Order of Tory Brennan Book Series

The "Tory Brennan" series, authored by Kathy Reichs and Brendan Reichs, is a thrilling blend of forensic science, mystery, and young adult adventure. Centered around the character of Tory Brennan, a smart and spirited teenager and the niece of famous forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan, the series explores the challenges and adventures she faces as she navigates adolescence, friendships, and the complexities of life.

Set in the vibrant backdrop of Charleston, South Carolina, the books follow Tory and her group of friends—dubbed the "Virals"—who share a unique bond formed through their shared experiences and a secret experiment that gives them heightened senses and abilities. As they confront various challenges, from solving crimes to facing supernatural elements, the group cultivates their skills in forensic science and detective work, often finding themselves in thrilling and perilous situations.

With engaging plots that weave together elements of science, ethics, and the bonds of friendship, the "Tory Brennan" series captivates readers with its pacey storytelling and relatable characters. This series not only entertains but also encourages a curiosity and appreciation for science, making it a delightful read for young adults and fans of mystery alike.

Order of Tory Brennan (Virals) Series
By: Kathy Reichs, Brendan Reichs

# Title Year Rating Book Link
1Shock
By: Kathy Reichs, Brendan Reichs
20094.4Amazon.com
2Virals
By: Kathy Reichs
2010Amazon.com
3Seizure
By: Kathy Reichs
2011Amazon.com
4Shift (Short Story)
By: Kathy Reichs, Brendan Reichs
2013Amazon.com
5Code
By: Kathy Reichs, Brendan Reichs
2013Amazon.com
6Swipe
By: Kathy Reichs, Brendan Reichs
2013Amazon.com
7Exposure
By: Kathy Reichs, Brendan Reichs
20144.6Amazon.com
8Terminal
By: Kathy Reichs, Brendan Reichs
2015Amazon.com
9Spike
By: Kathy Reichs, Brendan Reichs
2016Amazon.com
10Trace Evidence
By: Kathy Reichs, Brendan Reichs
2016Amazon.com

Tory Brennan (Virals) Series Books Description

The "Tory Brennan" series, which is a young adult spin-off of the "Temperance Brennan" novels by Kathy Reichs, is co-authored by Kathy Reichs and her son Brendan Reichs. The series follows the adventures of Tory Brennan, the niece of forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan. Here’s a brief overview of each book in the series:

  1. Fox in the Bone (2013)
    The first book introduces Tory Brennan, a talented and adventurous teenager living in Charleston, South Carolina. After a tragic event, she discovers her passion for science and forensic anthropology, similar to her famous aunt. Tory teams up with her friends, the "Virals," to solve a mystery involving a local murder, showcasing their courage and resourcefulness.

  2. Seizure (2014)
    In the second installment, Tory and the Virals face an even greater challenge. After an exciting start, they uncover a conspiracy linked to a secretive organization and a treasure hunt that takes them across dangerous territories. With their enhanced abilities, they dive deeper into the mystery, testing their friendship and skills.

  3. Code (2015)
    The third book sees Tory and her friends develop their abilities further as they begin to unravel complicated biological and genetic puzzles. They encounter new challenges, including a dangerous adversary and a government agency determined to control their powers. The storyline deepens as they grapple with the ethical implications of their skills.

  4. Exposure (2016)
    In this book, the stakes become even higher as Tory and the Virals find themselves haunted by repercussions of their actions in previous adventures. They must now deal with personal betrayals and confront dangerous forces threatening their very existence. This installment explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the consequences of their unique powers.

  5. Vicious (2017)
    The fifth book continues to build tension as Tory faces critical events that test her and her friends to their limits. They must navigate social conflicts, new enemies, and complex moral dilemmas. Throughout this journey, the concept of family—both biological and chosen—is emphasized as they seek to overcome challenges together.

  6. Fury (2018)
    In the culmination of the series, Tory and the Virals are put to the ultimate test. Confronting the very essence of their abilities and the darker aspects of their existence, they delve into the secrets of their powers and the roles of those who would seek to exploit them. The narrative builds to a thrilling conclusion, filled with suspense and emotional depth.

The "Tory Brennan" series blends mystery, science, and adventure while exploring themes of friendship, loyalty, and the complexities of growing up. Each installment builds upon the previous one, keeping readers engaged with Tory's journey of self-discovery and resilience.

Who are the main characters of Tory Brennan (Virals) Series

The "Tory Brennan" series, written by Kathy Reichs and Brendan Reichs, features a group of main characters who are adolescents involved in forensic science and mystery-solving. Here are the key characters:

  1. Tory Brennan: The protagonist of the series, Tory is a smart, resourceful, and determined teenager. She is the great-niece of the famous forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan (from Reichs' other series). Tory is passionate about science and has a strong sense of justice, often getting involved in solving mysteries. She is known for her analytical skills and quick thinking.

  2. Ben Blue: Tory's best friend and one of her closest allies, Ben is characterized by his loyalty and bravery. He is athletic and often serves as the muscle of the group, helping to physically support their investigations. His relationship with Tory evolves throughout the series, adding a layer of personal dynamics to the story.

  3. Hi: Another member of Tory's inner circle, Hi is a tech-savvy friend who provides the group with valuable technological support. He is intelligent and resourceful, often using his skills to help solve mysteries or get out of tight situations. Hi's contributions emphasize the importance of modern technology in their investigations.

  4. Kate Brennan: Tory's aunt and a significant parental figure in her life. Kate provides guidance and support, and her background in forensic anthropology complements Tory’s interests and aspirations. She plays an essential role in shaping Tory's understanding of the scientific aspects of their adventures.

  5. Vicky: A member of Tory’s friend group who embodies creativity and a strong personality. Vicky adds a different perspective to the team's dynamics and is often involved in the social aspects of the group.

Together, these characters navigate the challenges of adolescence while engaging in forensic science and investigative adventures, often blending personal growth with thrilling mystery plots. The series combines elements of mystery, science, and friendship, making it appealing to a young adult audience.

Interesting facts about Tory Brennan (Virals) Series

The "Tory Brennan" series, co-authored by Kathy Reichs and Brendan Reichs, is a young adult series featuring a character named Tory Brennan, who is the niece of the renowned forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan, a character from Kathy Reichs' adult novel series. Here are some interesting facts about the Tory Brennan series:

  1. Debut Book: The series begins with "Virals," published in 2010, which introduces Tory Brennan and her friends as they uncover a mystery involving an illegal experiment with dog DNA.

  2. Genre Blending: The series combines elements of mystery, adventure, and science, incorporating themes like genetics, forensic science, and ethical dilemmas related to scientific research.

  3. The Viral Concept: The central concept of the “Virals” is that the characters gain enhanced abilities (like heightened senses and agility) after an encounter with a stray dog infected with a virus that alters their DNA.

  4. Family Collaboration: Kathy Reichs is a forensic anthropologist and the bestselling author of the "Temperance Brennan" series, which serves as the inspiration for the Tory Brennan series. Her son, Brendan Reichs, co-writes the series, bringing a fresh perspective to the stories.

  5. Series Continuity: The series features a consistent group of characters, including Tory's friends who share the virus, and they are collectively known as the Virals. This ensemble cast allows for rich character development throughout the series.

  6. Focus on Young Adult Themes: The books tackle issues relevant to teens, such as friendship, identity, and moral dilemmas, making them appealing to a young adult audience while maintaining the intrigue and analytical aspects of Reichs' more adult works.

  7. Critical Acclaim: The series has been well-received, with many fans enjoying the mix of scientific facts and thrilling plots. It has garnered positive reviews for its engaging writing and strong character development.

  8. Additional Installments: The series consists of several books, with "Seizure" (2012), "Code" (2013), "Exposure" (2014), and "Terminal" (2015) following the debut, each advancing the story and exploring new challenges for the characters.

  9. Conclusion of the Series: The main series concludes with "Terminal," but it leaves room for potential spin-offs or further adventures featuring Tory and her friends.

  10. TV Adaptation Potential: Given the popularity of both the Tory and Temperance Brennan characters, there have been discussions about adapting the series for television, although concrete developments on this front have not been confirmed.

The Tory Brennan series stands out for its interesting blend of science, adventure, and teen experiences, appealing to both younger readers and fans of Kathy Reichs' adult novels.