The Salvation escapees have forged a shaky alliance, and it’s holding … for the moment.
Their new society is going from strength to strength. They’re building shelters, farming, foraging, and scavenging. Each day things get better, but winter edges closer.
They’re still not ready for the freezing months to come, and now their greatest ally is in danger.
To help them means risking everything.
To abandon them in their time of need jeopardises their own future.
The next seventy-two hours will push them to the brink.
A peaceful solution is off the table, but can they withstand all-out war?
Summer is nearly over. Will they survive until spring?
I was born and raised in Leeds, West Yorkshire. Wanting to escape life in a big city and concentrate more on working to live than living to work, I moved to the Outer Hebrides in the north-west of Scotland in 2004 and I have lived there ever since with my wife and dogs.
I write post-apocalyptic, sci-fi, dystopian and horror fiction. I’ve released fifty one books across six different series - Safe Haven, The End of Everything, Unsafe, Relentless, The Burning Tree and Scares in Scotland.
In addition, most of my titles are now available as audiobooks narrated by Kim Bretton, so if you’re one of the many people who struggle to find the time to read, you can listen on the go.
To stay up to date with all the very latest news, and to get your hands on a free book, Before Safe Haven: Alex, sign up to my newsletter here: https://BookHip.com/XPNLJH
Artinian has yet again given us readers an emotionally charged, character driven tale with conflict, the continued fight for survival and heart as the group continues with building their community. Callie again reaches out to help others who are barely hanging on before winter hits. The new characters added to this book are great and for some reason I always picture Hicks and Vasquez from the movie Aliens when Drake and Marina are out doing their job. So many of the characters from earlier books have really redeemed themselves and have become some of my favourite characters. I highly recommend this book and series to any fan looking for an enjoyable read.
I listened to the omnibus of books one through five, and since I just burned straight through, I don't remember where one book ended and the next began. So, this review is for the first five books. I'll post it on all five.
This series wasn't bad. The dystopia that formed in the bunker was depressingly realistic, as was the amount of strife and corruption in/between the groups outside it. All in all, the series was engaging enough for me to listen to five books, which is saying something, but there were a few issues.
There were too many inspiring speeches, for one. I can get behind one or two of these, but there were points where it felt like one character or another was making an inspiring speech every chapter, and that's just too much for me.
There were also too many occasions of characters being staunchly opposed to a thing that they were advocating for on a larger scale in a prior chapter/book, suddenly arguing tooth and nail against it, only to give in after their own prior arguments were laid out for them and basically (grudgingly) saying, "I suppose you've got a point." People don't typically backtrack on principals they're willing to risk death for just a few days later. People also don't give in to logic so easily when their emotions are high enough for them to start vicious name calling or outright getting violent. The fact that people who were okay starting a settlement with 18,000 people were then convinced it was impossible to do so with such an enormous number as 3,500 people irked me.
The author clearly put some time into researching a few plants that most people consider weeds but are actually edible, which I appreciate. I wish there had been routine mention of more of them than seaweed and dandelions, but it was still nice to see foraging considered a viable dietary supplement. The evaporation pools for salt was a really good addition too.
There were a few things that Phil Trainer (the farming/plant expert in the books) would've known that weren't mentioned, like the acidifying effect granite has on the soil near any large natural sources of granite and the potential use of lime to counteract/neutralize it, but I'm aware I'm getting way too picky expecting that to have been in there, even if Trainer is an expert. The only reason I know that is from watching a bunch of docuseries about farming through the ages, and I know that's not something most people do. Lol.
As soon as I heard the 5th book had been released, I rushed to download it through KU.
A friend started reading it before me and she complained that it was really slow and she was ready to DNF. Once I got into it, I knew what she meant. However, I understood why it was slower at the beginning than the other 4 books.
The author was trying to show us how much the settlement had grown. What they’d accomplished and what still needed to be done before the dreaded winter hit. Some readers will find the details a bit tedious, but I enjoyed them. Guess I’m just a nerd that way.
But once I hit chapter 5, it took off like a Q-Thirteen bullet. I couldn’t put the darn book down. It even interfered with my naps.
Once again, we have a host of different characters. Cassie is still somewhat the main one, but others, like Susan and Nicola, have been given bigger roles. So, there is a lot of character development. With so many people in the book, there tends to be a bunch of head hopping but it hasn’t been confusing.
I am really enjoying how the settlement has learned how to mesh and get along, even with all their differences. And then there’s the Wanderer’s and Infinity. Once Cassie convinced the committee they needed to step in and help Eric, the action kept building and building until the calamitic end. Now, they have a new threat to deal with. I can’t wait for more.
My only complaint is the editing got sloppy towards the end, which is pretty common, actually. There were times when two different people were taking in the same paragraph, or the subject had changed but a new paragraph hadn’t been started.
The characters have become very real to me and I would love, love, love to see this as a TV series. If you can’t enough of dystopian / post-apocalyptic stories with girt, you need to start this series. I give this book 5 stars.
Another great addition to an amazing series! The beginning grabbed me instantly and my emotions kicked in, wondering where the author was going with the story. The characters in this series have become like family and they are written in a way that makes you feel everything they feel.
Once again, Callie has an idea to help people who don't have the advantages that she and her friends enjoy. Of course, there is opposition to her ideas and many bumps along the way. Also, Infinity, their one way to trade and thrive, is being threatened and Callie and crew have to decide whether or not to intervene.
The story moves at a fast pace and some new characters are introduced that immediately took a place in my heart along with the "old" ones from before. The group from Salvation decides that they need a name for their settlement and Redemption seems to be the perfect choice for their new beginnings.
There is plenty of action, loads of emotion and lots of hope, which in my mind sets this series apart from a lot of post-apocalyptic fiction. Even though the characters experience a lot of loss and uncertainty, there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
The narrator of the audio version, Kim Bretton, is one of my favorite narrators. Her different voices and inflections, along with perfect timing, makes an already wonderful book even better. I am usually not a fan of musical interludes in audiobooks, but the ones in this book add a lot to the listening experience.
Where did I find it: it’s the fifth book in the series and I’ve read each one.
What I liked: the trials and tribulations of building a community from scratch. I also enjoyed being among familiar characters again. The author likes having many people in his stories. They all play vital parts in bringing the story together. It isn’t confusing having so many, and it’s nice to see some of the lesser ones stepping forward and taking a bigger role this time.
What I didn’t like: as I felt from each book, the main character, Callie, is too young for the shoes she fills. Her character doesn’t behave like she is sixteen, I’d say eighteen at a minimum. Plus she was this age in the first book, Salvation, yet I get the impression more than a year has passed since they were liberated. The other thing I disliked was the slow burn of the story. The first conflict didn’t make an appearance till page 198. I understood why the first part was like it was, but I almost gave up. If I had, I’d have missed the best and most exciting part of the book. I’m so glad I persevered.
Overall: this is an amazing story. There are some great characters, all with their own quirks, strengths, and weaknesses. Many times, my heart was in my mouth, and then a lump would catch in my throat because it became so poignant. All in all, this is a superb series, and I recommend you start with the first book and work your way through it. A must for series, and post-apocalyptic lovers.
I’ve just this moment finished reading Redemption, book 5 in The Burning Tree series, and I can only say…… Bravo Christopher Artinian, you have moved a really compelling story line up into the realm of one of the greats in my mind. I’ve followed ALL your writing and get totally frustrated having to wait for each series next installment, but with Redemption, I can justify the wait for book 6 by allowing my emotions to drop back down to their normal ratings. Your characters have been brought to life during the reading of Redemption much more than ‘more globally renowned’ authors can achieve in their writings…..Christopher, thank you for bringing Callie and everyone else from The Burning Tree into our lives❤️ PS This was not written by Phil😂😂😂
My dynamic duo Artinian and Bretton, there you can’t go wrong! I’m not sure how he continues to write such amazing female characters but he does. Of course the males are too but they are not the main characters. Smart, sarcastic, funny, strong and caring…. That’s how you describe these women and girls. Their story of survival continues as they build Redemption and take bring in the people living out in the world on their own. Together they can build a better future and a better world. Stronger together sharing knowledge and helping each other to thrive while they survive. Can’t wait for the next
Omg OK I nearly died reading the first part and I was thinking of ways to kill the author... no spoilers!!! This series is an exceptionally awesome read (even better on audiobook) It's been a hell of a journey that u get dragged along on whether u want to or not! You are a part of their community and you feel everything that occurs. This was the first series that I read by this author, but I've since read everything they've written. Safe Haven & The end of everything are just as mindblowing and very highly recommended. Relentless too.
Audiobook: Book 5 of "The Burning Tree" series was great. The author put me through an emotional wringer as I faced the travails and tribulations along with the characters as they worked to try and build their new society. The story captured my imagination so well that I had to listen to the whole audiobook in one sitting. I am already looking forward to the next book in the series. Kim Bretton's narration skills were incomparable as her performance increased the emotional response that I had to this story. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
Only the author Christopher Artinian series get better as they move along and when it comes to emotions, he plays on them like a musical instrument, a true genius ! So now I’m all hipped up from this awesome story once again it’s torture waiting for the continuation but always worth it !
As usual Kim Bretton with her angelic voice narrated perfectly each of the characters.
My absolute without a doubt got my recommendations !
I absolutely love this series, right from the start you are immersed into a world none of us can imagine but not that far away from a future that could be. Callie and the rest of the characters are real and relatable and the story drags you in and leaves you wanting more. Cannot wait to see what lies in store for redemption in the next book. Brilliantly written and well worth reading this series.
Omg, what the hell Christopher, the first part of the book had me shouting at you! It’s ok, you kinda redeemed yourself! This is an incredible series and this latest book takes you on a fabulous journey filled with excitement, optimism, fear, anger, anxiety and hope. Another series from an awesome writer that makes you fall in love with the characters and makes you feel that you know them. Can’t wait for the next. Brilliant read
Wow, just when you thought something couldn't get better, Christopher blew away all expectations with another phenomenal instalment, with shocking plot twists to keep us on our toes and guessing. This was an amazing read, Phil and Callie managed another stroke of problem solving genius and uncovered another insidious plot, and their new friend Drake dealt with decisively. Christopher and Kim outdid themselves again with another work of art.
The first few pages have you on the edge of your seat. Book 5 of the Burning Tree series continues the fight for survival for Callie and the Settlement as they open their hearts and help to the group of people called the Wanderers. Christopher writes as if he can see the future. It's scary how it parallels todays world.
Just finished this book, the fifth in the series. The series has a great plot, interesting characters so you actually care what happens to them, a common enemy, that they struggle to unite against and an unknown climate. Great Post major disaster story. I'm dying to know what happens next.
This is a very exciting series. Not just for the action scenes although they're good too. It is also exciting for all of the wonderful ideas the people come up with for improving their lives, the irrigation system, the ovens, transplanting various food stuffs to the settlement so they can grow more of it right at home. This is so fun to read.
I counted down the days until this release and certainly wasn't disappointed. Following the community as they expand and adapt has been amazing (and stressful at times!) yet new issues and missions are always around the corner.
Excited to see how the latest expansion progresses and I'm sure the recent rumours will mean trouble soon!
Wow. Callie, Susan, Phil, Drake, and John. Have pulled off another good deed. Two in fact. Drake using his powers of persuasion, and Callie using hers. To know more, read the book. It’s Brilliant, it’s non stop reading as you can’t put it down, because you want to know what happens. Chris has done it again.
Another great story to add to our group. Phil and Blake have really surprised me and I love their subtle changes but kept in check by their humor. I have to say giving Susan this strong dynamic role as leader has been refreshing and yet seems so natural, not at all feminist. Great job Chris!
Another fantastic book by Chris. This story it really does keep getting better. There is always something happening, and life is never quiet in the new village that there trying to build. There are so many characters, but they all work together quite well. Some more funny than others. You really don't want to miss this series of books.
Mr Artinian has the wonderful knack of bringing his books to life. I laughed, cried, yelled and held my breath throughout the story and I will still be thinking of this book until the next one is written. Fantastic series!
this series and its getting better and better . Loving the characters and relationships between them. There's an underlying aspect of how its possible for people to change and bring hope no matter where they are from.
Another great read from what is a brilliant and very enjoyable series of books. Very thought provoking and does make you wonder what would happen to people kind after an extinction level event. Some great characters and very well written 👍
Once Again, another fantastic addition to this series Chris is a master of ramping up the tension until the explosive ending Kim never fails to provide stellar narration The ratings don’t lie do yourself a favour and get some Artinian in your life 5stars
I just can’t get enough of Christopher’s books, I needed something to keep me going until the release of safe haven 11 and I’m just firing through this series. Brilliant story and must have taken so much research, I cannot wait to move onto the next one.
CALLIE DID WHAT THEY DIDNT THINK SHE COULD, BUT SHE IS A 16 YEAR OLD FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH AFTER ALL.CAN SHE BRING PEACE BETWEEN THE FERELS, AND THE PEOPLE,!!!WHO IS THE GOOD ONES? WHO IS BAD ONES? READ ON TO FIND OUT IN THIS EXCITING SERIES.
Absolutely love this series. It's fast paced paced and the characters are interesting and have depth to them . I'm really looking forward to the next book.