Dirk Patton Books in Order

How to Start Reading Dirk Patton

If you are new to Dirk Patton's fast-paced, high-octane thrillers, the absolute best place to start is with the first book in his massive, career-defining post-apocalyptic saga: Unleashed, the first book of the V Plague series. This book introduces John Chase, a former Special Forces soldier who is thrust into a terrifying survival scenario. The series is highly sequential and relies heavily on continuous character growth and plot threads that carry directly from one novel to the next. Starting anywhere else in this universe will leave you confused by the deep web of relationships and ongoing military conflicts.

For readers who want a shorter commitment or prefer a sci-fi time-loop spin, the 36 Series is a fantastic alternative starting point. Beginning with the novel 36, this duology moves at breakneck speed and can be read completely independently of the post-apocalyptic works.

The V Plague Universe Reading Order

The V Plague series (sometimes referred to as the Voodoo Plague series) is a massive post-apocalyptic military thriller chronicle. The infection here isn't magical or supernatural; instead, society is brought to its knees by a biochemical neurotoxin and subsequent nuclear strikes. Reading these books in order is crucial because the narrative functions like a long, multi-season television show.

The Main V Plague Series (Publication Order)

We recommend reading the main series in its original publication order:

1. Unleashed (2013) - John Chase is caught in Atlanta during a sudden chemical weapon attack.
2. Crucifixion (2014) - The chaos spreads as Chase attempts to navigate a collapsing society.
3. Rolling Thunder (2014) - Military elements and survival tactics take center stage.
4. Red Hammer (2014) - The stakes escalate as geopolitical remnants clash.
5. Transmission (2014) - Chase seeks answers regarding the origins of the biochemical weapon.
6. Days Of Perdition (2015) - A grim look at the winter of the apocalypse.
7. Indestructible (2015) - Chase and his loyal dog face off against ruthless survivors.
8. Recovery (2015) - The search for a cure and stable ground intensifies.
9. Precipice (2015) - Society fractures further into warlord-led factions.
10. Anvil (2015) - A counter-offensive is planned against the growing horde and hostile militias.
11. Merciless (2016) - Old enemies resurface in the wasteland.
12. Fulcrum (2016) - A turning point in Chase's quest to secure a future for his group.
13. Exodus (2017) - Forced to migrate, the survivors face new geographical dangers.
14. Scourge (2017) - A new strain or threat challenges the established safe zones.
15. Fractured (2017) - Trust is broken within the camp as resources dwindle.
16. Brimstone (2017) - Fire and fury as conflict erupts with a massive enemy force.
17. Abaddon (2018) - The conflict pushes Chase to his absolute limits.
18. Cataclysm (2018) - A near-final showdown that threatens to wipe out what remains.
19. Legion (2019) - The epic conclusion to the primary John Chase arc.

Prequels, Side Stories, and Novellas

Patton has written several shorter works set in the V Plague universe. While not strictly mandatory to enjoy the main series, they provide rich backstory for the characters:

• Rules Of Engagement (2014) - Often listed as Book 2.5, this is a prequel short story featuring John Chase during his time in Delta Force, long before the virus hit. It's a great quick read for fans of military fiction.
• Hunter's Rain (2016) - Another prequel military thriller novella featuring John Chase. The story follows him shortly after his honeymoon as he is called back to duty to handle a conflict with warlords in central Africa.
• Danny (2020) - First published in the military horror anthology SNAFU: Resurrection in 2018 and later released as a standalone novella in 2020. This story follows Danny Britton, a morally compromised lawyer, fighting for survival during the early days of the outbreak. It provides a fascinating, darker side-glance at the apocalypse from a civilian perspective.

The Sequel Series: V Plague Legacy

After concluding the main John Chase storyline in Legion, Patton returned to his post-apocalyptic universe with the V Plague Legacy series. This sequel series focuses on new challenges and characters navigating the long-term aftermath of the collapse. You should read these strictly after finishing the original 19 books:

1. Sentinels (2021)
2. Dragon's Claw (2021)
3. Haven (2022)
4. The Loop (2023)
5. Inferno (2024)
6. Overkill (2025)
7. Assassins (2026)

The 36 Series

If you want a break from the zombie apocalypse, Dirk Patton's 36 series is a sci-fi action thriller duology dealing with time travel and government conspiracies. It moves at the same breakneck pace as his other works:

1. 36 (2016) - Robert Tracy, a death row inmate, is given a second chance by a government project that sends him back in time to stop a devastating terrorist attack.
2. The Void (2016) - Picking up a year later, Robert faces a rift in space-time and the remnants of the conspiracy he thought he stopped.

Dirk Patton's Standalone Novels

For readers looking for self-contained thrillers, Patton has written two standalone novels that showcase his range:

• Coldfall (2017) - Also published under the title Fool's Gold. This political thriller features a reporter and former special forces operators uncovering a deep government conspiracy stretching from the Teton Mountains to the Oval Office.
• The Awakening (2019) - A supernatural thriller following Katarina Daniels, an FBI agent who experiences terrifying, apocalyptic visions that turn out to be real demonic forces invading the Earth.

What to Know Before You Start

Dirk Patton’s books are famous for their relentless, cinematic pacing and military realism. Before diving in, keep these tips in mind:

• Not Your Typical Zombies: The infected in the V Plague universe are not undead. They are living humans driven into a violent frenzy by a weaponized neurotoxin, making them faster, smarter, and far more dangerous than traditional zombies.
• Jack Reacher of the Apocalypse: John Chase is a highly capable, classic military protagonist. He is pragmatic, deadly, and fiercely protective of his allies, including his incredibly popular German shepherd, Dog.
• Heavy Cliffhangers: Many of the books in the V Plague series end on dramatic cliffhangers. We recommend having the next book queued up and ready to go.