Life after Nemesis: The continuing story of the man who created Alton Towers big rides

by John Wardley

The continuing story of the man who created Alton Towers big rides. The book takes over from where his previous best-selling book "Creating my own Nemesis" left off. As well as describing behind the scenes details of subsequent rides such as "Wicker Man", "The Curse at Alton Manor" and "Nemesis Reborn", the book discusses the origins and history of rollercoasters, dark rides, log flumes and other theme park attractions.

130 pages, Paperback

Published April 17, 2024

Reviews

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Thrilling As The Rides Themselves

John Wardley is perhaps the ultimate entertainer. We pay hundreds, if not thousands of pounds each year trotting around various parks to be beguiled, enthralled and thrown around by twisted metal beasts, deviously entertaining contraptions and rides with more mystery than any magician worth their salt could shake their magic shakey sticks at.

He has a fascinating career, and is an adept story teller. The perfect follow up to his first book. Full of interesting facts, anecdotes and behind the scenes trivia. John would absolutely be the perfect dinner party guest - but there would be too many invites. Try the book instead!

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

While admittedly I feel like this book doesn’t feel like “the continued story” of John, with it being more of a “here’s what I left out from the previous book, my observations in projects I’m not really involved in anymore and some other stuff.” I guess it does have some interesting view points of the industry and some quirky anecdotes, to inspire the next generation of people in the industry. The first book certainly did for me.

Plus, go get that bag John, I don’t blame you.

[Ben Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant follow up to his first book! Wardley provides a fascinating insight into the work that has gone into making some of Alton Towers latest attractions. As well as the history behind some it's and the world's most beloved attractions. A must read for theme park and entertainment industry fans!

[Rossi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Focusing more on Alton Towers this time around, this was a fantastic further insight into John’s more recent dabblings (The Curse at Alton Manor, Nemesis Reborn etc.)

Wish it would have been longer, and perhaps explored beyond Alton Towers, but for what was included, I thoroughly enjoyed!

Could there be a third...? Hint hint!

[Mark Winchester · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a good book don’t get me wrong but it definitely feels like the leftovers from his first book. There’s little flow to the book either with him seemingly jumping from random topic between each chapter. Still there’s some interesting information included and thought provoking content that I’d recommend if you’re interested in the topic.

[Neve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like this book has slightly less direction that the original, and was a bit all over the place and repetitive at times, but other than that, I have nothing negative to say about the actual content and loved reading more about some of my favourite rides and learning some basic physics :D

Hex will forever be the best attraction, I want to go back to Alton Towers and go on it right now!

[Stacey Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant, easy read from one of the best and most pioneering minds in UK entertainment and amusement.

[Annabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obsessed with The Disaster Zone

[Harry Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book ever I love alton towers

[Sarah-Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another audio book. Totally loved it. So interesting.