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Sam Reilly #15
Habitat Zero
In the Pacific Ocean, a Silicon Valley magnate vacationing on his luxury motor yacht Carpe Diem, stumbles across a floating island of pumice.
Two weeks later, the motor yacht returns to its home port in San Diego on autopilot – but when it arrives, nobody disembarks.
Sam Reilly and his team are called in to investigate what happened on board Carpe Diem. But what at first appears to be a simple boating accident soon turns into a deadly game of international intrigue – sending America and Russia racing toward each other on an unavoidable collision course.
Two weeks later, the motor yacht returns to its home port in San Diego on autopilot – but when it arrives, nobody disembarks.
Sam Reilly and his team are called in to investigate what happened on board Carpe Diem. But what at first appears to be a simple boating accident soon turns into a deadly game of international intrigue – sending America and Russia racing toward each other on an unavoidable collision course.
262 pages, Paperback
First published December 10, 2018
479 people are currently reading
356 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Cartwright
112 books255 followersChristopher Cartwright writes spellbinding mysteries and suspense novels. Often with a backdrop of ocean adventure. Born in 1983, he has a background as a paramedic, and is an avid sailor and SCUBA diver.
He holds degrees in paramedics, nursing and emergency management.
Chris currently lives in Sydney with his wife and two children.
He holds degrees in paramedics, nursing and emergency management.
Chris currently lives in Sydney with his wife and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
December 20, 2018
Fascinating and Confusing
While I enjoyed reading this book, and I liked the characters and technology, it seemed somewhat disjointed. The various plotlines did come together, but I felt as if the story were rushed and the lines forced together. I'm completely confused by the beginning of the next storyline about someone/something called Excaliber.
While I enjoyed reading this book, and I liked the characters and technology, it seemed somewhat disjointed. The various plotlines did come together, but I felt as if the story were rushed and the lines forced together. I'm completely confused by the beginning of the next storyline about someone/something called Excaliber.
December 24, 2018
Good read, but not one of his best.
A good read, to keep you guessing, but the ending was far to soon. One does not know how they managed to escape out of the Habitat or what happened with the 8th continent.
A good read, to keep you guessing, but the ending was far to soon. One does not know how they managed to escape out of the Habitat or what happened with the 8th continent.
February 8, 2019
Almost great
As usual. Great reading till near the, when it is hastily ended. As if you can only write so much and you find that you are out of words.
As usual. Great reading till near the, when it is hastily ended. As if you can only write so much and you find that you are out of words.
September 20, 2020
The Sam Reilly drinking game:
Take a shot when one is mentioned
Obsidian
Maria Helena
Master builders
Purple eyes
You’ll be drunk by the end of the chapter, dead by the end of the book
Take a shot when one is mentioned
Obsidian
Maria Helena
Master builders
Purple eyes
You’ll be drunk by the end of the chapter, dead by the end of the book
April 12, 2021
I wasnt willing to suspend disbelief that much. Laughingly dumb.
August 17, 2023
This book was interesting. It follows through on some overarching plot lines, but simultaneously stands alone. Not my favorite in the series because I felt the ending was rushed and not realistic within the broader series, but thankfully it hasn’t come back up!
I love this series. I think they could use a a lot of editing, less details about ships, weaponry, cars, etc. and more emphasis on the intense scenes. Many times throughout the series, I find myself feeling nervous, claustrophobic, in suspense, and flipping pages to get to the next scenes, which I enjoy a lot. Those bits that draw on about specific details, brand names, or mechanics take me out of the action sometimes.
I do also question if there are enough edits to paraphrase information about locations found online. I love that in this series, I find myself googling places I’ve never heard of, and I often find the travel to be the most immersive element. However, when I do a search online to look up a place and get a visual while reading, I often come across a very very similarly written article to the books.
Two other issues: there is an overarching plot that is the most interesting bit, but in the later books, some of the original details don’t seem to add up anymore. I may not be far enough to see it come together, so take that with a grain of salt. And, the descriptions of female characters can be a little jarring. Every woman seems to be fit, with lithe muscles and perfect teeth and a Lara Croft personality. Even more bookish, older, or one-off female characters are subject to this brush over. I enjoy the individuality of each one’s backstories, but I think some variety in appearance, or at least better initial descriptions than their…physical attributes…would be appreciated, too!
All of that being said, I’ve almost caught up to the currently published book and I have no intention of stopping the series. I loved the Uncharted games, and this reminds me heavily of that style. Action, adventure, thrilling discoveries, and an overarching plot which is generally well thought out.
I love this series. I think they could use a a lot of editing, less details about ships, weaponry, cars, etc. and more emphasis on the intense scenes. Many times throughout the series, I find myself feeling nervous, claustrophobic, in suspense, and flipping pages to get to the next scenes, which I enjoy a lot. Those bits that draw on about specific details, brand names, or mechanics take me out of the action sometimes.
I do also question if there are enough edits to paraphrase information about locations found online. I love that in this series, I find myself googling places I’ve never heard of, and I often find the travel to be the most immersive element. However, when I do a search online to look up a place and get a visual while reading, I often come across a very very similarly written article to the books.
Two other issues: there is an overarching plot that is the most interesting bit, but in the later books, some of the original details don’t seem to add up anymore. I may not be far enough to see it come together, so take that with a grain of salt. And, the descriptions of female characters can be a little jarring. Every woman seems to be fit, with lithe muscles and perfect teeth and a Lara Croft personality. Even more bookish, older, or one-off female characters are subject to this brush over. I enjoy the individuality of each one’s backstories, but I think some variety in appearance, or at least better initial descriptions than their…physical attributes…would be appreciated, too!
All of that being said, I’ve almost caught up to the currently published book and I have no intention of stopping the series. I loved the Uncharted games, and this reminds me heavily of that style. Action, adventure, thrilling discoveries, and an overarching plot which is generally well thought out.
May 22, 2019
Book 15 is an odd place to join a series, but surprisingly enough I didn't feel like it was too much of an issue, I probably missed some of the background stuff, but other than that, it worked perfectly fine as a standalone book.
While predominantly a thriller, there are some scifi/fantasy trappings with elements such as the 8th continent and the mix works well for this story. While the plot is interesting, the real strength of the book for me were the characters, particularly Sam and his team as they felt as well-rounded and realised as you would expect from book 15 in a series. One slight issue I had with the book is that ending felt a little abrupt and didn't quite fit with the pacing of the rest of the book.
Without checking, I do not know if this narrator has done all of the previous books in this series, but if I had to hazard a guess I would think that he had because his performance comes across as somebody who is comfortable with these characters and his narration helped to enhance my experience of the book quite nicely.
Overall, this was an enjoyable listen and a good introduction to this series and I will definitely consider others in the future.
[Note - I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.]
While predominantly a thriller, there are some scifi/fantasy trappings with elements such as the 8th continent and the mix works well for this story. While the plot is interesting, the real strength of the book for me were the characters, particularly Sam and his team as they felt as well-rounded and realised as you would expect from book 15 in a series. One slight issue I had with the book is that ending felt a little abrupt and didn't quite fit with the pacing of the rest of the book.
Without checking, I do not know if this narrator has done all of the previous books in this series, but if I had to hazard a guess I would think that he had because his performance comes across as somebody who is comfortable with these characters and his narration helped to enhance my experience of the book quite nicely.
Overall, this was an enjoyable listen and a good introduction to this series and I will definitely consider others in the future.
[Note - I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.]
June 15, 2025
Cartwright advances his macro storyline one gigantic step forward in this novel as it opens with Sam and Tom exploring a portion of a Jules Verne or Hollow Earth style continent which was apparently built and sustained by the master builders. We also learn that there are fewer than twenty master builders left and get more evidence that those twenty don't all get along with each other. Oh, and Ameila Erhardt is alive and well.
It's a lot of fun, but not as much fun as the discovery that there are a group of super scientists in Habitat Zero struggling to make advances to save the world from the aftermath of nuclear war. Those scientists have been cut off for decades, and yet, much of their work has been critical to the development of the modern technological age.
Once again, Sam and Tom find themselves in the heart of big problems with plenty of high-octane adventure all along the way.
It's a lot of fun, but not as much fun as the discovery that there are a group of super scientists in Habitat Zero struggling to make advances to save the world from the aftermath of nuclear war. Those scientists have been cut off for decades, and yet, much of their work has been critical to the development of the modern technological age.
Once again, Sam and Tom find themselves in the heart of big problems with plenty of high-octane adventure all along the way.
May 15, 2019
An interesting story to be sure. Although this is volume 15 in the Sam Reilly series, it is my first exposure. I was able to enjoy the book as a stand-alone novel even though there were instances of experiences in the past. This is a current day technology thriller revolving around high-end electronics, deep sea diving, the Marianas Trench, and the evils of nuclear waste. There’s also a bit of fantasy thrown in concerning the 8th Continent, which I also enjoyed. The characters were likable and I’m sure with reading previous volumes would provide plenty of backgrounds. I will not mind checking out other Sam Reilly volumes as I come across them. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
October 18, 2019
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
This book felt a little different to the other Sam Reilly books I have listened to. This book although being the usual adventure thriller for Sam and his team also delves into a sci-fi/fantasy arena so you have to expand your belief a bit more. As with all of these books they feel like an old style Indiana Jones type adventure story but underwater and I love how developed all the characters were and the way the author describes the underwater adventure makes me want to get my diving gear on and start exploring ships wrecks and caves (if only I was brave enough). Mind you I would not go along with Sam as he always gets himself into to danger.
This book felt a little different to the other Sam Reilly books I have listened to. This book although being the usual adventure thriller for Sam and his team also delves into a sci-fi/fantasy arena so you have to expand your belief a bit more. As with all of these books they feel like an old style Indiana Jones type adventure story but underwater and I love how developed all the characters were and the way the author describes the underwater adventure makes me want to get my diving gear on and start exploring ships wrecks and caves (if only I was brave enough). Mind you I would not go along with Sam as he always gets himself into to danger.
May 1, 2019
Habitat Zero, my fifteenth read from author Christopher Cartwright & the fifteenth book in the highly entertaining Sam Reilly series. Well-written thriller with captivating & well-developed main characters. Reminds me of Dan Brown’s writing. These books have been a rollicking adventure & I’ll be reading more by this author and am looking for sales to buy more yet! (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018). (less)
February 1, 2024
Listened to audio version. Everything in this one from an adventure with Amelia Earhart to an underwater dome full of people who think there was a nuclear incident in the sixties. Usual misinformation about nuclear power. Insinuates that Fukushima could have been avoided by the Japanese just using wind and solar instead of nuclear. Right. Cos they have so much free land to use for solar panels and wind generators. Maybe just build the higher seawall you were told you needed?
April 3, 2019
I love this series but like another book in the series, this one was just too rushed. It would be better to write fewer books and develop them more fully.
I’ll still be coming back for more as the premise of the entire story line is AMAZING, I just wish more time could be taken to flesh out the endings. :(
I’ll still be coming back for more as the premise of the entire story line is AMAZING, I just wish more time could be taken to flesh out the endings. :(
June 27, 2020
Farfetched
Non-stop action from page one on. However the story was pushing the limits of any kind of sensible storyline. It seems as if the Masterbuilders are on the way out, the lost/hidden continent is making a grand entrance, Amelia Earhart has returned and a new nation has been created...really stretches the imagination!
Non-stop action from page one on. However the story was pushing the limits of any kind of sensible storyline. It seems as if the Masterbuilders are on the way out, the lost/hidden continent is making a grand entrance, Amelia Earhart has returned and a new nation has been created...really stretches the imagination!
June 30, 2020
Imaginative
The author has quite the imagination of futuristic events. I found this book tedious in places. I know these books are meant to be action, adventures, but the main focus that Sam Reilly, the main character, is Salwar trying to be killed by both the good and bad guys becomes tiring.
The author has quite the imagination of futuristic events. I found this book tedious in places. I know these books are meant to be action, adventures, but the main focus that Sam Reilly, the main character, is Salwar trying to be killed by both the good and bad guys becomes tiring.
June 29, 2021
I really liked the inventiveness of the author. Lots of ingenious ideas in this combination of action and science fiction novel.
I did not like the excessive detail on scientific theory, the capability of weapons, etc. Nor did I care for the relatively poor character development.
So not bad, but not to my taste.
I did not like the excessive detail on scientific theory, the capability of weapons, etc. Nor did I care for the relatively poor character development.
So not bad, but not to my taste.
March 16, 2022
Slow reading
Parts of the book felt like travel pamphlets, or history books, or manuals.
The story jumped location and characters frequently in an attempt to cover all the moving parts and people. Not confusing, exactly, but not the easiest to follow.
Small grammatical errors here and there.
Conspiracy theory story.
Parts of the book felt like travel pamphlets, or history books, or manuals.
The story jumped location and characters frequently in an attempt to cover all the moving parts and people. Not confusing, exactly, but not the easiest to follow.
Small grammatical errors here and there.
Conspiracy theory story.
December 29, 2022
Really interesting premise. Quite original. Sam Reilly always seems to land jelly side up. The climax is almost unbelievable, well it is. But who cares as it makes for a really exciting thriller. I'm binge reading through as many of Cartwright's Sam Reilly books as I can manage. More reviews to come soon.
February 11, 2024
This book was as terrible as the last one was fantastic. It made zero sense, but I kept pushing through hoping anyway. It had 2 completely different plot lines, that didn't even really intersect, and seemed like it tried to add in a 3rd before he got bored and dropped it out of nowhere. Just no. Don't waste your time.
December 21, 2018
Yes!
Christopher Cartwright does it again! I've now read ALL of the Sam Reilly novels & they just keep getting better and better. Can't wait for #16! Hurry up Chris! Fantastic series...highly recommend
Christopher Cartwright does it again! I've now read ALL of the Sam Reilly novels & they just keep getting better and better. Can't wait for #16! Hurry up Chris! Fantastic series...highly recommend
December 23, 2018
Really enjoyed this net installment of the Sam Reilly books. Some loose ends were to begin with tied up but the even more twists and turns emerged.
Really looking forward to where the next book will take us.
Really looking forward to where the next book will take us.
March 10, 2019
Sam's adventures.
another excellent story about Sam Reilly adventures, love the way all of these books are linked together but each story is different. Excellent work Christopher, can't wait for the next one. from one of your greatest fans.
another excellent story about Sam Reilly adventures, love the way all of these books are linked together but each story is different. Excellent work Christopher, can't wait for the next one. from one of your greatest fans.
November 30, 2019
Another enjoyable book
This was another enjoyable book in the series with some resolution to some of the discoveries made in the previous volumes. There is again an underwater theme and there is the promise of new adventures in this medium in the future
This was another enjoyable book in the series with some resolution to some of the discoveries made in the previous volumes. There is again an underwater theme and there is the promise of new adventures in this medium in the future
May 15, 2020
Adventure and action
Another James Bond type story with the reader left wondering who the bad guy really is, a person, the system, secrets, lies. Lots of action and mystery as truth continues to try and make an appearance
Another James Bond type story with the reader left wondering who the bad guy really is, a person, the system, secrets, lies. Lots of action and mystery as truth continues to try and make an appearance
April 11, 2021
Habitat Zero
Right from the start after only 24 pages or so, I felt as though I was reading a Clive Cussler clone but nowhere near as good. A shame I was looking forward to reading the book😘.
Right from the start after only 24 pages or so, I felt as though I was reading a Clive Cussler clone but nowhere near as good. A shame I was looking forward to reading the book😘.
May 27, 2021
Dynamite!
This is a 10th in the series of 23, soon to be 24 great reads. I like his easy style I like his main character style also easy-going. But there is plenty of action and it keeps you on point
This is a 10th in the series of 23, soon to be 24 great reads. I like his easy style I like his main character style also easy-going. But there is plenty of action and it keeps you on point
August 8, 2021
Interesting
Very interesting story that I really loved until the end. Our author simply starts a new chapter and time has passed. What a cop out! I really feel cheated this time. This story deserves a great finish not the cheat we got.
Very interesting story that I really loved until the end. Our author simply starts a new chapter and time has passed. What a cop out! I really feel cheated this time. This story deserves a great finish not the cheat we got.
January 21, 2022
Storyline had possibilities but didn't deliver
The storyline started very well and intriguing but then it suddenly veered off course. There were several obvious plot holes not found in the other books. It was too disjointed and was not satisfactorially finished
The storyline started very well and intriguing but then it suddenly veered off course. There were several obvious plot holes not found in the other books. It was too disjointed and was not satisfactorially finished
March 6, 2022
Not Into It
Huge sections of textbook-dry info, as if to offset the mind boggling fantasy of the storyline. I'm an avid reader but even I couldn't suspend disbelief to buy into this, or wade thru what felt like a series of physics classes.
Huge sections of textbook-dry info, as if to offset the mind boggling fantasy of the storyline. I'm an avid reader but even I couldn't suspend disbelief to buy into this, or wade thru what felt like a series of physics classes.
April 17, 2022
Fascinating!
Yet another great Cartwright book! The plot got bogged down a little in the Eighth Continent, but it came back together as the book progressed. I'm always amazed at the way the action twists and turns and comes together again in Chris' books!
Yet another great Cartwright book! The plot got bogged down a little in the Eighth Continent, but it came back together as the book progressed. I'm always amazed at the way the action twists and turns and comes together again in Chris' books!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews