SeriesStack

The Cruel Stars Trilogy Books in Order

by John BirminghamScience Fiction & Fantasy

2 books so far (book 3 is due November 24, 2026). They run from The Cruel Stars (2019) to The Shattered Skies (2022). Rated 4.4 across 332 listener reviews.

Next The Cruel Stars Trilogy book

The Forever Dead

Book 3 · out November 24, 2026 · preorder now

Kindle Paperback Audiobook

Reading order

  1. The Cruel Stars

    Book 1 2019 4.3 (237)

    With a ruthless sect of humanity intent on wiping out their species, five intrepid heroes must think like their enemies in this epic sci-fi adventure for fans of The Expanse and Battlestar Galactica.

    Kindle Paperback Audiobook

  2. The Shattered Skies

    Book 2 2022 4.6 (95)

    Humanity’s last surviving heroes must protect a shattered civilization from an all-conquering enemy in this thrilling sequel to The Cruel Stars.

    Kindle Paperback Audiobook

  3. The Forever Dead

    Book 3 Out November 24, 2026

    A crew of intrepid heroes faces off once and for all against an enemy intent on destroying humanity—and the galaxy—in this exhilarating conclusion to The Cruel Stars Trilogy.

    Kindle Paperback Audiobook

About this reading order

Books are listed in the series' own numbering, which for The Cruel Stars Trilogy is also the best order to read them in. Years are first publication where we could confirm it, and otherwise the first audiobook release.

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