Wool is a series of science fiction novellas (and is also available as a
single novel) by American writer Hugh Howey.[1] Film rights to the story
have been sold to 20th Century Fox, with director Ridley Scott and Steve
Zaillian expressing interest in the film adaptation.
Howey first began the series in 2011, initially writing Wool as a stand-
alone short story.[5] He published the work through Amazon's Kindle Direct
Publishing system, choosing to do so due to the freedom of self-publishing.
After the series grew in popularity, he began to write more entries for it.[
6] Howey began soliciting international rights in 2012; Brazil has been one
win.[7] Film rights to the series were sold to 20th Century Fox, with
Lionsgate also expressing interest.[8]
Howey recently signed a print-only deal for around $500,000 with Simon &
Schuster to distribute Wool to book retailers across the US and Canada.
Howey retains full rights to continue distributing Wool online himself.[9]
Plot[edit]
The story of Wool takes place on a post-apocalyptic Earth.[10] Humanity
clings to survival in the Silos, subterranean cities extending over one
hundred stories beneath the surface. The series initially follows the
character of Holston, the sheriff of Silo-18, with subsequent volumes
focusing on the characters of Juliette, Jahns, and Marnes. An ongoing story
line of the series is the focus on the mystery behind the Silo and the
secrets that it holds. The Silo's mystery is eventually revealed by the end
of book five, with First Shift being a prequel to the series.
Book 1[edit]
Wool initially follows the story of Holston, Silo-18's sheriff. Holston
spends the novel processing and investigating the circumstances surrounding
his wife's death. Holston's investigation of the Silo and the secrets it
holds ultimately serves as a catalyst that begins to impact the lives of
various characters and sets up the action for the rest of the series.
Book 2[edit]
Proper Gauge continues the saga, following the unique relationship of Jahns,
Silo-18's mayor, and Marnes, her deputy. Their relationship is explored as
they pursue a quest that leads them deeper into the lower levels of the Silo
, and ultimately brings them into conflict with the Silo's IT division,
whose growing authority is revealed. Their journey ultimately introduces
them to Juliette, who will play a central role in the following stories.
Books 3-5[edit]
The saga is continued in Casting Off and runs through The Stranded, as
Juliette continues to explore the mysteries of the Silos, bringing her into
contact with the head of IT and Lukas, a young astronomer and member of IT.
The growing relationship between Lukas and Juliette serves as a backdrop for
the remaining three novellas, as the mystery of the Silos is gradually
revealed.
Book 6[edit]
First Shift is a prequel to the story in the first five Wool novels, where
the actions that led to the status quo of the world are explained through
the eyes of Donald, a young congressman, in two different timelines.
Book 7[edit]
Second Shift follows a few of the characters of Book 6 when they are woken
from cold-sleep 100 years later to be consulted on some unresolved problems,
as well as a young new character in silo 18 named Mission, where they are
experiencing internal fighting which threatens their survival.
Book 8[edit]
Third Shift brings a close to the prequel trilogy. It tells the story of the
fall of Silo 17, and the transformation of Jimmy into Solo, as well as the
continued story of Donald Keene in Silo 1.[11]
Book 9+ (Forthcoming)[edit]
Dust will be the third and final act in the Silo stories. It will wrap up
the overall series by bringing into contact the lives of Donald and Juliette
.
