Dive into the paw-some world of Survivors, where a pack of courageous dogs battles to thrive in a post-apocalyptic landscape! Written under the pseudonym Erin Hunter, this thrilling middle-grade fantasy series follows former pets navigating a world shattered by a massive earthquake, known as the Big Growl. With heart-pounding adventures and heartfelt themes, Survivors captures the spirit of resilience and community, making it a must-read for dog lovers and fantasy fans alike.
How Survivors Began
The Survivors series sprang from the creative minds behind the wildly popular Warriors and Seekers series, penned by a team of authors under the Erin Hunter name. HarperCollins, the publisher, initially proposed a dog-centered series, but the team opted for bears with Seekers to avoid overlapping with their cat-centric Warriors. After Seekers wrapped, authors like Gillian Philip and Inbali Iserles embraced the dog idea, drawing inspiration from canine behavior and pack dynamics. Their collaborative approach—crafting detailed outlines together before individual writing—gave Survivors its unique voice, blending gritty survival with emotional depth.
The Heart of Survivors
The series kicks off with The Empty City (2012), where golden retriever Lucky, a lone dog, must team up with a ragtag group of former pets, including his sister Bella, after the Big Growl wipes out their human world. In A Hidden Enemy, Lucky grapples with loyalty as he spies for the Leashed Dogs while infiltrating the fierce Wild Pack. The Endless Lake sees the pack facing a treacherous new territory, while Storm of Dogs delivers an epic showdown against the ruthless Fierce Dogs. The second arc, The Gathering Darkness, shifts to Storm, a Doberman, exploring her identity in a tense pack dynamic.
Survivors shines through its vivid themes of survival, loyalty, and belonging. The canine perspective—calling humans “longpaws” and the sun “Sun-Dog”—weaves a mythical charm, while the complex pack structure mirrors human families. Gillian Philip noted the series’ focus on “fitting in,” as Lucky’s lone-wolf instincts clash with pack life, creating gripping tension. The post-apocalyptic setting, with crumbling cities and scarce resources, amplifies the stakes, making every hunt and alliance a test of courage.
Why Survivors Resonates
Survivors has left a lasting paw-print on middle-grade fantasy, captivating readers with its action-packed plots and relatable characters. Fans praise its emotional depth, with reviews highlighting Lucky’s struggle between independence and duty as a standout. The series’ exploration of community and resilience speaks to young readers navigating their own challenges, while dog lovers adore its authentic portrayal of canine instincts. Though less known than Warriors, Survivors has built a dedicated following, with translations and e-books expanding its reach globally.
- Publication Years: 2012–2019
- Number of Books: 12 (two arcs of six books each)
- Notable Praise: Kirkus Reviews gave The Empty City a starred review for its “magical” style.
Ready to unleash your inner pack dog? Grab The Empty City and dive into Survivors’ thrilling world of adventure and heart!