Burning Earth

E-Day #2

by Nicholas Sansbury Smith

The war started and ended in a day.
The machines won.
Now the fight for survival begins...

E-Day: The moment the machines evolved and humans nearly went extinct. In the chaos, one million people escaped Earth and fled to a secret colony on the dark side of the Moon. Deep beneath the lunar surface, in the cold, they wait for the inevitable--a second attack that will wipe humanity out forever.

Sergeant Tadhg Walsh is tired of waiting. He wants to fight back and return to Earth to search for Shadow Squad. But he has new orders from the Lunar Defense Corps: protect the colonies at all costs and forget about any survivors back home.

Captain Akira Hayashi is one of those survivors, forced to heal from his injuries in a submarine while the planet burns. Shadow Squad won’t be hiding for long, but before they can don their armor again, they must find a safe haven to plan their attack. When they locate a research station in the Mariana Trench, their submarine heads into the depths. What they find in the darkness changes everything they know about E-Day.

On the Moon, the LDC will do everything in its power to keep the truth about survivors on Earth a secret, even if it means sacrificing the few for the many. On Earth, Shadow Squad will have to make tenuous alliances with old enemies to stand a chance against the enemy. If they can unite, they might just have a chance of stopping the machines from wiping out humanity on Earth and the Moon.

Genres: Science Fiction, Audiobook, Science Fiction Fantasy, Post Apocalyptic, Action

513 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 9, 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...
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/nicholassans...
Website: nicholassansburysmith.com
Instagram: instagram.com/author_sansbury/

Reviews

[Ziggy Nixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars and that's only because we can't put in more! An absolute triumph of suspense, action, drama and characterization, fit oh-so-well together with a plot that really came into its own! Truly one of NSS's best works to-date ... and for a full-fledged fan like myself, that's saying a lot!

Now, before you think this is JUST a fan letter, well, it's no secret - and my previous review reflected this - that I was less than completely enamored with the first chapter of the new "E-Day" series. I felt that the introduction of this expansive yet promising new series was too rushed, particularly in light of what I consider to be the strength of this author, namely, how well he forms characters ranging from his primary players through to even seemingly the most minor of supporting cast members. However, in the space of opening and then finally closing this book - which can only be called an instant classic - not only were these slight 'hiccups' well-tended to but were fulfilled my expectations and beyond! You will be tempted to stand up and cheer in some sections, it is really that moving!

Needless to say - but I will anyway - "Burning Earth" is not only an adrenaline junkies dream come true but it is also a truly riveting emotional ride. From heroes to villains and everywhere in between, you will find your heart racing and your hands shaking as you dive into the amazingly intricate plotting behind what is one of the best dystopian/scifi stories I've read, full stop! And it was such a joy to really, REALLY get to know the teams involved this time, as the journey takes us from all around (and under) the planet AND to the moon and back again and again! And wow oh wow, how amazing the subplots perform as part of the overall puzzle! No page is spared the thrills!

And what was really a joy is that no matter how truly bizarre things get - and it gets flat out freaky towards the end, trust me! - the plot has no loose threads. This is an extremely well-planned story that not only will entertain the living daylights out of the reader but will have you counting the days until the next chapter is released in Spring of 2022! I could easily make a list with a couple dozen bullet points long about the key aspects we need to be primed for by the time that book hits its own R-Day (release in this case)! And you could then pick any as your favorite because trust me: you can't go wrong!

Finally, just to add a personal note: I was privileged to be part of the beta review team for this book and so I've actually seen and read two 'versions' of the story some months apart. And I can look you dead in the eye and promise you: the improvements made in what was already an outstanding story just made me love this book all the more! An already amazingly well-oiled machine was somehow upgraded, polished and made into a winner that just has me still gasping for air! This is great stuff and easily deserves its spot on the shelf next to the very best of the NSS collection! Enjoy!

[Sherron Wahrheit · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the freaky science in the Hell Divers series, so I wanted to try this when I saw it on NetGalley. I missed book one, and maybe that was covered some basic things I was missing.

I read the first few chapters over and over and just couldn’t get into it. There were so many characters, factions conveyances, weapons. And it felt like I was reading as a school exercise to develop a dictionary. Not fun. So I gave up, gave in, and gave the book two stars.

I noticed I was the only two-star reviewer on goodreads. So I tried again, regardless of missing the backstory, Then when I tried to “soldier on,” suddenly it all clicked.

It’s very entertaining. Lots of battle action. A bit bloody, well, actually very bloody, which isn’t my cup of tea. But some like that stuff. I’m in it for the interesting technology and the freaky GMO smog proof soldiers. Thank you NSS, you obliged! Really clear lines are drawn about which group to back and firm ideas about Good and Bad and which actions are Heroic. That perspective isn’t very interesting to me and takes a star away. The prevalence of Good vs Evil is why I dislike fantasy.

Speaking of “good” and “bad” teams, there’s a teeny problem regarding credibility. Yes, a reader is required to suspend disbelief, but there’s a part in the book that mentions the “Boston Yankees.” Snort. That, my friend, is highly unlikely, as in “nevah gunna happen!” I once had a black Red Sox ball cap, and I always got dirty looks, double takes, glares, and men saying, “oh, I’m sorry, I thought your cap was anti Red Sox.” I lost that cap and don’t miss it at all. So, anyway: Boston Yankees—ain’t gonna happen. Or maybe its mention is a metaphor to raise the idea of the good guys joining forces with their enemies the coalition?

R. C. Bray as always is an entertaining voice actor and his singing is a fun and unexpected treat.

Thank you NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my feedback.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

While a great story, I'm assuming this book has something akin to middle-book-syndrome going on. There's a ton of action but a whole lot of injustice with not a whole lot of justice. And Dario? Really Mr. Sansbury Smith? Really?

I can't wait for the third book, because it's set up to have a whole lot more justice, hopefully new arms will be involved, and RC Bray. Mainly because RC Bray. Hopefully we won't wait long.

[Lisa Omstead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series and the extreme difficulty of “life” on the moon and how the story addresses these issues. There are some seriously evil antagonists that are interested only in their own gruesome agendas. This book is superbly written. I am really looking forward to the next story in the series. It is well worth the read.

[Pat Bettinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Great characters and with folks worried about AI takeovers this is so timely. Started on two now going back to beginning and of course the ending.
After earth has been attacked by a crazy madman who has turned machines into killers those who have managed to survive are trying to find a way back and win the battle for life. They are scattered on earth. Some survivors are hidden on land and some at sea in a submarine and fighting to stop the machines any way they can. You have to be careful who you trust because crazy is alive all over and power hungry people don't change. Losing some of the characters is hard but those things really make the story.
I enjoyed Nicholas Sansbury Smith's Tracker series and have yet to do the Extinction series but hope to do so soon.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm loving this series. Nicholas Sansbury Smith is becoming our modern day Asimov. You can almost see the wheels turning in his brain as he comes up with alternative universes for each of his ideas, then creates storylines for all of them. I've been making my way through his work and, although Hell Divers is my favorite so far, this E-Day series is great. It's got a lot of the stuff HD fans might love, like a strong lead soldier with his dog (and horse), robots that are both used for good and evil, an earth with limited livable space remaining, and a battle for life. I'm looking forward to experiencing his creative sci-fi writing as he releases it.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading Hell Divers, I feel like this series could be the start of the Hell Divers series. But, I know they aren’t related. It has AI’s and how the earth is getting close to being abandoned. It’s just as good as the Hell Divers series.

Nicholas Sansbury Smith is an excellent writer, keeps you wanting more, and pulls you in from the beginning of his books. He’s definitely become one of my favorite authors. ❤️❤️

[Jason Hildenbrand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big step up from book one

I liked the first X-Ray book a lot but it was setting the universe up. Now it feels like things have fallen into place. Nick really keeps you on the edge the whole time. Another great series in the making!

[Will Yams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can power through an NSS book so fast. These books are great. I always find plenty of characters to love and hate. I’ve always got to keep reading until I find out what happens. Then it’s over, Good stuff.

[Timothy Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another action packed survival adventure for the fate of Earth and its remaining heroes from NSS and Bray. I am looking forward to the finale!

[Stoner · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.3 stars. A talking robot bird, a robot dog and horse and glowing katanas and AIs and battles everywhere and good characters. This is better than the first book.

[RJ Wit · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like this book could have been half as long. A lot of Akira's chapters could have been omitted and parts of Ronan's chapters too. Definitely the weaker of the series so far. So far...

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Their new mission was simple – to eliminate humanity’

Iowa author Nicholas Sansbury Smith’s extracurricular activities include a passion for racing (he is an Ironman triathlete), and he entered the world of literary art after serving in the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management, working in disaster planning and mitigation. His genre is science fiction with an emphasis on post-apocalyptic tales. His initial short story SOLAR STORMS was written in 2013 and was prescient: our history remembers when we were put on alert for a large solar explosion (fortunately it didn't affect our power grid) so we were attuned to the title. Nicholas has published the following series - THE EXTINCTION CYCLE, TRACKERS, ORBS, THE SONS OF WAR, HELL DIVERS, and this series E-DAY described by the author as ‘the rise of AI, droids, and an operating system (OS) designed to save the planet and our species in the near future.’ E-DAY II: BURNING EARTH is Book 2.

Smith jumps right in as the book opens – ‘Hundreds of corvettes shot across the sea of darkness stretching from Earth. All were fleeing to the same destination: The Moon. Thirty-two-year-old First Lieutenant Dario Brolin and twelve other pilots of the Sky Raider Squadron flew their King Cobra Spaceplanes in a tight formation around the shuttles to protect the precious human cargo. Flying along the starboard side of a four-hundred-foot-long corvette gave Dario a view of the many windows in the hull. Crammed inside were nearly two thousand frightened passengers…’ The drama opens.

The provided plot outline outlines the progress: ‘E-Day: The moment the machines evolved and humans nearly went extinct. In the chaos, one million people escaped Earth and fled to a secret colony on the dark side of the Moon. Deep beneath the lunar surface, in the cold, they wait for the inevitable--a second attack that will wipe humanity out forever. Sergeant Tadhg Walsh is tired of waiting. He wants to fight back and return to Earth to search for Shadow Squad. But he has new orders from the Lunar Defense Corps: protect the colonies at all costs and forget about any survivors back home. Captain Akira Hayashi is one of those survivors, forced to heal from his injuries in a submarine while the planet burns. Shadow Squad won’t be hiding for long, but before they can don their armor again, they must find a safe haven to plan their attack. When they locate a research station in the Mariana Trench, their submarine heads into the depths. What they find in the darkness changes everything they know about E-Day. On the Moon, the LDC will do everything in its power to keep the truth about survivors on Earth a secret, even if it means sacrificing the few for the many. On Earth, Shadow Squad will have to make tenuous alliances with old enemies to stand a chance against the enemy. If they can unite, they might just have a chance of stopping the machines from wiping out humanity on Earth and the Moon.’

Pure steampunk science fiction is delivered by the master chef! Nicholas Sansbury Smith has this jargon and admixture of science and speculation down well - he has the talent to maintain interest and fascination for a long series.

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

The Most Action-Per-Page I’ve Read In A Long Time

There is something to be said about a Nicholas Sansbury Smith book. I know going into it I’m going to get a few things – one of them is action. And when I say action, I mean nonstop action from beginning to end. I think the one thing that sets a NSS book apart from its competition is the sheer amount of scenes that he throws at the reader. This book and every other one of his that I can think of has some of the most action-per-page that I’ve ever read, and I love it. That being said, it makes these books take up a ton of brain space when I’m reading them. I say that as a compliment. Some books I read for their ability to clear my head and some I read to block out all of the other noise. NSS books are the latter. They take residence in my head and don’t let go until the final chapters. And even then I end up thinking about them long after because of the premises and ideas that Smith employs throughout.

So, after that diatribe to open this and I STILL haven’t really talked about E-Day, I’ll save the thing I wanted to bring up next for a bit later. E-Day II: Burning Earth is one of those books that feels like a fever dream in the best way. Every time things seem to settle down – something changes. Or once I get comfortable with a character, boom roasted :). It honestly felt like it was nonstop action as I mentioned above but that’s not to say the characters weren’t well thought out and weren’t likable. The duo of hearing and deaf brothers obviously being a standout in this group. I know their story and who they are. Once things in their life changed – I ended up genuinely being worried for their families’ well-being.

That combination of great characters that you fall for and an insane amount of action is what makes a NSS book to me. They fly by and I’m always sad when they’re done. Each series has it’s own feel and it’s own thing but they all feel similar. And I mean that in the best way because the way they feel similar is just the sheer amount of heart that Smith puts into each book. His own and his characters. It’s awesome to be able to feel the passion that an author has – but these books, especially the E-Day series… I can feel how much he wanted to write them.

Now, back to what I wanted to point out before… since this book is set in space for the majority of it the first thing that popped into my brain was “oh man, I would LOVE a pure science fiction book from Smith”. And what I mean by that is something like The Martian or the old-school sci-fi that I read as a kid. I know that Post-Apocalyptic is his wheelhouse – but the stuff that he wrote about in E-Day II about the colonies and the way that things were set up on space made me salivate for a NSS pure-sci-fi book.

[Victor · Rating 5 out of 5]

E-Day II: Burning Earth is the second awesome novel in the E-Day series by New York Times best-selling author Nicholas Sansbury Smith, who brought us other blockbusters such as Hell Divers, The Extinction Cycle, Orbs, and my favorite of them all, Sons of War.

Burning Earth sees humanity fighting for its existence and survival – with just 1 million people remaining alive as a tragic result of the brutal war with the machines, forced to flee the burning earth and hide on the moon.

What’s left of Ghost Squad after a dramatic encounter in which all of them almost died is healing and licking their wounds in the depths of the oceans, but they need to recover as soon as possible because the planet is heading towards irreversible damage and the machines are preparing to set their target on the unlucky survivors.

Continuing at the same breakneck pace as the previous chapter, Burning Earth is gripping, terrifying, and atmospheric.

The man, the myth, the legend, the Voice, multiple award-winning narrator and audiobooks industry’s sci-fi narrator of choice, R.C. Bray delivers another perfect performance and manages to bring each character to life with distinct voices, accents and a lot of personality.

Nicholas Sansbury Smith and R.C. Bray continue to delight and entertain listeners all around the world with their stories of heroism, bravery, apocalypse, and survival. Combining beautiful writing, unforgettable characters, and vivid descriptions with top-notch narration, the entire E-Day series will satisfy one and all lovers of military sci-fi , action, and thrillers alike.

E-Day III: Dark Moon, the last book in the trilogy, is available now and I will return as soon as possible with a full review for that one as well. But I can tell you that I already listened to it and that it is as good as the previous two novels.

This E-Day Trilogy consolidates Nicholas Sansbury Smith as one of the most talented and prolific writers of his generation!

[Michael Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to keep up with the action!



From the first page to the last and every page in between, the action screamed in pain and frustration. Dr. Otto Cross subverted the Hummer Droids and the Canebreaks into his private army. His victims include anyone wearing an L-S88 chip. The chips allowed direct communication with Apeiron, the AI many thought responsible for this war, and in many cases the chips kept people alive. For Cross, the chips were simply abominations guiding people to fight his army. He also used the chips to convert people into Dreads. More machine than human, the Dreads were the foot soldiers in Cross' army.

Akira with his loyal droid war dog Okami, his droid horse Kichiro and his fellow Engines were fighting back against the insane Cross and his army. The action is non-stop, continuous, and bloody. The storyline flows smoothly through the smoke and particles in the air, particles that had once been Akira's friends, mixed with dust and haze. The characters are amazing, both heroes and villains crafted carefully to be loved or hated as needed. Altogether, this second installment in the E-Day series has been an amazing tale! I can't wait for the next book in the series!

[Lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book is brilliant. It is so action packed I was on the edge of my seat throughout the whole book. Yes this book is the second of the series and I haven't read the first book but I didn't need to it worked well as a stand alone. I found it gripping, thrilling and a real page turner. I listened to the audiobook and fell in love with the narrator just from his voice ( is that possible lol). He must have the most expressive voice I have ever heard. He really made the story come to life. It has so much atmosphere and tension. Now I must say I only dabble in sci-fi as I wish it was one of my favourite genres. I have struggled in the past to find books that captured my attention. This one was perfect in every way for me I could easily see this series being made into a film. The characters were brilliant the storyline was action packed and unique. I really can't praise this book enough and I can not waitto read the next instalment.
So much praise goes out to the author, narrator and publishers for creating such a gripping, action packed space adventure that captivated me from beginning to end.
Wow it was good.

[Ralph Wark · Rating 5 out of 5]

The middle of a trilogy, and still fun.

I often find the middle of a trilogy OK, but not spectacular. It's kind of the bridge, a way to connect the initial set up and the grand finale. Nothing wrong with that, it just usually suffers in comparison to the other volumes, so not great, something you have to slog through.

Sansbury Smith, however, keeps the action and plot lines weaving throughout. We still have Akira the brave and the slowly diminishing ranks of Shadow Squad, who flee EDay destruction in a submarine. Yep, underwater action too, with stops in Guam and Viet Nam. There is action and inntrigue on the moon, and enemies within.

Obviously not going into detail as that would spoil the fun of reading, us sneaking in the review while at work, helps the brevity. Suffice it to say that this is as much fun to read as the first volume ("big fun" says Blinky), and luckily, the third volume comes out this month.

Onward....

[Jarryd Kalideen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars really. This book is a fitting next installment that continues directly from book one. The greatest failing to me in this series has been the characters. A few are not required and are downright annoying. Chloe being chief amongst them. The naming scheme still comes across as corny and clichéd - "spaceplane" for example. Doctors Cross and Crichton (there's a lot of character names with 'C') are still fools, no matter how many people think Jason is a 'good man'. AI is ultimately to blame, hence a silly, useless, character like Chloe saying it's not (a lying) AI's fault is crazy.

The good : a bit deeper than the previous book, with a few more subplots revolving around and interlinking the characters. Decent action and cold dead landscapes. Heroism is the flavour of the day.

[Twainy · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY COW! That was action times 1M!! I LOVE action!

OK did you read the publisher’s summary? If so, I’m not sure why you’re here and not reading book two in this series! 😁 I don’t know what more I could say or do to convince you that this book is a fantastic follow up!!

Read my review of book one. This book builds on that book and leaves you jonesing for book three.

Did you enjoy Extinction Cycle? Hell Divers? Then I believe you’ll love this series too.

RC Bray … sings again!! He brings the characters to life in the audiobook!

I enjoyed this book!!

Thank you #NetGalley & #RBMedia, FUN BOOK!

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

E-Day II: Burning Earth (E-Day Trilogy Book 2)
by Nicholas Sansbury Smith

The second book in an dystopian annulation of the world. The struggling survivors are trying to piece together the events that led to the destruction of the planet. Beginning with the remnant of refuges fleeing to earth. A story of misconception, misdirection, and villainy.
Astounding heroics, brilliant layer of plots and foreshadowing, with expansive and brilliantly written battles and adventures.
I should look into both the original and the sequel.
The audio book has an astounding voice, with accents and colorful interpretation of the text that brings it to life.

[William (Mr. Bill) Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

EPIC don't miss this one

EPIC followed by adjective or noun you know. Author Nicolas Sansbury Smith has once again written an excellent book. The E-Day stories are filled with humans going beyond their abilities - yes, with certain enhancement, to fight a common enemy that seeks the destruction of all mankind. There are many positive elements and many moments of sadness. As in life, no one is guaranteed to survive hardship especially in times of war. Heroes and villains emerge as the human try to rebound from the devastating attack on Earth.
You can add to your enjoyment with the excellent performance by R. C. Bray available as an Audible book.

[Zachary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I guess this is where things go from bad to worse. The story was pretty fast-paced, and here we really start to understand the fallout from the tragedies and corruption at the end of the first story (if that's the best way to summarize what happened in a couple of words). We get introduced to a few new characters and get even more flashbacks to help us understand what is going on with other characters.

Overall, this was a fun story. It continued the rather violent path of the first book, but by this point you (as a reader) are pretty used to that. I would not recommend this book without having read the first.

[Barb Gunzenhauser · Rating 5 out of 5]

E-Day II is as fascinating as book 1. I Love the characters and the special way that Nicholas Sansbury Smith has in developing them and making them come alive as you read and follow them through all their actions and emotions. Every time I read Nick’s books I think I have found a new favorite. If you want action, if you want true to life human emotions without all the zombies you have to read any of the series of books by Nicholas Sansbury Smith. You won’t find anything more thrilling or action more real. Already pre-ordered book 3.

[Todd Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this series. As with every series NSS writes, this has me wanting more! R.C. Bray narrates and does as fantastic as he always does!

This series is a futuristic post-apocalyptic story of A.I. Will it destroy us or save us? Loads of action in this series. Great characters! I am still very excited about the deaf character, Elan. I'm really hoping he plays a bigger part in the next book!

[Gail Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Amazing!!

Book 2 was incredible! I love seeing how the characters have grown, and what they've gone through. Watching what has happened on the moon makes you clench your fist and get angry. Nicholas Sansbury Smith has once again written a masterpiece. I cannot wait for the conclusion of the trilogy. And hopefully they'll be more after that even the universe he has written has been incredibly amazing.

[Suki Rickey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 2

Book 2 was a fun read and had a few errors throughout. The plot and characters have developed well. The plot was predictable and had the MC's running around either looking for someone/something and either did not find or was dead. The people on the moon are preparing for a fight without all the information needed to win. There is still a lot of non-essential information in this book.

[Brian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointed with this book. The first 3/4 of the bike has nonstop action with every hyperbole you could imagine to describe metal and bodies being ripped apart. If you LOVE futuristic action, perhaps you’ll like it. However, if you’re looking for any character development and interesting plot, you’ll be disappointed until the very tail end of the book. Nothing new, nothing compelling and not really worth the investment. It barely got three stars due to the end of the book being decent.

[Adrian Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply incredible!

Easy 5 stars for me. Love this sci fi apocalypse from NSS. Great characters and action. Truly frightening AI... and so many twists and turns that keep you guessing.
I read books to escape, learn and be entertained and Eday certainly does that.
This would make an epic TV series!
More please.

[Raymond Clause · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book of the series and I was not disappointed. Extremely well written and highly recommended ! The shadow squad is fighting for survival on earth and on the moon. The human race is being divided and bonded together in this time of peril. Akria the brave is a great hero and his engines are as well. I can’t wait for the next book!