Fact # 1: SYMBIOTE What Lies Within, takes place during the same time as the first book of the series, MASTERS OF DECEIT. This unorthodox approach to sequels was done to mimic real life where events can happen in separate locations at the same time; with a synergistic effect culminating in the third book, SHEOL. As a result either SYMBIOTE or MASTERS OF DECEIT can be read first in the series.