Are you ready to dive into the imaginative worlds of Scott Westerfield? This New York Times bestselling author has captivated readers with his thrilling young adult and science fiction novels, including the iconic Uglies series and the steampunk masterpiece Leviathan. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new reader, this guide provides the complete list of ScottWesterfield’s books in order, organized by series and publication date, to help you navigate his extensive bibliography. Let’s explore his gripping stories, from dystopian adventures to alternate histories, and find the perfect reading path for you!
Who is ScotWesterfield?
ScoWesterfield is an American author renowned for his young adult fiction, blending science fiction, fantasy, and thought-provoking themes. Born in Dallas, Texas, in 1963, Westerfeld graduated from Vassar College with a degree in Philosophy in 1985. His career spans over two decades, with award-winning works like Uglies, which explores identity and societal norms, and Leviathan, a steampunk reimagining of World War I. His books have earned accolades such as the Philip K. Dick Special Citation, the Aurealis Award, and the Victorian Premier’s Award, making him a must-read for fans of speculative fiction.
Why Read Scott Westerfeld’s Books in Order?
Westerfeld’s series, such as Uglies, Leviathan, and Impostors, feature interconnected stories where character development and world-building deepen with each book. Reading in publication order ensures you follow the narrative arcs and avoid spoilers, especially in his tightly woven dystopian and steampunk series. For standalone novels or shorter series, publication order keeps you aligned with Westerfeld’s evolving style and themes.
Below, we’ve organized his books by series and publication date, with brief descriptions to spark your interest. Whether you’re drawn to dystopian futures or superhero sagas, there’s something for every reader.’
Scott Westerfield Books in Order by Series (Table Format)
Below is a complete list of Scott Westerfield’s books, organized by series and in publication order within each series, presented in table format. This includes his young adult series, adult novels, graphic novels, and contributions to multi-author series, ensuring you can navigate his bibliography with ease.
| Series | Title | Publication Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uglies Series | Uglies | 2005 | Tally Youngblood navigates a dystopian world where cosmetic surgery is mandatory at 16. |
| Pretties | 2005 | Tally becomes a “pretty” and uncovers the cost of perfection. | |
| Specials | 2006 | Tally, now a “special,” faces moral dilemmas with her enhanced abilities. | |
| Extras | 2006 | Aya Fuse lives in a fame-obsessed world, tied back to the original trilogy. | |
| Mind-Rain | 2007 | A non-fiction companion with essays exploring the Uglies universe. | |
| Bogus to Bubbly | 2008 | An insider’s guide to the Uglies world. | |
| Shay’s Story | 2012 | A graphic novel from Shay’s perspective in the Uglies universe. | |
| Cutters | 2012 | A graphic novel expanding the Uglies lore. | |
| Impostors Series | Impostors | 2018 | Frey, a secret twin, protects her sister in the Uglies universe. |
| Shatter City | 2019 | Frey’s rebellion grows as she uncovers world-changing secrets. | |
| Mirror’s Edge | 2021 | Frey’s actions threaten to reshape society. | |
| Youngbloods | 2022 | The conclusion of Frey’s journey and the Uglies legacy. | |
| Leviathan Series | Leviathan | 2009 | A steampunk reimagining of WWI with Alek and Deryn on a living airship. |
| Behemoth | 2010 | Alek and Deryn’s mission takes them to Istanbul amid war. | |
| Goliath | 2011 | The trilogy’s epic finale with world-changing stakes. | |
| The Manual of Aeronautics | 2012 | A non-fiction guide with illustrations of the Leviathan world. | |
| Midnighters Trilogy | The Secret Hour | 2004 | Jessica discovers her powers as a Midnighter during a secret 25th hour. |
| Touching Darkness | 2005 | The Midnighters uncover dark secrets about their town. | |
| Blue Noon | 2006 | The final battle threatens the Midnighters’ world. | |
| Peeps Series | Peeps | 2005 | Cal, a parasite carrier, hunts infected “peeps” in New York City. |
| The Last Days | 2006 | Teens band together as the parasite outbreak escalates. | |
| Succession Duology | The Risen Empire | 2003 | A space opera about war and AI in a galactic empire. |
| The Killing of Worlds | 2003 | The epic conclusion with battles and betrayals. | |
| Zeroes Trilogy | Zeroes | 2015 | Superpowered teens navigate a dangerous mistake (co-authored). |
| Swarm | 2016 | The Zeroes face new threats from their powers (co-authored). | |
| Nexus | 2018 | The trilogy’s climax tests the Zeroes’ bonds (co-authored). | |
| Spill Zone Duology | Spill Zone | 2017 | Addison photographs a mysterious, supernatural Spill Zone. |
| The Broken Vow | 2018 | Addison’s journey deepens as the Spill Zone’s secrets unfold. | |
| Horizon Series | Horizon | 2017 | Teens survive a plane crash in a bizarre, alien world (multi-author series). |
| Powerpuff Girls Plus You Club | Blossom vs. The Blasteroid | 2002 | Blossom battles a cosmic threat. |
| Diamonds Are for Princess | 2002 | Princess faces off against the Powerpuff Girls. | |
| Rainy Day Professor | 2002 | A fun adventure with the Powerpuff Girls. |
Standalone Novels
| Title | Publication Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Polymorph | 1997 | A shapeshifter navigates a gritty sci-fi world. |
| Fine Prey | 1998 | A thriller about alien languages and survival. |
| Evolution’s Darling | 2000 | An AI and a human form a bond in a galactic adventure. |
| So Yesterday | 2004 | A trendy teen uncovers a fashion conspiracy in New York. |
| Afterworlds | 2014 | A dual narrative about an author and her fictional character’s supernatural journey. |
Short Stories
| Title | Publication Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Love Is Hell | 2008 | A short story in an anthology, co-authored with others. |
| Stupid Perfect World | 2012 | A sci-fi short story about a future where perfection is mandatory. |
Notes:
- The Impostors series is a spin-off of Uglies and is best read after the original series for context.
- The Zeroes trilogy is co-authored with Margo Lanagan and Deborah Biancotti.
- The Horizon series continues with other authors after Westerfeld’s first book.
- For the best reading experience, follow the publication order within each series to avoid spoilers and track narrative arcs.
Scott Westerfield Books in Order by Series
Uglies Series (2005–2012)
The Uglies series is Westerfeld’s most famous work, a dystopian saga exploring beauty, conformity, and rebellion in a futuristic society. Follow Tally Youngblood as she navigates a world where everyone undergoes mandatory cosmetic surgery at 16 to become “pretty.”
- Uglies (2005) – Tally must decide whether to conform to society’s standards or join a rebellion that challenges everything she knows. A gripping start to the series! Buy at Amazon
- Pretties (2005) – Tally’s transformation into a “pretty” comes with unexpected consequences, pulling her deeper into a web of control and resistance. Buy at Amazon
- Specials (2006) – As a “special,” Tally gains enhanced abilities but faces moral dilemmas that threaten her identity. Buy at Amazon
- Extras (2006) – Set years later, this novel introduces Aya Fuse in a world obsessed with fame, tying back to the original trilogy. Buy at Amazon
Related Works:
- Mind-Rain (2007) – A non-fiction companion exploring the Uglies universe through essays. Buy at Amazon
- Bogus to Bubbly (2008) – An insider’s guide to the Uglies world, perfect for fans wanting more context. Buy at Amazon
- Shay’s Story (2012) – A graphic novel from Shay’s perspective, expanding the Uglies lore. Buy at Amazon
- Cutters (2012) – Another graphic novel diving deeper into the Uglies universe. Buy at Amazon
Reading Tip: Start with Uglies and read through Extras for the core story. The companion books and graphic novels are optional but enrich the experience.
Impostors Series (2018–2022)
A spin-off of Uglies, the Impostors series is set in the same universe, focusing on Frey, a secret twin raised to protect her sister. This series blends action, espionage, and identity struggles.
- Impostors (2018) – Frey’s life as a hidden bodyguard takes a dangerous turn when her sister’s enemies close in. Buy at Amazon
- Shatter City (2019) – Frey’s rebellion grows as she uncovers secrets about her world and her own identity. Buy at Amazon
- Mirror’s Edge (2021) – Frey faces new challenges as her actions threaten to reshape society. Buy at Amazon
- Youngbloods (2022) – The thrilling conclusion ties together Frey’s journey and the legacy of the Uglies world. Buy at Amazon
Reading Tip: Read the Uglies series first for context, as Impostors builds on its world.
Leviathan Series (2009–2012)
This steampunk trilogy reimagines World War I with genetically engineered creatures and mechanical walkers. It follows Alek, a prince in hiding, and Deryn, a girl disguised as a boy in the British Air Service.
- Leviathan (2009) – Alek and Deryn’s paths cross aboard a living airship, sparking an adventure that could change the war. Buy at Amazon
- Behemoth (2010) – The duo’s mission takes them to Istanbul, where alliances and betrayals test their loyalties. Buy at Amazon
- Goliath (2011) – The trilogy’s epic finale sees Alek and Deryn racing to end the war and uncover hidden truths. Buy at Amazon
Related Work:
- The Manual of Aeronautics (2012) – A non-fiction guide with illustrations, diving into the Leviathan series’ world. Buy at Amazon
Reading Tip: Perfect for fans of alternate history and steampunk, this series is best read for its escalating stakes.
Midnighters Trilogy (2004–2006)
A contemporary fantasy series about teens with special powers who operate during a secret 25th hour each night.
- The Secret Hour (2004) – Jessica discovers she’s a Midnighter, with powers that only work during a hidden hour. Buy at Amazon
- Touching Darkness (2005) – The Midnighters uncover dark secrets about their town and their abilities. Buy at Amazon
- Blue Noon (2006) – The final battle threatens to unravel the Midnighters’ world and their powers. Buy at Amazon
Reading Tip: A standalone trilogy, ideal for readers who love supernatural thrillers.
Peeps Series (2005–2006)
A vampire-inspired duology blending science fiction and horror, centered on parasitic infections that grant superhuman abilities.
- Peeps (2005) – Cal, a carrier of a parasite that turns people into “peeps,” hunts infected victims in New York City. Buy at Amazon
- The Last Days (2006) – A group of teens bands together as the parasite outbreak threatens humanity. Buy at Amazon
Reading Tip: Read for the full story, as The Last Days builds on Peeps.
Succession Duology (2003)
A space opera for adult readers, exploring political intrigue and artificial intelligence in a galactic empire.
- The Risen Empire (2003) – A war between an immortal empire and rebels unfolds, with a starship captain caught in the middle. Buy at Amazon
- The Killing of Worlds (2003) – The epic conclusion sees battles and betrayals that could reshape the galaxy. Buy at Amazon
Reading Tip: Best for fans of complex sci-fi epics, this duology is separate from Westerfeld’s YA works.
Zeroes Trilogy (2015–2018)
Co-authored with Margo Lanagan and Deborah Biancotti, this series follows teens with unique superpowers navigating moral dilemmas.
- Zeroes (2015) – A group of superpowered teens must work together to fix a dangerous mistake. Buy at Amazon
- Swarm (2016) – The Zeroes face new threats as their powers attract dangerous enemies. Buy at Amazon
- Nexus (2018) – The trilogy’s climax tests the Zeroes’ bonds and their place in the world. Buy at Amazon
Reading Tip: Read for character development and escalating stakes.
Spill Zone Duology (2017–2018)
A graphic novel series about a photographer exploring a mysterious, dangerous zone created by a supernatural event.
- Spill Zone (2017) – Addison ventures into the Spill Zone to capture haunting images, uncovering its secrets. Buy at Amazon
- The Broken Vow (2018) – Addison’s journey deepens as the Spill Zone’s mysteries threaten her life. Buy at Amazon
Reading Tip: Great for graphic novel fans, read for the complete story.
Horizon Series (2017)
Westerfeld contributed to this multi-author series with the first book, a sci-fi adventure about teens surviving a plane crash in a strange world.
- Horizon (2017) – A group of teens must survive in a bizarre, alien landscape after a crash. Buy at Amazon
Reading Tip: Only the first book is by Westerfeld; the series continues with other authors.
Powerpuff Girls Plus You Club Books (2002)
Westerfeld wrote three short books for this children’s series, tied to the Powerpuff Girls franchise.
- Blossom vs. The Blasteroid (2002) – Blossom battles a cosmic threat. Buy at Amazon
- Diamonds Are for Princess (2002) – Princess faces off against the Powerpuff Girls. Buy at Amazon
- Rainy Day Professor (2002) – A fun adventure with the Powerpuff Girls. Buy at Amazon
Reading Tip: Light, fun reads for younger audiences or nostalgic fans.
Standalone Novels
- Polymorph (1997) – A shapeshifter navigates a gritty sci-fi world. Buy at Amazon
- Fine Prey (1998) – A futuristic thriller about alien languages and survival. Buy at Amazon
- Evolution’s Darling (2000) – An AI and a human form a complex bond in a galactic adventure. Buy at Amazon
- So Yesterday (2004) – A trendy teen uncovers a conspiracy in New York’s fashion world. Buy at Amazon
- Afterworlds (2014) – A dual narrative about a young author and her fictional character’s supernatural journey. Buy at Amazon
Short Stories
- Stupid Perfect World (2012) – A sci-fi short story about a future where perfection is mandatory. Buy at Amazon
- Love Is Hell (2008) – A short story anthology contribution, co-authored with others. Buy at Amazon
Chronological Publication Order (All Books)
For readers who prefer to follow Westerfeld’s career chronologically, here’s every book by publication date:
- Polymorph (1997)
- Fine Prey (1998)
- Evolution’s Darling (2000)
- Blossom vs. The Blasteroid (2002)
- Diamonds Are for Princess (2002)
- Rainy Day Professor (2002)
- The Risen Empire (2003)
- The Killing of Worlds (2003)
- The Secret Hour (2004)
- So Yesterday (2004)
- Uglies (2005)
- Pretties (2005)
- Peeps (2005)
- Touching Darkness (2005)
- Specials (2006)
- Extras (2006)
- Blue Noon (2006)
- The Last Days (2006)
- Mind-Rain (2007)
- Bogus to Bubbly (2008)
- Love Is Hell (2008)
- Leviathan (2009)
- Behemoth (2010)
- Goliath (2011)
- Shay’s Story (2012)
- Cutters (2012)
- The Manual of Aeronautics (2012)
- Stupid Perfect World (2012)
- Afterworlds (2014)
- Zeroes (2015)
- Swarm (2016)
- Horizon (2017)
- Spill Zone (2017)
- The Broken Vow (2018)
- Impostors (2018)
- Shatter City (2019)
- Mirror’s Edge (2021)
- Youngbloods (2022)
How to Choose Your Scott Westerfield Reading Order
- For Dystopian Fans: Start with the Uglies series, followed by Impostors for a complete arc.
- For Steampunk Lovers: Dive into the Leviathan trilogy for a thrilling alternate history.
- For Superpower Enthusiasts: Try the Zeroes trilogy or Midnighters for unique twists on superhuman abilities.
- For Adult Sci-Fi Readers: Explore the Succession duology or standalones like Evolution’s Darling.
- For Quick Reads: Check out So Yesterday or the Powerpuff Girls books for lighter, standalone stories.
Why Scott Westerfeld’s Books Are a Must-Read
Westerfeld’s novels blend fast-paced plots with deep themes like identity, freedom, and technology’s impact on society. His world-building is immersive, whether it’s the dystopian cities of Uglies or the biomechanical airships of Leviathan. Fans love his relatable characters and unpredictable twists, making each book a page-turner. With translations in over 15 languages and multiple awards, Westerfeld’s work resonates globally.
Where to Start?
If you’re new to Westerfeld, we recommend beginning with Uglies for its iconic dystopian narrative or Leviathan for its unique steampunk flair. Both series showcase his storytelling prowess and are great entry points. For a standalone, So Yesterday offers a quick, engaging read with real-world relevance.
Get Reading Today!
Scott Westerfield’s books offer something for every reader, from dystopian epics to graphic novels and steampunk adventures. Use this guide to plan your reading journey and immerse yourself in his unforgettable worlds. Which series or book are you starting with? Let us know in the comments, and happy reading!
