A.J. Newman Books in Order

Where to Start Reading A.J. Newman

For readers diving into A.J. Newman's sprawling catalog of survivalist fiction, the sheer number of distinct post-apocalyptic scenarios can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, because Newman's series operate in self-contained universes, you do not need to read his entire bibliography in a single, rigid timeline. Instead, we recommend starting with one of his two most popular entry points:

• The Adventures of John Harris (Recommended Debut Route): If you want to experience Newman's very first published work, start with Surviving (2014). This series features classic EMP survivalism, focusing on homeland defense, gritty everyman resilience, and community building.
• American Apocalypse Series (Popular Modern Route): If you want a tighter, highly-focused survival saga, start with American Survivor (2018). This series deals with a group of ordinary citizens navigating the rapid collapse of society, showcasing Newman's signature fast-paced, action-oriented writing style.

A.J. Newman Books in Order

Because each series is self-contained, reading order is best approached by completing individual series in their publication order, which matches their internal chronological order. Below is the comprehensive breakdown of A.J. Newman's series.

The Adventures of John Harris

Newman's debut series details the struggles of John Harris as he battles to keep his family and homeland safe in the wake of a grid-down catastrophe.

1. Surviving (2014)
2. Hell in the Homeland (2014)
3. Tyranny in the Homeland (2014)
4. Revenge in the Homeland (2015)
5. Apocalypse in the Homeland (2015)
6. John Returns (2016)

American Apocalypse

A fast-paced look at total societal breakdown across the United States, following survivors trying to maintain their humanity in a dark new world.

1. American Survivor (2018)
2. Descent Into Darkness (2018)
3. Reign of Darkness (2018)
4. Rising from the Darkness (2018)

Prepper's Apocalypse

This trilogy leans heavily into realistic survival logistics, tracking the planning, defenses, and betrayals that arise when preppers are forced to put their plans into action.

1. Prepper's Apocalypse (2020)
2. Prepper's Collapse (2021)
3. Prepper's Betrayal (2021)

Wounded Warriors of the Apocalypse

Drawing on Newman's deep respect for veterans, this trilogy follows a wounded Staff Sergeant and his loyal military working dog, MMax, on a long trek home after an EMP.

1. War Dogs Heading Home (2019)
2. War Dogs No One Left Behind (2019)
3. War Dogs Amazon Warriors (2019)

The Day America Died!

This series explores a bleak survival landscape triggered by nuclear warfare, escalating into a brutal winter struggle for resources.

1. New Beginnings (2016)
2. Old Enemies (2016)
3. Frozen Apocalypse (2016)
4. The Final Ending (2021)

Solar Flare / Prelude to an Apocalypse

Focusing on the fallout of intense solar storms, this series follows Monty and other survivors trying to rebuild in a world stripped of modern electrical grids.

1. Prelude to an Apocalypse: Solar Flare (2023)
2. Solar Chaos (2023)
3. Solar Salvation (2023)
4. Solar Purge (2023)

After The Flare

A two-part series centered on the immediate survival challenges in post-apocalyptic America after a major solar flare event.

1. Alone in the Apocalypse (2016)
2. Adventures in the Apocalypse (2017)

Alien Apocalypse

Instead of space battles, this sci-fi series handles a biological apocalypse triggered by a mysterious, foreign virus.

1. The Virus (2017)
2. The Virus: Surviving (2017)

Extinction Level Event

This series centers on Jon and a handful of immune survivors trying to escape and outwit rogue factions after a lethal pandemic ravages the population.

1. Extinction (2020)
2. Immune: The Hunted (2020)

Cole's Saga

This two-book narrative explores the authoritarian overreach of FEMA camps and the resulting rebellion by survivalists.

1. Cole's Saga (2018)
2. FEMA Wars (2018)

Old Man's Apocalypse

A trilogy following an older, experienced protagonist navigating the collapse with grit and wisdom.

1. Old Man's War (2021)
2. Old Man's Journey (2022)
3. Old Man's Destiny (2022)

A Family's Apocalypse

Focuses on family unity and tactical defense when America's major metropolitan areas go up in flames.

1. Cities on Fire (2017)
2. Family Survival (2017)

EMP Series

A duology analyzing the sudden societal shock of a massive electromagnetic pulse.

1. Perfect Storm (2018)
2. Chaos in the Storm (2019)

Mystery Series and Standalones

Newman has also branched out into crime, mystery, and standalone thrillers outside of his standard EMP templates.

• Grumpy, Sam and Sammy: A mystery series consisting of Where The Girls Are Buried (2015) and Who Killed the Girls? (2015).
• Logan's Mysteries: The mystery thriller The Human Syndrome (2020).
• Standalone Novel: Virus: Strain of Islam (2017).

What to Know Before You Start

A.J. Newman's style is characterized by what he calls "campfire storytelling." His books are fast-moving, rugged, and written from a distinct first-person point of view that values raw action and survivalist philosophy over polished literary prose. Readers can expect a strong focus on tactical firearms realism, community-building ethics, and a no-nonsense tone that draws heavily from his own six-year service in the Army National Guard. If you enjoy character-driven stories about ordinary, everyday people forced to become heroes in the face of societal collapse, Newman's catalog will make you feel right at home.