsky.

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2013
28

Telling Tales: The Clarion West 30th Anniversary Anthology

Telling Tales: The Clarion West 30th Anniversary Anthology is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Rachel Swirsky have come to expect.

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2013
29

Glitter & Mayhem

Glitter & Mayhem is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Rachel Swirsky have come to expect.

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2013
30

The Dark Magazine, Issue 1, October 2013

The Dark Magazine, Issue 1, October 2013 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Rachel Swirsky have come to expect.

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2013
31

The Book of Apex: Volume 4

The Book of Apex: Volume 4 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Rachel Swirsky's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2013
32

Tor.com: Selected Original Fiction, 2008-2012

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Tor.com: Selected Original Fiction, 2008-2012, another outstanding contribution from Rachel Swirsky.

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2013
33

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 Rachel Swirsky have come to expect.

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2014
34

Lightspeed Magazine, June 2014: Women Destroy Science Fiction! Special Issue

Lightspeed Magazine, June 2014: Women Destroy Science Fiction! Special Issue is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Rachel Swirsky have come to expect.

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2014
35

The Best Science Fiction and Fantasy of the Year, Volume Nine

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Best Science Fiction and Fantasy of the Year, Volume Nine, another outstanding contribution from Rachel Swirsky.

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2014
36

Solaris Rising 3

Solaris Rising 3 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Rachel Swirsky have come to expect.

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2014
37

Upgraded

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

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2014
38

Choose Wisely: 35 Women Up To No Good

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Choose Wisely: 35 Women Up To No Good, another outstanding contribution from Rachel Swirsky.

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2015
39

Jews vs Aliens

Jews vs Aliens continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Rachel Swirsky's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2015
40

Sisters of the Revolution

Sisters of the Revolution continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Rachel Swirsky's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2015
41

The Year's Best Science Fiction & Fantasy 2015 Edition

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Year's Best Science Fiction & Fantasy 2015 Edition, another outstanding contribution from Rachel Swirsky.

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2015
42

Letters to Tiptree

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Letters to Tiptree, another outstanding contribution from Rachel Swirsky.

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2015
43

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 Rachel Swirsky have come to expect.

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2015
44

GlitterShip Year One

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with GlitterShip Year One, another outstanding contribution from Rachel Swirsky.

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2017
45

Worlds Seen in Passing

Worlds Seen in Passing is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Rachel Swirsky have come to expect.

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2018
46

Some of the Best from Tor.com: 2020 Edition

Some of the Best from Tor.com: 2020 Edition is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Rachel Swirsky have come to expect.

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2021
47

Far Out: Recent Queer Science Fiction and Fantasy

Far Out: Recent Queer Science Fiction and Fantasy continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Rachel Swirsky's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2021
48

Shattering the Glass Slipper

Shattering the Glass Slipper continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Rachel Swirsky's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2022
49

Some Of The Best From Reactor: 2024 Edition

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Some Of The Best From Reactor: 2024 Edition, another outstanding contribution from Rachel Swirsky.

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2024

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Rachel Swirsky?

Rachel Swirsky is a bestselling author known for 8 book series containing over 82 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas, Publication Order of Short Story Collections. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Rachel Swirsky series to start with?

For readers new to Rachel Swirsky's work, the Publication Order of Anthologies series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 49 books. Begin with People of the Book to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Rachel Swirsky written?

Rachel Swirsky has written over 82 books across 8 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Rachel Swirsky books in order?

Yes, reading Rachel Swirsky'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 Rachel Swirsky write in?

Rachel Swirsky writes primarily in fiction. With 8 series across 82 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Rachel Swirsky's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Rachel Swirsky'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 Rachel Swirsky's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Rachel Swirsky's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Anthologies series. The first book, People of the Book, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.