Where to Start with Caighlan Smith’s Post-Apocalyptic Fantasy
If you are looking for a unique young adult fantasy series that blends dystopian survival, supernatural horror, and video-game style action, Caighlan Smith's Surreality series is a hidden gem you shouldn't miss. Set in a desolate world where humanity is on the brink of extinction, the story focuses on a team of skilled teenage hunters who patrol abandoned, ruined cities. These hunters are the only line of defense against the phantoms, ghosts, and monstrous crimson hellcats that strike during the terrifying Hallow Hour.
For the best reading experience, you should read the Surreality books in their original publication order. Because the books follow a linear, continuous narrative that tracks the growth of the characters and the gradual uncovering of the world's deepest secrets, skipping around will leave you confused. Fortunately, the reading order is incredibly straightforward, as the chronological timeline matches the order in which the books were released.
The Surreality Books in Order of Publication
The series consists of four main installments published between 2013 and 2016. Below is the recommended reading order with details on what to expect from each book.
1. Hallow Hour (2013)
The series kicks off with Hallow Hour, written by Caighlan Smith during her final year of high school and published when she was just nineteen. The novel introduces us to Mid and Kanta, a brother-and-sister duo of phantom hunters who struggle to survive in the post-apocalyptic ruins. Their lives change forever when they cross paths with a mysterious group of orphans led by a girl named Tai. Tai possesses a rare, fiery ability to destroy the ghosts that plague their world. As they join forces, the squad must navigate the treacherous landscape and learn to trust one another if they want to survive the deadly Hallow Hour.
2. New Year (2014)
Picking up after the dramatic events of the first book, New Year raises the stakes for the hunter squadron. As the group travels deeper into the desolate wasteland, the supernatural threats become more aggressive and unpredictable. Mid, Kanta, and Tai must deal with mounting internal tensions while adjusting to their expanding roles within the hunter ranks. The book focuses heavily on character development, exploring the psychological toll of fighting an endless war against ghosts and how the young characters cope with loss and responsibility.
3. Firefly (2016)
In Firefly, the third installment, the mysteries surrounding the origins of the phantoms and the cataclysm that ruined the world begin to come to light. The narrative pacing quickens, reflecting the author's love for video-game structure, with distinct action sequences and tactical challenges. The characters are forced to make difficult moral choices, questioning the very authorities they have been fighting for. The bond between the hunters and the orphans is tested to its limits as they realize that the secrets they carry could either save what remains of humanity or destroy it entirely.
4. Into Surreality (2016)
The series reaches its thrilling conclusion in Into Surreality. In this final volume, the boundary between the physical world and the supernatural realm of the phantoms begins to blur. Mid, Kanta, Tai, and the rest of the surviving hunters must venture into the heart of the anomaly itself to find a permanent solution to the phantom plague. It wraps up the overarching mysteries of the series, providing a satisfying conclusion to the character arcs and delivering high-octane action sequences that bring the post-apocalyptic saga to a close.
Chronological vs. Publication Order: Is There a Difference?
Unlike some sprawling fantasy series with prequels, spin-offs, and companion novellas, Surreality has a very clean structure. There are no companion short stories or separate prequels to worry about. The chronological order is identical to the publication order. You do not need to worry about adjusting your reading list or navigating complex timeline jumps; simply start with Hallow Hour and read straight through to Into Surreality.
What to Know Before You Start: Tone, Pacing, and Mythology
Before you dive into the series, it is helpful to understand the unique style Caighlan Smith brings to the table. Inspired by Greek mythology, classic folklore, and modern video games, Smith creates a fast-paced environment where action and tactical survival are at the forefront. Unlike many popular young adult dystopian novels of the 2010s, Surreality avoids heavy romance subplots. Instead, the focus remains firmly on the platonic bonds of family, friendship, teamwork, and the moral struggles of young people forced to grow up too fast in a brutal world.
The characters are intentionally flawed, making decisions that are sometimes rash or selfish, which adds a layer of realism to the supernatural setting. The atmosphere is consistently eerie and haunting, making it a great pick for readers who enjoy a mix of dystopian adventure and light survival horror.
Beyond Surreality: What to Read Next
If you finish the Surreality series and find yourself craving more of Caighlan Smith’s signature writing style, you should check out her highly acclaimed Greek mythology-inspired YA duology, Children of Icarus. Published by Red Deer Press, this duology includes:
- Children of Icarus (2016): Set in the city of Daedalum, where children are chosen to enter a deadly, monster-filled labyrinth in hopes of becoming angels. It follows an unnamed narrator who must learn to survive the horrors of the maze after being separated from her best friend Clara.
- Children of Daedala (2018): The gripping sequel that continues the survival story and uncovers the dark truths behind the labyrinth and the society that built it.
Like Surreality, these books feature a dark atmosphere, high-stakes action, minimal romance, and deeply compelling survival elements that showcase Smith’s growth as a fantasy author.