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Arisen #13
The Siege
THE BATTLE FOR THE GAP
In the north, the collapsed section of the Wall is defended only by the decimated remains of 2 PARA. Even reinforced by Jameson and the exhausted Royal Marines of One Troop, it's a doomed delaying action at best - and the last choke point in the entire ZA faces an incoming tide of dead stretching to the ends of the Earth...
THE RACE FOR THE CURE
Finally united, Dr. Park and Aliyev the Kazakh, supported by Pred and Juice on a mission out into a London falling into chaos, struggle to perfect the vaccine that will preserve the dwindling flame of humanity - and to weaponize the designer pathogen that might just destroy the rampaging armies of the dead...
THE DEFENSE OF THE ALAMO
Hunkered down at CentCom, the unified ranks of our heroes, led by Ali and Fick, work furiously to fortify and reinforce what will be humanity's final fallback position - forever. But it may be over before it begins, as a runner invasion from the south hits even before the great wave of death coming in from the north...
Brotherhood. Duty. Desolation.
In the north, the collapsed section of the Wall is defended only by the decimated remains of 2 PARA. Even reinforced by Jameson and the exhausted Royal Marines of One Troop, it's a doomed delaying action at best - and the last choke point in the entire ZA faces an incoming tide of dead stretching to the ends of the Earth...
THE RACE FOR THE CURE
Finally united, Dr. Park and Aliyev the Kazakh, supported by Pred and Juice on a mission out into a London falling into chaos, struggle to perfect the vaccine that will preserve the dwindling flame of humanity - and to weaponize the designer pathogen that might just destroy the rampaging armies of the dead...
THE DEFENSE OF THE ALAMO
Hunkered down at CentCom, the unified ranks of our heroes, led by Ali and Fick, work furiously to fortify and reinforce what will be humanity's final fallback position - forever. But it may be over before it begins, as a runner invasion from the south hits even before the great wave of death coming in from the north...
Brotherhood. Duty. Desolation.
THE SIEGE
ARISEN
Hope Never Dies.
ARISEN
Hope Never Dies.
436 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2017
579 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
About the author
Michael Stephen Fuchs
57 books490 followersMICHAEL STEPHEN FUCHS is author of the #1 bestselling epic ARISEN series of special-operations military ZA novels, which have repeatedly been Amazon #1 bestsellers in Post-Apocalyptic Science Fiction, #1 in Dystopian Science Fiction, #1 in Military Science Fiction, #1 in War Fiction, and #1 in War & Military Action Fiction, as well as Amazon overall Top 100 bestsellers. The series as a whole has sold over 1.5 million copies. The audiobook editions, performed by R.C. Bray, have generated over $5 million in revenue. He is also author of the D-Boys series of high-tech special-operations military adventure novels, which include
D-Boys
,
Counter-Assault
, and Close Quarters Battle (coming in 2026); as well as the existential cyberthrillers
The Manuscript
and
Pandora’s Sisters
, both published worldwide by Macmillan in hardback, paperback and all e-book formats (and in translation). He lives in London and blogs at www.michaelfuchs.org/razorsedge. You can follow him on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, or by e-mail.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
October 22, 2017
Another cracking book in a truly awesome series. It's non-stop thrills and chills, along with the closeness of brothers-and-sisters-in-arms. If there's one series you need to read in the zombie genre, it's this one.
did-not-finish
March 7, 2018Not rating, because I didn't finish. I've been finding this series harder and harder to read. I just wasn't enjoying it or getting anything out of it. About 10% of the way in, I decided enough was enough. I have plenty of other books I can read...
July 26, 2022
I am back to finish off the Arisen series. I loved this series at first, thought it was written just for me. But it just kept going on & on, and it soon became difficult to see any differences between the books. Kill zombies, fight, kill zombies, fight Russians, kill zombies. I loved it at first but soon got lost in the sameness.
I recently rejoined Kindle Unlimited and thought I would tackle the last two books. I knocked out #13, but I also plan to read a few other KU books and then try to read the last Arisen thriller:
I love the cast of characters in this series. No Russians in this book, I will assume some will turn up in the last one. I also got the first Raiders book for free. I will take that one on AFTER I finish Endgame. But once again a great zombie military/special ops action fess.
Where are the D-Boys in all this?
I recently rejoined Kindle Unlimited and thought I would tackle the last two books. I knocked out #13, but I also plan to read a few other KU books and then try to read the last Arisen thriller:
I love the cast of characters in this series. No Russians in this book, I will assume some will turn up in the last one. I also got the first Raiders book for free. I will take that one on AFTER I finish Endgame. But once again a great zombie military/special ops action fess.
Where are the D-Boys in all this?
September 18, 2020
I care so much about these characters after reading the whole series up to this point - it's gonna kill me if Fuchs kills any of them. What a saga.
Of course it doesn't need to be said, but I'll say it anyway - RC Bray. That is all.
Of course it doesn't need to be said, but I'll say it anyway - RC Bray. That is all.
August 19, 2019
What a rollercoaster of a read. So many moments when I couldn’t read fast enough and had a hand over my mouth. Especially the scene involving children in a canteen.
Whenever I think, it cannot get any worse for the Alpha team and humanity....it does. Brilliant book and epic series.
Whenever I think, it cannot get any worse for the Alpha team and humanity....it does. Brilliant book and epic series.
April 17, 2018
We're nearing the end of the huge Norse Saga of a book (that's what it is, not a series but instead one really huge book). Once you get on board with the idea that's what you're reading this is a really good story of a zombie apocalypse. All flavours of zombies present (shamblers, fast and ultra-fast) massively heroic military, appropriate angst of watching the World end and so on.
Decent enough characterisation, which should be praised given the type of book it is and the large cast involved, they don't become jumbled in your mind, which is a testament to the skill of the author.
So - park your brain and enjoy, but I really think you shouldn't start here, as I said, this is one big novel in parts, so begin at the beginning.
Decent enough characterisation, which should be praised given the type of book it is and the large cast involved, they don't become jumbled in your mind, which is a testament to the skill of the author.
So - park your brain and enjoy, but I really think you shouldn't start here, as I said, this is one big novel in parts, so begin at the beginning.
July 2, 2020
This has been a marathon to get to these last two installments of an epic zombie apocalypse tale.
And to be honest, this one is also a bit of a slog. There's a lot of time spent at the northern break in the ZPW, much more than was necessary to the ultimate outcome, which of course they're to be overrun by the hordes of undead. A perhaps more interesting take would have been to spend more time with the scientists in the lab, or Juice and Pred or Ali and Homer running around London getting necessary equipment and supplies. Just something other than that dang wall ...
onto the Final Chapter!!
And to be honest, this one is also a bit of a slog. There's a lot of time spent at the northern break in the ZPW, much more than was necessary to the ultimate outcome, which of course they're to be overrun by the hordes of undead. A perhaps more interesting take would have been to spend more time with the scientists in the lab, or Juice and Pred or Ali and Homer running around London getting necessary equipment and supplies. Just something other than that dang wall ...
onto the Final Chapter!!
November 7, 2017
Stronghold London is the final outpost of mankind surrounded by the undead horde.
The infected mass of millions of shambling, walking, running, and galloping zombies surround London held back only by the Zombie Proof Wall constructed as a final barrier against the complete destruction of humanity. Defense of the ZPW is in the exhausted hands of the 2nd Paratroopers assisted by Master Gunnery Sergeant Fick with what remained of the 2nd Marines Special Operations Battalion.
Alpha Team members Juice and Predator, Noise and Ali are fighting their way back to London with Patient Zero in a bodybag and Dr. Park standing guard over the equipment synthesizing the vaccine for the plague. Also in tow is the crazy Russian Biowarfare expert Aliyev with his Zombie Meningitis and the vaccine for it brewing in incubators. The salvation of the human species is in their wounded, exhausted, but hopefully capable hands.
It was good to hang with the Alphas again for a while. Like slipping your toes into an old, well worn loafers, riding along with Juice and Predator was welcome and familiar. They've been through so much, but they'll complete the mission. Failure is not an option!
As expected, the action is swift and precise, professionally described and pictured. I couldn't put the book down. The characters are familiar and the storyline flows evenly, with enough unexpected plot twists to keep you biting your nails until you can sit back and catch your breath for a minute, top off your ammo, slap a bandage on your latest booboo and swallow a mouthful of water, getting ready for the next Sprint.
I most heartily recommend this military zombie apocalypse series to anyone interested in a darn good read, with brilliant characters and an amazing storyline. This is the 13th book in the series, so if you're just starting, I welcome you to a fascinating thrill-ride! Have plenty of bandaids and ammunition at hand, it's a fast and furious ride!
The infected mass of millions of shambling, walking, running, and galloping zombies surround London held back only by the Zombie Proof Wall constructed as a final barrier against the complete destruction of humanity. Defense of the ZPW is in the exhausted hands of the 2nd Paratroopers assisted by Master Gunnery Sergeant Fick with what remained of the 2nd Marines Special Operations Battalion.
Alpha Team members Juice and Predator, Noise and Ali are fighting their way back to London with Patient Zero in a bodybag and Dr. Park standing guard over the equipment synthesizing the vaccine for the plague. Also in tow is the crazy Russian Biowarfare expert Aliyev with his Zombie Meningitis and the vaccine for it brewing in incubators. The salvation of the human species is in their wounded, exhausted, but hopefully capable hands.
It was good to hang with the Alphas again for a while. Like slipping your toes into an old, well worn loafers, riding along with Juice and Predator was welcome and familiar. They've been through so much, but they'll complete the mission. Failure is not an option!
As expected, the action is swift and precise, professionally described and pictured. I couldn't put the book down. The characters are familiar and the storyline flows evenly, with enough unexpected plot twists to keep you biting your nails until you can sit back and catch your breath for a minute, top off your ammo, slap a bandage on your latest booboo and swallow a mouthful of water, getting ready for the next Sprint.
I most heartily recommend this military zombie apocalypse series to anyone interested in a darn good read, with brilliant characters and an amazing storyline. This is the 13th book in the series, so if you're just starting, I welcome you to a fascinating thrill-ride! Have plenty of bandaids and ammunition at hand, it's a fast and furious ride!
July 9, 2018
This series just gets better and better.. Alpha team land in London, bringing with them the Patient Zero zombie, and Dr. Simon Park, who has created a vaccination for the zombie virus. Meanwhile, the crazy Khazak, Aliyev, has a Zombie killing virus of his own to make and use.
The Jamieson's Royal Marines are sent to the north, to cover the gap in the wall, and discover that 2 Para have been holding, and dying defending the gap. As usual, the zombies cause chaos, and destroy an attempt to reinforce the Paras, and eventually, they overrun the gap, letting them into London. The Marines manage to get out, only to get trapped on the way back, but Charlotte, the Apache helicopter pilot rescues them in a chinook.
Back at CENTCOM, Fick and Wesley have taken command of the Military Police guarding the area, but a group of Runner zombies manage to get inside the prison, infecting and eating most of the people they attack. The book ends with the walls surrounded by the oncoming horde, but with the Marines and Alpha back inside, and everything "almost" under control.
Attempts to get other Army units to support CENTCOM fail as they are slowly engulfed by civilians fleeing the zombies, or by zombies themselves. It all comes down to the Endgame...
The Jamieson's Royal Marines are sent to the north, to cover the gap in the wall, and discover that 2 Para have been holding, and dying defending the gap. As usual, the zombies cause chaos, and destroy an attempt to reinforce the Paras, and eventually, they overrun the gap, letting them into London. The Marines manage to get out, only to get trapped on the way back, but Charlotte, the Apache helicopter pilot rescues them in a chinook.
Back at CENTCOM, Fick and Wesley have taken command of the Military Police guarding the area, but a group of Runner zombies manage to get inside the prison, infecting and eating most of the people they attack. The book ends with the walls surrounded by the oncoming horde, but with the Marines and Alpha back inside, and everything "almost" under control.
Attempts to get other Army units to support CENTCOM fail as they are slowly engulfed by civilians fleeing the zombies, or by zombies themselves. It all comes down to the Endgame...
November 4, 2021
Russia’s Spetsnaz Commandos were ferocious and unstoppable as they followed, ambushed, and followed Handon’s Special Forces unit again and again. They played hot potato with Patient Zero and Simon Park, the antidote creating scientist. The British Commandos went into Russia to rescue Aliave (sp), a scientist who created a virus that he claimed would kill the zombies. All these pieces needed to arrive safe and sound in London. Meanwhile, London’s Zombie-Proof Wall (ZPW) was not as zombie-proof as they had hoped. A gap had materialized. Defending while trying to repair the gap became the critical point of the battle. Should the gap fail, the infected would flow into London and all would be lost. Central Command (Cent-Comm) was to be the last bastion of safety; the Alamo. This is where the lab, Park, and Aliave were working on the antidote and the killer virus. Should that fall, what then? This is a great series, one of the best in its class.
September 9, 2018
This would have got 5 stars if he didn't make almost all the British military so stupid and have to rely on the clever US Operators all the time. I suppose in fairness he's also made all of the Russians complete psychopaths so maybe he isn't just picking on us Brits!
The story was a bit disjointed at 1st but soon got into its stride although there seems to be a chunk missing from the Aircraft Carrier although that might get answered in the final book.
Very far fetched as always, not the zombie plague thing but all of the coincidences, contrivances and pure stupidity needed for the plot to stay tense which is a shame.
If you are prepared to suspend disbelief to enjoy a zombie horror thriller (which I am) then you also need to suspend disbelief to find excitement in the story (which I almost am but it does bug me).
The story was a bit disjointed at 1st but soon got into its stride although there seems to be a chunk missing from the Aircraft Carrier although that might get answered in the final book.
Very far fetched as always, not the zombie plague thing but all of the coincidences, contrivances and pure stupidity needed for the plot to stay tense which is a shame.
If you are prepared to suspend disbelief to enjoy a zombie horror thriller (which I am) then you also need to suspend disbelief to find excitement in the story (which I almost am but it does bug me).
October 17, 2017
Such sweet agony awaits your reading pleasure.
It seems impossible but Michael Stephen Fuchs once again keeps the reader engaged with the ability to one-up himself in anxiousness as we follow Alpha Team, One Troop, Fick, Wesly, The Tunnel Survivors, 2 Para, Mrs. Ainsley and the kids, the Kasaik, and those few who remain.
The ability to pull out of impossible situations is a trademark of Mr. Fuchs' writing and book 13 of the Arisen series keeps it up. Some survive while others don't. The end is near. Will our heroes break through, will the last bastion, Fortress Britain, remain a hope for humanity or will it circle the drain? You'll have to read to find out. It isn't what you think. Its what you do. To think is to die.
It seems impossible but Michael Stephen Fuchs once again keeps the reader engaged with the ability to one-up himself in anxiousness as we follow Alpha Team, One Troop, Fick, Wesly, The Tunnel Survivors, 2 Para, Mrs. Ainsley and the kids, the Kasaik, and those few who remain.
The ability to pull out of impossible situations is a trademark of Mr. Fuchs' writing and book 13 of the Arisen series keeps it up. Some survive while others don't. The end is near. Will our heroes break through, will the last bastion, Fortress Britain, remain a hope for humanity or will it circle the drain? You'll have to read to find out. It isn't what you think. Its what you do. To think is to die.
October 17, 2017
Nonstop Action
This book was filled with exciting action from page 1 and never stopped. It was thrilling and the characters were in top form as usual. I could not put this book down! I find myself irritated at Sarah, her heart is in the right place but her choices will end up causing Alpha team grief, I fear. Great to have Homer back for the final action, and I can hardly wait for Endgame to arrive. Counting the days! Thanks for an action packed zombie ride! This is one of the best series in this genre and if you haven't read it! Start now! Absolutely riveting!
This book was filled with exciting action from page 1 and never stopped. It was thrilling and the characters were in top form as usual. I could not put this book down! I find myself irritated at Sarah, her heart is in the right place but her choices will end up causing Alpha team grief, I fear. Great to have Homer back for the final action, and I can hardly wait for Endgame to arrive. Counting the days! Thanks for an action packed zombie ride! This is one of the best series in this genre and if you haven't read it! Start now! Absolutely riveting!
November 6, 2017
Great Series, One of the Best! This Book- Meh.
Fabulous series. One of the greatest out there. This particular book however?? Well, I'm not giving it 5 stars. It just didn't seem to have the same energy I've come to expect in the Arisen series. Definitely didn't have the high impact and creative fight scenes. Lots of ....I don't even know what. Maybe setting up scenes for the next scenes. Very meh..
I'm still over the moon excited to read book fourteen - coming out in the next couple of weeks. Can't wait!!!!!
Fabulous series. One of the greatest out there. This particular book however?? Well, I'm not giving it 5 stars. It just didn't seem to have the same energy I've come to expect in the Arisen series. Definitely didn't have the high impact and creative fight scenes. Lots of ....I don't even know what. Maybe setting up scenes for the next scenes. Very meh..
I'm still over the moon excited to read book fourteen - coming out in the next couple of weeks. Can't wait!!!!!
November 10, 2017
ARISEN SERIES
Not on!y the best zombie apocalypse books I have ever read but hands down the best special forces characters ever imagined. This is definitely one of the best series in fiction of any genre.
I've been an avid reader for over 50 years and have read stories that have put me through the full gamut of emotions, but nothing like this.
I can't believe it's almost over.
My hat is off to the author.
Not on!y the best zombie apocalypse books I have ever read but hands down the best special forces characters ever imagined. This is definitely one of the best series in fiction of any genre.
I've been an avid reader for over 50 years and have read stories that have put me through the full gamut of emotions, but nothing like this.
I can't believe it's almost over.
My hat is off to the author.
November 18, 2017
Oh this series!
Just when I think I can't be any more surprised, Michael Stephen Fuchs throws me a curve. I have lived this series from the start and I thought I'd seen it all. But now we have brain damaged zombies running around which might be the scariest thing yet. And people aren't much better at this point! Starting book 14 in a minute and can't wait to see how it all plays out!
Just when I think I can't be any more surprised, Michael Stephen Fuchs throws me a curve. I have lived this series from the start and I thought I'd seen it all. But now we have brain damaged zombies running around which might be the scariest thing yet. And people aren't much better at this point! Starting book 14 in a minute and can't wait to see how it all plays out!
November 19, 2017
A great lead up to the final
I'd have given this book 4 & 1/2 stars as I found some of the characters lost a bit of dimension and it took a while for the plot to find it's stride but even so, after the preceding 14 odd books it's still a necessary addition to the Arisen library and in no way deters me from launching into the final episode - more hair's breath escapes and impossible situations- much fun!
I'd have given this book 4 & 1/2 stars as I found some of the characters lost a bit of dimension and it took a while for the plot to find it's stride but even so, after the preceding 14 odd books it's still a necessary addition to the Arisen library and in no way deters me from launching into the final episode - more hair's breath escapes and impossible situations- much fun!
August 7, 2024
Wow, what a dud. I am kicking myself for pre-purchasing the whole series after a few good starting installments. This one finally has ZA content rather than the ridiculous storylines the last half dozen books had with the Russians and Somali protagonists. Still, the series just gets worse and worse. I have nothing but harsh criticism for this one. I will read the last one in the series next since I bought it and got this far in the story but I do not recommend this series past the first 3 books.
October 17, 2017
The Siege, seriously excellent!!
Once again, Arisen hits the ground running and doesn't slacken off. God knows what book 14 will be like. So good to see the dramatis personae all together again, with some interesting vignettes for good measure. The whole series has been an out of control roller coaster ride and stands up to being read again and again.
Once again, Arisen hits the ground running and doesn't slacken off. God knows what book 14 will be like. So good to see the dramatis personae all together again, with some interesting vignettes for good measure. The whole series has been an out of control roller coaster ride and stands up to being read again and again.
December 30, 2017
The way Michael Stephen Fuchs weaves the 3 different storylines/locations together so smoothing is just fantastic. Book 13 keeps you on your toes and unsure what will happen at every turn, i recommend you start reading early and cancel any plans as you wont be moving until then end but even after you finish you will still be digesting what you read!
October 23, 2017
ARISEN IS FULL THROTTLE IT IS...
Hello, these stories are just plain Damn pedal to the metal, full throttle masterpieces. Everyone of them. I really don't see how Mr. Fuchs keeps it all straight in his head. If you like ZOMBIES or think ,hell, I'm going to try one. You could not go wrong with this bunch. Thanks.
Hello, these stories are just plain Damn pedal to the metal, full throttle masterpieces. Everyone of them. I really don't see how Mr. Fuchs keeps it all straight in his head. If you like ZOMBIES or think ,hell, I'm going to try one. You could not go wrong with this bunch. Thanks.
December 17, 2017
It's been a long time since book #12, but I remembered every character and their backstories...that's worth a star. London falls and it's all action all the time as the core characters are reunited and ready for the final showdown. This is a massive series which has maintained it's action-packed quality throughout.
July 17, 2020
This was somewhat of a step down from the frantic pace of the past few books. While it was as great a read as the rest of the series, it did feel as if The Siege was mostly a set up for the final book. I've already started book 14 and that looks like it will be a wild ride. I'm sad that I'm almost done with this series.
July 29, 2021
This was somewhat of a step down from the frantic pace of the past few books. While it was as great a read as the rest of the series, it did feel as if The Siege was mostly a set up for the final book. I've already started book 14 and that looks like it will be a wild ride. I'm sad that I'm almost done with this series.
February 7, 2023
I really enjoyed Book 13 in this long running series. I finished it in record time. Plenty of military and zombie action and will strung together plot lines. This has got to be the best military zombie series around. Why it isn't a TV or movie series I'll never know. Straight onto Book 14 for me now - because I just have to see how this all ends.
April 13, 2023
Everything is heading to a do or die conclusion as the pitched battle for London rages. There is plenty of action in this installment of Arisen. Anyone who has followed the adventures so far will not be disappointed. Makes me anxious to read that last book in this series, but also feeling kind of sad that it is almost over. Been quite a whirlwind adventure. Highly recommended.
October 18, 2017
Why! Why!
Oh Mr. Fuchs you have done it again. Are Park and Ailyev going to make it in time, and Amerie's baby and those boys. I wasn't expecting that. Can I wait for November 14, can I??
Oh Mr. Fuchs you have done it again. Are Park and Ailyev going to make it in time, and Amerie's baby and those boys. I wasn't expecting that. Can I wait for November 14, can I??
October 27, 2017
It started off a little slow for me and, as it's been awhile since the last book, I took it slowly to try to remember some of the characters and scenarios. But halfway through the book, I then could not put it down! I cannot wait for the next one!
October 30, 2017
Best zombie series hands down!
This whole series is absolutely brilliant! You get immersed in all the characters and the story is written so it makes you feel as if you are living it! Love this entire series and cant wait for the next one!
This whole series is absolutely brilliant! You get immersed in all the characters and the story is written so it makes you feel as if you are living it! Love this entire series and cant wait for the next one!
November 5, 2017
Back to being brilliant.
The series lost its way for a little while but us now definitely back to being brilliant. I could barely put it down and I'm dreading it finally finishing in the next book.
Highly recommended.
The series lost its way for a little while but us now definitely back to being brilliant. I could barely put it down and I'm dreading it finally finishing in the next book.
Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews