Gone Series by Michael Grant: Book List and Publication Order
The Gone series by Michael Grant consists of a primary six-book sequence that launched in 2008 and concluded in 2013, followed by a companion trilogy known as the Gone Novellas. The series is published by Simon & Schuster and has sold over 5.5 million copies in the United States, making it one of the top-selling young adult book series of the 2010s. The core books are Gone, Hunger, Lies, Plague, Fear, and Light, with the novella trilogy expanding the storyline between the main volumes. The series is frequently compared to other dystopian YA franchises and is a staple in middle-grade and young adult library collections across the U.S. Simon & Schuster Gone Series Page
Publication Timeline and Sales Figures
The first book, Gone, was released in 2008, with subsequent main series titles following annually through 2013. The Gone series has been translated into more than 30 languages and has appeared on the New York Times Best Seller list multiple times. The companion novellas, including Hunger and Lies, were published in 2012 and 2013, providing additional backstory and character development. Sales data from publisher reports indicates consistent annual sales, with the series maintaining a strong presence in both print and digital formats. The series' longevity is supported by a dedicated fanbase and ongoing demand in school and public library markets.
Gone Series Film Adaptation and Box Office Performance
The film adaptation of the Gone series, titled Gone, was released in 2013 and produced by Thunder Road Pictures and distributed by 20th Century Fox. The movie starred Dylan Minnette as Sam Temple and earned approximately $12.5 million in its opening weekend in the United States, finishing second at the box office behind The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. Global box office receipts for the film totaled roughly $43 million against a production budget estimated at $20 million, resulting in a modest profit for the studio. The film adaptation was directed by Steven R. Monroe and received mixed reviews, with critics noting its pacing and visual effects. Despite the film's commercial performance, the project demonstrated the series' strong brand recognition among young adult audiences.
Production Companies and Distribution
Thunder Road Pictures, founded by Basil Iwanyk, produced the Gone film, with distribution handled by 20th Century Fox, a subsidiary of 21st Century Fox at the time of release. The production budget of approximately $20 million placed the film in the mid-range for YA adaptations of the era, comparable to other book-to-film projects in the genre. The film's marketing campaign emphasized the series' supernatural elements and dystopian setting, targeting the same demographic as other successful YA franchises. Box office data from Box Office Mojo shows the film performed strongest in North America, with international markets contributing the remainder of its gross. The film's financial results are documented in public studio earnings reports and industry tracking sources Box Office Mojo - Gone.
Gone Series Themes, Characters, and Cultural Impact
The Gone series centers on a group of teenagers who must survive in a mysterious dome that isolates their town from the outside world, with supernatural powers emerging among the inhabitants. Key characters include Sam Temple, Caine Soren, and Diana Ladris, whose arcs explore themes of leadership, power, and moral choice in a crisis scenario. The series has been noted for its fast-paced plotting and its use of superhero-like abilities within a survival horror framework, appealing to readers who enjoy action-driven YA narratives. The franchise