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Hell Divers #6
Allegiance
The war for the Metal Islands is over, but the search for survivors has just begun.
After a long and bloody battle, legendary Hell Diver Xavier Rodriguez reigns as the dutiful but reluctant new king of the islands. Advised by a council of former sky citizens as well as Cazadores, he works to assimilate the two societies peacefully. But not all Cazadores have accepted the new order.
While X tries to ease tensions at home, a rookie team of divers, led by Michael Everhart, returns to the skies in Discovery, formerly the ITC Deliverance. Their mission: to locate other human survivors throughout the world and rescue them. But Michael s team aren t the only ones searching for survivors. A gruesome discovery reveals that android defectors continue to hunt humans across the globe. And they may not be the only ones.
In a race against time, the Hell Divers may be the only obstacle to enemies bent on wiping out the final pockets of survivors and extinguishing the human genome forever.
After a long and bloody battle, legendary Hell Diver Xavier Rodriguez reigns as the dutiful but reluctant new king of the islands. Advised by a council of former sky citizens as well as Cazadores, he works to assimilate the two societies peacefully. But not all Cazadores have accepted the new order.
While X tries to ease tensions at home, a rookie team of divers, led by Michael Everhart, returns to the skies in Discovery, formerly the ITC Deliverance. Their mission: to locate other human survivors throughout the world and rescue them. But Michael s team aren t the only ones searching for survivors. A gruesome discovery reveals that android defectors continue to hunt humans across the globe. And they may not be the only ones.
In a race against time, the Hell Divers may be the only obstacle to enemies bent on wiping out the final pockets of survivors and extinguishing the human genome forever.
412 pages, ebook
First published November 5, 2019
628 people are currently reading
1857 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.
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/
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 194 reviews
November 13, 2019
Holy crap I blew through this SO FAST. These books are one of my favorite series, and absolutely a standout in terms of apocalyptic fiction. Highly recommend if that is a genre you enjoy!
Tons of action, awesome setting, and somehow Nicholas Sansbury Smith still manages to create new and disturbing challenges and threats for the characters to encounter that feel fresh and exciting.
I have loved each new book in this series just as much as the last (six books and no low points is damn impressive!), and can't wait to see what happens next!
Tons of action, awesome setting, and somehow Nicholas Sansbury Smith still manages to create new and disturbing challenges and threats for the characters to encounter that feel fresh and exciting.
I have loved each new book in this series just as much as the last (six books and no low points is damn impressive!), and can't wait to see what happens next!
November 13, 2023
Allegiance is yet another spellbinding edition to the Hell Divers series. Sansbury Smith can always be counted to hit a perfect bullseye.
August 25, 2023
3 stars!
I still love the audiobooks narrated by R.C. Bray but story wise, for me, Allegiance just didn't hold my attention as much as the first few books.
Too many new characters have been introduced that I don't necessarily care about and I'm also not invested in the human politics.
I miss the creepiness and suspense of the earlier books.
*As a side note, I did do this one entirely as an audiobook so that may have contributed to why it was harder for me to follow.
For my full thoughts check out my recent reads video: https://youtu.be/8m9sS0dRQKM
I still love the audiobooks narrated by R.C. Bray but story wise, for me, Allegiance just didn't hold my attention as much as the first few books.
Too many new characters have been introduced that I don't necessarily care about and I'm also not invested in the human politics.
I miss the creepiness and suspense of the earlier books.
*As a side note, I did do this one entirely as an audiobook so that may have contributed to why it was harder for me to follow.
For my full thoughts check out my recent reads video: https://youtu.be/8m9sS0dRQKM
November 10, 2020
4 Stars
Review:
It's getting harder to write reviews for these books because they're always good, and I just keep saying the same things over and over.
The post-apocalyptic world-building was horrifying and creative (though mostly established at this point, aside from smaller details popping up). The action was intense. There were some established relationships and brief mentions of feelings, but definitely nothing I'd call romance. The characters were flawed and badass and likeable.
At this point there's kind of a core group of characters, though it shifts around a bit, as do side characters, as circumstances arise, people die, etc. Because people always die in these books, and it's always sad, even when you barely know the character.
I listened to the audiobook for this, and I didn't like the narration by R.C. Bray. Other people seem to love it, but he talks with an unnatural, forced cadence/inflection/something. Every sentence of narration sounded the same, spoken the same way. As for his voice, it's on the deeper, gruffer side, which I felt suited some characters but not others. Voices were slightly different for different characters, though some were easier to tell apart than others. Not an unbearable audiobook for me, but not my favorite. What you hear in the sample is basically what you're gonna get, so you can make your own decision based on that.
*SPOILERS for previous books in the series*
This book in particular was a little slower for a while and a little different than previous ones because it was largely about X taking on the mantle of leadership and trying to keep the peace and prevent another war between the Sky People and the Cazadores. But I appreciate that that wasn't skipped over because it's an important part of the story. And I liked getting so much time with X. He's a great character, and he was doing his best. I wouldn't have wanted to be in his position.
There was still some surface action too, with all the horrifying wasteland monsters you'd expect. But this time, there was also a new threat to contend with. And the action and intensity really ramped up near the end.
It was also kind of interesting to see a bit of what life was like on the Metal Islands and how things are changing for the people from the airship.
*END SPOILERS*
Overall, this was a bit slower than some of the other books in the series, but it was still good!
*Rating: 4 Stars // Read Date: 2020 // Format: Audiobook*
Recommended For:
Fans of Books 1-5 in Nicholas Sanbury Smith's Hell Divers Series. Anyone looking for a crazy, intense, gritty, gripping, unique post-apocalyptic story and gruff, flawed, but still likeable characters.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Review:
It's getting harder to write reviews for these books because they're always good, and I just keep saying the same things over and over.
The post-apocalyptic world-building was horrifying and creative (though mostly established at this point, aside from smaller details popping up). The action was intense. There were some established relationships and brief mentions of feelings, but definitely nothing I'd call romance. The characters were flawed and badass and likeable.
At this point there's kind of a core group of characters, though it shifts around a bit, as do side characters, as circumstances arise, people die, etc. Because people always die in these books, and it's always sad, even when you barely know the character.
I listened to the audiobook for this, and I didn't like the narration by R.C. Bray. Other people seem to love it, but he talks with an unnatural, forced cadence/inflection/something. Every sentence of narration sounded the same, spoken the same way. As for his voice, it's on the deeper, gruffer side, which I felt suited some characters but not others. Voices were slightly different for different characters, though some were easier to tell apart than others. Not an unbearable audiobook for me, but not my favorite. What you hear in the sample is basically what you're gonna get, so you can make your own decision based on that.
*SPOILERS for previous books in the series*
This book in particular was a little slower for a while and a little different than previous ones because it was largely about X taking on the mantle of leadership and trying to keep the peace and prevent another war between the Sky People and the Cazadores. But I appreciate that that wasn't skipped over because it's an important part of the story. And I liked getting so much time with X. He's a great character, and he was doing his best. I wouldn't have wanted to be in his position.
There was still some surface action too, with all the horrifying wasteland monsters you'd expect. But this time, there was also a new threat to contend with. And the action and intensity really ramped up near the end.
It was also kind of interesting to see a bit of what life was like on the Metal Islands and how things are changing for the people from the airship.
*END SPOILERS*
Overall, this was a bit slower than some of the other books in the series, but it was still good!
*Rating: 4 Stars // Read Date: 2020 // Format: Audiobook*
Recommended For:
Fans of Books 1-5 in Nicholas Sanbury Smith's Hell Divers Series. Anyone looking for a crazy, intense, gritty, gripping, unique post-apocalyptic story and gruff, flawed, but still likeable characters.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
November 11, 2019
Wow! Just Wow!
If somehow you’ve been sleeping on Nicholas Sansbury Smith. May I ask you what the hell is wrong with you? Also, to quote one of my favorite movies… “Hello? McFly!?” But, in all seriousness, Allegiance is the 6th book in the Hell Divers series and I believe at least the 10th (or more) book of his I’ve read. In every series Smith is able to bring such great action without sacrificing the realism (of science fiction) or the emotion.
Allegiance is a test of just that for X and the Sky People. A test of allegiance. They are formed together with the Cazadores after the thrilling finale of Hell Divers 5. They are now trying to protect the metal islands while also looking for other survivors. There are still rogue elements out there trying to kill them, but thankfully they don’t know where X and team are. The mutated animals and plants on land and in the sea and their ever present danger are still there. But that’s not the only thing hunting the survivors.
As I stated above, Smith is able to write stories that feel real and have that extra emotion that a lot of Post-Apocalyptic stories are missing. Sure, there’s still a lot of war, fighting, and overall action. But the conversations with their partners, the ever present danger of all humans, and the mortality of our companions is extremely well written out without feeling too gushy. Smith is able to write about these things to remind the reader that these characters are still human. They still care. They still feel. They may have been through absolute hell and back (literally) but they are more than just unthinking unfeeling killing machines.
So, to write more about this book without spoiling it is pretty hard. Just know that you’re in for incredible scenes (and well written out new lands – like the one on the cover). You’re also in for X and others making the tough decisions. Making the decision to damn one group of people while saving another. It’s a real book and one that has left me feeling a bit raw. I say all of this with a smile on my face though. The Hell Divers series has a special place in my heart and it’s rare that six books in an author can not only write exactly what you were hoping but also still surprise you. It’s also rare to have a series that is six books deep and still have as much left to give as this one. There’s a big Earth and things, especially dangerous things, are good at hiding in the shadows until you least expect them.
Back to a more blurb-worthy review – Hell Divers VI: Allegiance might be Smith’s best work yet. Combine that with R.C. Bray’s narration and you have one of the best books I’ve read in 2019. (Meaning that I probably read 2 of my top 3 books back to back this year).
If somehow you’ve been sleeping on Nicholas Sansbury Smith. May I ask you what the hell is wrong with you? Also, to quote one of my favorite movies… “Hello? McFly!?” But, in all seriousness, Allegiance is the 6th book in the Hell Divers series and I believe at least the 10th (or more) book of his I’ve read. In every series Smith is able to bring such great action without sacrificing the realism (of science fiction) or the emotion.
Allegiance is a test of just that for X and the Sky People. A test of allegiance. They are formed together with the Cazadores after the thrilling finale of Hell Divers 5. They are now trying to protect the metal islands while also looking for other survivors. There are still rogue elements out there trying to kill them, but thankfully they don’t know where X and team are. The mutated animals and plants on land and in the sea and their ever present danger are still there. But that’s not the only thing hunting the survivors.
As I stated above, Smith is able to write stories that feel real and have that extra emotion that a lot of Post-Apocalyptic stories are missing. Sure, there’s still a lot of war, fighting, and overall action. But the conversations with their partners, the ever present danger of all humans, and the mortality of our companions is extremely well written out without feeling too gushy. Smith is able to write about these things to remind the reader that these characters are still human. They still care. They still feel. They may have been through absolute hell and back (literally) but they are more than just unthinking unfeeling killing machines.
So, to write more about this book without spoiling it is pretty hard. Just know that you’re in for incredible scenes (and well written out new lands – like the one on the cover). You’re also in for X and others making the tough decisions. Making the decision to damn one group of people while saving another. It’s a real book and one that has left me feeling a bit raw. I say all of this with a smile on my face though. The Hell Divers series has a special place in my heart and it’s rare that six books in an author can not only write exactly what you were hoping but also still surprise you. It’s also rare to have a series that is six books deep and still have as much left to give as this one. There’s a big Earth and things, especially dangerous things, are good at hiding in the shadows until you least expect them.
Back to a more blurb-worthy review – Hell Divers VI: Allegiance might be Smith’s best work yet. Combine that with R.C. Bray’s narration and you have one of the best books I’ve read in 2019. (Meaning that I probably read 2 of my top 3 books back to back this year).
November 12, 2022
To be honest this is getting tedious. The end of this book had the most action and was really the only great part of the book.
I think I need a break from diving so my humanity can survive.
I think I need a break from diving so my humanity can survive.
November 22, 2023
Excellent! I am immediately going onto book VII. I have Kindle Unlimited for only $0.99 for two months and I just started my 2nd month. My digital library has the rest of the series, I just need to finish the 7th. Love this series.
January 1, 2020
Another great entry in the Hell Divers series, this one a bit lighter than the previous book, but still filled with action and advancing the story of the last people on Earth (or are they?). No spoilers here, but good people die, more bad people die, and new nasty creatures are introduced. This isn't intellectual fodder, but rather fun escapist adventure with characters we already know and some new ones for the next in the series.
As usual, R. C. Bray does a fabulous narration. I'd listen to him anytime.
Lots of violence, no sex, very little foul language, but dark topics, monsters, and cruelty between humans.
As usual, R. C. Bray does a fabulous narration. I'd listen to him anytime.
Lots of violence, no sex, very little foul language, but dark topics, monsters, and cruelty between humans.
June 25, 2020
Narrator RC Bray is brilliant as ever! ‘Nuff said!
June 7, 2025
Another solid entry in the Hell Divers series, but it also feels like a lot of water being treaded as the plot picks up the pieces from Book 5 and lays the groundwork for Book 6.
November 5, 2019
Exciting and fast paced
There might be spoilers if you haven't read the other books in the series - and if you haven't, why not?
I don't know how author Nick Smith does it. I've read all of his different series and each series is unique and definitely kept my interest.
This sixth book in the Hell Divers series is no different. The action is insanely ramped up. The characters stay fresh and surprising. The locations are recognizable but have a scary post-apocalyptic overlay.
X is now King Xavier trying to keep an uneasy truce between the Sky People and the Cazadores. The people on the Metal Islands have received a distress call from other survivors and mount a rescuing party that turns into one of their most dangerous missions.
This series and the TRACKERS series are my favorites of this author's work. I definitely appreciate that he is a fast writer and doesn't keep me waiting a year between new books.
Highly recommended to old fans and new fans too. This book is being released 11/05/19.
I received this Advanced Reading Copy from Blackstone Publishing in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.
There might be spoilers if you haven't read the other books in the series - and if you haven't, why not?
I don't know how author Nick Smith does it. I've read all of his different series and each series is unique and definitely kept my interest.
This sixth book in the Hell Divers series is no different. The action is insanely ramped up. The characters stay fresh and surprising. The locations are recognizable but have a scary post-apocalyptic overlay.
X is now King Xavier trying to keep an uneasy truce between the Sky People and the Cazadores. The people on the Metal Islands have received a distress call from other survivors and mount a rescuing party that turns into one of their most dangerous missions.
This series and the TRACKERS series are my favorites of this author's work. I definitely appreciate that he is a fast writer and doesn't keep me waiting a year between new books.
Highly recommended to old fans and new fans too. This book is being released 11/05/19.
I received this Advanced Reading Copy from Blackstone Publishing in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.
December 2, 2019
This series is really going downhill at this stage, the book was very short and just a bit meh..
December 16, 2019
My least favorite so far, and not because of the lack of action and such, but because of the entire premise. X is now King...supposedly of hundreds if not thousands of people living in the metal islands. However, he spends all of his time training new Helldivers, going on secret missions, and generally raising hell on his own. Who the hell is governing? The Cazadores resent the sky people, the sky people hate the cazadores, and the leaders of both are out stirring up any trouble they can find. Meanwhile, some weird shit is going down in Rio, so Michael and Magnolia are on the quest to recover any stranded humans. Lots of action and excitement, but nothing really new in this book.
January 2, 2020
My least favorite in awhile. Nothing much different from the last book really happened.
June 26, 2020
Fantastic! I love this series. Compelling characters, in a world that, while dystopian, is fascinating and has no end to the surprises.
February 23, 2020
This book leaves me scratching my head as to the logic of the writer, the logic of the characters and the logic of why I'm still reading the series.
There are too many logical issues in this book to be ignored. Some are in character choices, that is unclear if the author is making a subtle commentary on human nature. Some are things that I overlooked in earlier entries that really got to me in this book. Some is why do I keep reading when I'm clearly not enjoying.
So the book starts with an unnecessary character death, which this series has in spades. If you want a series where semi main characters are killed off at random then this is a good series for you. I know in real life every death isn't meaningful, doest drive character motivations for others, doesn't drive some sort of overall narrative, but this is literature. There is a certain level of "red shirts" that need to be killed to increase the stakes of a situation, however, in this series "red shirts" include anyone and everyone who is not one of the Pov's. And the author is quick to kill them, and then show that some people are sad, but not enough to spark anyone to action, or change the story, or well anything. And if the story doesn't care, why should I?
Next, we have people who have been abandoned to the sky for their whole life, cursing the A holes who destroyed the planet with nukes, then proceed to use their new found nukes anytime they feel like it. This COULD be a biting commentary on how humans don't learn lessons, or how when given a weapon why feel compelled to use it, or how hypocritical we are as a species, etc. However, it never comes off as such. It is always written as a logical choice for the characters and we should applaud them for doing it.
We are also presented animals that don't act as animals. This has bothered me from the beginning, but I couldn't put my finger on why, but this book really brings it out. Animals do not have complex emotions. They act out of self preservation and satisfy their needs. Now, I've never interacted with a artificially evolved mutant in a radioactive apocalypse, however, earth predators will attack to kill, but will retreat when the prey harms them. You can punch a shark and it will swim away, if you injure a tiger it will run. The saying "lick ones wounds" are literally about animals retreating to take care of injuries, rather than pursue an attack. The animals in this series, however, are vindictive, aggressive and relentless in their goal of killing. It doesn't matter if they loose a limb, an eye, if they care barely move, they have to kill no matter what. It turns the wildlife into horror movie creatures and takes from the realism of the story.
I was hoping this was going to be the end of this series, I was hoping for closure to the story. Unfortunately it is written as just the next step, and more are on their way. I'm not sure of I'm going to continue or not. I like the premise, but not the execution of the last few books.
There are too many logical issues in this book to be ignored. Some are in character choices, that is unclear if the author is making a subtle commentary on human nature. Some are things that I overlooked in earlier entries that really got to me in this book. Some is why do I keep reading when I'm clearly not enjoying.
So the book starts with an unnecessary character death, which this series has in spades. If you want a series where semi main characters are killed off at random then this is a good series for you. I know in real life every death isn't meaningful, doest drive character motivations for others, doesn't drive some sort of overall narrative, but this is literature. There is a certain level of "red shirts" that need to be killed to increase the stakes of a situation, however, in this series "red shirts" include anyone and everyone who is not one of the Pov's. And the author is quick to kill them, and then show that some people are sad, but not enough to spark anyone to action, or change the story, or well anything. And if the story doesn't care, why should I?
Next, we have people who have been abandoned to the sky for their whole life, cursing the A holes who destroyed the planet with nukes, then proceed to use their new found nukes anytime they feel like it. This COULD be a biting commentary on how humans don't learn lessons, or how when given a weapon why feel compelled to use it, or how hypocritical we are as a species, etc. However, it never comes off as such. It is always written as a logical choice for the characters and we should applaud them for doing it.
We are also presented animals that don't act as animals. This has bothered me from the beginning, but I couldn't put my finger on why, but this book really brings it out. Animals do not have complex emotions. They act out of self preservation and satisfy their needs. Now, I've never interacted with a artificially evolved mutant in a radioactive apocalypse, however, earth predators will attack to kill, but will retreat when the prey harms them. You can punch a shark and it will swim away, if you injure a tiger it will run. The saying "lick ones wounds" are literally about animals retreating to take care of injuries, rather than pursue an attack. The animals in this series, however, are vindictive, aggressive and relentless in their goal of killing. It doesn't matter if they loose a limb, an eye, if they care barely move, they have to kill no matter what. It turns the wildlife into horror movie creatures and takes from the realism of the story.
I was hoping this was going to be the end of this series, I was hoping for closure to the story. Unfortunately it is written as just the next step, and more are on their way. I'm not sure of I'm going to continue or not. I like the premise, but not the execution of the last few books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2022
Abandoning Ship
Looks like I've made my last dive with Smith's Hell Diver's series. As much as I hate to be so treacherous as to abandon a series I was enjoying so much, 'you can't run with the hare and hunt with the hounds' as they say. The problem is that I was reading the series because I was having fun. I have not had fun with this sixth installment. It brings nothing new to the story. I have forced myself for over four weeks to read this bit by bit and found nothing worth continuing into the next book. So, I won't. There it is.
The problem is sequel-itis. In my opinion, Smith has fallen prey to spreading this out into sequel after sequel, (there are already at least 3 more) despite having reached the end of the story. I loved the first five books. They were exciting. But, there was nothing exciting about the new 'King' Xavier. I think the first five books alone make a great series. Of course, that's one reader's opinion. I'm going to call it finished for me.
Looks like I've made my last dive with Smith's Hell Diver's series. As much as I hate to be so treacherous as to abandon a series I was enjoying so much, 'you can't run with the hare and hunt with the hounds' as they say. The problem is that I was reading the series because I was having fun. I have not had fun with this sixth installment. It brings nothing new to the story. I have forced myself for over four weeks to read this bit by bit and found nothing worth continuing into the next book. So, I won't. There it is.
The problem is sequel-itis. In my opinion, Smith has fallen prey to spreading this out into sequel after sequel, (there are already at least 3 more) despite having reached the end of the story. I loved the first five books. They were exciting. But, there was nothing exciting about the new 'King' Xavier. I think the first five books alone make a great series. Of course, that's one reader's opinion. I'm going to call it finished for me.
December 19, 2019
While I gave this three stars, really it's about 3.5. The beginning is meh, but about a third of the way through it pick up. I like that the story is moving back into political intrigue, but I really struggle with X being a king, much like X does.
I like the addition of the Skin Walkers. A new enemy is always welcome to up the intrigue and action.
My biggest gripe about this book is that NSS killed one of my favorite characters. I knew that scene was going to go poorly for our heroes, but Nooooooo!
This is a good addition to the series. I look forward to the next book.
I like the addition of the Skin Walkers. A new enemy is always welcome to up the intrigue and action.
My biggest gripe about this book is that NSS killed one of my favorite characters. I knew that scene was going to go poorly for our heroes, but Nooooooo!
This is a good addition to the series. I look forward to the next book.
September 14, 2020
This is the sixth book in Nicholas Sanasbury Smith's Hell Divers series, and in order to understand this world you are going to need to read the previous books, there is no picking up this series part way through; Hell Divers, Ghosts, Deliverance, Wolves and Captives. Also this series is Amazing and I cannot recommend it enough.
Nicholas Sansbury Smith takes readers back to last habitual place on Earth, but the search for other survivors has only just begum:
The War for the Metal Islands is over after a long bloody battle, Xavier Rodriguez is the new King of the Island and his goal is to merge the Sky people with the Cazadores but this is easier said than done, their culture are very different and not all of the Cazadores are happy with the new ruler. X needs to keep a sharp eye on his back or there could very well be a spear in it. X has also given the Hell Divers a new mission to locate and rescue any other survivors that might be out there. While their cause may be a noble on, gruesome discovery shows that they are not the only one searching for survivors. In a race against time, X must secure his place as King and the Hell Divers have to try and find those who need their help before others got to them first.
Six books into this series and Sansbury Smith still is able to have me on the edge of my seat the whole time. This book has a lot of action scenes within it, but I also found the political sides really interesting as the Sky people and X try to navigate through their new situation and fortunes. From start to finish Sansbury Smith has your attention and does not let go, as this book will have you reading way past your bedtime. Honestly six books in and he is still able to achieve this is amazing.
As you can tell from the cover part of this book takes place in Rio de Janeiro but there are a few story lines that occur throughout the book. Additionally each story line has several different character point of view which really rounds out each story. This may seem like a lot of points of view but we are now six books in to this series and while there have been some deaths along the way (some of them major, yes that includes this book too) we know the characters that have points of view in this book. The main three story lines exist in the air, on the metal island and on the ocean, they do cross over at times, but they are the main themes and missions throughout.
Just when I think that Sansbury Smith has piqued with his creativity he surprises me again, from skin wearing robots to two headed snakes, there is never a dull moment within this book or series for that manner. You do not know what he is going to pull out next or what new Hell creature is going to rear its Ugly head.
I like how Human Sansbury Smith makes X within this book. He is called the immortal for his trek across the wasteland that is Earth and defeating the previous King, but X struggles with many aspects of being a King and the decisions that need to be made. He truly wants to do what is best for the Sky people and Cazadores but does not know how to do this.
This is one of my favourite series out there and with each book that comes out Sansbury Smith keeps me not only entertained and invested in the characters but on the edge of my seat the whole time I'm reading. Not many authors can say that they do that six books in. I can't wait for the next book to come out.
Enjoy!!!
Nicholas Sansbury Smith takes readers back to last habitual place on Earth, but the search for other survivors has only just begum:
The War for the Metal Islands is over after a long bloody battle, Xavier Rodriguez is the new King of the Island and his goal is to merge the Sky people with the Cazadores but this is easier said than done, their culture are very different and not all of the Cazadores are happy with the new ruler. X needs to keep a sharp eye on his back or there could very well be a spear in it. X has also given the Hell Divers a new mission to locate and rescue any other survivors that might be out there. While their cause may be a noble on, gruesome discovery shows that they are not the only one searching for survivors. In a race against time, X must secure his place as King and the Hell Divers have to try and find those who need their help before others got to them first.
Six books into this series and Sansbury Smith still is able to have me on the edge of my seat the whole time. This book has a lot of action scenes within it, but I also found the political sides really interesting as the Sky people and X try to navigate through their new situation and fortunes. From start to finish Sansbury Smith has your attention and does not let go, as this book will have you reading way past your bedtime. Honestly six books in and he is still able to achieve this is amazing.
As you can tell from the cover part of this book takes place in Rio de Janeiro but there are a few story lines that occur throughout the book. Additionally each story line has several different character point of view which really rounds out each story. This may seem like a lot of points of view but we are now six books in to this series and while there have been some deaths along the way (some of them major, yes that includes this book too) we know the characters that have points of view in this book. The main three story lines exist in the air, on the metal island and on the ocean, they do cross over at times, but they are the main themes and missions throughout.
Just when I think that Sansbury Smith has piqued with his creativity he surprises me again, from skin wearing robots to two headed snakes, there is never a dull moment within this book or series for that manner. You do not know what he is going to pull out next or what new Hell creature is going to rear its Ugly head.
I like how Human Sansbury Smith makes X within this book. He is called the immortal for his trek across the wasteland that is Earth and defeating the previous King, but X struggles with many aspects of being a King and the decisions that need to be made. He truly wants to do what is best for the Sky people and Cazadores but does not know how to do this.
This is one of my favourite series out there and with each book that comes out Sansbury Smith keeps me not only entertained and invested in the characters but on the edge of my seat the whole time I'm reading. Not many authors can say that they do that six books in. I can't wait for the next book to come out.
Enjoy!!!
January 16, 2020
Another solid entry in the Hell diver series
I was hoping there would be more happening with the AI, but something different pops up and becomes the main conflict in the book. I'm not opposed to this, I just expected more to happen with the AI since it was so well set up in the previous books. That and there was no mention of this third group at any point before. It is a bit of a curve ball, but it still makes for a good story. It's a good book with only a few issues, but more than anything enjoyable and fun.
It wasn't as good as books four and five for me, but it was still a major improvement over books two and three. The second half of this series is really good, up there with some of the best series I've read. We get a bit of a slow start, but after that the pace really picks up for each character group. There are multiple times where everything seems to be going to hell, but somehow the characters manage to keep their missions going. Again each character group is going something interesting, and they are well balanced and interesting. There's no boring scenes, or characters that aren't as good as others.
The biggest issue is how damn annoying the Sky People are in this book. A lot of them are made to be so stupid and blinded by hate. I could get it to a certain level, but not to the level it is taken here. There's also a few nonsensical parts with the widow Mallory, arrows that go through armor, and a lack of exploiting superior firepower. Again it is a bit of something needing to happen a certain way or the plot would break. I get it but it is still frustrating.
The issues don't overpower the book like with the first half of the series though. We do still have everyone's gun jamming at the worst point, it is getting older with every book, but what can you do. It is the safety blanket of the series. Need some extra tension, jam a gun when someone is about to die. More than anything it adds some comical relief. Still a good series, and the bad things only stick out because this book is so good. Well worth a read.
I was hoping there would be more happening with the AI, but something different pops up and becomes the main conflict in the book. I'm not opposed to this, I just expected more to happen with the AI since it was so well set up in the previous books. That and there was no mention of this third group at any point before. It is a bit of a curve ball, but it still makes for a good story. It's a good book with only a few issues, but more than anything enjoyable and fun.
It wasn't as good as books four and five for me, but it was still a major improvement over books two and three. The second half of this series is really good, up there with some of the best series I've read. We get a bit of a slow start, but after that the pace really picks up for each character group. There are multiple times where everything seems to be going to hell, but somehow the characters manage to keep their missions going. Again each character group is going something interesting, and they are well balanced and interesting. There's no boring scenes, or characters that aren't as good as others.
The biggest issue is how damn annoying the Sky People are in this book. A lot of them are made to be so stupid and blinded by hate. I could get it to a certain level, but not to the level it is taken here. There's also a few nonsensical parts with the widow Mallory, arrows that go through armor, and a lack of exploiting superior firepower. Again it is a bit of something needing to happen a certain way or the plot would break. I get it but it is still frustrating.
The issues don't overpower the book like with the first half of the series though. We do still have everyone's gun jamming at the worst point, it is getting older with every book, but what can you do. It is the safety blanket of the series. Need some extra tension, jam a gun when someone is about to die. More than anything it adds some comical relief. Still a good series, and the bad things only stick out because this book is so good. Well worth a read.
December 18, 2019
You know those books that have you staying up past the time you know you really should be sleeping, just so you can read a little more? Yeah, this was one of those for me. It's an awesome addition to the series, and an amazing read in its own right. The action, the feels, the relatable characters even in situations you can't imagine ending up in yourself and even so find yourself hoping against hope you never will while reading about them... It has all those things, and more! Seriously, if you're a fan of apocolyptic fiction that's set way after the initial event, and can handle gory details in your books, you should be reading this series, and if you're not, I seriously recommend you fix that as soon as possible. Also, the next book is coming soon, right? *looks hopeful*
November 20, 2019
High 3/low 4 stars. Not my favourite of the series but also not my least liked either.
First and foremost, NSS has once again delivered a book that if not from page 1 this time at least for most of the book provides heart-stopping action and great characterizations. Point-blank: the man can flat out write and you will definitely not be bored. The world is still a horrible place, most of the people you come across are utter bastards and don't even get me started on the monsters that want to eat you and kill everything else in horrible nasty ways.
Having said that, it also needs to be pointed out that this is a 'set up' book. Book 6 is clearly intended to take us into the '2nd generation' of the Hell Divers series after Book 5 really got us to a fairly good stopping point for the 1st. There is a lot of time spent on the complex politics and socio-economic upheaval that was caused by the 'sky-riders' eventually taking over the Metal Islands. Then again, who better to take up the mantle of 'King' (or President or God, your call) than our all-time favourite Diver, namely, Xavier Rodriguez.
But that can be tiresome, too. I already stated after book 5 that I wasn't all that 'morally ok' with the whole 'our's by divine right' situation and as such, my feelings remain split on who was really in the right or wrong on several occasions. OK, what Ada did was a major d$ck move and we'll no doubt see how that plays out in coming tales. But the needs for diving have changed just as much as their fortunes have (or have they?) and it's that grittiness that I miss. A lot.
And though the adventure into Rio is exciting (that's not a spoiler, it's the damn cover!), there's really not a lot new presented IN THIS BOOK. Sure, we get a spoiler from NSS that something is definitely 'up' but really, not a lot of new ways of killing beasties (or getting killed by same) is forthcoming and that's a bit of a shame. OH well, if we're setting up for next year's chapter, then by golly, sign me up. Because no matter how you slice it - be it across the jugular, or up into the sternum, or through the eyes - these are great stories! Enjoy.
First and foremost, NSS has once again delivered a book that if not from page 1 this time at least for most of the book provides heart-stopping action and great characterizations. Point-blank: the man can flat out write and you will definitely not be bored. The world is still a horrible place, most of the people you come across are utter bastards and don't even get me started on the monsters that want to eat you and kill everything else in horrible nasty ways.
Having said that, it also needs to be pointed out that this is a 'set up' book. Book 6 is clearly intended to take us into the '2nd generation' of the Hell Divers series after Book 5 really got us to a fairly good stopping point for the 1st. There is a lot of time spent on the complex politics and socio-economic upheaval that was caused by the 'sky-riders' eventually taking over the Metal Islands. Then again, who better to take up the mantle of 'King' (or President or God, your call) than our all-time favourite Diver, namely, Xavier Rodriguez.
But that can be tiresome, too. I already stated after book 5 that I wasn't all that 'morally ok' with the whole 'our's by divine right' situation and as such, my feelings remain split on who was really in the right or wrong on several occasions. OK, what Ada did was a major d$ck move and we'll no doubt see how that plays out in coming tales. But the needs for diving have changed just as much as their fortunes have (or have they?) and it's that grittiness that I miss. A lot.
And though the adventure into Rio is exciting (that's not a spoiler, it's the damn cover!), there's really not a lot new presented IN THIS BOOK. Sure, we get a spoiler from NSS that something is definitely 'up' but really, not a lot of new ways of killing beasties (or getting killed by same) is forthcoming and that's a bit of a shame. OH well, if we're setting up for next year's chapter, then by golly, sign me up. Because no matter how you slice it - be it across the jugular, or up into the sternum, or through the eyes - these are great stories! Enjoy.
August 21, 2023
Ah NSS, what can I even say to the man who threw me into a world so unexpectedly devastating I can’t look away.
I had no idea a series could go this long, with the same overall premise, and still keep me so damn invested.
It’s very rare I find a series that I love this deeply and want to own every book in every format.
RC Bray does a wonderful job bringing these stories to life, and I’m so excited for each book that comes next.
I had no idea a series could go this long, with the same overall premise, and still keep me so damn invested.
It’s very rare I find a series that I love this deeply and want to own every book in every format.
RC Bray does a wonderful job bringing these stories to life, and I’m so excited for each book that comes next.
November 13, 2019
I hope book 7 is nearly finished!!!
January 1, 2020
Review to come.
October 26, 2022
Excellent book. So much going on with this one it’s hard to write a review. Good stuff
November 6, 2019
I just finished this book. Excellent. Nicholas Sansbury Smith continues to surprise and amaze me. This story, book #6 in the Award Winning Hell Divers series takes the reader on an emotional Roller Coaster. Sci-Fi, Horror, Adventure, and human nature at it’s best and worst. His writing skill continues to soar reaching new pinnacles with each book. This is a must read book in a fascinating series. I was given an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in return for an honest review.
November 13, 2019
As usual Nick tells a very good story and I highly recommend any and all of his stories. Although I was reading on the edge of my seat through most of this, I did not think that this was his best story.
June 7, 2020
Not the best installment but a solid effort.
If you have come this far in the series this latest installment from NSS is a must read but it wasn't his best work in the series. It bogged down in spots. However, it may very well simply be the result of the Hell Divers crew finally finding a place to call home. Regardless, I enjoyed it very much and look forward to reading this summers book 7 release.
If you have come this far in the series this latest installment from NSS is a must read but it wasn't his best work in the series. It bogged down in spots. However, it may very well simply be the result of the Hell Divers crew finally finding a place to call home. Regardless, I enjoyed it very much and look forward to reading this summers book 7 release.
December 11, 2019
While remaining engrossing, this is proving to be an inconsistent series. Given how things ended in the last one, there was a lot of hope on this and yet the story goes on a diff tangent. X makes some weird choices which come to haunt him later and has serious consequences. Newer threats are involved even as older threats arent full taken care of. I am not sure if the side detour on this book worked as well
But as always, the pacing is fast and the action sequences brilliant and the same question keeps playing for me - how is this not a 10 episode Netflix series yet?
But as always, the pacing is fast and the action sequences brilliant and the same question keeps playing for me - how is this not a 10 episode Netflix series yet?
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