In short-these books are so well thought-out and well-written, and there is so much to love about them. The concept of the airship and the hell divers is such a unique one (I mean, come on, just look at the kick-butt suit on the cover). The characters are all flawed and gruff, but most of them are still likeable and good people. The world-building in this series is incredible and really makes me feel like I'm there, especially on the bleak, terrifying surface. Much like the first book, this was an intense, gripping post-apocalyptic read. This is a fun, fast-paced read and it sets the stage for a big, wild, head-long race to the finish in next year's Deliverance.

Hell Divers II: Ghosts has all this, plus a few new wrinkles to broaden the scope of the overarching Hell Divers story. If you've been reading Smith's work for any length of time, then you'll know what to expect here - lots of frenetic military action and plenty of high-stakes adventure set against a high concept sci-fi backdrop, with plenty of horrifying, bloodthirsty monsters thrown into the mix. As certain factions aboard the Hive get closer to uncovering his lies, Captain Jordan will go to any lengths to keep those secrets hidden, including betraying the Hell Divers. Aboard the Hive are four hundred souls, the last of a very nearly extinct human race.Īdding to the stakes in Ghosts are a duplicitous captain seeking to keep secret the truth of what waits below on the devastated planet. Adding to the importance of each mission is the unstated fact that humanity itself depends on their success. This elite squad of future soldiers are constantly searching for parts to keep the Hive afloat and in one piece, a task easier said than done for a centuries old airship that has seen far better days. Set ten years after the shocking ending of volume one in this trilogy, the Hell Divers continue to deploy from their airship to explore the poisoned, desolate remains of an uninhabitable Earth. Readers of the first Hell Divers novel will feel right at home with Ghosts, Smith's follow-up to last year's hit.

Hell divers by nicholas sansbury smith