It’s been a long time since I originally read and played in the Battletech universe. However, with a recent membership in Scribd after I cancelled my Kindle Unlimited membership I joyfully came across this series once again. If you’re a fan of reading and audiobooks, I highly recommend Scribd as while I liked Kindle Unlimited, I also disliked it at the same time!
You see, Kindle Unlimited only really offered self-published books through its store and while I really enjoyed reading and getting to know some of these authors, I also wanted to read stuff from some of the big names in the industry. With Scribd, I have this + for the same cost I also have magazines and audiobooks. If you’re interested in giving them a try click here to get two free months to try it out!
Now, these are labeled as Battletech Legends and the reading order seems a bit out of whack. I initially thought it was based around actions happening during the same timeframe in the Inner Sphere but this isn’t really the case.
So this page is going to cover the right way you should read all of the books along with links to the relevant reviews when I finish each book.
This table while it contains all of the books will have additional detail added as I get through them so check back often and click through to the associated reviews for more details!
| Titles | Reading Order |
| Shrapnel: Fragments from the Inner Sphere by Jordan K. Weisman | 0 |
| The Sword and the Dagger by Ardath Mayhar Journey back to the early days of the Succession Wars in The Sword and the Dagger, a thrilling BattleTech novel filled with political intrigue, assassination attempts, and deadly ‘Mech duels. Discover the secrets that set the stage for the Gray Death Legion saga. | 1 April 1987 |
| Decision at Thunder Rift by William H. Keith Jr. A good introduction to the Battletech universe. It provides a good overview without getting caught up in the minutia of things. Starting from simple infantry fighting these awesome war machines and then growing into command of the machines themselves – this book launches the universe well. You can find my review here. | 2 June 1986 |
| Mercenary’s Star by William H. Keith Jr. Continuing from the previous book – Decision at Thunder Rift – this book sees the fledgling legion continuing to grow. With the forces of the Draconis Combine working hard to subjugate the citizens of Verthandi, the Legion is called in to help the fledgling rebellion. Read the full review including brief synopsis here. | 3 June 1987 |
| The Price of Glory by William H. Keith, Jr. The third and final installment of the Gray Death Legion saga, The Price of Glory definitely ups the stakes for the legion with running battles across the Inner Sphere. | 4 October 1987 |
| Titles | Order |
| Warrior: En Garde by Michael A. Stackpole | 5 |
| Warrior: Riposte by Michael A. Stackpole | 6 |
| Warrior: Coupe by Michael A. Stackpole | 7 |
| Wolves on the Border by Robert N. Charrette This was actually the first book I read in the Legends series but based on my recollection of events from earlier days it was out of sequence which is why I created this list! The story is basically all about the mercenary group the Wolves Dragoons and their experiences with their Kurita paymasters. | 8 |
| Heir to the Dragon by Robert N. Charrette | 9 |
| Lethal Heritage by Michael A. Stackpole | 10 |
| Titles | Order |
| Blood Legacy by Michael A. Stackpole | 11 |
| Lost Destiny by Michael A. Stackpole | 12 |
| Way of the Clans by Robert Thurston While we get a couple of hints in earlier books – specifically Wolves on the Border – this is our first real introduction to the Clans. An extremely martial society that has formed from the descendants of Kerensky, the Clan’s goal and ambition is to restore the Star League – regardless of who and what stands in their way. The Jade Falcon’s are one of the most ambitious of the Clan’s and this story tells the birth of one of their greatest leaders. | 13 |
| Bloodname by Robert Thurston | 14 |
| Falcon Guard by Robert Thurston | 15 |
