A new dawn beckons and so does the hope of a fresh start for the scrapyard survivors. But there are still hurdles to overcome.
The previous day’s battle has lured an army of infected into the area and there are some who do not want to let bygones be bygones.
While a determined few work and plan towards a future, others plot to return to the past and are willing to do whatever it takes to reach those goals.
BOOM!
A catastrophic domino effect throws the entirety of East Linton into a desperate life-or-death struggle.
No one is safe and trust is suddenly the most valuable currency there is.
Will Deano, BD and the others risk everything to help their new neighbours or is this the moment they decide to take control to save the people they care about most?
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 the characters are the stand-out part for me. They are so familiar and well-known to me know, and the cast keeps expanding with every book and it also delves deeper into the well-known characters too. Every book does seem to focus on certain characters a little bit more, with this one it was Derek and Mya, which I loved because Derek is my favourite character, and Mya adds a different dimension to the characters. Of course, we had some great comedy from the others, and I know I will always rate them highly after each book.
Storyline:
This one started a little slowly for me, then went BOOM for a good 150 pages, then it kind of sizzled out again in the last 50 or 60 pages. I was not on the edge of my seat as much as I usually am with this series, and for the first time, yet I felt a few bits were predictable. I did love the new direction it is going in though, and like books 2 and 3 building up to the climax of book 4, I feel 6 and 7 will result in an explosive book 8. Not only that, but I wish there were a few more interactions, as I feel for the first time some of the characters showed up and then disappeared again for the rest of the book. Not as exciting as it usually is for me. Also, whatever happened to the gangs in London that were after them, did they just disappear after being present for 3 books?
Writing/pacing:
As always I love how many different viewpoints we get from an array of characters. I especially loved Mya's parts as they were very nerve wracking and had a sense of foreboding within every page. The pacing is always super easy to get through with these books, although it is starting to become a little repetitive. After nearly every sentence someone said "what do you mean" and it felt like a very easy way to be able to connect dialogues. A lot less of "he smiled, she smiled" in this book though so that is a win for me.
Ending:
The ending wasn't bad per se but the way the book had built itself up for 300 pages, and it kind of ended without any sense of danger, and there was no larger threat mentioned. It was just a little safe for me.
Emotional impact:
The part with Helen and Jiggy after the fire did make me very emotional, and I do always feel for Lili but as I said I was not on the edge of my seat and a lot of the book I was reading without the usual sense of dread or worry that I get.
Not my favourite in the series, but I will definitely keep reading as it is leading to something colossal, I can tell.
8/10.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
BD, Deano, Tess, Derek and the others in the group just can't catch a break. They've had to leave places they thought would be safe because of unscrupulous people and the dead while picking up more people along the way and adding to the group. Now once again they're fighting for their lives because of one man's ego. What will be the cost this time and will this never end or can they finally find a safe place to survive? The hordes of dead is bad enough but why can't survivors just exist together instead of fighting each other. Another character driven, emotionally charged tale by Artinian.
This was so good. I can even image what Taki looks like. Imogen's husband was bound to get killed. He just wouldn't stop plotting but he was a coward. I was surprised people were still following behind him after everything that's already happened. I'm not sure what's gonna happen next. Is this the end or a new beginning? I'm here for whatever because I've been enjoying the series.
Excellent series sadly you can’t predict a single thing or turn the pages quick enough to see what’s going on. I found the author after reading the burning tree series then Safe Haven and The end of everything- they’re all brilliant series & should be on the tele ! Can’t wait for the next one
outstanding book from start to finish. I am invested in every single character, Chris is amazing at writing characters you instantly feel like you’ve known for years. can’t wait to see what lies ahead. If you haven’t read any of Chris’s books you’re truly missing out.
Another fantastic read and can’t believe we’re seven books in already! So well written with some truly brilliant characters. Dark humour a plenty and real laugh out loud moment. Shows no signs of slowing down or becoming “ same old” or boring. Another rollercoaster of a ride and can’t wait for the next book. Genius Mr Artinian 🙏
Another brilliant story from the Safe Haven/End of Everything world. I couldn’t get through the pages fast enough- from the London crew, Mya and the prime minister I wanted to know more and more. Can’t wait for the next books 📚 for each of these worlds!!
This book was quite the adventure. Filled with danger from both zombies and human monsters. There is hope too though. I guess we'll just have to wait for the next book to see how things will go. Grrr Mr Artinian grrr.
Another epic book in the series, lots of action, you never know what to expect or who’s going to survive, makes you nervous and gets your heart going a little faster. I love the one liners but damn I should not read in bed cos I disturb hubby laughing if I read one. 5* highly recommend.