The Undead. The UK's Bestselling Horror Series.The Undead Rye.Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Amazon & Audible bestselling author, RR Haywood. One of the most downloaded indie authors in the UK with nearly four million books sold and over 25 Kindle bestsellers. *WINNER OF DISCOVER SCI-FI BEST RELEASE OF 2023*
The Battle For Gatwick is over, but the team are broken. They desperately need rest. But rest is not to be found because the darkest days still lie ahead in season five of The Undead.
This book was authored by Richard Haywood and not generated by any machine or artificial intelligence. This statement serves as a legally binding guarantee of authenticity and can be used to establish the true creator of this work should any doubt arise.
"One of the most original voices of our time." - Richard Moriarty, The Sun
"Whether it's gritty horror, spectacular sci-fi, or insane comedy, RR Haywood delivers in style." - Chris Riches, Daily Express
RR Haywood is a Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Amazon, and Audible bestselling author with over 4 million books sold and more than 30 Kindle Bestsellers. As one of the top ten most downloaded indie authors in the UK, Haywood has captivated readers worldwide with his diverse storytelling.
His creations include the global sensation EXTRACTED, the riveting CODE TRILOGY narrated by Colin Morgan, the phenomenal UNDEAD Series, the blockbuster DELIO, PHASE ONE, and the chart-topping A TOWN CALLED DISCOVERY. His latest work, FICTION LAND, narrated by Game of Thrones star Gethin Anthony, has been hailed as "an outrageously funny tour de force."
A former police officer, Haywood now resides with his dogs on the north coast of the Isle of Wight. He entertains audiences and shares his expertise on TikTok with his Writing Class for the Working Class.
After waiting so long for the audible release, I was definitely not disappointed in the slightest!! After reading every book so far within the Undead series and the side books to go with. I couldn't wait for series 5 to come along.
Side Note : R.R.Haywood is an indie author and stands by not having AI generated books. I stand by all indie authors! We will eventually lose such amazing authors by being surrounded by AI.
As with the rest of the audio reads, Joe Jameson is the narrator, and he just smashed it yet again! Perfect narrator for the books.
The storyline is just fantastic, I loved looking back and discovering more about the characters we know and love 😍
Would strongly recommend for any apocalyptic, zombie, end of the world fans, or even someone who wants to try out a new genre. These books are a great place to start.
I love almost all your books Rich and admire how you’ve kept this series interesting for so long - but you’ve lost me on this one. Bringing Discovery (which I absolutely loved!!) into the undead undermined the entire Undead series for me - to the point that I no longer care how it ends - it’s ruined.
Please stop trying to mingle your stories, it just doesn’t work. Don’t believe me? Ask your readers. All the best
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I have been very critical of this series at times, but i have stuck with it through the very rough books because in-between those rough ones there are the gems. My love for so many of the books in this series i think has made me more critical of the rougher ones because they fall short of the high standards you know are possible (in my opinion of course) Those gems in this series are what keep you engaged and remind you that then the author clicks, he hits the bullseye.
My opinion of the series over the last few books has been that it is overly saturated with character's who should either be punted to a sub plot or given a little time to shine before being killed off.
The cast list is far too big and the times when the dialogue is between 5-8 people it becomes tedious and "do you want a coffee?" i'll have a coffee. "who said coffee?" etc. it becomes an exercise in reminding the reader who is in the room and a headcount of the people in any given situation so it serves a purpose, but it had become an overused way of not dealing with the elephant in the room which is that writing a chapter involving so many characters at the same time is bloody difficult!
The rain (book 26) did what this series has been crying out for, split the story into small segments involving fewer people at a time which makes it easier to follow and far more enjoyable, it flowed far better and felt like a return to form.
i'm not sure i'm in favor of these smaller books, using an audible credit for such a small book feels like an underhanded attempt at cashing in especially when it is so out of context for the rest of the books in the series so far but it is what it is a guess and i hope audible bundle a few of them together.
On the series: The beginning of the series is a bit rough, the gay jokes are, well, they’re there so make what you will of it. I still enjoy re reading these books, lots of action and loveable characters, well written and few editing issues.
A couple of the early books could use some warnings about r*ape and SA. It’s a hard subject for some of us.
On this book: The prologue is hard to believe if you’ve been reading from day one, and really you should be. I can’t imagine no one in the group remembers these interactions, then again after the apocalypse I might forget a few things as well.
The word ‘triggered’ is used several times and I’m at a loss at how to interpret that and why is it there? Am I to assume the author feels some way about this or are we mocking pc language, if so why? It kind of threw me out of the story every time.
The twist at the end - not spoiling anything- is bringing the story in a direction I did not expect and I hope it works out because as much as I loved the Extracted trilogy my least favourite part was the ending.
The Undead Day Twenty Six: Rye The Undead #26 Sci-Fi R.R. Haywood ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
The prologue was interesting and I liked getting to know more about Howie pre-Infection and seeing how the MCs had actually all met each other before without remembering it.
It was interesting to finally learn about how Howie and his team became immune. I had theories but it was nice to actually have an answer.
The pacing dragged for me. I did get a little frustrated with the constant arguing and one disaster after another. I wish everyone would just be allowed a day off without anything going wrong 😂.
The ending confused me a little bit. Throughout this series certain characters experience strange meetings with other "beings" when they have a near death experience and they usually make sense but the one Howie had was tricky to decipher. I want to know more about the different worlds mentioned, the utopia in the future and who was watching Howie to make sure he continued his fight against The Infection.
Fantastic novella length update on where we find the pack on Day 26… with plenty of intriguing and enlightening preview moments at the beginning and throughout. There’s a few “hmmm” moments too as we sense change afoot.. the weather has changed, the dynamic has changed.. some mindsets have changed or are changing. But ultimately, they are still our much loved team of diverse, multi-unhinged but extremely heroic characters.. even if they are now missing a few body parts here and there! I loved that this story took place in towns not far from me with which I am familiar.. and as always, I can’t wait to see what comes next. Ps a reminder to RRH.. I live in fear of anything happening to Meredith. Please don’t do that. I’d have to stop reading. I’d rather lose Howie (and to be clear, I adore Howie).
Ok. So RR Haywood is a darn good writer. And I do love The Undead series. But if this book has got different meanings to it I only got a couple. And that’s I think I only got a couple?! Howie and the gang have yet another massive fight (which is to be expected. After all there are plenty of undead about to kill!) I just felt it was another fight, a few more wtf does that mean moments and a is that it?! And for how long? Please do not think I didn’t enjoy this one, I did. But I like a bit more of something else. Now I feel there will be a lot of folk calling me stoopid as the hidden meanings were obvious and it’s not RR Haywood’s fault I missed them! But I’m not taking anything away from the fact this is Still another interesting and heart tugging at times addition to the just brilliant Undead series, which is not to be missed. By anyone!
For those who love, love. For those who hate, hate. These series of books for me are a source of love. I can understand those who hate these books and slur them with accusations of dumb, predictable violence. But for me, they are more than that. Written in an original way with the author’s own take and perspective, each book has been incredibly enjoyable to read. Yes, I still hate the artwork and but that’s my only criticism. Each of these books are perfect in their own way, brought to life (excuse the zombie pun) each and every time by the unique central core of characters which are simply sublime. This book is as great as its predecessor. Perfectly paced, cerebral and intelligent enough to carry the story on. Like it or loathe it, I just love it.
I am a longstanding member of Howies pack and always devour a new instalment as soon as it comes out. This was fantastic. I loved the journey back to the start showing how all the gang became part of each others lives through chance and Howard! It was then a constant ebb and flow of energy and power as everyone found their place as Howard's team melded into the pack. Without giving away complete spoilers I felt as distressed as the team witnessesing animals left behind and trapped, seethed along with Howie at "survivors" attitudes and cheered at the ultimate outcome of the circus scene! I will wait to see how Day 27 continues the story......
I am a longstanding member of Howies pack and always devour a new instalment as soon as it comes out. This was fantastic. I loved the journey back to the start showing how all the gang became part of each others lives through chance and Howard! It was then a constant ebb and flow of energy and power as everyone found their place as Howard's team melded into the pack. Without giving away complete spoilers I felt as distressed as the team witnessesing animals left behind and trapped, seethed along with Howie at "survivors" attitudes and cheered at the ultimate outcome of the circus scene! I will wait to see how Day 27 continues the story......
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The 3* doesn’t mean that I didn’t absolutely enjoy this. We all know by now that this is my favourite series. But I can’t rate every part 5* so I’ve got to be more critical.
This instalment was shorter than all the previous ones and maybe that’s why I didn’t feel as strongly about this one. Usually I am both laughing and crying throughout these books and I did neither in this one.
Still, I’ve been hearing great things about the story in three books time, so I am very excited to crack on with these.
Once again a fantastic book from RRH. Loved how we found out how the pack gained their immunity and answers to other questions. This episode gets very dark at times but the pack will be back to normal very soon i'm sure. Not as action packed as Day 25 but after Gatwick it had to take a breather. Some action, some suprises but once again Mr Howie steals the show. If you have got this far you know what to expect, if not start from book one, you are in for one hell of a ride.
After reading a few heavy books back to back this is just what I needed.
As ever with this series, the book is stupid fun filled with banter gore and brooding. The plot went off the rails a while ago and I'm here for it! It's a small book compared to the others, but that's reflected in the cost, and should be considered the first part of a small season.
It's not big, it's not clever, and that's why it's great
Another amazing emotional roller coaster! Not that I doubted him for a minute, but Mr Haywood did it yet again! I couldn't devour this fast enough, the pace of the writing leaving me breathless at times and laughing out loud and in tears at other times. Well worth the wait, cheers Boss.
So excited for this new release, and it didn’t disappoint! Except the shortness. Awful shortness. Terrible brevity! Of course it’s balanced by the sheer rush of emotion I have for all these characters, the love I have for this series and the gratitude I have to be able to dip back into this world at all.. but what now?! Maybe a reread..
The novel continues with the same group of characters and their continuing battles with the undead a little less humour making them a little more human with the stresses and events taking their toll on all the charactors ..with a strange twist at the end.. Please please don't let the next in the series take so long
You know a good book when you start reading and it sucks you in BUT that's not all you get with this series, you feel it you feel them the characters no not characters your friends You are living with them and feel the humour the heartbreak and the love. Your not just a reader your pack and Richard your not just an author your a bloody genius !
Another step forward towards the ultimate goal of killing the infected and finding the cure. Not overly convinced by the prologue description of the team and how they became immune and actually met each other before coming together as a team. Starting to see some more bonding and the characters taking on their individual roles. Love this, can’t wait to read more.
My wait for a sequel has ended! I was thrilled when I got notification that Mr. Howie and crew were back. I truly love the characters in this series, laughing and weeping right along with them and this book does not disappoint. The season of waiting for the next chapter starts anew. Hopefully the wait won't be as long as the last time, although I did enjoy Fiction Land in the interlude.
I'm glad to see Twenty Six is out. Its been so long I can't remember some of the characters mentioned. This was okay but not as exciting as I hoped it would be. I'm hoping Day 27 gets me back into the story. I'm happy we didn't lose anymore main characters so far. The series is great and if your a can of this genre, you'll enjoy it.
R R Haywoods talent for producing work that can have the tears streaming one minute, to laughing the next are amazing. I was thoroughly caught up with Howie and his team yet again. Can't wait for the next book!
Once more I am lost in a world of death and hope I love this tail of humanity lost and found in a good people. Who stand up for what is right. Thank you Boss Long may we fight for what is right.
Love love love it! Only one down point! The cliffhanger from book 25, the heat, isn't answered! Was late to work cos I got caught up in the bosses latest masterpiece, Then managed to finish it off in my break! Just gotta wait for the next installment....
More twists and turns for Howie and his team, as their mission continues. Another nail biting edge of your seat rollercoaster ride as the war against the zombies continues.
What a cracking book It was great getting how the boss told us how they all got the vaccine then got really panicky when you know what was a about to happen(no spoilers here) well done can’t wait for the next my 3 sisters have just started it and my lips are sealed
More edge of your seat drama as you follow The Pack on their continuing fight to save humanity. Questions answered, new ones posed, classic Haywood and I can’t get enough!
I have read all the undead books and Iike everyone who has, waited with baited breath. For this one... And by God I wasn't disappointed... Only problem is I have to wait for the next one now........
This novella answers some of the questions that have been swirling around the brains of your readers… R. R. Haywood never disappoints! I missed the team and it’s good to know what happens next. Can’t wait for the next installment!
WOW .....this was relentless and I loved every minute !! Was a good way to recap events in book 25 and kinda where we are at now and all done in the Boss's unique way. Excited to see where we go next have to say tho I think I'd rather the heat than the never ending rain !!