Al Sarrantonio Books In Order

Publication Order of Five Worlds Saga Books

Publication Order of Jack Paine Mysteries Books

Publication Order of Masters of Mars Books

Publication Order of Novel of the West Books

Publication Order of Orangefield Cycle Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas

Publication Order of Short Story Collections

Publication Order of Babylon 5 Books

Publication Order of Anthologies

About Al Sarrantonio

An American author of science-fiction, Al Sarrantonio is enormously well regarded for his unique brand of genre fiction. Really pushing at the boundaries of what the format can fully achieve, he’s a gifted novelist when it comes to creating new and interesting stories. Writing in a style that’s very much his own, he has a way with words that’s quite unlike anyone else currently working within his field. Taking readers on a journey, his books are hugely imaginative, making for more than compelling reading for audiences far and wide.

Often writing for popular franchises such as Babylon Five, Sarrantonio is a well-known figure for many fans of genre fiction. With his expert sense of pace and momentum, he really understands how to build up the narrative, ultimately crafting a finely woven story. Knowing his audience well at this point too, he delivers precisely what they’re looking for, while also remaining true to himself. Writing horror, fantasy, and mystery thrillers as well, he’s proven to be a hugely versatile author over the many years.

Using a lot of creative concepts, he has managed to make his mark, becoming a permanent fixture on the bookshelves of many. It’s also his characters that really ensure he stands out from the rest, pushing his work to the forefront, as his stories remain grounded. Ensuring readers return time and time again, he’s a writer with a lot more to say as well, as he always has an underlying message. Not putting away his pen any time soon either, it appears that he’ll be continuing to writer for quite some time to come.

Early and Personal Life

Born in New York City on the 25th of May in 1952, Al Sarrantonio would grow up with a keen passion for writing and literature. Growing up on Long-Island, his parents were of Scots-Irish descent, and he would begin developing his fascination with the written word from early on. When he was just sixteen years of age he would see some of his first non-fiction work published in a publication of Ray Palmer.

Attending Manhattan College he would graduate with a BA in English in 1974, before going on to attend the Clarion Science Fiction Writers Workshop. Working as an editor for some time, he would begin his career at New York publishing house in 1976, before going on to write himself. Also working as a book reviewer, he continues to write to this very, with a lot more planned on the horizon still.

Writing Career

The first work of fiction that Al Sarrantonio would see published was his short-story ‘Ahead of the Joneses,’ released in the Isaac Asimov Science-Fiction Magazine. This would be in 1979, and he would go on to release another piece of short-fiction in the ‘Heavy Metal’ magazine the following year. In 1980 he would publish fourteen short-stories, and then, in 1982, would go on to dedicate himself to being a full-time writer.

Winning awards for his work, he’s received several prestigious honors and nominations over the years of his career. These include ‘Bram Stoker Award,’ the ‘Audie Award,’ and the ‘Shirley Jackson Award,’ to name just a few of them. Publishing a number of series over the years, he’s published a large quantity of work, including writing a number of Babylon Five books as well.

Queen of Mars

Originally published in 2006, this would come out on the 30th of May through the ‘Ace’ publishing imprint to a great deal of acclaim. Marking the third and final part of the ‘Masters of Mars’ series of science-fiction novels, it continues on from the previous books. Finishing the series as well, it provides closure, wrapping everything up, so it’s best that the series is read in order to get the most from it.

Set in the distant future, the series concerns itself with the monarchy on the Red Planet, dealing with all the dangers that they face. Looking to defend her crown, the young Princess Clara must hold on to it at all costs, despite the obstacles she’s up against. With the atmosphere of Mars gradually slipping away, it seems that there’s problems on the Red Planet, with danger just around the corner. Will she be able to hold on to her crown against the odds, what is going to happen to the atmosphere, and who will emerge as the Queen of Mars?

It’s a fun book that really delivers on the original two novels, taking the story forwards in new and inventive directions. Capturing what made the first two work, it further develops the world and the characters, making it a definite must for fans of the genre. Providing the finale to the series as well, it completes it in a satisfying manner, tying up all the loose ends in the process.

Skeletons

First arriving in 1992 on the 1st of June, this would come out through the Bantam publishing label to an already eager audience. A horror novel with an element of science-fiction, it’s not a part of any series as such, with its entirely self-contained narrative that can be read as a stand-alone. Easy to pick up, it’s a straightforward novel with a simple to follow narrative, making it extremely addictive and compelling.

Reverberating across the Red Square, the echo of bones rattles through Moscow, while skeletons patrol the streets of Manhattan in America. Looking to secure a third-term in Washington DC, Abraham Lincoln has his sights set on the White House once again. With humanity coming together, a small group refugees hope to fight against the hordes, as they struggle not to join their ranks. But will they be able to succeed, can they find a place in this new world, and what will finally become of the skeletons?

This novel is once again a lot of fun, with some light-hearted comic relief along the way as well, making for a hugely entertaining novel. The book provides a lot of world-building along with its character development, as it really immerses the reader in its world. With plenty of scares as well, it builds upon the suspense, really maintaining the pacing and momentum throughout every step of the way.