Metropolitan books in order

Q: "How many books are in the Metropolitan series?"

"There are three books in the Metropolitan series, published between 1995 and 2010."

Q: "What is the first book in the Metropolitan series?"

"The first book in the Metropolitan series is Metropolitan, published in 1995."

Q: "What is plasm in the Metropolitan series?"

"Plasm is a form of magical energy generated by the city's infrastructure in the Metropolitan universe. Buildings, roads, and other structures create plasm, which can be collected and used to perform extraordinary feats. Control of plasm is tied directly to political power, making city planning a matter of life and death."

Reading order

#	Title	Published	Author	Buy on Amazon
1	Metropolitan	1995	Walter Jon Williams	Buy
2	Borderline	2010	Walter Jon Williams	N/A
3	City on Fire	1997	Walter Jon Williams	Buy

Metropolitan (1995) takes place in a city that covers the entire surface of the world. In this setting, the city’s infrastructure generates a magical substance called plasm, and whoever controls the plasm controls everything. The novel follows Aiah, a low-ranking bureaucrat who discovers an enormous hidden reserve of plasm and has to decide what to do with power that could reshape the political order.

City on Fire (1997) continues the story as Aiah becomes involved in a full-scale revolution. Williams blends science fiction worldbuilding with the feel of urban fantasy, creating a setting where the layout of streets and the construction of buildings have direct magical consequences. Metropolitan was nominated for a Nebula Award, and the series stands out as one of his most original creations. Borderline (2010) is a related work set in the same universe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many books are in the Metropolitan series?

There are three books in the Metropolitan series, published between 1995 and 2010.

What is the first book in the Metropolitan series?

The first book in the Metropolitan series is Metropolitan, published in 1995.

What is plasm in the Metropolitan series?

Plasm is a form of magical energy generated by the city’s infrastructure in the Metropolitan universe. Buildings, roads, and other structures create plasm, which can be collected and used to perform extraordinary feats. Control of plasm is tied directly to political power, making city planning a matter of life and death.

Reading order#

Frequently Asked Questions

Reading order