Reading Order

Reading Order: Cidney Swanson’s Saving Mars & Five Kingdoms Series

Wondering where to start with Cidney Swanson’s books? You’re in the right place. Below is the recommended reading order for two clean YA series loved by parents, teachers, and teens: the award-winning Saving Mars sci-fi adventures (ages 10+) and the lyrical Five Kingdoms Chronicles epic fantasy (ages 12+). Both series are clean reads—no profanity, no graphic content—just courage, loyalty, and high-stakes adventure.

🚀 The Saving Mars Series (Ages 10+, Complete)

A clean YA space opera for readers who love rockets, STEM problem-solving, tight-knit crews, and values-driven, high-stakes adventure.

  1. Saving Mars (Book 1) — Kirkus Reviews Best of 2012; SCBWI Spark Honor Book (2014)
  2. Defying Mars (Book 2)
  3. Losing Mars (Book 3)
  4. Mars Burning (Book 4)
  5. Striking Mars (Book 5)
  6. Mars Rising (Book 6, Finale)

Best for: readers who enjoy rockets and science, clean YA sci-fi, and courageous heroines (ages 10–17).
Bundle & Save: Buy the complete set to save over purchasing individually and skip waiting between books.

🌊 The Five Kingdoms Chronicles (Ages 12+, Ongoing)

A lyrical YA fantasy inspired by Slavic folklore—healing magic, dragons, sirens, royal intrigue, and morally complex choices. No cliffhangers.

  1. The Siren Sea (Book 1) — Kirkus Reviews Recommendation: “Our verdict: get it.”
  2. Water Worm and Siren Bone (Book 2)
  3. The Rogue and the Healer (Book 3)

Best for: readers who love epic fantasy, clean YA, healing and redemption, found family, and brave choices (ages 12+).

FAQ: Reading Order & Age Guidance

Where should a new reader start?

Love rockets and science? Start with Saving Mars (Book 1). Prefer magic and myth? Start with The Siren Sea (Book 1). Both series are clean and stand on their own.

Are these clean reads?

Yes. Both series are clean—no profanity or mature content. While battles occur, there’s no gore or graphic violence.

Recommended ages?

Saving Mars: ages 10+. Five Kingdoms: ages 12+. Great for homeschool families and classrooms.

Do I need to read in publication order?

Reading in order is recommended within each series. The two series are unrelated—start with whichever sounds most exciting.

About Cidney Swanson: Author of clean YA sci-fi and fantasy for ages 10–17—stories of courage, loyalty, and STEM-savvy problem-solving (in space!) plus lyrical, Slavic-inspired fantasy on the high seas.