Dive into the gritty, heart-pounding world of Adrian’s Undead Diary, where zombies roam, survivors clash, and one man’s journal captures the raw struggle to stay human in a post-apocalyptic nightmare. Written by Chris Philbrook, this eight-part series blends horror, humor, and heart, following Adrian Ring as he navigates a world torn apart by the undead and the desperate living.
With its unique diary-style narrative, the series pulls you into Adrian’s mind—his fears, guilt, and wry observations—as he transforms from a lone survivor into a leader rebuilding hope. Whether you’re a zombie fiction fan or just love a good survival tale, Adrian’s Undead Diary offers a fresh, addictive take on the apocalypse.
How Adrian’s Undead Diary Began
Chris Philbrook, a New Hampshire-based author with a knack for storytelling, kicked off Adrian’s Undead Diary as a blog experiment in 2010, spurred by a friend’s dare to write a zombie novel. What started as sporadic online journal entries exploded into an internet sensation, captivating readers with its raw, first-person perspective. Philbrook’s love for zombie classics like Romero’s films and his knack for blending humor with horror fueled the series, which he later self-published into eight gripping novels.
The Heart of Adrian’s Undead Diary
The series begins with Dark Recollections (2013), where Adrian, a former military man, retreats to Auburn Lake Preparatory Academy after the world collapses on June 23, 2010. Writing to his laptop, affectionately dubbed ‘Mr. Journal,’ he recounts his fight to survive zombies and hostile survivors while wrestling with guilt over those he couldn’t save—like his girlfriend, Cassie. Alone No More (2013) introduces key allies like Gilbert Donohue, a gruff ex-Green Beret, as Adrian’s makeshift community grows. Wrath (2014) deepens the stakes with betrayal and loss, while The Trinity (2014) unveils a spiritual battle between good and evil, tying Adrian to a cosmic purpose.
Philbrook’s journalistic style, peppered with Adrian’s self-deprecating humor, makes the series feel intimate and real. Themes of survival, redemption, and the thin line between humanity and monstrosity run deep, set against a vividly bleak New England backdrop. The zombies are terrifying, but it’s the living—driven by desperation or greed—that often pose the greater threat, giving the series a gritty, Stephen King-esque edge.
Why Adrian’s Undead Diary Resonates
Adrian’s Undead Diary stands out in the crowded zombie genre for its character-driven storytelling and emotional depth. Fans praise its realistic survival tactics and Adrian’s relatable flaws, from his guilt-ridden past to his stubborn hope for a better future. The series has inspired spin-offs like No More Heroes and anthologies like Unhappy Endings, expanding its universe while cementing Philbrook’s cult following. Its blend of horror, humor, and heart keeps readers hooked, proving that even in a zombie apocalypse, human connection is worth fighting for.
- Publication Years: 2013–2024
- Number of Books: 8 main novels, plus spin-offs
- Setting: Post-apocalyptic New England
- Notable Praise: Called ‘one of the best zombie series’ by fans on Goodreads
Grab Dark Recollections and plunge into Adrian’s Undead Diary’s thrilling, zombie-infested world—perfect for fans of horror, survival, and stories that hit you right in the feels!