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Purge of Babylon #2
The Gates of Byzantium
Man is no longer at the top of the food chain.
The Purge has devastated the globe, turning much of humanity into night-dwelling, bloodthirsty creatures (dubbed “ghouls” by the survivors), while small pockets of remaining humans have managed to carry on.
With the loss of their sanctuary, Will and his small band of survivors are forced to seek shelter elsewhere. Following the call of a mysterious radio broadcast, they make the treacherous journey to Louisiana, where an island might hold the key to survival.
Along the way they meet new survivors, clash with new enemies, and renew old acquaintances that have been forever altered. Collaborators—humans working with the ghouls—are more dangerous than ever, and the ghouls have begun a new phase of their domination.
Will learns that a larger war between survivors and ghouls is raging in the rest of the country, but before he can join the fight, he must first ensure the continued survival of his group at all costs.
Where The Purge ends, the Gates beckon…
The Purge has devastated the globe, turning much of humanity into night-dwelling, bloodthirsty creatures (dubbed “ghouls” by the survivors), while small pockets of remaining humans have managed to carry on.
With the loss of their sanctuary, Will and his small band of survivors are forced to seek shelter elsewhere. Following the call of a mysterious radio broadcast, they make the treacherous journey to Louisiana, where an island might hold the key to survival.
Along the way they meet new survivors, clash with new enemies, and renew old acquaintances that have been forever altered. Collaborators—humans working with the ghouls—are more dangerous than ever, and the ghouls have begun a new phase of their domination.
Will learns that a larger war between survivors and ghouls is raging in the rest of the country, but before he can join the fight, he must first ensure the continued survival of his group at all costs.
Where The Purge ends, the Gates beckon…
640 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2014
271 people are currently reading
553 people want to read
About the author
Sam Sisavath
95 books491 followersWriter of stuff, and things, and whatnot.
Website: http://www.roadtobabylon.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
August 24, 2016
(Trigger Warning: Rape)
I'm 50% through and I can't finish it.
The first book was fun but had some problems. The second book is less fun and has so many problems I can't get a page finished without getting annoyed.
99% of the reason I'm not finishing this book is because of the way this author writes female characters and writes about female characters. It's only gotten worse since the first book. Every time a new female character is introduced, we get a scene where another female character thinks about how jealous she is of her appearance. Whenever the crew reaches a new place, the men go out on reconnaissance, the women clean up the shelter and learn how to make bread (I winced when I read that part). The most sickening part is that every single time there's a tense situation, there is this imminent threat of rape to the female characters. There's even this strange "I wonder why this man doesn't want to rape her" mentality that the "good" male characters utilize that is SO bizarre. They get worried when a "bad" male character isn't looking lustfully at one of their women because so and so "isn't the kind of woman you can just ignore" (that's a literal line used to describe multiple female characters in a hostile situation. It happens MULTIPLE TIMES). It's gross. The women spend their time worrying about their male partners (because every woman in the book gets paired up immediately. They aren't allowed to exist on their own, they must have a male counterpart) while the men spend time making sure that they "take care of their women".
Even beyond the disgusting misogyny that's present, the story has gotten very repetitive. It's as though the author has found a formula and he doesn't want to deviate from it. It involves a lot of the same shoot outs, civilian hostile situations, safe night where someone gets to have sex followed by a not safe night where they fight thousands of ghouls. The characters have no emotional connections whatsoever despite everything that's happening. Everything is surface level and it makes the dialogue immature, cliche and often repetitive. It relies on tired stereotypes, especially sexist stereotypes (a part where a male character rolls his eyes and says "women and their clothes" for example), and there are no redeeming qualities.
Overall, it's a chauvinistic male power fantasy at it's worst. It boggles my mind that there are 8 books in this series.
I'm 50% through and I can't finish it.
The first book was fun but had some problems. The second book is less fun and has so many problems I can't get a page finished without getting annoyed.
99% of the reason I'm not finishing this book is because of the way this author writes female characters and writes about female characters. It's only gotten worse since the first book. Every time a new female character is introduced, we get a scene where another female character thinks about how jealous she is of her appearance. Whenever the crew reaches a new place, the men go out on reconnaissance, the women clean up the shelter and learn how to make bread (I winced when I read that part). The most sickening part is that every single time there's a tense situation, there is this imminent threat of rape to the female characters. There's even this strange "I wonder why this man doesn't want to rape her" mentality that the "good" male characters utilize that is SO bizarre. They get worried when a "bad" male character isn't looking lustfully at one of their women because so and so "isn't the kind of woman you can just ignore" (that's a literal line used to describe multiple female characters in a hostile situation. It happens MULTIPLE TIMES). It's gross. The women spend their time worrying about their male partners (because every woman in the book gets paired up immediately. They aren't allowed to exist on their own, they must have a male counterpart) while the men spend time making sure that they "take care of their women".
Even beyond the disgusting misogyny that's present, the story has gotten very repetitive. It's as though the author has found a formula and he doesn't want to deviate from it. It involves a lot of the same shoot outs, civilian hostile situations, safe night where someone gets to have sex followed by a not safe night where they fight thousands of ghouls. The characters have no emotional connections whatsoever despite everything that's happening. Everything is surface level and it makes the dialogue immature, cliche and often repetitive. It relies on tired stereotypes, especially sexist stereotypes (a part where a male character rolls his eyes and says "women and their clothes" for example), and there are no redeeming qualities.
Overall, it's a chauvinistic male power fantasy at it's worst. It boggles my mind that there are 8 books in this series.
July 6, 2016
Another big disappointment, you would think that the second the author would do some polishing-NOPE! The same immature dialog and the same stupid situation keep happening, what action does occur (kind of doesn’t make sense). Also, the sex scenes are ridiculous! Seems like all the women want to get laid and no one is taking regular baths! This is kind of nasty; no wait it is totally nasty. And guess what the author goes into detail about birth control! I was like you have to be shitting me! This joker aka (author of this series) took the time out to describe birth control but again didn’t do any research on flipping guns!!! Let’s just say after the 3rd book which I purchased all together, I won’t be reading anything else from this author. O...the only good thing was maybe the fact that they are now stuck on an island.
March 12, 2015
Normally there's something lacking in a second book whether or not its a series or trilogy the book somehow fails in expectations somewhere along the way. That did not happen with this book, we get to see how things are going with the main characters from the first book and are introduced to some new ones like Josh and Gaby and Blaine. Also the author isn't afraid to kill off characters when needed which is somewhat unusual but needed as there would be a character overload otherwise. As for Mabry I'm curious as to what he's been up to as he wasn't around at all in this book and while it was mentioned about what he's up to I would've liked to read about the people in New York and other places, if only for comparing and contrasting the differences and there probably would be quite a few.
May 26, 2019
4.5 stars
May 8, 2024
An absolute banger of a next chapter in this series why the heck did I take so long to jump on this train. And excellent sci fi dystopian adventure where you get to know and love the characters and holds you on the edge of you seat. Wow! Love it!
October 20, 2014
I'm still reading the series well into the third now. I have a sometimes annoying habit of always finishing what I start. The books are page-turners but they amount to a military man's personal fantasy of survival against overwhelming odds. All the women are hot and willing to please and assume their roles as subservient supporters of their hero men.
Not saying I don't like the books but the characters just aren't realistic. I love to read dystopian novels to think about something that could possibly happen and what life might be like. Admittedly the premise of this series (bloodthirsty ghouls) isn't exactly something that may be popping up any time soon. The books do read like a Hollywood thriller perhaps that is the intent of the author.
Not saying I don't like the books but the characters just aren't realistic. I love to read dystopian novels to think about something that could possibly happen and what life might be like. Admittedly the premise of this series (bloodthirsty ghouls) isn't exactly something that may be popping up any time soon. The books do read like a Hollywood thriller perhaps that is the intent of the author.
October 31, 2015
The focus of this book is the mysterious Song Island. When their perceived sanctuary is overrun our intrepid band of survivors must look elsewhere. Song Island is advertised to be a haven for survivors if they can get there. Will and wise-cracking Danny eventually take their group there only to find out that it wasn't what they were led to believe. Go figure. This story is better than book one IMO so I'm thankful for that. The blue-eyed zombies are still with us; still leading their group and even getting other human survivors to work for them. No background on them yet so I don't know what they are, how they came about, or where they came from. I imagine that info will come in a future book. Stick with it because it does get better.
June 26, 2014
This is the beginning of a great series. Mr. Sisavath puts a unique twist on the undead/zombie apocalypse. So much so that I feel you cannot place this series in the zombie genre. This is a fast paced ride so buckle up and do yourself a favor; don't get too attached to anyone. In Mr. Sisavath's world everyone is fair game.
If you don't like stories with multiple story tellers you should avoid this series but you will be missing out on a great read. Plenty of humor and great characters from the main to supporting. Take your favorite buddy/action movie and that is Mike and Danny. Think "Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man" at the end of the world. And yes that was a great buddy movie.
If you don't like stories with multiple story tellers you should avoid this series but you will be missing out on a great read. Plenty of humor and great characters from the main to supporting. Take your favorite buddy/action movie and that is Mike and Danny. Think "Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man" at the end of the world. And yes that was a great buddy movie.
January 3, 2017
Learning more about the "ghouls", strengths and weaknesses, Will and Lara, Danny and Carly fight to survive and thrive in the post-Purge world. More survivors bring skills and experiences, some joining Will to add their abilities to the group and benefiting from the training of Will and Danny. Others are finding different ways to coexist with the creatures of the Purge. Will Song Island be their paradise. . . or their downfall? And what's with the blue-eyed ghouls?
"The Gates of Byzantium" continues the excitement, terror, love and pain of "The Purge of Babylon", bringing the reader from the thrill of survival to the unexpected loss of the beloved.
"The Gates of Byzantium" continues the excitement, terror, love and pain of "The Purge of Babylon", bringing the reader from the thrill of survival to the unexpected loss of the beloved.
April 25, 2015
DNF. Started out interesting. Read about a third of the book before I sighed and gave up. The first book ended in a cliff hanger and I was looking forward to more of those original ideas, scary transitions of favorite characters, a world in an abrupt state of change, unpredictable situations.
I guess I expected too much.
This one introduced new characters I didn't feel an emotional attachment to. It seems in this world, most of the other surviving humans are more dangerous than the creatures who took over the world.
I guess I expected too much.
This one introduced new characters I didn't feel an emotional attachment to. It seems in this world, most of the other surviving humans are more dangerous than the creatures who took over the world.
October 24, 2016
Even Better Than The First!
If you are a fan of post Apocalypse genre, you'll love this series. Just so anyone reading this review understands, I didn't fully appreciate the first book. I've since changed my mind. These are great books so far.
I gave this book five stars because it's so riveting, I found it hard to put down.
If you are a fan of post Apocalypse genre, you'll love this series. Just so anyone reading this review understands, I didn't fully appreciate the first book. I've since changed my mind. These are great books so far.
I gave this book five stars because it's so riveting, I found it hard to put down.
May 19, 2018
So, it
Is five am, and I was just going to read a few pages before I went to sleep.
Right.
A couple of minutes ago, I realized the birds were starting to chirp, outside in our blessedly un-ghoulish world.
And I've not slept at all.
That is a damn fine idea of how involving this series is.
Is five am, and I was just going to read a few pages before I went to sleep.
Right.
A couple of minutes ago, I realized the birds were starting to chirp, outside in our blessedly un-ghoulish world.
And I've not slept at all.
That is a damn fine idea of how involving this series is.
May 13, 2020
The Second Time Around
I don’t usually take the time to read books twice because I read so much but if I love them as much as I do this series I do. I must say it just as great the second time around. I first read them in 2014 and that is when I fell in love with apocalyptic novels. You Sam got me into the world of the walking dead and I must say thank you very much. I’m rereading the series now in 2020 because of the COVID 19 pandemic my tv show TWD next season is on hold so I figured I’d read your series again to tide me over during my wait and I’m glad I did. I remember now why I started to love these books. You make it come alive for me in so many ways. While watching TWD from the beginning I kept thinking when is the part where the dead start entering Ricks mind and I realized no that is the Babylon series where it happens to Will. I got a kick outta that running together in my head like that lol. That’s what happens when you love two things like that! Anyway thanks again I enjoy your books. Keep writing my friend cause you’re great at it!!!😍
I don’t usually take the time to read books twice because I read so much but if I love them as much as I do this series I do. I must say it just as great the second time around. I first read them in 2014 and that is when I fell in love with apocalyptic novels. You Sam got me into the world of the walking dead and I must say thank you very much. I’m rereading the series now in 2020 because of the COVID 19 pandemic my tv show TWD next season is on hold so I figured I’d read your series again to tide me over during my wait and I’m glad I did. I remember now why I started to love these books. You make it come alive for me in so many ways. While watching TWD from the beginning I kept thinking when is the part where the dead start entering Ricks mind and I realized no that is the Babylon series where it happens to Will. I got a kick outta that running together in my head like that lol. That’s what happens when you love two things like that! Anyway thanks again I enjoy your books. Keep writing my friend cause you’re great at it!!!😍
July 27, 2020
Ok so this book is allot like the first for the first half. I don't know why all the bad guys in this series have to be rapists but apparently the author thinks the first thing all men will do when the world ends is capture and rape women. The characters are still poorly written i don't even understand why the two children are in the book they haven't been developed whatsoever and are only occasionally mentioned in passing so I don't care about them and they add nothing to the story. The romantic relationships are corny and poorly developed and just feels like the writer is a verging trying to fulfill his fantasies.
Here's where we get into some minor spoilers. It makes absolutely no sense why an unfinished hotel would have any rooms furnished with beds or be socked with anything especially soap. I can't recommend this series to anyone. The only way I see myself picking up book three is if I have absolutely nothing else to read thirty years from now but I swear the second I read about bad guy rapists I'm DNFing it.
Here's where we get into some minor spoilers. It makes absolutely no sense why an unfinished hotel would have any rooms furnished with beds or be socked with anything especially soap. I can't recommend this series to anyone. The only way I see myself picking up book three is if I have absolutely nothing else to read thirty years from now but I swear the second I read about bad guy rapists I'm DNFing it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2017
Not sure why I took a break after reading the first book in the series, but I am now in it until the end. This is a bit beyond the usual zombie hordes story as it combines facets of the usual vampire/zombie horde with an intelligence to the horde and human collaborators or raiders. Therefore, you are never sure where safety lies in the story, is the person going to be an ally or another enemy lying in ambush.
The main characters are likable and well-developed, and the plot flows smoothly even with splits to other characters perspectives of the tale. There are a couple of semantic and technical issues when referring to weapons, but not enough to pull you out of the story.
Definitely, recommend this series for fans of the genre.
The main characters are likable and well-developed, and the plot flows smoothly even with splits to other characters perspectives of the tale. There are a couple of semantic and technical issues when referring to weapons, but not enough to pull you out of the story.
Definitely, recommend this series for fans of the genre.
December 21, 2025
Always remember... they're dead, not stupid.
Book 2 in the Babylon series, The Gates of Byzantium, did not disappoint. It was just as fast-paced as the 1st and just as action-packed and thrilling as the 1st as well. I really like how the story has evolved yet stayed true to form. Just enough slight variations to keep it rolling forward yet staying on the same path to keep it feeling like home. Very natural feeling progression with the world, situations, and characters. Some choices I liked and others I wasn't fond of as much. But all in all it's another superb book and I must go get the 3rd now. Happy reading!!
Book 2 in the Babylon series, The Gates of Byzantium, did not disappoint. It was just as fast-paced as the 1st and just as action-packed and thrilling as the 1st as well. I really like how the story has evolved yet stayed true to form. Just enough slight variations to keep it rolling forward yet staying on the same path to keep it feeling like home. Very natural feeling progression with the world, situations, and characters. Some choices I liked and others I wasn't fond of as much. But all in all it's another superb book and I must go get the 3rd now. Happy reading!!
May 18, 2019
Second to One (See What I Did There?!)
My second trip into Babylon left me breathless! The action is intense and so realistic that at times I actually forgot I was reading a book and not handing Will ammo or yelling for Blaine to take cover! This book grabs you by the scruff of your neck and propels you forward with laughs, gasps, and maybe a tear or two until the final word. I'm buying the next book as soon as I press submit on this review. I've rarely been so emotionally committed to a book let alone a series, but I’m all in on this one.
My second trip into Babylon left me breathless! The action is intense and so realistic that at times I actually forgot I was reading a book and not handing Will ammo or yelling for Blaine to take cover! This book grabs you by the scruff of your neck and propels you forward with laughs, gasps, and maybe a tear or two until the final word. I'm buying the next book as soon as I press submit on this review. I've rarely been so emotionally committed to a book let alone a series, but I’m all in on this one.
September 17, 2017
Breathtaking! Edge of seat action!
Phenomenal. If you haven't read the first in the series, go get it now and enjoy from the beginning.
The action is so intense, for the first time in my reading career I found myself swiping ahead to be sure everything works out ok, or at least to get a hint of the resolution. It is some high flying, rip roaring, non-stop, edge of your seat stuff. And you never want it to end! Thank goodness it's a series.....
Phenomenal. If you haven't read the first in the series, go get it now and enjoy from the beginning.
The action is so intense, for the first time in my reading career I found myself swiping ahead to be sure everything works out ok, or at least to get a hint of the resolution. It is some high flying, rip roaring, non-stop, edge of your seat stuff. And you never want it to end! Thank goodness it's a series.....
October 9, 2017
Better than first book
Book 2 in this series kept my interest better than book 1, but parts of it were still hard to pay attention to. My favorite characters are Blaine and Josh at this point. Will and Lara are hard to relate with, especially Will. I am still rooting for the ghouls! I will probably read book 3 at some point since I already have it, but if I didn't have it I don't think I would be buying the next book in the series
Book 2 in this series kept my interest better than book 1, but parts of it were still hard to pay attention to. My favorite characters are Blaine and Josh at this point. Will and Lara are hard to relate with, especially Will. I am still rooting for the ghouls! I will probably read book 3 at some point since I already have it, but if I didn't have it I don't think I would be buying the next book in the series
December 30, 2017
Regrettably, not up to the standards of Book number 1
Will and Danny, still a dynamic duo, they are why I keep reading, You kill off the women with the potential to match Danny and Will and keep the boring ones. Are there no women soldiers alive, get some, please. Story moved too slow, I lost interest and skipped numerous pages. I hope next installment moves faster with kickass women.
Will and Danny, still a dynamic duo, they are why I keep reading, You kill off the women with the potential to match Danny and Will and keep the boring ones. Are there no women soldiers alive, get some, please. Story moved too slow, I lost interest and skipped numerous pages. I hope next installment moves faster with kickass women.
March 1, 2018
Wow! I am totally addicted to this series. I like dystopian novels but this one has had me totally absorbed from the beginning. The author has developed the characters well and he introduces new characters with each book that soon has you as attached to them as the originals. More importantly, he has thrown some curves that will leave you either excited or heartbroken. I’m on the third book in the Babylon series and I am looking forward to the next five.
September 20, 2017
This series has been an unexpected gem! Characters are gritty and real but yet engaging. I am really enjoying the the sociological aspects of this story. How the author chooses to portray the various humans' reactions to all of the situations are fascinating to me. I'm looking forward to moving on through this series. I'll hate when it is over I'm sure!
August 14, 2018
Even Better than the First!
This series has continued to keep me hooked! I so love the characters and the constant suspense. Love how the setting is in my home of Louisiana, Even tho I don't recognize any of the towns. These people would get eaten by mosquitos as bad as the ghouls if they evacuated here for real. Lol
Why doesn't anyone call the ghouls vampires??
This series has continued to keep me hooked! I so love the characters and the constant suspense. Love how the setting is in my home of Louisiana, Even tho I don't recognize any of the towns. These people would get eaten by mosquitos as bad as the ghouls if they evacuated here for real. Lol
Why doesn't anyone call the ghouls vampires??
May 29, 2022
.
In my opinion the insane obsession of the two or three main men, with the two or three main women in this book, makes no sense, and is just a cheap trick to keep the story moving.
Very gdmmd annoying!
I do not like this book as much as his others.
In fact I hate this book.
I stopped reading and quit at the Kate Dream Sequence.
.
In my opinion the insane obsession of the two or three main men, with the two or three main women in this book, makes no sense, and is just a cheap trick to keep the story moving.
Very gdmmd annoying!
I do not like this book as much as his others.
In fact I hate this book.
I stopped reading and quit at the Kate Dream Sequence.
.
February 4, 2017
I am really enjoying this series, so far. Its a story of survival, fighting against undead ghouls and the collaborators. It reminds me of Walking Dead in that humanity is a danger to itself, but I find the books to move a lot better than the TV show.
January 18, 2018
Awesome series
I like the characters, the plot and action. Very happy I found this author. What I don't understand is why there are kids in the book. I don't think any of them spoke in the entire book.
I like the characters, the plot and action. Very happy I found this author. What I don't understand is why there are kids in the book. I don't think any of them spoke in the entire book.
August 21, 2018
My only complaint with this book is that the ending was anti-climactic and seemed a bit rushed. We did not get to read what happened to Bobby or Maddie...or even the top of the tower during the explosion. Even what happened to Carly seemed like an afterthought. We get tons of details on mundane things, but then what I consider pertinent plot points just seem to get glossed over. Still an awesome read over all!
October 3, 2018
Book 2 is even better then book 1 !!
This book picks up right where book 1 left us. The characters are even better ! The story rocks even more!
I am off to buy book 3 ( and I have nearly 1000 titles in my Kindle to read and I am going to spend real money ).
This book picks up right where book 1 left us. The characters are even better ! The story rocks even more!
I am off to buy book 3 ( and I have nearly 1000 titles in my Kindle to read and I am going to spend real money ).
October 19, 2018
THE GATES OF BYZANTIUM (THE PURGE)
Totally love this series! Thinking on the undead in the series is enough to make a person check their house on how safe they would be from these undead! Great writing and twists that have a person reading until dawn.
Totally love this series! Thinking on the undead in the series is enough to make a person check their house on how safe they would be from these undead! Great writing and twists that have a person reading until dawn.
November 1, 2018
Good read
Sam Donavan has rapidly become one of my absolute favorite authors in this genre. And this book is just another example of why that is. Good story great subplots and plenty of action of all kinds
Sam Donavan has rapidly become one of my absolute favorite authors in this genre. And this book is just another example of why that is. Good story great subplots and plenty of action of all kinds
Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews