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The Apocalypse #2
Survival Game
One civilization lies in ruins, but will they be next?
Katya is a scientist, working on a top secret project for the Russian Empire. She's also desperate. Due to her classified knowledge of alternative worlds, she's being blackmailed into working as a spy - and her father's life is at stake. But Katya's assignment seems impossible.
She must hunt down a mysterious artifact that could give the dying Tzar his dearest wish - new life. But it's hidden on an alternate Earth, on an American controlled island. She'll have to go deep undercover to gain access to this prize. And Borodin, the Tzar's ruthless spymaster, has his own reasons for needing the object.
However, ambition blinds these men to the facts. The artifact will call down terror from the depths of space. If they use it, the Russian Empire, the Americans' beleaguered territories and all linked versions of earth face extinction. Katya discovers the truth with Jerry, an American survivalist based on the island. Together they must stop the artifact being activated, at any costs. Two civilizations depend upon it.
Katya is a scientist, working on a top secret project for the Russian Empire. She's also desperate. Due to her classified knowledge of alternative worlds, she's being blackmailed into working as a spy - and her father's life is at stake. But Katya's assignment seems impossible.
She must hunt down a mysterious artifact that could give the dying Tzar his dearest wish - new life. But it's hidden on an alternate Earth, on an American controlled island. She'll have to go deep undercover to gain access to this prize. And Borodin, the Tzar's ruthless spymaster, has his own reasons for needing the object.
However, ambition blinds these men to the facts. The artifact will call down terror from the depths of space. If they use it, the Russian Empire, the Americans' beleaguered territories and all linked versions of earth face extinction. Katya discovers the truth with Jerry, an American survivalist based on the island. Together they must stop the artifact being activated, at any costs. Two civilizations depend upon it.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published August 11, 2016
11 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
About the author
Gary Gibson
52 books421 followersGary Gibson's first novel, Angel Stations, was published in 2004. Interzone called it "dense and involving, puzzling and perplexing. It's unabashed science fiction, with an almost "Golden Age" feel to it ..."
His second novel was Against Gravity in 2005; the Guardian described it as "building on current trends to produce a convincing picture of the world in 2096."
Stealing Light was first published in 2007, and garnered a wide range of positive reviews. The London Times called it: "A violent, inventive, relentlessly gripping adventure ... intelligently written and thought-provoking".
Stealing Light is the first volume in a four-book space opera, the final volume of which, Marauder, was published in 2013.
To date, Gary has written ten novels, most recently Extinction Game and its sequel, Survival Game.
His second novel was Against Gravity in 2005; the Guardian described it as "building on current trends to produce a convincing picture of the world in 2096."
Stealing Light was first published in 2007, and garnered a wide range of positive reviews. The London Times called it: "A violent, inventive, relentlessly gripping adventure ... intelligently written and thought-provoking".
Stealing Light is the first volume in a four-book space opera, the final volume of which, Marauder, was published in 2013.
To date, Gary has written ten novels, most recently Extinction Game and its sequel, Survival Game.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 3, 2018
Solid, entertaining SF thriller. I do love Gary Gibson's books!
August 14, 2016
Action packed romp through parallel Earths in multiple universes with apocalypse and extinction dogging every step. I read all the way through in a oner and barely stopped for breath. Gibson's best.
January 31, 2017
It just didn't have the punch of the first book. But don't get me wrong, this team of survivors is again put to the test as they try to thwart the destruction of several of their realities.
There are alternate universes where the Russian czars were never overthrown and became the dominate world power. They send a scientists doubling as a spy and saboteur in order to acquire technology that will grant their czar perpetual youth. She is impacted by her experiences both on her home plane and on the planes this team of survivors take her to.
Though it just earns a 3, it was exciting, filled with adventure and double crosses left and right. My only problem was that it just didn't have the same desire to make me go to work the next day on just three hours of sleep because I stayed up too long reading it. The first one did this to me.
Starting with the second book will not get you terribly lost, but I would recommend beginning with the first one. It was a better book, and you get to see Jerry's origin.
There are alternate universes where the Russian czars were never overthrown and became the dominate world power. They send a scientists doubling as a spy and saboteur in order to acquire technology that will grant their czar perpetual youth. She is impacted by her experiences both on her home plane and on the planes this team of survivors take her to.
Though it just earns a 3, it was exciting, filled with adventure and double crosses left and right. My only problem was that it just didn't have the same desire to make me go to work the next day on just three hours of sleep because I stayed up too long reading it. The first one did this to me.
Starting with the second book will not get you terribly lost, but I would recommend beginning with the first one. It was a better book, and you get to see Jerry's origin.
February 21, 2020
In 'Survival Game', the premise carefully constructed in 'Extinction Game' gets to spread its wings. There's much savour here - from a plucky but believable heroine, and some enjoyable supporting characters, to some delightfully weird parallel alien worlds. Again, Gibson's knack for revealing only just enough serves him well, leaving it up to the reader's imagination to fill in the blanks. As a result, it rolls along at a cracking pace - I ended up reading the last third of the book in an after-midnight binge. Knackered next day, but worth it.
Being picky, I'd have liked a little more nuance to the main antagonist - but the point that his motivations were ultimately not dissimilar to the protagonist's was well made, and a nice touch. This was part of a pleasing realism which sets this series apart. There's little black and white here. The Authority and the Novo-Rossiyskaya Imperiya are more or less two sides of the same coin. The character who could have been the story's action hero, if it had been that kind of story, is regarded by his peers as a dangerous lunatic. Another aspect is that the author is unafraid to have key characters outwitted or making massive errors of judgement, for which they often pay dearly - surviving through blind luck or the efforts of others as much as by their own guile. There's a sense of everyone doing their best, but ultimately fumbling through the dark - an uncertain journey we share, leaving us with as many questions as answers.
Another refreshing choice was the first-person viewpoint following a new character. We get to see the protagonist of the last book from a new perspective. It's slightly disjointing, and he comes over as a slightly hapless supporting character - more could also have been made of how the other characters are seen through this different pair of eyes (in fact, I could have done with a better idea of what the characters looked like in general) - but as a device it immediately widens the series' feeling of scope.
The possibilities of this series are - almost literally - endless. Roll on book number 3!
Being picky, I'd have liked a little more nuance to the main antagonist - but the point that his motivations were ultimately not dissimilar to the protagonist's was well made, and a nice touch. This was part of a pleasing realism which sets this series apart. There's little black and white here. The Authority and the Novo-Rossiyskaya Imperiya are more or less two sides of the same coin. The character who could have been the story's action hero, if it had been that kind of story, is regarded by his peers as a dangerous lunatic. Another aspect is that the author is unafraid to have key characters outwitted or making massive errors of judgement, for which they often pay dearly - surviving through blind luck or the efforts of others as much as by their own guile. There's a sense of everyone doing their best, but ultimately fumbling through the dark - an uncertain journey we share, leaving us with as many questions as answers.
Another refreshing choice was the first-person viewpoint following a new character. We get to see the protagonist of the last book from a new perspective. It's slightly disjointing, and he comes over as a slightly hapless supporting character - more could also have been made of how the other characters are seen through this different pair of eyes (in fact, I could have done with a better idea of what the characters looked like in general) - but as a device it immediately widens the series' feeling of scope.
The possibilities of this series are - almost literally - endless. Roll on book number 3!
March 19, 2025
It took me a few chapters to actually get into this book. I was so confused by the concept of the story line and all the different alternates and time differences, though once I caught the gist of it, I found it quite an enjoyable read, though took alot of concentration to remember all the names of people and places and what they'd done or where they'd been.
The story as a whole was enjoyable to read. Though I've never read anything by Gary Gibson before, I feel that I'd happily pick up another one of his books to read.
The story as a whole was enjoyable to read. Though I've never read anything by Gary Gibson before, I feel that I'd happily pick up another one of his books to read.
December 22, 2020
A great continuation of the story. I loved the introduction of Katya and her perspective, and so many revelations about the Stage Builders and civilizations that even preceded them, and also about the interdimensional threat that wipes out civilizations. The great thing about the theme of these books is that there seems to be infinite courses and possibilities for the story. Looking forward to the next installment.
February 24, 2023
Book two of the Apocalypse Duology series, a bunch of people running around alternate universes, scavenging stuff they think is useful. It was ok, it had its moments, some intrigue, but not a lot. It was a steady read, easy going, easy to follow. Just enough to keep me interested, but only just. I will read the third and last book in the duology (yes I know) just to see how it ends, as they say “in for a penny in for a pound”.
March 13, 2017
I wish this book went on and on. I loved it, a little less than the first one, but still. I am aching for more alternates. I kind of missed that in the second one. But still, I really enjoyed it. Please write more!!!
June 4, 2017
A rich universe to explore (well, multi-verse), a terrific plot, and excellent characters. The book stands on its own, but there's more to explore here I am sure. More to come perhaps? There's a hook at the end for one.
May 18, 2022
Good sequel
Following on from the first book, this continues the story and remains as intriguing as the original. Excellent story telling and characterisation. Bringing in New participants that fit in with the original thread very well. Definitely going for the third book.
Following on from the first book, this continues the story and remains as intriguing as the original. Excellent story telling and characterisation. Bringing in New participants that fit in with the original thread very well. Definitely going for the third book.
October 18, 2017
Started off a bit slow and didn't meet any of the characters from the first book until well into the story, but it picks up to the point where it is hard to put down as you approach the end.
October 14, 2019
Fun Read
Fun, thrilling ride, with believable characters. I am looking forward to reading the next book. Human nature will win out?
Fun, thrilling ride, with believable characters. I am looking forward to reading the next book. Human nature will win out?
Read
August 24, 2020The 2nd book in the Apocalypse Trilogy.....continues this wonderful parallel world hopping story! Gary Gibson is an excellent writer
December 22, 2021
Multiverse
American vs Russian
Apocalyptic worlds
Action packed and adventurous
It's a nice book but for science fiction admirers.
American vs Russian
Apocalyptic worlds
Action packed and adventurous
It's a nice book but for science fiction admirers.
January 14, 2024
Excellent Story
Well written 2nd book in the series, good character building. I am very much looking forward to reading Number 3.
Well written 2nd book in the series, good character building. I am very much looking forward to reading Number 3.
June 14, 2025
Even better than the first one. 4 solid stars.
March 12, 2017
3.5 stars from Ray, read the full review at FANTASY LITERATURE
Disclaimer: just so you know, some of the books we review are received free from publishers
Humankind has a weird fascination with its own demise. It’s the reason apocalyptic fiction has been a staple for decades. You’ve read zombie apocalypse, imminent meteor, killer virus stories a million times, so the real challenge now is finding an interesting way to explore said demise. Gary Gibson‘s take on the genre is surprisingly refreshing in the second instalment of his APOCALYPSE DUOLOGY series, The Survival Game.
We first meet Katya Orlova as she is jumping off a train. She is a scientist working for the Russian Empire, but due to her knowledge of alternate worlds, she has been blackmailed into obtaining an item that will grant the Tsar new life. This item is the Hypersphere: an artefact which allows the user to move between alternate universes. The catch? The Hypersphere is not only being sought after by a host of other unsavoury characters, it also has the potential to destroy the universe as Katya knows it....3.5 stars from Ray, read the full review at FANTASY LITERATURE
Disclaimer: just so you know, some of the books we review are received free from publishers
Humankind has a weird fascination with its own demise. It’s the reason apocalyptic fiction has been a staple for decades. You’ve read zombie apocalypse, imminent meteor, killer virus stories a million times, so the real challenge now is finding an interesting way to explore said demise. Gary Gibson‘s take on the genre is surprisingly refreshing in the second instalment of his APOCALYPSE DUOLOGY series, The Survival Game.
We first meet Katya Orlova as she is jumping off a train. She is a scientist working for the Russian Empire, but due to her knowledge of alternate worlds, she has been blackmailed into obtaining an item that will grant the Tsar new life. This item is the Hypersphere: an artefact which allows the user to move between alternate universes. The catch? The Hypersphere is not only being sought after by a host of other unsavoury characters, it also has the potential to destroy the universe as Katya knows it....3.5 stars from Ray, read the full review at FANTASY LITERATURE
March 22, 2017
3.75 stars
February 1, 2018
Not a good read. The writing was copybook. The premise was unbelievable. The Tzarist Russia angle had no history behind it. It got more than 1 star because of the action on Delta 25. I recommend it to no one.
October 1, 2016
I want more great story desperate for more
November 23, 2016
Fast paced and intense hard sci-fi book. Reading it you can remember how fragile our environment is and how close we all are to a number of global disaster scenarios.
December 22, 2016
Awesome
I loved this one as well as the first one. Wish the author would continue to write in this world. Love the endless alternate idea, with always something else to find.
I loved this one as well as the first one. Wish the author would continue to write in this world. Love the endless alternate idea, with always something else to find.
April 27, 2017
Every bit as good as Extinction Game, if not better. An excellent combination of sci-fi and thriller in a background of alternate Earths where the extinction of mankind seems to be a common theme. This sequel takes the ideas from the first novel and improves on them. Marked as a duology but hopeful that there will be, if not a third book, then some sort of continuation of the storyline.
Ray Smillie
Ray Smillie
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews