Books On Board

The World Burns Books in Order

  • 12 Books
  • 2015 – 2017 Published

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Reading order
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The Recommended Reading Order

To get the most out of Boyd Craven’s post-apocalyptic saga, you should follow the publication order. The main storyline follows a tight, chronological progression as Blake Jackson and his companions rebuild their lives after a devastating EMP. However, there is a minor detour with a companion novel that you can read either in the middle of the series or at the very end.

The Main Storyline and the Rebel Radio Companion

The core series spans 11 primary novels. The 12th book, Rebel Radio, is frequently referred to as Book 5.5. It is set in the same post-apocalyptic world but features a different cast of characters, specifically Don and a gamer girl known as "Z". Because it functions as a standalone companion story, you have two options for reading it: you can insert it between The World Bleeds (Book 5) and Cries of the World (Book 6), or save it for the end as an extra journey into the wider universe.

The World Burns Books in Order

Here is the chronological publication order of the books, detailing the progression of the series:

  1. The World Burns (2015) - Blake Jackson, an off-grid homesteader and blogger, meets Sandra, an army veteran and preacher’s daughter, just as an Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) plunges the United States into complete chaos. They must band together to survive the immediate societal collapse.
  2. Ashes of the World (2015) - Blake and Sandra are joined by the Cayhill family. As they work to establish a secure homestead, they must defend their sanctuary from desperate raiders while planning a wedding amidst the ruins.
  3. The World Hungers (2015) - With winter approaching and resources dwindling, the group faces their greatest adversary yet: starvation. Community coordination and prepper knowledge become essential for survival.
  4. Tears of the World (2015) - The story expands with the introduction of David, a resilient teenager in Alabama who must prove his capability and trustworthiness to Blake's community.
  5. The World Bleeds (2015) - Blake begins broadcasting over the radio, inspiring survivors across the nation. However, the arrival of FEMA camps and NATO forces introduces complex new political and physical threats.
  6. Rebel Radio (2015 / Book 5.5) - A standalone companion novel focusing on a different pocket of survivors. We follow Don and "Z" as they navigate the post-EMP world, offering a broader look at the nationwide collapse.
  7. Cries of the World (2016) - The main storyline resumes as the community faces escalating external pressures and must adapt their defensive strategies to survive.
  8. The World Cowers (2016) - As lawlessness spreads, the survivors face threats from organized faction leaders trying to consolidate power in the vacuum left by the government.
  9. The World on Fire (2016) - Clashes between regional militias, remnants of the military, and independent homesteads reach a boiling point, forcing Blake to take a more active leadership role.
  10. Agony of the World (2017) - The community deals with the long-term biological and societal fallout of the collapse, testing their medical resources and emotional resilience.
  11. The World Counters (2017) - Instead of merely defending their homestead, Blake and his allies launch strategic counter-offensives to secure safety for their network of communities.
  12. Hope of the World (2017) - The final primary novel wraps up Blake and Sandra's journey, focusing on the potential for rebirth, stable governance, and long-term recovery for the nation.

What to Know Before You Start

Boyd Craven III brings a unique level of authenticity to the series. Based in Michigan, Craven has a deep background in hunting, fishing, and off-grid living, which he transitioned into full-time writing in 2014. This practical prepper expertise shines through in Blake's blog-to-book format, offering real-world survival tips interwoven with the fictional plot. If you enjoy realistic tactical details, agricultural planning, and resource management in your fiction, this series will feel exceptionally grounded.

Additionally, the audiobook versions of the series are highly recommended. They are narrated by Kevin Pierce, a legendary voice in the post-apocalyptic genre. Pierce's narration brings a warm, regional charm that perfectly matches the grit, sarcastic humor, and hope of Blake Jackson's narrative voice.

Standalone vs. Serialized Reading

Can you read these books out of order? For the most part, no. The main 11 books function as a serialized epic, with each novel building directly on the events, character relationships, and logistics of the previous one. Starting anywhere other than the first book, The World Burns, will leave you confused about how the homestead was built and who the key players are. The sole exception is Rebel Radio, which can be enjoyed entirely on its own as it features an independent storyline and characters.

Frequently Asked

Where should I start reading The World Burns series?

You should start with the very first novel, The World Burns. The series is highly serialized, meaning the story builds continuously from book to book.

Can Rebel Radio be read as a standalone?

Yes, Rebel Radio is a standalone companion novel. It features different main characters, Don and Z, and does not require reading the rest of the series to understand, though it shares the same setting.

Who narrates the audiobooks for The World Burns?

The audiobooks are narrated by Kevin Pierce, who is well-known and highly praised for his work in the post-apocalyptic and survival fiction genres.

Is the author Boyd Craven III a real prepper?

Yes, Boyd Craven III lives in Michigan and has extensive personal experience with off-grid living, hunting, and fishing, which inspires the practical advice throughout his books.

How many books are in the main story arc of The World Burns?

There are 11 books in the main storyline following Blake and Sandra, plus 1 standalone companion novel (Rebel Radio), making 12 books in total.

Are there other series in the same universe?

While Boyd Craven III has other series like Still Surviving, One Man's Opus, and Devil Dog, they are separate stories, though they share the author's trademark survivalist style.