The Recommended Reading Order
For the best reading experience, you should read The Mad Mick series in its publication order. However, because this series shares a universe with Franklin Horton's other popular post-apocalyptic sagas, there is a crucial prequel step you should consider if you want to understand the main character's full backstory.
Conor Maguire, known in the shadowy underworld of covert operations as "The Mad Mick," is actually introduced in another series first. To get his complete story, start with the Locker Nine series before launching into Conor's standalone books.
Phase 1: The Backstory Prequels (Locker Nine Series)
We recommend starting with these two books to establish Conor's background, his covert operations work, and how he ended up in his secluded Appalachian compound:
- Locker Nine (2016) – Introduces the broader collapse and the initial survival landscape.
- Grace Under Fire (2017) – Crucial reading because it officially introduces Conor Maguire and establishes his deadly skillset and protective nature before his own series begins.
Phase 2: The Mad Mick Main Series
Once you have read Conor's introduction, you can proceed directly through the main series. Follow this order to watch Conor and Barb navigate the escalating chaos of a collapsed America:
- The Mad Mick (2018) – Conor's daughter Barb is taken by slavers, forcing him to unleash his lethal, IRA-honed tactics to rescue her.
- Masters of Mayhem (2019) – Conor and Barb face organized enemies and are forced to build tactical alliances in the mountains.
- Brutal Business (2020) – The stakes rise as a vengeful, deranged leader targets Conor's compound.
- Northern Sun (2020) – Focuses on rebuilding and protecting their community as new threats march toward them.
- Punching Tickets (2021) – Conor is forced back into active assassin work, taking the fight directly to his adversaries.
- Ultraviolent (2021) – A high-octane installment where Conor's lethal skills are pushed to their absolute limits.
- The Death Dealer's Manual (2022) – Conor deals with fallout from his operations while navigating new factions in the post-apocalyptic wilderness.
- American Oligarch (2022) – Conor and his allies clash with wealthy, powerful figures trying to carve up the remnants of the country.
- Shift Point (2023) – A shifting landscape forces Conor to make difficult, tactical adjustments to protect his family.
- Dislocated (2023) – The group faces displacement and must establish security in unfamiliar territory.
- Hostile Takeover (2024) – Conor and Barb battle aggressive factions attempting to seize control of their resources.
- Collateral Savage (2026) – The latest entry, exploring the brutal consequences of long-running conflicts.
The Shared Universe: Connecting the Dots
Franklin Horton's books are famous for their interconnected nature. The Mad Mick exists in the same post-apocalyptic timeline as The Borrowed World and Locker Nine. While you don't need to read all of The Borrowed World to enjoy Conor's story, doing so rewards you with a much deeper appreciation of the post-collapse setting and minor crossovers. The collapse itself is triggered by coordinated terror attacks, which serve as the backdrop for all three series.
What to Know Before You Start
Unlike many prepper-focused post-apocalyptic novels that read like instructional manuals, The Mad Mick series prioritizes fast-paced military thriller action, political intrigue, and family dynamics. Conor's background as the son and grandson of IRA bombers gives him a unique expertise in improvised explosives and structural sabotage, which heavily influences his survival strategy. Additionally, the father-daughter dynamic between Conor and Barb—filled with dark humor and mutual tactical respect—serves as the emotional anchor of the series.