Eight Worlds books in order

Q: "How many books are in the Eight Worlds series?"

"There are six books in the Eight Worlds series, published between 1977 and 2018."

Q: "What is the first book in the Eight Worlds series?"

"The first book in the Eight Worlds series is The Ophiuchi Hotline, published in 1977."

Q: "What is the Eight Worlds series about?"

"The Eight Worlds series by John Varley is set in a future where mysterious alien invaders have forced humanity off Earth and into colonies scattered across the solar system. The stories explore how humans adapt to life on the Moon, Mars, and other worlds, dealing with radical body modification, gender fluidity, and new social structures. The series spans novels, short stories, and collections."

Reading order

#	Title	Published	Author	Buy on Amazon
1	The Ophiuchi Hotline	1977	John Varley	Buy
2	Lollipop and the Tar Baby	1977	John Varley	Buy
3	The Persistence of Vision	1978	John Varley	Buy
4	Blue Champagne	1986	John Varley	Buy
5	Steel Beach	1992	John Varley	Buy
6	Irontown Blues	2018	John Varley	Buy

The Eight Worlds is John Varley’s longest-running fictional universe. The premise is simple: aliens arrived and kicked humanity off Earth, and now people live throughout the rest of the solar system. Within that setup, Varley explores ideas about technology, identity, and human nature.

The Ophiuchi Hotline (1977) was the first novel set in the Eight Worlds, followed decades later by Steel Beach (1992) and Irontown Blues (2018). The universe also includes many of Varley’s best-known short stories and novellas, collected in volumes like Blue Champagne and The Persistence of Vision.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many books are in the Eight Worlds series?

There are six books in the Eight Worlds series, published between 1977 and 2018.

What is the first book in the Eight Worlds series?

The first book in the Eight Worlds series is The Ophiuchi Hotline, published in 1977.

What is the Eight Worlds series about?

The Eight Worlds series by John Varley is set in a future where mysterious alien invaders have forced humanity off Earth and into colonies scattered across the solar system. The stories explore how humans adapt to life on the Moon, Mars, and other worlds, dealing with radical body modification, gender fluidity, and new social structures. The series spans novels, short stories, and collections.

Reading order#

Frequently Asked Questions

Reading order