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James L. Nelson Books in Order
James L. Nelson is a renowned American historical nautical novelist. Born in Lewiston, Maine, he developed a passion for storytelling early on. After graduating from Lewiston High School in 1980, Nelson pursued higher education, initially attending the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, before transferring to UCLA to pursue his dream of becoming a film director. Nelson's life took a creative turn when he and his wife, Lisa, relocated to Steubenville, Ohio, where Lisa attended Franciscan University. The couple has two sons, Nate and Jack, and a daughter, Betsy, with whom they eventually returned to Maine. Today, Nelson resides in Harpswell, Maine, where he dedicates himself to writing full-time, drawing from his vast knowledge of history and the sea to craft engaging tales.
Bibliography verified: April 2026
Quick Answer
What are all of James L. Nelson's book series? James L. Nelson has written 8 book series. The most notable is the Blood, Steel, and Empire series.
Complete series list with all books in reading order below.
Book Series by James L. Nelson
- #1
The Buccaneer Coast(2021) - #2
The Tortuga Plantation(2024)
- #1
Full Fathom Five(2016)
- #1
By Force of Arms(1996) - #2
The Maddest Idea(1997) - #3
The Continental Risque(1998) - #4
Lords of the Ocean(1999) - #5
All the Brave Fellows(2000) - #6
The Falmouth Frigate(2022)
- #1
The Only Life That Mattered(2001) - #2
Reign of Iron(2004) - #3
Benedict Arnold's Navy(2006) - #4
George Washington's Secret Navy(2008) - #5
George Washington's Great Gamble(2010) - #6
With Fire and Sword(2011)
- #1
Glory in the Name(2003) - #2
Thieves of Mercy(2005)
- #1
The French Prize(2015)
- #1
Fin Gall(2013) - #2
Dubh-linn(2014) - #3
The Lord of Vik-lo(2015) - #4
Glendalough Fair(2015) - #5
Night Wolf(2016) - #6
Raider's Wake(2017) - #7
Loch Garman(2017) - #8
A Vengeful Wind(2018) - #9
Kings and Pawns(2019) - #10
The Midgard Serpent of Viking Age England(2020) - #11
The Narrow Seas(2023) - #12
Land of the Wolf of the Viking Age(2025)
- #1
The Guardship(2000) - #2
The Blackbirder(2001) - #3The Pirate Round(2002)
About James L. Nelson
James L. Nelson is a renowned American historical nautical novelist. Born in Lewiston, Maine, he developed a passion for storytelling early on. After graduating from Lewiston High School in 1980, Nelson pursued higher education, initially attending the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, before transferring to UCLA to pursue his dream of becoming a film director. Nelson's life took a creative turn when he and his wife, Lisa, relocated to Steubenville, Ohio, where Lisa attended Franciscan University. The couple has two sons, Nate and Jack, and a daughter, Betsy, with whom they eventually returned to Maine. Today, Nelson resides in Harpswell, Maine, where he dedicates himself to writing full-time, drawing from his vast knowledge of history and the sea to craft engaging tales.
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