Reading the 7 Millennium Series books In Order
The Millennium series books, initiated by the late Stieg Larsson with “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” in 2005, captured the imagination of readers worldwide, becoming a cultural phenomenon.
These gripping novels follow the story of journalist Mikael Blomkvist and hacker Lisbeth Salander as they become entangled in a web of corruption, conspiracy, and violence. The series delves into themes of power dynamics, misogyny, and social injustice while keeping readers on the edge of their seats with its fast-paced plot twists and complex characters.
In this article, we delve into the authors behind the series and provide an overview of the books, ensuring readers can navigate the Millennium universe seamlessly.
Who wrote the Millennium Series Books?
Stieg Larsson
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Män som Hatar Kvinnor, “Men Who Hate Women”)
The Girl Who Played with Fire (Flickan Som Lekte med Elden, “The Girl Who Played with Fire”)
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets’ Nest (Luftslottet som sprängdes, “The Castle in the Air that was Blown Up”)
David Lagercrantz
The Girl in the Spider’s Web (Det som inte dödar oss, “That Which does not Kill Us”)
The Girl Who Takes an Eye for an Eye (Mannen Som Sökte Sin Skugga, “The Man who Chased his Shadow”)
The Girl Who Lived Twice (Hon som måste dö, “She Who Must Die”)
Karin Smirnoff
The Girl in the Eagle’s Talons (Havsörnens skrik, “The Scream of the Sea Eagle”)
All three authors wrote their respective books in Swedish before they were translated into English, enabling a global audience to immerse themselves in the dark and captivating world of Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomkvist.
The Millennium Series Books In Order
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Millennium Series Books #1)
By Stieg Larsson, 2005
Synopsis:
Journalist Mikael Blomkvist has been convicted of libelling billionaire industrialist Hans-Erik Wennerström and wants to escape the media attention. He is hired by industrial tycoon Henrik Vanger under the guise of writing a biography of Henrik and the Vanger family, while really investigating the 40-year-old disappearance of Henrik’s niece Harriet. He teams up with the introverted and skilled computer hacker Lisbeth Salander. Stieg Larsson’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo combines murder mystery, family saga, love story, and financial intrigue into one satisfyingly complex and entertainingly atmospheric novel.
The Girl Who Played with Fire (Millennium Series Books #2)
By Stieg Larsson, 2006
Synopsis:
Mikael Blomkvist is contacted by freelance journalist Dag Svensson with regard to having ”Millennium” publish his exposé on the sex trade in Sweden, which includes implicating government officials. Svensson and his girlfriend are murdered and the police believe Lisbeth Salander is the culprit. Blomkvist works to prove Salander’s innocence while also trying to finish Svensson’s piece and finds that both are connected.
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets’ Nest (Millennium Series Books #3)
By Stieg Larsson, 2007
Synopsis:
Having learned of a secret group within the Swedish Security Service that has committed several constitutional violations against Lisbeth Salander, Mikael Blomkvist and a group of policemen from Swedish Security Service’s Constitutional Protection division try to learn who its members are and have Salander cleared of the murder charges against her.
The Girl in the Spider’s Web (Millennium Series Books #4)
By David Lagercrantz, 2015
Synopsis:
Journalist Mikael Blomkvist receives a phone call from a source claiming to have information vital to the United States. The source has been in contact with a young female superhacker—a hacker resembling someone Blomkvist knows all too well. The implications are staggering. Blomkvist, in desperate need of a scoop for Millennium, turns to Lisbeth Salander for help. She, as usual, has her own agenda. The secret they are both chasing is at the center of a tangled web of spies, cybercriminals, and governments around the world, and someone is prepared to kill to protect it.
The Girl Who Takes an Eye for an Eye (Millennium Series Books #5)
By David Lagercrantz, 2017
Synopsis:
Lisbeth Salander has never been able to uncover the most telling facts of her traumatic childhood, the secrets that might finally, fully explain her to herself. Now, when she sees a chance to uncover them once and for all, she enlists the help of Mikael Blomkvist, the editor of the muckraking investigative journal Millennium. And she will let nothing stop her — not the Islamists she enrages by rescuing a young woman from their brutality; not the prison gang leader who passes a death sentence on her; not the deadly reach of her long-lost twin sister, Camilla; and not the people who will do anything to keep buried knowledge of a sinister pseudoscientific experiment known only as The Registry.
The Girl Who Lived Twice (Millennium Series Books #6)
By David Lagercrantz, 2019
Synopsis:
Lisbeth Salander has left Stockholm, seemingly forever, and gone to Russia on a mission to finally hunt down, ruin, and kill her sister and nemesis Camilla. Meanwhile, Mikael Blomkvist, suffering from a slump due to a lack of interesting news stories, gets roped into a case involving a homeless man who may have been murdered and who had Blomkvist’s phone number on him.
The Girl in the Eagle’s Talons (Millennium Series Books #7)
By Karin Smirnoff, 2022
Synopsis:
Change is coming to Sweden’s far north: its untapped natural resources are sparking a gold rush with the criminal underworld leading the charge. But it’s not the prospect of riches that brings Lisbeth Salander to the small town of Gasskas. She has been named guardian to her niece Svala, whose mother has disappeared. Two things soon become clear: Svala is a remarkably gifted teenager—and she’s being watched.
Mikael Blomkvist is also heading north. He has seen better days. Millennium magazine is in its final print issue, and relations with his daughter are strained. Worse still, there are troubling rumors surrounding the man she’s about to marry. When the truth behind the whispers explodes into violence, Salander emerges as Blomkvist’s last hope.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Movies
The beauty of the Millennium series extends beyond pages, as it has also made a significant impact on the silver screen. With its worldwide popularity, it’s no surprise that these gripping novels have been adapted into films to meet the demand of eager audiences. The journey began with the Swedish film adaptations in 2009, capturing the essence of Stieg Larsson’s intricate narratives. In 2011, Hollywood brought its own rendition of “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” introducing Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomkvist to a broader international audience. Most recently, in 2018, the series saw another adaptation with “The Girl in the Spider’s Web,” further solidifying its enduring appeal. For fans eager to explore more of these cinematic adaptations, click here to delve deeper into the world of Millennium on the big screen.
Controversy surrounding the millennium series books
Allegedly, Stieg Larsson had grand plans for the Millennium series, intending it to span ten books. However, fate intervened after he completed three instalments. With the rights already entrusted to a publishing house, his untimely demise left behind a tangled web of legal and personal complications.
It’s rumored that Larsson’s partner, with whom he shared his life but never officially tied the knot due to an ongoing investigation that could have endangered her, now finds herself in possession of his unpublished manuscripts. The absence of a witnessed will and the Swedish legal requirement of marriage complicate matters, as Larsson’s blood relatives lay claim to his estate.
The dispute over royalties and literary rights adds fuel to an already contentious situation. While some attest to having seen Larsson’s correspondence regarding these manuscripts, the truth remains obscured by conflicting interests.
In the midst of this turmoil, the Millennium series lives on through commissioned works by new authors, authorized by the publishing house. While the circumstances surrounding Larsson’s unfinished vision remain murky, the legacy of his groundbreaking series endures, a testament to his enduring impact on the world of literature.
Are the Millennium Series Books Worth Reading?
The Millennium series is an absolute must-read, and here’s why: It’s a rollercoaster ride of intrigue and suspense that keeps you hooked from start to finish. With its intricate plotlines and captivating mysteries, you’ll find yourself glued to the pages, itching to uncover the next twist. But what really sets it apart are the characters—especially Lisbeth Salander, who breaks all the rules and kicks butt while doing it. Plus, the series doesn’t shy away from tackling tough issues, giving you plenty to think about long after you’ve turned the final page. So, grab a copy, buckle up, and get ready for an unforgettable literary adventure.
Wrap Up
Now, I’m eager to hear from you. Are you a fan of the Millennium Series Books? Or are you a fan of the movies? Or both? What’s your take on our dynamic duo? Leave a comment below.