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The secret location of the Vanguard Islands is no longer a secret . . .

Tired from years of fighting, Xavier passes the crown to a younger Hell Diver, Kade Long, and then sets off on the Sea Wolf with Magnolia to find Michael and his family. But the journey will push them both to their limit.

On the damaged airship Vanguard, Michael and crew are running out of water and must dive to a new location before attempting the perilous voyage across the Atlantic to a new home. Back at the Vanguard Islands, King Kade hurries to prepare the rigs’ defenses against the Forerunner and his Knights of the Coral Castle. Fearing that X won’t return with the airship in time, Kade sends the elite Barracudas on a mission to find an aircraft that will give the Islands a fighting chance against the knights.

In the penultimate Hell Diver book, the survivors travel skewed and far-flung paths, but soon those paths will converge. The journey is almost over, so strap in for the last dives.

482 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 5, 2023

227 people are currently reading
599 people want to read

About the author

Nicholas Sansbury Smith

103 books2,384 followers
Nicholas Sansbury Smith is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty novels with two million copies sold. Before his writing career, he served at Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management, a background that inspired many of his story concepts. A two time Ironman triathlete, he enjoys running, biking, and hiking. Nicholas also loves traveling, especially to his cabin in Northern Minnesota where he weaves his tales. He lives in Iowa with his wonderful wife and their son and daughter.

Note: Nicholas is no longer an active user on Goodreads and does not use the platform. If you want to connect with him on social media here are some links. He would love to hear from you.

Facebook Fan Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NSSFa...
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/nicholassans...
Website: nicholassansburysmith.com
Instagram: instagram.com/author_sansbury/

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5 stars
824 (57%)
4 stars
462 (32%)
3 stars
132 (9%)
2 stars
14 (<1%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
Profile Image for Drew Jansson.
8 reviews
March 5, 2024
3.5 stars is my actual rating

I love this entire series and have enjoyed every entry, including this one. I got the feeling that the first 3/4ths of this book served as a transition point in the series, typing up many of the loose ends from the last major plotline that the series had focused on. The remaining fourth of the book seems to have launched off what should be an exciting new direction for the series.

What I loved:

- The new direction the series seems to be going is exciting and it seems that we have closure and a clean break from the last major plotline.

- The introduction of a cult like group that I pray to god gets explored in a lot more details in future books.

What I didn’t love:

- A lot of the pages in the book are used to clean up older storylines and set up for the next major plot line, which is probably a necessary evil, but limited the engagement I had while reading slightly.

- Some regular supporting characters storylines came to an abrupt end, in my opinion, unnecessarily. They are characters that I really enjoyed, so I very well could just be salty that their stories have come to an end.
Profile Image for Barbara.
122 reviews3 followers
December 20, 2023
Keeping up the tradition

Hell Divers XI is an excellent addition to the saga, wrapping up a few loose ends, creating more (of course! Who would want this to be over?) I stayed up late several nights just to read it - fast paced, with characters the reader cares about. One must have read at least Hell Divers X, just to know what is going on - who is the Forerunner? What is the Coral Castle? How did everyone get where they are? My recommendation is to start with Book I and read all 10. It's one hell of an adventure!
Profile Image for Timothy Ward.
Author 14 books126 followers
February 27, 2024
Riding into the final laps of this series, it’s truest beauty may be how Nick and Bray have killed it so consistently throughout all 11 books. The action and intensity is trademark for this series, with characters showing heart and more than a few tricks up their sleeves.

Every time I write a review for this series it’s like, how could someone be this far into Hell Divers and not love it? If you’ve read it, you know.

If X is The Immortal, Nick is The Survivor. He knows how to write them and this world has been terrific to explore as these heartfelt heroes seek survival at any cost.

They Dive so Humanity Survives!
Profile Image for Jim Scriven.
315 reviews19 followers
September 30, 2024
Smith does a great job extending the story into yet another book of the series, creating meaningful threats out of seemingly small challenges. At the same time, most of this book feels like a bridge between the series that we've seen through book 10, to book 12, the conclusion of the series. Honestly, while I appreciated the story, I'm glad I didn't read it until book 12 was also out, so that I could continue straight on. Which I've done!
Profile Image for Rob G..
18 reviews
February 8, 2024
Listened to this book on audio. It was fantastic lead up to series finale. Will the The Immortal aka X be the world’s hero? Can’t wait to find out!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Michele McKay.
50 reviews2 followers
March 6, 2024
The books always end too soon for me! I could listen to these all day long.
Profile Image for Laura.
14 reviews1 follower
March 28, 2024
This series is my guilty pleasure and this book was no different. I’m excited about the next and supposedly final book in the series. What a ride it’s been!
Profile Image for Aristotle.
734 reviews75 followers
July 21, 2024
A whale swallowed Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the whale three days and three nights.
How long will X last? Ha!

This was a good continuation to the series.
X and his gang take a beating. Heal. Then take another beating. Rinse and repeat.
Profile Image for Thomas Hobbs.
912 reviews8 followers
December 15, 2023
Another fantastic novel in this series! X is semi retired looking for Michael. Cowboy Kade took over as King and already he is defending his island against the forerunner and the Knights of Coral Castle. Only 1 book left. But I would like a personal plea to the author if he reads this. After series is complete, can you do a prequel to Hell Divers and take us all the way to the start of WW3 and the beginning of life for Hell Divers as they go on their first missions? Thanks!
Profile Image for Ronie.
Author 66 books1,246 followers
April 18, 2024
Really enjoyed this one. I think it's one of the stronger stories of the series, too. It's been a while since I shouted "oh no" while listening to a book. LOL NSS has done a brilliant job carrying this series across eleven books. Totally ready for book 12 now.
Profile Image for Ziggy Nixon.
1,150 reviews36 followers
March 29, 2024
I’m getting too old for this shit.

First and foremost, "Hell Divers: Renegade" by action-writer extraordinaire Nicholas Sansbury Smith is yet another winning chapter in the immortal - yes, double entendre intended - HD series! It has everything we have come to know and love about this series, including a healthy dose of monsters, both human and otherwise, as well as non-stop thrills that should satisfy any fan of the genre and beyond! And naturally of course, this includes more than what seems a bearable amount of abuse and punishment aimed at King Xavier Rodriguez, who for this chapter at least has gone back to just being plain ol' X! But wow, what he and his loved ones face in these pages is nothing short of remarkable!

It was hard to understand the cascade of events that had led them to this point.

Secondly, I wanted to confirm despite my obvious insufficient amount of reviews and updates at least here on goodreads and beyond that I am reading every single book that NSS has released… or will release soon! I am supplying comments, yes, although in many cases these are more clandestine that usual. I won't say anymore except to confirm that if you had any idea of the effort and sheer attention that is given to these books by the author, you would be even more of a fan by the end of that lesson! To see them being shaped and molded into these timeless classics we all know and enjoy is, again, just awesome!

This is wilder than a bone beast drunk on shine.

And as the penultimate book in the overall saga, "Renegades" not only holds its own but plays a key role in setting up what will be the final battles to come! We again come face to face with the horrors created by the ITC, whether intentional or not, that - as Michael puts it - ironically led to the downfall of life on earth, even beyond the nuclear weapons so irresponsibly hurled around the globe by all major world powers. The genetically altered humans that comprise these creatures continue to wreak havoc no matter when or where our heroes try to eke out new means of survival or to find new havens to survive in. And that's only counting the creatures that roam the radioactive lands. Those that haunt the seas are present in titillating abundance in this chapter and then some!

You’re really fucked now, old man.

But again, as so many times before, one of the absolute best aspects of Smith's book is that he keeps multiple story-lines running, encompassing not only all of our favorite players (and maybe least favorites as well) but such a huge part of this world that he created. From the Blue Ridge mountains to the coast of Africa, from Rio de Janeiro to the far reaches of Australia, our teams are by now spread wide and far. And again, how this sets up what is yet to come in the pending conclusion is fantastic! All presented along with great battles, unbelievable odds, weirdness galore and so many absolute shocks and surprises! Plus, sadly, as we've seen only too many times: sacrifices that take away loved ones who pay the ultimate cost to save those that they cherish.

Everything wants us dead! There is no peace in this world!

And naturally, deception and outright double-crossing politics continue to haunt everyone, especially the long-suffering denizens of the Vanguard Islands. Knowing that THIS is the safest place known of for humans right now only drives home the struggles of mankind. It is apocalyptic fiction - even at times Biblical in nature (Jonah and the whale anyone?) - at its finest yet the dread of such a dystopian reality is never very far away! Highly HIGHLY recommended and trust me when I say: oh man, the best is yet to come!
Profile Image for Michael  Keller.
937 reviews10 followers
December 13, 2023
Everyone on alert, waiting for the Knights of the Coral Castle and Forerunner.

The Vanguard Islands, now commanded by King Kade "Cowboy" Long, are preparing for the attack of the Knights of the Coral Castle and their leader, the half-machine Forerunner. Meanwhile, Xavier with Magnolia, Miles and JoJo are aboard the "Sea Wolf" headed to Rio de Janiero to find Michael. Michael "Tin" in the meantime has changed course in the airship "Vanguard" now headed to Victor's home in the Canary Islands. Also on the "Vanguard" are Michael's wife and infant son, Layla and Bray, and Steve, Victor and the AI Timothy Peppers. They're trying to find a green zone safe to live in for themselves and the inhabitants of the Vanguard Islands.

King Kade desperately needs an airship for the Hell Divers. They're practicing jumps from a pair of hot air balloons with a platform suspended between them. General Forge remembers a pair of helicopters parked underground in Texas. To find and recover these airships before the Forerunner finds the Vanguard Islands. The team to bring the helicopters back is comprised of Gran Jefe "Mata", Commander Slayer, Blackburn, Woody and Zuni. They hadn't gotten far when a stowaway, Zuni's girlfriend Tia, is found.

Cowboy King Kade is in charge of a divided peoples. With all his hopes set on three expeditions far from the rusted relics of drilling platforms comprising the Vanguard Islands and the population on the overpopulated rigs is also divided in their loyalties, a significant portion who believe the lies of Rolo and Charmer in rebellion against X or Kade. With Rolo dead, Charmer is still dishing his lies, but he's about to lose his head.

This amazing storyline has caused a significant lack of sleep as I spend all the late night hours reading this astounding tale, with all my favorite characters leading the charges across the world trying to make a better life for their friends, families and the survivors depending on them. Non-stop action keeps my attention narrowly focused so I don't miss a single line of dialogue, the thrust of a spear in a fight scene, or the whispered words of comfort to a friend or loved one. Now I can't wait for the 12th and final recounted tales of my heroes, the Hell Divers! This is a truly amazing read!
Profile Image for BookzBookzBookz.
Author 12 books73 followers
January 14, 2024
I have to say, Helldivers: Renegades was yet another adventure, filled with revenge, justice, and some additional threats. I have to admit, I was beginning to think The Immortal was finally meeting his end, but Sansbury-Smith has something special for him.

In this installment of the saga, X and Mags are looking for their extended family. Tim and his own crew are seeking sanctuary, with danger at every turn. There’s a crazy man, thinking himself a disciple to a God , wanting Mag’s as a mat?

This story, just as with all of the Helldivers books, is just as mouth-watering, just as action-packed and wonderfully developed. I feel as though I have lived and grown with all of these character. You don’t jut read about them, you come to know them- even if some are killed off. And when they are, you feel it. NSS knows how to bring them all to life.

Much appreciation to this series and I can’t wait for the next release!
Profile Image for Maria.
300 reviews
June 27, 2024
I just binged the whole series and now I have to wait for book 12. Eleven was really good. It was nice to finally have some positive, hopeful experiences for these characters after all the tragedy in the last couple of books. I love that the story doesn't stagnate, even with the same characters and a recurring problem of trying to secure resources and protect their home, there were still surprises and unexpected revelations. I also really liked how certain characters have become more complex, like getting into Jorge's head and unraveling some of his layers. There was even a bit of action here that seemed like a nod to The Last of Us.
Profile Image for Ian Yarington.
585 reviews7 followers
February 26, 2025
This has been a great ride, I've really come to care about the Vanguard Islands and the cast of characters, even the ones like Hefe. Smith has a way of making characters you're supposed to not like seem human and relatable in a human way, even the half cyborg Forerunner, I can easily see his motivation and it makes him seem fairly human to me. After the reveal at the end, and admittedly I started the next one already, I'm really hoping for a happy ending for humanity. I'm preparing myself for the death of every character I love in the process but I think they end up diving so humanity survives.
Profile Image for William (Mr. Bill) Turner.
435 reviews7 followers
January 4, 2024
Excellent Series

One of the best adventure series I've read. In book 11, there are several significant events that occur. No spoilers, but if you felt like all was lost or that the adventure was over, you should hang up your prognosticator cape and pointed hat. Things heat up with new challenges for X and the sky people as the uneasy truce with the Cazadores is tested by a new threat.
Don't forget that there is a Audible performance by the one and only R. C. Bray.
49 reviews
April 7, 2024
Another great read in the series

For as long as I've been reading this series, the author always throws multiple loops in the mix that keeps you engaged within the story, even when you feel you might know what is going to happen, a curveball is given to you that you probably would not have anticipated. However, knowing the next book will be the last in this series is a bit disappointing, though it has been quite a journey from the beginning.
333 reviews2 followers
June 14, 2025
I am very impressed by Nicholas Sansbury Smith, this is book 11 in the series and I am still enjoying the thrill and always wanting to know what happens next. He somehow manages to keep the human element alive in these stories despite the terrible things happening. He also has done an incredible job at keeping things fresh and introducing new concepts, while still relying on elements previously introduced without making it seem out of character.
Profile Image for Amy Macuga.
36 reviews
August 24, 2025
Started this 11 book series on a whim…Audible started it when I finished a book on a road trip and I just went with it. Obviously ended up really enjoying the series. I wouldn’t recommend it to everyone, but I really enjoyed it. I am going to take a break and mix up my reading a bit, but I’ll be back. The author came on the audible at the end and had so many cool things to stay and said he had all kinds of spin off stories he wanted to work on for his readers.
Profile Image for Alison Kate.
71 reviews
December 12, 2023
This book was a great setup for the finale of the long series. It didn't feel like as much action happened throughout like the previous novels, until the last quarter of this one. However, that doesn't litigate the fact that it was still a 10/10. Can not wait for the final installment! Will be re-reading them all for it. 🔥
Still my FAV series!

#WeDiveSoThatHumanitySurvives
34 reviews
January 5, 2024
cheers & tears

Cheers that once again X will be saving his people. Tears that this series will end. I have been an avid follower fr the first book. Fallen in love w characters & cried when some died. Can’t wait for the last book but so hate to see it end.
This is the true merit of a good book.
Profile Image for Kelly Townley.
16 reviews1 follower
January 7, 2024
My husband recommended we listen to the first Hell Divers years ago now. He has dropped off, but I'm still obsessed with the storyline!

I love the characters, and I'm attached! I laugh,I cry , and cheer in every book.

This book was amazing as always and it kept me in the edge of my seat. I can't wait for the next book in the series. NICHOLAS SANSBURY DID IT AGAIN!
Profile Image for John F. Wells Jr..
190 reviews1 follower
January 13, 2024
Never a break, just one little break.

I have read this series from first to present, these people have been through so much hardship. This is such a great chapter in this stories history, you can feel the hope starting to smile down on them. I just wish I didn't burn through these so fast, but they grab you and throw you around like a rag doll in a dog's mouth.
Profile Image for Dave Foss.
51 reviews3 followers
January 14, 2024
Another hell divers thrill ride

There's not many authors that can span a series more than 3 books, but Nicholas Sansbury Smith writing hell divers is just phenomenal. Renegades opened more possibilities for survival in a apocalyptic world that most couldn't make up or even think about and the ending just opened up another radical change that I can't wait for in the next book.
Profile Image for John B. Markley.
50 reviews
January 16, 2024
Okay, typically I'm a five star guy. Four stars takes a lot for me, but in this case much of the story seemed forced. Contrived. I felt the characters were a little out of their normal. I look forward to book XII, and I think it'll be a good story arc, but this part of the story seemed unecessary.
Profile Image for Aaron Mullins.
18 reviews
January 24, 2024
This feels more like a filler story just to get us to the end. Send characters out, have characters die for random reasons, bring characters back. It seemed like only a small fraction of the book was actually used to advance the overall story. I'll definitely be back to see how the series ends, but this book was a bit of a disappointment.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews

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