Out of the Box Books In Order

Publication Order of Girl In The Box Books

Publication Order of Out Of The Box Books

An American author, Robert J. Crane has written a number of books and series over the complete course of his writing career. Largely focusing on his writing now as a full-time author, he also has a past in literature serving as a substitute teacher for some time, among many other roles. With a background in creative writing he has managed to craft himself a career as a writer, having produced many series, and equally many iconic characters. A particularly well known series of his is that of his ‘Out of the Box’ franchise of novels, a collection of stories that has been running for quite some time now. Following on from his previous ‘The Girl in the Box’ series of books, it manages to build upon the world and the premise as a whole. With a variety of recurring characters, many coming from the previous series, it largely follows the lead protagonist of Sienna Nealon as she conducts a series of investigations.

Consisting of over fifteen books so far and counting, this is a series that has grown extremely quickly at a fast pace. Amassing a large following of fans in an extremely short amount of time, it works at knowing its audience and what they want. Starting back in 2014, it is also impressive how quickly this sequel franchise to ‘The Girl in the Box’ series has grown, with more expected to follow soon.

Limitless

Originally released through the Revelen Press publishing label in 2014 on the 4th of November, this was to be the first in the ‘Out of the Box’ series. Coming off the back of ‘The Girl in the Box’ franchise, this title once again concerns itself with the story of Sienna Nealon. Further developing her character, this series takes her narrative to a wider stage, as she steps out into the world, as referenced in the series title.

With elements of the supernatural and fantasy coming in, this manages to follow the conventions of the thriller genre effectively. Knowing his audience well, Crane works at bringing it all together, allowing his many characters to flourish and grow. Using ideas of growth and discovery, this manages to draw upon a number of different ideas and themes on coming-of-age and finding a place in the world. The characters themselves, having been followed for the entire duration of the previous series, are also very well drawn. Their personalities have already been firmly established, as the audience has now become fully invested in them and their plights. In regards to the leading protagonist of Sienna Nealon, she is a strong and resourceful individual, who is always discovering new things about herself along with the reader. Set in London for most of the story, it manages to really make the most of its location as well, really drawing upon the city. Giving it a sense of atmosphere and style, it was able to create an overall ambiance that manages to bring out the personalities of those inhabiting it. A character in of itself almost as well, it also manages to build upon the readers perception of the world too, giving them a wider sense of scope in the process.

Set two years after the events of the previous series, this sees Sienna Nealon getting called to London in England. It is here that she is paired up with a handsome and young Detective Inspector, as she investigates a murder involving an old friend of hers. There’s a killer on the loose, and their living a large quantity of victims in their wake, something which will push Sienna to her limits. Will she find killer? Can she remain safe? Is she really limitless?

In the Wind

Brought out in 2015 on the 21st of January, this was to be second title in the ongoing ‘Out of the Box’ series of novels. Continuing on directly from where the last left off, it manages to provide some new elements for the story in the process. Not straying too far from the core themes and principles of the original though, it manages to also give readers more of what they’ve now come to expect from the franchise.

Taking its action onto a wider platform than before, this manages to build upon the many ideas and themes that came previously. Focusing on the other characters, such as Reed Treston, this time as well, it also gives a different perspective to the action too. It’s their personalities that really bring the story itself to life, giving it a sense of vibrancy and momentum, carrying it throughout. All looking for their place in the world, as they try to make sense of the circumstances that surround them, they attempt to search for answers to some of the bigger questions. Learning about their powers and skills respectively too, they not only learn about their strength, but their limitations too. Returning once again is Sienna Nealon as well, as she makes way for the other characters involved to grow too. With a narrative that moves across the European continent this time, the story itself is also broadened in its sense of scope too. Heading to such locations as Rome in Italy, it really makes the most of things, giving a clear descriptive visual for the readers. Leaving nothing out as well, it fully utilizes everything, as nothing is merely incidental in this particular narrative and setting.

Having fought his battles and won his war, Reed Treston now feels as if he is a man left without a purpose in life. Working alongside his sister the two of them run a watch for people who have been gifted with special powers and attempting to police them. That’s when the government manage to intercept a message heavily tied to his past, leaving him to head to Rome and deal with a deadly foe unlike any other. Where will his journey take him? How does Sienna come into this? What will he face in the wind?

The Out of the Box Series

With a clearly defined atmosphere and sense of ambiance, this is a series that Robert J. Crane entirely makes his own. Knowing his characters well from the previous franchise, he takes them in new and exciting directions, bringing his audience along for the ride too. Not showing signs of stopping any time soon either, there’s still a lot more room to expand upon the series for a number of years to come.