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Purge of Babylon #5
The Ashes of Pompeii
EVERY WAR REQUIRES SACRIFICES.
The only way to survive in a post-Purge world is to keep your head down, but that's not always an option.
Still stranded in the Louisiana countryside, Will, Danny, and Gaby race against the clock to get back to their friends, but the road home is treacherous and enemies lie in wait.
Meanwhile, Lara and the survivors at Song Island continue preparations for an inevitable attack. But what does a third-year medical student know about fending off a full-frontal assault?
As enemies close in on all sides, Will and Lara will be faced with life-and-death decisions. The lives of their friends--and possibly the future of humanity--will rest on the choices they make.
A year after The Purge, the Gates have held, the Stones have crumbled, and the Fires have burned, but now the Ashes will consume...
The only way to survive in a post-Purge world is to keep your head down, but that's not always an option.
Still stranded in the Louisiana countryside, Will, Danny, and Gaby race against the clock to get back to their friends, but the road home is treacherous and enemies lie in wait.
Meanwhile, Lara and the survivors at Song Island continue preparations for an inevitable attack. But what does a third-year medical student know about fending off a full-frontal assault?
As enemies close in on all sides, Will and Lara will be faced with life-and-death decisions. The lives of their friends--and possibly the future of humanity--will rest on the choices they make.
A year after The Purge, the Gates have held, the Stones have crumbled, and the Fires have burned, but now the Ashes will consume...
466 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2015
213 people are currently reading
313 people want to read
About the author
Sam Sisavath
100 books492 followersWriter of stuff, and things, and whatnot.
Website: http://www.roadtobabylon.com
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/writerofstuff
Website: http://www.roadtobabylon.com
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/P6fgT
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/writerofstuff
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
June 8, 2015
Dear Sam,
I know that it was inevitable and that you did your best to prepare me but we were having so much fun and I thought that the good times would never end. Sigh. The book is done, my Will to go on is gone, and you're STILL whispering sweet nothings in my ear:
Nothing Will ever be the same...
Nothing Will ease the pain...
Nothing Will prepare you for what comes next...
I know that it was inevitable and that you did your best to prepare me but we were having so much fun and I thought that the good times would never end. Sigh. The book is done, my Will to go on is gone, and you're STILL whispering sweet nothings in my ear:
Nothing Will ever be the same...
Nothing Will ease the pain...
Nothing Will prepare you for what comes next...
March 8, 2015
WTF??? Any one but Will, it should have been anyone but Will. I cried all the way through the last chapter. This author is probably one of the best, in my opinion, and all his books are 5 stars. But the ending of this one really pisses me off. UGH............
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2015
You've got to read these book! They're fantastic!!
It was great to catch up on Will, Danny, Gaby, Lara, and Carly. I love this series. You would think after 5 books, you would hope it would be the last one. But I personally hope there are several more books to this series! I'm not ready to let go of any of the characters.
If your looking for a great series to read, this is one of them. You won't be disappointed!
It was great to catch up on Will, Danny, Gaby, Lara, and Carly. I love this series. You would think after 5 books, you would hope it would be the last one. But I personally hope there are several more books to this series! I'm not ready to let go of any of the characters.
If your looking for a great series to read, this is one of them. You won't be disappointed!
March 10, 2015
Need the next book now!!
April 25, 2016
When a well written series has different sets of characters in different story arcs, it makes no sense when they talk the same. Sam's characters use the same phrases over and over again. I can live with that but it is a little annoying. If you are this far you know what I mean (dead not stupid, third year medical student, outboard motors. Just say"We hear a boat!!!!")
It drives me nuts though when someone from the outside uses their phrases as if people all talk that way. This happens all over this series, No one says outboard motors, I have a boat and I never say it, I'm around boaters and we don't say it unless asking about each others boats. No one would say, oh, i hear an outboard motor coming. They would say i hear a boat!
Lots of authors do this. One book I just read the main Army character kept talking about the FOB or Forward Operating Base. Then the story switched to the religious cult leader bad guy and they had to retreat from an attack, and religious nut said "fall back to the FOB". Problem is that term would not be in his vocabulary, EVER!
Another thing here is show us Lara is a leader by action, not by you and every character saying it to her. She's done nothing that makes me think she is a smart capable leader and doesn't think so herself. So when people keep saying it to her over and over, even those who have never met or seen her, it feels like you are forcing me to accept something but it's never shown to us.
Will and Keo seem like leaders but all we hear from them is they are not, but Lara is. No! You are, Lara is just a clueless love sick person waiting for you to tell her what to do.
Lastly, I feel like the Author has seen all the feedback on these books and tries to halfassed fix a lot of the issues. I see lots complaining that it seems every good guy on the planet gets killed when in contact with our main group. I myself think it's very annoying. They want to set up trade with a group, 40 people die, maybe one survives, and its usually a 13 to 17 year old girl so we feel good about their actions. Well I don't.
So the author sees this from everyone, then gives us 2 seconds of dialogue as an answer. "Why do we survive and everyone we try to save dies? Oh well because we are so prepared" No, that's not the answer. The people you meet have survived over a year too, they did something right. They just become magically stupid around you.
End rant...
It drives me nuts though when someone from the outside uses their phrases as if people all talk that way. This happens all over this series, No one says outboard motors, I have a boat and I never say it, I'm around boaters and we don't say it unless asking about each others boats. No one would say, oh, i hear an outboard motor coming. They would say i hear a boat!
Lots of authors do this. One book I just read the main Army character kept talking about the FOB or Forward Operating Base. Then the story switched to the religious cult leader bad guy and they had to retreat from an attack, and religious nut said "fall back to the FOB". Problem is that term would not be in his vocabulary, EVER!
Another thing here is show us Lara is a leader by action, not by you and every character saying it to her. She's done nothing that makes me think she is a smart capable leader and doesn't think so herself. So when people keep saying it to her over and over, even those who have never met or seen her, it feels like you are forcing me to accept something but it's never shown to us.
Will and Keo seem like leaders but all we hear from them is they are not, but Lara is. No! You are, Lara is just a clueless love sick person waiting for you to tell her what to do.
Lastly, I feel like the Author has seen all the feedback on these books and tries to halfassed fix a lot of the issues. I see lots complaining that it seems every good guy on the planet gets killed when in contact with our main group. I myself think it's very annoying. They want to set up trade with a group, 40 people die, maybe one survives, and its usually a 13 to 17 year old girl so we feel good about their actions. Well I don't.
So the author sees this from everyone, then gives us 2 seconds of dialogue as an answer. "Why do we survive and everyone we try to save dies? Oh well because we are so prepared" No, that's not the answer. The people you meet have survived over a year too, they did something right. They just become magically stupid around you.
End rant...
February 3, 2017
Lara and crew maintain their hold on Song Island against the unexpected raiders while the anticipated attack from the blue-eyed ghouls seems to be on hold for the moment. The raider’s boat may come in handy if our heroes have to abandon the island. Will, Danny, and Gaby struggle to push onward towards Song Island. It seems they have to fight for every mile. Kilroy raises its head once again, the group is attacked, separated, and Will sacrifices his freedom so the others can continue on. Will winds up with a trio of survivors from Dunbar, cons his way into their acceptance, and convinces them to go to Song Island. Way to go Will! Out of the frying pan into the fire. Will and trio are ambushed by wannabe soldiers and Will is captured again. How does that saying go; if Will didn’t have bad luck he’d have no luck at all? Something like that. Meanwhile, Kao tries to continue his journey to Jillian, but the channel to the Gulf is blocked by wannabe soldiers and he has to turn back. Good story, decent characters with lots of action. I look forward to more to come.
April 14, 2015
Sam Sisavath doesn't disappoint in the latest installment of the "Purge" series. It picks up right where book 4 left off, so if it has been a while since you read book 4, I recommend re-reading it.
The only negative comment I have about this series is that with so much character development, it becomes easier to tell who is going to die next. The expendables are those with no narrative and little to do with the main characters.
Sam Sisavath, if you are reading this, continue writing the magic that you do. You definitely chose the correct profession for you. Once I start reading one of your books, I can't stop until I'm finished.
Great cliffhanger, by the way.
The only negative comment I have about this series is that with so much character development, it becomes easier to tell who is going to die next. The expendables are those with no narrative and little to do with the main characters.
Sam Sisavath, if you are reading this, continue writing the magic that you do. You definitely chose the correct profession for you. Once I start reading one of your books, I can't stop until I'm finished.
Great cliffhanger, by the way.
February 14, 2017
It took me a little longer to read because I had read some reviews and knew that something was going to happen to one of my favorite characters. I wanted to prolong the inevitable. this book is just as exciting as the rest of them. The gun battles just keep coming, each one bigger and bloodier than the last. I like the non-stop action of this series. Sam Sisavarth is my new favorite author. On to the next book....
January 20, 2017
Highly recommend
Totally addicted to what is going to happen and who is going to survive... many twists and turns in the storyline.
Totally addicted to what is going to happen and who is going to survive... many twists and turns in the storyline.
October 14, 2019
There’s a lot of things that are left unexplained in this series, like how did this all begin? My guess is that it’s being left for the end, like all Hollywood thrillers.
But SS reels in his readers by dangling the characters like bait. Some readers will enjoy the Will and Danny show. Others may find it annoying. I am in the middle. I tend to deflect stress with humor so reading the inappropriate comments that Danny makes when they are about to be overrun doesn’t seem far fetched. But then again some of the situations they find themselves in tend to paint them as having “super-human” abilities...almost.
It’s not quite a spoiler if I say that the ghouls have taken over the world in a way that would make any insane dictator proud. But the way Kate pops in and out of Wills head makes me wonder why the other blue eyed ghouls aren’t eavesdropping on the rest of humanity also? Unless they are and they aren’t telling us that.
Unlike other apocalyptic series, this one hasn’t any brilliant scientists working on a solution. This is strictly humanity fighting against an impossible threat with no way to win. While some people trade everything they have for the promise of survival, there are those who would rather die on their feet than live on their knees.
I think it was Benjamin Franklin who once said: "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."
This book is about the ones who refuse to give up their liberty for any price.
But SS reels in his readers by dangling the characters like bait. Some readers will enjoy the Will and Danny show. Others may find it annoying. I am in the middle. I tend to deflect stress with humor so reading the inappropriate comments that Danny makes when they are about to be overrun doesn’t seem far fetched. But then again some of the situations they find themselves in tend to paint them as having “super-human” abilities...almost.
It’s not quite a spoiler if I say that the ghouls have taken over the world in a way that would make any insane dictator proud. But the way Kate pops in and out of Wills head makes me wonder why the other blue eyed ghouls aren’t eavesdropping on the rest of humanity also? Unless they are and they aren’t telling us that.
Unlike other apocalyptic series, this one hasn’t any brilliant scientists working on a solution. This is strictly humanity fighting against an impossible threat with no way to win. While some people trade everything they have for the promise of survival, there are those who would rather die on their feet than live on their knees.
I think it was Benjamin Franklin who once said: "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."
This book is about the ones who refuse to give up their liberty for any price.
March 3, 2026
Edge-of-your-seat tension that holds your emotions hostage.
As I'm finishing book five in this series I still can't get over how much I love it! It has easily secured a spot in my top five favorites. The author, Sam Sisavath, has mastered the art of effectively keeping me on the edge of my seat. With the high-octane pacing and action jammed into every page, it's nearly impossible for me to put this down to do anything else. It's THAT awesome!
The world-building is exceptional and beautiful. It's real, and it's gritty. Even though the overall setting is defined by the loss of how life once was, and the modern civilization that is no more, the world feels complete and lived-in. Additionally, the characters are compelling and highly relatable, despite their flaws, insecurities, and questionable choices.
What I appreciate most is the character growth and situational evolution; nothing is static. The characters have shifted in ways that feel remarkably authentic. Some rising to their best selves and truly shine, while others succumb to the darkness and reality of a new world.
It’s a journey of extremes: life and death, love and loss, light and dark. It pulls on every emotion and holds them hostage; refusing to let go.
If you're looking for a series that's high-quality from page one of book one on through to the last page of book five and beyond, this is it. I wouldn't change a single thing. Now, on the the next book in the series....
As I'm finishing book five in this series I still can't get over how much I love it! It has easily secured a spot in my top five favorites. The author, Sam Sisavath, has mastered the art of effectively keeping me on the edge of my seat. With the high-octane pacing and action jammed into every page, it's nearly impossible for me to put this down to do anything else. It's THAT awesome!
The world-building is exceptional and beautiful. It's real, and it's gritty. Even though the overall setting is defined by the loss of how life once was, and the modern civilization that is no more, the world feels complete and lived-in. Additionally, the characters are compelling and highly relatable, despite their flaws, insecurities, and questionable choices.
What I appreciate most is the character growth and situational evolution; nothing is static. The characters have shifted in ways that feel remarkably authentic. Some rising to their best selves and truly shine, while others succumb to the darkness and reality of a new world.
It’s a journey of extremes: life and death, love and loss, light and dark. It pulls on every emotion and holds them hostage; refusing to let go.
If you're looking for a series that's high-quality from page one of book one on through to the last page of book five and beyond, this is it. I wouldn't change a single thing. Now, on the the next book in the series....
March 27, 2019
I still find this series a decent read a second time through but there are some issues that stick out more with a second reading. The main problem that I have at the moment with this series is when chapters tread over the same territory. Concurrent events in a novel where more than one chapter occurs at the same time is nothing new and I have no problem with that when it happens. My issue is when multiple chapters cover the same exact events and don't add anything to those events. This happened more in the previous novel than in this one but it still did occur and it felt like wasted time to cover the same events in the same way.
June 26, 2019
Mirrors can reflect UV light into dark places. Multiple mirrors, as the Egyptians used in the Pyramids, can reflect light deep into dark places. Keeping the island would have been as simple as setting a trip-wire in the tunnel from the island to the mainland and positioning the yacht to be used as a gun boat. Two badass tough-guy hardened Rangers and no one thought demo the tunnel while bricking up the opening?
The island was highly defensible had that been in the intent.
The island was highly defensible had that been in the intent.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2017
The awesomeness continues!!
Fabulous series. Non-stop, edge of your seat action, which is always fresh and inventive, never repetitive and boring.
Crazy interesting twist in this book. I couldn't believe it actually happened!! Will make the next book..or books, that much more intriguing. I can't wait to start the next book!
Fabulous series. Non-stop, edge of your seat action, which is always fresh and inventive, never repetitive and boring.
Crazy interesting twist in this book. I couldn't believe it actually happened!! Will make the next book..or books, that much more intriguing. I can't wait to start the next book!
Read
November 29, 2023Senseless, unceasing violence. No plot. DNF at 46%. Characters introduced and then never heard from again (or at least by the time I gave up). This is book 5 of a series, perhaps if I'd started at 1, it would have made more sense. This is supposed to be post-apocalyptical, but yet, somehow, everyone has enough food to eat, but way more important, an unlimited supply of bullets. Not for me.
January 6, 2017
It seems to take an abnormally long time to get to and from Song Island the past book or two. Also I'm glad Kate finally met her match but not really satisfied with how the things are progressing in the story.
February 6, 2020
Syncing
I've enjoyed the series so much I've even started syncing the e-book with the audio book. Something I've never done because I usually have 2 or 3 different types of books going at 1 time.
I've enjoyed the series so much I've even started syncing the e-book with the audio book. Something I've never done because I usually have 2 or 3 different types of books going at 1 time.
February 17, 2020
Still loving the series
Unlike some of the reviews I've read, I'm still enjoying the series and can't wait to see what happens next. I've become so invested in the characters that I can't imagine letting them go
Unlike some of the reviews I've read, I'm still enjoying the series and can't wait to see what happens next. I've become so invested in the characters that I can't imagine letting them go
March 7, 2023
Good!
What an unsuspected ending and what a cliffhanger! I just shouted so loud! Didn't see that coming. Fortunately, the next one is already written and out, or I would be kind of angry! 😉
What an unsuspected ending and what a cliffhanger! I just shouted so loud! Didn't see that coming. Fortunately, the next one is already written and out, or I would be kind of angry! 😉
May 28, 2017
Great booi
The series continues to deliver. Truly enjoyed the story. Lots of action and fun to read. I will continue on with rest of the series.
The series continues to deliver. Truly enjoyed the story. Lots of action and fun to read. I will continue on with rest of the series.
October 1, 2017
Fantastic series. I don't want this thrill ride to ever end:)
January 15, 2018
Holy Shot!!!
Like the other four books this was amazing and what a twist at the ending can't wait too see where the story goes from here
Like the other four books this was amazing and what a twist at the ending can't wait too see where the story goes from here
March 8, 2018
Starting to slow down after the island engagement. Running out of ideas for our hero's?
June 27, 2018
Great Series
This book was a great read. I can’t wait to read next book and see what happens to the group. Keo is one of my new favs.
This book was a great read. I can’t wait to read next book and see what happens to the group. Keo is one of my new favs.
September 14, 2018
LOVED it! Might be my favorite of the series so far. Once I started there was no putting it down!
June 9, 2019
4.5 stars
March 3, 2020
Really enjoying this series
Keeps me on my toes with what will happen next. On to book 6 and make sure to read the Keo spine offs before reading 4
Keeps me on my toes with what will happen next. On to book 6 and make sure to read the Keo spine offs before reading 4
July 31, 2020
Can’t stop
I can’t stop reading this series. I have to know how it ends. I’m hooked. Be prepared to have a nonstop reading fest.
I can’t stop reading this series. I have to know how it ends. I’m hooked. Be prepared to have a nonstop reading fest.
Read
November 19, 2020Great series
June 27, 2021
That's the good stuff..
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews