Cataclysm

Arisen #9

by Michael Stephen Fuchs

Hope Never Dies.

This is the end game - and it's not going well.

The battle to keep the undead tide from the walls of London is lost. Africa is a deadly hall of mirrors, leaving Alpha team riven with dissension and doubt. And the one man who might save the world is crashing to Earth half a world away. Only our greatest warriors can walk through this fire.

Betrayal. Chaos. Courage.
CATACLYSM

Genres: Zombies, Horror, Fiction, Audiobook, Post Apocalyptic, Military Fiction, Apocalyptic

392 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 28, 2015

About the author

MICHAEL STEPHEN FUCHS is author of the #1 bestselling epic ARISEN series of special-operations military ZA novels, which have repeatedly been Amazon #1 bestsellers in Post-Apocalyptic Science Fiction, #1 in Dystopian Science Fiction, #1 in Military Science Fiction, #1 in War Fiction, and #1 in War & Military Action Fiction, as well as Amazon overall Top 100 bestsellers. The series as a whole has sold over 1.5 million copies. The audiobook editions, performed by R.C. Bray, have generated over $5 million in revenue. He is also author of the D-Boys series of high-tech special-operations military adventure novels, which include D-Boys , Counter-Assault , and Close Quarters Battle (coming in 2026); as well as the existential cyberthrillers The Manuscript and Pandora’s Sisters , both published worldwide by Macmillan in hardback, paperback and all e-book formats (and in translation). He lives in London and blogs at www.michaelfuchs.org/razorsedge. You can follow him on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, or by e-mail.

Reviews

[David Dalton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have given all the other Arisen books (prequels and all) 4 to 5 star reviews. I always felt this series was written just for me. But book Nine just did NOT get to me. I felt no passion for the characters and the story arc. My favorites (besides the first book: , are and the prequel: ). I just cannot pinpoint it, but I guess in the end things were pretty much where they were at the beginning. I am a fan for life and will follow this story to the end. Here's hoping that book 10: The Flood perks me back up again!

[Rachael Ashak-Benson · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Favorite Series, My First Non Five Star Rating :(

I've rated every book in the series 5 stars up until now. I've even read the series twice. It's that great....until now
This book needs a thorough editing. Easily corrected issues throughout.
Way, way too much backstory. In previous books, any backstory was placed into the storyline with finesse, and brevity...this book, it's like re-reading previous books. A waste of space which could have been used for fresh material. As other reviewers have noted....
........This is like half a book. Definitely not up to the standards we are used to in this series.
There are clunky areas...where it's not clear what the author means.
The problems with the book pull you out of the story - which is a real bummer.
I am usually thrilled to get to read a new book in the series, and moving on to the next (the second since losing an author, sorry to point out) -- I am apprehensive. I don't want to be disappointed again.
It's a shame...such a phenomenal series. To have it, simply, start to peter out like this...... Not cool. :(

[Randy Harmelink · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series is just lacking something for me, but I plan to continue.

[[ J o ]]

Read the novella Genesis in the "Arisen" series. 1 Star and did not enjoy, therefore will not be continuing with the series.

[Nate B · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book of 2023! Woo!

[Julie Greig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great instalment, the adventure continues

Well it seems it's not just the dead that wasn't too stop our buddies from completing their scariest mission yet.
Book nine follows the Tier 1 operators back to where it all began, while keeping us up to date with Great Britain and how she farts in her war with the dead.
Add yet another new twist and it leaves you wondering how these guys manage to keep track of all the players.
If you love high tech, high speed, military apocalyptic roller coaster rides, get these books.
I would suggest you start with book 1 in the series so you can fully immerse yourself with the team.
Another excellent book, thanks guys x

[Kathy Ann'tie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't imagine any of these books getting less than a 5 star rating from me! I can't say enough good things about this series. The good news, I only have to wait 2 weeks for the next book and you can bet I will be starting it as soon as I can get my hot little hands on it. For me this is one of the best if not the best ZA series I have read. I will have to start reading it all again when it is finally over and I really dread that day. A must read series no doubt.

[Gautam Surath · Rating 3 out of 5]

Getting closer to the end but just not fast enough. With Genesis, I had expected the story lines to merge much quicker but Fuchs has other ideas I guess. Also the direness of the situation back in England is in focus. Also I guess there are multiple threads that all need to come together that this book was a bit unnecessary for the overall plot. Anyways, we do move forward and some interesting personal equations are emerging. Onwards

[Chinmayi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love this series, but this felt like half a book.

This series is so fast moving and exciting. But this book feels slow, staggered, and incomplete. They are stretching out the story too much.

[Cyc · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has to be the best zombie series written. Non-stop action with great characters. Over the course of 9 books you get to know them well and almost feel a part of the team. A lot of cliffhangers with this one. But that's what book 10 is for, which I already have.

[Geoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four star series all the way.
Love it.

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is - beyond a doubt - the worst book of the series. What in the world happened? How is this such a huge let-down after how good Empire of the Dead was? I can't help but notice that this is the first book that is not co-authored - this is all Michael Stephen Fuchs, apparently going solo where the rest of the series was co-written with Glynn James... could that have made such a huge difference?

This actually feels like this book could have been written as a bridge from the old series (there's a lot of backstory given here) to the books that are to come. This book feels clumsy, kind of like a clip episode from TV shows... I dunno... hopefully there's better stuff ahead.

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stretched too thin. That is the overriding quagmire of humanity that sticks in my mind through this part of the saga. Trying to accomplish enormous goals through almost the slimmest odds on an unprecedented scale with a time clock measured in days just ratchets the tension up to 100. Makes it very hard to put the book down.

I have to say Fuchs has mastered the exciting novel formula, while managing to keep it from seeming cookie-cutter. He really does do a great job of reaching out with a decaying zombie hand and pulling you into the story.

[Mr D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Mind Blowing!

High tension, action and drama all the way….again! I got to say the authors track record is very impressive.

Without giving any spoilers my one overriding thought at the end of this book was: “Zorn.. he’s either too stupid to live, or is fully onboard the crazy train.”
There were some very specific questions that were begging to be asked but they never cropped up. That said could they possibly trust any answers given when you consider that the person in question seems to be unfamiliar with the concept of “truth”.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm feeling a lot like Handon - well, that was an exercise in futility. I kept thinking the folks from Nemesis would show up, or some Somali warlord. But nope, just some psycho from Lemmonier.

In the meantime, things in London are just going from bad to worse. Can these people not catch a break? And what is going on with the zombies?

Lots of loose ends created here - which I'm sure will be tied up or addressed in The Flood.

Regardless, RC Bray makes it worth listening.

[Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally, after a three book lull of fighting Russians and then al-shabab, the British special forces operators are doing what they should be doing in a ZA apocalypse, putting the Zees to sleep, for good. The stakes in this book are pitch fever high and the action and writing are top-notch. The installment's title "Cataclysm" is a perfect summation of events that unfold in this installment. Looking forward to the next one.

[Scott Norris · Rating 4 out of 5]

another good book in this series. The only problem I have with this series is that it is a 24/7 Murphy's Law explosion. Not only does everything that can go wrong go wrong, but each mishap echoes throughout the book triggering more trauma. This is a group that needs a lifetime of PTSD counseling.

That said, I couldn't stop reading and wanting to see this group succeed.

[virgil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent PA Series Continues

Action! Action! Action! Book nine in the series, and the author continues to keep the story moving forward with emphasis on fresh characters and subplots. I would like to know what happened to the submarine that was trailing the carrier earlier volumes.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

if you like the genre you're bound to like the books. Full of action. The only issue I'm starting to have is that the series is obviously starting to turn into shorter & shorter versions of missions to keep you coming back for the next book. It's starting to get to be like watching a season of some TV drama series.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continuing a Great Story! !

Michael has written such great stories & this one is right up there with the others. While I would consider this book in the series to be calmer, there's still great action, adventure and plenty of zombie episodes. I can't wait to read book 10!

[Louis R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m getting nervous

We still have 5 books to go and things are hitting the fan! I knew not everybody was going to make it but now I’m worried NOBODY will! Suspense keeps ratcheting up and I love it!!!

[Mike Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zombies continue to kick ass/get their ass kicked

While the uninvited continue to try to stay that way the infected continue to gain numbers and ground.Nothing appears to slow the spread of the undead.

[Vanessa Kiger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good!

I was never into Zombie books before but I really love this series. The characters are what makes it for sure. I find myself rooting for them over and over. Definitely a story of survival against all odds with a ton of action!

[Bayu Riyadi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually started the series from this book without knowing that there are others in the series. Immediately fell in love with the series

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book in the series. But, note to self: Don't wait 3 years in between books! I barely remembered 25% of the history or the characters.

[Kelly Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Hard core action. Funny dialog. Full of emotion and heart. A great recipe for a great book. Excited to go to the next one.

[Sulestine Skinner-Levine · Rating 5 out of 5]

No Rest for the Weary

Good solid action back-to-back. Zorn is not to be trusted, and I hope the serum turns out to kill zombies.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Challenges Keep on Coming!

Whatever perspective of the story, the challenges keep in coming. Talent and team work continue to save the day. The mission continues on!

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome as usual. can't wait to start next book.

[Kathy D Dodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

So many stories within a story! This series keeps your attention and makes it hard to put down . It's a must read!