Step into the gritty, pulse-pounding world of The Wilds, where survival is a daily gamble and truth comes with a supernatural twist! Donna Augustine’s urban fantasy series thrusts readers into a post-apocalyptic landscape ravaged by the Bloody Death, a plague that wiped out 95% of humanity. At its heart is Dahlia, a fierce survivor branded a Plaguer for her mysterious visions, navigating a world of monstrous Dark Walkers, cunning alliances, and secrets that could reshape reality.
Blending dystopian thrills with urban fantasy flair, The Wilds hooks you with its raw energy and Dahlia’s unyielding spirit. Whether you’re a fan of kick-butt heroines or crave a story where every choice could be your last, this series delivers an unforgettable ride.
How The Wilds Began
Donna Augustine, a USA Today bestselling author, crafted The Wilds from her love for urban fantasy, horror, and intricate world-building. Inspired by authors like Ilona Andrews and Stephen King, she set out to create a series that merged the chaos of a broken world with the intimacy of personal growth. Released in 2015, The Wilds marked Augustine’s dive into dystopian fantasy, born from her desire to explore resilience and truth in a society teetering on the edge. Her coffee-fueled writing sessions birthed a saga that’s both darkly thrilling and surprisingly witty.
The Heart of The Wilds
The Wilds series spans four gripping novels: The Wilds (2015), The Hunt (2015), The Dead (2016), and The Magic (2016). In The Wilds, we meet Dahlia, a Plaguer trapped in an asylum since childhood, whose visions make her a target. When the brooding Dax breaks her out, she’s thrust into the Wilds—a lawless land of beasts and Dark Walkers. The Hunt ramps up the stakes as Dahlia’s magic falters and new threats, like the Skinners, emerge. The Dead deepens the mystery of her powers, while The Magic delivers a heart-pounding finale as Dahlia faces the Dark Walkers’ leader to save humanity.
The series shines through its themes of survival, identity, and the cost of truth. Augustine’s world is vivid—think crumbling cities, eerie forests, and creatures that haunt your dreams. Dahlia’s journey from a starved, self-doubting survivor to a fierce protector is laced with humor and heart, while her slow-burn connection with Dax adds romantic tension. The dialogue crackles, balancing nail-biting action with moments of levity that make you root for this ragtag crew.
Why The Wilds Resonates
The Wilds has carved a niche in urban fantasy for its bold take on a plague-ravaged world and its fierce, flawed heroine. Fans praise Augustine’s knack for blending dystopian grit with supernatural intrigue, often comparing it to the Kate Daniels series for its strong female lead and immersive setting. Though not a household name, the series has a loyal following, with readers on Goodreads lauding its fast-paced plot and Dahlia’s growth. Its exploration of resilience and found family strikes a chord, offering hope in a world where survival is never guaranteed.
- Publication Years: 2015–2016
- Number of Books: 4
- Genre: Urban Fantasy/Dystopian
- Author: Donna Augustine
Ready to brave the Wilds? Grab The Wilds and dive into Dahlia’s thrilling, magic-charged world of survival and secrets!