What do you think?
Rate this book
Beyond These Walls #7
The Asylum
They have a chance to leave, so why on earth would they go back?
Matilda and Olga have had a glimpse of life inside the asylum. The suffering, the torture, the descent into madness … With Grandfather Jacks now dead at their hands, they have a chance to get as far away from the place as possible, but they have to go back …
Not only is their friend Dianna still locked up in the dark building, but many other innocent women and children are entrapped inside the hellish institution. How can they walk away knowing those lives might never be spared?
And Matilda has a deep wound on her thigh. Until she finds a way to beat the infection spreading through it, she can’t go anywhere.
They also have to deal with the electricity being out. The tone that once called the creatures to the front of the asylum and held them there has been silenced. The area now belongs to the diseased.
Join the gang as they attempt to liberate those in the asylum, find a way to heal Matilda’s wounds, and decide if they can trust Hawk; a hunter who nearly sentenced the boys to their deaths by handing them over to Magma. They know the journey ahead of them will take them to places as dark as any they’ve already visited. But are they ready for things to get even darker?
Matilda and Olga have had a glimpse of life inside the asylum. The suffering, the torture, the descent into madness … With Grandfather Jacks now dead at their hands, they have a chance to get as far away from the place as possible, but they have to go back …
Not only is their friend Dianna still locked up in the dark building, but many other innocent women and children are entrapped inside the hellish institution. How can they walk away knowing those lives might never be spared?
And Matilda has a deep wound on her thigh. Until she finds a way to beat the infection spreading through it, she can’t go anywhere.
They also have to deal with the electricity being out. The tone that once called the creatures to the front of the asylum and held them there has been silenced. The area now belongs to the diseased.
Join the gang as they attempt to liberate those in the asylum, find a way to heal Matilda’s wounds, and decide if they can trust Hawk; a hunter who nearly sentenced the boys to their deaths by handing them over to Magma. They know the journey ahead of them will take them to places as dark as any they’ve already visited. But are they ready for things to get even darker?
228 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 26, 2020
337 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Michael Robertson
98 books207 followersMichael Robertson is an author and blogger. He has had several short stories published, including one with HarperCollins. He is the author of Crash - http://michaelrobertson.co.uk/crash--...
You can connect with Michael on Twitter at @MicRobertson, Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MichaelRober... and you can also contact him through his website at www.michaelrobertson.co.uk
You can connect with Michael on Twitter at @MicRobertson, Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MichaelRober... and you can also contact him through his website at www.michaelrobertson.co.uk
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 5, 2020
“If we don’t help friends in this world, then what do we have?”
Wow! This story was really good, so many nerve wrecking scenes, there were moments I just wanted the book to end, and not because I didn’t like it, on the contrary, it’s so realistic, heart wrenching, emotional, traumatic, gritty, it really made me suffer! Lol. An indeed excellent read, like all Michael Robertson’s books. The storyline and plot are fantastic, the twists and turns so dramatic they made me feel dizzy. I’m also glad the protagonists finally overcome their misshapes! What an intense read! I’m totally snagged by this series! And I highly recommend it! Can’t wait for book #8 to release!
Wow! This story was really good, so many nerve wrecking scenes, there were moments I just wanted the book to end, and not because I didn’t like it, on the contrary, it’s so realistic, heart wrenching, emotional, traumatic, gritty, it really made me suffer! Lol. An indeed excellent read, like all Michael Robertson’s books. The storyline and plot are fantastic, the twists and turns so dramatic they made me feel dizzy. I’m also glad the protagonists finally overcome their misshapes! What an intense read! I’m totally snagged by this series! And I highly recommend it! Can’t wait for book #8 to release!
March 25, 2020
This is the 7th book in the series Beyond These Walls and The Asylum is gritty as it comes. It's gripping edge of the seat reading from start to finish and I am glad the books are published with some time between one another as at least it gives my nails a chance to grow enough to bite them down to the nubs with the next book. The asylum is so terrifying in that Max enters the place in total darkness by himself to try and free Dianna, Hawk's fourteen year old friend but he never anticipated he would encounter the horrors which he did or that it would cost him so much either. The woman in the asylum were mostly crazy as hell, they had been tortured and incarcerated in this hell hole for years on end just listening to the horrid blaring sound of the bleeper outside. In the meantime Matilda had been hurt and the gash on her thigh had become infected and unless treated could kill her so Hawk had to take a journey to hell to take the others to fetch ointment for her. He had to return to Grandfather Jacks private rooms where all his torture had been inflicted upon him and what he went through was so traumatising. When this series started off with our group of friends embarking on their national service we thought things were terrible little knowing how much worse they were to become for them and they are still not out of the woods. They are being tested to the extreme from all quarters. Can they survive these challenges? Whilst dying to go on reading as the book was so compelling I do hope my nails get a chance to grow enough to bite through in the next book in series!
November 23, 2020
'The silence invited the voices back in.'
Best entry yet! The Asylum is absolutely nuts!
Max enters alone to try and find Dianna, battling his own sanity on his way through the craziest place. Absolutely loved every second of it.
'It’s not about what I want to do. It’s about what I need to do'
With Matilda Injured the others head into the depths of Grandfather Jacks "playrooms" to find medicine, which are sordid and as messed up as the asylum.
What I love most about this series is that our heroes aren't all the best heroes. They make mistakes they're selfish at times and they're all battling their own problems. 👌
Fantastic! 5*
Best entry yet! The Asylum is absolutely nuts!
Max enters alone to try and find Dianna, battling his own sanity on his way through the craziest place. Absolutely loved every second of it.
'It’s not about what I want to do. It’s about what I need to do'
With Matilda Injured the others head into the depths of Grandfather Jacks "playrooms" to find medicine, which are sordid and as messed up as the asylum.
What I love most about this series is that our heroes aren't all the best heroes. They make mistakes they're selfish at times and they're all battling their own problems. 👌
Fantastic! 5*
March 25, 2020
Having escaped from the asylum they now need to go back in why one to rescue Dianna and hopefully find some ointment for Matilda’s injury.
Will Max find Dianna and get out in one piece
Will the others survive the asylum again
Another rollercoaster of a ride with twists and turns definitely recommend this book
Will Max find Dianna and get out in one piece
Will the others survive the asylum again
Another rollercoaster of a ride with twists and turns definitely recommend this book
March 27, 2020
This seventh episode of Michael Robertson’s Beyond These Walls series follows William, Matilde, Max and the group as they attempt to leave Grandfather Jacks compound. In the process they and the reader are witness to the depths of Grandfather Jacks’ depravity. I believe this episode in the series is the darkest and grittiest of the seven, but at the same time it is one of the best because we begin to understand Hawk, as well as get a full view inside the compound including inside the asylum. I received an Advance Reader Copy and chose to provide this review.
April 4, 2020
Title: The Asylum
Author: Michael Robertson
Publisher: Michael Robertson
ISBN: B08521R41R
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
Beyond These Walls 7
They have a chance to leave, so why on earth would they go back?
Matilda and Olga have had a glimpse of life inside the asylum. The suffering, the torture, the descent into madness …
With Grandfather Jacks now dead at their hands, they have a chance to get as far away from the place as possible, but they have to go back …
Not only is their friend Dianna still locked up in the dark building, but many other innocent women and children are entrapped inside the hellish institution. How can they walk away knowing those lives might never be spared?
And Matilda has a deep wound on her thigh. Until she finds a way to beat the infection spreading through it, she can’t go anywhere.
They also have to deal with the electricity being out. The tone that once called the creatures to the front of the asylum and held them there has been silenced. The area now belongs to the diseased.
Join the gang as they attempt to liberate those in the asylum, find a way to heal Matilda’s wounds, and decide if they can trust Hawk; a hunter who nearly sentenced the boys to their deaths by handing them over to Magma. They know the journey ahead of them will take them to places as dark as any they’ve already visited. But are they ready for things to get even darker?
Total Score: 5/5
Summary:
William, Matilda, and their friends are back together, but the danger isn’t over yet. Hawk joined the group, but they are not exactly sure where his loyalties lie. When Matilda and her friend Olga were being held by Grandfather Jacks, a crazy man who believed he was god on Earth, they met and were helped by Hawks friend Diana who is still captive in The Asylum where they hold all the women until they give themselves to Grandfather Jacks. Hawk is determined to free her except all the diseased are loose in the compound. Max’s ability to walk through the Diseased gives him the bast chance to succeed if he and Hawk can get over their differences. At the same time, Matilda is gravely ill needing medicine that Hawk says he can find in Grandfather Jacks estate. The horrors that Hawk endured at Grandfather Jacks hands is more than anyone from the outside could understand.
As the group sets out on their missions, they know that their chances of survival are slim, but they will do whatever they need to keep each other alive.
The conflict between Hawk, Max and William kept the reader wondering if their belief in each other was strong enough to keep them alive. Matilda and William’s love for each other kept them strong and focused in spite of the terror all around them. This was a fast paced and intricate story that kept me spellbound form the very beginning.
I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Author: Michael Robertson
Publisher: Michael Robertson
ISBN: B08521R41R
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
Beyond These Walls 7
They have a chance to leave, so why on earth would they go back?
Matilda and Olga have had a glimpse of life inside the asylum. The suffering, the torture, the descent into madness …
With Grandfather Jacks now dead at their hands, they have a chance to get as far away from the place as possible, but they have to go back …
Not only is their friend Dianna still locked up in the dark building, but many other innocent women and children are entrapped inside the hellish institution. How can they walk away knowing those lives might never be spared?
And Matilda has a deep wound on her thigh. Until she finds a way to beat the infection spreading through it, she can’t go anywhere.
They also have to deal with the electricity being out. The tone that once called the creatures to the front of the asylum and held them there has been silenced. The area now belongs to the diseased.
Join the gang as they attempt to liberate those in the asylum, find a way to heal Matilda’s wounds, and decide if they can trust Hawk; a hunter who nearly sentenced the boys to their deaths by handing them over to Magma. They know the journey ahead of them will take them to places as dark as any they’ve already visited. But are they ready for things to get even darker?
Total Score: 5/5
Summary:
William, Matilda, and their friends are back together, but the danger isn’t over yet. Hawk joined the group, but they are not exactly sure where his loyalties lie. When Matilda and her friend Olga were being held by Grandfather Jacks, a crazy man who believed he was god on Earth, they met and were helped by Hawks friend Diana who is still captive in The Asylum where they hold all the women until they give themselves to Grandfather Jacks. Hawk is determined to free her except all the diseased are loose in the compound. Max’s ability to walk through the Diseased gives him the bast chance to succeed if he and Hawk can get over their differences. At the same time, Matilda is gravely ill needing medicine that Hawk says he can find in Grandfather Jacks estate. The horrors that Hawk endured at Grandfather Jacks hands is more than anyone from the outside could understand.
As the group sets out on their missions, they know that their chances of survival are slim, but they will do whatever they need to keep each other alive.
The conflict between Hawk, Max and William kept the reader wondering if their belief in each other was strong enough to keep them alive. Matilda and William’s love for each other kept them strong and focused in spite of the terror all around them. This was a fast paced and intricate story that kept me spellbound form the very beginning.
I can’t wait to see what happens next.
November 2, 2020
Mr. Robertson is an excellent writer, who has created a dangerous world that was almost completely destroyed, and is over-run by diseased (zombies), but for reasons that have not yet been revealed. This book, the seventh in the series, continues to be an engrossing story, which put several characters through some very dark psychological horrors.
In the last book, in order to invade the asylum to dispatch the evil Grandfather Jacks, our friends had to disable the solar power generator, which left the public areas open, allowing the diseased to swarm in and attack all the remaining staff. Now, before the group could leave, they needed to rescue Dianna, Hawk’s young friend, and also obtain a medical ointment to treat Matilda’s deep infected wounds. Max made his way into the locked prisoner cell area, stumbling through darkness (no power), meeting up with women and children who had been driven nearly insane through abuse and malnutrition, while reliving his own torment over losing his family. Meanwhile, William, Artan, Olga and Hawk had to fight the diseased to get back to the generator to turn the power back on, and activate the sonic blaster to attract the diseased to the opposite side of the buildings. They were finally able to enter the building to find the ointment, which put Hawk through his own brand of hell in reliving the torture and abuse he had received in those cells. The group experienced another roller coaster of emotions through the twists and turns of a riveting story. Will they all survive to fight another day?
Although I obtained an ARC, I also bought the book, to help support this great author. I highly recommend this series, which needs to be read in order for fullest understanding. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
In the last book, in order to invade the asylum to dispatch the evil Grandfather Jacks, our friends had to disable the solar power generator, which left the public areas open, allowing the diseased to swarm in and attack all the remaining staff. Now, before the group could leave, they needed to rescue Dianna, Hawk’s young friend, and also obtain a medical ointment to treat Matilda’s deep infected wounds. Max made his way into the locked prisoner cell area, stumbling through darkness (no power), meeting up with women and children who had been driven nearly insane through abuse and malnutrition, while reliving his own torment over losing his family. Meanwhile, William, Artan, Olga and Hawk had to fight the diseased to get back to the generator to turn the power back on, and activate the sonic blaster to attract the diseased to the opposite side of the buildings. They were finally able to enter the building to find the ointment, which put Hawk through his own brand of hell in reliving the torture and abuse he had received in those cells. The group experienced another roller coaster of emotions through the twists and turns of a riveting story. Will they all survive to fight another day?
Although I obtained an ARC, I also bought the book, to help support this great author. I highly recommend this series, which needs to be read in order for fullest understanding. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
December 26, 2020
Thrilling Continuation of Beyond These Walls
Thank goodness Michael Robertson continued this saga! I originally purchased the box set of books 1-6. So, as I neared the end I didn't realize there were more books. I was so depressed about it being over that I was procrastinating finishing book 6 even though I was dying to find out what happened. Then my thumb slipped on my Kindle and I ended up near the end and realized there were more books mentioned back there. The only problem now is I know there are more and I love them so I'm reading too fast. At this rate I will be done too quickly! Ok, for this book all I can say is wow! After following our band of heroes through so much I didn't think they could get into any worse of a situation. Boy was I wrong! The "Asylum" is a thrilling, gruesome page turner of diseased/Uncle Jacks craziness. I'll end by saying it is truly horrifying - good job Michael Robertson!
Thank goodness Michael Robertson continued this saga! I originally purchased the box set of books 1-6. So, as I neared the end I didn't realize there were more books. I was so depressed about it being over that I was procrastinating finishing book 6 even though I was dying to find out what happened. Then my thumb slipped on my Kindle and I ended up near the end and realized there were more books mentioned back there. The only problem now is I know there are more and I love them so I'm reading too fast. At this rate I will be done too quickly! Ok, for this book all I can say is wow! After following our band of heroes through so much I didn't think they could get into any worse of a situation. Boy was I wrong! The "Asylum" is a thrilling, gruesome page turner of diseased/Uncle Jacks craziness. I'll end by saying it is truly horrifying - good job Michael Robertson!
July 23, 2020
I think this was the darkest and most terrifying of the books in this series I have read so raw. Spike (who now wants to go by his real name William) come face to face with the Asylum where Matilda and the other young women have been taken to be the next “brides” victims of Grandfather Jack’s depravity. Max, Anton, William, Carlos and Max are trying to fing them and run into problems of their own. Dianna who is more like a sister to Hawk has been at the Asylum so they want to get them all out of there. It is interesting that the Asylum and Grandfather Jack’s Palace has electricity, but they have to figure out how to turn it off to escape, then they realize that might not have been the best idea. To mee Book Seven is the best so far. I can’t wait until Book 8 comes out. I think anyone over 18 that likes Post-Apocalyptic books will love this one.
February 27, 2024
Heartbreakingly amazing
Oh this part of the journey is horrific, it’s a real testament to the author that he can write about abuse and trauma that paints a heartbreaking picture without going into graphic detail. You can’t really chose a side here because you emphasis with them all and hope they all come out the other side. The worry for the main characters is palatable, but the suffering of everyone is so tangible. What a beautifully horrific journey of the best and worst of humanity in post apocalyptic times. I thought I was hooked before, but now I really am. This author just came into his own and I’m excited to read more.
Oh this part of the journey is horrific, it’s a real testament to the author that he can write about abuse and trauma that paints a heartbreaking picture without going into graphic detail. You can’t really chose a side here because you emphasis with them all and hope they all come out the other side. The worry for the main characters is palatable, but the suffering of everyone is so tangible. What a beautifully horrific journey of the best and worst of humanity in post apocalyptic times. I thought I was hooked before, but now I really am. This author just came into his own and I’m excited to read more.
March 28, 2020
Some might think that since this is the seventh book in the series it has become stale or boring, how very wrong those people would be! The Asylum is even more intense and fraught with high tension drama than any of the previous installments and all six of them pretty danged intense! Michael Robertson is a talented and creative author who never fails to keep me up way past my bedtime, and I'm very thankful. I highly recommend the entire series.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this ebook from the author and this is my honest and freely given opinion.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this ebook from the author and this is my honest and freely given opinion.
April 20, 2020
I had lost my reading mojo due to the pandemic (Covid-19) and I just about managed to read a couple of books. This book has nudged me big time out of that funk.
The story continues for William and his friends. This time it’s focused on the “Asylum”. Michael Robertson has a brilliant talent of creating worlds in his books and this series is no different. This book was another amazing instalment of the series and I am looking forward to reading this next part.
Thanks for bringing back my reading mojo!
The story continues for William and his friends. This time it’s focused on the “Asylum”. Michael Robertson has a brilliant talent of creating worlds in his books and this series is no different. This book was another amazing instalment of the series and I am looking forward to reading this next part.
Thanks for bringing back my reading mojo!
October 30, 2020
The battles through the asylum rage in many ways - diseased, the insane, phobias, trauma and more. Cruelty and perversions are revealed, together with deeply hurt people trying to cope with the life they've been dealt; disturbing yet portrayed very well.
I like the in-depth look into the minds of the characters so that we understand not only the trauma but it also makes for a believable story. There is plenty of action yet it is the psychological aspects that are intriguing - and real.
The face of evil is shown in this installment and it's chilling in every sense.
Highly recommended.
I like the in-depth look into the minds of the characters so that we understand not only the trauma but it also makes for a believable story. There is plenty of action yet it is the psychological aspects that are intriguing - and real.
The face of evil is shown in this installment and it's chilling in every sense.
Highly recommended.
September 4, 2023
I really enjoyed aspects of this book, though I do feel that other novels in the series have been stronger. Hawk was a welcome addition and is a character that feels far more rounded than some of those who we have known a lot longer. In that same vein, I felt that this novel finally demonstrated that Matilda is not perfect, and it was nice to see her struggling in a more realistic fashion. The descriptions of the asylum were at times visceral, and the pacing was well done.
May 15, 2020
Another great book, can’t wait for the next one. The story is now getting really interesting as the group is starting tio increase and relationships develop.
The Asylum explains why Hawk is like he is, one you read the story you will understand.
Grandfather Jack, well what can I say I think we would all agree he gets what he deserves
Hope you enjoy
The Asylum explains why Hawk is like he is, one you read the story you will understand.
Grandfather Jack, well what can I say I think we would all agree he gets what he deserves
Hope you enjoy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2020
An enjoyable series.
I liked the story line and the way the characters developed. Pleanty of action and surprising twist that keep you want to continue reading. I would recommend this series to anyone that wants to be entertained by a different approach to zombies and a different way of life.
I liked the story line and the way the characters developed. Pleanty of action and surprising twist that keep you want to continue reading. I would recommend this series to anyone that wants to be entertained by a different approach to zombies and a different way of life.
October 28, 2020
Twisted
Grandfather jacks comes “alive” in this book you knew he was sick and twisted but you get to see inside Matilda needs more than saving and hawk relives his childhood Max also seems to be unraveling I hope he can keep it together and he and Olga find a way of getting together can’t wait to read book 8 have to wait a few days
Grandfather jacks comes “alive” in this book you knew he was sick and twisted but you get to see inside Matilda needs more than saving and hawk relives his childhood Max also seems to be unraveling I hope he can keep it together and he and Olga find a way of getting together can’t wait to read book 8 have to wait a few days
January 24, 2021
I cannot express enough how good this series has been.What the author puts these kids through is grueling as hell.This was def one of the darkest reads of the series.Max played a huge part in this one his solo adventure through the asylum is the stuff nightmares are made of.Hawk really grew on me in this one too.Cant wait to start book 8
March 28, 2021
I read books 1-6 and just had to read the next one!
I was a bit disappointed in this one... I just found it went on for a bit too long and became a bit repetitive. The whole story is based pretty much in the Asylum & the gangs efforts to escape.
I was rather relieved when it was over.... didn't rate this as much as the first 6 books.
I was a bit disappointed in this one... I just found it went on for a bit too long and became a bit repetitive. The whole story is based pretty much in the Asylum & the gangs efforts to escape.
I was rather relieved when it was over.... didn't rate this as much as the first 6 books.
April 7, 2021
Grandfather Jacks
Well! If you’ve come this far. You will find out what happened to Grandfather Jacks, Hawk and the Angels. The only thing that left me thirst was how Grandfather Jacks came to be. This is a page turner, but be warned. Inside the asylum, the story gets a little slow and redundant.
Well! If you’ve come this far. You will find out what happened to Grandfather Jacks, Hawk and the Angels. The only thing that left me thirst was how Grandfather Jacks came to be. This is a page turner, but be warned. Inside the asylum, the story gets a little slow and redundant.
January 30, 2024
I have to admit that by book 5 You was skim reading the series. The repetitive nature of the book becomes hard for me to read. Max wandered, mad max. Max wandered, mad max. Etc.
the walls and they walked and they stumbled and they walked….
the walls and they walked and they stumbled and they walked….
May 21, 2020
Asylum
As per usual... i loved it. Unfortunately, I finished it all too soon. I am looking forward to book 8!
As per usual... i loved it. Unfortunately, I finished it all too soon. I am looking forward to book 8!
August 14, 2020
Brilliant series
Good storyline,only thing that is wrong is that people that you like are sometimes killed off otherwise quite good series
Good storyline,only thing that is wrong is that people that you like are sometimes killed off otherwise quite good series
August 14, 2020
Book 1-7 Riveting, full of twist and turns!
Kept me in suspense. Couldn't put the books down. Can't wait for book 8. I've got it on pre order! Thanks
Kept me in suspense. Couldn't put the books down. Can't wait for book 8. I've got it on pre order! Thanks
August 22, 2020
Awesome read
I've really enjoyed this series, many times times not being able to put the series down. Way to anxious to find out what happens next. Anxiously awaiting book 8.
I've really enjoyed this series, many times times not being able to put the series down. Way to anxious to find out what happens next. Anxiously awaiting book 8.
November 24, 2020
Outstanding
Another Outstanding Book in the Beyond these Walls Series. I found it very hard to put down!! I will be downloading Book # 8 after submitting this review.
Another Outstanding Book in the Beyond these Walls Series. I found it very hard to put down!! I will be downloading Book # 8 after submitting this review.
April 26, 2021
Too much of the same thru the whole book. It got boring very early on.
April 27, 2021
Great
Great series and I've enjoyed each one. So much blood, so much hate and so many friends lost. On to the next.
Great series and I've enjoyed each one. So much blood, so much hate and so many friends lost. On to the next.
April 22, 2022
great story
I am liking it so much I can’t stop reading, I feel the characters in their journey thru the old ruins of the city. I like Max and hope “ hope” nothing happens to him
I am liking it so much I can’t stop reading, I feel the characters in their journey thru the old ruins of the city. I like Max and hope “ hope” nothing happens to him
November 22, 2024
The story line and the journey is good, but once again i just hope most of the main characters get killed and replaced with some more likeable ones.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews