Brace yourself for a heart-pounding dive into the Colony series by Michaelbrent Collings, where zombies aren’t just undead—they’re evolving, unkillable, and terrifyingly smart! This seven-novel saga redefines apocalyptic horror, following high school teacher Ken Strickland as he battles to save his family in a world where 99.9% of humanity is wiped out in just ten minutes. With its relentless pace and emotional depth, Colony has become an Amazon best-seller, captivating fans of zombie fiction and beyond.
Unlike traditional zombie tales, Colony throws you into chaos from page one, with vivid imagery and non-stop action that feels like a blockbuster movie. Let’s explore how this gripping series came to life, its core stories, and why it’s a must-read for thrill-seekers!
How Colony Began
Michaelbrent Collings, a prolific indie horror author and screenwriter, crafted Colony to challenge zombie genre conventions. Inspired by his love for high-octane narratives and complex human stories, Collings self-published the first book, Genesis, in 2013. His goal? To create zombies that defy clichés—ones that grow smarter, stronger, and more coordinated, making survival a desperate race against time. Drawing from his diverse writing experience, including horror and thrillers, Collings infused Colony with raw emotion and cinematic intensity, setting it apart in the crowded zombie fiction landscape.
The Heart of Colony
The Colony series spans seven books, each a pulse-pounding chapter in Ken Strickland’s fight for survival. Genesis kicks off the saga in Boise, Idaho, where Ken, a martial arts-savvy teacher, witnesses the world collapse as bugs swarm, planes crash, and students turn into ferocious undead. Renegades, the second book, sees Ken reunited with his family, only to face smarter zombies working together to hunt survivors. Descent slows the pace slightly, deepening Ken’s relationship with his wife, Maggie, amid ongoing chaos. The series concludes with Reckoning, delivering a satisfying end that ties up its sprawling narrative.
Colony’s themes dig into survival, family bonds, and the resilience of the human spirit. Collings explores what it means to protect loved ones when hope seems lost, with Ken’s journey reflecting both heroism and heartbreak. The series’ fast-paced style, marked by short, punchy chapters and cliffhangers, keeps readers hooked, while its vivid descriptions make every zombie encounter feel visceral. Set in a crumbling urban world, Colony blends horror with emotional stakes, appealing to both genre fans and newcomers.
Why Colony Resonates
Colony has carved a niche in zombie fiction, earning praise for its fresh take on the genre and Collings’ knack for immersive storytelling. Horror Novel Reviews called Genesis a “refreshing read,” while fans on Goodreads laud its non-stop thrills and unique zombies. As an indie series, its Amazon best-seller status highlights its grassroots appeal, resonating with readers who crave intense, character-driven horror. Collings’ critical acclaim, including Bram Stoker Award nominations, underscores his skill in crafting stories that linger long after the final page.
The series’ legacy lies in its ability to balance relentless action with heartfelt moments, inspiring readers to root for Ken and his family. Its influence encourages other indie authors to push genre boundaries, proving that self-published works can rival traditional heavyweights.
- Publication Years: 2013–2015
- Number of Books: 7
- Author: Michaelbrent Collings
- Genre: Apocalyptic Horror
Ready for a zombie apocalypse like no other? Grab Genesis and plunge into the electrifying world of Colony by Michaelbrent Collings!