Chris Philbrook Books in Order

Where to Start Reading Chris Philbrook

If you are new to Chris Philbrook's writing, the definitive starting point is Adrian's Undead Diary (AUD). This breakout post-apocalyptic series began as a popular web serial before growing into a massive multi-book saga. It remains the author's most famous and beloved work, showcasing his trademark blend of gritty action, character-focused storytelling, and dark humor. Start directly with the first novel, Dark Recollections.

However, if you prefer urban fantasy over zombies, your best entry point is Tesser: A Dragon Among Us, which kicks off The Reemergence series. For fans of grimdark fantasy, the Kinless Trilogy starting with The Wrath of the Orphans provides a standalone narrative set in the fantasy world of Elmoryn.

Adrian's Undead Diary: The Core Series

The main Adrian's Undead Diary series follows Adrian Ring, a survivor documenting the zombie apocalypse in his journals. The series is best read in strict publication order, as the narrative builds chronologically and character arcs evolve significantly. The series can be divided into two main eras:

Season One: The Original Eight-Book Arc

This first sequence forms a complete, self-contained story arc following Adrian's survival and discovery of the forces behind the outbreak. Read these eight books in order:

• Dark Recollections (2013)
• Alone No More (2013)
• Midnight (2013)
• The Failed Coward (2014)
• Wrath (2014)
• In the Arms of Family (2014)
• The Trinity (2014)
• Cassie (2014)

Season Two: The Expansion and Adrian's March

After a multi-year hiatus, Philbrook returned to the universe to expand Adrian's journey. Books 9 through 11 are also known as the Adrian's March trilogy. The expanded series continues as follows:

• The Dealer of Hope (2018) - Adrian's March, Part One
• The Last Resort (2018) - Adrian's March, Part Two
• No God (2020) - Adrian's March, Part Three
• Dead Cities (2021)
• Ghosts (2022)
• The Lost & the Found (2023)

Tales from the World of Adrian's Undead Diary

To flesh out the broader global catastrophe, Philbrook created the Tales from the World of Adrian's Undead Diary spin-off series. These books feature standalone narratives, co-authored projects, and anthologies written by other authors (such as Carl Meadows) set within the same universe.

Reading Advice: Do not read these before finishing Book 8 (Cassie) of the main series, as they contain significant spoilers and rely on the world-building established in the original run. Once you finish Cassie, you can read these side stories to enrich the world before jumping into Book 9 (The Dealer of Hope):

• Unhappy Endings (2015)
• London Burns (2016)
• Only the Light We Make (2016)
• The Shed (2017)
• An Ill Wind (2017)
• The Other Side (2018)
• Dead Lucky (2020)

The Reemergence Series

For readers looking for urban fantasy, The Reemergence blends magical creatures, ancient guardians, and dragons into a modern setting. Read this series in the following order:

1. Tesser: A Dragon Among Us (2014)
2. Ambryn & the Cheaters of Death (2015)
3. Fyelrath & the Coven's Curse (2017)
4. Tesser: A Father Enraged (2018)
5. Zeud & the Prophets of Atomic Fire (2019)

The Kinless Trilogy

Set in the dark, war-torn fantasy world of Elmoryn, this grimdark fantasy trilogy follows the Everwalk twins on a quest for vengeance. It should be read in chronological order:

1. The Wrath of the Orphans (2013)
2. The Motive for Massacre (2014)
3. The Echoes of Sin (2016)

Other Series & Collaborations

Philbrook has also ventured into cosmic horror, military sci-fi, and collaborative multiversal apocalypses. Here is how to navigate these shorter series:

The Bleed Books

Co-authored with fellow horror giants Mark Tufo and David Moody, this interdimensional apocalyptic series must be read in order:

1. Rupture (2020)
2. Rapture (2021)
3. Armageddon (2021)

The Darkness of Diggory Finch

A modern Lovecraftian cosmic horror series set in New England, following Diggory Finch as he inherits a dark, ancestral power. Read in this order:

1. The Awakening (2021)
2. The Twelve (2022)
3. The Legacy (2024)

Ghara Chronicles

A military science fiction series following marines fighting insectoid dangers on the planet Selva. Read the prequel first:

1. Colony Lost (2015) - The prequel novella introducing the colony.
2. Colony of Lies (2018) - The first full episode of Season One.

What to Know Before You Start

If you plan to listen to the audiobooks, keep in mind that the narrator changes mid-way through the Adrian's Undead Diary series. James Anderson Foster narrates the early books and side stories, while DJ Leone (Daniel James Lewis) takes over narration duties beginning with Dead Cities in 2021. Both deliver highly praised performances, but the shift in voice can be jarring if you are not prepared for it.