What is the best book to read first by Chris Fabry?

For adult contemporary fiction, the best starting point is Dogwood , his Christy Award-winning debut. For younger readers, start with Stolen Secrets , the first book in the Red Rock Mysteries.

How are the Left Behind: The Kids collections structured?

The original series consists of 40 short novellas published between 1998 and 2004. These were later repackaged into a 12-volume set of larger paperback collections, starting with Taken and ending with Arrived .

Do I need to watch the movies before reading Chris Fabry's novelizations?

No, you do not. Fabry's novelizations, such as War Room and The Forge , expand significantly on the screenplays, adding extensive character backstories and internal monologue that make them fully realized standalone novels.

Are Chris Fabry's adult novels connected to each other?

No, his adult novels like Dogwood , June Bug , and Saving Grayson are standalone stories set in different locations with distinct characters, meaning they can be read in any order.

Which young adult series did Chris Fabry write?

He co-authored Left Behind: The Kids , The Red Rock Mysteries , and The Wormling series with Jerry B. Jenkins, and wrote the NASCAR-themed RPM series.

Chris Fabry Books in Order

Where to Start Reading Chris Fabry

Chris Fabry’s extensive bibliography spans multiple genres, target age groups, and collaborative projects. Because his works are so varied, your starting point will depend entirely on what kind of story you are looking for. Here are the recommended entry paths for his writing:

For Fans of Inspiring Adult Contemporary Fiction

If you want to experience the deep, character-driven storytelling that has earned Fabry multiple Christy Awards, you should start with Dogwood (2008). As his debut adult novel, it showcases his ability to write about flawed, relatable characters seeking grace and redemption in small-town West Virginia. Another excellent starting point is June Bug (2009), a contemporary reimagining of Les Misérables that follows a young girl's search for the truth about her past. Both novels function as perfect standalone introductions to his solo fiction.

For Young Readers and Mystery Lovers

If you are looking for stories for younger audiences, start with The Red Rock Mysteries, co-authored with Jerry B. Jenkins. The first book, Stolen Secrets (2005), immediately drops readers into the adventures of Bryce and Ashley Timberline as they solve mysteries in Colorado. For fans of Christian speculative fiction and end-times theology, the legendary Left Behind: The Kids series is the ultimate starting point, beginning with book one, The Vanishings (1998).

What to Know Before You Start

Before diving into Fabry's books, there are a few important dynamics to keep in mind regarding his co-authorship and the format of his series:

The Jerry B. Jenkins Connection: A significant portion of Fabry's early work was co-authored or written in collaboration with best-selling author Jerry B. Jenkins. This includes several youth fiction series such as Left Behind: The Kids, The Red Rock Mysteries, and The Wormling.
Movie Novelizations: Fabry is highly regarded for his novelizations of Christian films, particularly those directed by the Kendrick Brothers (including War Room, Overcomer, Lifemark, and The Forge). These are not mere transcriptions of scripts; Fabry expands the characters' inner lives, backstories, and motivations, making them substantial reads in their own right.
Faith and Regional Settings: Fabry’s standalone adult novels frequently draw from his upbringing in West Virginia, featuring rich regional detail, complex human struggles (such as addiction, family estrangement, and grief), and a strong, non-preachy undercurrent of Christian faith.

The Youth and Young Adult Collaborative Series

Chris Fabry’s youth series are highly serialized and must be read in strict publication/chronological order to follow the running narrative arcs.

Left Behind: The Kids

This massive series serves as a young-adult counterpart to the main Left Behind apocalyptic novels by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins. It follows a group of teenagers who were left behind after the Rapture as they navigate the Tribulation. Readers have two choices for how to read this series:

The Original 40-Book Novella Run: Released between 1998 and 2004, these short books (starting with The Vanishings and ending with Triumphant Return) tell the story in quick, episodic installments.
The 12-Volume Repackaged Collections: Tyndale House later repackaged all 40 novellas into 12 comprehensive volumes. This is often the easiest format to find today. The reading order begins with Taken (which contains the content of the first few novellas) and runs through to Arrived.

The Red Rock Mysteries (15 Books)

Co-authored with Jerry B. Jenkins, this contemporary mystery series is aimed at middle-grade readers. It follows the Timberline twins as they deal with family life, faith, and local mysteries. They must be read in order starting with Stolen Secrets (2005) and concluding with Hidden Riches (2006).

The Wormling (5 Books)

For readers who prefer fantasy, this five-book series co-authored with Jerry B. Jenkins follows Owen Reeder as he discovers a portal to a fantastical, dangerous world. Read them in order: The Changeling (2007), The Book of the King (2007), The Sword of the Wormling (2007), The Minions of Time (2008), and The Author's Blood (2008).

RPM Series (4 Books)

Focusing on the high-octane world of NASCAR, this series follows teen driver Jimmy Woods. It consists of four books that should be read in sequence: Blind Spot (2007), Over the Wall (2007), Overdrive (2008), and Checkered Flag (2008).

Standalone Adult Novels & Movie Novelizations

With the exception of the movie tie-ins which share thematic links, all of Chris Fabry’s adult novels are standalones. They can be read in any order, though chronological publication order is a great way to watch his writing style mature.

Standalone Novels

These books tackle heavy emotional themes with a focus on redemption, grace, and human connection:

Dogwood (2008) – A story of past tragedy, forgiveness, and returning home.
June Bug (2009) – A moving tale of a young girl traveling in an RV who discovers her life is built on a lie.
Almost Heaven (2010) – A narrative combining a hillbilly genius, a tragedy, and unseen spiritual forces.
Not in the Heart (2012) – A gambling-addicted father must confront his past to save his family.
Borders of the Heart (2012) – A suspenseful romance set near the Mexican border exploring trust and safety.
Every Waking Moment (2013) – A story focused on a mysterious retirement home worker and a hidden past.
The Promise of Jesse Woods (2016) – A poignant coming-of-age story about first love, betrayal, and small-town dynamics.
Under a Cloudless Sky (2017) – A dual-timeline story set in a coal-mining town exploring decades-old secrets.
A Piece of the Moon (2021) – A treasure hunt in West Virginia that reveals deeper truths about what we value.
Saving Grayson (2023) – A deeply moving story of a man dealing with cognitive decline and seeking to make amends.

Kendrick Brothers Film Novelizations

Fabry has partnered with filmmakers Alex and Stephen Kendrick to write novels based on their screenplays. While you do not need to watch the films first to enjoy the books, reading them provides a richer, more detailed look at the characters' lives:

War Room (2015) – A powerful look at the impact of prayer on a struggling marriage.
Overcomer (2019) – A story about finding identity in faith amidst life changes.
Lifemark (2022) – A narrative about adoption, reconciliation, and the value of life.
The Forge (2024) – A story centered on discipleship, mentorship, and spiritual growth.