Chronological Order of Lady Astronaut Books (with C.C. Finlay) books in order

The complete Lady Astronaut reading order, including the main novels and shorter fiction in Mary Robinette Kowal's Hugo and Nebula Award-winning series.

Reading order

# Title Published Author Buy on Amazon
1 The Lady Astronaut of Mars 2012 Mary Robinette Kowal Buy
2 The Calculating Stars 2018 Mary Robinette Kowal Buy
3 The Fated Sky 2018 Mary Robinette Kowal Buy
4 Articulated Restraint 2019 Mary Robinette Kowal Buy
5 The Relentless Moon 2020 Mary Robinette Kowal Buy

This is the complete Lady Astronaut reading list, including the main novels and shorter fiction. The series is set in an alternate 1950s-60s where a meteor strike accelerates the space program.

For the best experience, read The Calculating Stars first, followed by The Fated Sky and The Relentless Moon. The original novelette, “The Lady Astronaut of Mars,” was published first but takes place decades later and works best as an epilogue.

The series has won multiple Hugo Awards and the Nebula Award for Best Novel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best reading order for Lady Astronaut?

Read The Calculating Stars first, then The Fated Sky, then The Relentless Moon. The novelette ‘The Lady Astronaut of Mars’ can be read last as it takes place decades after the main trilogy.

Is 'Articulated Restraint' essential to the series?

Articulated Restraint is a short story that provides additional context but is not required for the main narrative. The three novels tell the core story.

What awards has the Lady Astronaut series won?

The Calculating Stars won the Hugo, Nebula, and Locus Awards. The Lady Astronaut of Mars won the Hugo for Best Novelette. The series represents Kowal’s highest-awarded work.

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