The Blackout Series in Order

About the Blackout series

Series Premise

A mysterious virus (called the Erebus virus) sweeps across America, infecting only teenagers and granting them random, unpredictable superhuman abilities (e.g., invisibility, super strength, or other powers). The U.S. government responds with mass quarantines and roundups of infected teens, treating them as potential threats. The story follows two groups of teens whose lives collide: Laura and Alec, trained as terrorists (raised in a secret program to use their powers for destruction), and Jack and Aubrey, ordinary high school students who suddenly manifest powers. As the virus spreads and chaos erupts (bombings, escapes, government experiments), the teens navigate loyalty, betrayal, moral choices, and survival in a world where one wrong move could trigger catastrophic events. The series explores the consequences of superpowers in a realistic, grounded way—powers come with risks, limitations, and ethical dilemmas—amid a broader conspiracy.

Main Characters

> Jack — Ordinary high school student; level-headed, resourceful, and moral. Gains powers unexpectedly and becomes central to resisting threats.
> Aubrey — Jack's friend/classmate; intelligent and determined. Develops invisibility (a key power in the story); her perspective adds emotional depth.
> Laura — Trained terrorist; tough, conflicted, and skilled. Raised in a secret program; her loyalty is tested as she questions her purpose.
> Alec — Laura's partner-in-crime; strong, aggressive, and more ruthless. Represents the darker side of powered teens.
> Supporting: Government agents, other infected teens, family members, and shadowy figures behind the virus/program.

Setting

Near-future United States (primarily contemporary America with a dystopian twist). Key locations include:
> Small-town/suburban high schools and homes (early normalcy for Jack and Aubrey).
> Government quarantine facilities, secret labs, and military sites.
> Urban and rural areas across the country (bombings, chases, escapes).
> Isolated or hidden spots where powers manifest or terrorists operate.

The world feels like a slightly advanced modern America suddenly plunged into crisis—cell phones, highways, and everyday life contrasted with virus-induced chaos, curfews, and superpowered threats.

Tone & Themes

Suspenseful, action-packed, and gritty—YA thriller with high stakes, moral gray areas, and tension. It's fast-moving and intense (non-stop pacing, cliffhangers, betrayals), with realistic consequences for powers (no invincible heroes; abilities can backfire or harm). The tone mixes excitement and danger with teen angst, friendship, romance, and dark humor—more serious and grounded than light superhero stories, but not overly grim or hopeless. It has thriller vibes similar to The Darkest Minds or early Divergent, with a focus on deception and survival.

The series is praised for its fresh take on superpowers (realistic downsides, no capes), fast plot, and teen perspectives—ideal for YA readers who enjoy dystopian thrillers with action and moral complexity.