King of the Wastes

Hell Divers #8

by Nicholas Sansbury Smith

The New York Times and USA Today bestselling series

Face the uncertain future without fear ...

A year has passed since the Hell Divers defeated the machines at Kilimanjaro. The freed captives have settled into their new home at the Vanguard Islands, joining survivors from around the world. But extreme weather and failed crops have raised the specter of famine. Ships must push deeper into dangerous red zones, only to come back with less loot--and fewer soldiers.

When the Hell Divers discover a scroll on a raid, King Xavier is faced with a long-buried truth that threatens the future of his people and all of humanity. The Vanguard Islands are not the salvation the sky people thought them to be. To survive, they must venture through the Panama Canal and into the wastes beyond.

With the future at stake, the Immortal once again dons his armor. But there is a reason the great Cazador armies never returned from the canal, and this time not even the King of the Wastes is prepared for what awaits them.

Genres: Audiobook, Science Fiction, Post Apocalyptic, Dystopia, Horror, Fiction, Thriller

508 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 14, 2021

About the author

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...
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Website: nicholassansburysmith.com
Instagram: instagram.com/author_sansbury/

Reviews

[Tracy P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicholas Sansbury Smith upped the ante yet again with 'King of Wastes' (Hell Divers, #8). All seven of the previous books have been absolute jaw-droppers, and it was unbelievable how this one shook me to my core. The action, suspense and character development is riveting from start to finish. I was constantly on the edge-of-my-seat - white knuckled - as I listened to some of the most beloved characters - since the very first episode - go out on some of the most horrific missions in their quest to find and secure food supplies. To continue surviving they have to travel through the Panama Canal and into the wastes afar. Upon arrival, they find out the hard way - and to their horror - why the Cazador armies never made it back from the canal. They have come face-to-face with something more lethal and terrifying than they ever could have fathomed.
There are sad losses, severe injuries, and one of the most heart-stopping acts of betrayal I have encountered in this series to date. I had tears in my eyes as I listened because I was so angry, shocked and saddened.
Looking forward took book #9, 'Radioactive' - already preordered and scheduled to be released on 06/21/22 - with eager anticipation.
It goes without saying that narrator R.C. Bray was amazing and delivered yet another flawless and most exciting performance.
Highest of recommendations.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. Every book is as good as the last, if not better. King of the Wastes is no exception. Simply great fiction.

[Lisa Omstead · Rating 5 out of 5]

X is back!

And as always, there are a hoard of issues King Xavier has to deal with…including an enormous hurricane heading towards the Metal Islands, their dwindling fuel and food supplies and the continuous struggle to pacify the Cazadors. As X tries his best to keep the Vanguard Islands and its people safely housed and fed, he sends a trusted crew to Panama in search of food and the route through the canal to what might remain on the East Coast.

This story is my favorite in the series thus far. The writing is tight and well plotted. Really looking forward to the next installment in the world of the Hell Divers.

Note: I was given an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Brian's Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Excellent

I mean, at this point, I'm not surprised that Smith was able to not only write another amazing book but, eight books in, still knock my socks off. I should have gone into this story barefoot knowing he was going to blow them off.

Normally by eight books into a series, the surprises are over. The things that the main character(s) go through are pretty much a replayed versions of what they've already been through. That's not the case with King of the Wastes. Smith was able to create new and unique things in the later books (finding the Vanguard Islands for example) and then once they found them there was a whole new set of challenges. Now, a storm is blowing in and lots of other things seem to be happening at the same time.

King of the Wastes might be the longest book in the series but it felt like one of the shortest. I distinctly remember hearing Bray read "Epilogue" and I looked up from what I was doing and said out loud to myself "No... already". Now, this is 13 plus hours into the book already. I couldn't believe it was coming to an end. I'm used to the fast-paced action-packed stories that Smith writes, but this one stands out as one of the fastest and most action-packed.

We're introduced to new enemies and new challenges as well. The "monsters" that they come across and the backstories that Smith was able to sneak into this story were nothing short of amazing. I love that even eight books in I'm still learning more about the Wastes since the characters are still learning more. Add in the incredible narration by R.C. Bray and you have my favorite series. Hell Divers hasn't let me down yet and I think it's because they haven't let themselves down yet. They dive so humanity survives. And as long as they're still diving, these stories will keep getting better and better.

[Ronie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know how NSS writes one book after another--this is book EIGHT in the series--that grips me and leaves me riveted. I adore the characters--love me some King X--and appreciate how there's never a dull moment in an NSS book. (and yeah ... didn't realize how far behind I'd gotten with this series. Oops.)

For more conservative readers, this series is not a light read (Hello, post-apocalyptic!)and has scattered language, but it doesn't drown the story.

[Aristotle · Rating 3 out of 5]

X's men and women are back!

Fun with quick pacing
It should have focused more on the fight at the Panama Canal and less on keeping the residents of Vanguard Island from revolting

Insubordination is the act of willfully disobeying a lawful order of one's superior.
Hell Divers excel at that.

With so many limbs being cutoff they are becoming more Borglike.
Yejun, a fifteen-year-old, disarmed two Hell Divers then out smarted them a second time in Panama. How?

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Non. Stop. Action.

Although it took a minute for me to catch up, there's a helpful prologue at the beginning which will refresh your memory from the last book. The ending has some questions - loose ends that will be addressed in the next book (because Smith always does that). And R. C. Bray is his usual amazing self on audio.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC (advanced reader copy) prior to publication so I won't give any spoilers past the author's description. Suffice it to say Mr Smith always delivers on action and character relationships. Hell Divers VIII continues with more "hellish" monsters, more of humanity choosing sides, good or bad, and more jump scares around every corner. If you've been reading the Hell Divers series, Book 8 will make you hope this series never ends. If you have not read this series, I highly recommend you start now!

[Cody · Rating 1 out of 5]

When will it end?!

OMG! It's taken me 6 months to read 73%. I'm no longer interested in this series. This series should've ended 3 books ago. It's been a great series, but Nick just loves to keep going to infinity with all his series. If you can't end a series after 3 books you're just milking it.
I get it Nick. Xavier is awesome,stupendous, brave, without peer, numero uno, etc....
This series is now just Ad nauseam.
Nothing to see here that's new folks. If you've read the 1st 67 books of this series, then you're good to go.

[Geoffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when I think it is the end, X rises to show us why he's King. NSS knocks it out of the park with another episode of our favorite Hell Divers. There are so many times I'm on the edge of my seat wondering how they are going to get out of a mess, what horrific mutant is going to emerge, or when they're going to kick the head in of some character that so desperately needs it. I just can't get enough of this series.

R.C. Bray could very well be the best voice actor of our time. I can't believe how he brings these characters to life. I read every book AND listen to it. He just makes it happen. His talent is amazing. I wish he would follow me around and narrate my life.

How is this not on the screen yet? How can nobody have picked this up and brought it to a movie or series?

There are so many incredible things I want to say about this series but just can't without spoiling it. We need a private Hell Divers Anonymous group to discuss who needs butt kicking, lament the dead, and guess what will happen next. If I pre-order Hell Divers 9 now will you write faster?

[Ruth Fabiano · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 It was good, as always from NSS. But as much as I like female characters, I found these a little too OP. I don't know if it was on purpose, but they were too much, to the point of immasculating their partners. Also making purely emotional decisions that risked a lot of other lives. I also could totally understand Grand Jefe, I would probably feel the same way to be honest. Although I had hoped there would be a romance there. R.C. Bray was fantastic as usual, but I didn't understand why Ada had an odd accent. None of the other people from the Hive has it, and I found it irritating.

[Jan Mc · Rating 4 out of 5]

The non-stop action continues. I keep waiting for Nicholas Sansbury Smith to call a halt to the series, but HOW? When he does, I will miss the characters and the insane mutant creatures that live on Earth. Just in case he reads this, I would like the survivors to find a nice island in the middle of nowhere and be relatively safe for the rest of their lives. Not holding my breath, though...

R.C. Bray doesn't his usual fabulous job with the narration of the audiobook.

[Lisa P · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better and better...can't wait for the next one!

[Ziggy Nixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars! Another amazing chapter in the Hell Divers saga, which remains one of the best series running in any genre today! No kidding: I sat down this morning to start this book and I didn't stop reading until I finished it a few minutes ago. Seriously, these books should come with health warnings because I am totally knackered and half-blind, too! But you know what? One day, when NSS has closed out this series, I can't wait to read them all over again!!

Even so, this old man found himself ever so slightly unprepared for his marathon reading session, having semi-forgotten some characters, events (oh right Mount Kilimanjaro, I don't know why I had Mount Fuji in my head!) and definitely various new political situations. Fortunately, we are provided a quick recap at the beginning of the book which was extremely helpful as (a) I decided simply in the interest of time not to read # 7 again prior to starting this one and (b) I've read so many of NSS's other works since that book came out that cover just about the full spectrum of the action-adventure, um, spectrum that, again, it's no wonder I was a bit lost at first. Luckily though, we don't waste any time reacquainting ourselves with what remains of our world and our race. Yep, things are still FUBAR and SNAFU, too!

OK, while we are talking about different series from this same author, I would bring a rather muted argument forward that this chapter of HD doesn't have quite the intensity or urgency of others - including the thrilling "Sons of War" books (ye gods we need more of these!) or the start to his "E-Day" scifi extravaganza or, heck, even previous chapters of "Hell Divers" - but a lot of that comes from the simple fact that the characters that inhabit THIS particular world are now more like family than just about any other books by ANYONE I've read in a long, long time. The level of emotional investment for me in this series is simply out the roof and if that means I want just the absolute maximum after waiting for this release, then, well, ok! Bad, naughty Zoot if you want to punish me accordingly! But I've said it before and I'll say it again: you have to be careful reviewing books from one author and try to avoid the trap of comparing them against each other! I don't think we do that for someone like Stephen King, do we? Not sure. ANYWAY! I'm trying to rate this as a Hell Divers book on its own. Not easy, no, but this is what I got.

As usual, this book follows the usual tried and true Hell Divers formula of facing off against an unbelievable host of horrors and mayhem that both man and nature throw at our team. And yes, "King Xavier the Immortal" plays the central role throughout, a role he is more than adept at even if there is the occasional melancholy that seeps in every so often (we're gettin' old, Miles!). One factor that remains very VERY strong in this book compared to the others (sorry) is that there are naturally several intense side adventures that offer glimpses into other aspects of what remains of mankind . There's also enough foreshadowing and setting-up to tease the upcoming book(s) that ANY fan should be satisfied - but at the end of the day, no matter how you look at it, X definitely marks the spot so to speak.

If anything, the Hell Divers stories are so diverse that it makes it difficult to get enough of any one aspect to fully satisfy what each parallel story-line seems to deserve. Maybe something to think about if anyone out there is willing to take on another "Extinction Cycle" type of endeavour of complimentary stories! Bottom-line is that this is great stuff! And I have a feeling even greater stuff is on the horizon! Now begins the painfully long wait until the next chapter is released!

[Sarah Janus · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE IMMORTAL! Oh, I have missed you, X. When I stumbled across this series years ago I would never have thought I would get so sucked into the story. And 8 books later - I am just as drawn into the story and the characters.

My heart pounded in my chest as I ran, hid and dove with the teams. I find myself holding my breath and gasping as the beasts attack. There were tears. And shouts of celebration! There is hope...and so yet much tension on the horizon. And now - I have to wait for Book 9!

We are with you, King Xzavier! To the end.

[Jennifer Fillmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hell Divers Series is the BEST!

I haven't read a single book by NSS that I haven't loved. This book was just as good as all of the others. The way he writes the stories and develops the characters really draws you in and keeps you on the edge of your seat for the entire length of the story. Book 9 can't get here fast enough, love the Hell Divers Series!

[Michael Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

The machines are defeated and the Vanguard Islands are sorely in need of repairs.

King Xavier and his wonder-dog Miles are the symbols of leadership pulling the expanding population into cooperation. Some old wounds are chafing the disparate groups, but X is working on healing and preparation. The war with the Defectors had been costly, both in terms of lost manpower and valuable supplies used up in the fighting. A new source of resupply is badly needed, and soon! El Pulpo's logs showed that the Cazadores had faced famine and disease from lack of fresh supplies. King Xavier needs food, equipment and replacement parts to keep the rigs running. Some of what they need might be found on the aircraft supercarrier, ITC Ranger, where it drifted after the last machines were dead. El Pulpo's log also hinted at a "Coral Castle" that the Cazadores were seeking for supplies. And, of course, if things weren't bad enough, a huge hurricane is bearing down on the Vanguards.

Once again, at long last, our tale continues with the friends we've gotten to know and love returning to carry on the search for life on a destroyed planet. New friends are well met and new enemies lurk just under the surface biding time until they can assert their agendas. The evolving storyline has new twists and turns, keeping the story flow lively, but hiding new and old enemies plotting their own advancement. But the best part? Hell Divers continue to dive so humanity survives!

[Ian Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

NSS does not disappoint yet again! Love this series and love listening to RC Bray narrate. New characters, new beasts, turmoil between those at the iron islands, and set up very nicely for book 9. This is certainly worth the read.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these books but damn bad thing after bad thing after bad thing was starting to get to me a little bit

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm still invested!! This series has been amazing, and I'm always waiting for the next.

[Todd Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need the next book asap! This is the best post-apocalyptic series I've listened to. The story gets better and better with each book. I'll be truly devastated if this series ever comes to an end. Nick Smith is a fantastic author and Bray is one of the best narrators! You can't go wrong with this series!

[Chris stanford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just another masterpiece a must read series

[Barb Gunzenhauser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another exciting story from an author that never fails to write amazing books!

Hell Divers VIII is another great book. Each book in this series has gotten better than the last. I don’t know how the ideas keep flowing and getting even better. If you haven’t read any of Nicholas Sansbury Smith’s books you are missing out on an adventure series that is amazing.

[Gilpatrick Peyton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the recap since book 7 and the prologue. This really set things up for the action to begin.
I also liked the simultaneous action in real time. Keeping up with characters in three locations can be confusing in other novels, but an author like NSS keeps things clear. The backstory on one of the new characters was great. I have loved each of the books, but this one was hard to put down and I hated to finish it!!

[Cristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when you think the monsters can't get any worse.

X and Miles keep pushing through and leading the way!

Super excited that this was not the last installment of this series. I'm not ready to say goodbye to them.

[Thomas Hobbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Fast paced! New monsters, action pact, drama, and treasonous acts again the metal islands. The 600+ page book is just as great as the previous 7. I loved this book and all of the characters, even the villainous ones. Can't wait for the next sequel!

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun book to read. I enjoyed it.

[Amy Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Same sentiment as review for #7 - people just doing whatever the eff they want outside of any sort of chain of command, and X still promising to bring back so and so who is in such and such peril. And whattayaknow, they survive! Ridiculous, and yet, I keep reading.

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Amazing

This story just keeps getting better and better with each story! I enjoyed all the trials the survivors have to overcome with the introduction of new monsters and the loss of old friends. I cannot wait for the next book in this amazing series! I would love to see this story made into a great movie then turned TV series, just sitting on the edge of your seat waiting for the next episode!

[Aletia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Long live the King!

If you haven't started this series, you should! Nicholas Sansbury Smith's writing sucks you in and keeps you engaged. If you like action and a bit of suspense, then jump in, the waters fine. I NEED THE NEXT BOOK!!!