The Rise of the Iron Major

by Ellis Grayson

A companion novel in the Fall universe, exploring the rise of Damien Blackridge.

In the ruins of post apocalyptic Britain, one man rises to seize control of the chaos.

Major Damien Blackridge, once the most disciplined soldier in 3 Scots, becomes something far more dangerous when the world falls. As civilisation collapses, he forges a new empire from Caelaverock Castle, enforcing order through fear, precision, and brutal efficiency.

Communities fall under his rule. Tribute flows in. Resistance is crushed without hesitation.

But when a face from his military past resurfaces, Damien’s iron grip is threatened and the battle for power becomes darker than ever.

A relentless villain origin story set in the world of The Fall series, perfect for readers who crave ruthless leaders, broken morality, and the rise of a tyrant.

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 5, 2026

About the author

Hi I'm Ellis Grayson a fresh voice in post-apocalyptic fiction, driven by a lifelong love for the zombie apocalypse genre. With no formal background in writing, I've stepped into the world of storytelling purely out of passion.

I am based in the UK, I spend my free time thinking up ideas and plots for my next book and mapping out the next nightmare for his growing cast of characters.

I write for readers who love high-stakes tension, flawed but fearless survivors, and stories that explore what it really means to endure not just the end of the world, but everything that comes after.

Reviews

[Momma T's Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️I have never wished so hard to see a main character "fall." At first, you're excited. An end of the world, "Walking Dead" type read, from the military point of view. Only we ain't talking Grimes. We're talking the Governor. As part of the Fall Series, it makes you want to read more to see where the author will take it. For me, that means finding out who will best the Iron Major.

My opinion: Duplicity. There was a lot of redundancy. And definitely need more "biters." Or at least a little more back and forth when it comes to action scenes.

[Gemma Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another amazing book by the author Damien is a character you love to hate so strict and in control and the whole story flows just brilliantly xx

[Annamarie Delaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chilling and Thrilling.
There are so many unexpected twists in this book that to say anything about the storyline might be a spoiler. Tension packed, uncompromising and challenging, it’s certainly a compelling read. The Iron Major is described as a companion book to The Fall series. I have already read the first book, Before The Fall, and would recommend that other readers do the same to put The Iron Major into context. Next up – After The Fall!