The Walking Dead books in order
You've read the graphic novels and watched the TV show, now discover the books based on the beloved horror franchise.
First published as a graphic novel series written by Robert Kirkman and illustrated by Tony Moore and Charlie Adlard, The Walking Dead is set in a post-apocalyptic, zombie-infested world where only the smartest and luckiest survive. The story, set in Cynthiana, Kentucky, (which also happens to be Kirkman’s hometown) begins when an unexplained event causes people to ‘turn.’ Three days later, the streets are overrun by ‘walkers’ – non-sentient zombies with an insatiable hunger for human flesh.
Inspired by the graphic novels, The Walking Dead franchise, launched by the TV series of the same name, has become a global media sensation beloved by millions. It has since been novelised in a spin-off series set within The Walking Dead universe, co-authored by series creator Robert Kirkman and thriller writer Jay Bonansinga. If you’re a fan of the graphic novels, the TV shows, or horror books in general, read on for our guide to the The Walking Dead novels, which star the infamous Governor, Philip Blake.
Rise of the Governor
by Jay Bonansinga
Book one
Philip Blake can hardly believe his eyes. Less than three days since the first report of someone acting strangely, the streets of the Wiltshire Estates are crawling with the walking dead, non-sentient people with one aim: to massacre anyone living who crosses their path. Determined to protect his daughter Penny, Blake along with his brother Brian and two old friends, set off for Atlanta, where they hear there are refuge centres. Will the group make it past the hordes of walkers and on the road to safety?
The Road to Woodbury
by Robert Kirkman
Book two
Fleeing her tented home to escape from the threat of the walkers, Lilly finally makes it Woodbury and what she thinks is safety. Meeting Philip Blake, who welcomes her with open arms, Lilly settles down in the gated community and breathes easy for the first time in month. But soon, Lilly realises that Woodbury is not without its dangers and that the tyrannical Governor and his loyal team are almost as fearful as the zombies she has been running from.
The Fall of the Governor Part One
by Robert Kirkman
Book three
When Philip Blake, aka the Governor, looks in the mirror, he doesn’t recognise the man he has become. From a desperate father man on the run, to becoming the despotic leader of Woodbury, the rise of the walkers has taken him to the heart of the post-apocalyptic world. Will the terrified citizens of Woodbury be able to defeat him or will the Governor rule above all?
The Fall of the Governor Part Two
by Jay Bonansinga
Book four
The walls around Woodbury are closing in, with Phillip Blake tightening his grip on the town. That is, until the arrival of Rick and Michonne Grimes and Glenn Rhee, and the promise of salvation for the people who have been terrorised by Blake’s tyrannical rule. In an epic showdown, Phillip and Rick face off one last time. With only one able to come out on top, will the people of Woodbury escape from the despotic clutches of the Governor?
Descent
by Robert Kirkman
Book five
With Philip Blake, aka, The Governor defeated, Lilly Caul and the people of Woodbury are quietly hopeful that things are looking up. That is, if they can escape from an infiltration of walkers to their small town. Joining forces with a mysterious group of religious fanatics to ward off a zombie attack, the group realise that Jeremiah and his band of followers harbour a secret darker than they could imagine, and that they need to drive them out of Woodbury once and for all.
Invasion
by Robert Kirkman
Book six
The people of Woodbury have survived the threat of a religious sect, but the strain of staying alive has driven the group apart, and underground. Living together in a impenetrable labyrinth of mine shafts and long forgotten tunnels, Lilly and Woodbury’s most vulnerable residents go to new lengths to stay alive. Will they ever make it back to their beloved town, and take it back from the walkers?
Search and Destroy
by Jay Bonansinga
Book seven
With Woodbury reclaimed and more and more survivors emerging from the shadows, Lilly and her fellow townspeople start to restore a semblance of normal society by rebuilding the Woodbury to Atlanta railway line. Being so far away from the town, Lilly doesn’t know that her beloved Woodbury is under attack from a band of vigilantes, who are attacking and murdering the townspeople. Will she make it back to save the people who have come to rely on her?
Return to Woodbury
by Jay Bonansinga
Book eight
It’s been four years since the walkers started ravaging anyone in their path and Lilly Caul is a survivor. Finding and claiming a space high above the streets of Atlanta, Lilly and her people are safe, but long for the town they called home. Risking everything, the band of survivors set off on a journey to make it back home, no matter what it may cost. The final novel in The Walking Dead book series, Return to Woodbury brings the spin-off series to a thrilling close.