Heroes

Hell Divers #12

by Nicholas Sansbury Smith

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Nicholas Sansbury Smith throws the Divers into another action-packed adventure in the final installment of the Hell Divers series.

Two final dives. One mission that will determine the fate of humanity—forever.

The Forerunner has decimated the Vanguard Islands in a surprise attack from the Trident warship. King Kade Long—seeing no alternative—accepts a peace deal, committing to a perilous mission with X, the “Immortal,” to activate weather-modification reactors at the poles. But as Kade and X set off, the fragile peace is threatened by Gran Jefe’s one-man guerrilla war against the psychopathic knight, General Jack. Meanwhile, halfway across the world, Michael and his family begin to settle into their new life in the Canary Islands, only to discover that it’s not the sanctuary they believed it was.

Diving into the most inhospitable territory yet, the Hell Divers face horrific monsters bred for a single to keep them out at any cost. Their only hope of defeating the monsters and restoring the planet is for enemies to unite behind the Immortal and finally work together. But with blood being shed back home, these heroes may have nothing left to save.

In Hell Divers Heroes, beloved characters will confront their fates in a desperate bid to resurrect the world, though not all will live to see the dawn of a new era.

Genres: Audiobook, Post Apocalyptic, Science Fiction, Dystopia, Fiction, Thriller, Horror

483 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 6, 2024

About the author

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/

Reviews

[Jan Mc · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've wondered for several years how NSS was going to end this series, and he didn't disappoint me. I dragged it out as long as I could, but I finally finished it. I am sorry it's over, but also looking forward to the "missing years" book due out very soon (pre-ordered immediately it was announced). Also, the author's afterward promised a few other items to anticipate.

Thank you, NSS, for the grit, the tender moments, the monsters, the escapes, the bravery, the betrayals, and most of all, the characters.

Thank you, R. C. Bray, for making it all come alive.

[Maria Elena Vancina]

Ouuuuu I’m excited 🥺

[Wayne Fielding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a roller coaster ride. This final book in this series had me on the edge of my seat. The synopsis warned that not everyone would make it and that was true. So many tears but great happiness as well. This is a terrific series that I recommend to anyone that likes post apocalypse, science fiction, action adventure. It's also good for those who like suspense, love, laughter, family and friends. There is a lot of fear, violence and sadness but it feels like it could happen.
This series might be coming to the big screen. I hope so!

[Janey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this series and can't wait to read the spin offs!

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book overall, but not my favorite. Perhaps it was because I knew this was it, and there'd be deaths of our favorites. But man... I wish Kade would have lived because he had become my favorite after being introduced. I know his demise played a pivotal role in the plot of this final book, though so I understand. I do wish he'd have done some crazy cowboy shit though to have gone out, as that'd have suited him better in death I feel. X surviving played true to the Immortal mantra built up through the series, but one reason I gave this a 4 rating is because of his rescue after hitting self-destruct unknowingly on the Concordia ship being left out of the pages entirely. I understand wanting it to be a surprise, but I find it crazy that Valeria Jojo and Watt were able to activate the reactors, return back to the Trident, and rescue X with no action taking place to require page time? That part disappointed me. Gran Jefe was a beast. But a plot hole I am furious with being left out is Frank!!!! Where's the USB Gran Jefe carried and General Jack confiscated? If it survived a missile strike to a Chopper and exposure to ocean water, how could it not be mentioned again in this story? I know Gran Jefe fought for his son, but it'd have been great if the story would have had him slip it Pepe who in turn could have provided it to X at the end and he could have uploaded it to the Trident or paiwiththe AI with Timothy in some way to bolster defenses and plan for the new age ahead. Hopefully Frank will be rediscovered and brought to pages in future installments. I feel this should've been the longest book as it did feel like a lot of stuff was rushed in this one. I wish Gran Jefe had more page time once he returned to the Metal Islands. For him to go through everything he did just to die quickly upon returning (and not really succeeding in any fashion other than saying he made it and looking at his son one last time) was somewhat of a downer. He said to Pepe he would free the Cazadores yet did not accomplish that quest. Again, he got Frank's AI back to the Vanguard Islands but it wasn't explored. Why?


This series as a whole rocked. So many memories were made during this dozen-book run. My favorites though aside from X were Kade and Rhino. For as much focus was placed on Kade and his rising to become King Kade, he was a very interesting character who I'd love to read more about.

[Lexie Coronado · Rating 5 out of 5]

You think a 12 book series is very long, until you get to the end I wonder how it could all flow together so eloquently and so fast. NSS did nothing short of taking his time to ensure this last book was perfect.

[Chad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best series next to anything in Cosmere.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

It was an interesting and great series. Sorry it ended but on the other hand glad it had a happy ending.

[Kristiania Dudek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great conclusion! Book wraps up all the stories and the pieces. Nicolas was spot on again. I had all the emotions reading this book.

[Sean Geaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NSS for an amazing ending to the series that got me back into reading again! I’m so sad the dives and adventures into the wastes are over 😭

[Booksofdoom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure it's really a four star book, but I enjoyed the series and I think this was an ok ending to the saga, and for Xavier.

For the entertainment and the enjoyment and the love for the characters, definitely a 4.

For Michael and the whole "I'm stupid all the time" or "evil invaders again" or "everybody must be losing an arm at some point", maybe a 2.

[Cristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

While it's sad to say goodbye to these brave divers, the conclusion feels earned and respectful of the series' legacy.


...or is it goodbye? 😯

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my review of the book, it  might contain spoilers. I love the Hell Divers series, this book of the series was so very good, I think it's my favorite of the series. It was an emotional roller coaster ride. I loved how the book had happy endings for my favorite characters. My only disappointment was that Mags did not get the happy ending I had hoped for. I really hoped that Mags would have found Rodger and that he would really be alive. While reading this book I laughed and I cried.

[Catherine Callaghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is a nice final farewell to the characters we've spent 12 books falling in love with. However, it feels like it came almost too late to be a happy ending. The idea of the weather modification system was initially brought up a few books ago then forgotten in favor of new enemies and plotlines that felt unnecessary at the end. The last few books bring up new ideas then quickly abandon their potential in favor of an idea that originated eons ago and should have been explored back then. The Korean boy from Outpost Gateway and how he got to the Americas is quickly pushed aside. Two new enemy groups are introduced, the horse riding slavers and the Satanists, but are dispatched just as quickly then never mentioned again. For a series that has so many groups of people and their origins explained, this feels like a let down and the same battles could've been achieved with monsters instead of humans. In the same vein of rushed ideas, the Cerebro man-machine hybrid definitely needed more time and exploration. Why was Kade given the offer over everyone else? This feels like an enemy that would've worked well being introduced after the DEF-9 units were stopped as it explains the EMP doesn't work on it. It would've been a much more satisfying conclusion if they had dealt with these kind of hybrids before and had been struggling to defeat them until this point. The resolution for the Knights and the Forerunner also felt rushed. In the last book he was set up as a Big Bad, someone they couldn't defeat, but then all of the sudden he's this sympathetic character who's misunderstood and just wanted people to help him reach his goal. I love this entire series but it felt like one-off plotlines in the past 3 books should've been scrapped to further set up conflicts in this one which would have made for a much more satisfying conclusion.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never thought that I would get emotional while listening to a Hell Divers book. I have enjoyed this series so much over the years. Knowing with this was the last book, I was wondering how it would all end. It has definitely been quite the adventure.

There was far more to The Forerunner than I could have ever imagined. They dynamics between The Forerunner and X went very deep. Surprisingly they were very much alike at their core.

There is no room for love in the heart of a soldier.
-The Forerunner

After years of darkness we have finally come to an end. A great ending to the Hell Divers series but the dives aren't over. Looking forward to Rhino: The Rise of a Warrior: A Hell Divers Novel and more of Hell Divers: The Lost Years: X and Miles: Book 1.5 in the Hell Divers Series.

[Brett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was honestly a very satisfying ending to this series, there are not many series out there that I can say kept a consistent main storyline that somehow kept things interesting and still introduced new elements and challenges and managed to not get repetitive over the course of 12 books. Compared to some of the origins of series like these the authors would just repeat fight scenes in just different scenarios, but NSS managed to keep things changing even in the fight scenes.
I think at this point in the series the characters and the author got a bit callous in how they treated the deaths of their friends and family, though I can understand wanting to keep things on a slightly lighter note given that this was the last book in the series too. If you enjoy military action, mutant beasts, monsters, people figuring out how to survive in a post apocalyptic world, and a fun ride of a story with character growth then this would be a good series for you.

[Ian Yarington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pure action and a satisfying conclusion. I can't even express how I feel about this series. It was a good ride. I feel like I have that "end of series" depression where I'm satisfied I finished but I'm sad the ride is over. At this point in the series I don't feel like a true review would do any good because folks should have formed their own opinions but I'll leave you with my favorite characters and who I think might have a future spin off in this world. Kade and X. I know, I know, pretty predictable to pick them, or at least X, but something about the continued selfless choices and their desire to see a better world is just inspiring. I think Alton and Brey are two key characters that could have roles in a future series. They are pretty obvious picks but probably obvious for Smith too!

[Todd Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and this series. A perfect ending to a truly perfect series. An absolute Hell of an apocalypse series. There are none that beat this! I have been listening to this series for 8 years and not once have I gotten bored with the story or the characters! The author and narrator are absolutely amazing! I was sad to hear the story of X and miles were ending finally but extremely delighted to hear that spinoffs as well as prequels will be coming. Nick, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you for such an amazing ride with this series! I am looking forward to each and every story connected with this series and truly hope there is a movie in the works! You sir, are the GOAT! Thank you!

[Michael Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our heroes are scattered across the globe

Xavier, Magnolia, Miles and Jo Jo are held by the Forerunner in his warship, the Trident. Michael, Layla and their son Bray have arrived at the Canary Islands in the former Hive, with Timothy Pepper at the helm. The Vanguard Islands, ruled by King Kade, are under attack by the Forerunner's forces. A plan to start the devices under the North and South Poles, will bring the storms under control and bring healing to the planet.

All our favorite characters are back. The Hell Divers have more work to do! There is still much to do to restart the world. As this amazing storyline winds down, the fight continues! As were all the rest of this series, this tale is full of action and adventure. This is another great read!

[William (Mr. Bill) Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hell Divers XII: Heroes WOW!

I finished reading 'Hell Divers XII: Heroes' about a month ago. I didn't review it at that time because I honestly didn't want to admit to myself that I had finished the series (or is it?). I've felt this way after every 'Hell Divers' book I've read - and I've read them all. Full disclosure: I've read almost everything that author Nicholas Sansbury Smith has published. If you've been reading 'Hell Divers', book XII is a must-read addition to the story. Of course, the great R. C. Bray lends his talent, giving the 'Heroes' the familiar voices and provides the emotions that author Smith always captures in each book. What a ride or Dive it's been. - Mr.Bill

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Satisfying! I loved it! Thank you for the action and the results of all their sacrifices. I loved how Gran Jefe had his own big chunk of this book and really stood out as one of the heroes. His skills were really impressive, first as a survivor on the islands and inside the volcano, on the ocean and then battling like a gladiator. I love how Michael's small group had their own adventure that led to significant changes for the future. He was a one-atmed badasss savior. I love X and Miles so much and I'm happy with how everything happened, and how there's room for so many more story branches.

[Barb Gunzenhauser · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great end to a great series

The end of a series is often sad no matter what the outcome has been. This one is especially sad because the characters in The Hell Divers series are a part of a very special group that have become friends. They were created by an author that knows the secret to producing the best writing and keeping his readers wanting more. Nick, you have out done yourself. Love this series and can’t recommend it enough. My friends all know how special it is. Thank you for all your hard work!

[Bill Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won't post any spoilers here but suffice it to say this was a terrific conclusion to an epic adventure. As always the writing was crisp, engaging and often produced edge-of-your-seat excitement.

The only downside is it is the conclusion of an adventure that kept my interest from the first book to the last.

I cannot recommend this book strongly enough for those who enjoy Post-apocalyptic adventures.

The ending wrapped up the story-line very well but maybe left open the possibility of a sequel or two? One can only hope!

[Alison Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

AHHHhhhhh, it's all finally over, and I'm so sad!! I can't wait for the prequel!!!! Hands down my favorite series of all time. RC Bray's voice on the audible is just so perfect for this book and made the whole experience amazing. 😍 I now own every physical copy and will be reading them all rather than listening. I can't wait to start the journey again. I started listening to this series back in 2019, and it's been an amazing ride. Thank you, Nicholas Sansbury Smith, for this incredible masterpiece!

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, absolutely devoured this 12 book series. I’m not into deep scientific technicalities so I found this, as a post apocalyptic scenario, quite believable. I mean, who knows what is achievable in the future and what has already been invented, discovered, etc that is hidden from the masses. Jam packed with heart-stopping action, believable characters and amazing prose that creates incredible imagery in your mind. I will definitely re-read it all as I tend to fast read at times and sometimes miss some things.

[Aristotle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darth Vader vs The Borg

"We will add your biological and technological distinctiveness to our own. Your culture will adapt to service us" -Cerebro

"Don't be too proud of this technological terror you've constructed. The ability to destroy Earth is insignificant next to the power of the Force." -Forerunner

"Resistance is futile" -Cerebro

"Your lack of faith is disturbing" -Forerunner

A good ending to the series.
It was a long a winding road for X. The trauma and pain he endured he deserves to rest in the Undying Lands.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

The end of an era and the dawn of a new one. Such a high price for victory but the world is finally given the chance to recover. The danger of the threats and consequences have never been higher, but the scale of the threats is far smaller than past books. No hoards of mutants or anything, which I sort of expected, only a small amount of really tough ones. Good stuff though, I enjoyed the series. I would love a sequel series set like 50 years in the future or something...that would be really cool.

[Thomas Hobbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, saved the best for last! 12 stories on King Xavier and all his struggles and successes on a ruined nuclear waste planet. This was by far the best one but honestly I was hoping for nuclear version beast of abominable snowman or snow sirens. I think this novel was the only one in the whole series that didn't have 1 siren. And I am grateful the author has cleared up more stories and more adventures going forward. THANK YOU NICHOLAS SANSBURY SMITH!!

[Gilpatrick Peyton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, man. What an ending!

I do not want to give any spoilers, but if someone is invested in the Hell Divers series, knowing this is the last book is hard. We want to know what happens, but we know this is a tough and violent world, but we want a positive outcome for these characters we came to love years ago. Again, no spoilers, but, well done, Mr. Smith!! Plenty of great action, interesting science, and characters who are closer than family. Just, WOW!