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The Borrowed World #1-3
The Borrowed World: Books 1-3
This special box set edition of The Borrowed World Series contains books 1-3 of the bestselling series: The Borrowed World, Ashes Of The Unspeakable, and Legion Of Despair. Across audio, paper, and ebook this series has garnered thousands of 4 and 5 star reviews.
If society fell apart, could your family survive?
Jim Powell thought he was ready. He was a regular guy who travelled a lot for work and hated every second he was away from his young family. But when ISIS operatives unleashed a coordinated attack on America’s infrastructure, his entire world shattered. The electrical grid collapsed, communication networks were damaged, critical bridges and dams were destroyed, and major fuel refineries have gone up in massive fiery clouds.
Now, with an Executive Order halting fuel sales to the public, Jim Powell finds himself in a terrifying predicament. He's trapped hundreds of miles away from his family, and with thousands of stranded travelers and scarce law enforcement across the country, the miles between Jim and his family become a brutal gauntlet where the rules of a civilized society no longer apply.
Luckily, Jim isn't just a regular guy. He's a prepper, with years of planning under his belt. But as he puts his preparation knowledge to the test, he soon finds that training for a societal collapse is very different from actually experiencing one. If Jim wants to make it back to his family in one piece, he'll need to find the strength and brutality to meet this new, harsh world head-on.
Even if it means rising to unimaginable levels of violence.
Downloaded over one hundred thousand times, The Borrowed World is a book that readers find themselves coming back to over and over again.
If society fell apart, could your family survive?
Jim Powell thought he was ready. He was a regular guy who travelled a lot for work and hated every second he was away from his young family. But when ISIS operatives unleashed a coordinated attack on America’s infrastructure, his entire world shattered. The electrical grid collapsed, communication networks were damaged, critical bridges and dams were destroyed, and major fuel refineries have gone up in massive fiery clouds.
Now, with an Executive Order halting fuel sales to the public, Jim Powell finds himself in a terrifying predicament. He's trapped hundreds of miles away from his family, and with thousands of stranded travelers and scarce law enforcement across the country, the miles between Jim and his family become a brutal gauntlet where the rules of a civilized society no longer apply.
Luckily, Jim isn't just a regular guy. He's a prepper, with years of planning under his belt. But as he puts his preparation knowledge to the test, he soon finds that training for a societal collapse is very different from actually experiencing one. If Jim wants to make it back to his family in one piece, he'll need to find the strength and brutality to meet this new, harsh world head-on.
Even if it means rising to unimaginable levels of violence.
Downloaded over one hundred thousand times, The Borrowed World is a book that readers find themselves coming back to over and over again.
- GenresSurvival
917 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 21, 2017
613 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Franklin Horton
83 books374 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 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 15, 2021
A really good read
I'm not one to normally write reviews. There are a lot of "pepper books", or "post-apocalyptic fiction books out there, but this one stood apart from the rest, for me, anyway. The main characters weren't super rich survivalist with endless bags of gear and enough weaponry to arm a small country. The characters were common working class folks, some interested in prepping, others not at all. I enjoyed reading this set of books because unlike some of this genre, there was no endless list of gear, weaponry, tactics, etc. Granted, there is nothing wrong with books like that, I have read them, and I re-read them all the time. Sometimes, I want a book to be a book. A way to escape my everyday life, and this set gave me just that. The fact that I grew up in Southern Virginia didn't hurt my reading either! I could picture some of the terrain, and have been in or around most of the areas described here.
If you're on the fence, don't be. Give this box set, this author, a chance.
I'm not one to normally write reviews. There are a lot of "pepper books", or "post-apocalyptic fiction books out there, but this one stood apart from the rest, for me, anyway. The main characters weren't super rich survivalist with endless bags of gear and enough weaponry to arm a small country. The characters were common working class folks, some interested in prepping, others not at all. I enjoyed reading this set of books because unlike some of this genre, there was no endless list of gear, weaponry, tactics, etc. Granted, there is nothing wrong with books like that, I have read them, and I re-read them all the time. Sometimes, I want a book to be a book. A way to escape my everyday life, and this set gave me just that. The fact that I grew up in Southern Virginia didn't hurt my reading either! I could picture some of the terrain, and have been in or around most of the areas described here.
If you're on the fence, don't be. Give this box set, this author, a chance.
April 30, 2025
Male chavinistic sus scrofas. Silverback wannabes.
Controlfreaks with a side order of Mad Max...
I really wanted to give this four stars, because Mr Horton has come up with a new way to end the world that is just barely believable.
Except for a few details. Only one corner of the world ends. The US. And we are asked to accept that the rest of the world does nothing about it?
Maybe the characters just don't know?
If it happened today, April 2025, who knows?
But these stories are copyright 2016...
I suspect that at least some of it was written much earlier, because the timeline is all messed up. We have one minor character who fought in the Vietnam war. 50 years ago. So, this story takes place after 2025. Except that two pages earlier, he was born in 1962, and he is 70. 2032? And he fought as a 13-years-old?
The two Main Characters have children. One has grandchildren. They have been friends for 25 years. They have to be 50. Skipping around as if they were 30. And athletes.
I can suspend my disbelief on this, but the author's low regard on women is tedious. Women only do the right thing when they are alone and following their men's written instructions. When the man returns, they melt into emotional, helpless puddles.
Except for one minor character.
It's tiresome, especially since the Main Characters realise that they could have prepared better. This doesn't stop them from micromanaging everyone around them, including sons-in-law, who have children of their own.
Heaven help the men who come to court their daughters...
This is still acceptable post-apocalyptic fiction, if you don't mind gun porn and gratuitous prepper advice.
Just, please, please, please don't follow any of the medical advice.
Controlfreaks with a side order of Mad Max...
I really wanted to give this four stars, because Mr Horton has come up with a new way to end the world that is just barely believable.
Except for a few details. Only one corner of the world ends. The US. And we are asked to accept that the rest of the world does nothing about it?
Maybe the characters just don't know?
If it happened today, April 2025, who knows?
But these stories are copyright 2016...
I suspect that at least some of it was written much earlier, because the timeline is all messed up. We have one minor character who fought in the Vietnam war. 50 years ago. So, this story takes place after 2025. Except that two pages earlier, he was born in 1962, and he is 70. 2032? And he fought as a 13-years-old?
The two Main Characters have children. One has grandchildren. They have been friends for 25 years. They have to be 50. Skipping around as if they were 30. And athletes.
I can suspend my disbelief on this, but the author's low regard on women is tedious. Women only do the right thing when they are alone and following their men's written instructions. When the man returns, they melt into emotional, helpless puddles.
Except for one minor character.
It's tiresome, especially since the Main Characters realise that they could have prepared better. This doesn't stop them from micromanaging everyone around them, including sons-in-law, who have children of their own.
Heaven help the men who come to court their daughters...
This is still acceptable post-apocalyptic fiction, if you don't mind gun porn and gratuitous prepper advice.
Just, please, please, please don't follow any of the medical advice.
March 1, 2025
Contains the first three books of The Borrowed World series.
When ISIS terrorists arrive on American soil and wreak unimaginable havoc on the homeland, the destruction of fuel supplies and the power grid are just the beginning.
Jim Powell, the main narrative character, is in his late forties. He is very intelligent—and very prepared. (Our lovable asshole.)
Calamity strikes while Jim and his coworkers are at a conference in Richmond, Virginia.
The mission: getting home to their families, hundreds of miles away.
Randi and Gary are key members of the survival team.
Strong introduction to this epic saga.
Book One: The Borrowed World (5 ⭐️)
Book Two: Ashes of the Unspeakable (5 ⭐️)
Book Three: Legion of Despair (4 ⭐️)
When ISIS terrorists arrive on American soil and wreak unimaginable havoc on the homeland, the destruction of fuel supplies and the power grid are just the beginning.
Jim Powell, the main narrative character, is in his late forties. He is very intelligent—and very prepared. (Our lovable asshole.)
Calamity strikes while Jim and his coworkers are at a conference in Richmond, Virginia.
The mission: getting home to their families, hundreds of miles away.
Randi and Gary are key members of the survival team.
Strong introduction to this epic saga.
Book One: The Borrowed World (5 ⭐️)
Book Two: Ashes of the Unspeakable (5 ⭐️)
Book Three: Legion of Despair (4 ⭐️)
April 3, 2024
Great Story and Great Characters
I like everything about this series. The characters are really interesting and following their development is very satisfying. The story line is interesting and engaging. The books are hard to put down and my husband gets a bit annoyed with me for reading too much. I like this genre of books and find the main character much more realistic than the special forces Rambo types that are featured in many dystopian stories. The human frailties of the characters make their successes all the more rewarding. I was born in Tazewell Virginia and grew up in the area so it is fun remembering going to the many locations mentioned in the story. Thank you for giving us such a wonderful story and so many hours of pure joy in reading it!
I like everything about this series. The characters are really interesting and following their development is very satisfying. The story line is interesting and engaging. The books are hard to put down and my husband gets a bit annoyed with me for reading too much. I like this genre of books and find the main character much more realistic than the special forces Rambo types that are featured in many dystopian stories. The human frailties of the characters make their successes all the more rewarding. I was born in Tazewell Virginia and grew up in the area so it is fun remembering going to the many locations mentioned in the story. Thank you for giving us such a wonderful story and so many hours of pure joy in reading it!
November 28, 2018
Fantastic Series!
I absolutely loved this series, I didn't want it to end! Great information on what you probably should pack in your GHB and in your prepping, believable situations from the start to the end, a true wake up call! My only beef is...did Alice find her family safe? I assume she did, or maybe that's a whole other book? Sad to have this one end, but on to the next one!
I absolutely loved this series, I didn't want it to end! Great information on what you probably should pack in your GHB and in your prepping, believable situations from the start to the end, a true wake up call! My only beef is...did Alice find her family safe? I assume she did, or maybe that's a whole other book? Sad to have this one end, but on to the next one!
February 25, 2024
interesting Read.
A couple of things, even after covid it descended extremely quickly. And the thing that annoyed me the most is a prepper not knowing that vehicles took different fuel, I mean, he’s a bleeding heart but to make the man so damn dumb really frustrated me.
I was not a fan of the head hopping, but somehow because the story itself was so good I kept reading.
A couple of things, even after covid it descended extremely quickly. And the thing that annoyed me the most is a prepper not knowing that vehicles took different fuel, I mean, he’s a bleeding heart but to make the man so damn dumb really frustrated me.
I was not a fan of the head hopping, but somehow because the story itself was so good I kept reading.
June 11, 2024
ts a dystopian novel where all the power and fuel and food etc have been bombed in america and how the people there survive with just what they have on them. Some are more prepared than others and for lots it just turned into anarchy. Makes me think what we should keep on hand to be prepared for something like this. Its got me hooked and again 5 stars out of 5
March 16, 2020
This series was recommended to me by a nurse caring for my Mother.
I am so glad I listened to the nurse who told me what a great writer Mr. Horton is. This is one of the best survival series I have had the pleasure of reading.
I am so glad I listened to the nurse who told me what a great writer Mr. Horton is. This is one of the best survival series I have had the pleasure of reading.
October 31, 2020
Frighteningly realistic and timely
I really enjoyed the practical applicability of this story and took numerous notes to help me with my preps. With the current Chaos our country is enveloped in, this is a cautionary tale that needs to be read, absorbed and applied
I really enjoyed the practical applicability of this story and took numerous notes to help me with my preps. With the current Chaos our country is enveloped in, this is a cautionary tale that needs to be read, absorbed and applied
August 24, 2021
Great story about how people change with things they encounter.
This series starts out with people who think they know who they are, but are developed into much more. I could explain it more, but then you wouldn't need to read. Why should I deny you that pleasure?
This series starts out with people who think they know who they are, but are developed into much more. I could explain it more, but then you wouldn't need to read. Why should I deny you that pleasure?
February 22, 2022
Another good book!
The story of Jim, Gary and their families continue. Well thought out and the characters seem like they could be our neighbors. Well done! So glad I started this series. On to the next one!
The story of Jim, Gary and their families continue. Well thought out and the characters seem like they could be our neighbors. Well done! So glad I started this series. On to the next one!
April 1, 2022
This series is like potato chips for me (enjoyable junk food). I keep consuming the books, and they keep me engaged even though I find the scenario very, very much over the top. Also the political views that become more blatant as the series goes on.
August 24, 2023
Excellent series with lots of action and characters you become invested in. I listened to the audio book and enjoyed the narration by Pierce. I would definitely recommend this series and now off I go to enjoy the rest of the series.
November 28, 2023
Non-stop challenges.
I love F.H’s writing style! The book is a tragedy but has laugh out loud sentiments that just pop out at you. I’m lined up to read the rest of the series, and can’t wait.
I love F.H’s writing style! The book is a tragedy but has laugh out loud sentiments that just pop out at you. I’m lined up to read the rest of the series, and can’t wait.
May 17, 2024
Good Series
Really enjoyed myself in the dystopian universe of the aftermath of an infrastructure attack on the US. I really appreciated that the author didn’t go on some long screeds about “weak liberals” etc… just what would happen under certain circumstances and preparation.
Really enjoyed myself in the dystopian universe of the aftermath of an infrastructure attack on the US. I really appreciated that the author didn’t go on some long screeds about “weak liberals” etc… just what would happen under certain circumstances and preparation.
January 3, 2019
Great story
Great story but could due with a little less profanity. Would have been much more enjoyable without all that. Please keep in mind for future books.
Great story but could due with a little less profanity. Would have been much more enjoyable without all that. Please keep in mind for future books.
December 27, 2020
Really well done!
Well written, the books flowed well and kept my attention the whole time! I would highly recommend to anyone interested in prepping.
Well written, the books flowed well and kept my attention the whole time! I would highly recommend to anyone interested in prepping.
January 8, 2021
Great first 3 books of the series! I can hardly wait to read book four. Highly recommended.
April 28, 2022
Loved it!
I must say the detail on prepping is never boring as in other post apocalyptic stories. I instantly liked all the main characters and flew through all these books!
I must say the detail on prepping is never boring as in other post apocalyptic stories. I instantly liked all the main characters and flew through all these books!
March 23, 2024
Loved this series
Absolutely loved this series. One of the best I read. I wish the story continued. I know You won’t be disappointed
Absolutely loved this series. One of the best I read. I wish the story continued. I know You won’t be disappointed
February 19, 2025
Book 1-3 reread
These book series are just as good the second time as they were the first!
That's how you know the author has knocked it out of the park!
These book series are just as good the second time as they were the first!
That's how you know the author has knocked it out of the park!
August 30, 2025
Great story and characters.
No matter how much preparation you put in your can't prepare for every possible scenario and especially can't predict people's actions.
No matter how much preparation you put in your can't prepare for every possible scenario and especially can't predict people's actions.
October 14, 2025
second time reading better than the first
Franklin Horton one of the best post apocalyptic writers that I have read. I can’t wait to see what he does next
Franklin Horton one of the best post apocalyptic writers that I have read. I can’t wait to see what he does next
October 21, 2025
Start to Finish
Very excellent story line. Makes one think what would you do? Gave the book five stars because it had to be finished.
Very excellent story line. Makes one think what would you do? Gave the book five stars because it had to be finished.
December 30, 2025
Outstanding
The book was non-stop action. Held my interest thru out. It was so good that I had dreams about it.
The book was non-stop action. Held my interest thru out. It was so good that I had dreams about it.
January 17, 2026
Upstanding
I've read several books like these, this one kept me up late. The unexpected twist at the end was unexpected.
I've read several books like these, this one kept me up late. The unexpected twist at the end was unexpected.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews