How to Read The Wilds Series
Donna Augustine's dystopian urban fantasy universe is divided into two distinct but interconnected series: the core quartet, The Wilds, and the follow-up duology, Born Wild. Because the books build on the same post-apocalyptic lore and follow a linear chronological progression, it is highly recommended to read them in order of publication.
For the best reading experience, you should follow this complete order across both series:
- The Wilds (2015) — The Wilds Book 1
- The Hunt (2015) — The Wilds Book 2
- The Dead (2016) — The Wilds Book 3
- The Magic (2016) — The Wilds Book 4
- Wild One (2018) — Born Wild Book 1
- Savage One (2019) — Born Wild Book 2
The Core Series: The Wilds
The original four-book saga introduces readers to a broken world decades after a catastrophic plague known as the "Bloody Death" decimated 95% of the human population. In the ashes of civilization, magic has returned, and dangerous creatures known as Dark Walkers roam the wilderness outside the remnants of human cities.
The story follows Dahlia, a young woman who survived the plague but was branded a "Plaguer" and locked in an asylum due to her mysterious, unpredictable visions. When a brooding and dangerous tracker named Dax breaks her out, Dahlia is thrust into the lawless territory known as the Wilds. Over the course of the four novels, Dahlia must learn to control her emerging powers, survive lethal beasts, and uncover the dark secrets of the plague and the forces ruling their new reality.
- The Wilds (2015): Establishes the post-apocalyptic setting, introducing Dahlia’s escape from the asylum and her first steps into the deadly wilderness with Dax.
- The Hunt (2015): Escalates the stakes as Dahlia becomes the target of a ruthless hunt, facing new enemies like the Skinners while struggling with her unstable magic.
- The Dead (2016): Explores the deeper mystery behind Dahlia's abilities and the origins of the plague, bringing the characters face-to-face with the true nature of their world.
- The Magic (2016): The action-packed conclusion to Dahlia's story, where she must confront the leader of the Dark Walkers to secure a future for what remains of humanity.
The Spin-Off Series: Born Wild
Once you finish Dahlia's story, you can continue exploring the same universe in the Born Wild duology. Set a few years after the events of the original quartet, this spin-off shifts the focus to a new protagonist, Teddy, and is set in the same magic-ruled, post-apocalyptic landscape.
Teddy is a survivor who carries a heavy burden: she has the unique, unwanted ability to see when and how people will die. Having spent her life exploited and sold by those who wanted to use her visions for power, Teddy manages to escape her captors. Alongside an enigmatic ally named Callon, she fights to maintain her freedom in a dangerous world where her gift makes her a highly valuable target.
- Wild One (2018): Introduces Teddy’s struggle for survival, her escape from captivity, and her tentative alliance with Callon.
- Savage One (2019): Concludes Teddy's arc as she confronts the forces seeking to control her and decides the fate of her powerful abilities.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into Donna Augustine's universe, here are a few tips to enhance your reading experience:
- Dystopian Meets Urban Fantasy: The series blends elements of post-apocalyptic survival fiction with the magic, romance, and fast-paced action of urban fantasy. If you enjoy kick-ass heroines, slow-burn romantic tension, and gritty settings similar to Ilona Andrews' Kate Daniels series, you will feel right at home.
- Read the Main Quartet First: While the Born Wild duology follows a different main character, it assumes familiarity with the world-building, magic rules, and factions established during Dahlia's journey. Reading Wild One before the original series will spoil key plot points and make the world significantly harder to follow.
- A Complete Story: Dahlia's story wraps up completely in The Magic, and Teddy's story concludes in Savage One. There are no dangling cliffhangers or unresolved major plots, making this an excellent completed universe to binge-read.