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Alice in Deadland Books in Order

8 Books
2011 – 2018 Published
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How to Read the Alice in Deadland Series

Mainak Dhar's post-apocalyptic saga presents a unique blend of survival horror and dystopian political intrigue set in a ruined India. While there are prequels and standalone character adventures, the core of the experience revolves around Alice's main journey. Readers can choose between two main paths: the recommended publication order or the timeline-based chronological order.

Recommended: Publication Order

Starting with the first published book is the best way to experience the series. This order lets you experience the world's mystery just as the author intended, starting with Alice's introduction to the underground Biter settlements and building up to the broader global conflicts.

  1. Alice in Deadland (2011)
  2. Through the Killing Glass (2012)
  3. Off with Their Heads (2012) – A prequel exploring the origin of the Rising.
  4. Hunting the Snark (2013)
  5. Deadland (2013) – Also published as Deadland: Untold Stories.
  6. Phantoms of the North (2013)
  7. The Crocodile's Jaws (2013)
  8. I, Neil (2018) – Written from the perspective of Neil (Bunny Ears).

Alternative: Chronological Reading Order

If you prefer to read the events in the exact sequence they happen in the timeline, you can start with the prequels that detail the collapse of civilization and Alice's early training before she becomes the legendary warrior of the wasteland.

  1. Off with Their Heads (Prequel focusing on the Rising's origins through the eyes of four characters, including the tragic bunny-eared Biter)
  2. Deadland: Untold Stories (Focuses on Alice's childhood and her early training under her father)
  3. Alice in Deadland (The adventure begins as Alice follows a Biter down a hole)
  4. Through the Killing Glass (Alice leads the fragile Wonderland alliance against the Red Guards)
  5. Hunting the Snark (Alice continues her hunt and fights for survival)
  6. Phantoms of the North (A new threat emerges from the north, disrupting the peace)
  7. The Crocodile's Jaws (Further survival encounters and clashes in the wasteland)
  8. I, Neil (A deeper look at the transition and life of Neil, the bunny-eared Biter)

Understanding the Deadland Universe

The series is heavily inspired by Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland, but with a dark, sci-fi twist. Rather than whimsical creatures, Alice encounters "Biters"—zombies that mutated after a global nuclear war and catastrophic event known as The Rising. Dhar weaves elements of military strategy, corporate survivalism, and Eastern philosophy into a story that challenges traditional dystopian tropes, featuring a strong, capable female lead who values compassion and unity over mere survival.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the best book to start with in Alice in Deadland?

You should start with the first novel, Alice in Deadland. It introduces the post-apocalyptic setting, the mechanics of the Biters, and Alice's role as a warrior.

QIs Off with Their Heads necessary to read before Alice in Deadland?

No. Although Off with Their Heads is a prequel that outlines the origins of the Rising, it was published third and is best enjoyed after you are already familiar with the characters and lore introduced in the first two books.

QWhat is the difference between Deadland and Untold Stories?

They are the same book. The collection of stories showing Alice's childhood and training is titled Deadland in some editions and Deadland: Untold Stories of Alice in Deadland in others.

QWho is Neil (Bunny Ears)?

Neil is one of the central characters in the series, starting as a bunny-eared Biter who Alice follows down a hole. His backstory is explored in the prequel Off with Their Heads, and his perspective is the focus of the final book, I, Neil.

QAre the spin-off Adventures required reading?

While novels like Hunting the Snark and Phantoms of the North expand the lore and follow Alice's journeys across the wasteland, they are episodic adventures rather than strictly part of the central conspiracy arc. However, they are highly recommended for fans who want to see the full evolution of the world.