Timeline Wars books in order

Q: "How many books are in the Timeline Wars series?"

"There are three books in the Timeline Wars series, published in 1997."

Q: "What is the first book in the Timeline Wars series?"

"The first book in the Timeline Wars series is Patton's Spaceship, published in 1997."

Q: "What is the premise of the Timeline Wars series?"

"In the Timeline Wars, multiple factions have discovered the ability to travel between parallel timelines and are at war to control or destroy alternative versions of history. Mark Strang is an ordinary man recruited by one faction to fight as a soldier and agent across timelines, including ones where World War II went differently and where historical figures like Patton, Washington, and Caesar are still active."

Reading order

#	Title	Published	Author	Buy on Amazon
1	Patton’s Spaceship	1997	John Barnes	Buy
2	Washington’s Dirigible	1997	John Barnes	Buy
3	Caesar’s Bicycle	1997	John Barnes	Buy

All three books in the Timeline Wars trilogy were published in 1997, and each one drops Mark Strang into a different alternate history where he must complete a mission while keeping the timeline intact. Patton’s Spaceship features a world where the Nazis won World War II. Washington’s Dirigible takes place in a timeline where the American Revolution played out under different technological conditions. Caesar’s Bicycle goes back further, to ancient Rome.

The books are brisk and action-focused, with enough historical detail to make each alternate setting feel distinct. Barnes is not trying to write careful counterfactual history in the manner of Harry Turtledove; the emphasis is on adventure and the mechanics of timeline-hopping, with the alternate history as vivid backdrop. Strang is a capable, pragmatic protagonist who works well in the pulpy register the series adopts.

The Timeline Wars novels represent Barnes working in a more commercial mode than his harder SF. They are straightforward fun for readers who enjoy alternate history adventure, and the rapid publication schedule meant the three books can be read close together as a continuous story.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many books are in the Timeline Wars series?

There are three books in the Timeline Wars series, published in 1997.

What is the first book in the Timeline Wars series?

The first book in the Timeline Wars series is Patton’s Spaceship, published in 1997.

What is the premise of the Timeline Wars series?

In the Timeline Wars, multiple factions have discovered the ability to travel between parallel timelines and are at war to control or destroy alternative versions of history. Mark Strang is an ordinary man recruited by one faction to fight as a soldier and agent across timelines, including ones where World War II went differently and where historical figures like Patton, Washington, and Caesar are still active.

Reading order#

Frequently Asked Questions

Reading order