The Recommended Reading Path
If you are new to the work of E.J. Altbacker, there is one clear and undisputed starting point: the epic underwater saga, Shark Wars. Because this six-book series tells a continuous, linear story, you must read the books in their exact order of publication to follow the character development, escalating battles, and overarching mysteries of the Big Blue. Reading them out of order will result in major spoilers regarding character deaths, alliance shifts, and the evolving nature of our main protagonist, Gray.
For a complete change of pace after finishing the ocean-bound action, you can dive into Altbacker's standalone science fiction comedy, Handy Andy Saves the World. It features entirely different characters, a humorous tone, and a cosmic setting, making it the perfect palate cleanser after the high-stakes finale of the main series.
Shark Wars: Publication and Chronological Order
The Shark Wars series was published rapidly between 2011 and 2013. The story moves forward chronologically from the first page of the debut novel to the final battle of the sixth. Below is the complete reading order for the main series:
1. Shark Wars (2011)
This is where the adventure begins. Readers are introduced to Gray, a young reef shark who is unusually large and constantly hungry, which gets him into trouble with his peaceful home community, the Coral Shiver. After crossing a line, Gray is exiled into the treacherous open ocean (known as the Big Blue). Accompanied by his loyal sidekick Barkley, a dogfish, Gray must learn to survive. He quickly finds himself caught in the middle of a massive turf war between rival shark clans who are fighting over dwindling food supplies caused by rising temperatures and human overfishing.
2. The Battle of Riptide (2011)
Immediately following the events of the first book, Gray and his band of misfit sharks seek safety. They attempt to establish a new home at a sanctuary known as Riptide. However, their peace is short-lived as the tyrannical Emperor Finnivus sends his forces to crush any resistance. This installment ramps up the tactical battles and explores the complex politics of the shark shivers, forcing Gray to step into a leadership role he never wanted.
3. Into the Abyss (2012)
In the third book, the conflict goes deeper—literally. Gray and his allies are forced to descend into the darkest trenches of the ocean to escape their enemies and seek out ancient secrets. This book introduces mysterious deep-sea creatures and adds a heavy dose of lore to the series, revealing that Gray’s unique size and power might be connected to the prehistoric Megalodons of legend.
4. Kingdom of the Deep (2012)
With the battle lines firmly drawn across the ocean floor, Gray must travel to the Kingdom of the Deep to unite the remaining independent shivers against the growing tyranny of the empire. This volume focuses heavily on diplomacy, betrayal, and high-stakes strategy, showing how different shark species (from hammerheads to great whites) must put aside their biological differences to fight for a common goal.
5. Enemy of Oceans (2012)
The penultimate book brings the saga to a boiling point. The villainous forces have consolidated their power, and a massive environmental threat looms over the entire marine ecosystem. Gray must make difficult choices and face devastating losses as he prepares his army for the final confrontation. The action here is fast-paced, mirroring Altbacker's cinematic screenwriting roots.
6. The Last Emprex (2013)
The grand finale of the Shark Wars series. All storylines converge in an epic battle that determines the future of the ocean's government and the survival of the shark clans. Loose ends regarding Gray’s heritage, the legendary Megalodons, and the ultimate fate of the Big Blue are resolved in a action-heavy climax that brings the narrative arc to a satisfying conclusion.
The Standalone Comedy: Handy Andy Saves the World (2016)
After wrapping up his underwater epic, Altbacker released a complete change of pace. Handy Andy Saves the World is a standalone middle-grade science fiction novel. The story follows Andy, a highly skilled small-town handyman who is unexpectedly abducted by an eccentric group of aliens. While the extraterrestrials initially claim they only need Andy to fix their malfunctioning spaceship, he soon discovers their true, sinister plan: to demolish planet Earth. Utilizing his trusty tools, everyday problem-solving skills, and a healthy dose of humor, Andy has to outsmart the alien threat. It is a lighthearted, comedic read that serves as a fun standalone contrast to the intense battles of his previous series.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into E.J. Altbacker's bibliography, there are a few unique elements that readers and parents should keep in mind:
- A Screenwriter's Pace: E.J. Altbacker (often credited in television as Ernie Altbacker) is an Emmy-nominated screenwriter who has written for popular action-adventure shows like Ben 10, Spider-Man, and Spooksville. This background is highly visible in his prose. The chapters are short, the pacing is incredibly fast, and the descriptions are highly visual, making these books exceptionally well-suited for reluctant readers who easily lose interest in slower-paced fantasy novels.
- World-Building Terminology: The series features its own terminology that helps ground the fantasy. Shark clans are called "Shivers," the ocean is "The Big Blue," and shark laws are strictly enforced. The books also introduce children to actual marine biology concepts and different shark species, even if they are heavily fictionalized for the sake of the story.
- Environmental Undercurrents: While the books are filled with action and battles, there is a strong, subtle environmental message running through the narrative. The main driver of the conflicts in the ocean is the lack of resources caused by warming waters and human overfishing, prompting discussions about marine conservation.