ARISEN : Odyssey:

Arisen

by Michael Stephen Fuchs

One Tier-1 Naval Special Warfare Operator, trained at the highest levels of any military, with 20+ years of operational experience. One ex-cop civilian survivalist, who lived through two years of post-Apocalyptic Hell, unlike 7 billion of her fellow humans. And an entire continent heaving with 400 million dead guys.

To save the lives of his children, and rejoin Alpha team and the fight to save humanity, Homer will have to journey across a thousand miles of undead North America with Sarah Cameron, battling heavily armed bands of marauders who shoot first and ask questions never, and ultimately face down the remains of the world's last surviving SEAL team – now led by a malevolent and piratical monster.

Welcome to the Zulu Alpha

Desolation. Resolve. Rebirth.
ODYSSEY

ARISEN
Hope Never Dies.

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

419 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 26, 2018

About the author

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

Reviews

[RJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story, with great characters, plenty of action, and a wee bit of suspense. With this book, you get a much more personal look at Homer than you may have gotten from the Arisen series; his beliefs in God, his faith in the Warriors Ethos, and his love for his Brothers. His training and his beliefs are repeated throughout the story but this is who Homer is; a highly-skilled, professional warrior, a man with uncompromising beliefs, and a man with a moral conscience that questions his actions and motives. He’s a dangerous and deadly man but possesses compassion and understanding for others. I was impressed with the first 90% of this novel. The ending seemed a little rushed but the tale had to be concluded. I suspect if the story were any longer there would be romance in store for Homer and Sarah in the future. Once again, as after the Last Stand, I’m tempted to re-read the Arisen series.

[Kathy Ann'tie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved every book in this series. It was great to find out what Homer and Sara went through to get his kids safe and sound. However I found myself liking Sara less and less as the story went on. I remember how upset about Sara I was in the final book of the series, so I ask myself was this intentional so that it would no longer Bother me as much? One of those things that I will ponder and most likely never get the answer for!

[Darren Dilnott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely incredible as expected.

[Jay Kiros · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic entry in the Arisen Universe.

Expertly paced story that reflects deep research and respect to the community it covers. While I knew the ending going in, Odyssey proves the journey is more valuable than the destination.

This is the kind of book where you slow down near the end, savoring every page as you flip down to an epic conclusion.

I give this book 5 stars because they won’t let me give 10.

[Larry Klemens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story clearing up some of the mysteries of Homer made it back to the Kennedy. Looking forward to some other stories in the Arisen world.

[msew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A view into Homer

First off, do NOT read this book first. I would read it after book 11 or 12.

Homer is the SEAL of Alpha and with that comes all the mysticism that SEALs evoke. He also is juxtaposed with being a hardcore Christian. So for wanting just death incarnate you don’t get to have that with him. You get death, a lot of regret, and maybe some rewards for faith in the good of fellow humans. Luckily for us, Homer gets to see humanity betray his faith constantly.

Additionally, everyone who has read the main series wanted to know what happened on that “journey”. This book only had a short time frame to take place in and while it departs from the normal action-fest, it was interesting to see Homer’s view on the world.

I found it light on the zombie killing, but this book is about giving you a view of Homer and it did that well. We probably still don’t like him the best, but he is probably the best in many areas.

I thought the angle of the Redman and the canoeing incidents irl taken into the book and going just one step further was a great take on how the post apocalypse affected even the most skilled. (If you don’t know about this stuff read up on it. I thought it was a great angle to take further in the apocalypse.)

This book is about Homer, so the constant refrain of his training throughout the narrative makes sense. That is what he is. You might not like all he represents in the books but he is true to the path he is on.

[Eddy M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fleshes out Homer's quest to find his family with Sarah, the ex-cop survivalist on his side. Definitely fleshes out both characters more and interestingly, gets into SEAL culture. While it's a bit jarring (since we're in a zombie apocalypse now) I found the info interesting. The only off thing for me is the character of Sarah. Her portrayal seems to change book from book and what she does here doesn't seem to match what she would do towards the end of the mains series.

Surprisingly light on the zombie action but sometimes, it's the living who are more dangerous than the undead. It's still the usual non-stop action from Mr. Fuchs though.

Great read as usual.

[Peter Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good story and great to see what happened when the main series is effectively silent on any details. The thing I got a bit (perhaps overly) hung up on was the frequent references to military related background that I've heard time and again in the main series. This would not have bothered me as much if I was a first-time reader, but I don't know why you'd be reading this book before at least reading the main series up to where it becomes relevant. Having said all of that, this would not have affected my decision to read the book, I still enjoyed the book and remain a fan of the series.

[Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very strong standalone installment. It covers one of the most interesting and engaging characters in the original story, Homer, and his trek into the US to check in on his family and bring them back to the ship if possible. The story and premise are excellent. The characters are more realistic than in the last third of the main series and the tension and action are present as always. The book felt a bit short and I would have much rather if the second and third half of the series stuck to this storyline or something similar, then have ran off on those annoying tangents with the Somali jihadists and the Russians.

[BarelyReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
This book 100% forgot it was supposed to be referencing the Odyssey and then shoves in a bunch of call outs to Charybdis and Scylla at the end

When it comes to the military stuff it does it well, not that I would know what's accurate and what not, but all of it sounded logical enough to be true

The action was good but emotionally it felt flat. The main character Homer never diverts much from his neutral, I get that's who his character is but with all the referenced to the Odyssey I thought he was really going to go through it, and that never happened.

[Mike Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The missing chapter

The missing chapter from one of the most action packed and intense zombie apocalypse series ever written. Find out what happens when Homer and Sarah separated from Alpha team when they were in Michigan trying to get back to the aircraft carrier on the East Coast. Follow their journey and find out what happens between the time they left alpha team and arrived back on the carrier. Intense and heartbreaking

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally we find out what happened when Homer and Sarah go off to find Homer's family. This is a great story - although I have to say it certainly didn't endear me to Sarah. She's definitely a flawed character with a lot of issues.

But Homer - this quiet, godly man who is gentle and yet lethal. He and Pred are my favorite characters in this series. This story really highlights just how wonderful a man Homer is.

And RC Bray of course is as fabulous as ever.

[John Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a backstory book, that fills in what happened to Homer and Sarah once they left the team at Sarah's cabin, through to them landing back on the carrier with Homer's children.

It's filled with action and intrigue, and while you always know that they are going to make it, it's the HOW that makes it so good. There are a few moments that you see coming a mile away, but overall, it's just a damn good read.

[Leslie Baptiste · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book in the franchise

Another excellent book in the Siri’s, fast-paced full of action. I think Sarah was Miss used she came off to me like the damsel in distress instead of the police officer that she actually was supposed to be. That’s my only complaint about this book read it you’ll enjoy it

[Brian Rueger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I watch "The Walking Dead" and "Fear the Walking Dead," I'm really not a Zombie Apocalypse guy. I picked up this book because I did not see the reference to "dead guys," but only saw the reference to "Naval Special Warfare Operator."

Very good story and I might just pick up the first book in the Arisen series.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this book. While in the Arisen universe, the story focused on the Homer Sarah plotline that is not covered in Exodus (book 5). Also good is this more of a people story with a zombie backdrop, rather than a full on zombie book. This should really be considered book 5.5, not a stand alone. Recommended.

[Joshua Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Ceases To Impress

Another outstanding addition to the Arisen series. If you are a new reader, add this in chronologically and watch in amazement as the story becomes a more complete universe.

Michael, you’re doing amazing thing. Keep it up.

[Carmel McKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story

I enjoy the fast paced of this last book. The mentally tough duo in Sarah and Homer were always going to make it, but the journey was fascinating. I'm in awe of your imagination..

[Ralph Wark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good side story

Of you are familiar with the Arisenworkd, you'll enjoy this side story about how Homer got to the point of landing a Cessna cub on an aircraft carrier.,,and the parallels to the Odyssey. If not, you may miss details but still an entertaining read.

[Vanessa Kiger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting adventure

I enjoyed this book overall but I really do not care for Sara's character so could not really get into it. I enjoyed Homer and the Seal portion of this story!

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's OK if you have nothing else to read, but found it basic. It's not a bad book, but it also did not catch my interest and don't think would have finished if I didn't have purchased during sale already.

[John Cheeseman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didnt enjoy this standalone romp into the Zombie apocalypse as much as the other book in the series but it was an enjoyable enough read and full of high-adrenaline chases on land, sea and air as well as every type of death and destruction but not enough zombies.

[Nigel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting stand alone Arisen novel, that tells the story of Homer's search for his family and eventual return to the Kennedy. It was a good story that followed much of the same path and standards of the wider Arisen series. It was good in a way to find out what happened whilst Homer was away, but think it was right that it was a bonus standalone story rather than being included in the main series.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine....

This book was like coming home to family. I knew in my heart how much I missed these characters, but being with them again was magical.

[Sean Finlayson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding!

Absolutely gold! I stayed up until dawn to read this! It's non stop action all the way and a cracking story.

[Wancket Enterprises · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

I was so happy to see another book by Michael Stephen Fuchs. I love the Arisen series especially Homer and Handon. Thank you!

[Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing special, here...just more proof that Sarah can be annoying and we get a better backstory on Pope.

[Kelly Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely one of the best

This book was one of the best in the series that I have read so far. Loved the characters and the action.

[Clint Walker Jr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome simply awesome! Always wondered about Homer's rescue of his children!