The Burning Tree - Salvation: Book 1 of the Post-Apocalyptic Disaster series

The Burning Tree #1

by Christopher Artinian

The bunkers were built for the apocalypse. Just not the one they expected.

Life was bad and getting worse in the depths of Salvation. It did not take the people of Level Three long to realise that the only reason they had been spared from the cataclysm was to become a slave class.

Now, a single accident has changed everything. Fear is spreading like a virus. Rumours become facts the moment they’re spoken. Neighbour is turning against neighbour. And time is running out fast.

For most, this signals the end. For Callie and her friends, there is just one hope, but to find it, they’re going to have to fight through the most terror-filled night of their lives.

Can they escape the horror that awaits them? Or will these next few hours be their last?

Genres: Post Apocalyptic, Dystopia

369 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 30, 2021

About the author

I was born and raised in Leeds, West Yorkshire. Wanting to escape life in a big city and concentrate more on working to live than living to work, I moved to the Outer Hebrides in the north-west of Scotland in 2004 and I have lived there ever since with my wife and dogs.

I write post-apocalyptic, sci-fi, dystopian and horror fiction. I’ve released fifty one books across six different series - Safe Haven, The End of Everything, Unsafe, Relentless, The Burning Tree and Scares in Scotland.

In addition, most of my titles are now available as audiobooks narrated by Kim Bretton, so if you’re one of the many people who struggle to find the time to read, you can listen on the go.

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Reviews

[Tina G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

We said goodbye to apple trees…


Salvation (The Burning Tree: Book 1) by Christopher Artinian and narrated by Kim Bretton is a great apocalyptic/dystopian book. Highly recommend if this is your genre and if it’s not your typical listen, you should give it a chance as the author and narrator make a brilliant team.


When the world experiences ongoing catastrophes, ending with a giant asteroid, what is left? Underground bunkers with people who were chosen for their value of rebuilding society. Callie is one of the people living in Salvation, but is it really salvation for those forced to work? A mishap changes the course for those on level three. The story has a slow build and once the action begins, it’s fast-paced until the end. It is well-written and well-narrated.


Kim did a lovely job narrating- great voices, pace, and easy-to-listen to. And wow to Lee and Kim- fabulous song! It gets stuck in your head- seriously been singing it for days now. The music gives it the proper somber undertones fitting of the tale (enhances it, doesn’t distract).


If you are reading this wondering if you should listen to the book as you’re use to Christopher’s zombie books, the answer is yes. It’s a little different than the zombie writings, but in a good way. I look forward to more of this story.


“Doing the right thing is the most surefire way to make enemies.”

“We are the architects of our own demise. It all begins and ends with what we’ve done.”

*I was given a free review copy of the audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. Thank you for allowing me to listen and review the book!

[Reads with Scotch · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Burning Tree; Box set Books 1-5:

I’m not that far along into this series, though the premise is an interesting one, similar to Silo, its preachy tenor is already sapping my interest.

So far, seven chapters in, it’s seems nothing more than an oversimplified manifesto written by Greta Thunberg on a Marxist backdrop. I hadn’t realized the series was YA when I bought it. I’m a principled believer in one reading things they disagree with. But as I said, this is painfully oversimplified, tired tropes, with a limping narrative. After seven chapters all that has been introduced to the audience is one soapbox speech after another.

I was going to push on but honestly ten chapters in and there isn’t really anything to grab onto narrative wise. Pass.

[Jude Samson · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is what you get if you're a 5th grader that just stole Silo and Hunger Games and slapped them together. I have degrees in Environmental Management/Sciences and I'm against most of the things happening in the world today but even I rolled my eyes or just blanked out at the "moral" points Christopher TRIES to make. It's like he doesn't even care about anything he's writing about - he just realized it's a current trend so he tried to jump on it as a means to sell a couple of books. I keep telling these self-publishing hacks that quantity does not equate to quality. Stop trying to pump out utter drivel and take the time to work on well-formed material. Any of these multi-book series can be hacked down of all its inane blather and written into one book with strong writing but instead, Christopher would rather follow the self-publishing masses by writing junk. I won't even bother with anything else of his as they're all multi-book and likely all the same poor-quality work. Zero character introduction, zero character arc, zero character investment on the reader's part. Lazy trope-filled plot devices and generally poor construction. Don't bother wasting your time or money.

[Elexis Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the omnibus of books one through five, and since I just burned straight through, I don't remember where one book ended and the next began. So, this review is for the first five books. I'll post it on all five.

This series wasn't bad. The dystopia that formed in the bunker was depressingly realistic, as was the amount of strife and corruption in/between the groups outside it. All in all, the series was engaging enough for me to listen to five books, which is saying something, but there were a few issues.

There were too many inspiring speeches, for one. I can get behind one or two of these, but there were points where it felt like one character or another was making an inspiring speech every chapter, and that's just too much for me.

There were also too many occasions of characters being staunchly opposed to a thing that they were advocating for on a larger scale in a prior chapter/book, suddenly arguing tooth and nail against it, only to give in after their own prior arguments were laid out for them and basically (grudgingly) saying, "I suppose you've got a point." People don't typically backtrack on principals they're willing to risk death for just a few days later. People also don't give in to logic so easily when their emotions are high enough for them to start vicious name calling or outright getting violent. The fact that people who were okay starting a settlement with 18,000 people were then convinced it was impossible to do so with such an enormous number as 3,500 people irked me.

The author clearly put some time into researching a few plants that most people consider weeds but are actually edible, which I appreciate. I wish there had been routine mention of more of them than seaweed and dandelions, but it was still nice to see foraging considered a viable dietary supplement. The evaporation pools for salt was a really good addition too.

There were a few things that Phil Trainer (the farming/plant expert in the books) would've known that weren't mentioned, like the acidifying effect granite has on the soil near any large natural sources of granite and the potential use of lime to counteract/neutralize it, but I'm aware I'm getting way too picky expecting that to have been in there, even if Trainer is an expert. The only reason I know that is from watching a bunch of docuseries about farming through the ages, and I know that's not something most people do. Lol.

All in all, it was a decent series so far.

[Sahara Foley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book by this author I’ve read and it was recommended to me by a friend.

The story doesn’t take place on some far-off -planet but it might as well have with all the world building needed. Artinan’s description of the bunker with the different levels and living conditions makes the reader feel like they’re right there. He also has a grass choices for them so they’re not responsible for their own actions. Sounds like our society today.p of human nature and the human condition. How most people are so willing to follow anyone that make

I felt the first part of the book was slow as there was excessive repeating of the same events as new characters got involved. And too much describing of ordinary routines, like making tea or getting ready in the morning. Not necessary and just makes the reader want to skip over those parts. The author also had a tendency to get on a Liberal/socialist soap box and those parts did get flipped over.

Then everything went to hell in a handbag. From that point on pages were turned faster and the tension built. I found myself holding my breath, waiting to see what happened. Please don’t let them die.

There were a few characters I related to more than others. One is Michelle ad the other Susan. I can’t wait to see what happens to them in book two. Which I will be reading. As for Greenslade, not sure how I feel about him. Is he good or bad? Did he get his just desserts? We shall see.

If you’re a fan of dystopian YA novels like Hunger Games, action and adventure, and family drama, you’ll enjoy this story. I give it 4 stars.

[Maria Beltrami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Salvation is an artificial underground environment, one of many built to save what can be saved from an extinction event caused by an asteroid, which adds to the devastation already caused by humanity. It is built on three levels and the population is distributed in a pyramid shape, with the bureaucrats at the top, those we could call middle managers on the second level and on the last and most populated level, the common people, the workers. Nothing new under the sun, as it is a classic stratified society that obeys the demands of an oligarchy. As it should be, not all third-level inhabitants are willing to bow their heads, work to the point of exhaustion and live on rations, but the resistance is more folkloric than real. Until the day that Callie's mother loses her job, the greenhouses on the second level catch fire and the third level is sealed off, leaving its inhabitants to fight against each other, in the dark and cold, without food, in order to survive. However, there is a man who, because of his love of truth, plunged from the first level to the third, and who probably knows Salvation much better than those who decided to “get rid of the ballast”. Will Callie and this man manage to get out of a deadly trap?
None of the ideas presented in this novel are brand new, but Artinian puts together a fast-paced narrative, with the right amount of twists and great attention to character development, even for the minor ones, offering the reader an enjoyable and thought-provoking read.

[Shanna Tidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all Christopher and Kim are a power house combo! The min I got this book I was happy, as soon as I heard Kim’s voice I was smiling like a kid in a candy store!
This one brings memories of some things similar out there, think The 100 (tv series not books, those books weren’t as good), Snowpiercer and many other series that involve bunkers…. Only BETTER, way better. It’s the characters Christopher creates and the way Kim brings them to life that make this duo so dynamic. The smart and witty banter and the humanity of some of them and the evil in others.
I do wonder why no one tried to pry the lifts open and escape that way. I figured that would have led to level 1 & 2 and there could have been more blood shed that way but I still didn’t get the feeling people tried very hard….
This would be a great story for teens too.
My only complaint is that I have to wait for the next book in this series.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Tony Hisgett · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author spends a lot of time building a dysfunctional dystopian world, interspersed with a little teenage angst and a bit of domestic drama.
The story concentrates on a fairly small group of characters, so it is difficult to understand what is happening in the wider community, but it is clearly ready to fall apart. Then comes the fire.
To be honest I found the build up to the main storyline too slow and was quite relieved when the main action started. As the level three community degenerated into chaos and depravity in just a few hours I had some niggling doubts, but it was still an exciting read.
I’m not sure about the decision to not include any information about the way the ‘bunker’ functioned above level three, but I would have liked to have known what was going on with the ‘leaders’ and their decision making. I suppose the author keeping the reader in the dark was mirroring what was happening to the level three occupants of ‘Salvation’.
If possible I would have given 3.5 stars.

[Hayley Parkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mind blowing story that tells you of the trials and tribulations of a group of teenagers and their families who embark on a mission to free themselves and others like them from the administrations rules. This book throws you into a dystopian world like no other. Living underground in a bunker where the administration rules, the rich and powerful get fat and the average Joe gets forgotten. After a cataclysmic event on earth only a few are lucky enough to be chosen to survive. People are happy to be given the opportunity to go on living, but after 4 years of living in salvation things aren’t anything like people imagined them to be. A group of people decide on trying to change things but at what cost. An absolute page turner of a book that was impossible to put down. Totally different to anything else this author has written but just as exciting and enthralling. Cleverly written and an absolute must read. Cannot wait to see where this story goes in the future.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Salvation, the first book in the Burning Tree series, is cleverly written science fiction. The plot is fully developed, the premise is genuine and totally engaging. The storyline is gripping, wrapped in layers of secrecy, conspiracy, danger, and suspense. Christopher Artinian's character development is phenomenal; the diversity and emotional complexity are all there. Living and surviving in a bunker with a stringent class system, confronted with challenges, faced with tough choices crossing moral boundaries was perfectly penned.

A stellar performance by Kim Bretton. Attuned with the characters, she portrayed the nuances of their personalities and flawlessly captured the intensity of the scenes. I thoroughly enjoyed Bretton's narration and Artinian's writing; both met my highest expectations. I'm definitely recommending this audiobook.

[Beverly Laude · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christopher Artinian is one of my favorite authors in the zompoc genre and this foray into a new genre is just as good as his zombie apocalypse books. Wonderful characters, great world building and a great story make this a must read. The author's ability to build relationships between characters and make the reader care about them is one of the best things about his storytelling. But, there is plenty of action as well!

Kim Bretton's performance adds a lot to this book and makes the reader experience the story in a whole new way. The addition of the mournful music throughout the book really sets the tone in a perfect way. And, the song "The Burning Tree" is one that will stick with me forever.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves to read, even if this genre isn't your usual one. I can't wait to continue this series and see what happens next!

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This character driven Apocalyptic with a feel of Sci-fi (without the aliens) tale proves Artinian is not a one trick pony, he can change genres with ease. An asteroid has struck Earth and the survivors are living underground in a settlement called Salvation. There are three levels and where you are placed is decided by the corrupt administrations opinion of your worth. That is painfully brought to light when Level 3 suffers a devastating accident due to shoddy maintenance and they are considered expendable. What follows is a terrifying tale of survival which yet again shows that some people are flawed selfish and greedy while others will help strangers survive at all costs.

[mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, I was hooked from the start, drawn into the everyday survival in the Bunker, with its class system, and disparity of life between the tiers, and the conspiracy hiding beneath the surface. I fell in love with the characters first, with their lives and dreams, Callie's ideals and inner strength and Phil's moral compass, despite the danger. I was hanging on every word, amazed at Christopher's talent to weave a tale so chilling and thought provoking, and Kim's amazing vocal talents, and abiity to breath life into the characters, her song was haunting and memorable, they make a fantastic team. I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christopher Artinian created a world where humans have moved underground because a meteor is headed towards Earth. The people are separated into tiers depending upon their abilities and knowledge, or how wealthy they are. When an accident occurs, life becomes untenable for those people living in the bottom tier. This book was absorbing and thought provoking. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series and I recommend it to others who like this genre. Kim Bretton's narration is exquisite. I really enjoyed her rendition of the song titled, "The Burning Tree" which can be found on youtube.com also. I was given a free copy of the audiobook and I have voluntarily left this review.

[Kaye Nutman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great new read.

There was building tension in the Utopia of the bunker and various people had a hand in that, from the Salvation Guard to a variety of unfriendly and unhelpful people, but as in most societies there are people willing to help too. Life on Level 3 is hard. They are the working class, but they have dreams of equality. Then disaster befalls them all. A great new read, with the promise of more in the series.

[Corinne Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

That's it. Hooked again with Christopher Artinians brilliant start to The Burning Tree series. Salvation sees us in a world underground with three levels made up of the privileged down to the commoner. The story is full of the hardships, violence and twists. Callie and her friends soon realise all is not what it seems. Riveting from start to finish.

[Lisa Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing start to a new series!

As I have stated before if you have not read any of this author’s books, then you are missing out on a brilliant storyteller. This book has it all, an Intriguing story, fast pace lots of action treachery just to name a few. I love these new characters! I highly recommend this author
so get his books and leave your reviews.

[Mrs Claire Chisholm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Need to read!

Another absolute cracker from Christopher! I cannot wait for the next part of the journey. Completely different from his other series ( which are amazing) this puts you squarely in the middle thinking what would I do if this was me. Also as a fantastic song accompanying the book on YouTube. Well worth checking out.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow just amazing.

Thank you Christopher Artinian, you have done it again. This new book is great, the characters are brilliant and as a reader you just want to.find out more and more about them. The story so far has got me hooked I can't wait to find out how they get on in the next book.

[Matt Marchant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark and disturbing and very claustrophobic

Loved this from start to finish and so well thought out and well written. Fast paced and very dark and disturbing at times and the claustrophobic atmosphere gives it a thought provoking edge. Excellent characters and very hard to put down once you start. Can't wait for book two 👍

[Anne - Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I really enjoyed this book. Stuck in a massive bunker a fire starts and wipes out the farms which are growing the majority of the food. Callie and her friends find themselves sealed in and left to die It's now a race against the clock to get people to come together and find away to get out. Will they escape ? You will have to read it and find out !!

[timj26 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chris is one of those authors you know it’s gonna be great no matter the genre
A master of the character driven story this was an intense one to say the least
Kim out does herself with the narration on this one
If you’re a fan of end of the world scenarios this is a don’t miss
I received a free review audiobook and voluntarily left this review

[Aurora Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all of the safe Haven and End of Everything books that are out so far. This book was just as good and I will definitely be getting the second book and following this series. Christopher Artinian just has a way of telling a story that pulls you right in and leaving you wanting more at the end.
I don't know if I could go into a bunker to be honest...

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

Mr. Artinian you have done it again! A whole different take on the apocalypse than your other series. I enjoyed getting to know new characters and how are surviving. I can't wait for book #2 to find out more about our group of survivors.

[Angie Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A damn great book.

I cannot say enough how much I loved reading this book. Christopher Artinian is not just a one trick pony. This dystopian novel will have you feeling claustrophobic.

[Chrystal Roe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

This story is really good. Residents of a post apocalyptic bunker struggle for survival. Their biggest challenge is surviving the increasingly harsh conditions imposed by their leaders. Then things take a turn for the worse. I really need the next book.

[Sandy McCulloch · Rating 5 out of 5]

The burning tree.

Wow, Christian Artinian, has done it again. A new series, post apocalyptic survivors from a 3 graded hierarchy, living in a bunker made to hold thousands. The lower class, need to escape.
Absolutely brilliant read, can’t wait for next book.

[Heather Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding new series

Wow,This is a sensational new series.I felt so claustrophobic with the new crew in the underground world they live in.A better life or does it exist for everyone in the next thrilling book.Cant wait for this next enthralling tale.

[Kelly Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

I loved it. The characters are genuine and interesting. I don't want to let any spoilers out but I will say that the circumstances the characters find themselves in terrifies me. I highly recommend this first book in a new series.

[Rachel Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pinned to my seat!

This is a fantastic book. Fast paced and well constructed. The characters were so real they jumped out of the page.
I feel like I have been part of the story, and I'm exhausted!
Great stuff from Mr Artinian, once again.
Can't wait for the next instalment.