by Lee Murray
First published 2019
The volcanoes of New Zealand's central plateau explode into life. NZDF Sergeant Taine McKenna receives orders to evacuate civilians and tourists from Tongariro National Park as the mountains begin their assault. Māori elders warned that the Kāhui Tupua, the great mountain warriors, were stirring for war. Government officials dismissed these warnings as folklore. Now earthquakes shake the ground without pause. Rock and ash rain from the sky. McKenna and his section find themselves trapped with no clear path to safety. They must locate stranded civilians and guide them to refuge, but their mission becomes deadly when a bus carrying prison evacuees arrives with different plans. The soldiers face enemies above and below ground. Ancient powers move beneath the earth's surface while McKenna struggles to save lives in an increasingly hostile landscape.
Genres: military-fiction, adventure, fantasy, action
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-allies, found-family
Setting: New Zealand, Tongariro National Park
Period: Contemporary
223 pages · Paperback · Severed Press
Content warnings: violence