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Toy Soldiers #5
Adaptation
EVOLVE. ADAPT.
Friends and family are reunited, but the harsh reality of the survivors' situation dawns on them. After breaking free of tyranny, those optimistic enough to imagine a time of peace and prosperity have their hopes dashed in the face of brutal, inescapable terror. The promise of safety off the Scottish coast isn't quite what it appears to be. As they seek a quick way to turn the tide in the war against the dead, the meddling of ambitious people serves only to unleash something more powerful and horrifying than before.
Just as those resilient survivors must evolve to cope with the new threats, so too do their enemy adapt.
Friends and family are reunited, but the harsh reality of the survivors' situation dawns on them. After breaking free of tyranny, those optimistic enough to imagine a time of peace and prosperity have their hopes dashed in the face of brutal, inescapable terror. The promise of safety off the Scottish coast isn't quite what it appears to be. As they seek a quick way to turn the tide in the war against the dead, the meddling of ambitious people serves only to unleash something more powerful and horrifying than before.
Just as those resilient survivors must evolve to cope with the new threats, so too do their enemy adapt.
276 pages, Paperback
First published November 26, 2019
About the author
Devon C. Ford
83 books436 followersDevon is from the UK, having lived in many places until finally settling in the Midlands. His career in public services started in his teens and has provided a wealth of experiences, both good and some very bad, which form the basis of the book ideas that cause regular insomnia.
He first started reading for fun as an adult, having tried his hardest to avoid anything resembling academia growing up, and at that point the world became a far bigger place. He has been reading, at least one book at a time, ever since.
His debut works, the After It Happened series, (Survival, Humanity, Society) were published in April 2016 followed by Hope (July 2016) and Sanctuary (December 2016). The first part of the series concluded with the release of Rebellion which was published in June 2017.
Storming high into the charts with the first books of the After It Happened series, Devon launched into the top 10 sellers listings in the UK, Australia, Canada and the US, and he made the decision to write full time shortly after the launch of Hope.
Devon’s self-published beginnings caused a stir in the publishing world, and resulted in contracts with Podium Publishing for Audible, narrated by R.C. Bray (The Martian, Expeditionary Force, Arisen), before a publishing deal for kindle and paperbacks with Vulpine Press.
Further works have seen the start of a multi-author series, sci-fi/post-apocalyptic cross genre, futuristic dystopian and alternative history zombie apocalypse. Spin-off books from the After It Happened world have been announced for 2018.
He first started reading for fun as an adult, having tried his hardest to avoid anything resembling academia growing up, and at that point the world became a far bigger place. He has been reading, at least one book at a time, ever since.
His debut works, the After It Happened series, (Survival, Humanity, Society) were published in April 2016 followed by Hope (July 2016) and Sanctuary (December 2016). The first part of the series concluded with the release of Rebellion which was published in June 2017.
Storming high into the charts with the first books of the After It Happened series, Devon launched into the top 10 sellers listings in the UK, Australia, Canada and the US, and he made the decision to write full time shortly after the launch of Hope.
Devon’s self-published beginnings caused a stir in the publishing world, and resulted in contracts with Podium Publishing for Audible, narrated by R.C. Bray (The Martian, Expeditionary Force, Arisen), before a publishing deal for kindle and paperbacks with Vulpine Press.
Further works have seen the start of a multi-author series, sci-fi/post-apocalyptic cross genre, futuristic dystopian and alternative history zombie apocalypse. Spin-off books from the After It Happened world have been announced for 2018.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 17, 2020
Book 12 in my Zombie-a-thon!
CW: Gore,
Well so many things happened in this penultimate book! More zombies, more running, more screaming, more people being eaten! Loved it. I haven't managed to get the final book yet so not sure how long I will be left hanging until I can source it!
UPDATE: Point of clarification - I do not enjoy people being eaten. If there was a real zombie apocalypse I would not be whooping and hollering 'I'm loving it!'. Just thought I'd make that clear.
End of update.
CW: Gore,
Well so many things happened in this penultimate book! More zombies, more running, more screaming, more people being eaten! Loved it. I haven't managed to get the final book yet so not sure how long I will be left hanging until I can source it!
UPDATE: Point of clarification - I do not enjoy people being eaten. If there was a real zombie apocalypse I would not be whooping and hollering 'I'm loving it!'. Just thought I'd make that clear.
End of update.
November 1, 2021
The zombies are evolving and the group is hopeful of obtaining a serum to help stop the spread of the zombie plague - as long as it does not cause more harm... The undead are gaining momentum and appear to be working as a team in the hunt.
Good episode.
Good episode.
February 3, 2020
Oh, the selfishness and ego of humans!
YAY, to the family reunion.
This book really keeps you on your toes. When does the next one come out?
YAY, to the family reunion.
This book really keeps you on your toes. When does the next one come out?
December 4, 2019
Loved it!!
Oh my word, just when you feel they have been given a bit of luck by finding old faces the **** really hits the fan!!! I have absolutely no idea where the characters will go from here or how an end to it can be achieved, but I can't wait to find out. Just as fast paced and gritty as the others, with characters I care about and others not no much! I thought in the beginning of the first book that the military jargon and technical stuff talking about the guns and army vehicles etc would put me off as it's not really my thing but it doesn't distract me from the story line and the biological side of things in this one has fascinated me because goodness knows what happens in all these secret labs and biology does fascinate me!!
I love all Devons books, excellent writer and highly recommend, even if end of the world stuff isn't your usual read. It wasn't mine until I accidentally came across one of his other series, "After it Happened", and have been hooked to his writing and the odd other apoc book too! Definite 5* from me!!
Oh my word, just when you feel they have been given a bit of luck by finding old faces the **** really hits the fan!!! I have absolutely no idea where the characters will go from here or how an end to it can be achieved, but I can't wait to find out. Just as fast paced and gritty as the others, with characters I care about and others not no much! I thought in the beginning of the first book that the military jargon and technical stuff talking about the guns and army vehicles etc would put me off as it's not really my thing but it doesn't distract me from the story line and the biological side of things in this one has fascinated me because goodness knows what happens in all these secret labs and biology does fascinate me!!
I love all Devons books, excellent writer and highly recommend, even if end of the world stuff isn't your usual read. It wasn't mine until I accidentally came across one of his other series, "After it Happened", and have been hooked to his writing and the odd other apoc book too! Definite 5* from me!!
August 24, 2025
Definitely one of the more enjoyable and well-written 'Complete Series of Pulp Zombie Novels for One Credit' bundles I've come across in my short time on Audible.
Book Five was a rollercoaster, with a bittersweet ending. I found this (and the Toy Soldiers series as a whole) a really fun read to pass the evenings after long days of work, and it was refreshing to read zombie post-apoc not only set in England, but also set in the 1980s.
After enjoying John Lee's narrative work on two of Alastair Reynolds' sci-fi books earlier in the year, he really adds a touch of class to an oft-maligned sub-genre.
Book Five was a rollercoaster, with a bittersweet ending. I found this (and the Toy Soldiers series as a whole) a really fun read to pass the evenings after long days of work, and it was refreshing to read zombie post-apoc not only set in England, but also set in the 1980s.
After enjoying John Lee's narrative work on two of Alastair Reynolds' sci-fi books earlier in the year, he really adds a touch of class to an oft-maligned sub-genre.
July 3, 2024
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title within the series set box. (Audible Membership)
As Darwin perceived, it's a survival of the fittest. However, I doubt that that esteemed gentleman meant those that lied, cheated, and connived to gain a foothold on the next rung of the ladder of greatness, kicking aside anyone that already stood anywhere near that ladder, to ensure that one conceited person rise in superiority.not concerned how many lives would be destroyed by their own wish to overpower all others in the pursuit of power.
As Darwin perceived, it's a survival of the fittest. However, I doubt that that esteemed gentleman meant those that lied, cheated, and connived to gain a foothold on the next rung of the ladder of greatness, kicking aside anyone that already stood anywhere near that ladder, to ensure that one conceited person rise in superiority.not concerned how many lives would be destroyed by their own wish to overpower all others in the pursuit of power.
January 15, 2020
Wow
The Toy Soldiers series is amazing . I love the character's and the
story line . I tried to take my time reading it but only managed to last 2 days. Really looking forward to the next instalment and hoping we don't lose anyone else .if you looking for a fast paced zombie apocalypse set in the UK with a great story line and characters you would want on your side then give this a go you won't be disappointed.
The Toy Soldiers series is amazing . I love the character's and the
story line . I tried to take my time reading it but only managed to last 2 days. Really looking forward to the next instalment and hoping we don't lose anyone else .if you looking for a fast paced zombie apocalypse set in the UK with a great story line and characters you would want on your side then give this a go you won't be disappointed.
January 17, 2020
Have you heard the saying...
If it weren't for bad luck....yeah...it definitely applies to the people in this story! I was so into the story,I didn't even realize I had read to the end of the book. Devon C. Ford tells such an engrossing story in each book that I will through them all and now have to wait for the next one...lol
Definitely read this series! The story itself is amazing,then add in all the emotions and it will keep you up at night.
If it weren't for bad luck....yeah...it definitely applies to the people in this story! I was so into the story,I didn't even realize I had read to the end of the book. Devon C. Ford tells such an engrossing story in each book that I will through them all and now have to wait for the next one...lol
Definitely read this series! The story itself is amazing,then add in all the emotions and it will keep you up at night.
June 22, 2020
Science and the military create zombies
It's such an interesting story with compelling twists and turns. But it needs some serious editing to hone the storyline. It sometimes meanders and gets bogged down. The transition between subplots can be confusing at times too. Nevertheless it still is a good read and I recommend it.
It's such an interesting story with compelling twists and turns. But it needs some serious editing to hone the storyline. It sometimes meanders and gets bogged down. The transition between subplots can be confusing at times too. Nevertheless it still is a good read and I recommend it.
December 18, 2019
Loved this book! So many emotions though... happy (some are reunited), sad (another outbreak!?), worried (we’re running out of land mass to hide people). So exhausting to care this much for ... characters in a book. But wow am I excited to read the next book!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2020
Another fantastic instalment
We've waited so long for the next instalment and it was well worth it. Another fantastic rollercoaster ride Nd once again left in a cliffhanger wanting more more more.
We've waited so long for the next instalment and it was well worth it. Another fantastic rollercoaster ride Nd once again left in a cliffhanger wanting more more more.
Read
July 12, 2020Bloody awesome
Seriously if you haven't read any of these books yet........... Why??????
This series is just amazing, absolutely gripping and will drag you into the story where you will be cheering for the soldiers!!
Seriously if you haven't read any of these books yet........... Why??????
This series is just amazing, absolutely gripping and will drag you into the story where you will be cheering for the soldiers!!
February 7, 2024
Well this one was bloody depressing wasn’t it. Well the ending at least. I’m glad Peter was reunited with his sister and the little girl with her mum but fucking hell, so many man in players killed after struggling to survive for so long. I like this one a lot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2019
Will the dawn ever come again?
Remember to breathe, but not too loudly as they are attracted to sound. Double check your weapon is ready, steel your nerves, & prepare for battle.
Remember to breathe, but not too loudly as they are attracted to sound. Double check your weapon is ready, steel your nerves, & prepare for battle.
December 6, 2019
This series continues to grow on me although sadly I read each book at a faster pace. Strong character development and lots of action.
December 6, 2019
Just waiting for the next new book in the series. You must pick up this series you will love it.
April 13, 2020
Great continuation
All 5books merge well and are written so you do not get lost as you can in some other apocalyptic books, a straight storey with not to many girls in the road.
All 5books merge well and are written so you do not get lost as you can in some other apocalyptic books, a straight storey with not to many girls in the road.
February 20, 2022
intriguing
Great story
Wraps up several story lines. It introduces several more though to keep the readers hooked. Really enjoyed it
Great story
Wraps up several story lines. It introduces several more though to keep the readers hooked. Really enjoyed it
July 10, 2023
Uh ho, lots of shark-jumping going on.
November 28, 2025
this was great i love the character and the settings it's definitely the zombie series I've read
February 18, 2020
This book was well worth the wait Devon has added more suspense and more thrills to it. Once you start to read this book you want to do it in one session cannot wait for book six.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews