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The Burning Tree #2

The Burning Tree - Rebirth: Book 2 of the Post-Apocalyptic Disaster series

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They thought escaping the bunker was their biggest challenge. They were wrong.

With little food and no resources, the fragile union is beginning to strain. But there’s something else too—something lurking in the shadows.

When the power died, the bunker went black. But it was nothing like the darkness that awaits them now. A new panic is spreading, but this time, few have hope of escaping it.

This was meant to be a fresh start, a rebirth. Instead, it could be the beginning of the end.

Will Callie and her friends be among the lucky ones? Or will their newfound freedom be short-lived?

They’re about to find out.

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 27, 2021

60 people are currently reading
41 people want to read

About the author

Christopher Artinian

79 books282 followers
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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5 stars
187 (68%)
4 stars
61 (22%)
3 stars
22 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
570 reviews3 followers
September 3, 2021
A ten Star book

This book definitely deserves ten stars. It was well written and the characters are very interesting. This story was a different take on the typical apocalyptic book and it worked out really well.
Profile Image for Elexis Bell.
Author 15 books96 followers
November 4, 2025
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.
247 reviews3 followers
January 9, 2022
Greenslade to the rescue...kind of


Rebirth (The Burning Tree, Book Two) by Christopher Artinian and narrated by Kim Bretton is an excellent second to the series. Between the story, narration, and fast-paced action, you can’t help but be drawn in. Recommend if you are looking for a new post-apocalyptic series, new to or are a fan of Christopher’s work, looking for something with lots of action, or a story with awesome world building, character development, and narration.

What’s it about? Callie, Susan, Phil, and the remainder of the group continue the quest for survival. They face unforeseen threats arise, struggles occur, friendships are formed, enemies are made, and so much more takes place (I look forward to what I think is going to play out and no, I’m not giving any hints). You might even learn a little bit about farming/survival if you are a novice. This is a story you could easily see taking place in our future.

Kim Bretton once again does a brilliant job. She brings the characters to life and captures the bad guys with perfection.

I recommend this one and I doubt it will disappoint. It will be a re-listen for me. If you are new to Christopher’s work or Kim’s narration, give it a try but make sure to start with the first book of the series.

“Bravery is doing something despite your fears. That’s why it’s brave. Rarely do brave people feel brave; they feel scared to death.”


*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! Tina, Christopher, and Kim- sorry for the delay in the review, between the holidays and sickness, it was longer than I wanted. Thank you again for the opportunity! P.S. I still have the song stuck in my head :)
Profile Image for Sahara Foley.
Author 20 books166 followers
June 26, 2022
This series keeps getting better as it goes along. The writing is tighter in book 2 vs book 1; not as much rehashing of events we already know about, though there still are some soapbox moments.

A lot of research has gone into Phil’s character/background, and being a semi-herbalist myself, I find all the references to the flora quite interesting. I wasn’t too keen on Callie in book 1 as I felt her character was a bit over the top, but I’ve grown to understand her motives. I thought for as much as she moaned about Si missing, her priority would be searching for him once they were topside. But it seemed she just didn’t care. Then it dawned on me, even though it felt like days had passed because of all the action and drama, it was only 24 hours. So, duh, she didn’t have the time.

Talk about drama. What they found topside wasn’t anything they could’ve been prepared for. It was dark and nasty and makes you wonder how far would you go to keep your children and family from starving to death. A situation we might be facing in the near future with the world-wide food shortages looming this fall.
There were a lot of nail-biting moments. Greenslade had his own moral road to cross and, unfortunately, some of the escapees didn’t get the chance. Like poor Chad. At least he didn’t end up seeing the Wizard.

I’ve already started book 3 and it’s proving to be just as action packed and nerve-racking If you love a combination of dystopian and post apocalyptic stories, you’ll love this book. I highly recommend the series and give Rebirth 5 stars.
Profile Image for Beverly Laude.
2,257 reviews45 followers
December 20, 2021
This second book in the Burning Tree series finds the main characters starting to try foraging for food while starting to grow crops. But, of course, our impetuous Callie has other things in mind....finding her brother, Si. In her quest, she becomes allies with a very unlikely person, but maybe this villain has changed?

This series is a fresh take on post-apocalyptic life, but there are still plenty of villains and action to keep any reader engaged from start to finish. Loaded with great characters that are flawed, ruthless and often cruel, the author has made even some of the worst villains a little bit likeable (at least, for now!).

The only thing that makes this wonderful book even better is the amazing talent of the narrator, Kim Bretton. Her performance brings the book to life and her voices are awesome. I also like the inclusion of the music that is used to convey switching between scenes. This helps a lot in audiobooks when you can't "see" that the perspective has changed like you can in the written books.

I can't wait to see what happens next in this wonderful saga. And, Mr. Artinian might just teach you a thing or two along the way!
Profile Image for Mandi Murphy.
57 reviews10 followers
November 25, 2021
Unputdownable paging turning craziness

O M G this series is just mind-blowingly awesome. It totally drags u in whether you want to be there or not! Book 1 Finally sees the survivors make it out of the bunker to a now uncertain world, but freedom. However its the calm before the storm! Nothing goes as it was expected. One minute you are laughing the next it's stomach churning & you are nearly pooping yourself! The story is just amazing . The character & world building is incredible. Its got everything and then a whole lot more.

It's terrifying beyond belief, but you can't put it
down? You're frantically turning the page following the hell that is ongoing. It's a matter of life and death and you just never know what is going to happen next. This one went way too fast I was at the end of the book and book 3 is not out yet? I think that's a sign of good the series is
Profile Image for odedo1 Audio book worm. .
803 reviews9 followers
December 15, 2021
The animal within !!!


God I thought that this will be
The ending of the story
How wrong I was!
Who knows how long I’ll have
To wait again for the
Enjoyment.

The perfect imagination and being able to put it all into words in such mastery only
Christopher Artinian I’ve seen is able to do it with such easiness.
Weird, disappointment and happiness that its not over and more is coming, its just the waiting which makes it awful.
And not to forget the beautiful
Voice of Kim Bretton narrating.

Such a perfectly done
masterpiece that is absolutely
recommended For all !!!

Oded Ostfeld.
Profile Image for Tony Hisgett.
2,999 reviews37 followers
April 7, 2022
This should have been an interesting story, especially with a great character like Callie, but I found it a real struggle.
My problems started with the first book, I wasn’t convinced by the science and many of the timings didn’t seem right. As the story progresses this apparent ‘Extinction Level Event’ made even less sense.
Then there is the story itself, which is quite depressing. The author has a low opinion of how people will behave, which I’m not arguing with, but within minutes of the shutdown there is an attempted rape and several killings, and it just goes downhill after that. Once they all escape from ‘Salvation’ the story becomes even more depressing with psychopaths and cannibals.
In the end this story just got away from me and really didn’t like it.
Profile Image for Joan.
1,126 reviews6 followers
September 9, 2021
The survivors from Level 3 have made it to the surface and because people just can't seem to learn from their past mistakes, end up splitting into separate groups due to disagreements. Callie, her friends and others head south and begin to forage dandelions, seaweed etc. plus start to prepare the land for planting crops and building shelter as they have found a good location to settle. The other groups feel like they're being watched and unfortunately soon find they were and what follows is truly terrifying and beyond belief. If you want to find out more, you will have to read this character driven, emotionally charged tale and I recommend you do.
Profile Image for mia.
777 reviews
December 13, 2021
I loved this book, I just couldn't put it down, fast paced and action packed, I was hooked immediately. The characters were memorable, Myra was a great fmc flawed but brave, and the three alphas were strong, dominating with a soft side which was very compelling, there were plenty of plot twysts to keep you guessing. I really liked this box set format and I was able to binge read it all in one go. Krys's narration was flawless and enjoyable as always, and I loved that she narrated the whole series consistently. I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
2,021 reviews8 followers
December 18, 2021
I enjoyed book two of "The Burning Tree" series more than the first book. There was a lot going on as the story was non-stop action. The tale was filled with twists and turns as the people from the bunker face the challenges of starting over and finding out how the world had changed after the impact of the meteor. I recommend Christopher Artinian's books to others who enjoy this genre. Kim Bretton's narration was great and added to the impact of the story. I was given a free copy of the audiobook and I have voluntarily left this review.
Profile Image for Hayley Parkes.
210 reviews5 followers
September 9, 2021
brilliant

Wow what a book! Absolutely fantastic read which I couldn’t put down. The characters are expertly written and the author makes them so authentic it’s impossible to not to be drawn into their world and feel like you actually know them. The story is fast paced and full of action. Definitely a must read that won’t leave you disappointed. Can’t wait to see what lies ahead for Callie and the rest of the survivors.
49 reviews
September 19, 2021
Brilliant

Storyline and characters are the two most important element of books. Here, the storyline is great but what I admire above that is that writing skill that changes your opinion of characters - you end up dismissing ones you liked at the start and forming a grudging affection for those you initially despised. That is a skill. Can't wait for the next instalment - thanks Mr Artinian for another great read
Profile Image for Shanna Tidwell.
739 reviews6 followers
December 24, 2021
Great second installment in this series! Love all of the character. Love that one we hated is getting a bit of redemption throughout this story line. Smart and resourceful people are always entertaining!
Everything. Christopher writes is pure gold! You will never go wrong or be bored by any story this man tells!
Kim Bretton is one of my favorite narrators ever! She is absolutely amazing!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
139 reviews
September 17, 2021
Don't eat the bacon

I don't think I could ever eat bacon again without thinking of Wizard. I could actually imagine some people being this way if this event ever happened. I was captivated while reading this book, my stomach was churning and not just because of the bacon.Plenty of action, humour and true colours of mankind. You will not be disappointed buying this book.
Profile Image for Corinne Marshall.
409 reviews10 followers
September 22, 2021
The 2nd book in The Burning Tree series continues to be a riveting and intense story. There's alot of challenges to face for the people emerging from the bunker and for some of them it will become a matter of life or death. The story still continues to capture and hold your attention to the very end. I can guarantee you will be hooked on this series, so don't pass it up.
29 reviews
October 15, 2021
Rebirth by Christopher Artinian

Liked everything this was a brilliant stor
👋. that held one spellbound all the way on the journey. A bit different from most books that have Zombies in them. I thought the plot more credible without them. It captured one's attention from start to finish looking forward to reading more of this author.





Profile Image for Meghan Gallagher.
27 reviews
March 10, 2022
OHMYGOD

Phenomenal, excellent, non stop page turner. Christopher Artinian weaves his magic web again and draws the reader in and doesn’t let go!. I’m usually a zombie only reader but this post apocalyptic series will absolutely BLOW your mind. Started reading as an in between books book but couldn’t put it down. Now onto book three!!!
451 reviews2 followers
August 30, 2021
Wow

Really great book. Couldn't put it down . It a nail biting roller coaster ride and the characters are believable and it was interesting to watch them grow. I really hope there are more books to come in this series.
Profile Image for Angie Anderson.
584 reviews7 followers
August 30, 2021
A damn fine book!

Christopher Artinian is a genius! He creates worlds that you fall into head first and race to find out what is going to happen. This series is yet another wonderful Artinian world!
Profile Image for Sandy McCulloch.
363 reviews
September 1, 2021
The Burning Tree, Rebirth

Wow. Changes, on the earth outside. Some good some bad. Evil against goodness. However will good survive. They’re are limbs left that could develop more. Bring them on Christopher Artinian. Your books are brilliant. 5 ***** , and more.
Profile Image for Steve Sopp.
27 reviews
September 3, 2021
Wow, a shocking turn of events

A great follow up to the 1st book, good to see the characters really coming to life and showing some unexpected traits. Loving the story and can't wait to find out what harsh times are ahead for the group next.
Profile Image for Faye Gaudet.
42 reviews
September 12, 2021
I love this author

Strong women in power leads.
Diverse character development
Food for thought quotes.
This writer has changed the was I see male writers and I am grateful to it. Love everything they have ever writtern!!!
508 reviews13 followers
December 12, 2021
Absolutely love where Chris decided to take this one
Master character building with each one invoking some type of feeling
Kim never disappoints with another stellar performance
Now to patiently wait for book 3 5stars
I received a free review audiobook and voluntarily left this review
61 reviews1 follower
February 13, 2022
From the ashes

Excellent follow up to book 1. Several journeys intersecting along the way and becoming almost friends with a few surprising alliances made. Still a couple of villains left to reappear in book 3 which I hope won't be long in being available.
417 reviews2 followers
May 18, 2024
Better

This was better than the first one! I'm really getting into this book! It's an up and down road for these people who are trying to start over with nothing. I hope that the rest of the series is as good as the first two episodes.
20 reviews
July 7, 2024
worth a read

I liked Callie and Greenslade a juxtaposition of characters.

Interesting story with an interesting setting.

Stick with both books as it’s worth following the journey of everyone
.
Profile Image for Chrystal Roe.
1,290 reviews12 followers
August 30, 2021
Excellent

I really enjoyed this story. The characters were so well done. Getting to know them was very interesting, even the bad ones. The world building was very believable too.
Profile Image for Miriam Lofgren-bangs.
16 reviews1 follower
September 2, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this continuation of Callie’s life and adventures. Definitely recommend this and all of Christopher Artinian’s books.
Profile Image for Leslie.
370 reviews3 followers
September 11, 2021
5 star

Mr. Artinian you did it again! Love this book and such a roller coaster! And man... pretty gross parts also! Only problem is that I want more, now!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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