Boyd Craven Books in Order

Where to Start Reading Boyd Craven

For readers diving into Boyd Craven’s (often credited as Boyd Craven III) expansive catalog of survivalist and dystopian fiction, the choice of starting points can feel overwhelming. With over thirty books to his name, he has constructed multiple distinct post-apocalyptic scenarios, along with ventures into fantasy and detective thrillers. However, there is one definitive place to start if you want to experience Craven at his best: The World Burns series.

First published in 2015, The World Burns is Craven's signature franchise. It highlights his trademark style—blending real-world off-grid homesteading practices with fast-paced, optimistic storytelling about community resilience. Starting with the first book, also titled The World Burns, is highly recommended. It introduces readers to the core themes, pacing, and tone that define most of his survivalist catalogs. The story of Blake, a homesteader whose blog mirrors the author's real-life homesteading experience, offers an immediate entry point into how the world adapts to a massive electromagnetic pulse (EMP) strike.

If you prefer a shorter commitment to test the waters, the Scorched Earth series is an excellent alternative starting point. With only two books—starting with Good Fences—it delivers a tightly focused EMP survival scenario that shows how small-town neighbors band together or clash when the power grid fails permanently.

The World Burns Series Reading Order

This is Boyd Craven’s flagship series. It is a long-running, interconnected story of hope, prepper ingenuity, and community building in the wake of an EMP. The series should be read in publication order to follow the natural growth of the characters and their homesteading community:

1. The World Burns (2015)
2. Ashes of the World (2015)
3. The World Hungers (2015)
4. Tears of The World (2015)
5. The World Bleeds (2015)
6. Rebel Radio (2015) – Note: While sometimes classified as a spin-off or book 5.5, it serves as a crucial bridge that expands the scope of the universe.
7. Cries of the World (2015)
8. The World Cowers (2016)
9. The World on Fire (2016)
10. Agony Of The World (2017)
11. The World Counters (2017)
12. Hope Of The World (2017)

One Man's Opus Series

For readers who appreciate a faithful animal companion in their post-apocalyptic tales, the One Man's Opus series is a must-read. This series centers on survival, grit, and the relationship between a man and his dog, Opus. Follow them in this order:

1. One Man's Opus (2017)
2. Opus Odyssey (2017)
3. Opus Adventure (2018)
4. Search And Rescue (2023)

Still Surviving Series

Focusing on a devastating solar storm that knocks out the power grid, this series explores how different families adapt to a dark world. Read these books in order:

1. Blackout (2018)
2. All Dark (2018)
3. Darkest Days (2019)
4. Dark Hope (2019)
5. Dark Secrets (2019)

Scorched Earth Series

A duology that takes a look at two different groups of survivors during an EMP crisis. Good Fences focuses on a farming community, while Northern Lights follows a group of friends stranded on a remote Canadian fishing trip:

1. Good Fences (2015)
2. Northern Lights (2016)

Anonymous Justice Series

Stepping away from immediate survival elements, this series is a political and social thriller focused on near-future civil unrest, media manipulation, and extreme societal polarization in the United States:

1. Breaking Point (2015)
2. Silent Majority (2016)
3. D.C. Riots (2016)
4. Waking the Majority (2016)

Other Book Series by Boyd Craven

Craven has also written several shorter series exploring fantasy, mystery, and alternative sci-fi concepts:

The Rune Sight Chronicles

An urban fantasy series about magical sight and hidden worlds:

1. First Sight (2018)
2. Second Sight (2018)

Grayson Investigative Series

A quick-paced private investigator mystery series following Jarek Grayson:

1. Kidnapped (2015)
2. Framed (2015)

Dead At Last Series

An early foray into horror survival featuring zombies and vampires:

1. Dead At Last (2013)
2. Dead at Last 2 (Payback) (2013)

Standalone Novels and Projects

• Flirting with Death (2014) – A standalone speculative thriller.
• Zip Ties (2018) – A gritty standalone story.
• Outside the Fire: An Economic Collapse Story (2018) – A survivalist novel exploring the breakdown of suburban neighborhoods during economic ruin.
• Awakened Control: The Data ARC Chronicles (2016) – A cybernetic, post-apocalyptic sci-fi experiment.
• Adjustable Soap Mold Plans (2013) – A practical, non-fiction woodworking guide reflecting the author's real-world homesteading hobbies.

What to Know Before You Start

Unlike many bleak, depressing entries in the post-apocalyptic genre, Boyd Craven’s books are characterized by a sense of hope and community. Because the author is an active off-grid homesteader, hunter, and outdoor enthusiast, his books double as practical survival guides. Readers frequently note that they learn real-world survival skills, such as constructing solar ovens or preserving food, while reading his fiction. While formatting issues and editing typos can occasionally be found in some self-published releases, the fast pacing, authentic prepper wisdom, and strong focus on community cooperation make his work a highly satisfying read for dystopian fans.