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The New York Times and USA Today bestselling series

While the Hell Divers cross an ocean to battle the machines, an old flesh-and-blood threat returns to the islands.

The mission to Rio de Janeiro ended in victory, but it came at a dire cost, killing most of those who set out to rescue the stranded survivors. Even worse, the skinwalkers' leader, Horn, escaped with his demonic crew and is coming to take the throne.

Back at the Vanguard Islands, King Xavier Rodriguez has been severely injured in another battle to protect the kingdom. Now an infection threatens to kill the one man who can keep the peace. As he fights for survival, new intel from Rio de Janeiro gives humanity hope of destroying the biggest threat of all: the machines--if the machines don't find the Vanguard Islands first.

528 pages, Hardcover

First published July 14, 2020

482 people are currently reading
1916 people want to read

About the author

Nicholas Sansbury Smith

103 books2,379 followers
Nicholas 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/

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5 stars
1,651 (55%)
4 stars
982 (33%)
3 stars
305 (10%)
2 stars
22 (<1%)
1 star
8 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
Profile Image for Tracy  P. .
1,152 reviews12 followers
October 5, 2023
Warriors is yet another thrilling episode in the Hell Divers series. X is forced to accept the fact that even he has physical limitations and face his mortality. Lots of sad losses and great surprises. Just when I thought 'Warriors' was turning a certain way something extraordinary would happen and have my heart palpitating with anticipation.
Narrator R.C. Bray continues to knock it out of the park.
Profile Image for Todd Oliver.
697 reviews10 followers
July 22, 2020
The Hell Divers series is by far the best post-apocalyptic series I've ever read or listened to. Nicholas Sansbury Smith is one of only a few authors I'd buy anything from before even reading the description of the book because I already know I'm gonna love it. The Hell Divers series is definitely my favorite among his work. And of course R.C. Bray is one of the absolute best narrators!

Please don't be intimidated by the length of this series. It is definitely worth every minute of your time! I'm hoping this series will continue for several more books. I have no idea where this series will go next, but I have no doubt that Nick will keep it exciting!
Profile Image for Brian's Book Blog.
805 reviews62 followers
July 22, 2020
Might Be The Best One Yet

Hell Divers VII: Warriors was one of those books that jumps off of the pages and into your heart. Seven books into the Hell Divers series Smith is still able to pull at my heartstrings and give me both moments I’ve been scared of and moments that I didn’t expect. A few times while reading this my thoughts were “Oh, when I talk to him I’m going to give him a piece of my mind” followed within a few minutes with “oh thank god” or “man… he got me again!”.

Most of the crew that you remember is still here and they end up being split into multiple different groups to save the Hell Divers and those they are protecting from certain death. The skin walkers are still a threat and their leader, Horn, is even threatening to come take the crown from X’s head (okay, we know X doesn’t actually wear the crown).

The thing that I really enjoyed about Warriors was that Smith was able to give each character real moments. X fell off the wagon (or got back on it again… I guess either works) and has a few moments when he takes in everything that’s happened to him and he partakes in some ‘shine. Ada’s journey is a really interesting one and I’m really glad that Smith spent as much time with her that he did. She has a really interesting character arc, especially within this book that is extremely rewarding and realistic.

So, it’s obvious that I liked this book. I liked it for its realism (for a Post-Apocalyptic futuristic wasteland). I liked it for it’s realism in characters and character development. I liked that it took its time with certain parts and then went balls to the wall with action in other. Can you tell I liked it?

Overall, combined with the great narration from R.C. Bray – Hell Divers VII: Warriors was easily one of the best books in the series. Smith outdid himself and wrote a book that jumps off of the pages.
Profile Image for Laurel.
Author 1 book38 followers
July 14, 2020
Wow.

I settled down to read this next instalment in the saga of the Hell Divers, and once again was blown away into the world of electrical storms, mutant creatures, human-hating machines and some seriously twisted humans. Into the world of X, Roger, Mags, Michael, Les... all our old friends are there, along with some new ones. Dark, gritty and violent, the world of the Hell Divers isn't one for someone with a delicate stomach - but thank goodness it's fiction! Right?

I loved how Smith expanded the story in this book, taking his Hell Divers farther across the world than they'd been before, and facing even more dangerous threats. After all, what do you expect when you decide to take on the machines? But once again, Smith reminds us that, all too often, the true monsters hide behind human faces.

An excellent story so well told, and I look forward to reading the next one very much.
Profile Image for PHYL.
145 reviews5 followers
July 18, 2020
A heart pounding, edge of the seat thriller that brings the reader into a post apocalyptic world unlike any other. It is the seventh book in an exciting and very written sci-fi series. If you enjoy dystopian novels you can't go wrong with this one. I highly recommend this book, this series and any books written by this author.
Profile Image for Anita.
50 reviews
July 15, 2020
Hell Divers book 7 is, as in the previous books, a non-stop thrill ride. We've followed our favorite characters in their struggles for survival and Warriors proves to be the best of the best. "We dive so humanity survives", the Hell Divers mantra comes full circle. Loaded with action, heroes and heroines, villains and monsters, but who will win this next battle? Nothing is guaranteed when the odds are stacked against humanity. A must read for sci-fi fans.
Profile Image for Lisa Omstead.
127 reviews4 followers
July 14, 2020
This seventh book in the award-winning Hell Divers series is nothing short of amazing. Multiple complex storylines. Edgy action scenes. Tug-at-the-heartstrings situations and incredible world building. All of this wrapped into a story that completes this series in a package that has you cheering/gasping/screaming with nearly every scene. What a wonderfully wild ride this has been. Well done Mr. Smith!

*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Michael  Keller.
935 reviews10 followers
July 14, 2020
Intense action, amazing storyline, master storytellers and brilliant characters make a bestseller!

King Xavier, known as 'X' by most, King of the Vanguard Islands, King of the Sky People and the Cazadores, was most worried about protecting the Iron Islands and his loyal subjects, also worried about the Skinwalkers and Defectors, about divisions among his people threatening to make his rule a short one.

The Hell Divers continues to amaze and thrill me with the energy of the plot and the amazing three-dimensional, Technicolor sharp and brilliant characters we've fallen in love with through seven thrilling installments! Love them or hate them, you have to know what they're going to do next, how they're going to escape their current dire straits, how they're going to save the day - again! I can't say I couldn't put the book down until I finished because I had to grab a quick nap before I read to the end! This is a powerful book that I know you will love. All our favorite characters are there, at least at the beginning! LOL
Profile Image for Bill Howard.
21 reviews
July 17, 2020
Holy cow! With all the action taking place I couldn’t put it down. Twists, turns, and assorted ‘what the heck happened’ moments kept me enthralled.

This is an epic continuation a great series! I really look forward to seeing what X, Miles, Michael, Les, and the others get into in the future. Nick's epic storytelling could make a grocery list compelling!

I found this an outstanding series. I highly recommend this and his other books to anyone who enjoys reading great post-apocalyptic fiction.
96 reviews
July 20, 2020
Like its predecessors, this one did not disappoint either. I had it on preorder and jumped on it as soon as it downloaded. And boy, it did not disappoint. Fast-paced, action-packed with multiple battles going on at the same time. The thrill and the energy is awesome. Everyone had a part to play in the final battles which was perfect. I really liked how the characters leaned on each other on and off battlefields.

I just love this series. I will miss this awful post-apocalyptic world. I will miss X!!! I cant believe the series ended. Did I already mention that I love X..and Miles. Surprisingly Les Mitchells also joined the list somewhere in the middle of the series.

A must-read for anyone who likes anything in a post-apocalyptic world.
Profile Image for Marisia Robus.
208 reviews6 followers
July 22, 2020
Excellent!
As always HD was excellent! A lot more of the players were involved in the fights and it made it even more interesting.
The end made me cry .... not what I expect in a HD book.
RC Bray is great!
I wish I could write a better review, but it was excellent, great, stunning, fantastic, can't wait for the next one!
Do not miss this one!
Profile Image for Aletia.
434 reviews4 followers
July 22, 2020
READ IT!

I have loved Nicholas Sansbury Smith's writing and stories for some years now. EVERY book is always better than the last. The action is intense, the characters are real, and the world he has created for the Hell Divers is treacherous. Take the dive into this new installment! RECOMMENDED
Profile Image for Hollie Gomes.
32 reviews
July 14, 2020
I could not put this book down! I'm amazed at where this series has gone,and where it can still go! HD7 was packed full of action, anticipation, and left we wanting more. A definite must read!!
Profile Image for Ziggy Nixon.
1,147 reviews36 followers
July 29, 2020
5 stars. Yes, I've mentioned before it's a conundrum to rate a NSS book - based on his previous works I might have considered a mere 4 stars for this book - but it's just not fair to rate these based on ONLY his stuff and not against everything else I read. Bottom-line: it doesn't get much better than this.

Full confession: ok, I pre-order HD7 and started on it pretty much the moment it downloaded... and then stopped. You see, I've read a lot of books and a lot of NSS books since part VI was released and my brain was confuddling up some of the details. I knew when I was wondering where the VX99 creatures were and why we weren't in NYC that something was off, so I'm glad I back-tracked a tad. And I mean: come on. What harm does it do to go back and revisit a favorite book?

Having said that, this book is just amazeballs. You will literally read the last 100 pages or so without pausing for bodily functions, important rendevouses, or anything else. In his true unique fashion, NSS has put together a THRILLING, multi-layered and extremely emotionally charged tale that will shake you, bake you and perhaps even break you before you're done. It's that much fun.

With that in mind, I will say that on my own 'NSS scale' this is not my favorite book of his, nor is it the best in the long-surviving Hell Divers series. It is amazingly good, don't get me wrong. But by now, not all of the characters are the ones that I've grown to know, love and then lose along the way. And to be honest, things do occasionally come across as a bit formulaic and even soppy with the repeated 'I only did this because I love you, our child and humanity' revelations. But by golly, it's a formula that works. Seriously, no one else quite throws up so much in the air and still manages to juggle it successfully like NSS. Sure, there are some unexplained and open things that happen throughout (and even a couple of glaring grammatical hiccups that the editorial staff seemed to glaze over for around a chapter or two). But damn, if this doesn't get your heart rate going, well, you may already have had a large sword driven through your sternum.

Old fans of NSS: you will love this, salute this and embrace this book; New fans of NSS: you will be amazed that anything else you've read before just can't compare to what this guy brings to the table with his writing. Everyone else.... I just can't even look at you right now. Call me again after you read these books!

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to the 'Extinction Cycle' series that I was 3 or 4 books into before this release so RUDELY interupted me. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Andrew Tucker.
278 reviews10 followers
July 20, 2020
Hell Divers is one of my favorite scifi series and I always read the new books the second they come out. HD7 was no exception and was a great continuation of the amazing post apocalyptic world that NSS has created.

X and crew has to fight human, subhuman and mechanical creatures to keep their beloved Metal Islands and create a stable home for the last humans left. History will be revisited and old foes come back as friends.

I loved every minute of this saga with Miles, X and company and am looking forward to book 8, hopefully soon!
Profile Image for vickie nelson.
12 reviews
July 17, 2020
What a ride!

I just read all seven books and am ready for more but first I have to go check out his other books. Seems I have found my new favorite author in this genre. I have read many but I do believe these are the best. The characters are so real the just jump off the page and the story line was new and had just about everything one could hope for. I loved it and can not wait for more.
Profile Image for John Wood.
585 reviews5 followers
July 18, 2020
A homerun!!

Outstanding end to the Hell Divers series? Would love too see a new series to see what new adventures happen with these characters. As always looking forward to reading more of Nicks stories.
Profile Image for Hans Melius.
204 reviews
July 18, 2020
Intense.

Some of the book dragged a bit, but overall it was a well put together ending for a superb series.
35 reviews
July 16, 2020
Nick Smith is absolutely the ultimate storyteller. He brings all his characters to life in his books in ways that have you on the edge the whole time. I had a hard time putting it down to sleep, Can't wait to see where he takes the series.
Profile Image for Wancket Enterprises.
632 reviews6 followers
July 16, 2020
Great

I tried to read slower to make the book last as long as I could, but alas, it was too good to savor. Another winner by NSS. I'm looking forward to what's next!
Profile Image for Joanne.
2,216 reviews
July 16, 2020
Wow. Hope the next one comes out soon. Didn't want this one to end!
Profile Image for Aristotle.
733 reviews74 followers
July 23, 2020
USB Stick?
You're going to take down the 'machines' by downloading a virus into the mainframe using a usb flash drive?
I bought a new HP computer which automatically scans for viruses every time i download a program. Plus Microsoft has anti virus protection pre installed. What kind of computer was controlling the machines? A Commodore 64?

I really struggled with this book. Readable but the going was uneventful just plain dull. Xavier hunting the skinwalkers was a big let down. Michael and his troops climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to destroy the mainframe controlling the machines was a big no. Ada pretending to be Tom Hanks in 'Castaway' was interesting at times but didn't add much to the overall story.
Maybe if we got to know the skinwalkers. What made them tick?
The humans enslaved by the machines would have been a cool story but left unexplored.
Anyway i made it to book 7 and it was a fun ride for the most part. Book 8?

'A balmy fifty degrees Fahrenheit, with a hint of radiation on the surface.' -X

And you're complaining about wearing a mask because it's too hot and humid?!
Wear a mask!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
15 reviews
July 23, 2020
Could NOT put this book down! Read it in 2 days, staying up till the wee hours to finish it. I have enjoyed the Hell Diver's series very much, and this may be my favorite in the series so far. The author has created an amazing world here - and I love the sci-fi steam punk-ish atmosphere. I highly recommend the series and this book to you if you like compelling characters, action and a good story. NO spoilers here, but if you have been reading the series, you will love the twists here and the arc of certain characters. Can't wait to see what happens next.
5 reviews
July 23, 2020
He'll Divers VII

Loved lt. Can't wait for the new Help Divers VIII gonna start the new Apocalypse series since I'm caught up on all My Smith other books
Profile Image for Steve.
446 reviews42 followers
August 2, 2020
This could conceivably be a conclusion to the series the way it's written. If it is, it's fantastic. Something not easily accomplished in a wrap up to a long-running series. That said, I hope there's more books coming. I love the world and the characters.
Profile Image for Stacy ohmyskulls.
700 reviews170 followers
July 24, 2020
NSS DOES IT AGAIN!!!! OMG every time I read a book in this series it's like... somehow better than the last while both upping the stakes and yet still not jumping the shark?? How does he do it!

If you've followed me on social media you may have seen me talking about this series before, and no exaggeration it is my favorite book series, ever. It hits so many of my favorite points: apocalyptic setting, non-stop action, well-developed characters, badass women, literally everything I could want in a series, it's here. To top it all off? RC Bray is one of my favorite (prob my #1 favorite) male narrators of all time, and he does an outstanding job with these audiobooks.

This book picks up right where #6 left off, and though there were a few points that I wish were given a little more explanation (damn my shitty memory!!) all in all I was invested 100% and read through this SO fast haha. Magnolia (my bae) is as awesome as ever, and even new characters are likeable and fun.

And as a bonus to the spectacularly enjoyable books, I've talked to the author a few times on Twitter, and he just seems like a pretty cool dude who genuinely enjoys writing about apocalyptic narratives and enjoys including diverse characters, and to me supporting nice authors is a really sweet cherry on top :)
59 reviews
July 22, 2020
Great

The story started s!or considering it was a He'll Diver series but ended with a bang. The series could end here with a happy reader but I do see.another adventure possible.
Profile Image for Kit (Metaphors and Moonlight).
973 reviews162 followers
March 25, 2022
4 Stars

Review:
This was another great addition to the series. Super action-packed. Super tense. Lots of things that had been building up finally reaching their conclusion in a very explosive way (though the story is not over). The book was emotional at times, in both good and bad ways, because there were people dying, but there were also a lot of touching moments among the characters and their relationships.

*SPOILERS for previous books in the series.*

But oh my GOSH. How am I supposed to not cry when X—fucking X—keeps crying????! And saying sweet things to people??????!! And thinking about how they’re like the son or daughter he never had?????????!!?!?!?!!?!??? Ugh. My heart.

*END SPOILERS*

I’ve said before that R.C. Bray isn’t my favorite narrator, his narration doesn’t sound natural to me and voices aren’t all that different for different characters, but his dramatic style does suit the action really well.

Not much else to say that I haven’t said six times already. These are intense, action-packed post-apocalyptic books with complex world-building and great characters who are flawed, tough as nails, and good-hearted. This was another great book!

*Rating: 4 Stars // Read Date: 2021 // Format: Audiobook*

Recommended For:
Fans of Books 1-6 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
Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews

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