🎯 Where Should I Start?
ⓘ About Walter Jon Williams
Walter Jon Williams is an American published author and actor and has also written for television (“All Great Neptune’s Ocean”, Andromeda). Born October 15, 1953 in Dublin, Minnesota, this writer also goes by the pen name of Jon Williams. In the course of his career, he has published several full length novels as well as some collections of short fiction. Many of these fall into the genre of fantasy or science fiction, such as City on Fire or Hardwired, among several others. Some of his novels could also be classified as historical adventure stories. The author is a student of Kenpo Karate, in which he is the proud holder of a fourth degree black belt. His hobbies besides writing novels include sailing as well as going scuba diving. He resides in the state of New Mexico. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Anthologies series, Walter Jon Williams 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 Walter Jon Williams
This is Not a Game
This is Not a Game is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Dagmar Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Walter Jon Williams have come to expect.
Deep State
Deep State is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Dagmar Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Walter Jon Williams have come to expect.
The Fourth Wall
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Dagmar Books with The Fourth Wall, another outstanding contribution from Walter Jon Williams.
Diamonds from Tequila
Diamonds from Tequila continues the Publication Order of Dagmar Books story arc with Walter Jon Williams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Praxis
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Dread Empire's Fall Books with The Praxis, another outstanding contribution from Walter Jon Williams.
The Sundering
The Sundering continues the Publication Order of Dread Empire's Fall Books story arc with Walter Jon Williams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Conventions of War
Conflict and courage define Conventions of War, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Dread Empire's Fall Books series by Walter Jon Williams that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.
Investments
Investments continues the Publication Order of Dread Empire's Fall Books story arc with Walter Jon Williams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Impersonations
Impersonations continues the Publication Order of Dread Empire's Fall Books story arc with Walter Jon Williams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Accidental War
Conflict and courage define The Accidental War, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Dread Empire's Fall Books series by Walter Jon Williams that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.
Investments plus The Stickpin
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Dread Empire's Fall Books with Investments plus The Stickpin, another outstanding contribution from Walter Jon Williams.
Fleet Elements
Fleet Elements is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Dread Empire's Fall Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Walter Jon Williams have come to expect.
Imperium Restored
Imperium Restored continues the Publication Order of Dread Empire's Fall Books story arc with Walter Jon Williams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Hardwired
Hardwired continues the Publication Order of Hardwired Books story arc with Walter Jon Williams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Solip
Solip continues the Publication Order of Hardwired Books story arc with Walter Jon Williams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Crown Jewels
The Crown Jewels is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Maijstral Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Walter Jon Williams have come to expect.
House of Shards
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Maijstral Books with House of Shards, another outstanding contribution from Walter Jon Williams.
Ten Points for Style
Ten Points for Style is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Maijstral Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Walter Jon Williams have come to expect.
Rock of Ages
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Maijstral Books with Rock of Ages, another outstanding contribution from Walter Jon Williams.
Metropolitan
Metropolitan is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Metropolitan Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Walter Jon Williams have come to expect.
City on Fire
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Metropolitan Books with City on Fire, another outstanding contribution from Walter Jon Williams.
The Privateer
The Privateer continues the Publication Order of Privateers & Gentlemen Books story arc with Walter Jon Williams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
To Glory Arise
To Glory Arise is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Privateers & Gentlemen Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Walter Jon Williams have come to expect.
The Tern Schooner
The Tern Schooner is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Privateers & Gentlemen Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Walter Jon Williams have come to expect.
The Yankee
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Privateers & Gentlemen Books with The Yankee, another outstanding contribution from Walter Jon Williams.
Brig of War
Conflict and courage define Brig of War, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Privateers & Gentlemen Books series by Walter Jon Williams that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.
The Raider
The Raider continues the Publication Order of Privateers & Gentlemen Books story arc with Walter Jon Williams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Macedonian
The Macedonian continues the Publication Order of Privateers & Gentlemen Books story arc with Walter Jon Williams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Cat Island
Cat Island continues the Publication Order of Privateers & Gentlemen Books story arc with Walter Jon Williams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Quillifer
Quillifer continues the Publication Order of Quillifer Books story arc with Walter Jon Williams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Quillifer the Knight
Quillifer the Knight continues the Publication Order of Quillifer Books story arc with Walter Jon Williams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Lord Quillifer
Lord Quillifer is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Quillifer Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Walter Jon Williams have come to expect.
Ylesia
Ylesia is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Star Wars: The New Jedi Order Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Walter Jon Williams have come to expect.
Destiny's Way
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Star Wars: The New Jedi Order Books with Destiny's Way, another outstanding contribution from Walter Jon Williams.
Destiny's Way
Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Star Wars: The New Jedi Order Books with Destiny's Way, another outstanding contribution from Walter Jon Williams.
Ylesia
Ylesia is an essential installment in the Chronological Order of Star Wars: The New Jedi Order Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Walter Jon Williams have come to expect.
Prompt. Professional. Pop!
Prompt. Professional. Pop! is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Wild Cards Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Walter Jon Williams have come to expect.
Ambassador of Progress
Ambassador of Progress continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Walter Jon Williams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Knight Moves
Knight Moves continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Walter Jon Williams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Angel Station
Angel Station is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Walter Jon Williams have come to expect.
Days of Atonement
Days of Atonement continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Walter Jon Williams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Aristoi
Aristoi is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Walter Jon Williams have come to expect.
Wall, Stone, Craft
Wall, Stone, Craft is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Walter Jon Williams have come to expect.
The Rift
The Rift continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Walter Jon Williams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Implied Spaces
Implied Spaces continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Walter Jon Williams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Video Star
Video Star continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Walter Jon Williams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Wolf Time
Wolf Time is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Walter Jon Williams have come to expect.
Dinosaurs
Dinosaurs is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Walter Jon Williams have come to expect.
Prayers on the Wind
Prayers on the Wind continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Walter Jon Williams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Daddy's World
Daddy's World is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Walter Jon Williams have come to expect.
The Last Ride of German Freddie
The Last Ride of German Freddie continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Walter Jon Williams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Green Leopard Plague
The Green Leopard Plague is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Walter Jon Williams have come to expect.
The Tang Dynasty Underwater Pyramid
The Tang Dynasty Underwater Pyramid continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Walter Jon Williams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Boolean Gate
The Boolean Gate continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Walter Jon Williams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
No Spot of Ground
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with No Spot of Ground, another outstanding contribution from Walter Jon Williams.
Surfacing
Surfacing continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Walter Jon Williams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Facets
Facets continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Walter Jon Williams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Frankensteins and Foreign Devils
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with Frankensteins and Foreign Devils, another outstanding contribution from Walter Jon Williams.
The Green Leopard Plague and Other Stories
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with The Green Leopard Plague and Other Stories, another outstanding contribution from Walter Jon Williams.
Isaac Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine, April 1986
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Isaac Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine, April 1986, another outstanding contribution from Walter Jon Williams.
Isaac Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine, November 1989
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Isaac Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine, November 1989, another outstanding contribution from Walter Jon Williams.
Epic: An Anthology, Book One
Epic: An Anthology, Book One continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Walter Jon Williams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Furthest Horizon
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Furthest Horizon, another outstanding contribution from Walter Jon Williams.
Nebula Awards 34 (2000)
Conflict and courage define Nebula Awards 34 (2000), an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Anthologies series by Walter Jon Williams that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.
Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine, October/November 2000
Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine, October/November 2000 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Walter Jon Williams have come to expect.
Worlds that Weren't
Worlds that Weren't is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Walter Jon Williams have come to expect.
The Mammoth Book of Best New SF 16
The Mammoth Book of Best New SF 16 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Walter Jon Williams have come to expect.
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 Walter Jon Williams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Best of the Best: 20 Years of the Best Short Science Fiction Novels
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Best of the Best: 20 Years of the Best Short Science Fiction Novels, another outstanding contribution from Walter Jon Williams.
Escape from Earth
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Escape from Earth, another outstanding contribution from Walter Jon Williams.
Science Fiction: The Best of the Year, 2007 Edition
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Science Fiction: The Best of the Year, 2007 Edition, another outstanding contribution from Walter Jon Williams.
The Best of the Best, Vol 2
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Best of the Best, Vol 2, another outstanding contribution from Walter Jon Williams.
The Year's Best Science Fiction: Twenty-Fourth Annual Collection
The Year's Best Science Fiction: Twenty-Fourth Annual Collection is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Walter Jon Williams have come to expect.
Rewired
Rewired continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Walter Jon Williams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Songs of the Dying Earth: Stories in Honour of Jack Vance
Songs of the Dying Earth: Stories in Honour of Jack Vance continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Walter Jon Williams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Mammoth Book of SF Wars
Conflict and courage define The Mammoth Book of SF Wars, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Anthologies series by Walter Jon Williams that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.
The Year's Top Short SF Novels 3
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Year's Top Short SF Novels 3, another outstanding contribution from Walter Jon Williams.
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 Walter Jon Williams's mastery of suspense.
Rogues
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Rogues, another outstanding contribution from Walter Jon Williams.
Lightspeed Magazine, July 2016
Lightspeed Magazine, July 2016 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Walter Jon Williams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Book of Swords: Part 1
Epic adventure awaits in The Book of Swords: Part 1, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Anthologies series that raises the stakes across the realm Walter Jon Williams has built.
George R. R. Martin Presents Wild Cards: Sleeper Straddle in Stories
George R. R. Martin Presents Wild Cards: Sleeper Straddle in Stories continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Walter Jon Williams's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
? Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Walter Jon Williams?
Walter Jon Williams is a bestselling author known for 14 book series containing over 82 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Dagmar Books, Publication Order of Dread Empire's Fall Books, Publication Order of Hardwired Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.
What is the best Walter Jon Williams series to start with?
For readers new to Walter Jon Williams'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 Isaac Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine, April 1986 to start from the very beginning.
How many books has Walter Jon Williams written?
Walter Jon Williams has written over 82 books across 14 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.
Should I read Walter Jon Williams books in order?
Yes, reading Walter Jon Williams'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 Walter Jon Williams write in?
Walter Jon Williams writes primarily in fiction. With 14 series across 82 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.
Are Walter Jon Williams's books standalone or must they be read as a series?
Most of Walter Jon Williams'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 Walter Jon Williams's most popular book?
Based on reader reviews and sales data, Walter Jon Williams's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Anthologies series. The first book, Isaac Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine, April 1986, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.