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Borrowed World Books in Order

11 Books
2015 – 2024 Published
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How to Read the Borrowed World Universe

Franklin Horton's post-apocalyptic books are set in a shared universe following the collapse of the nation's power grid and fuel supplies. While you can read each series independently, the characters and storylines cross over as they navigate survival in the Appalachian Mountains. To get the complete experience without spoilers, we recommend following a combined chronological sequence.

Recommended Universe Reading Order

For the best narrative flow, integrate the spin-offs where characters cross paths:

  1. The Borrowed World (Books 1–3): Start with The Borrowed World, Ashes of the Unspeakable, and Legion of Despair to ground yourself in the main survival storyline.
  2. Locker Nine (Books 1–2): Read Locker Nine and Grace Under Fire. The second book is crucial as it introduces Conor Maguire (the "Mad Mick") before he gets his own spin-off.
  3. The Mad Mick (Books 1–5): Follow Conor's journey through The Mad Mick, Masters of Mayhem, Brutal Business, Northern Sun, and Punching Tickets.
  4. The Borrowed World (Books 4–8): Catch up with Jim Powell's group in No Time for Mourning, Valley of Vengeance, Switched On, The Ungovernable, and Blood and Banjos.
  5. The Crossover Event: Read Ultraviolent (The Mad Mick Book 6), where Jim Powell and Conor Maguire meet.
  6. The Remaining Books: Continue with the rest of both series, including Resurgent, The Reset Roadhouse, The Endarkened, and The Fury of the Forsaken in the main line, alongside Conor's later stories.

The Main Series: The Borrowed World

Following Jim Powell and a community of survivors in Virginia, this series is the backbone of the universe.

  • The Borrowed World (2015)
  • Ashes of the Unspeakable (2015)
  • Legion of Despair (2016)
  • No Time for Mourning (2017)
  • Valley of Vengeance (2017)
  • Switched On (2018)
  • The Ungovernable (2019)
  • Blood and Banjos (2020)
  • Resurgent (2021)
  • The Reset Roadhouse (2022)
  • The Endarkened (2024)
  • The Fury of the Forsaken (2025)

Spin-Off 1: Locker Nine

This four-book series starts at the same time as the main collapse, following a college student named Grace attempting to make a perilous trek home using a bug-out bag prepared by her father.

  • Locker Nine (2016)
  • Grace Under Fire (2017)
  • Compound Fracture (2019)
  • Blood Bought (2019)

Spin-Off 2: The Mad Mick

This action-heavy series follows Conor Maguire, a former contract assassin trying to protect his family and his compound.

  • The Mad Mick (2018)
  • Masters of Mayhem (2019)
  • Brutal Business (2020)
  • Northern Sun (2020)
  • Punching Tickets (2021)
  • Ultraviolent (2021)
  • The Death Dealer's Manual (2022)
  • American Oligarch (2022)
  • Shift Point (2023)
  • Dislocated (2023)
  • Hostile Takeover (2024)
  • Collateral Savage (2026)

Frequently Asked

QWhere is the best place to start reading this universe?

It is best to start with The Borrowed World (Book 1) to understand the immediate impact of the collapse, followed by Locker Nine (Book 1) for a parallel perspective.

QHow do The Borrowed World and The Mad Mick series connect?

Conor Maguire (the Mad Mick) is introduced in the Locker Nine spin-off. He later crosses paths directly with Jim Powell from the main series in the crossover novel Ultraviolent.

QWhen should I read the crossover book Ultraviolent?

For the best chronological flow, read Ultraviolent after finishing Book 8 of the main series (Blood and Banjos) and Book 5 of the Mad Mick series (Punching Tickets).

QIs the Locker Nine series necessary to understand The Mad Mick?

While not strictly mandatory, reading Grace Under Fire (Locker Nine Book 2) is highly recommended because it details Conor Maguire's first appearance and establishes his background.

QHow many books are in the core Borrowed World series?

As of recent releases, the main series contains 12 books, concluding the main arc with The Fury of the Forsaken.

QAre the Way of Dan and Ty Stone series set in the same universe?

No, The Way of Dan and the Ty Stone books are standalone series by Franklin Horton that do not cross over with the main post-apocalyptic timeline.