BD, Deano and the gang have finally made it out of the city, but rather than breathing a sigh of relief, a whole new set of dangers awaits them.
The infected, unseen enemies and rising tensions within the group create a perfect storm that might just lead to the end of everything they’ve strived for.
As the new dawn breaks, a deadly attack leaves the scrapyard refugees reeling and mourning the loss of one of their own.
Can they pull back from the brink of catastrophe or will today mark one battle too many?
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.
As always with this series I think the author excels with the characters. There is always your main "cast" with Deano, BD, Tess, and Derek. Every book in the series highlights certain characters so that you get to know them a bit more, and find out more about their past and their relationships within the "colony". This is the first time since book 1 we really got to see more from Taki, which was great. We also got more from Garo and family, Mya, and the newer characters which I am guessing will play a big part in the future. I just find it impressive that there are always an endless amount of characters, yet none are forgettable.
Storyline:
This one was VERY different from the first 5. The change to the countryside, the way the dangers changed almost fully from zombies to people, and the fact that the pace was much more different. I did enjoy seeing the team be a little out of sorts in the new environment, and seeing which members really stood out and thrived within it. I did love the Taki storyline, it really added that sense of danger to the book that other chapters didn't really have. Likewise, I think it was well-played to show how far the team have evolved when it comes to planning, plotting, and keeping each other safe. Now, there are only 2 things that irked me with the story...the first being that the whiplash of how different this story was threw me off at times, and it didn't seem to have the sense of urgency that every other book has had so far. The second thing is about the mob family who were chasing Deano and gang, they just disappeared from the storyline after being built up in the last 2 books... I hope they make another appearance and aren't just forgotten.
Pacing/Writing:
As always with these books the pacing is fine, never had an issue there as it never feels to drag on at any point. The writing however at times can be very repetitive, and when large conversations are happening it becomes a tad confusing who is speaking (it is rare though). The long speeches of hope have become a little predictable but they are needed in the story.
Ending:
I would say so far that this is the most relaxed ending in the series. It was definitely not a bad one, and I didn't find it annoying...it just didn't end on its usual cliffhanger or intense danger.
Emotional impact:
I wasn't as worried when reading this as the others in the series but I am very invested in the characters as the author has built up a rapport within the last 5 books. I am always a little nervous though because Mr Artinian is never afraid to kill off a character you love.
I can never convey just how much I love these books from Mr Artinian, keeps me so engrossed in the story and the characters, the battles they have for survival are exciting and somewhat worrisome, hate having to wait for the next book wether it’s the Unsafe books or Safe Haven. Can’t recommend these enough, and if you prefer horror without zombie then Devil’s Face and Madhouse (truly is Mad) are well worth reading.
What happens when 2 men have a feud going and one enlists another group to get rid of the other, well, nothing good I can tell you especially when there are still the dead to worry about. Deano, BD and the rest of their group are unfortunately thrown smack dab in the middle of this. Who will come out on top and will the loss of lives be worth it? Another great character driven, emotionally charged tale by Artinian.
I've missed reading this series. I'm glad I found Book 6. Nothing's changed, it's still good. I like how Derek found his place in the group. He was feeling like he wasn't carrying his weight. Jazz had similar feelings and that changed for her too. In this book we see the growth in the characters because Poppy felt a way too. Of course there was the fighting and drama and Taki. She's going through it but I believe she'll survive. Hopefully Book 7 is coming soon.
Another page turner from this author ! Brilliant series that gets better as it goes . You’re dragged in on a rollercoaster ride - never able to predict anything. Great character building. I found this author after reading the burning tree series , then safe haven & the end of everything. They’re all amazing series that leave you wanting more
So Sarf East London met the countryside? A match made in heaven or hell? To be continued! Brilliantly written with thrills and gore alore, some great dark humour and language to make a sailor blush but works so well and the characters you can actually visualise. Thoroughly enjoyable series, thanks Chris
An outstanding read from my favourite author. Bd and the gang embroil on another death defying mission and there is no shortage of action. Absolutely love the way Chris can introduce new characters so flawlessly and you feel like you already know them. Love this series and can’t wait to read more
Well book six is all finished now and things have begun to sort itself out, a few parts left over, like living in a zombie apocalypse but apart from that it’s going to be hard for our group. I believe book six is the end but maybe not, anyway a wonderful read. Enjoy
This episode of the series starts off with a bang and just keeps going. There is no let up in the action as our group faces danger after danger. I can't wait to see what happens next.
New characters are met: some will fight, some befriendBut who is who? Sad that I read this so quickly, but like all in this series I couldn’t stop reading until the early hours of morning. Now I’m hoping the next book is coming out soon, so I can do it all again!
Out of London our team of survivors, find refuge at Hagops brothers country farm, but also find Trouble, with a capital T.. have they come from the frying pan to the fire. Brilliant read, Christopher has done it again,
Another masterpiece. My complaint is what do I read until your next masterpiece. You are top of the pile, I have to move down to find my next read. Love you man
Could not put it down. I have read all I the series so far cannot wait for the next book. Keep writing Christopher, you get to know the characters in the book.