Rhino: The Rise of a Warrior

Hell Divers Series

By: Nicholas Sansbury Smith

Narrated by: Ray Porter

“Conan meets Mad Max for a new generation.”—Jonathan Maberry, New York Times bestselling author

In the brutal wasteland centuries after the nuclear apocalypse, a warrior baptized in blood will defy the brutal empire that has enslaved his people.

Over two centuries have passed since the Third World War reduced civilization to ashes in a global nuclear inferno. Unforgiving geomagnetic storms rage, blocking out the sun and poisoning the radioactive Earth. Humanity clings to survival above the tempestuous skies in giant airships, sustained by Hell Divers—brave souls who risk their lives plunging to the surface for essential parts and supplies.

But this is not the story of the Hell Divers. This is the saga of the survivors on the ground, centered on Nick Baker, a frail orphan born in the perpetual darkness of an ITC bunker. He spent his early years toiling in a machine shop dreaming of what might be beyond the dark skies and poisoned wastes. That dream became a nightmare when Cazador raiders descended, massacring and enslaving his people.

From the savage cradle of life underground to the campaign of war across the brutalized surface, witness Nick’s rise from boy slave to a towering, fearsome warrior hell-bent on freeing his people from bondage to the great Cazador empire.

Embark on this riveting postapocalyptic adventure and discover the legend of a man his enemies will come to fear as Rhino …

©2025 Nicholas Sansbury Smith (P)2025 Blackstone Publishing

Rise of a Warrior

I loved everything about Rhino's spinoff. I found myself wrapped up in dark gritty world of Hell Divers again. Nick and Mac's journeys kept up fascinated the whole time. Now let's discuss the elephant in the room. Ray Porter is not R C Bray, but he brought the Cazadores to life for me. Call it heresy but he was the better choice for this book. The Spanish accents are perfection. And it's a perfect entry into the series.
10/10

Poor fit of narrator

Ray Porter is a good narrator, but he doesn't do great with anything heavy in action and intense scenes. his narration is very uniform regardless of the scene, which makes him sound almost bored during fights and peril.

Great backstory for a great character.

RC Bray is irreplaceable for Hell Diver books, but Ray Porter knocks this outta the park, too.

Amazing trip into one of my favorite side characters from the original series

Amazing trip into one of my favorite side characters from the original series. this and the list years have far exceeded my expectations. Keep them coming!!!

So Good

well. I don't normally write reviews but I really loved this book. I have listened to all the other Hell Divers series and love them all. well worth you time. Richard.