What do you think?
Rate this book
Fire from the Sky #8
Hell Fire
Post-Apocalyptic Fiction by N.C. Reed
Doom. Devastation. Death. Destruction. It seems that no matter what direction he looks, Clay Sanders can see little else. He has tried to maintain at least a small oasis of safety for the people closest to him, but that bubble is constantly threatened by those who want it for themselves, or else want to deny it to Clay and his family and friends, even though it belongs to them. The farm has already suffered, but what they have seen thus far has been nothing but a warm up. Things are about to reach a new level and there is absolutely nothing Clay or his friends can do to stop it, or even slow it down. Clay knows that, as do the other former soldiers. The others are about to learn it the hard way. Friends will betray, family will suffer, brothers will bleed and die. Hard work and sacrifice will be lost to hard feelings, envy and strife. Bridges built since the catastrophe will crash and burn, destroyed by lies and mistrust and not a little jealousy and a great deal of entitlement. Even at the end of the world as we know it there are some who seem to think the world revolves around them and no one else. Trouble is on the horizon, even though another brand of trouble is already staring them in the eyes. Even as they try to build up, there are others waiting to set it afire. But the farm's enemies are about to learn that nothing burns like hellfire.
EXCERPT
William Shirley watched as the people he had assembled for what others were calling a 'reconnaissance in force' gathered their equipment and shook down their ranks. He had combined three different 'squads' into a new platoon of thirty-one people, adding that force to an established platoon of thirty-five more. They would head north in a small string of vehicles that included a school bus to investigate the situation north of the Alabama-Tennessee state line.
Shirley's group, the self-entitled 'North Alabama People's Militia' had lost a great deal of personnel and equipment in that area and he wanted to know why and to who. It was inevitable that the group would have to head north at some point in search of supplies. They had stripped their own area nearly bare over the last few months and moving too far south was out of the question. While he considered Decatur to be part of their 'territory', moving any further south than that risked a confrontation with the gangs of Birmingham, something his group lacked the strength for. There had already been a few skirmishes between the two groups and Shirley was determined to avoid any more clashes with such a large and vicious outfit. So north it was, into rural middle Tennessee. The area immediately north of the line should be safe enough and resource rich. That area was full of farms and livestock operations that should yield a good amount of food for his operation, and he meant to have it. If they waited too long then someone stronger, either from Nashville or perhaps Chattanooga might move into the area and declare it theirs. If the Militia wanted that territory and the goods it might provide, they had to act soon.
And tomorrow should be soon enough. Sixty-six heavily armed 'troops' would move north and keep moving until they found opposition or else found something worth sending word for trucks to carry it back to the compound. If he was lucky, they would also find out who had killed his niece and his fellow board member's son. He looked forward to that. When he found whoever had killed his people he would show them what a mistake they had made.
Doom. Devastation. Death. Destruction. It seems that no matter what direction he looks, Clay Sanders can see little else. He has tried to maintain at least a small oasis of safety for the people closest to him, but that bubble is constantly threatened by those who want it for themselves, or else want to deny it to Clay and his family and friends, even though it belongs to them. The farm has already suffered, but what they have seen thus far has been nothing but a warm up. Things are about to reach a new level and there is absolutely nothing Clay or his friends can do to stop it, or even slow it down. Clay knows that, as do the other former soldiers. The others are about to learn it the hard way. Friends will betray, family will suffer, brothers will bleed and die. Hard work and sacrifice will be lost to hard feelings, envy and strife. Bridges built since the catastrophe will crash and burn, destroyed by lies and mistrust and not a little jealousy and a great deal of entitlement. Even at the end of the world as we know it there are some who seem to think the world revolves around them and no one else. Trouble is on the horizon, even though another brand of trouble is already staring them in the eyes. Even as they try to build up, there are others waiting to set it afire. But the farm's enemies are about to learn that nothing burns like hellfire.
EXCERPT
William Shirley watched as the people he had assembled for what others were calling a 'reconnaissance in force' gathered their equipment and shook down their ranks. He had combined three different 'squads' into a new platoon of thirty-one people, adding that force to an established platoon of thirty-five more. They would head north in a small string of vehicles that included a school bus to investigate the situation north of the Alabama-Tennessee state line.
Shirley's group, the self-entitled 'North Alabama People's Militia' had lost a great deal of personnel and equipment in that area and he wanted to know why and to who. It was inevitable that the group would have to head north at some point in search of supplies. They had stripped their own area nearly bare over the last few months and moving too far south was out of the question. While he considered Decatur to be part of their 'territory', moving any further south than that risked a confrontation with the gangs of Birmingham, something his group lacked the strength for. There had already been a few skirmishes between the two groups and Shirley was determined to avoid any more clashes with such a large and vicious outfit. So north it was, into rural middle Tennessee. The area immediately north of the line should be safe enough and resource rich. That area was full of farms and livestock operations that should yield a good amount of food for his operation, and he meant to have it. If they waited too long then someone stronger, either from Nashville or perhaps Chattanooga might move into the area and declare it theirs. If the Militia wanted that territory and the goods it might provide, they had to act soon.
And tomorrow should be soon enough. Sixty-six heavily armed 'troops' would move north and keep moving until they found opposition or else found something worth sending word for trucks to carry it back to the compound. If he was lucky, they would also find out who had killed his niece and his fellow board member's son. He looked forward to that. When he found whoever had killed his people he would show them what a mistake they had made.
243 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 25, 2019
376 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
September 3, 2024
This is still one of my favorite series of the genre and I was very worried this might be the last book, because I'm not ready for that to happen yet, but there is at least one more. There were some sad losses here, one not too unexpected and others that made me very sad. This is all the more poignant with the tragic loss recently endured by the author (so sorry). The writing continues to improve with few editing errors. I was a little surprised the soldiers are still willing to flout Clay's orders since discipline is needed now more than ever. I do like how things went with ungrateful Jordan, though I think there is more there to come with an approaching religious zealot drawing nearer. I agree with Greg, though, that they should not call the new recruits girls (or Amazons).
October 13, 2019
And the phenomenal ride continues...... !!!
A great big THANK YOU to N.C. Reed for writing through what was a personally difficult time for you. You’re a virtuoso of your craft; a master wordsmith!
Another extremely creative story, with favorite friends as well as few new characters to meet.
The plot took a direction I completely did not expect from the start! So I’ll be interested to see how the next book, Brimstone, will tie this book, and especially the book prior to this one together.
As usual—- I cannot wait for the next!!!! These books are too great!!!
A great big THANK YOU to N.C. Reed for writing through what was a personally difficult time for you. You’re a virtuoso of your craft; a master wordsmith!
Another extremely creative story, with favorite friends as well as few new characters to meet.
The plot took a direction I completely did not expect from the start! So I’ll be interested to see how the next book, Brimstone, will tie this book, and especially the book prior to this one together.
As usual—- I cannot wait for the next!!!! These books are too great!!!
Read
August 21, 2021What can I say, but another great book. I went through this one in one day.
It did make me sad though with parts of it. I will not spoil it for others.
Almost too much sadness in the book for me, though I was entertained and wanted to keep reading.
It did make me sad though with parts of it. I will not spoil it for others.
Almost too much sadness in the book for me, though I was entertained and wanted to keep reading.
July 23, 2021
Outstanding series
I started this series some time ago, dont remember why I stopped! I stumbled into the followon series about Parno. Fascinated by it. I wondered how it all came about, then remembered these books, and started all over again.
Mr Reed, no relation, has put together a shitpot of great books. While there are miniscule errors (just for grammer nazi's), he has written an awesome story covering hundreds of years. All after a massive solarstorm predicted by a witchman in deep Africa.
No one will ever call the Sanders family perfect, lawful or great public figures. They resemble a clan in deep rural Tennessee. Along with a group of former special forces type soldiers who spent years deeply embedded in shitspots all over the world. Why? Clay Saunders, former Lt who led these men all those years.
Buckle up, lots of action, intrique, strong language and massive heavy violence.
Thank you Mr Reed, great job.
I started this series some time ago, dont remember why I stopped! I stumbled into the followon series about Parno. Fascinated by it. I wondered how it all came about, then remembered these books, and started all over again.
Mr Reed, no relation, has put together a shitpot of great books. While there are miniscule errors (just for grammer nazi's), he has written an awesome story covering hundreds of years. All after a massive solarstorm predicted by a witchman in deep Africa.
No one will ever call the Sanders family perfect, lawful or great public figures. They resemble a clan in deep rural Tennessee. Along with a group of former special forces type soldiers who spent years deeply embedded in shitspots all over the world. Why? Clay Saunders, former Lt who led these men all those years.
Buckle up, lots of action, intrique, strong language and massive heavy violence.
Thank you Mr Reed, great job.
March 20, 2024
BOOK BY BOOK, THIS SERIES JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER AND BETTER!
Fire From the Sky: Hell Fire book eight in this series by N.C. Reed is a very well written book, the characters are portrayed so well that you will find yourself feeling as if you know them personally, the action will keep you interested throughout routing for the good guys, while at the same time feeling dreadful when the good or innocent fall to those that are just plain evil in the aftermath of the aftereffects of an solar flare that has taken out all power and electronics that haven't been protected. If you enjoy science fiction books with a post-apocalyptic twist that has family values and descent morals throughout, you'll really enjoy this book and series. I know I have and can't wait to start the next book.
Fire From the Sky: Hell Fire book eight in this series by N.C. Reed is a very well written book, the characters are portrayed so well that you will find yourself feeling as if you know them personally, the action will keep you interested throughout routing for the good guys, while at the same time feeling dreadful when the good or innocent fall to those that are just plain evil in the aftermath of the aftereffects of an solar flare that has taken out all power and electronics that haven't been protected. If you enjoy science fiction books with a post-apocalyptic twist that has family values and descent morals throughout, you'll really enjoy this book and series. I know I have and can't wait to start the next book.
October 10, 2025
Hell Fire was one of the most intense books in the series so far. I felt the pressure building from page one—everything Clay and his family have built is under constant threat, both from outside enemies and internal tensions. The action was nonstop, but what hit me hardest was how personal everything felt. Clay is tired, angry, and fighting to hold his world together, and I could feel every bit of that.
N.C. Reed does a great job showing the cost of survival—not just physically, but emotionally. The family dynamics are raw, the stakes are high, and there’s a sense that even victory comes with a price. It’s not just about bullets and battle; it’s about protecting what matters when the world is falling apart.
This book left me thinking long after I finished it. It’s brutal, real, and exactly why I keep coming back to this series.
N.C. Reed does a great job showing the cost of survival—not just physically, but emotionally. The family dynamics are raw, the stakes are high, and there’s a sense that even victory comes with a price. It’s not just about bullets and battle; it’s about protecting what matters when the world is falling apart.
This book left me thinking long after I finished it. It’s brutal, real, and exactly why I keep coming back to this series.
January 12, 2021
Fire From The Sky Series
Aside from some misspelled words or missing words, I was generally pleased. So far. You've managed to capture what the lives of these soldiers were and are. Make no mistake, I do understand , having 2 cousins who were special forces and died in Afghanistan. I love how you insert your reader into the story by words alone. I really love the twins and laughed every time they talked in unison. I cried when Leon the Elder said his prayer and passed away and I got more angry when women and children were taken. I can guarantee that in the event this happens, be it cosmic or terrorism. This will happen and be the norm. I hope not to be alive ( I'm 62 ) if and when it does. But if I am, I hope I'm as ready as Clay was.
Aside from some misspelled words or missing words, I was generally pleased. So far. You've managed to capture what the lives of these soldiers were and are. Make no mistake, I do understand , having 2 cousins who were special forces and died in Afghanistan. I love how you insert your reader into the story by words alone. I really love the twins and laughed every time they talked in unison. I cried when Leon the Elder said his prayer and passed away and I got more angry when women and children were taken. I can guarantee that in the event this happens, be it cosmic or terrorism. This will happen and be the norm. I hope not to be alive ( I'm 62 ) if and when it does. But if I am, I hope I'm as ready as Clay was.
January 21, 2021
Great series
This series is so realistic it’s scary. Not much time seems to pass. Allie is STILL pregnant. The characters have their hormones under tight control so in of no birth control no one gets in a family way accidentally or otherwise which is strange in times of war and great stress. I hate that I’m nearly at the end of this fascinating series.
This series is so realistic it’s scary. Not much time seems to pass. Allie is STILL pregnant. The characters have their hormones under tight control so in of no birth control no one gets in a family way accidentally or otherwise which is strange in times of war and great stress. I hate that I’m nearly at the end of this fascinating series.
September 10, 2025
Read a good Story Teller. It makes all the different.
Enjoyable to the end. Just wished it wasn't so long between books.
I'm so so sorry about your loss. I just read it in the ending of this book.
Mr. Reed I know that young man meant a lot to you and help you on a lot if occasions. Look forward to the next book what ever it is, I read them all.
Enjoyable to the end. Just wished it wasn't so long between books.
I'm so so sorry about your loss. I just read it in the ending of this book.
Mr. Reed I know that young man meant a lot to you and help you on a lot if occasions. Look forward to the next book what ever it is, I read them all.
April 22, 2020
Fire from the sky
Well written, well laid out, and well organized. It honestly took the first two books for me to get into the storyline, to get to the point that I had a hard time putting down my “book” .
Well written, well laid out, and well organized. It honestly took the first two books for me to get into the storyline, to get to the point that I had a hard time putting down my “book” .
September 16, 2020
Fire From the Sky
Fire From The Sky: He'll Fire by N.C. Reed is another excellent book in the series. N.C. Reed does an excellent job of making the characters real and believable. He fights in such a way that the dialogue flows smooth and easy.
Fire From The Sky: He'll Fire by N.C. Reed is another excellent book in the series. N.C. Reed does an excellent job of making the characters real and believable. He fights in such a way that the dialogue flows smooth and easy.
January 6, 2021
2nd read for me (still enjoying!).
I read this series the first time back in early 2019, and have searched for a series that I would enjoy as much since. Finally I gave up, and decided to read it again. It's just as good the 2nd time around. Just read it!! You'll enjoy it.
I read this series the first time back in early 2019, and have searched for a series that I would enjoy as much since. Finally I gave up, and decided to read it again. It's just as good the 2nd time around. Just read it!! You'll enjoy it.
January 24, 2021
Great series
The world is still turning and the lights are still out . Evil is lurking and people are dying all be it with a bit of dry humour. Lots of sadness in this book. These books are really good. Worth readings
The world is still turning and the lights are still out . Evil is lurking and people are dying all be it with a bit of dry humour. Lots of sadness in this book. These books are really good. Worth readings
August 11, 2021
Entire series is outstanding
I have learned so much reading this series. It is an outstanding serious and very much worth reading. Lots of lessons and experiences that can enrich us as Preppers.
I have learned so much reading this series. It is an outstanding serious and very much worth reading. Lots of lessons and experiences that can enrich us as Preppers.
December 1, 2021
Great story that is well crafted
I started at the beginning and just finished "Hell Fire" and I'm impressed with the tight story line and the development of the characters. Enjoying the series tremendously!!
I started at the beginning and just finished "Hell Fire" and I'm impressed with the tight story line and the development of the characters. Enjoying the series tremendously!!
March 9, 2025
Great read!
Plenty of action, very good writing, and quite a bit of humor, even if some of the humor was a bit dark. I highly recommend the series of books to anyone who enjoys apocalyptic stories, action, and a bit of dark humor.
Moo
Plenty of action, very good writing, and quite a bit of humor, even if some of the humor was a bit dark. I highly recommend the series of books to anyone who enjoys apocalyptic stories, action, and a bit of dark humor.
Moo
November 11, 2020
Good read
December 6, 2020
Wow!!
This series gets better with every book. Looking forward to the next book in the series. Mostly believable too enjoy
This series gets better with every book. Looking forward to the next book in the series. Mostly believable too enjoy
February 2, 2021
No more?
I've been devouring this series and now I find that the author has left Clayton and Co. to pursue other projects.. Not fair at all.
I've been devouring this series and now I find that the author has left Clayton and Co. to pursue other projects.. Not fair at all.
September 4, 2021
Book 7
This story just keeps getting better and better. Best series of book. Reed has a way of making you feel you are right in the middle with the action.
This story just keeps getting better and better. Best series of book. Reed has a way of making you feel you are right in the middle with the action.
April 1, 2023
A real knockout!
I wish it could have been different. I wish the town could have been smarter. Now another threat is coming. Can they win without helping the town?
I wish it could have been different. I wish the town could have been smarter. Now another threat is coming. Can they win without helping the town?
October 16, 2025
Am amazed how well Mr. Reed develops the characters in his novels.
After reading ten of his books, I’ve never been disappointed.
After reading ten of his books, I’ve never been disappointed.
November 16, 2021
Fantastic series! I definitely recommend it!
September 27, 2019
OUTSTANDING...let's just start there
Having read just about everything NC Reed has in the Kindle stable, 5 stars is the norm. The one thing I enjoy most is the characters seem so real in their roles. Yes it is an adventure series,yes there is action but Mr. Reed has developed the characters so well the you just can't help but feel for them. A battle was won but at what cost?
What is a shame is Mr. Reed hasn't been contacted by someone named Lucas, Spielberg or Cameron. Talk about a franchise!!!. If anyone is looking for a great series full of epic challenges and conflict along with great human characters look no further.
Bill Hodges
P.S. On a personal note can I say: May time, good memories and the Grace of God heal the terrible hurt your family has suffered. You are in our prayers.
Having read just about everything NC Reed has in the Kindle stable, 5 stars is the norm. The one thing I enjoy most is the characters seem so real in their roles. Yes it is an adventure series,yes there is action but Mr. Reed has developed the characters so well the you just can't help but feel for them. A battle was won but at what cost?
What is a shame is Mr. Reed hasn't been contacted by someone named Lucas, Spielberg or Cameron. Talk about a franchise!!!. If anyone is looking for a great series full of epic challenges and conflict along with great human characters look no further.
Bill Hodges
P.S. On a personal note can I say: May time, good memories and the Grace of God heal the terrible hurt your family has suffered. You are in our prayers.
October 11, 2019
Excellent book, great series.
Got a love these guys, got a love the series. The Sanders clan is great. No nonsense, playing talking, they don’t deal with lowlifes The characters in the book are highly developed. You care about each and everyone of them. You cheer for them when they they win, and you cry for them when they lose a member of the farm. You become highly invested in them. The story drives you on, a definite page turner, you want to see what is going to happen next. Unfortunately now I have to wait for the next book, if you have not read the series I suggest you do so. It won’t be a waste of your time.
Got a love these guys, got a love the series. The Sanders clan is great. No nonsense, playing talking, they don’t deal with lowlifes The characters in the book are highly developed. You care about each and everyone of them. You cheer for them when they they win, and you cry for them when they lose a member of the farm. You become highly invested in them. The story drives you on, a definite page turner, you want to see what is going to happen next. Unfortunately now I have to wait for the next book, if you have not read the series I suggest you do so. It won’t be a waste of your time.
February 25, 2020
OMG WHAT A SERIES!!!!!!!!!!
This series has been impossible to put down Well written well researched. I am looking forward To the next book brimstone This series He's fantastic
This series has been impossible to put down Well written well researched. I am looking forward To the next book brimstone This series He's fantastic
September 25, 2019
Damm he can write
this is the first 5 stars since book one. I loved book one, but that's what I like about these type of books. Planning, and prepping is my bread and butter. after that I lose some of my interest, to often they become repetitive or to far gone to believe. Mr Read wrote charters you love so I never tired of the series. can't say much more without spoilers but the first pat was very emotional....So if not readed, read it or anything this author writes.
this is the first 5 stars since book one. I loved book one, but that's what I like about these type of books. Planning, and prepping is my bread and butter. after that I lose some of my interest, to often they become repetitive or to far gone to believe. Mr Read wrote charters you love so I never tired of the series. can't say much more without spoilers but the first pat was very emotional....So if not readed, read it or anything this author writes.
October 13, 2019
I Love This Series!
Thought I'd have to wait for #8, but was happily surprised that it was available. So I dug in and enjoyed it quite a bit.
NC Reed's writing style is tremendously realistic and puts me into the scene instead of just reading it. The characters feel true to life; the good guys are very likable and react in ways I secretly wish I could (lol).
I'll say it again: Please hurry with #9, NC! I need my Sanders fix!
Thought I'd have to wait for #8, but was happily surprised that it was available. So I dug in and enjoyed it quite a bit.
NC Reed's writing style is tremendously realistic and puts me into the scene instead of just reading it. The characters feel true to life; the good guys are very likable and react in ways I secretly wish I could (lol).
I'll say it again: Please hurry with #9, NC! I need my Sanders fix!
September 27, 2019
Still a "best one".
This series is pretty much at the top of my list for the genre. I've found myself using it as a standard and dropping a lot of other stuff when it just doesn't even come close.
Kind of hard to do reviews for several books in an ongoing series, but Amazon's author perks are Amazon review dependent. And dang, Reed deserves those!
This series is pretty much at the top of my list for the genre. I've found myself using it as a standard and dropping a lot of other stuff when it just doesn't even come close.
Kind of hard to do reviews for several books in an ongoing series, but Amazon's author perks are Amazon review dependent. And dang, Reed deserves those!
September 27, 2019
Good read
Mr. Reed is my favorite author. He writes well and has created some worlds and people I would like to visit.
If you haven't read any of his work I envy you as you have some great reading ahead. There are a few typos but nothing an intelligent reader can't get past for the sake of the story.
Mr. Reed is my favorite author. He writes well and has created some worlds and people I would like to visit.
If you haven't read any of his work I envy you as you have some great reading ahead. There are a few typos but nothing an intelligent reader can't get past for the sake of the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews