Readers’ Guide

I realized lately that as I put out more books taking place in the Reality Gradient universe, you might get a little confused with what order to read them in. Despite the fact that I try to write these novels in a way that allows them to stand alone (and more or less, with the exception of Bodhi Rising, I think I’ve done that), it’s not lost on me that some folks will like Harper and her story, others will like Bodhi, still others, Dandelion, and many Larken. So I put together a high-level timeline of where these books sit in relation to each other. Oh, one quick note. If you’re interested in the subject matter and how that breaks down between series, Reality Gradient is about genetically-altered clones, so think Bladerunner, cyberpunk-ish, when you consider this series. Virtual Wars (also in the Reality Gradient universe) begins to grapple with concepts in Artificial Intelligence (as well as clones, but with significant focus especially in the first three books on AI).

Please keep in mind that of Virtual Wars, only the first novel is available right now. Human Pride is in editing, and Inertia and Momentum is ready for author editing (which means it’s about a month away from being properly edited). Now, with regard to specific books, here’s how they go.

Models and Citizens - introduces the series, and follows Harper Rawls as she discovers the truth about her mother’s affair with Ordell Bentley, a genetically-altered clone called a model (hence the name Models and Citizens).

Bodhi Rising - introduces Harper’s son Bodhi and the concept of consciousness transfer, while exploring the morality of the possibility by juxtaposing his desires with that of Christine Hamilton, a key player in all of the following books.

Libera, Goddess of Worlds - introduces Lincoln Montague and probably more importantly her mother, neurodivergent Aida Lothian, while examining the blurring lines between reality and virtual reality.

Brighton Academy - reintroduces Larken Marche and her “brother” Oliver (who are both clones but we know that from Models and Citizens) and explores the concept of “passing” while exploring the limitations of Artificial Intelligence (or better, the lack thereof)

I’ll add more to this blog post as I get the others out. Oh, and by the way, did you know that you can get these books and more on my website https://www.hesperiapublishing.com ? It’s a collaboration for authors by authors where we can sell our books with a bit of a discount (since there’s no middleman). Just sign up for our Reader Community. Happy reading!