Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
When entering the gates of hell is only the beginning …

Matilda thought her brother had died until Hugh found her and told her otherwise. He’s still incarcerated, but he’s alive. Returning to Edin with William and Hugh beside her, she’s ready to fight for her brother’s freedom.

Anticipating a battle with bureaucrats for Artan’s liberation, it turns into something entirely different when they discover Hugh’s left the city’s gates open. Their worst fears are confirmed when a diseased stumbles out to meet them.

Entering the national service area might be like walking through the gates of hell, but with Artan’s freedom on the line, what other choice do they have?

What they can’t possibly know is hell’s only the beginning. Over the next few days, things are about to get a whole lot worse …

Collapse: Book four of Beyond These Walls is a post-apocalyptic thrill ride. If you like blistering-paced end of the world fiction where life hangs in the balance, then you’ll love this latest instalment of Michael Robertson’s exhilarating series.

310 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 12, 2019

77 people are currently reading
116 people want to read

About the author

Michael Robertson

98 books206 followers
Michael Robertson is an author and blogger. He has had several short stories published, including one with HarperCollins. He is the author of Crash - http://michaelrobertson.co.uk/crash--...

You can connect with Michael on Twitter at @MicRobertson, Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MichaelRober... and you can also contact him through his website at www.michaelrobertson.co.uk

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
94 (40%)
4 stars
91 (39%)
3 stars
35 (15%)
2 stars
12 (5%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Meenaz Lodhi.
1,021 reviews86 followers
April 10, 2019
“Who made them God, giving them the power to decide who lived and who died?”
Oh my! I think this has been the most frightening, scariest, terrifying, grittiest, toughest, heart wrenching, and cruel story I’ve read so far of this series! Robertson has painted his characters with such depth and passion, using human failings and consequences so realistically. If I thought I’d suffered with the other books, this one is way too hard to digest. The morality is thrust aside, there are no ethics to follow, emotions run deep, an each to his/her own aspect is clearly reflected in the actions to rescue and survive. It made me think how I’d react and act in the circumstances, which by far is difficult to judge. As with all the previous books, Collapse completely absorbed me on all levels...the characters, action and narrative all embodied in Robertson’s fascinating and distinct world, fast paced, with no respite for them nor for me..thought provoking. It left me eagerly awaiting the next instalment.I highly recommend reading this book - definitely a 5* read!!
I received an early version of this book from the publisher and my review is entirely voluntary.
Profile Image for D.S. Mac.
Author 1 book38 followers
November 20, 2020
4 days 4 books down! That is a testament to Michaels story telling.

"Wherever William looked, he saw the crimson glare and open-mouthed fury of the diseased. In just a few short hours, the national service area had been lost."

With Edin fallen William, Hugh and Matilda fight their way through swarms of the diseased to try ans find/save their loved ones and friends.
This was a fantastic entry, bursting with action and thrills.

"Trust didn’t get given freely in Edin."
This story just keeps getting better and better!
5*
Profile Image for Lana.
2,771 reviews59 followers
April 6, 2019
Edin had long had it coming to it; it was an open air prison for all but the politicians who ran the country with a tight fist keeping all the citizens enslaved. No one was free to choose were to live, who to love and what work to do and all where forced into national service where they were trained to face the diseased who ran rampant outside the walls that enclosed them! However, when the collapse finally came, because Hugh had left the gates open and the diseased entered into Edin it was horrific and so many lives were lost. William, Matilda, and Hugh had set out to free Artan, Matilda's younger brother from jail, but on the way they encountered a nightmare the likes of which they had never dreamt about. Apart from the diseased running rampant through the streets and through every colony, the evil teenage gangs from woodworks were sowing their own terror, and it was every one for themselves in a survival of the fittest situation which escalated very quickly over the span of three days. Hugh was riddled with guilt over the death of his love Elizabeth and now over leaving the gates open and allowing the diseased to enter and he was losing his mind, so much so that his friends were never sure how safe they were around him. This is the darkest book in this post-apocalyptic survival thriller I think, but also one which shows the resilience of the human being who has so much to live for when faced with freedom from tyranny! The tension in the book is relentless and the deaths are really gory but some people, namely the Politicians had what they deserved coming to them and this is so satisfying! Looking forward to book 5 and going beyond the walls of Edin with our group of young people or who is left of them!
Profile Image for David Taylor.
1,538 reviews24 followers
April 6, 2019
The fourth installment of the Beyond These Walls series is filled with non-stop action as William, Matilda, Olga and Hugh fight for survival. This series gets better with each installment. Without providing any spoilers the characters find plenty of danger, loss, triumph and in some cases relief. If you have read the previous Beyond These Walls stories, Collapse is a must read, if you haven’t read any of these stories, grab the box set of the first three episodes and buckle up for a wild ride. I received an Advance Review Copy and chose to provide this review.
Profile Image for Ron.
761 reviews2 followers
April 5, 2019
This is a very intense and fast paced story. It starts with 2 storylines running parallel which means each chapter ends with a cliffhanger. I found this story very hard to put down and just kept reading as it's a real page turner. Definitely would recommend this and the whole series.
Profile Image for Petrina Binney.
Author 13 books24 followers
May 20, 2022
With the threat of Artan being evicted into the wilderness due to the murder of his abusive father in the last book, Spike and Matilda set off to rescue him. But when the rapidly-unravelling Hugh discovers that Artan is, in fact, still in prison, he must get word to his friends on the other side of the wall. But what should be a temporary breach of the perimeter becomes something rather more apocalyptic as the city is quickly overrun by the diseased and the citizens fall to bloody-eyed groaning.

With their friends and families in different districts, will the small band of recently-returned national service personnel find their people in time? How will they get Artan out of prison? And if the city falls, where will they go? And where in the world are the protectors when Edin really needs them?

A great story with a very believable breakdown for former wimp-turned-heartbroken-muscle-man, Hugh.

Quite a lot of repetition this time, which was a shame. There were a decent handful of smiles that didn’t reach their eyes, as in previous books, but now we have the addition of stomachs turning backflips, the difficulty of playing God, and 'if he heard her, it didn’t show.’

That said, it’s a great story and maybe I was just struck by certain phrases when they first came up that I couldn’t help but notice when they came back.
Profile Image for Michelle.
266 reviews
April 9, 2019
I was itching to read this book to find out what happens next and I was not disappointed. In this instalment we find out what happens to Edin, “Spike”, Matilda & Hugh. Some characters from previous books return as well. There is loads of shocking, keep you on the edge of your seat and you “cannot read fast enough” moments, sad moments and more questions as to what is beyond Edin. I feel that this storyline could be huge. I am looking forward to book 5. This is an epic series, I hope that you enjoy it as much as I am too. Serious rollercoaster of a book. Love it!
Profile Image for Teresa.
1,902 reviews33 followers
January 29, 2024
A long drawn out run around the city after it falls. No real story except get a person.
The only interesting character died and then it was more running around the city.
Seems like a filler book because the author hadn’t figured out what to do with the story.
What is really missing, unless they show up in subsequent books is what happened to Magma and Ranger. The main villains of the story are never mentioned.
364 reviews8 followers
November 2, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed the first three books in the Beyond These Walls series, so I happily accepted an advance reader copy from the author, which was given without a requirement to post a review. Mr. Robertson is an excellent writer, who has created a dangerous world that was almost completely destroyed, but for reasons that have not been revealed. In this book, he continues to lead us through more twists and turns that develop deeper character traits and slowly reveal more background about various sinister forces, including violent gangs and under-handed politicians, in play within the city environment.

This fourth book continues where the last one left off, immediately sweeping the reader into the non-stop action wherein our friends William (Spike}, Matilda, Olga and Hugh, are among only a few survivors of the town of Edin being overrun by the diseased creatures. Thet embark on a mission to save Max, a former national service team member who is trapped in a lab, and Matilda’s brother Artan, who was unfairly imprisoned. In addition to the continuous life-and-death struggle with the diseased, they also have to fight off gangs from the woodwork district, who are still only interested in their selfish desires. They eventually discover a small group of survivors interested in taking back the town. Rather than stay, our friends decide to explore the outside world depicted in an old map they discovered to try to learn more about the origin of the seemingly unlimited number of diseased creatures.

This is a great read, hard to put down, and is promising much more to come in the continuing story. Although I obtained an ARC, I also bought the book, to help support this great author. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
66 reviews
April 13, 2019
Book 4 of “Beyond these walls”. William, Matilda, Hugh, and Olga, watch Edin fall to the diseased. Matilda’s only concern is to save her brother who had been unjustly imprisoned. Hugh is fighting his inner demons. William is desperately trying to be a competent leader of the team and demonstrate his love for Matilda. Olga is fighting for her life in a section of the city overrun by gangs and now the diseased. When the four met up they realise that their only hope is to free a former national guard team member, Max, who is locked away in the labs. The story is well written, fast paced, and with plenty of action. My only criticism of the book is that I hoped for more answers about the origin of disease, an answer to why there are so many new infections from beyond the walls of Edin, and of course, to see what all lies beyond those same walls. The book seemed to come to an abrupt end, but that is only a reflection of me not wanting this chapter of the story to end. I am really looking forward to the sequels and the series is highly recommended. Suitable as a teen read.
I received a free copy of this book with no obligation to review
Profile Image for Ahw.
218 reviews3 followers
August 3, 2021
At this point the fact that I dislike this series so much is my fault. I can't blame the author for tricking me. In the 3rd book I knew I didn't like the series any more yet I still read this one.
It's about the collapse of Edin. ... It's just more stuff. The Zombie horde breaks in. More fighting and combat and running.
I really am amazed at how the author can still have creative action sequences.
Kudos. And while I am HIGHLY critical of the story I can't write as well.

Most of that exciting action is pointless and stupid and makes no sense.
The people don't behave like normal human beings.
And it seemed like in this book ... or maybe it was the previous one, yeah I think it was the previous one, the author decided he wanted to make a strong moral point against sexism and homophobia.
Again, it made no sense. Suddenly a world that had no trouble with women as soldiers and guards (most of said women having "biceps as big as my thigh!") and in any other random position of authority - Suddenly had an oppressive patriarchy. I never saw the patriarchy oppressing anyone, we were just told how it was there and how bad it was.
Profile Image for Kelly Burns.
63 reviews21 followers
April 19, 2019
This is the 4th in the Beyond These Walls series, and personally, I think the best one so far. William, Matilda and Hugh have to make their way through a very changed Edin to rescue Matilda's brother, and to check on their families. The story keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. You'll find yourself cheering them on and mourning with them, while they have to make hard choices and decisions.

I was originally given a free or reduced copy of this book in exchange for an honest and impartial review. This has not influenced my review at all.
5,630 reviews8 followers
December 3, 2020
I will start by saying this.this entry in the series is my favorite by far.so many gripping emotional moments.tge intensity of the story from first to last page is off the charts it is written so fluidly and concise that you feel like your right there with william and Matilda and their companions.the author michael robertson is not taking it easy on any of these characters.without saying any names my heart is broken from 2 casualties of this book.i have to regroup and prepare myself mentally for book 5.
90 reviews
May 4, 2019
Well edited

If you haven't read the previous books in this series then do not pick this one up until you do. It starts off assuming you have read the last one and you will be lost as to what is going on. That being said if you have read the series then this one is as good as the others. But if you don't remember the ending of the last one you might want to go reread it first . Well edited has an ending yet there is still a possibility of another book.
Profile Image for Ami.
2,398 reviews14 followers
April 13, 2019
Collapse, book 4 in the series, is filled with all of the elements needed for a great Apoc/dystopian novel. I read it straight through and enjoyed every tension filled moment. I highly recommend it (and the entire series) and hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this ebook from the author and this is my honest and freely given opinion.
Profile Image for Susanne Blackledge.
11 reviews
May 10, 2019
Collapse

Loved it! Heart pounding action. I find myself involved closely with the characters. Hoping they will survive. I will miss Hugh. He was not the same after his terrible loss in the previous book. Absolutely Recommend Beyond These Walls, the series. Also, all of Michael Robertson 's series. And, Stand Alone Novels.
Profile Image for Julie Powell.
Author 72 books324 followers
October 22, 2020
Another great installment of this series. I have the six box set and the story has developed brilliantly - both characters and plot.

There is plenty of action but it's tempered with emotion and thought processes bringing depth to the story.

I don't give spoilers so can't say too much, yet this series is certainly worth reading.

Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Nicci.
41 reviews
September 4, 2023
I was so excited to finally witness the fall of Edin, which is what it felt like the first few books were building towards. Surprisingly, as it's quite an often used plot, I also thoroughly enjoyed the way in which it was done. Watching the characters as
83 reviews1 follower
April 17, 2019
Fabulous book 4

Just finished book 4 in this series. Awesome as usual. A few new characters but of the friendly sort so far. It's going to be hard to wait for book 5. I would recommend this series to everyone. Michael Robertson is a very talented author.
Profile Image for Bill Thibadeau.
503 reviews13 followers
April 19, 2019
This author still draws me in

Not sure how he does it,but this author is able to keep up the action and intensity at a pulse pounding and nail biting level across all of his series.. He is among the top of the apocalyptic authors I read.
Profile Image for Lauren.
841 reviews6 followers
December 19, 2022
This one is better than the previous ones as it finally feels like we are heading towards an actual story. We also see more of Olga and Max which I like and Hugh’s storyline gets really intense which was good.
96 reviews
April 14, 2019
Good read

A different take on a post apocalyptic story. Good storyline where kids have to grow up fast. Worth the read.
Profile Image for Dan Parden.
18 reviews
July 31, 2019
What an awesome read, the story is so interesting Just when you think you know what’s going to happen something completely different happens. I cannot wait for till the next book gets released.
12 reviews
October 16, 2019
Held my attention through out the book. No foul language or sex scenes.
Profile Image for Janis.
566 reviews12 followers
October 24, 2021
A simple mistake and their city falls, now they are on the run. Are the diseased all they need to fear?
Profile Image for Sara Wilson.
Author 2 books
October 27, 2025
The book is okay, I still can't say I love the series. I am still gonna finish it because I've come this far. Hoping the last few books deliver something better than what we've been given so far.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.