Late-night
Bookshelf confession: I've gone down the rabbit hole with '
legend of the Star General' more times than I can count, and if you want the release order that matches how the story unfolded for readers, here’s the clean breakdown I follow.
First came the core novels released as the main series — basically 'Legend of the Star General' Volumes 1 through the final numbered volume. After the initial run of core volumes the author released several companion
novellas and short-story collections that expand side characters and fill in gaps between big arcs. Next in publication was a prequel trilogy (titled under the 'Origins' banner) that exp
lores events before the main timeline. After that arrived a set of spin-off novels focusing on supporting generals and new factions, and finally an artbook/compendium and an omnibus translation set that collected multiple volumes for international readers.
If you want to read exactly as fans experienced it, follow publication order: main series first (volume order), then the novellas/shorts as they were released, then the prequel trilogy, then the spin-offs and compendia. Personally I like to finish the main sweep before indulging in prequel lore — the reveals hit harder that way.