How to Read the Virals Series
The Virals series, co-authored by forensic anthropologist Kathy Reichs and her son Brendan Reichs, is a fast-paced young adult thriller saga. Centered on Tory Brennan—the great-niece of Temperance Brennan from the famous Bones series—the books follow a pack of teenagers who acquire wolf-like powers (or "flaring" abilities) after being exposed to a mutant canine virus. Together, they use their new senses and forensic science to solve cold cases in the historic, marshy settings of Charleston, South Carolina.
To get the most out of the narrative arc and watch the relationships between Tory, Ben, Hi, and Shelton develop naturally, you have two primary reading paths: the Chronological Order (which inserts the short stories directly where they occur timeline-wise) or the Publication Order.
Recommended Chronological Reading Order
Reading the series chronologically allows you to experience the events in the exact sequence they happen to the characters. This is the recommended path for readers who want to experience the complete timeline of the pack, from Tory's arrival on Morris Island to the ultimate resolution of their powers.
- Shock (Novella #0.5) – Set before the first novel, this prequel details how Tory Brennan first arrives in South Carolina and meets her future pack members.
- Virals (Novel #1) – The main entry point where the group rescues a wolfdog from a research lab, contracts the parvovirus, and flares for the first time while solving a decades-old murder.
- Seizure (Novel #2) – The pack searches for a historic pirate treasure in Charleston to save their island home from financial ruin.
- Shift (Novella #2.5) – A bridge story where Tory's great-aunt Temperance Brennan makes a direct appearance, leading to a "Brennan vs. Brennan" clash at the Loggerhead Island Research Institute.
- Code (Novel #3) – The Virals are targeted by a mysterious game master who forces them to solve a sequence of elaborate, high-stakes puzzles.
- Swipe (Novella #3.5) – The pack travels to Comic-Con in San Diego to solve a theft, crossing paths once again with Temperance Brennan.
- Exposure (Novel #4) – A classmate is kidnapped, forcing the Virals to navigate school dynamics and dangerous kidnappers while their secrets are threatened.
- Terminal (Novel #5) – The dramatic conclusion of the main novel series, where the pack faces off against rival teens infected with a different strain of the virus.
- Spike (Novella #5.5) – The final story set after the events of Terminal, wrapping up the pack's adventures as they attempt to foil a plot at Kit and Whitney's wedding.
Publication Reading Order
If you prefer to read the books exactly as they were released to the public, you will notice that the prequel novella Shock was published later in the series run. The publication timeline is as follows:
- Virals (2010)
- Seizure (2011)
- Shift (Novella, 2013)
- Code (2013)
- Swipe (Novella, 2013)
- Exposure (2014)
- Shock (Novella, 2015)
- Terminal (2015)
- Spike (Novella, 2016)
Understanding the Novellas and "Trace Evidence"
For readers looking to track down physical copies of the short stories, they can be difficult to find individually since they were originally released as digital-only eSpecials. Fortunately, the authors compiled all four novellas into a single print and ebook companion collection titled Trace Evidence, published in 2016. If you buy or borrow Trace Evidence, you will have access to Shock, Shift, Swipe, and Spike in one place. Many readers choose to read the five main novels first and then read Trace Evidence as a complete companion piece, which works perfectly fine as long as you keep their chronological placements in mind.
The Connection to Kathy Reichs' "Bones" Universe
One of the most exciting aspects of the Virals series is its connection to Kathy Reichs' adult Temperance Brennan novels (which inspired the hit television show Bones). Tory Brennan is the great-niece of Temperance. This relationship is more than just a easter egg; Temperance acts as a mentor, family connection, and occasional active participant in Tory's life. Specifically, Temperance appears in the novellas Shift and Swipe, bridging the gap between the adult forensic thrillers and the YA sci-fi adventure world of the Virals. However, you do not need to read any of the Temperance Brennan novels to fully enjoy and understand the Virals series.
Practical Reader Advice
If you are planning to dive into the series, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Best Starting Point: While Shock is chronologically first, the best entry point for most readers is the novel Virals. It introduces the setting, characters, and the origin of their abilities with much more detail than the prequel. You can always go back and read Shock later.
- Are the Novellas Required? The main five novels form a complete, self-contained story arc. While the novellas (collected in Trace Evidence) add fun side mysteries, character development, and crossovers, you will not be lost reading just the main novels. However, Spike is highly recommended for fans who want a final epilogue after Terminal.
- Tone and Style: The series is known for its blend of real STEM forensic science and soft sci-fi fantasy. The scientific explanations are handled by Kathy Reichs' forensic background, keeping the investigation elements grounded even when the characters are using supernatural canine abilities.