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Hell Divers #3
Deliverance
Left for dead on the nightmarish surface of the planet, Commander Michael Everhart and his team of Hell Divers barely escape with their lives aboard a new airship called Deliverance. After learning that Xavier “X” Rodriguez may still be alive, they mount a rescue mission for the long-lost hero.
In the skies, the Hive is falling apart, but Captain Jordan is more determined than ever to keep humanity in their outdated lifeboat. He will do whatever it takes to keep the ship in the air—even murder. But when he learns the Hell Divers he exiled have found Deliverance, he changes course for a new mission—find the divers, kill them, and make their new ship his own.
In the third installment of the USA Today bestselling Hell Divers series, Michael and his fellow divers fight across the mutated landscape in search of X. But what they find will change everything.
In the skies, the Hive is falling apart, but Captain Jordan is more determined than ever to keep humanity in their outdated lifeboat. He will do whatever it takes to keep the ship in the air—even murder. But when he learns the Hell Divers he exiled have found Deliverance, he changes course for a new mission—find the divers, kill them, and make their new ship his own.
In the third installment of the USA Today bestselling Hell Divers series, Michael and his fellow divers fight across the mutated landscape in search of X. But what they find will change everything.
352 pages, ebook
First published May 15, 2018
890 people are currently reading
1973 people want to read
About the author
Nicholas Sansbury Smith
103 books2,379 followersNicholas Sansbury Smith is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty novels with two million copies sold. Before his writing career, he served at Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management, a background that inspired many of his story concepts. A two time Ironman triathlete, he enjoys running, biking, and hiking. Nicholas also loves traveling, especially to his cabin in Northern Minnesota where he weaves his tales. He lives in Iowa with his wonderful wife and their son and daughter.
Note: Nicholas is no longer an active user on Goodreads and does not use the platform. If you want to connect with him on social media here are some links. He would love to hear from you.
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Note: Nicholas is no longer an active user on Goodreads and does not use the platform. If you want to connect with him on social media here are some links. He would love to hear from you.
Facebook Fan Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NSSFa...
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/nicholassans...
Website: nicholassansburysmith.com
Instagram: instagram.com/author_sansbury/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 414 reviews
November 8, 2022
Deliverance
(Hell Divers #3)
by Nicholas Sansbury Smith
The crew finally meet X! He is the one who finds them! Another group is also sent down to try to steal the ship they are working on. More action and suspense especially with the strange other survivors that live on an island. X has met them once and has to save a couple of crew members from them. These survivors are monsters themselves!
(Hell Divers #3)
by Nicholas Sansbury Smith
The crew finally meet X! He is the one who finds them! Another group is also sent down to try to steal the ship they are working on. More action and suspense especially with the strange other survivors that live on an island. X has met them once and has to save a couple of crew members from them. These survivors are monsters themselves!
August 22, 2018
The Hell Divers trilogy reached a satisfactory conclusion with this book, but the epilogue leaves room for more story in this dystopian world. Because it is hard to review this book without revealing points that might spoil the first two books of the trilogy, I have put the rest of this review under a spoiler tag. However, my review has no spoilers of the third book.
May 7, 2018
4.5 Stars
Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book via NetGalley. This has not influenced my review.*
This book was an emotional punch to the stomach---and I mean that in the best, most complimentary way possible!
Parts of this book were so depressing and harsh and terrible that they were downright hard to read. Other parts of this book were so hopeful and wholesome that I actually teared up. All of this book was gripping and filled with intensity. And it was unpredictable in that I had no idea what might actually happen.
*Warning: The next four paragraphs contain SPOILERS for previous books in the series. Also just a note, I'm going to talk about all the characters and events in past tense because I can never figure out what tense to use when reviewing ongoing series.*
The story alternated between two timelines and multiple POVs, and one of the timelines was about X and his time on the surface over the previous ten years. I spent the whole book with my heart breaking for X. With each new passage showing us a glimpse into his life on the surface, another piece of my heart cracked off. He was a great character and an imperfect but good-hearted man with so much inner strength and determination, and he deserved so much better than being abandoned the way he was.
Then there was Michael and his team on the Deliverance, heading to the location of X's last transmission in order to try and find him. It was interesting seeing things from various POVs, seeing what this mission meant to each of them, seeing what was important to them. I felt for each of those characters too.
There was also a new team of hell divers training and going down to the surface on a mission. For that we had what I believe was a new POV character, but it allowed us to see more of the goings-on in the Hive.
Last but certainly not least, there was Captain Jordan, who was running the Hive. I hated Captain Jordan just as much this time as I did in Book 2, and yet, I found myself almost feeling sorry for him (which, let me tell you, is some damn good writing because he was an awful person). He honestly believed that he was doing the right thing. He wasn't, but he convinced himself that everything he was doing was necessary and worth it in order to do what he deemed right. It was ironic in this amazingly circular kind of way. The man with no humanity within himself was trying to save humanity, but in doing so, he was destroying it. In his unwavering focus on his goal to keep the Hive in the air, he lost sight of the real goal and failed to realize that to be human means more than simply to survive. The way the Sirens evolved is, in a way, proof of that. But anyway, I found myself liking his POV a lot more this time because it was just so well-written.
*END SPOILERS*
Another thing about the characters, normally I don't like when books have too many POVs, but it worked well here. It gave a well-rounded view of everything going on, and each character was so well-written and developed that I enjoyed getting to see through their various perspectives. I also like how, throughout the series so far, we've gotten to see such a wide range of ages, from children to characters 50+.
And of course there was all sorts of action, what between the Sirens and giant swamp creatures and man-eating plants and lightning storms and whatnot. (Ok, the beginning was a little slow, but don't worry, it picked up.) And if you're reading this review but haven't read the previous books yet, be warned---the series is graphic and gruesome and does not shy away from the violence or horrors of the post-apocalyptic world these characters live in.
So overall, this book was amazing, intense, and packed full of emotion, and I'm once again looking forward to continuing the series!
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
---------------------
Initial Thoughts:
This book was an emotional punch to the stomach. (And I mean that in the best, most complimentary way possible.) 4.5 stars - full review soon!
Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book via NetGalley. This has not influenced my review.*
This book was an emotional punch to the stomach---and I mean that in the best, most complimentary way possible!
Parts of this book were so depressing and harsh and terrible that they were downright hard to read. Other parts of this book were so hopeful and wholesome that I actually teared up. All of this book was gripping and filled with intensity. And it was unpredictable in that I had no idea what might actually happen.
*Warning: The next four paragraphs contain SPOILERS for previous books in the series. Also just a note, I'm going to talk about all the characters and events in past tense because I can never figure out what tense to use when reviewing ongoing series.*
The story alternated between two timelines and multiple POVs, and one of the timelines was about X and his time on the surface over the previous ten years. I spent the whole book with my heart breaking for X. With each new passage showing us a glimpse into his life on the surface, another piece of my heart cracked off. He was a great character and an imperfect but good-hearted man with so much inner strength and determination, and he deserved so much better than being abandoned the way he was.
Then there was Michael and his team on the Deliverance, heading to the location of X's last transmission in order to try and find him. It was interesting seeing things from various POVs, seeing what this mission meant to each of them, seeing what was important to them. I felt for each of those characters too.
There was also a new team of hell divers training and going down to the surface on a mission. For that we had what I believe was a new POV character, but it allowed us to see more of the goings-on in the Hive.
Last but certainly not least, there was Captain Jordan, who was running the Hive. I hated Captain Jordan just as much this time as I did in Book 2, and yet, I found myself almost feeling sorry for him (which, let me tell you, is some damn good writing because he was an awful person). He honestly believed that he was doing the right thing. He wasn't, but he convinced himself that everything he was doing was necessary and worth it in order to do what he deemed right. It was ironic in this amazingly circular kind of way. The man with no humanity within himself was trying to save humanity, but in doing so, he was destroying it. In his unwavering focus on his goal to keep the Hive in the air, he lost sight of the real goal and failed to realize that to be human means more than simply to survive. The way the Sirens evolved is, in a way, proof of that. But anyway, I found myself liking his POV a lot more this time because it was just so well-written.
*END SPOILERS*
Another thing about the characters, normally I don't like when books have too many POVs, but it worked well here. It gave a well-rounded view of everything going on, and each character was so well-written and developed that I enjoyed getting to see through their various perspectives. I also like how, throughout the series so far, we've gotten to see such a wide range of ages, from children to characters 50+.
And of course there was all sorts of action, what between the Sirens and giant swamp creatures and man-eating plants and lightning storms and whatnot. (Ok, the beginning was a little slow, but don't worry, it picked up.) And if you're reading this review but haven't read the previous books yet, be warned---the series is graphic and gruesome and does not shy away from the violence or horrors of the post-apocalyptic world these characters live in.
So overall, this book was amazing, intense, and packed full of emotion, and I'm once again looking forward to continuing the series!
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
---------------------
Initial Thoughts:
This book was an emotional punch to the stomach. (And I mean that in the best, most complimentary way possible.) 4.5 stars - full review soon!
August 19, 2022
4.5 out of 5!
I am still loving this series!
Still loving the reign of terror that is Captain Jordan!
I actually wanted more of him in this book. He is just a great villain.
And I love that we keep learning more about this post apocalyptic world. Nicholas Sansbury Smith just keeps building on and building on and I'm here for the ride.
This series is so cinematic, especially with the audiobooks!
The only reason this one is not 5 stars is because I wasn't as invested in some of the new characters that got added to the story. So, whenever we had chapters or sections from their POVs I was entertained but wanted to get back to the others that I cared about more.
I'm already reading book 4 and still enjoying this series!
Full Video Review: https://youtu.be/vhgWd6PuieA
I am still loving this series!
Still loving the reign of terror that is Captain Jordan!
I actually wanted more of him in this book. He is just a great villain.
And I love that we keep learning more about this post apocalyptic world. Nicholas Sansbury Smith just keeps building on and building on and I'm here for the ride.
This series is so cinematic, especially with the audiobooks!
The only reason this one is not 5 stars is because I wasn't as invested in some of the new characters that got added to the story. So, whenever we had chapters or sections from their POVs I was entertained but wanted to get back to the others that I cared about more.
I'm already reading book 4 and still enjoying this series!
Full Video Review: https://youtu.be/vhgWd6PuieA
July 31, 2018
Picking up hard on the heels of the last book, Hell Divers: Deliverance doesn’t waste much time before it plunges the characters into one dangerous situation after another.
For anyone who enjoyed the first two Hell Divers book, this is sure to provide another adrenaline rush. Like a roller coaster falling after it’s hit its tipping point, this was a mad rush of tension filled action with an ending that left me nodding my head in approval. And I don’t care one whit if any of it makes scientific sense, medical sense, technical sense or any other kind of sense. This is another one for the “guilty pleasures” shelf. I thought this was only going to be a trilogy but there appears to be a fourth book in the works and certain events in this installment definitely opened the door to more dangers. So, sign me up, X! I’m ready to go.
For anyone who enjoyed the first two Hell Divers book, this is sure to provide another adrenaline rush. Like a roller coaster falling after it’s hit its tipping point, this was a mad rush of tension filled action with an ending that left me nodding my head in approval. And I don’t care one whit if any of it makes scientific sense, medical sense, technical sense or any other kind of sense. This is another one for the “guilty pleasures” shelf. I thought this was only going to be a trilogy but there appears to be a fourth book in the works and certain events in this installment definitely opened the door to more dangers. So, sign me up, X! I’m ready to go.
May 8, 2018
Picking up on the heels of Hell Divers II: Ghosts finale, Michael Everheart and his small crew of Hell Divers set out to find the missing Xavier "X" Rodriguez after being abandoned by the traitorous Captain Jordan.
Nicholas Sansbury Smith stretches his narrative wings a bit in Deliverance, giving readers insight into X's decade-long stint on Earth's hellscape through prolonged flashbacks, in between tackling the story's present-day timeline from the perspectives of Everheart and Jordan, and a few other Hell Divers along the way. Readers who were disappointed at the lack of X in the prior novel, particularly after Smith's nasty cliff-hanger ending back in Book 1, will certainly get their fill of Rodriguez this time around as Smith brings X back to the narrative's center.
While I was certainly happy to get more of X, now accompanied by a thawed-from-cryo husky named Miles, the real delight for me was seeing Smith's post-apocalyptic world building. While X travels the hellish landscape of an irradiated America to reach the ocean, Smith gives us a delightful tour of this new nuclear-adapted ecosystem. In prior novels, the Sirens were the clearly the biggest threat facing the remnants of mankind, but life outside the airship Hive is more expansive and far-reaching in Deliverance than the Hell Divers had imagined. As Ian Malcolm famously reminded us in Jurassic Park, "Life breaks free, it expands to new territories and crashes through barriers, painfully, maybe even dangerously... Life, uh, finds a way." Smith takes Malcolm's words to heart, presenting a number of thrilling encounters that reminds humans they may no longer be at the top of the food chain in this wildly mutated environment.
Not that life aboard the airship Hive is much better. Without mincing too many words, let me just say that Captain Jordan is a piece of crap. I hated this guy in Book 2, and Book 3 didn't do much to swing me around to his iron-fist mentality of rule as the top dog. Every chapter he showed up in only solidified his narcissism and I kept waiting for him to get his comeuppance. Life aboard the airships, though, does make for a fun bit of compare and contrast to life on the ground. No matter what dangers lurk in the ruins of America, Jordan and his cronies serve to remind us that humans are, typically, the biggest threat to everything around.
If you've enjoyed the previous two Hell Divers books, you'll feel right at home with Deliverance. Smith delivers plenty of action and suspense, and even a few dashes of socio-political intrigue along the way. Its final moments even kick the door wide open for a fourth installment, taking this series in a direction that good and truly excites me. I can't wait to see what comes next!
[Note: I received an advance copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley.]
Nicholas Sansbury Smith stretches his narrative wings a bit in Deliverance, giving readers insight into X's decade-long stint on Earth's hellscape through prolonged flashbacks, in between tackling the story's present-day timeline from the perspectives of Everheart and Jordan, and a few other Hell Divers along the way. Readers who were disappointed at the lack of X in the prior novel, particularly after Smith's nasty cliff-hanger ending back in Book 1, will certainly get their fill of Rodriguez this time around as Smith brings X back to the narrative's center.
While I was certainly happy to get more of X, now accompanied by a thawed-from-cryo husky named Miles, the real delight for me was seeing Smith's post-apocalyptic world building. While X travels the hellish landscape of an irradiated America to reach the ocean, Smith gives us a delightful tour of this new nuclear-adapted ecosystem. In prior novels, the Sirens were the clearly the biggest threat facing the remnants of mankind, but life outside the airship Hive is more expansive and far-reaching in Deliverance than the Hell Divers had imagined. As Ian Malcolm famously reminded us in Jurassic Park, "Life breaks free, it expands to new territories and crashes through barriers, painfully, maybe even dangerously... Life, uh, finds a way." Smith takes Malcolm's words to heart, presenting a number of thrilling encounters that reminds humans they may no longer be at the top of the food chain in this wildly mutated environment.
Not that life aboard the airship Hive is much better. Without mincing too many words, let me just say that Captain Jordan is a piece of crap. I hated this guy in Book 2, and Book 3 didn't do much to swing me around to his iron-fist mentality of rule as the top dog. Every chapter he showed up in only solidified his narcissism and I kept waiting for him to get his comeuppance. Life aboard the airships, though, does make for a fun bit of compare and contrast to life on the ground. No matter what dangers lurk in the ruins of America, Jordan and his cronies serve to remind us that humans are, typically, the biggest threat to everything around.
If you've enjoyed the previous two Hell Divers books, you'll feel right at home with Deliverance. Smith delivers plenty of action and suspense, and even a few dashes of socio-political intrigue along the way. Its final moments even kick the door wide open for a fourth installment, taking this series in a direction that good and truly excites me. I can't wait to see what comes next!
[Note: I received an advance copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley.]
May 15, 2018
I just finished reading an early Advanced Review Copy of this third book in the Hell Divers series provided by the publisher. Excellent. I will write a more detailed review as the publication date nears in 2018.
UPDATE:
"Time to live or time to die, he thought. Time to fight one more time."
I just read the revised Advanced Reading Copy of this book. I just had shoulder replacement surgery and so this was a perfect time to sit back and read (between naps).
This third installment of the Hell Divers is the very definition of excitement all the way through. Between the storyline on the airship HIVE, the newer airship DELIVERANCE, and to the running battles on a decimated Earth, this book will keep you reading into the wee hours of the morning.
The characters are complex and memorable and the storyline is action filled. I am already looking forward to Hell Divers 4 due out in the Fall of 2018. I usually get the Advanced Reading Copies of this series but I always buy my own copy too to support this talented author.
UPDATE:
"Time to live or time to die, he thought. Time to fight one more time."
I just read the revised Advanced Reading Copy of this book. I just had shoulder replacement surgery and so this was a perfect time to sit back and read (between naps).
This third installment of the Hell Divers is the very definition of excitement all the way through. Between the storyline on the airship HIVE, the newer airship DELIVERANCE, and to the running battles on a decimated Earth, this book will keep you reading into the wee hours of the morning.
The characters are complex and memorable and the storyline is action filled. I am already looking forward to Hell Divers 4 due out in the Fall of 2018. I usually get the Advanced Reading Copies of this series but I always buy my own copy too to support this talented author.
January 26, 2019
Another fresh plot! Lots happened in this one, and there are some shocking surprises for all. I did not see this coming, and it was perfection. Wow!
The monsters AKA "Sirens" for their chillingly loud and screechy voices are (to my delight) a large part of the plot and a most welcome, ingenious component to the series. . . serving to up the ante, and (as if it is possible) supercharging the nonstop high velocity of thrills and chills. Onto book #4, and then I have to wait till May for the release of episode #5. Sigh. . . ( : - (
The monsters AKA "Sirens" for their chillingly loud and screechy voices are (to my delight) a large part of the plot and a most welcome, ingenious component to the series. . . serving to up the ante, and (as if it is possible) supercharging the nonstop high velocity of thrills and chills. Onto book #4, and then I have to wait till May for the release of episode #5. Sigh. . . ( : - (
September 7, 2020
I'm really enjoying this series. Just need to buy the rest of the books now :-) I bought the first 3 when they were on offer on Kindle. If I'd realised they were going to be this good I would have bought all 7 straight away.
December 19, 2018
I am not convinced that the same person wrote all three of these books. Either that, or the author suffered severe head trauma between writing the second and this one and forgot everything about the first two.
June 5, 2018
*4.5 Stars
I’ve been a little bit off of "the series" for a while now. I like getting into a story, and when it’s done, moving on to the next. But there is something about the characters that Smith has created that pulled me back in for another dive to Hell.
What I love most about this series is that the story hasn’t gotten at all repetitive. Smith has kept it fresh and exciting with a Martinesque rotation of characters and new villains with each new book. The impetus moving the story forward keeps changing and evolving.
I don’t want to say too much about the plot of book three, these books need to be read in order, yet each one does feel like a complete unit that tells a satisfying story.
Smith has created a unique and credible futuristic dystopian world that is filled with death, danger and destruction. To this world, he has added a marvelous band of characters to entertain his audience.
For some convoluted reason I went into Deliverance thinking that he would wind the series up as a trilogy, but instead, now I’m amped up that there is another book on the horizon.
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher (via NetGalley).
I’ve been a little bit off of "the series" for a while now. I like getting into a story, and when it’s done, moving on to the next. But there is something about the characters that Smith has created that pulled me back in for another dive to Hell.
What I love most about this series is that the story hasn’t gotten at all repetitive. Smith has kept it fresh and exciting with a Martinesque rotation of characters and new villains with each new book. The impetus moving the story forward keeps changing and evolving.
I don’t want to say too much about the plot of book three, these books need to be read in order, yet each one does feel like a complete unit that tells a satisfying story.
Smith has created a unique and credible futuristic dystopian world that is filled with death, danger and destruction. To this world, he has added a marvelous band of characters to entertain his audience.
For some convoluted reason I went into Deliverance thinking that he would wind the series up as a trilogy, but instead, now I’m amped up that there is another book on the horizon.
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher (via NetGalley).
December 13, 2018
This book was the 3rd in the Hell Divers series and OH MY... What a ride! I'm not sure the action ever stopped. Between the monsters on the surface, the monster of a Captain of the Hive (the airship that was home to the last of the human race), the cancer that was rampant, the dangerous sky dives through electrical storms, and then... Surprise, surprise... A new enemy emerges from the ocean with the arrival of the freaking cannibals!
The thing I loved the most, however, was how much X loved his dog!! That dog was more important to him than anyone else and especially more important than himself. If he couldn't save himself, by God, he'd save his dog!
I really got attached to the main core of Hell Divers, Michael, Layla, Roger, and especially Magnolia!!
I listened to this series on Audible and loved R. C. Bray's performance! This book was the end of this particular trilogy, but the story continues with book 4. I believe book 5 will be released within the next few months. I'm contemplating continuing on but because it's so action packed and Sansbury seems to like ending his books on a cliffhanger, maybe I'll wait until book 6 is released so I can binge them all. I'm sort of reading these with a couple of friends. I'll probably follow whatever they decide to do so we can read them together, and I think they're both waiting. I hope I can wait, that is!
The thing I loved the most, however, was how much X loved his dog!! That dog was more important to him than anyone else and especially more important than himself. If he couldn't save himself, by God, he'd save his dog!
I really got attached to the main core of Hell Divers, Michael, Layla, Roger, and especially Magnolia!!
I listened to this series on Audible and loved R. C. Bray's performance! This book was the end of this particular trilogy, but the story continues with book 4. I believe book 5 will be released within the next few months. I'm contemplating continuing on but because it's so action packed and Sansbury seems to like ending his books on a cliffhanger, maybe I'll wait until book 6 is released so I can binge them all. I'm sort of reading these with a couple of friends. I'll probably follow whatever they decide to do so we can read them together, and I think they're both waiting. I hope I can wait, that is!
September 14, 2020
I absolutely love this series and I'm so happy that there are still four more books after this one. It's just so action packed and full of characters, all who I can get attached to.
I don't think I've ever had so much big reactions to a book until this one. The stakes sky-high because the author is not afraid to make some big moves in each book. The premise promises that no one is safe, and it delivers! This book in particular featured an antagonist that I absolutely hated with all my heart and I've never felt so strongly about a fictional character before.
This is an absolute must read!
I don't think I've ever had so much big reactions to a book until this one. The stakes sky-high because the author is not afraid to make some big moves in each book. The premise promises that no one is safe, and it delivers! This book in particular featured an antagonist that I absolutely hated with all my heart and I've never felt so strongly about a fictional character before.
This is an absolute must read!
June 30, 2020
I knew it was only a matter of time before there were Why is there always frickin
May 15, 2018
THE BEST BOOK IN THE SERIES BY FAR!!!!!!
A MUST READ BOOK TO ONE GREAT SERIES, KEEP THE KLEENEX HANDY PLEASE!!!!
What an awesome, awesome book. This is for sure one book and series I would recommend to everyone. Without giving anything away, as pretty much anything said would do that, I'll try my best to explain why it's a must read. With Michael (Tin), Layla, Rodger Doger, Magnolia, Captain Jordan, Katrina & X (Xavier) many things are all happening in this continuation of the series. Some make it home again to the Hive, while others do not. I so loved this book and yes there were definitely tears at the end, a lot of tears, so you were warned and keep the Kleenex close by. Nicholas Sansbury Smith did one amazing job with this story. Please, please there has got to be a book #4 to this great series. There is still so much more to tell.
A MUST READ BOOK TO ONE GREAT SERIES, KEEP THE KLEENEX HANDY PLEASE!!!!
What an awesome, awesome book. This is for sure one book and series I would recommend to everyone. Without giving anything away, as pretty much anything said would do that, I'll try my best to explain why it's a must read. With Michael (Tin), Layla, Rodger Doger, Magnolia, Captain Jordan, Katrina & X (Xavier) many things are all happening in this continuation of the series. Some make it home again to the Hive, while others do not. I so loved this book and yes there were definitely tears at the end, a lot of tears, so you were warned and keep the Kleenex close by. Nicholas Sansbury Smith did one amazing job with this story. Please, please there has got to be a book #4 to this great series. There is still so much more to tell.
July 6, 2018
Hell Divers FTW
What another epic chapter in the series! I picked up the first book on sale a while back and before I'd even finished I preordered the 2nd one. Then I got this one and read it right away.
I love these books and I'm so glad we got to see more of X and Miles in this one! I can't wait for the next one! (Already have it pteordered)!
NSS is an apocalyptic writer of epic proportions!
What another epic chapter in the series! I picked up the first book on sale a while back and before I'd even finished I preordered the 2nd one. Then I got this one and read it right away.
I love these books and I'm so glad we got to see more of X and Miles in this one! I can't wait for the next one! (Already have it pteordered)!
NSS is an apocalyptic writer of epic proportions!
April 30, 2018
In this powerful third installment of the Hell Divers series, we finally learn the whereabouts of Xavier Rodriguez and glimpse his horrendous ten-year journey on the toxic post-apocalyptic Earth. A lot of loose ends are tied up, however, a few new ones have emerged.
Murderous, megalomaniac Captain Jordan of the airship Hive makes the perfect villain you’ll love to hate.
Murderous, megalomaniac Captain Jordan of the airship Hive makes the perfect villain you’ll love to hate.
May 2, 2025
This is such a fantastic series. I don’t usually read post apocalyptic fiction because most of it seems like the same old, same old. But I really love this series. The characters, the angst, the hope, and the horror that is so very real make me keep coming back for more.
March 1, 2024
It's a simple read but it hits all the right points, just pure action with a basic story, multiple perspectives with fun characters. Good way to end this part of the story. I really think he should've just combined the first three books and split them up in to parts, but it really doesn't matter.
April 15, 2019
Rating: ★★★★+
Thanks to the publisher and author for an advanced reading copy of Deliverance (Hell Divers #3) in exchange for an honest review. Receiving this ARC did not influence my thoughts or opinions on the novel.
So, it has been a hot minute since I read Ghosts (Hell Divers #2), and I am not really sure why I waited so long to get to Deliverance. Smith packs a ton of punch into these books, which honestly makes them some of the quickest and most enjoyable reads in today’s post-apocalyptic/science fiction scene.
While on the surface it seems to be a run-of-the-mill post-apoc story with mutant creatures and pow-pow, bang-bang shooty guys, Smith pushes the envelope with redeemable characters, political intrigue, non-stop action, and an ever expanding storyline. Just when I thought that the only threat to the survival of the Divers and people of the Hive were the Sirens, Smith brings in new and improved baddies to delight fans of immense creature horror. He has also created a few characters that you just love to hate, and I find that seemingly rare in books today. To just have a seething hatred for an antagonist and be ecstatic when they meet their fate.
On top of all that, the alternate United States of American that Smith has created is an extremely enjoyable sandbox for his characters to play in. With cities known to the readers but unknown to all of those involved in the story, it is an interesting perspective on what we know and love.
Overall, if you have been a fan of Smith’s over the years, there is plenty to love here in Deliverance. If you have yet to jump into his post-apocalyptic fiction, the series tends to be fairly cheap on Kindle and they are a very fun way to pass the time.
Thanks to the publisher and author for an advanced reading copy of Deliverance (Hell Divers #3) in exchange for an honest review. Receiving this ARC did not influence my thoughts or opinions on the novel.
So, it has been a hot minute since I read Ghosts (Hell Divers #2), and I am not really sure why I waited so long to get to Deliverance. Smith packs a ton of punch into these books, which honestly makes them some of the quickest and most enjoyable reads in today’s post-apocalyptic/science fiction scene.
While on the surface it seems to be a run-of-the-mill post-apoc story with mutant creatures and pow-pow, bang-bang shooty guys, Smith pushes the envelope with redeemable characters, political intrigue, non-stop action, and an ever expanding storyline. Just when I thought that the only threat to the survival of the Divers and people of the Hive were the Sirens, Smith brings in new and improved baddies to delight fans of immense creature horror. He has also created a few characters that you just love to hate, and I find that seemingly rare in books today. To just have a seething hatred for an antagonist and be ecstatic when they meet their fate.
On top of all that, the alternate United States of American that Smith has created is an extremely enjoyable sandbox for his characters to play in. With cities known to the readers but unknown to all of those involved in the story, it is an interesting perspective on what we know and love.
Overall, if you have been a fan of Smith’s over the years, there is plenty to love here in Deliverance. If you have yet to jump into his post-apocalyptic fiction, the series tends to be fairly cheap on Kindle and they are a very fun way to pass the time.
June 16, 2018
4.5 stars...
I'm a huge fan of the Hell Divers series and Xavier Rodriguez. The first book was one of my top favorite books of 2016. The second book was o.k. but it didn't move me like book one. This last book however was really good - almost as good as the first!
And actually I probably would have enjoyed it even more if I didn't listen to the audiobook. I know, I know, I'm in the minority but I'm sorry, I just don't like R. C. Bray's narration. I never have but I thought I'd try him out one more time but his performance lessened my overall enjoyment of the book instead of enhancing it.
As for the story itself though, I was glad to see Jordan finally got what he deserved and I liked how X's story played out.
Well we've heard all about X's dives so humanity survives, now I'm excited to see that he'll be back and we'll get to hear about him surviving the seas...
I'm a huge fan of the Hell Divers series and Xavier Rodriguez. The first book was one of my top favorite books of 2016. The second book was o.k. but it didn't move me like book one. This last book however was really good - almost as good as the first!
And actually I probably would have enjoyed it even more if I didn't listen to the audiobook. I know, I know, I'm in the minority but I'm sorry, I just don't like R. C. Bray's narration. I never have but I thought I'd try him out one more time but his performance lessened my overall enjoyment of the book instead of enhancing it.
As for the story itself though, I was glad to see Jordan finally got what he deserved and I liked how X's story played out.
Well we've heard all about X's dives so humanity survives, now I'm excited to see that he'll be back and we'll get to hear about him surviving the seas...
May 5, 2018
My heart is just racing - I wish I had the words to say how great, and unique, and thrilling this series is. I actually have to stop reading, take a breath, walk around and then right back to it. Nick has brought his characters to life; given us horrific creatures, venomous creepy plants, vicious cannibals and traitorous people as Michael, Roger, Layla and Magnolia continue their search for X. He somehow keeps us totally captured in his words and the adventure continues to enthrall us. So amazingly good!
May 18, 2018
A brilliant conclusion to the series. There was a lot to wrap up, but this book did it: numerous threads, characters, and important locations. In the end, things were not only tied up but tied together in a way that was very satisfying for anyone anxiously awaiting the release of book #3.
December 4, 2018
Wow. The action just doesn't quit with this series. Nobody is safe and just when you think you know of all the monsters . . . I'm anxious to see where this series goes next! RC Bray is fantastic on the audio.
August 29, 2022
This was okay. Not as much action, and story was kind of slow. Even a monumental part of the book was rather dull. Still enjoying it though, this just happened to be least favorite so far. Curious to see where it goes from here!
June 1, 2025
Hell Divers III: Deliverance by Nicholas Sansbury Smith
challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense
Slow-paced
Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters are a main focus? Yes
3.75 Stars
This third novel in this post-apocalyptic series is not an easy read. The topics explored are sad, but also horrific (which I wasn't prepared for).
Lots of things happen in this story that were hard to read. We were reconnected with X (who'd been missing for a decade...and assumed to have been dead).
The fascist leader, Leon Jordon who became the captain after Captain Ash (and X being deemed missing and dead).
Especially since I am reading this story in 2025, and Orange Turd is still POTUS, I'm sensitive to stories about other fascist leaders and their plans to impliment their sick rules and regulations on the unprepared citizenry.
One bright spot in this dreary world, is how Tin has grown into a man and leader of the Hell Divers, which was good to read about (and the one he loves).
The relationship of Magnolia (blue hair) and Rodger has been fun to read, too. I do hope for a happy ending, but not sure we're going to receive this. We shall see. Hmm.
I was surprised by the connecting of the timelines (of this non-linear story). I'm glad for it, but I was preparing myself to what I felt was going to be ANOTHER gut-punch, that this author loves to give to his readers. Ugh.
I'm impressed by the resiliancy of this future lot of people. In a LOT of ways, this is an optomistic view of a dystopian story (landscape). Yes, some (a lot of) horrific things have happened, but all-in-all, the human race will survive (at least I hope it does)...in this sprawling series.
On to Hell Divers IV: Wolves...and by the cover...it looks like it is following X. Interesting.
Content Warnings
- cannibalism
challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense
Slow-paced
Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters are a main focus? Yes
3.75 Stars
This third novel in this post-apocalyptic series is not an easy read. The topics explored are sad, but also horrific (which I wasn't prepared for).
Lots of things happen in this story that were hard to read. We were reconnected with X (who'd been missing for a decade...and assumed to have been dead).
The fascist leader, Leon Jordon who became the captain after Captain Ash (and X being deemed missing and dead).
Especially since I am reading this story in 2025, and Orange Turd is still POTUS, I'm sensitive to stories about other fascist leaders and their plans to impliment their sick rules and regulations on the unprepared citizenry.
One bright spot in this dreary world, is how Tin has grown into a man and leader of the Hell Divers, which was good to read about (and the one he loves).
The relationship of Magnolia (blue hair) and Rodger has been fun to read, too. I do hope for a happy ending, but not sure we're going to receive this. We shall see. Hmm.
I was surprised by the connecting of the timelines (of this non-linear story). I'm glad for it, but I was preparing myself to what I felt was going to be ANOTHER gut-punch, that this author loves to give to his readers. Ugh.
I'm impressed by the resiliancy of this future lot of people. In a LOT of ways, this is an optomistic view of a dystopian story (landscape). Yes, some (a lot of) horrific things have happened, but all-in-all, the human race will survive (at least I hope it does)...in this sprawling series.
On to Hell Divers IV: Wolves...and by the cover...it looks like it is following X. Interesting.
Content Warnings
- cannibalism
May 19, 2025
I am finally finished. I really the physical books from this series - I'm too slow on my kindle. I have loved th series from book one and this one is no different. The world that was designed by the author is so fascinating (and yes, I am well aware that the whole post apocalyptic part might happen sooner or later, which made it all the more terrifiying) and the characters are so amazing...
The way this is written is also really awesome - I will definetly be reading more. I need to know more about the characters and how the story proceeds. I love following X and Miles. I can't say more but I really loved it and if you're into post apocalyptic settings, this might just be the series for you.
The way this is written is also really awesome - I will definetly be reading more. I need to know more about the characters and how the story proceeds. I love following X and Miles. I can't say more but I really loved it and if you're into post apocalyptic settings, this might just be the series for you.
November 6, 2022
A great addition to the Hell Divers. Fast paced fun adventure.
November 19, 2018
If you have not read the first two book (Hell Divers & Hell Divers: Ghosts) in the series, stop right now and go order them. They are both fantastic reads that you will not want to put down. This review will contain SPOILERS for both of those books and you really don’t want to do that to yourself, so just stop reading this now and start at the beginning of the series. Trust me you won’t regret it.
Nicholas Sansbury Smith is back with his killer Hell divers series and this time the divers are spending more time on Earth than ever before:
Team Raptor has been left behind on Earth by the Hive but they were able to find a new ship Deliverance to help take them to the last coordinates that Xavier “X” Rodriguez had given and hope that he is still alive after all these years. They are on a rescue mission that has zero chance of being a success but they have to hope for something and to prove to X that he was not left behind by everyone. While on the Hive Captain Jordan is losing control over the ship. The people are angry, supplies are running out and Hell Divers are in short supply. Jordan will do everything in his power to keep the ship in the air even if it means, lying, cheating and murdering to keep it that way. Team Raptor may be in danger from the nightmare creatures that now plague the Earth, but they also need to keep their eyes on the sky for danger comes from familiar places.
Honestly, this is hands down my favourite sci-fi series, granted I do not read a lot of sci-fi but any time I pick up a book in this series I know I am in for a roller coaster ride and I will not want to put the book down. Deliverance deliveries on all the things that I want in this series; Interesting world/characters, fast pace story, action scenes, you never know who is going to make it out alive and just overall awesomeness.
As stated above, there tends to be some character turn over, also known as Sanasbury has a knack for killing people off, yes that also includes some of the characters you like, so it is always nice to have some fresh blood to the books. I enjoyed that this time we get to meet some new Hell Divers in training and each of their reasons for being their and the choices they have to make. It was also interesting have more of a perspective from Captain Jordan and the choices he makes. Honestly, even though he is made out to be the bad guy, some of the reason he has about not wanting to return to Earth make sense. However, many of his actions are based upon just having the power to do things and jealousy.
I really appreciated that we got some time to see what X had been up to and the progress he made while traveling as this was the bomb shell of the previous book that X was still alive and had survived somehow. X is on his way traveling to the coast but and due to Sansbury writing style (and the fact that X's part are set in the past) you never know if X is still going to be there but just the thought of finding out keeps you reading.
Sansbury Smith really out did himself with the introduction of new creatures that have developed on Earth and how these creature differ from those inland. Makes you wonder what will be out there if one decided to venture further in to the seas, where the water is no longer water but sometime of sludge
Fantastic book and addition to this series and I cannot wait for the forth book, going to be some interesting times and challenges ahead for the Hell Divers and I cannot wait to go along for the ride with them. On to Wolves I go...
Enjoy!!
Nicholas Sansbury Smith is back with his killer Hell divers series and this time the divers are spending more time on Earth than ever before:
Team Raptor has been left behind on Earth by the Hive but they were able to find a new ship Deliverance to help take them to the last coordinates that Xavier “X” Rodriguez had given and hope that he is still alive after all these years. They are on a rescue mission that has zero chance of being a success but they have to hope for something and to prove to X that he was not left behind by everyone. While on the Hive Captain Jordan is losing control over the ship. The people are angry, supplies are running out and Hell Divers are in short supply. Jordan will do everything in his power to keep the ship in the air even if it means, lying, cheating and murdering to keep it that way. Team Raptor may be in danger from the nightmare creatures that now plague the Earth, but they also need to keep their eyes on the sky for danger comes from familiar places.
Honestly, this is hands down my favourite sci-fi series, granted I do not read a lot of sci-fi but any time I pick up a book in this series I know I am in for a roller coaster ride and I will not want to put the book down. Deliverance deliveries on all the things that I want in this series; Interesting world/characters, fast pace story, action scenes, you never know who is going to make it out alive and just overall awesomeness.
As stated above, there tends to be some character turn over, also known as Sanasbury has a knack for killing people off, yes that also includes some of the characters you like, so it is always nice to have some fresh blood to the books. I enjoyed that this time we get to meet some new Hell Divers in training and each of their reasons for being their and the choices they have to make. It was also interesting have more of a perspective from Captain Jordan and the choices he makes. Honestly, even though he is made out to be the bad guy, some of the reason he has about not wanting to return to Earth make sense. However, many of his actions are based upon just having the power to do things and jealousy.
I really appreciated that we got some time to see what X had been up to and the progress he made while traveling as this was the bomb shell of the previous book that X was still alive and had survived somehow. X is on his way traveling to the coast but and due to Sansbury writing style (and the fact that X's part are set in the past) you never know if X is still going to be there but just the thought of finding out keeps you reading.
Sansbury Smith really out did himself with the introduction of new creatures that have developed on Earth and how these creature differ from those inland. Makes you wonder what will be out there if one decided to venture further in to the seas, where the water is no longer water but sometime of sludge
Fantastic book and addition to this series and I cannot wait for the forth book, going to be some interesting times and challenges ahead for the Hell Divers and I cannot wait to go along for the ride with them. On to Wolves I go...
Enjoy!!
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