Books On Board
series Reading Order

Blackout Books in Order

6 Books
2016 – 2017 Published
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Reading order
01
36 Hours
36 Hours
2016
Amazon
02
Zero Hour
Zero Hour
2016
Amazon
03
Turning Point
Turning Point
2016
Amazon
04
Shiloh Ranch
Shiloh Ranch
2017
Amazon
05
Hornet's Nest
Hornet's Nest
2017
Amazon
06
Devil's Homecoming
Devil's Homecoming
2017
Amazon

How to Read the Blackout Series

Bobby Akart's Blackout series is a highly serialized, continuous story. It follows the Ryman family as they navigate the immediate countdown to and the chaotic aftermath of a devastating solar flare. Because the plot unfolds over a tight, consecutive timeline, you should read these books in their exact publication order, which also matches the chronological sequence of the narrative.

The Blackout Series in Reading Order

Start with 36 Hours to experience the Ryman family's frantic final preparations, and follow their journey through all six books:

  1. 36 Hours (2016)
  2. Zero Hour (2016)
  3. Turning Point (2016)
  4. Shiloh Ranch (2017)
  5. Hornet's Nest (2017)
  6. Devil's Homecoming (2017)

Why the Chronological Sequence is Mandatory

Unlike procedural thriller series where books can be read as standalones, Blackout tells a single, evolving story. 36 Hours covers the final countdown to the event, while Zero Hour begins the moment the electromagnetic pulse (EMP) hits. The stakes escalate continuously as the family flees their suburban home, seeks refuge at a rural ranch, and ultimately collides with post-apocalyptic societal forces. Reading these out of order will spoil major plot points and disrupt the survival timeline.

What to Read Next: Bobby Akart's Connected Themes

While the Blackout series is a self-contained story with no direct sequels, spin-offs, or character crossovers, Bobby Akart has written several other popular disaster and prepper series. If you enjoyed the realistic science and high-tension survival themes of Blackout, you can explore these other standalone series:

  • The Boston Brahmin Series: A political thriller series with prepper themes that explores economic collapse and societal breakdown.
  • Yellowstone Series: A disaster thriller centered on the eruption of the Yellowstone supervolcano.
  • Lone Star Series: Another EMP-focused series set in Texas, highlighting regional survival and grit.
  • Geostorm, Pandemic, and Nuclear Winter Series: Standalone series that dive into other plausible global catastrophes, each written with Akart's trademark scientific accuracy.

Frequently Asked

QDo I have to read the Blackout series in order?

Yes, you must read the Blackout series in order. The books follow a continuous, chronological story beginning with the countdown to the EMP in 36 Hours and ending with the aftermath in Devil's Homecoming. Reading them out of order will ruin the plot progression.

QWho are the main characters in Bobby Akart's Blackout series?

The series centers on the Ryman family: Colton, his wife Madison, and their teenage daughter Alex. Unlike typical prepper thrillers, they begin the series as ordinary suburbanites who must adapt quickly to survive.

QAre there any spin-offs or sequels to the Blackout series?

No, there are no direct spin-offs or sequels. The Blackout series is a self-contained, six-book story. However, fans of this series will find similar survival themes in Bobby Akart's other books, such as the Lone Star or Yellowstone series.

QWhat scientific event triggers the disaster in Blackout?

The story is triggered by a massive solar flare (coronal mass ejection) that causes an electromagnetic pulse (EMP), instantly shutting down the United States power grid and modern technology.

QIs the Blackout series suitable for teenage readers?

Yes, the Blackout series features clean language and lacks graphic violence or explicit content, making it highly accessible and suitable for both teenagers and adults.

QHow many books are in the Blackout series?

There are exactly six books in the Blackout series, all written by Bobby Akart and published between 2016 and 2017.