Dive into the gritty, pulse-pounding world of The Mad Mick, where survival is a high-stakes game and one man’s unbreakable bond with his daughter lights up a post-apocalyptic America! Franklin Horton’s The Mad Mick series is a thrilling blend of military action, survivalist strategy, and raw human emotion. Centered on Conor Maguire, a former covert operative nicknamed 'The Mad Mick,' this series delivers relentless adventure in a collapsed society where danger lurks at every turn.
With its vivid Appalachian setting and focus on family, The Mad Mick hooks fans of post-apocalyptic fiction with its mix of heart, humor, and hardcore survival tactics. Ready to meet a hero who’s as cunning as he is fierce? Let’s explore this gripping saga!
How The Mad Mick Began
Franklin Horton, a Virginia-based author with a knack for dystopian tales, launched The Mad Mick series in 2018 as a spin-off from his bestselling The Borrowed World series. Inspired by his love for outdoor adventures and survivalist culture, Horton crafted Conor Maguire as a complex hero—a man shaped by his IRA roots and covert ops past. The series sprang from Horton’s desire to explore resilience in chaos, drawing on his Appalachian surroundings to create a vivid, grounded backdrop. The Mad Mick’s debut novel quickly resonated with readers, blending tactical know-how with emotional depth.
The Heart of The Mad Mick
The series kicks off with The Mad Mick (2018), where Conor’s daughter, Barb, is kidnapped by slavers in a shattered America. Conor unleashes his lethal skills to rescue her, revealing why he’s feared in the underworld. Masters of Mayhem (2019) sees Conor and Barb facing organized enemies, forcing them to rally allies. Brutal Business (2019) ramps up the stakes as a deranged leader seeks revenge, testing Conor’s ingenuity. Northern Sun (2020) explores community-building as Conor’s group braces for new threats.
Horton’s themes of survival, loyalty, and moral ambiguity shine through. The Appalachian setting—rugged mountains and isolated compounds—grounds the story in a tactile reality, while Conor’s IRA-honed bomb-making and Barb’s sharpshooting add flair. The series’ style is fast-paced yet introspective, balancing gritty action with moments of humor and heart, like Barb’s razor-sharp quips. Fans praise its realistic survival tactics and the father-daughter dynamic that anchors the chaos.
Why The Mad Mick Resonates
The Mad Mick series has carved a niche in post-apocalyptic fiction, captivating readers with its blend of tactical realism and emotional stakes. Its influence lies in Horton’s ability to make survival feel personal—Conor’s fight for Barb mirrors universal themes of family and resilience. The series’ crossover with The Borrowed World and Locker Nine series adds depth, rewarding dedicated fans with interconnected stories. With 11 books and a 12th slated for 2025, The Mad Mick’s loyal fanbase eagerly awaits each release, drawn to its raw intensity and relatable heroes.
- First Book Published: 2018
- Total Books: 11 (12th upcoming in 2025)
- Setting: Post-apocalyptic Appalachian Mountains
- Author’s Other Works: The Borrowed World, Locker Nine
Grab The Mad Mick and plunge into a world of chaos, courage, and unbreakable bonds! Whether you’re a survivalist at heart or just love a thrilling ride, Conor and Barb’s journey will keep you hooked!