Reading order
| # | Title | Published | Author | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Fifth Empire of Man | 2017 | Rob J. Hayes | Buy |
| 2 | Where Loyalties Lie | 2017 | Rob J. Hayes | Buy |
The Best Laid Plans duology is a pirate fantasy series by Rob J. Hayes. Set in a world of cutthroat pirates, shifting alliances, and naval warfare, the series follows a cast of captains and rogues vying for power on the high seas. Where Loyalties Lie (2017) won the SPFBO competition and introduced a story driven by betrayal, ambition, and the question of what it takes to unite pirates under a single banner.
The Fifth Empire of Man (2017) continues the story as the consequences of the first book’s events ripple outward, forcing characters to choose between self-interest and something larger. The duology blends grimdark sensibilities with swashbuckling adventure.