When you first heard of Silo, you may not have realized it was based on a series of books. After all, the trilogy is called the Wool trilogy*, with the first book titled Silo.
So, you may have jumped into the TV series without reading the books by Hugh Howey first. I did too, until I realized that I recognized the storyline from somewhere. It was then that I realized I’d read the original Wattpad stories and never finished them, so after watching the first season of Silo, I went back into the books and binge-read the trilogy.
Do you need to read the books before going into Silo Season 3*? It could be useful, but it won’t be necessary.
Silo Has Taken a Life of Its Own
The TV series has combined the book storylines. That had to happen because the second book picks up a completely different story from the first. We’re introduced to different characters, and we’re taken through different timelines.
You see, it takes us into the story of the creation of the silos. It takes some time to figure that out, and there was no way the TV show could just develop that book as it was.
When it comes to TV shows, we connect to the characters we’re introduced to. The idea of telling a completely different story during the second season and then waiting another season for our favorite characters to return would be absurd. Plus, there are contracts to think about!
So, the TV series is combining all of the storylines, bringing us a dual timeline.
Reading the Wool Trilogy Is Worth It
I’m not sure how much of the second book the third season will develop. After all, there are already some changes based on the way the second season ended. So, with that in mind, we’re probably looking at some of the book storyline being adapted to suit the story the TV show wants to tell.
It could be worth reading the novels. In fact, I will say that IT IS worth it to read the Wool trilogy. There is a wealth of information about the creation of the silos and the secrecy and conspiracy behind the Overseer.
You can enjoy both entities separately based on the way the first two seasons of the Apple TV series has developed. I can see that being the case as the third and fourth seasons progress.
Silo Season 3 premieres on July 3, 2026. For now, you can catch up on the first two seasons on Apple TV*, and you can check out the Wool trilogy* by Hugh Howey.
