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Ring of Fire Axial: A Disaster Thriller
The age of ruin has dawned.
A chain reaction of volcanic eruptions.
An inevitable result.
The countdown to extinction has begun.
Dr. Duke Mercer and the battered scientists of CalVO brace themselves, their ranks now bolstered by his daughter, Sloan, fresh from the cataclysmic collapse of Hawaii. As four active Hawaiian volcanoes rage, the Pacific Rim shudders, building to a terrifying crescendo with the awakening of the colossal Axial Seamount and an apocalyptic chain reaction across the Ring of Fire.
One family. Four continents. A world on edge.
“… my pulse is still racing. ”
Ring of Fire is a natural disaster thriller series from international bestselling author, Bobby Akart, one of America's favorite storytellers, who has delivered up-all-night thrillers to over two million readers in 245 countries and territories worldwide.
The Ring of Fire’s fury peaks as the Axial Seamount and volcanic systems across the Pacific Rim surge toward catastrophic eruptions. In Indonesia, Tambora, Toba, and Anak Krakatoa signal imminent disaster, threatening a global cataclysm. Across the globe, the devastating results of Fuji’s eruption and the catastrophic ramifications of the Hawaiian Islands uniting into chaos are revealed.
“Oh My God!”
These are not merely regional disasters.
This is the beginning of the end.
As the world's most dangerous volcanoes ignite in a symphony of destruction, the Mercer family confronts the ultimate, heartbreaking decision. They must act now, before the Earth's final, extinction-level event consumes everything. Or die.
The Ring of Fire has come full circle, and its last, devastating act will decide the fate of humanity.
This modern-day, fact-based novel will have you whispering just one more chapter until the end.
- GenresThriller
445 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 25, 2025
85 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Bobby Akart
98 books406 followersInternational bestselling author, Bobby Akart, one of America's favorite storytellers, delivers up-all-night thrillers to readers in 245 countries and territories worldwide. He's achieved Amazon Top 5 Author status in both fiction and non-fiction genres, Amazon Kindle All Star and Top 50 Amazon Author (#35) and Top 25 Best Selling Book on Amazon Charts (Yellowstone #25).
"He's right up there with James Patterson, David Baldacci, Brad Thor and others that write thrillers. To me he actually surpasses them.”
He has written more than 80 novels in the disaster, survival, medical and political thriller genres.
"He's right up there with James Patterson, David Baldacci, Brad Thor and others that write thrillers. To me he actually surpasses them.”
He has written more than 80 novels in the disaster, survival, medical and political thriller genres.
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October 3, 2025AXIAL is the fourth and final book in the Ring of Fire series.
I hope you love the story and characters. It’s always difficult for me to end a series. When you spend almost every waking hour, every day with a story and the family inside of it, you become attached. Sometimes the lines of fiction and reality become blurred.
I’m almost done with my next novel which is a standalone disaster thriller that takes place at Christmastime. I haven’t written a Christmas story since 2020 with the instant best seller, New Madrid Earthquake, so it was time for another Santa guest appearance. Readers of Axial will get the first look of what’s next.
Thanks for reading the Ring of Fire, making every book within the series an Amazon bestseller and one of my most talked about series to date.
I hope you love the story and characters. It’s always difficult for me to end a series. When you spend almost every waking hour, every day with a story and the family inside of it, you become attached. Sometimes the lines of fiction and reality become blurred.
I’m almost done with my next novel which is a standalone disaster thriller that takes place at Christmastime. I haven’t written a Christmas story since 2020 with the instant best seller, New Madrid Earthquake, so it was time for another Santa guest appearance. Readers of Axial will get the first look of what’s next.
Thanks for reading the Ring of Fire, making every book within the series an Amazon bestseller and one of my most talked about series to date.
September 26, 2025
The single best disaster novel I've read!
Axial, book 4 and the final book in the remarkable Ring Of Fire series, is, simply put, the single best disaster novel I've ever had the pleasure of reading. Akart has achieved something remarkable! Between the thorough research, superlative narrative quality with great characters, perfect plotting and pacing and descriptions of disaster so powerful they become your reality as you read them, there is nothing to be improved upon! I can't adequately praise Axial! 5/5 stars doesn't seem adequate! Highly, highly recommended for not just fans of disaster and survival thrillers, but thrillers, period! This book, and the series, are so well made and powerfully told that it will appeal to the entire global reading community. Seriously, just read Axial and the rest of the Ring Of Fire series, I promise you will not regret it!!
Axial, book 4 and the final book in the remarkable Ring Of Fire series, is, simply put, the single best disaster novel I've ever had the pleasure of reading. Akart has achieved something remarkable! Between the thorough research, superlative narrative quality with great characters, perfect plotting and pacing and descriptions of disaster so powerful they become your reality as you read them, there is nothing to be improved upon! I can't adequately praise Axial! 5/5 stars doesn't seem adequate! Highly, highly recommended for not just fans of disaster and survival thrillers, but thrillers, period! This book, and the series, are so well made and powerfully told that it will appeal to the entire global reading community. Seriously, just read Axial and the rest of the Ring Of Fire series, I promise you will not regret it!!
October 20, 2025
Survival
The Mercer Clan survives. This disaster thriller is so very realistic. The Mercer Clan does indeed make it through the endless disasters with grit, perseverance, heartache, and courage. When the Ring Of Fire does start its awakening, the entire earth will change. The scientific evidence presented in these novels is useful and helpful to all mankind. This is the fourth and last novel in this series and it does have a hopeful outcome for humans. Hopefully humans will be ready and listening.
The Mercer Clan survives. This disaster thriller is so very realistic. The Mercer Clan does indeed make it through the endless disasters with grit, perseverance, heartache, and courage. When the Ring Of Fire does start its awakening, the entire earth will change. The scientific evidence presented in these novels is useful and helpful to all mankind. This is the fourth and last novel in this series and it does have a hopeful outcome for humans. Hopefully humans will be ready and listening.
September 25, 2025
Akart’s BEST Book of BEST Series EVER! PHENOMENAL!!! AKARTS CHRYSTAL BALL IS WORKING OVERTIME!!
I never would have thought Bobby Akart could have written a BETTER BOOK in a BETTER SERIES but this book is unable to put down. The characters are great and you worry about what is reported in the news every day while you understand what is happening.
I never would have thought Bobby Akart could have written a BETTER BOOK in a BETTER SERIES but this book is unable to put down. The characters are great and you worry about what is reported in the news every day while you understand what is happening.
September 26, 2025
JUST WOW!
I love these books. I have read most of the geological related books on possible theories and the way Bobby sets the stage is amazing. It’s a wild ride and one that should be told. It may never happen..but it could.
I love these books. I have read most of the geological related books on possible theories and the way Bobby sets the stage is amazing. It’s a wild ride and one that should be told. It may never happen..but it could.
September 27, 2025
OMG!!!
Hold on for an unforgettable ride . The fourth Ring of Fire : Axial delivers. From Hawaii's Sisters to El Popo in Mexico to Menlo Park it follows the Mercer siblings and their patriarch through an unimaginable and horrifying Earth shattering end of the world as we know it. Read the Ring of Fire in sequence as each book builds on the previous one. You won't regret it.
Hold on for an unforgettable ride . The fourth Ring of Fire : Axial delivers. From Hawaii's Sisters to El Popo in Mexico to Menlo Park it follows the Mercer siblings and their patriarch through an unimaginable and horrifying Earth shattering end of the world as we know it. Read the Ring of Fire in sequence as each book builds on the previous one. You won't regret it.
September 28, 2025
A Tale of Survival
Like any great oral history, Ring of Fire Axial does not end, it marks the line between the old world and the new world.
As each member of the Mercer family slowly trickles into the Belmont house, fighting Tsunamis, flooding and atmospheric rivers, Duke and Betsy alternately cry and celebrate their homecoming until all are gathered in.
The Mercer family, finally reunited, hears Duke Mercer's plan for survival. Having received the counsel of the Chinook Elders in Oregon, Duke passes on the vow he made on behalf of the family.
Knowing that the worst is yet to come, with the combination of the rupture of the Axial Seamount and the seven sisters from Mount Hood down to Mount Shasta finishing the 'nuclear winter', a period of darkness, hunger and cold for an unknown length of time, Duke has made plans for the family to be able to survive.
Unlike the previous three books in the Ring of Fire series, the back-to-back tension doesn't feel so desperate. There is an underlying knowledge that Duke will lead them to safety. Like a drumbeat that mimics a mother's heartbeat, almost subliminally heard, even through tough conditions, the family trusts Duke.
As the story inexorably ends, no grief is felt as eyes are focused on the future.
Like any great oral history, Ring of Fire Axial does not end, it marks the line between the old world and the new world.
As each member of the Mercer family slowly trickles into the Belmont house, fighting Tsunamis, flooding and atmospheric rivers, Duke and Betsy alternately cry and celebrate their homecoming until all are gathered in.
The Mercer family, finally reunited, hears Duke Mercer's plan for survival. Having received the counsel of the Chinook Elders in Oregon, Duke passes on the vow he made on behalf of the family.
Knowing that the worst is yet to come, with the combination of the rupture of the Axial Seamount and the seven sisters from Mount Hood down to Mount Shasta finishing the 'nuclear winter', a period of darkness, hunger and cold for an unknown length of time, Duke has made plans for the family to be able to survive.
Unlike the previous three books in the Ring of Fire series, the back-to-back tension doesn't feel so desperate. There is an underlying knowledge that Duke will lead them to safety. Like a drumbeat that mimics a mother's heartbeat, almost subliminally heard, even through tough conditions, the family trusts Duke.
As the story inexorably ends, no grief is felt as eyes are focused on the future.
October 10, 2025
Oh boy, what a fantastic series!
Book 1 introduced the characters and set the scene nicely, only for Book 2 to drop them full-throttle into grave peril. Book 3, while still good, was the weakest of the bunch - imho the clandestine cloak-and-dagger subplot wasn't entirely necessary. Book 4 quadrupled the unflinching intensity of Book 2 and went beyond anything I could have imagined.
Akart is a superb wordsmith: There was the incredible tension of watching the world shatter under the force of tsunamis, atmospheric rivers and volcanic chain eruptions, and there was the (slightly unexpected) poignant ending. Even knowing that these events could, potentially, really occur, the series wasn't so much an end to neither the story nor the world, as much more so infused with hope for a reshaped future. Don't miss the epilogue, with some of the most beautifully eloquent, almost poetic lines I've ever had the pleasure to read.
Thank you for this wild edge-of-my-seat ride - I couldn't have picked better books to introduce me to this genre!
Book 1 introduced the characters and set the scene nicely, only for Book 2 to drop them full-throttle into grave peril. Book 3, while still good, was the weakest of the bunch - imho the clandestine cloak-and-dagger subplot wasn't entirely necessary. Book 4 quadrupled the unflinching intensity of Book 2 and went beyond anything I could have imagined.
Akart is a superb wordsmith: There was the incredible tension of watching the world shatter under the force of tsunamis, atmospheric rivers and volcanic chain eruptions, and there was the (slightly unexpected) poignant ending. Even knowing that these events could, potentially, really occur, the series wasn't so much an end to neither the story nor the world, as much more so infused with hope for a reshaped future. Don't miss the epilogue, with some of the most beautifully eloquent, almost poetic lines I've ever had the pleasure to read.
Thank you for this wild edge-of-my-seat ride - I couldn't have picked better books to introduce me to this genre!
September 27, 2025
Ring of Fire Acial
As usual Bobby has again predicted another disaster. With all of the activity happening in the Pacific with earthquakes and Axial acting up, this series hits close to home for many on the West Coast. Way to go, Bobby!
As usual Bobby has again predicted another disaster. With all of the activity happening in the Pacific with earthquakes and Axial acting up, this series hits close to home for many on the West Coast. Way to go, Bobby!
October 3, 2025
OUTSTANDING MUST READ POWERFUL SERIES!
I was amazed at how this book captured me so deep as I considered what the realistic characters I through! Characters are well written where I "felt the heat"! I liked the fact that the characters are part of same family - that tie gave additional power instead of just co-workers. This book should appeal to every reader in so many ways it appeals with the science, possibility because volcanos are real and yet a mystery to so many, how the work affects communities and how disaster can affect a family and re-connected love. I CONSIDER THIS A MUST READ SERIES!! EACH BOOK HAS POWER!
I was amazed at how this book captured me so deep as I considered what the realistic characters I through! Characters are well written where I "felt the heat"! I liked the fact that the characters are part of same family - that tie gave additional power instead of just co-workers. This book should appeal to every reader in so many ways it appeals with the science, possibility because volcanos are real and yet a mystery to so many, how the work affects communities and how disaster can affect a family and re-connected love. I CONSIDER THIS A MUST READ SERIES!! EACH BOOK HAS POWER!
October 3, 2025
In the ring, but Missed the Bull’s Eye
What an ending to the series! The first part of the book was exciting, then the story lagged a bit, and then picked up again as the loose ends of all the brothers and sister resolved their story threads. The finale was a real thought-provoker. I feel that the readers should have been better prepared in the series. Or maybe this book could have been incorporated with the others. It felt like something not really related. Or maybe the start of a new series?
What an ending to the series! The first part of the book was exciting, then the story lagged a bit, and then picked up again as the loose ends of all the brothers and sister resolved their story threads. The finale was a real thought-provoker. I feel that the readers should have been better prepared in the series. Or maybe this book could have been incorporated with the others. It felt like something not really related. Or maybe the start of a new series?
November 17, 2025
The book goes over the real science about volcanoes, both above and below the water, and what would happen if they would start to erupt along the Pacific Rim. This is a worse-case scenario which covers eruptions occuring in different places one after another.
You have a variety of characters in different places going through whatever is happening where they are. There's a lot going on and the book really seems to present a very realistic view of what might happen if the Pacific Rim begins to erupt, what would happen, what would the results be and how would people react and try to survive.
You have a variety of characters in different places going through whatever is happening where they are. There's a lot going on and the book really seems to present a very realistic view of what might happen if the Pacific Rim begins to erupt, what would happen, what would the results be and how would people react and try to survive.
October 8, 2025
Epic!
This last book was full of danger, edge of your seat cliff hangers, eruptions, and breathtaking happenings that will actually leave you gasping for your next breath! Bobby Akart has outdone himself. Never has there been a series that started out so full of content that left me gasping and anxious to see what was coming next! Do buy this series because you need to have experienced it all. Great job Mr. Akart!
This last book was full of danger, edge of your seat cliff hangers, eruptions, and breathtaking happenings that will actually leave you gasping for your next breath! Bobby Akart has outdone himself. Never has there been a series that started out so full of content that left me gasping and anxious to see what was coming next! Do buy this series because you need to have experienced it all. Great job Mr. Akart!
October 21, 2025
The story pressed me to buy four books
Having been growing up in and we visited so many of the places where the action took place in this story, I thoroughly enjoyed it because I could relate. I’ve been through Yellowstone. I’ve been through the Long Valley Caldera. And to realize geological potential of two sites and witnessing the eruption of Saint Helens and Pinatubo brought it all close to my being. Well, written and very possible.
Having been growing up in and we visited so many of the places where the action took place in this story, I thoroughly enjoyed it because I could relate. I’ve been through Yellowstone. I’ve been through the Long Valley Caldera. And to realize geological potential of two sites and witnessing the eruption of Saint Helens and Pinatubo brought it all close to my being. Well, written and very possible.
November 9, 2025
The Series
I strongly recommend this series but be prepared to let everything else come to a complete halt! once you start it is impossible to stop reading! These books are awesome and you will find yourself experiencing everything that the characters feel and go through! So sit back with a cup of tea and lots of snacks and enjoy hours of fine entertainment! God Bless and enjoy these books!
I strongly recommend this series but be prepared to let everything else come to a complete halt! once you start it is impossible to stop reading! These books are awesome and you will find yourself experiencing everything that the characters feel and go through! So sit back with a cup of tea and lots of snacks and enjoy hours of fine entertainment! God Bless and enjoy these books!
September 30, 2025
The series must be owned in print....
From beginning to end the tale of what has been forewarning to what shall be. Nonstop up all night ,until the last page. Knowledge of what has been mixed with the science of what is. The story of a family, a way of life, and the blending of all. I truly recommend the physical copies of the Ring of Fire..
From beginning to end the tale of what has been forewarning to what shall be. Nonstop up all night ,until the last page. Knowledge of what has been mixed with the science of what is. The story of a family, a way of life, and the blending of all. I truly recommend the physical copies of the Ring of Fire..
October 10, 2025
The Mercers are all in danger as most of the world's volcanic systems are erupting causing tsunamis at heights never seen before, fires, lightning storms, unbreathable air and more. Billions around the world are dying but Duke has a plan for his families survival made 20 years ago because he knew what was coming. An edge of your seat conclusion to a great but terrifying series.
October 16, 2025
Wow. Great Story
I’ve visited several of these places and have wondered at the power behind these volcanoes. This is an intense set of stories. My dad was a geologist in West Texas and often talked about the certainty that they will again erupt and change our world. Thanks Bobby Akart!!
I’ve visited several of these places and have wondered at the power behind these volcanoes. This is an intense set of stories. My dad was a geologist in West Texas and often talked about the certainty that they will again erupt and change our world. Thanks Bobby Akart!!
November 10, 2025
This book will rock your world!
The compelling conclusion to a series that grips you in the throat and squeezes with every descriptive word fed through your clinched teeth. I was there when the volcanos erupted. Ran from the lahars, lava and pyroclastic flows. Outstanding author! Keeps you grounded and on the edge of your seat at the same time.
The compelling conclusion to a series that grips you in the throat and squeezes with every descriptive word fed through your clinched teeth. I was there when the volcanos erupted. Ran from the lahars, lava and pyroclastic flows. Outstanding author! Keeps you grounded and on the edge of your seat at the same time.
December 28, 2025
What a ride...
In true Akart fashion this has been an adrenaline rush from the start. Through the whole series he never gives you the chance to just put it down or walk away from it. I highly recommend this series for fans and the just curious. If you have any interest in geology or volcanism these books will blow you away.
In true Akart fashion this has been an adrenaline rush from the start. Through the whole series he never gives you the chance to just put it down or walk away from it. I highly recommend this series for fans and the just curious. If you have any interest in geology or volcanism these books will blow you away.
September 27, 2025
Ring of Fire Axial
This has been my favorite of this series. The eloquence with which you described what Sloan observed after leaving the fire pit gave me goosebumps. Beautifully written Bobby. But I’ve got to ask, are these story lines brought from your nightmares?
This has been my favorite of this series. The eloquence with which you described what Sloan observed after leaving the fire pit gave me goosebumps. Beautifully written Bobby. But I’ve got to ask, are these story lines brought from your nightmares?
September 28, 2025
Beautiful prose
This last book was poetic in its description of the end of the world. It was beautifully horrific! It had a very different feel than even the other books in the series. Well done
This last book was poetic in its description of the end of the world. It was beautifully horrific! It had a very different feel than even the other books in the series. Well done
September 28, 2025
Great series
This series was extremely enjoyable. Is hub characters were well developed and the story was exciting from beginning to end. Bobby Akart is one of my favorite authors and this series is great.
This series was extremely enjoyable. Is hub characters were well developed and the story was exciting from beginning to end. Bobby Akart is one of my favorite authors and this series is great.
October 3, 2025
An excellent series
I enjoyed the stories, pace, and cadence of these books. Each builds upon one another with a spellbinding regularity. The people are believable, and while there are improbable scenarios, I know this was to build the narrative to a crescendo.
I enjoyed the stories, pace, and cadence of these books. Each builds upon one another with a spellbinding regularity. The people are believable, and while there are improbable scenarios, I know this was to build the narrative to a crescendo.
October 5, 2025
Best
I believe that this is the absolute best series you have ever written. I love the explanation you have provided. It is frightening to consider we are so close to the minimum.
I believe that this is the absolute best series you have ever written. I love the explanation you have provided. It is frightening to consider we are so close to the minimum.
October 9, 2025
Another thrilling ride
As expected, Bobby kept me on the edge of my seat til the very end. I think what makes his books great is the possibility. Look around and really see what going on in the world. It might make you pause and say, “I read that in a book.”
As expected, Bobby kept me on the edge of my seat til the very end. I think what makes his books great is the possibility. Look around and really see what going on in the world. It might make you pause and say, “I read that in a book.”
October 14, 2025
It Really Isn't The End
Axial could (should) be it's own book but it is almost an afterthought. Nonetheless the series finale read with page turning speed.
This series went to #1 on my Bobby A Series!!!
Axial could (should) be it's own book but it is almost an afterthought. Nonetheless the series finale read with page turning speed.
This series went to #1 on my Bobby A Series!!!
October 18, 2025
Very thrilling
Thrilling yet terrifying. The real aspects of this book are things the powers that be dont want 2 acknowledge. They dont want u 2 know the real truth. It's a great story. If u think its merely fiction think again.
Thrilling yet terrifying. The real aspects of this book are things the powers that be dont want 2 acknowledge. They dont want u 2 know the real truth. It's a great story. If u think its merely fiction think again.
December 24, 2025
Never stop learning
I always learn something new from Bobby's books while being highly entertained. I should be pretty smart by now since I've read everything he's published and I won't stop now. Silent night has been pre-ordered.
I always learn something new from Bobby's books while being highly entertained. I should be pretty smart by now since I've read everything he's published and I won't stop now. Silent night has been pre-ordered.
September 27, 2025
Out of Breath!
What a powerful conclusion to the series. This was or is an explosive novel. Catastrophes are addictive as long as I am not living it. Please read
What a powerful conclusion to the series. This was or is an explosive novel. Catastrophes are addictive as long as I am not living it. Please read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews