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Safe Haven #0.3
Before Safe Haven: Mike
Trapped in a corrupt hellhole with thieves, sadists and killers, Mike didn’t think things could get any worse. He was wrong. When everyone around him opted to do the easy thing, he chose to do the right thing. He chose to stand up.
Several years on, and a new Hell has found him. A virus has infected billions all over the world, turning its victims into vicious zombies. The UK and Ireland have remained uninfected...until now.
Lawlessness threatens to take over the streets as the government does everything it can to keep control. With the city in lockdown and every resource stretched to breaking point, Mike finds himself in familiar territory.
The stakes could not be higher as Mike has to fight for his family’s very survival. His greatest weapon is the will to do anything for the ones he loves, but will that be enough?
Several years on, and a new Hell has found him. A virus has infected billions all over the world, turning its victims into vicious zombies. The UK and Ireland have remained uninfected...until now.
Lawlessness threatens to take over the streets as the government does everything it can to keep control. With the city in lockdown and every resource stretched to breaking point, Mike finds himself in familiar territory.
The stakes could not be higher as Mike has to fight for his family’s very survival. His greatest weapon is the will to do anything for the ones he loves, but will that be enough?
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 15, 2019
About the author
Christopher Artinian
178 books309 followersChristopher Artinian was born and raised in Leeds, England, but now lives on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. He published his debut novel, Safe Haven: Rise of the Rams, in February 2017 and currently has fifty-three horror and science fiction titles to his name, including international best sellers such as Relentless, Night of the Demons, The Devil’s Face, Neverland, The End of Everything and his new hit series, Unsafe.
Madhouse was released in October 2024 and Tantor Media bought the global rights for the audiobook in 2025. He's recently signed a shopping contract which paves the way for a possible movie deal.
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Madhouse was released in October 2024 and Tantor Media bought the global rights for the audiobook in 2025. He's recently signed a shopping contract which paves the way for a possible movie deal.
CLAIM YOUR FREE BOOK: BEFORE SAFE HAVEN: ALEX
https://dl.bookfunnel.com/1v9xdaxx77
Join the Christopher Artinian fan club on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/12769...
https://www.instagram.com/christopher...
Christopher Artinian author page
https://www.facebook.com/safehaventri...
For signed books and exclusive merchandise
https://www.christopherartinian.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 10, 2025
I know that Mike gets on Ems nerves, but he is one of my favorites. Always saddens me at the amount of shit that Mike and Emma went through at such young ages.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2019
Wow
Another absolute must read, for anyone who love the safe haven series, which if you have t read you are totally missing out on. Mike is such a complex guy so this book gives you a much deeper understanding of why he is the way he is. Couldn’t read it quickly enough. Great book by my favourite author, can’t wait to see what the future holds.
Another absolute must read, for anyone who love the safe haven series, which if you have t read you are totally missing out on. Mike is such a complex guy so this book gives you a much deeper understanding of why he is the way he is. Couldn’t read it quickly enough. Great book by my favourite author, can’t wait to see what the future holds.
February 17, 2019
Christopher Artinian weaves his words into magic storytelling and this book brought me to tears at the end.Mike is one of my favourite characters in The Safe Haven series.Great insight into a topic that fills the world over.Fantastic book had to read in one go.Cant wait for the next books to be written and for me and everyone else to enjoy.
November 30, 2021
Mike's life before and at the beginning of the Z's...
Before Safe Haven: Mike by Christopher Artinian and narrated by Kim Bretton puts the pieces of the Mike’s past into place. I’ve been waiting for this one since I was first introduced to Mike and it didn’t disappoint. Highly recommend, especially if you are curious about Mike’s life. If you are new to the series, you could start with this one and be hooked as it’s excellently written and narrated and sets the path/tone for the future books (know in the future books there’s a lot of Z action).
What’s it about? The beginning of the book takes places before the outbreak and deals with Mike’s time in Priory Bridge Young Offenders Prison. The remainder deals with the outbreak and the events in Mike’s life at that time. I’m not going to go into much detail as I don’t want to give spoilers, be aware there’s bad people and corruption and the end of the book will pull at your heartstrings.
The narrator, Kim Bretton- yes Kim, yes! She does a fabulous job and I can’t imagine the series without her. Characters, tone, and pace all great.
Highly recommend whether you are new to the series or a seasoned vet.
Parental guidance/trigger warnings: Ok, so hard to do without giving spoilers, but here’s some of the topics: domestic abuse, alcoholism, corruption, sexual assault (clergy, other talk but not in detail), violence, attempted murder, gangs, drugs, mobsters, prison, death. Language used: Fx112, Sx70 (it didn’t feel like this much when listening, but nevertheless impressive Christopher :) )
*I was given a free review copy of the audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. Thank you for allowing me to listen and review the book!
Before Safe Haven: Mike by Christopher Artinian and narrated by Kim Bretton puts the pieces of the Mike’s past into place. I’ve been waiting for this one since I was first introduced to Mike and it didn’t disappoint. Highly recommend, especially if you are curious about Mike’s life. If you are new to the series, you could start with this one and be hooked as it’s excellently written and narrated and sets the path/tone for the future books (know in the future books there’s a lot of Z action).
What’s it about? The beginning of the book takes places before the outbreak and deals with Mike’s time in Priory Bridge Young Offenders Prison. The remainder deals with the outbreak and the events in Mike’s life at that time. I’m not going to go into much detail as I don’t want to give spoilers, be aware there’s bad people and corruption and the end of the book will pull at your heartstrings.
The narrator, Kim Bretton- yes Kim, yes! She does a fabulous job and I can’t imagine the series without her. Characters, tone, and pace all great.
Highly recommend whether you are new to the series or a seasoned vet.
Parental guidance/trigger warnings: Ok, so hard to do without giving spoilers, but here’s some of the topics: domestic abuse, alcoholism, corruption, sexual assault (clergy, other talk but not in detail), violence, attempted murder, gangs, drugs, mobsters, prison, death. Language used: Fx112, Sx70 (it didn’t feel like this much when listening, but nevertheless impressive Christopher :) )
*I was given a free review copy of the audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. Thank you for allowing me to listen and review the book!
March 30, 2020
Christopher Artinian's "Safe Haven" series is what started my (recent) love of the Zompoc genre. His writing is superb, his characters are well-developed and the action is non-stop.
After reading the first few books in the series, I discovered that Mr. Artinian had written several novellas that focus on main characters before the SHTF. And, of course, I had to start with Mike's since he is my favorite character from these books!
Mr. Artinian weaves a wonderful story about Mike's early life living with a cruel and abusive father, which explains a lot about his anger management issues. For one thing, Mike cannot abide bullies and this gets him into a lot of trouble! But, it also what makes him such a realistic and likeable character.
Mike spends time in prison because of his temper and feelings toward bullies, but then becomes a good family man, in part because of his stepfather, Alex. When the dead start reanimating, it soon becomes clear that things will never be the same.
This book is very well-written and I love the way that the author works well-loved books into the story (Shawshank Redemption, The Stand, The Green Mile, Animal Farm, 1984). There are a couple of poignant scenes in the book that brought me to tears, but these also make the book even more of a great read.
I hope that Chris continues to write more books in this series since I can't seem to get enough of them. These books and their characters have become a part of my world and I would surely miss them.
After reading the first few books in the series, I discovered that Mr. Artinian had written several novellas that focus on main characters before the SHTF. And, of course, I had to start with Mike's since he is my favorite character from these books!
Mr. Artinian weaves a wonderful story about Mike's early life living with a cruel and abusive father, which explains a lot about his anger management issues. For one thing, Mike cannot abide bullies and this gets him into a lot of trouble! But, it also what makes him such a realistic and likeable character.
Mike spends time in prison because of his temper and feelings toward bullies, but then becomes a good family man, in part because of his stepfather, Alex. When the dead start reanimating, it soon becomes clear that things will never be the same.
This book is very well-written and I love the way that the author works well-loved books into the story (Shawshank Redemption, The Stand, The Green Mile, Animal Farm, 1984). There are a couple of poignant scenes in the book that brought me to tears, but these also make the book even more of a great read.
I hope that Chris continues to write more books in this series since I can't seem to get enough of them. These books and their characters have become a part of my world and I would surely miss them.
July 16, 2019
Brilliant as ever
I think this has been my favourite so far of the Before Safe Haven books.
I really enjoyed the insight into why Mike is the way he is. Mr Artinian definitely has a talent for giving more than expected. I love the consistency of the characters and the depth has me so invested in their lives that they have become a daily part of mine.
I'm about to go and see if I'm lucky enough to not have to wait for the next book but if I'm not then I'm certainly going to go and try one of the other series.
I think this has been my favourite so far of the Before Safe Haven books.
I really enjoyed the insight into why Mike is the way he is. Mr Artinian definitely has a talent for giving more than expected. I love the consistency of the characters and the depth has me so invested in their lives that they have become a daily part of mine.
I'm about to go and see if I'm lucky enough to not have to wait for the next book but if I'm not then I'm certainly going to go and try one of the other series.
December 11, 2021
I enjoyed this backstory about Mike, who is one of my favorite characters from the "Safe Haven" series. This in-depth story broadened my knowledge of the events that helped to make Mike the person that he is and increased my appreciation of the character that he becomes in the series. I recommend this tale and the whole series to others. Christopher Artinian is an amazing writer who creates characters that one could wish were real. Kim Bretton's narration is outstanding and adds to the story's entertainment. I was given a free copy of the audiobook and I have voluntarily left this review.
February 16, 2019
Excellent
It was great to discover more about Mike, the post apocalyptic hero everyone talks about! To learn what makes him the bad ass that doesn't stop when it comes to protecting his family and friends. Mike is a great character and Mr. Artinian never let's us down when it comes to his writing. He tells a great story and his writing is intense. Do yourself a favor and read Before Safe Haven: Mike and the rest of the Safe Haven books. You won't be disappointed!
It was great to discover more about Mike, the post apocalyptic hero everyone talks about! To learn what makes him the bad ass that doesn't stop when it comes to protecting his family and friends. Mike is a great character and Mr. Artinian never let's us down when it comes to his writing. He tells a great story and his writing is intense. Do yourself a favor and read Before Safe Haven: Mike and the rest of the Safe Haven books. You won't be disappointed!
February 21, 2019
Getting more of Mike's backstory explains why he reacts the way he does. Mike can not abide bullies and if you hurt someone he cares about, all bets are off. You will feel the wrath of Mike as he responds with total disregard to his own well being. Another brilliant story from an author who knows how to deliver emotionally charged,character driven tales. I'm really looking forward to reading more of Artinian's work and highly recommend you do too.
January 30, 2022
Another dose of Excellence!
Wow. Mr Artinian has done it again! I started this book last night and just couldn’t put it down. The “beginning” stories are always my favorite. Taking an already established and loved character in Safe Haven, we get to learn Mike’s beginning. I loved it! Easy to read,great story line, character depth, emotions up down and sideways! Thank you for another great book, now, on to Alex's story!
Wow. Mr Artinian has done it again! I started this book last night and just couldn’t put it down. The “beginning” stories are always my favorite. Taking an already established and loved character in Safe Haven, we get to learn Mike’s beginning. I loved it! Easy to read,great story line, character depth, emotions up down and sideways! Thank you for another great book, now, on to Alex's story!
April 13, 2019
I love it when you get to visit a character that you thought you knew and then be able to delve deeper and look at someone from a different perspective. It's good to flesh out the character but even better to see what really makes them tick. The Safe Haven series has so many strings to its bow and I am loving the journey.
November 17, 2019
OMG! Mike is Awesome!
I enjoyed Mike’s story. I really relate to Mike and his sense of Justice, Loyalty, and Fairness. Riveting story, if you have not read this author then you are missing out! You should read his books. You will not regret it. It’s rare that an author can run me though a full range of emotions. But Mr. Artinian is one of these authors.
I enjoyed Mike’s story. I really relate to Mike and his sense of Justice, Loyalty, and Fairness. Riveting story, if you have not read this author then you are missing out! You should read his books. You will not regret it. It’s rare that an author can run me though a full range of emotions. But Mr. Artinian is one of these authors.
August 14, 2020
Mike's Tale was absolutely gripping to the end. Mike is my favourite Safe Haven character, and his story was incredibly moving, from his stay at the Priory to Alex's death. His problem solving is unique and keeps you guessing what he's going to do next! I loved this book, and can't wait to start the next book, Jules.
August 23, 2020
Questions Answered
With Mike like all the others I was not disappointed. I enjoyed this version of Mike. Make me hope that there is a background book for Emma.
This explained so much about Mike that is hinted at in the Safe Haven novels. If you enjoyed them and had wondered anything about Mike then you absolutely want to read this book.
Do it - you won’t be disappointed.
With Mike like all the others I was not disappointed. I enjoyed this version of Mike. Make me hope that there is a background book for Emma.
This explained so much about Mike that is hinted at in the Safe Haven novels. If you enjoyed them and had wondered anything about Mike then you absolutely want to read this book.
Do it - you won’t be disappointed.
November 20, 2021
Mike is hands-down one of my favourite characters in literature
It was fun to compare the characters beginnings to what he’s become
Stellar narration from Kim as always
I can’t recommend the world that Chris has built enough 5 stars
I received a free review audiobook and voluntarily left this review
It was fun to compare the characters beginnings to what he’s become
Stellar narration from Kim as always
I can’t recommend the world that Chris has built enough 5 stars
I received a free review audiobook and voluntarily left this review
November 26, 2021
Excellent as always and as to be expected!
I’ll never get enough of this series or of Christopher’s writing! And Kim Bretton narrating is just the icing in the cake! You get to find out more about why Mike is the man he becomes in the future. Getting to revisit his past was a wonderful treat!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review
I’ll never get enough of this series or of Christopher’s writing! And Kim Bretton narrating is just the icing in the cake! You get to find out more about why Mike is the man he becomes in the future. Getting to revisit his past was a wonderful treat!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review
October 24, 2022
Great insight for Safe Haven
Awesome read Mike is a prolific character in the Safe Haven series . This book gives you background about him and how he came to be the character he is today.
I read the burning tree series which led me to grab Safe Haven I've also read The End of Everything. They are all unputdownable page turners. HIGHLY RECOMMEND
Awesome read Mike is a prolific character in the Safe Haven series . This book gives you background about him and how he came to be the character he is today.
I read the burning tree series which led me to grab Safe Haven I've also read The End of Everything. They are all unputdownable page turners. HIGHLY RECOMMEND
October 23, 2025
Set in Leeds. 220 pp. I only picked this up to fill a reading challenge and was really surprised how much I got into this story. I think I want to read the rest of the series... at least give a few more books a try. The ending came out of nowhere and broke me a little bit.
Before Safe Haven: Mike (Safe Haven #0.3) by Christopher Artinian
Before Safe Haven: Mike (Safe Haven #0.3) by Christopher Artinian
March 26, 2019
Illuminating story
I had always wondered what Mike was like before and the author definitely did not disappoint! Great read that really dives into what and who happened to create our mad hero!
I had always wondered what Mike was like before and the author definitely did not disappoint! Great read that really dives into what and who happened to create our mad hero!
February 25, 2020
Great book!!!
Another fantastic book in this series. I can't wait to get into the last of the 'Before' part of this set (there's 3 of them)!!! Not a slow moment in this book. The characters and storyline is believable and engaging!!!!
Another fantastic book in this series. I can't wait to get into the last of the 'Before' part of this set (there's 3 of them)!!! Not a slow moment in this book. The characters and storyline is believable and engaging!!!!
January 20, 2024
Best one of these prequels yet! An absolutely excellent dive into Mike’s background, which does a fantastic job of setting him up as the leader we know, flaws and all. A must-read for any Safe Haven fans!
February 16, 2019
Another brilliant stort
Well what can i say another great story in the safe haven series, this book is about mike one of the main characters, i absolutely loved it, it gives you an insight into who he is and why he is the man he is, cant wait for the next instalment.
Well what can i say another great story in the safe haven series, this book is about mike one of the main characters, i absolutely loved it, it gives you an insight into who he is and why he is the man he is, cant wait for the next instalment.
March 22, 2019
Always a good read from Christopher Artinian
Before Dafe Haven books gives us a chance to get up know the characters before the virus hit. I hope Christopher plans on doing more.
Before Dafe Haven books gives us a chance to get up know the characters before the virus hit. I hope Christopher plans on doing more.
May 21, 2019
Hero Mike
A great read into the life of Mike Fletcher before the virus hits town. From his time in the young offenders to having to exterminate what become of his father in law
A great read into the life of Mike Fletcher before the virus hits town. From his time in the young offenders to having to exterminate what become of his father in law
June 13, 2019
Great to read more about Mike, he's a lovely guy until someone threatens his family! Very worth reading as it helps you to understand why Mike is like he is.
June 24, 2019
Gripping
Read this 3rd and best of the prequels before the main books, can't wait to see what Mike gets up to next.
Read this 3rd and best of the prequels before the main books, can't wait to see what Mike gets up to next.
September 27, 2019
These are great. you get to understand the character so much more, keep it up buddy
December 10, 2019
Loved it!
I have really enjoyed Mike’s character in the series. Getting this glimpse of him before the event has made hime even much more enduring. This was a great read!
I have really enjoyed Mike’s character in the series. Getting this glimpse of him before the event has made hime even much more enduring. This was a great read!
Read
February 8, 2020Holy Smolies!!!
We get to learn a lot of back story to Mike and family. Heartbreaking a high pulse inducing all at the same time. You have got to read this series.
We get to learn a lot of back story to Mike and family. Heartbreaking a high pulse inducing all at the same time. You have got to read this series.
April 7, 2020
Another awesome novella. I love Mike! He’s so badass!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews