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The Borrowed World #11
The Endarkened: Book Eleven in The Borrowed World Series
The eleventh installment in the bestselling Borrowed World series.Originally launched in 2015, the first book in this series spawned a fictional universe that inspired two spin-off series, over two dozen books, and over one million copies sold.After nearly a year and a half without power, Jim Powell’s community has begun to stabilize. The Reset Roadhouse—Jim’s apocalyptic bar, restaurant, and trading post—gave his people something to do and helped expand his network of friends and contacts. The establishment has become a hub of the community and is allowing Jim to better monitor what goes on in the town. Then the promise of electricity changes everything.When Walter Lightspeed took the office of President of the United States, he swore to deliver power to the people. He appears to be living up to his promise, but what will that mean for small-town America? Can people surrender their weapons and resume their old lives? All those questions are pushed to the side as people are consumed with the dream that things might soon be normal again.But will they?
388 pages, Paperback
Published February 21, 2024
About the author
Franklin Horton
127 books389 followersFranklin Horton lives and writes in the mountains of southwestern Virginia. He attended Virginia Intermont College and Virginia Commonwealth University. In his spare time he pursues outdoor adventures with his wife and two children. His interests include camping, kayaking, backpacking, mountain biking, and shooting.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
February 28, 2024
SURVIVERS BAND TOGETHER, POWER IS RESTORED, & HOPE IS NOW POSSIBLE OR IS IT?
The Endarkened: Book Eleven in The Borrowed World Series by Franklin Horton tells the story of family, friends, neighbors, and acquaintances in a small valley, town, community, and county that are finally coming together to survive the lost of the power grid and the collapse of the supply chain and government. This is a very good book and series if you are interested in post-apocalyptic stories that are action-packed, full of suspense, and even hope. I have enjoyed this book and series, and hopefully, there will be more to come in the near future.
The Endarkened: Book Eleven in The Borrowed World Series by Franklin Horton tells the story of family, friends, neighbors, and acquaintances in a small valley, town, community, and county that are finally coming together to survive the lost of the power grid and the collapse of the supply chain and government. This is a very good book and series if you are interested in post-apocalyptic stories that are action-packed, full of suspense, and even hope. I have enjoyed this book and series, and hopefully, there will be more to come in the near future.
May 27, 2026
“If people think having the lights back on is going to give us the life we used to have, they’re in for a shock. That old world is gone forever.”
The Roadhouse continues to be a smash success. ✨
The helicopter’s arrival signals changes; Danielle Johns and her installation team: bringing back electricity.
President Walter Lightspeed’s new tech: wireless converters.
Cookie is doing well, organizing the townspeople.
Everybody still acting like Jim is so damn volatile. 🙄 (To me, he is by far the most reasonable and rational character of all.)
Excellent introspective moments from Jim. Nice to see his self-awareness continuing to grow.
“Show me someone who doesn’t have PTSD. I’m probably on the fringe of being a sociopath, and this whole situation has still messed me up.”
Band of thieves, led by Foley. Awesome fight scenes in the saloon.
Great to see Shade Wolford back. Him and Becky are so sweet together.
Hugh’s mission—brilliant. 💥
Thorough character work, building out the entire community.
Jim and Shade > Jim and Lloyd. 💀
Sure, he agreed it would be nice to not have to kill people on a regular basis, but he didn’t think the country was there yet.
Not sure who let Franklin’s funny side out here…but it’s awesome. By far the most humorous installment so far. Lloyd being compared to a hobo…Randi’s accidental hair color change…Jim’s temper and tendencies…Randi’s grandkids…
…Jim made a quick pass through the house to make sure there was nothing blatantly amiss with the wiring. Randi’s grandchildren were a bit on the feral side, and it wouldn’t be out of the ordinary for them to have jabbed a fork into a receptacle or even to have pulled the wiring directly out of the wall in an effort to strangle a cat.
And the return of power brings…many changes.
Love Horton’s extensive knowledge of southeastern Virginia. He knows this setting.
The “cult” in Tazewell County, out at the old Rose farm: Hank and his people. 🐟
Great to see the community coming together. Well, the good and hard-working ones, at least.
Cat Anderson and her burgeoning new business committee: “Commerce Unchambered” 💡
Dr. Byron Nelson and Blake Justice continue to be thorns in the clan’s side, especially Jim’s: Doc’s Place.
Avenging the farm’s destruction—and the heinous murders there. Awesome execution of mission, rescue, and vengeance.
Somber, yet resolute, ending. Ready for book twelve. 🙌🏻
“I’m not sure I have the energy for this. I’m not feeling it tonight.”
“It’s oddly comforting to me. Despite everything that’s gone wrong, things at the Reset Roadhouse are normal in an apocalyptic kind of way. I need that right now to recharge everything that got drained out of me today.”
The Roadhouse continues to be a smash success. ✨
The helicopter’s arrival signals changes; Danielle Johns and her installation team: bringing back electricity.
President Walter Lightspeed’s new tech: wireless converters.
Cookie is doing well, organizing the townspeople.
Everybody still acting like Jim is so damn volatile. 🙄 (To me, he is by far the most reasonable and rational character of all.)
Excellent introspective moments from Jim. Nice to see his self-awareness continuing to grow.
“Show me someone who doesn’t have PTSD. I’m probably on the fringe of being a sociopath, and this whole situation has still messed me up.”
Band of thieves, led by Foley. Awesome fight scenes in the saloon.
Great to see Shade Wolford back. Him and Becky are so sweet together.
Hugh’s mission—brilliant. 💥
Thorough character work, building out the entire community.
Jim and Shade > Jim and Lloyd. 💀
Sure, he agreed it would be nice to not have to kill people on a regular basis, but he didn’t think the country was there yet.
Not sure who let Franklin’s funny side out here…but it’s awesome. By far the most humorous installment so far. Lloyd being compared to a hobo…Randi’s accidental hair color change…Jim’s temper and tendencies…Randi’s grandkids…
…Jim made a quick pass through the house to make sure there was nothing blatantly amiss with the wiring. Randi’s grandchildren were a bit on the feral side, and it wouldn’t be out of the ordinary for them to have jabbed a fork into a receptacle or even to have pulled the wiring directly out of the wall in an effort to strangle a cat.
And the return of power brings…many changes.
Love Horton’s extensive knowledge of southeastern Virginia. He knows this setting.
The “cult” in Tazewell County, out at the old Rose farm: Hank and his people. 🐟
Great to see the community coming together. Well, the good and hard-working ones, at least.
Cat Anderson and her burgeoning new business committee: “Commerce Unchambered” 💡
Dr. Byron Nelson and Blake Justice continue to be thorns in the clan’s side, especially Jim’s: Doc’s Place.
Avenging the farm’s destruction—and the heinous murders there. Awesome execution of mission, rescue, and vengeance.
Somber, yet resolute, ending. Ready for book twelve. 🙌🏻
“I’m not sure I have the energy for this. I’m not feeling it tonight.”
“It’s oddly comforting to me. Despite everything that’s gone wrong, things at the Reset Roadhouse are normal in an apocalyptic kind of way. I need that right now to recharge everything that got drained out of me today.”
March 31, 2025
**Felt too much like a bloated epilogue**
It started out SO well. Sucked me in immediately back into the territory I knew and loved with all the former entries of the series. It advanced the story in a direction I expected (and hoped) it was gonna go and I was pumped and ready for it to all fall into place. The arrival of power again! Whatever shall the people do when society tries to creep back in? I must know! And then I wanted to know how it would all go wrong before righting itself again.
But then came the halfway point of the story, when I started to feel deflated by how things were going. Nearly every dramatically thrilling event continued to work itself out remarkably well, almost as if it had no intention of sticking around into another entry of the series. Now look, there’s nothing wrong with this book closing things out, especially if it’s truly the final entry. But my gawd. Given the chaotic structure and inconsistent pace, this felt like one LONG epilogue.
It tried and often succeeded in introducing aspects that fit into a final entry of a series, but not enough time was spent there. Too often those aspects just didn’t pack the punch they should have. Yes, there were still plenty of thrills, angsty moments, and shockers. But they were all swirling together into one big hodgepodge of story. This entry felt like it was trying to be two things at once: a full story AND its own epilogue.
I doubt if I’m even making much sense. I guess to put it simply: What I wish happened was a neater presentation of events that weren’t so rushed through. I wish I could have gasped at what was happening and then wonder how it will fix itself by the end. And once that end happens, THEN present me with an epilogue to close them all out together. Such was not to be, though. I originally had 4-5 stars aimed at this entry but had to settle for three.
But despite this entry’s mild weakness, though, it ain’t like it hurt the series, which was still amazing anyway. For my thoughts and highlights, click here.
It started out SO well. Sucked me in immediately back into the territory I knew and loved with all the former entries of the series. It advanced the story in a direction I expected (and hoped) it was gonna go and I was pumped and ready for it to all fall into place. The arrival of power again! Whatever shall the people do when society tries to creep back in? I must know! And then I wanted to know how it would all go wrong before righting itself again.
But then came the halfway point of the story, when I started to feel deflated by how things were going. Nearly every dramatically thrilling event continued to work itself out remarkably well, almost as if it had no intention of sticking around into another entry of the series. Now look, there’s nothing wrong with this book closing things out, especially if it’s truly the final entry. But my gawd. Given the chaotic structure and inconsistent pace, this felt like one LONG epilogue.
It tried and often succeeded in introducing aspects that fit into a final entry of a series, but not enough time was spent there. Too often those aspects just didn’t pack the punch they should have. Yes, there were still plenty of thrills, angsty moments, and shockers. But they were all swirling together into one big hodgepodge of story. This entry felt like it was trying to be two things at once: a full story AND its own epilogue.
I doubt if I’m even making much sense. I guess to put it simply: What I wish happened was a neater presentation of events that weren’t so rushed through. I wish I could have gasped at what was happening and then wonder how it will fix itself by the end. And once that end happens, THEN present me with an epilogue to close them all out together. Such was not to be, though. I originally had 4-5 stars aimed at this entry but had to settle for three.
But despite this entry’s mild weakness, though, it ain’t like it hurt the series, which was still amazing anyway. For my thoughts and highlights, click here.
May 9, 2024
Franklin has done it again. This is another adventure of Jim Powell et al. From the beginning of the Borrowed World series, Jim has shown the readers how to survive the unexpected and the demoralizing human nature along the way. Pay attention as the series goes on there are many things described about how to make your way during a time without power. We are currently experiencing unknown times in this country and around the world. We have no adult in the room to correct that direction. A a "Prepper" isn't a bad word, person or theology. It is not associated with the end of times in every case. It simply means being prepared for what ever happens. Weather, power outages, vehicle break downs. If you haven't noticed, people are not as they used to be. You find yourself broken down on the side of the road at night, it's not a comfortable feeling. Yes you can call someone on your cellphone, sure. But add a power outage with a bad storm and you will quickly find yourself wondering... What would Jim do? Just take the time to stock your vehicle with a few items to make yourself a tad more comfortable.
If you read the Borrowed World series, don't forget to read the Locker Nine and The Mad Mick series as well. One can not read the Mad Mick without some tears and laughter or both at the same time.
Great job, Franklin. I look forward to the next Mick adventure and the new addition to Locker Nine.
If you read the Borrowed World series, don't forget to read the Locker Nine and The Mad Mick series as well. One can not read the Mad Mick without some tears and laughter or both at the same time.
Great job, Franklin. I look forward to the next Mick adventure and the new addition to Locker Nine.
April 16, 2024
I'm not sure how Franklin Horton keeps writing fresh stories. They are funny, sad, heroic and scary. Horton has written 3 overlapping series and one standalone series about the same EMP and a standalone book about the EMP (The Borrowed World series, The Locker Nine series, The Mad Mick series and Random Acts). Of course this is the 11th book about Jim Powell, who was in Richmond when the EMP went off and he travels home to southwestern Virginia by foot, watching the world come apart. Then in the following books he helps his family and friends survive in the valley where they live. He makes many choices and not always with peaceful means. I love these books and if you haven't read them you need too.
July 29, 2024
Excellent series
I read many books about EMPs and other apocalyptic events. I usually lose interest before getting to the last book. Not this time! I could not stop reading about these characters. Introduction of new people and events brought it all together. No grammar or misspelled words to work around. His characters were not subject to being called a different name. Well written by someone familiar with the area. There was a miss when Lloyd was back in the valley and the music camp was never mentioned again. Confusing. However the series overall was so good I got over it quickly. Enjoyable read!
I read many books about EMPs and other apocalyptic events. I usually lose interest before getting to the last book. Not this time! I could not stop reading about these characters. Introduction of new people and events brought it all together. No grammar or misspelled words to work around. His characters were not subject to being called a different name. Well written by someone familiar with the area. There was a miss when Lloyd was back in the valley and the music camp was never mentioned again. Confusing. However the series overall was so good I got over it quickly. Enjoyable read!
October 2, 2025
Must read Borrowed World Series by Franklin Horton
As a life long reader, a trait inspired by my mother at a very early age, this series is a must read. Spell binding from the first chapter of book 1. With fantastic story line and character development this series captivated me and I spent many late to sleep nights because I was not able to close the books. Read it, recommend to your friends, and family. Explore the goods and bads of human nature the characters had and experienced in their struggle to survive and keep their loved ones alive.
Hope you enjoy the series and I'm to other series by Franklin Horton!
MBS
As a life long reader, a trait inspired by my mother at a very early age, this series is a must read. Spell binding from the first chapter of book 1. With fantastic story line and character development this series captivated me and I spent many late to sleep nights because I was not able to close the books. Read it, recommend to your friends, and family. Explore the goods and bads of human nature the characters had and experienced in their struggle to survive and keep their loved ones alive.
Hope you enjoy the series and I'm to other series by Franklin Horton!
MBS
June 26, 2025
Good Read, Solid Depiction of Life After an Apocalyptic Event
Among the best post apocalyptic series I've found on Amazon. Characters are well-developed, and the plot lines are coherent and plausible. Sometimes it feels a little rushed--an event that has been foreshadowed for several pages ends almost before it has begun. The ending certainly felt incomplete, but perhaps there are more books coming?
If you are looking to get some good ideas about prepping, the first three books are especially insightful. Overall an enjoyable read.
Among the best post apocalyptic series I've found on Amazon. Characters are well-developed, and the plot lines are coherent and plausible. Sometimes it feels a little rushed--an event that has been foreshadowed for several pages ends almost before it has begun. The ending certainly felt incomplete, but perhaps there are more books coming?
If you are looking to get some good ideas about prepping, the first three books are especially insightful. Overall an enjoyable read.
February 25, 2024
Another fantastic book! 100%
Every single one of Franklin Horton's books is 100% fluid and inspiring, captivating and Enthralling. Well written every time! I get engrossed, unable to put it down until my eyes dry out.. Then sadly, I do.
The cross overs are my favorite, it takes a special kind of genius brain, to keep all that's going on, tied together. It's simple amazing if you think about it.
Every single one of Franklin Horton's books is 100% fluid and inspiring, captivating and Enthralling. Well written every time! I get engrossed, unable to put it down until my eyes dry out.. Then sadly, I do.
The cross overs are my favorite, it takes a special kind of genius brain, to keep all that's going on, tied together. It's simple amazing if you think about it.
May 27, 2024
best of the apocalyptic series
This feels like the end to this series, not sure but if it is then he ended it well. This has been a favorite series and is one of the best series. Of its type, not just saying this because i live in the shenandoah valley and the locations are familiar to me. I’ve enjoyed the characters and the story as it is well written as are the other storylines of this universe. Frank Horton knows how to spin a yarn
This feels like the end to this series, not sure but if it is then he ended it well. This has been a favorite series and is one of the best series. Of its type, not just saying this because i live in the shenandoah valley and the locations are familiar to me. I’ve enjoyed the characters and the story as it is well written as are the other storylines of this universe. Frank Horton knows how to spin a yarn
February 28, 2024
Good series
This series is a good primer for what could happen to our world. Franklin Horton educates us readers, from book 1 on, how we can and should prepare for a possible loss of the power grid. People turn savage real quick. We all need a Jim in our life to help us navigate a SHTF world. TY
This series is a good primer for what could happen to our world. Franklin Horton educates us readers, from book 1 on, how we can and should prepare for a possible loss of the power grid. People turn savage real quick. We all need a Jim in our life to help us navigate a SHTF world. TY
April 6, 2024
Hope and Community
In the end, it was having friends and family that loved and cared for you and that you loved and cared for that gave hope to those who had experienced the loss of power twice. Sadness is always around but love and hope are like a fresh breeze and sunshine that push it away.
In the end, it was having friends and family that loved and cared for you and that you loved and cared for that gave hope to those who had experienced the loss of power twice. Sadness is always around but love and hope are like a fresh breeze and sunshine that push it away.
July 1, 2024
Wow
Oh my wow! That was so much better than I thought it would be and I had really high hopes. I loved every single page of this book. I am hoping this isn't the actual end of the series but if it is, I will be re reading it often. Excellent storytelling throughout! A absolute definite recommend!
Oh my wow! That was so much better than I thought it would be and I had really high hopes. I loved every single page of this book. I am hoping this isn't the actual end of the series but if it is, I will be re reading it often. Excellent storytelling throughout! A absolute definite recommend!
July 16, 2024
one of the best series I have read I. a good while
I read a lot, and a lot of different genres. This was one of the best. I loved the story and the characters. I also didn’t notice any editing errors such as misspelled words, wrong words or grammar mistakes. Great job all around. I cried often!
I read a lot, and a lot of different genres. This was one of the best. I loved the story and the characters. I also didn’t notice any editing errors such as misspelled words, wrong words or grammar mistakes. Great job all around. I cried often!
August 4, 2024
A billionaire has taken over as the US president and given out special repeaters so that people can have power again - however even with power restored society is still a mess.
This has been an interesting series to listen to and certainly has had me thinking - 3 stars out of 5 but 4 stars for the whole series.
This has been an interesting series to listen to and certainly has had me thinking - 3 stars out of 5 but 4 stars for the whole series.
September 4, 2024
All 11 of the Borrowed World series captured and held my attention. I enjoyed the "blemished hero" main character. The entire cast of characters were as believable as one could get ( not having lived through an apocalypse. I also appreciated not having consistent use of foul language. I was disappointed when the series came to an end.
April 1, 2025
Best writing I seen in quite some time
Franklin is an amazing writer, bringing out ongoing soulful experiences throughout each one his books in the series. A masterful ride through out the series providing none stop energy and insights. A real page turner. Highly recommended, look forward to his next release...
Franklin is an amazing writer, bringing out ongoing soulful experiences throughout each one his books in the series. A masterful ride through out the series providing none stop energy and insights. A real page turner. Highly recommended, look forward to his next release...
April 3, 2025
Best series in a long time
This book really gives you a frank look at what actually surviving an apocalypse would be like ,and very clear ideas on how to do that .I wish there had been a lot more description of the characters. Some of them I have no idea what they looked like ,but overall a great story .
This book really gives you a frank look at what actually surviving an apocalypse would be like ,and very clear ideas on how to do that .I wish there had been a lot more description of the characters. Some of them I have no idea what they looked like ,but overall a great story .
Read
September 22, 2025JH Review Endarkened.
Great book already going to read the next installment. The book is a esbrutal analog of life during an apocalypse. The people strong paeople will survive. The spirit of life sometimes is brutal to accomplish and thrive but is achievable if you have the right mindset and the drive to do it.
Great book already going to read the next installment. The book is a esbrutal analog of life during an apocalypse. The people strong paeople will survive. The spirit of life sometimes is brutal to accomplish and thrive but is achievable if you have the right mindset and the drive to do it.
December 20, 2025
Philosophical
Jim looks inward as things improve in the valley, but some factions can’t stand any success he might have earned under his loose leadership. These so-called intellectuals resent their hillbilly neighbors even though they are medical professionals. Rumor overcomes common sense and chaos returns as the gains dissolve with a mighty explosion. What happens next?
Jim looks inward as things improve in the valley, but some factions can’t stand any success he might have earned under his loose leadership. These so-called intellectuals resent their hillbilly neighbors even though they are medical professionals. Rumor overcomes common sense and chaos returns as the gains dissolve with a mighty explosion. What happens next?
February 11, 2026
Very good read
The characters in this series are interesting and real, characters that have flaws and warts but keep you interested in their lives. Boss was a total enigma, that character puzzled me the most. The Borrowed World was one of the best series I have read in this genre. Highly recommend!
The characters in this series are interesting and real, characters that have flaws and warts but keep you interested in their lives. Boss was a total enigma, that character puzzled me the most. The Borrowed World was one of the best series I have read in this genre. Highly recommend!
February 24, 2024
A great post-apocalyptic series with humor and humanity woven into the story
This is a book that covers the possibility of how mankind would devolve if the worst were to happen. Lots of opportunities to reflect and learn.
This is a book that covers the possibility of how mankind would devolve if the worst were to happen. Lots of opportunities to reflect and learn.
February 28, 2024
Another great installment of the Borrow World series. It will be interesting to see how this series and the Mad Mick Series will tie in further now that the timelines match up. I love the characters and their solutions to lives problems in a black-out world.
March 7, 2024
Excellent as usual
Jim and the valley crew definitely keep you on the edge of your seat. This one has so many ups and downs that I couldn't put it down. The plot and characters are getting better and better with each book.
Jim and the valley crew definitely keep you on the edge of your seat. This one has so many ups and downs that I couldn't put it down. The plot and characters are getting better and better with each book.
March 21, 2024
A very intriguing story of survival.
The author has written a great story of life when there’s no elected officials, no law enforcement or electricity and what happens when power is restored and lost again. A story full of action and many surprises.
The author has written a great story of life when there’s no elected officials, no law enforcement or electricity and what happens when power is restored and lost again. A story full of action and many surprises.
April 25, 2024
This Tale Can’t Stop Now
Another great book from Franklin Horton. While it tries to be the end if the tale, that story is far from over. Just like the Mad Mick books, there is a lot more to be written on these tales. Please keep the stories going!
Another great book from Franklin Horton. While it tries to be the end if the tale, that story is far from over. Just like the Mad Mick books, there is a lot more to be written on these tales. Please keep the stories going!
May 6, 2024
I love this series. This is the 11th book and while not as exciting and suspenseful as some of the others it certainly had its action and emotional moments. A solid addition to the Borrowed World saga.
June 24, 2024
Bloody Great
The entire 11 book series is awesome. It was tough to get through the violence, but it opens your eyes to the violent nature of so many people that want what you have and will stop at nothing to get it!
The entire 11 book series is awesome. It was tough to get through the violence, but it opens your eyes to the violent nature of so many people that want what you have and will stop at nothing to get it!
October 22, 2024
Solid Read in Excellent Series
It feels like the story rapped up with this book. It was an excellent series in the genre. I enjoyed it and will check out other works by this author.
It feels like the story rapped up with this book. It was an excellent series in the genre. I enjoyed it and will check out other works by this author.
April 29, 2026
It's about the journey...
It's about the journey not the destination! This author continues to deliver! Love how much I feel a part of the story. I can't wait to read the next one.
😊 ty
It's about the journey not the destination! This author continues to deliver! Love how much I feel a part of the story. I can't wait to read the next one.
😊 ty
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews