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The Orphans #5
Civil War
Orphans Civil War Vol V
Book five begins almost one year from the fateful release of the drug that started it all. Wage war alongside Shaun and Ellie with the rest of the group as the threats increase and the threatened fight back! Lives will be lost but those that refuse to back down will have to fight harder than ever before to see one more day.
Book five begins almost one year from the fateful release of the drug that started it all. Wage war alongside Shaun and Ellie with the rest of the group as the threats increase and the threatened fight back! Lives will be lost but those that refuse to back down will have to fight harder than ever before to see one more day.
308 pages, ebook
First published June 30, 2016
93 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
Mike Evans
78 books136 followersMike Evans lives in Iowa with his wife, children, and two adopted dogs Rusty and Harley Quinn. He writes with a passion to bring his characters to life, to make you fall in love with them, and then make you flip pages to find out if they’ll survive or perish. He keeps his characters realistic, there are no superheroes. There are no perfect characters in his books, everyone has their flaws much like that of life. Mike loves to write in different genres and is unafraid to try something new.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 5, 2016
This is the 5th book in The Orphans series and each book gets better and better. You would think you'd be prepared for the loss of some characters you have grown to love in this series but wow, this book makes you realize you're not. It's a heart breaking story of the continuing fight for survival against the zombie hordes and sadistic fellow survivors. This book is a non stop, action packed, terror filled and emotional ride that will leave you drained. The ending has a twist I definitely didn't see coming and leaves you wanting so much more. I admit I cried many times during this story and felt anger towards the author for making me care so much for characters he discards along the way but that's what makes this series so awesome. I'm really stoked for the next book that can travel in many new directions. I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves a great zombie/horror story.
December 28, 2025
A Chilling Descent into Internal Conflict (4/5 Stars)
If you've made it this far with Shaun, Ellie, and the rest of the "Orphans," you already know that Mike Evans doesn't pull his punches. You've survived the outbreak, the desperate early days, and the treachery of other survivors. But in Civil War, the fifth book of the series, the title gives away the game: the deadliest threat isn't just outside the walls anymore. Set almost a year after the initial outbreak, this installment masterfully pivots from survival against external zombies to a heart-wrenching battle within the group itself. For fans invested in these characters, it's a tense, emotionally charged, and necessary evolution that proves the fight for humanity is just as brutal as the fight for your life.
Key Themes
Found Family Fracturing: The core theme of this entire series—the bonds of this makeshift family—is put under unbearable stress. The "civil war" isn't a metaphor; it's a literal, devastating split forced by grief, conflicting ideologies, and the immense pressure of leadership. Evans explores how shared trauma can both unite and ultimately divide people when their visions for survival violently clash.
The Psychology of Leadership: Shaun's journey has always been about reluctant leadership. Here, that burden becomes a breaking point. The book digs into the impossible choices a leader must make when every decision costs lives, questioning whether compassion or ruthless pragmatism is the true key to survival in this "character-driven hell".
Grief as a Weapon: After four books of relentless loss, grief is no longer just an emotion; it's a catalyst. The story examines how mourning can curdle into rage, paranoia, and recklessness, turning allies into enemies as effectively as the "Turned" virus itself.
Character Analysis
By Book 5, these characters feel like old friends, which makes their conflict so impactful.
Shaun and Ellie: Their relationship, a cornerstone of the series, faces its greatest test. United by love but potentially divided by their responses to trauma and their vision for the group's future, their dynamic is the emotional core of the internal strife.
The Fracturing Group: The once-unified "Orphans" brigade splinters. Characters you've grown to love or love-to-hate will take sides, with loyalties you thought were ironclad suddenly called into question. This is where Evans' strength in making you care about deeply flawed, realistic people pays off—you'll understand, and maybe even sympathize with, perspectives on all sides.
The Turned: While the human drama takes center stage, the superhuman "Turned" remain a constant, terrifying backdrop. Their evolving threat ensures the external pressure never lets up, forcing the internal conflict to play out under the specter of imminent doom.
Writing Style & Pacing
Evans' prose remains straightforward and propulsive, favoring clear action and tense dialogue over poetic flourish. This style perfectly serves the book's breakneck pace. Once the "civil war" ignites, the narrative becomes a relentless series of confrontations, escapes, and desperate strategies.
A noted strength of Evans' writing in this series is his ability to maintain suspense. As one reviewer of the series put it, "Just when you think things may go the way you hope for them, things change". This is especially true here, where personal betrayals cut as deep as zombie bites. However, some readers continue to note that the dialogue and certain tactical decisions can occasionally stretch believability, reminding you this is a character-driven drama first.
What I Liked/Disliked
Liked:
Narrative Guts: It takes courage to fracture a core cast readers are invested in. This bold move refreshes the series stakes and delivers intense, character-driven drama.
Emotional Payoff: The conflict feels earned after four books of building relationships and stacking traumas. The emotional scenes land with real weight.
Unpredictability: With the group divided, alliances are fluid, making every chapter tense and genuinely unpredictable.
Disliked:
Pacing Whiplash: The relentless focus on internal conflict means there are fewer of the large-scale survival set pieces found in earlier books.
Frustration Factor: Watching characters you root for make terrible, emotionally-driven decisions can be frustrating—though this is likely by design.
Technical Nitpicks: As with previous books, readers with military or firearms knowledge might find minor inaccuracies distracting.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Final Verdict: 4 out of 5 stars. Civil War is a pivotal, heart-pounding entry that successfully evolves the series' central conflict. It's less about fighting zombies and more about fighting to preserve the soul of the group itself.
You MUST read this book if: You are invested in The Orphans series. This is a non-negotiable, game-changing chapter. It's perfect for readers who love character-driven apocalyptic fiction where the human dynamics are as dangerous as the monsters.
Do not start the series here. The entire impact relies on the history built in Books 1-4. New readers should begin with Origins.
Content Note: Contains the expected graphic zombie violence, strong language, and intense psychological tension.
For fans, Civil War is an essential, if emotionally draining, ride that sets a thrilling new direction. It proves that in Mike Evans' apocalypse, sometimes you have to survive your friends before you can survive the end of the world.
If you've made it this far with Shaun, Ellie, and the rest of the "Orphans," you already know that Mike Evans doesn't pull his punches. You've survived the outbreak, the desperate early days, and the treachery of other survivors. But in Civil War, the fifth book of the series, the title gives away the game: the deadliest threat isn't just outside the walls anymore. Set almost a year after the initial outbreak, this installment masterfully pivots from survival against external zombies to a heart-wrenching battle within the group itself. For fans invested in these characters, it's a tense, emotionally charged, and necessary evolution that proves the fight for humanity is just as brutal as the fight for your life.
Key Themes
Found Family Fracturing: The core theme of this entire series—the bonds of this makeshift family—is put under unbearable stress. The "civil war" isn't a metaphor; it's a literal, devastating split forced by grief, conflicting ideologies, and the immense pressure of leadership. Evans explores how shared trauma can both unite and ultimately divide people when their visions for survival violently clash.
The Psychology of Leadership: Shaun's journey has always been about reluctant leadership. Here, that burden becomes a breaking point. The book digs into the impossible choices a leader must make when every decision costs lives, questioning whether compassion or ruthless pragmatism is the true key to survival in this "character-driven hell".
Grief as a Weapon: After four books of relentless loss, grief is no longer just an emotion; it's a catalyst. The story examines how mourning can curdle into rage, paranoia, and recklessness, turning allies into enemies as effectively as the "Turned" virus itself.
Character Analysis
By Book 5, these characters feel like old friends, which makes their conflict so impactful.
Shaun and Ellie: Their relationship, a cornerstone of the series, faces its greatest test. United by love but potentially divided by their responses to trauma and their vision for the group's future, their dynamic is the emotional core of the internal strife.
The Fracturing Group: The once-unified "Orphans" brigade splinters. Characters you've grown to love or love-to-hate will take sides, with loyalties you thought were ironclad suddenly called into question. This is where Evans' strength in making you care about deeply flawed, realistic people pays off—you'll understand, and maybe even sympathize with, perspectives on all sides.
The Turned: While the human drama takes center stage, the superhuman "Turned" remain a constant, terrifying backdrop. Their evolving threat ensures the external pressure never lets up, forcing the internal conflict to play out under the specter of imminent doom.
Writing Style & Pacing
Evans' prose remains straightforward and propulsive, favoring clear action and tense dialogue over poetic flourish. This style perfectly serves the book's breakneck pace. Once the "civil war" ignites, the narrative becomes a relentless series of confrontations, escapes, and desperate strategies.
A noted strength of Evans' writing in this series is his ability to maintain suspense. As one reviewer of the series put it, "Just when you think things may go the way you hope for them, things change". This is especially true here, where personal betrayals cut as deep as zombie bites. However, some readers continue to note that the dialogue and certain tactical decisions can occasionally stretch believability, reminding you this is a character-driven drama first.
What I Liked/Disliked
Liked:
Narrative Guts: It takes courage to fracture a core cast readers are invested in. This bold move refreshes the series stakes and delivers intense, character-driven drama.
Emotional Payoff: The conflict feels earned after four books of building relationships and stacking traumas. The emotional scenes land with real weight.
Unpredictability: With the group divided, alliances are fluid, making every chapter tense and genuinely unpredictable.
Disliked:
Pacing Whiplash: The relentless focus on internal conflict means there are fewer of the large-scale survival set pieces found in earlier books.
Frustration Factor: Watching characters you root for make terrible, emotionally-driven decisions can be frustrating—though this is likely by design.
Technical Nitpicks: As with previous books, readers with military or firearms knowledge might find minor inaccuracies distracting.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Final Verdict: 4 out of 5 stars. Civil War is a pivotal, heart-pounding entry that successfully evolves the series' central conflict. It's less about fighting zombies and more about fighting to preserve the soul of the group itself.
You MUST read this book if: You are invested in The Orphans series. This is a non-negotiable, game-changing chapter. It's perfect for readers who love character-driven apocalyptic fiction where the human dynamics are as dangerous as the monsters.
Do not start the series here. The entire impact relies on the history built in Books 1-4. New readers should begin with Origins.
Content Note: Contains the expected graphic zombie violence, strong language, and intense psychological tension.
For fans, Civil War is an essential, if emotionally draining, ride that sets a thrilling new direction. It proves that in Mike Evans' apocalypse, sometimes you have to survive your friends before you can survive the end of the world.
May 31, 2017
Zombies, Life & Devastation
This book increases the pace as the story continues. Non-stop action. Character development is excellent. Zombies scarier, your heartbeats faster.
This book increases the pace as the story continues. Non-stop action. Character development is excellent. Zombies scarier, your heartbeats faster.
June 26, 2021
9 months since the outbreak, 3 months since the government announced there was no cure
Clary and Aslin began an intensive training program for the survivors gathered at the military base outside Johnston, Iowa. The original Orphans helped in the training, sharing the skills they had learned from the two Seals. Most of the survivors were teenagers, 16 and under. Shaun, Ellie, Greg, Patrick and Kya had been training with the Seals since the beginning. Shaun was their marksman. The skills he had learned from his father while hunting, bolstered by Clary and Aslin's teaching, brought his marksmanship to near legendary status. It helped that he had a burning hatred for the Turned, as they called the zombie plague victims. The Turned were monsters with an insatiable hunger for flesh and blood. They never tired, they never slowed, they were relentless predators and Shaun just wanted to kill them all.
The survivors at Camp Dodge didn't know that right down the road from them another group of survivors were camped out in a gated community. Led by an unscrupulous man named Cade, himself a monster rivaling the dead, they are bound to cross paths with the Orphans eventually and it won't be a happy meeting when they do.
The characters are amazing! You forget at times the they're kids. Shaun just turned 15 and teen hormones turned his patience into angst. Scratch that. I'm not sure he ever had patience to begin with, mostly guilt he feels for his part in the circumstances that led to the outbreak of the zombie plague. His father, Dr. Fox, had created the plague trying to cure Ellie's mother from cancer. His research assistant substituted untested compounds into the batch they gave her, turning her into the first victim of he zombie plague. I can barely remember being 14 or 15 and feeling all the hormone driven struggle between doing good and chasing after the female species about which I knew almost nothing. Add that to survivor's guilt and the fear of being eaten and you have a perfect storm of emotions.
This storyline is outstanding, truly amazing. And the characters drive the storyline with Hummers and machine guns. I really have no idea where this storyline is taking me, but I'm going to hang tight and enjoy the ride! On to the next installment of the Orphans series!
Clary and Aslin began an intensive training program for the survivors gathered at the military base outside Johnston, Iowa. The original Orphans helped in the training, sharing the skills they had learned from the two Seals. Most of the survivors were teenagers, 16 and under. Shaun, Ellie, Greg, Patrick and Kya had been training with the Seals since the beginning. Shaun was their marksman. The skills he had learned from his father while hunting, bolstered by Clary and Aslin's teaching, brought his marksmanship to near legendary status. It helped that he had a burning hatred for the Turned, as they called the zombie plague victims. The Turned were monsters with an insatiable hunger for flesh and blood. They never tired, they never slowed, they were relentless predators and Shaun just wanted to kill them all.
The survivors at Camp Dodge didn't know that right down the road from them another group of survivors were camped out in a gated community. Led by an unscrupulous man named Cade, himself a monster rivaling the dead, they are bound to cross paths with the Orphans eventually and it won't be a happy meeting when they do.
The characters are amazing! You forget at times the they're kids. Shaun just turned 15 and teen hormones turned his patience into angst. Scratch that. I'm not sure he ever had patience to begin with, mostly guilt he feels for his part in the circumstances that led to the outbreak of the zombie plague. His father, Dr. Fox, had created the plague trying to cure Ellie's mother from cancer. His research assistant substituted untested compounds into the batch they gave her, turning her into the first victim of he zombie plague. I can barely remember being 14 or 15 and feeling all the hormone driven struggle between doing good and chasing after the female species about which I knew almost nothing. Add that to survivor's guilt and the fear of being eaten and you have a perfect storm of emotions.
This storyline is outstanding, truly amazing. And the characters drive the storyline with Hummers and machine guns. I really have no idea where this storyline is taking me, but I'm going to hang tight and enjoy the ride! On to the next installment of the Orphans series!
December 9, 2016
Wow! As I get deeper and deeper into this series and come to like the characters more and more, I am thrown for a loop by this author! The training of the teens by two Navy Seals has made them stronger but not invincible…unfortunately. I think out of all the books so far, this one has been the most emotional. The sign of a good author is when he can delve deep into your emotions and elicit pain and anger in the situations. Mike Evans is that type of author! I sat here more than once while reading, swearing, yelling and yes…crying. I felt the pain of their loss as if I was there right alongside of them. As I had stated in my previous review for book four, no one is safe in the apocalypse and this holds true in this addition to the series. This is one of those series that once you read the first book you commit yourself to the rest to see what will take place next. After finishing this one, I now know to have a box of tissues handy because the losses keep piling up and emotions run deep. If you are a reader of zombie apocalyptic stories then this should definitely be added to your reading list.
March 11, 2020
I really like the series so far
I love love love that one of the main characters has Down syndrome. Is the way he's portrayed necessarily accurate? No, but the author did a good job of making him just a regular Joe. What is killing me is the editing errors. There are so many errors that sometimes I don't even know what the author is trying to say. A better editor is absolutely needed. But, aside from that, I love the series. Thank you for putting a character in with a disability and not making him into a joke.
I love love love that one of the main characters has Down syndrome. Is the way he's portrayed necessarily accurate? No, but the author did a good job of making him just a regular Joe. What is killing me is the editing errors. There are so many errors that sometimes I don't even know what the author is trying to say. A better editor is absolutely needed. But, aside from that, I love the series. Thank you for putting a character in with a disability and not making him into a joke.
December 14, 2018
My favorite so far
There ain't a lot to say when it comes to this series except it's been a hell of an emotional ride from the first book to now, it really sucks the characters that were lost in this book,I'm very sad but characters die especially during the Apocalypse and with such evil people out there and with such brutal zombies,The Turned,if you've read any of the books in this series you will not be disappointed in this one
There ain't a lot to say when it comes to this series except it's been a hell of an emotional ride from the first book to now, it really sucks the characters that were lost in this book,I'm very sad but characters die especially during the Apocalypse and with such evil people out there and with such brutal zombies,The Turned,if you've read any of the books in this series you will not be disappointed in this one
January 27, 2021
Still A Good Read
The drama continues in book 5. Things aren't looking good at the base and a lot is lost. You feel bad knowing the characters are mostly all children who should be living life instead of fighting to stay alive. I'm sad at the losses they take here but excited that this is not a boring read. There are some mix ups in names near the end but not too much . I'm all into this story and can't wait to see what happens next.
The drama continues in book 5. Things aren't looking good at the base and a lot is lost. You feel bad knowing the characters are mostly all children who should be living life instead of fighting to stay alive. I'm sad at the losses they take here but excited that this is not a boring read. There are some mix ups in names near the end but not too much . I'm all into this story and can't wait to see what happens next.
May 28, 2017
Excellent Book in this Awesome series
As with the other books in this series, this is an excellent well written story of teens trying to survive the turned world in which they live. I am not going to leave a long review of this book because I have to get started reading the next one. I highly recommend you do the same!
As with the other books in this series, this is an excellent well written story of teens trying to survive the turned world in which they live. I am not going to leave a long review of this book because I have to get started reading the next one. I highly recommend you do the same!
October 3, 2020
Great series! There are 3 kids that don't think before acting and are causing a lot of lives being lost. They are the main characters but then again they are teens and rebels. Love and friendship is distorting there actions. You cry with them and think what would you do as an orphan at a young age and how would you react in their situation. Great Book.
February 21, 2022
This book follows the teens almost a year following the outbreak. It shows their struggle to survive and their search for other survivors. Is this going to be good for the group or could it lead to danger. The characters are further developed and the narration is excellent! Overall a brilliant read! I'm listening to book 6 already
March 12, 2022
It keeps getting better!!
Every once in a while a series comes along that really captures my undivided attention. The Orphans is one of those series.
You start really caring about these fictitious “people”. When they die you mourn them. And there were too many shocking deaths to mourn in this one.
And then Shaun up and leaves…now to follow where he’s going.
Every once in a while a series comes along that really captures my undivided attention. The Orphans is one of those series.
You start really caring about these fictitious “people”. When they die you mourn them. And there were too many shocking deaths to mourn in this one.
And then Shaun up and leaves…now to follow where he’s going.
December 16, 2017
5 Stars
Betrayal, loss, anger, this series just seems to take you on an emotional rollercoaster. Intense, fast paced, and action packed. This one is the best so far. Love these characters, even though there are a few I just want to reach out and knock some sense into them.
October 20, 2018
Well hell
Just when you think you know what will happen next, Mike Evans throws a curve ball. I did not expect a lot in this book, but the end in particularly shocked me. Excellent book.
Just when you think you know what will happen next, Mike Evans throws a curve ball. I did not expect a lot in this book, but the end in particularly shocked me. Excellent book.
May 15, 2021
Another awesome read
This series just keeps you riveted. The perfect balance of action, plot, and humour. With each book I am more invested in the well drawn characters. I know I will read this series more than once.
This series just keeps you riveted. The perfect balance of action, plot, and humour. With each book I am more invested in the well drawn characters. I know I will read this series more than once.
August 9, 2021
This just gets better and better. The teens are proving their worth in all things but loss makes it hard for them. They seek retribution from the people who came to their home and killed many of their people. In the end heartbreak abounds. Narrator was awesome.
July 12, 2018
The "shit hit the fan".
May 12, 2020
very fast reading things move fast excellent
June 29, 2020
An amazing, mind-blowing, action packed book that gripped me and held my attention to the end and wishing for more. I can't wait for the next book.
February 11, 2022
Wow, what a surprise ending!
Mike Evans is a genius. He has Shaun and the gang in one predicament after another.
The story flows along like a raging river, non-stop.
Mike Evans is a genius. He has Shaun and the gang in one predicament after another.
The story flows along like a raging river, non-stop.
September 15, 2022
Exciting
This series is great. I can't wait to read the next book. The characters are believable even it some might be arseholes
This series is great. I can't wait to read the next book. The characters are believable even it some might be arseholes
October 6, 2022
Damn! Wow Mike Evans is killing me. I’m very upset by who we lost, but I’m definitely interested in our new friend. This is such a good series. Glad I have the next few books.
October 31, 2016
Here we are in book five of the series and it just keeps getting better and better . We are one year later and our two navy seals are finding and training more and more young people . They are getting into a rhythm and are thriving in the compound . Until the day that the earth falls out from under them and they have to fight a war that will take its causalities and also give you strength to carry on.
The characters in this book are getting stronger and more complex . Shaun is such a strong character , he is keeping everyone safe and is like a father figure to the younger kids . But you also see him becoming the leader that they need in this new threat that is coming for them . I mean when you think that Shaun and the group have been beaten down and can't take anymore . He pulls through and stands up to take more and dish out more . The other characters come out as strong and complex . They all have their places and they all contribute to the group in so many ways . Shaun wouldn't be the man he is with Ellie and the rest of the group.
I really enjoy these books , they take you on an apocalyptic rollercoaster ride. I have never cried so hard reading a book then I did at this one . I was so sad and angry at what treachery some characters pulled . I seriously wanted to scream at my kindle a few times . The twists and turns will keep you guessing and the story will keep you turning pages . The story is fast paced an full of action and you will probably finish it in one sitting .
I would love to see this set of books turned into a graphic novel. I seriously think they have what it takes to be in comic form . Its a great story that any person that loves zompoc books would devour . So if you like fast paced books with lots of action check out the ORPHANS series by Mike Evans .
August 22, 2016
Orphans Five
Oh the tears that this author makes me shed! I have loved this series from the first one and just when I think everything is going good for the survivors, something happens to prove me wrong. This is a fantastic series, well written and with great characters who happen to be fewer now. I absolutely recommend this series to anyone who enjoys this genre and even those who don't. I can't wait for number six!
Oh the tears that this author makes me shed! I have loved this series from the first one and just when I think everything is going good for the survivors, something happens to prove me wrong. This is a fantastic series, well written and with great characters who happen to be fewer now. I absolutely recommend this series to anyone who enjoys this genre and even those who don't. I can't wait for number six!
February 5, 2017
I love Mark's Orphans series. He let's you know that no one is safe, not even the characters we have come to grow and love. But, that's real life. Mike is taking us on the journey of watching these young people grow into their own, and he's doing a fantastic job of it. Can't wait to see what's next.
November 15, 2017
Love this series
I have absolutely loved this series and the author's great and vivid description of the characters really brings them to life. It is full of drama but with enough action and danger to really keep me on edge. I love The Orphans!!!!
I have absolutely loved this series and the author's great and vivid description of the characters really brings them to life. It is full of drama but with enough action and danger to really keep me on edge. I love The Orphans!!!!
July 2, 2016
Intense
This one is the best so far. Intense action awful heartache you will cry you will cheer if like me will say WTH several times can't wait to see what the next issue holds for us
This one is the best so far. Intense action awful heartache you will cry you will cheer if like me will say WTH several times can't wait to see what the next issue holds for us
July 14, 2016
Great sequel
I liked the action and seeing how the characters are coming along. The ending was a bit predictable but that's not always a bad thing. Great job!
I liked the action and seeing how the characters are coming along. The ending was a bit predictable but that's not always a bad thing. Great job!
July 22, 2016
Civil war the orphans
Awesome series. Can not wait for the next one to come out. Thank you for hours of entertainment. Off to buy another of your books
Awesome series. Can not wait for the next one to come out. Thank you for hours of entertainment. Off to buy another of your books
Read
May 10, 2018Harsh
The group suffers so many loses when a group of bad men decide to take from them. But Shaun and the rest are not going to take this lying down. Lots of action and emotion.
The group suffers so many loses when a group of bad men decide to take from them. But Shaun and the rest are not going to take this lying down. Lots of action and emotion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews