Every now and then a reader will ask me this question. I can totally understand the confusion because Max and the Multiverse is a sci-fi comedy saga that currently sits at 13 titles across two different series. Some titles are part of the main story, some are not, and the spin-off series, Puki Horpocket Presents, is distinct enough to be enjoyed by itself. Buuuuut … they also share settings, characters, and a joint finale.
So yeah, clear as mud. Totally my fault. But fret not, kind reader, for I am here to set the record straight. This is the official reading order for entire Max and the Multiverse saga.
This is the book that started it all and serves as the primary launch point. Start here if you can, because several characters in the spin-off series are established in this book. It’s very silly, a lot of fun, and it gives you a proper taste of my humor.
2) The Item of Monumental Importance
This is a short story that was released after the main trilogy, but the events occur between the first two books. The plot impact is minimal, but it does have the first canonical reference to the Durangoni Space Station, which is a core setting for both series.
Book two of the main trilogy introduces several characters that inhabit both series, namely Phil. This is a fan-favorite character, and for good reason. He is so bizarrely entertaining that he inspired his own title in the spin-off series.
4) Roy: The Most Chaotic Midlife Crisis in Cosmic History
This is the first book in the spin-off series, Puki Horpocket Presents, which starts directly after the inciting event of Max and the Snoodlecock. The story does reference that event, but it’s not critical to understand, hence why you can read the series in any order.
5) Phil: A Maddening Chat with the Smartest Being in the Universe
This is also a contained short story, but given that you were just introduced to Phil and Puki, reading it after Roy makes it so much more entertaining. Plus, Phil continues to make hilarious appearances throughout the saga.
This is the last book in the main trilogy, which sets up the shared finale between both series. I can’t say much about it without spoiling the fun, so just enjoy the ride.
7) Boo: The Greatest Bounty Hunter Ever to Sail the Black
This novella is also a contained story, but it sets up one of the main characters in the finale. Boo is one of my favorite books in the saga. It visits a familiar setting from the first book and it neatly tees up the series climax. It’s perfect to read right after Banjo Ferret.
8) Max: Public Enemy Number One of the Fourth Dimension
This is the final book in the main story and the shared finale for both series. It picks up where Banjo Ferret left off and ties in every character for a rich and satisfying conclusion. Again, I can’t say much without spoiling the fun, so just enjoy it.
Everything Else
The remaining titles are all stand-alone stories that you can read at any time. They have no impact on the main plot, but they do give you more insights into the main characters, so it’s entirely up to you. These include:
Nibblenom Deathtrap
Sparkle Pirate
Hiss Bot Hank
Slug Puppet
Nimi: When First Contact Becomes Last Call
And there you have it, the official reading order for Max and the Multiverse. Hurrah!
It thrills me so much that readers continue to enjoy this nutty saga. It was a lot of fun to write and I can only hope that it’s equally fun to read. Thank you so much sticking with me through this crazy adventure.
