In the space of 24 hours, the world as we knew it was over.
The reanimating virus had swept through the streets like a tsunami. Relentless undead creatures took over the cities. Their only aim was to add to their ranks, to spread the plague that had ravaged the rest of the world.
For BD, his family and the small band of survivors who escaped the first wave, time is running out. Their safe harbour could soon become a prison.
A rescue mission, a race to safety and the threat of a marauding army descending on their settlement are just a handful of the situations threatening to upend their fragile new reality.
All their decisions come with a cost and today some will pay the ultimate price.
Christopher Artinian was born and raised in Leeds, England, but now lives on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. He published his debut novel, Safe Haven: Rise of the Rams, in February 2017 and currently has fifty-three horror and science fiction titles to his name, including international best sellers such as Relentless, Night of the Demons, The Devil’s Face, Neverland, The End of Everything and his new hit series, Unsafe.
Madhouse was released in October 2024 and Tantor Media bought the global rights for the audiobook in 2025. He's recently signed a shopping contract which paves the way for a possible movie deal.
We start where we left off in book 1 with Deano, BD, BD's Mum Tess, Derek, and the few others they picked up along the way safely back at the scrapyard. Derek is just as funny in this one, with his non-stop sarcastic humour.
As they make the scrapyard safe and habitable for the near future, others still need help to safety. We meet a whole host of new characters that Deano and BD are sent out to save. I also have to agree with Jiggy that BD is being a bit idealistic and naive in his approach.
The only downside, the book sometimes lacks a little depth, especially the characters, I don't really know what any of them look like. Other than Tess and her 'rolls of fat' and Tank being built... well, like a tank, we're a little lacking in detail.
Nonetheless, the story has kept me engaged enough to move on to book 3.
Loving this new series of books from my favourite author. I was hooked after the first chapter of book one. Chris has such a good way of introducing characters and you just instantly connect with them in some way. They aren’t superheroes they are normal every day people doing things they wouldn’t have dreamed of. Brilliant second book from start to finish and can’t wait for the next one.
More friends have made it to Deano's, the group of survivors is growing but so are the number of undead that they've had to battle at their safe place. A ham radio message is heard about more survivors at the school offering refuge. The group decide to check it out to see if they might move there if necessary or offer assistance as it sounds like they're short of supplies. What will come of the visit, will it be successful or a disaster and at what cost? Another character driven, emotionally charged tale by Artinian.
Book 2 of the series and more characters arrive. It’s a rollercoaster ride never knowing which way things are going to go! Who will survive ? Who will arrive? What happens next. Can they make it ? Do I want some of them to make it ? Love hate relationship with some of the characters. Found the author after reading The burning tree series (superb) then Safe Haven and the End of everything they’re all amazing series that you can’t put down. Highly recommend
This book is another great addition to Mr. Artinian's zombie universe! I have devoured his other zompoc series and this newest one is proving to be just as addictive.
Several things make this series stand out for me. The author has created wonderful characters, some of whom you wouldn't expect to be likeable! You have thugs, quasi-Mafia enforcers and ex-cons working alongside strippers and "normal" everyday people to survive the undead who are intent on mayhem.
The diversity of characters sets this book apart. You have an overweight, out of shape older woman and it's nice to be able to relate to her weaknesses. Then, you have a thug who is caring for his elderly father with Alzheimer's. Even though the son is a less than stellar individual, his love for his father makes him a likeable person. It is unique for an author to have his characters deal with things like mental issues and illnesses. Those things would definitely be a challenge in the zompoc!
Then, you have Dexter, the wonderfully sarcastic and opinionated retired actor! It's always nice to have some comic relief when you are fighting for your life! These characters are quickly starting to feel like old friends.
As usual, the narrator, Kim Bretton, does a fantastic job in bringing these characters to life. Each person has a distinct voice and you can picture them as you listen to the book, thanks to her amazing talent. I can't wait to see what's in store for this group of survivors in the next book!
It's no surprise that this is another brilliant story in this new series by Mr Artinian. He knows how to captivate and hold your interest throughout the entire book. Plenty of blood and gore and drama to satisfy everyone. Love the mixed bunch of characters and their interactions with each other. Definitely recommend this series if you haven't stated yet.
The story itself is really good and could go somewhere if it wasn't for the reused and slightly annoying dialogue.
I don't have much to say about this book really other than it's enjoyable and had some really edge of the seat moments. A lot of the book was empty to me and wasn't necessary. I'll still keep an eye out for the next in the series though.
This was a good story but I finished both books and now what? He can't leave us like this. I need more of something: Unsafe, Safe Haven or The End of Everything. Derek was my favorite character in this book. He was funny and dramatic. I see a lot of possibilities here. Please don't leave us hanging.
I really like these characters. They are all very real as you read this story. I like how they have different types of views all working together to build something rather than just survive. Excellent book and I can't wait for the next.
Another great read but then that doesn't surprise me I've not read a book by Mr Artinian that I don't like yet. Always takes, me a chapter or 2 to get into new characters but at the end of book 1 I wanted book 2 now where's book 3 😁
I was amazed at how excited I was to read this sequel. My loyalty to Mike is firm but these characters have got me good. Another great read and the anticipation continues for book three.
Brilliant, fast paced and very well written. Excellent cast, and the story is very well executed. Realising there are others banding together, and finding the need to make idealistic plans to help one another.
Another great read of which is shaping up to be a fantastic series! Some great characters and some great dark humour and laugh out loud moments. Fast paced, lots gore and keeps you on the edge of your seat. A fantastic second instalment, thanks Chris 👍
I couldn't put this one down,I read till the wee hours ,There was a heart pounding ride on just about every page. Poor Donna didn't make it. But does anyone you come to love make it? Does Deano,BD, Tiki, do they make it? What about Tess, keep on reading to find out.
Non-stop action and suspense! Artinian knows how to keep you hooked with every book Kim’s narration is always on another level It’s a must you check out the whole universe definitely one of the best on the market today 5 stars
Loving BD and Deano, you can see there relationship growing…. The scrapyard clan are becoming family pretty fast in these unsettling times, it’s not just zombies they have to fear. Action packed, fast paced and it’s hard to put down. Always leaves you needing more….
Great second book . Fast paced roller coaster ride following the group as they come to grips with what is happening around them . Looking forward to the next book