Bethany Jacobs Books In Order

Publication Order of The Kindom Trilogy Books

Bethany Jacobs

Bethany Jacobs is an American writer who works in science fiction, specifically within the space opera subgenre. She builds her future settings with care, paying attention to the rules of her made-up galaxies. Her books are known for having a strong sense of place, even when that place is far from Earth. She does not rely on simple good-versus-evil plots.

One of her clear skills as a writer is how she shapes her main characters. She gives them flaws, histories, and personal goals that sometimes conflict with what the story asks of them. These people are not perfect heroes; they are often tired, smart, or stubborn in ways that feel believable. That human touch makes their journeys more gripping, because the reader can see parts of themselves in the struggles.

Her storytelling also stands out for how it mixes tension with quieter scenes. She knows when to speed up the action and when to let a moment breathe. Political maneuvering, personal betrayals, and fragile alliances show up often in her plots, but they never feel like dry lectures. Instead, the narrative stays lively and forward-moving, so the audience stays curious about what comes next for every character involved.

Jacobs holds the attention of readers across the globe by putting real emotional weight into every scene. She does not chase trends or copy what is popular at the moment. Instead, she writes the kinds of stories she herself would want to read, with layered politics and messy relationships. That personal honesty comes through on the page, and audiences in many countries respond to that authentic voice.

Her entertainment value comes from smart plotting and sharp dialogue, not from cheap twists or overblown action. She gives her characters room to think, argue, and change their minds, which makes the story feel alive. Readers enjoy trying to guess what a character will do next, because the choices are never obvious. This keeps the reading experience fresh, even for people who know the sci-fi genre well.

She also stays true to her own interests, such as exploring power structures and personal identity within vast galactic systems. She does not water down those themes to make the books more mainstream. Instead, she trusts that her audience will follow along if the story is compelling enough. That trust pays off, because her fans appreciate the sincerity, and new readers find themselves pulled in by the combination of thoughtful content and steady pacing.

Looking ahead, Bethany Jacobs shows no signs of slowing down. She continues to write and develop new projects within her fictional universes. Her creative drive remains strong, and she has plans for more stories that expand on the worlds she has built. Readers can expect fresh narratives from her in the years to come.

Early and Personal Life

Bethany Jacobs spent time as a college teacher, where she instructed students in writing and science fiction. She later moved into the education technology field, which gave her a different view of how people learn. That background in teaching likely shaped her careful approach to building clear and engaging narratives.

Outside of her writing work, she enjoys everyday activities that keep her grounded. She reads widely across different genres, she experiments with new recipes in the kitchen, and she relaxes by rewatching familiar television shows from bed. These small pleasures offer her a balance between the demands of creative work and the rest of her life.

She currently lives in Buffalo, New York, with her wife, her dog, and a large collection of books. Her home environment appears to support her creative habits, since she surrounds herself with the stories she loves. This combination of teaching experience, personal downtime, and a steady home life gives her a solid foundation for continuing her work as an author.

Writing Career

Bethany Jacobs began her writing career with the Kindom Trilogy. The first book, These Burning Stars, came out in 2023. That debut novel earned her significant early recognition.

These Burning Stars won the Philip K. Dick Award in 2024. It also received nominations for the Locus Award for Best First Novel and the Dragon Award for Best Science Fiction Novel that same year. She followed up with On Vicious Worlds in 2024 and This Brutal Moon in 2025, and she continues to write new material.

On Vicious Worlds

The space opera On Vicious Worlds was published by Orbit on October 15, 2024. Bethany Jacobs wrote the book as the second installment in her Kindom Trilogy.

The Jeveni people secured their liberty on the distant world of Capamame. They achieved this through partnerships with Cleric Chono, caster Jun Ironway, and the unpredictable figure known as Six. However, a new threat emerges when Six and Chono travel back to the Treble star systems, where the Kindom’s Secretaries aim to restore their authority. Jun and collector Masar Hawks face separate troubles on Capamame, dealing with local anger and a hidden killer, while the lingering shadow of Esek Nightfoot complicates every effort toward lasting change.

For readers who enjoy layered space opera, this book offers a satisfying continuation of the story. The shifting alliances and personal stakes keep the narrative engaging throughout. The characters face genuine obstacles that make their victories feel earned. Overall, it delivers a compelling reading experience for fans of the series.

This Brutal Moon

The space opera This Brutal Moon was released by Orbit on December 2, 2025. Bethany Jacobs authored the novel as the third and final entry in her Kindom Trilogy. The book became available in print and digital formats for readers on that day.

The Treble star systems have fallen into open conflict. The colony that Jun Ironway and Masar Hawks worked to safeguard is now badly exposed, and its inhabitants refuse to bow to oppression again, so they prepare for a difficult struggle. New opponents appear constantly during this time of chaos, and one returning figure holds power over the Kindom Hands, though his level of cruelty is not yet clear. Chono seeks help from unexpected sources as a final confrontation approaches, while the location of Six stays unknown.

Anyone who enjoys tense, character-driven science fiction, then this book delivers a strong conclusion to the trilogy. The stakes feel high, and the characters face difficult choices throughout. The pacing keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. It offers a rewarding experience for anyone following the series.