L. Ron Hubbard Fiction: Order of Books
People sometimes ask me what’s my favorite L. Ron Hubbard fiction book, where to begin, and if I can recommend an order of books to read.
The challenge in recommending a best order of books, or even where to start, is the diversity of his storytelling. He wrote books across many genres, from science fiction to Western and mystery books to military fiction, so where you should start depends on which genre you most enjoy reading.
Here are my book suggestions for a great starting point in each genre. I have also added a link to a list of other titles in that genre, many of which are stand-alone stories you can read in any sequence.
Science Fiction: Battlefield Earth
A young hero rises from the ashes of humanity and sparks a rebellion that erupts across the continents of Earth and the cosmic sprawl of the Psychlo empire in this epic science fiction adventure. Download the first 13 chapters free.
“Battlefield Earth is a terrific story! A masterpiece.” —Robert A. Heinlein (Starship Troopers)
“Pulse-pounding mile-a-minute sci-fi action-adventure that does not stop. It is a masterpiece of popular adventure science fiction.” —Brandon Sanderson (The Way of Kings)
Science Fiction Series: The Invaders Plan (Mission Earth)
Soltan Gris confesses his crimes in The Invaders Plan, the first volume in the Mission Earth series. See our world through his eyes in this confession. Wickedly funny. Satirical. Sinister. Earth does not exist, or so they want you to believe. What do they want and who are they? They are from Voltar—an empire 110 planets strong—and they are headed straight for us. (This book is intended for mature audiences.)
“You will lose sleep. You will miss appointments. Reading The Invaders Plan is simply the most fun you can have by yourself.” —Orson Scott Card (Ender’s Game)
“An outrageously and wildly funny read.”—San Francisco Examiner
Fantasy: Typewriter in the Sky
Living in someone else’s world is not easy. But that’s the story of Mike de Wolf’s life. Literally. He finds himself as the pirate villain in his best friend’s book—in the West Indies three centuries ago, pursued by buccaneers, and a wild woman on horseback. He soon realizes one terrible fact: the villain always meets a certain painful death. Is there a way to change his fate? What’s a guy to do? The answer is written in the sky—in this wickedly amusing, wildly original novel.
“An adventure story written in the great style adventures should be written in.” —Clive Cussler (Shock Wave)
“A true masterpiece of the genre … a book that remembers how to be ‘fun’ and entertaining.” —Kevin J. Anderson (Dune: House Atreides)
Military Fiction: Final Blackout
Across this post-apocalyptic landscape marches one extraordinary soldier and his band of brothers. Now, in a time of desperation, deception, and betrayal, they are headed into battle against their ultimate enemy—their own treacherous leaders. For the Lieutenant, a hero at the crossroads of history, it is time to do what is best for his country and for his men—to undertake one last act of sacrifice and courage.
“As perfect a piece of science fiction as has ever been written.” —Robert A. Heinlein (Starship Troopers)
“Compelling … riveting … Hubbard’s best.” —Publishers Weekly
Professor James Lowry doesn’t believe in the supernatural, the surreal, ghosts, or any type of dark fantasy. Not until a gentle spring evening when his hat disappears, and suddenly he can’t remember the last four hours of his life. Now, his quiet university town is changing—slightly at first, then faster and more frighteningly—each time he tries to remember. Lowry is pursued by a secret dark evil that is turning his whole world against him while it whispers from the shadows: If you find your hat you’ll find your four hours. If you find your four hours then you will die…
“A classic tale of creeping, surreal menace and horror … one of the really, really good ones.” —Stephen King (It: A Novel)
“L. Ron Hubbard’s Fear impressed me very much. Without Fear, I would never have come up with what I do.” —Philip K. Dick (Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep)
Detective Lane has seen the darkest side of human behavior but he’s never seen a series of murders like this, targeting the powerful, the wealthy, and the privileged. For the evidence is clear: the killers have not emerged from the seamy underbelly of the city … but from six feet below it. They are the walking dead, showing no mercy and spreading terror. Following a trail of blackmail, drugs, and the twisted clues of a seductive nightclub singer, Detective Lane will have to think outside the box—or end up inside one, buried alive. Lock your doors and turn on the lights as Dead Men Kill brings the dead to life.
“A rollicking horror yarn [that] taps into the current craze for zombies … heart-pounding.” —Publishers Weekly
“For all those who think zombie literature began with the great Max Brooks (World War Z), think again. Dead Men Kill first appeared in 1934 in an issue of Thrilling Detective. A ripping yarn … frightful fun from yesteryear.” —Fangoria
The Lewis & Clark murder of a Native American Blackfoot Indian impacts the course of history. One white man raised by the Blackfeet—Yellow Hair—undertakes a treacherous adventure across the uncharted wilderness. Experience this panoramic journey across the pages of American history in a thrilling story of a courageous, proud man pushed to the limits of endurance and of a country on the threshold of a bloody conflict that will change it forever.
“Mr. Hubbard has reversed a time-honored formula and has given a thriller to which, at the end of every chapter or so, another paleface bites the dust. An enthusiasm, even a freshness and sparkle, decidedly rare in this type of romance.” —New York Times
“Mr. Hubbard’s tale, based on fact, is quite believable and his use of American Indian lore should attract Tony Hillerman and Louis L’Amour fans.” —Library Journal
Historical Fiction: Under the Black Ensign
Long before Captain Jack Sparrow raised hell in the Caribbean, Tom Bristol sailed to hell and back in Under the Black Ensign. He’s served under the threat of the cruel captain’s lash, he’s been accused of murder, and he’s been left to die on a deserted island. But his luck is about to change. Together with a fiery woman and a crafty crew, he raises a pirate flag of his own, setting out to make love and war on the open seas.
“A riveting tale of sailing ships, piracy, and the high seas.” —Midwest Book Review
“Errol Flynn would feel quite at home in Mr. Hubbard’s ripping yarn.” —Publishers Weekly
Action-Adventure: The Iron Duke
Blacky Lee is a lady’s man, a man’s man—and a wanted man—on the run in 1930s Europe, with a price put on his head by the Nazis. But Blacky’s always got an angle—this time he’ll impersonate The Iron Duke, crowned head of a Balkan kingdom. He could win it all—the love of a country and a beautiful woman—if he’s willing to risk it all.
“Romantic … fast-paced … a thriller set in WWII Europe.” —Publishers Weekly
“Colorful prose, lively action writing, exotic locales … excellent.” —Ellery Queen
Enjoy the adventure of L. Ron Hubbard’s fiction!
“In writing an adventure story a writer has to know that he is adventuring for a lot of people who cannot. The writer has to take them here and there about the globe and show them excitement and love and realism.” —L. Ron Hubbard
Other articles and resources you may be interested in:
Books That Make You Think by L. Ron Hubbard
L. Ron Hubbard’s fiction on audiobook
L. Ron Hubbard’s realistic fiction
L. Ron Hubbard science fiction and global warming
Meet some of L. Ron Hubbard’s epic heroes
Must-Read Book List, 5 Novels by L. Ron Hubbard
Teacher created resources for L. Ron Hubbard books (fiction)
photo by Hannah Troupe on Unsplash.com
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