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Surviving The Evacuation #2
Wasteland
Billions were infected. Nations fell. The evacuation failed.
Bill Wright's journey has only one destination, the research facility that created the virus. As he meets other survivors in his struggle across the wasteland to reach it, he discovers that it is not just the undead who need to be feared.
This is the second volume of his journal.
Bill Wright's journey has only one destination, the research facility that created the virus. As he meets other survivors in his struggle across the wasteland to reach it, he discovers that it is not just the undead who need to be feared.
This is the second volume of his journal.
272 pages, ebook
First published January 13, 2014
818 people are currently reading
1240 people want to read
About the author
Frank Tayell
55 books487 followersAuthor of post-apocalyptic and near-future science fiction, with a focus on democracies struggling against dystopia.
For more information, or to join the mailing list, please visit; www.FrankTayell.com, facebook.com/FrankTayell, or facebook.com/TheEvacuation
For more information, or to join the mailing list, please visit; www.FrankTayell.com, facebook.com/FrankTayell, or facebook.com/TheEvacuation
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews
March 22, 2016
Things are really picking up in this second instalment. There are new characters, interesting complications, more action and revelations. The slow and stead beginning in the first book was different, and surprisingly intriguing. I really like the plot, setting, main character and how this series is coming along.
January 27, 2016
Book Two: Wasteland directly books up where book one left off. It is written in first person journal format as with the first, but has entries from a second voice, Bill's new companion Kim. The first book is solitary, with introspection and musings, but also with a lot of survival and mundane descriptions of finding food and learning to kill. I actually enjoy that part of zombie fiction, the little details that make me consider what I would do in the same situation. This book deviates from that and is more about what has happened to other people, and how the survivors now interact with each other.
After rescuing Kim and setting out to head back to the safety of the Abbey, they first pick up Annette and Daisy, a young girl and a baby who have managed to survive against all the odds. Later on they rescue a small group of people, and some of them aren't so nice. Finding food and safety for a large group is a lot more challenging than for one - but most of all the struggle is clashing personalities.
Finally this book contains the over arcing continuation of the political plot. We find more information about who engineered the virus, and the mysterious Sholto who was communicating with Bill when the outbreak happened. It does end on a bit of a cliffhanger as self published series so often do, but overall I enjoyed the read. Simple, but as a big fan of zombie and post apocalyptic fiction, it ticks all the boxes for me. Perhaps not the newest or most innovative story out there, but with characters that I care about, and enough mystery to keep me wondering, I've already bought book three.
After rescuing Kim and setting out to head back to the safety of the Abbey, they first pick up Annette and Daisy, a young girl and a baby who have managed to survive against all the odds. Later on they rescue a small group of people, and some of them aren't so nice. Finding food and safety for a large group is a lot more challenging than for one - but most of all the struggle is clashing personalities.
Finally this book contains the over arcing continuation of the political plot. We find more information about who engineered the virus, and the mysterious Sholto who was communicating with Bill when the outbreak happened. It does end on a bit of a cliffhanger as self published series so often do, but overall I enjoyed the read. Simple, but as a big fan of zombie and post apocalyptic fiction, it ticks all the boxes for me. Perhaps not the newest or most innovative story out there, but with characters that I care about, and enough mystery to keep me wondering, I've already bought book three.
September 3, 2018
It went in an entirely different direction than I expected, which wouldn't have been terrible if the characterization of Bill would have stayed the same. I feel like he's turned into some kind of sap, ineffective with his self-preservation (ie., forgetting to sharpen his blade, losing his balance, etc) and guilting heavily over the evacuation when I don't see how/why he should. Then there's the obsession over the hill... yeah, not working, but I had to know the end.
July 16, 2017
3.5
Mostly dull and seemingly predictable with some dislikeable secondary characters until the last third of the book.
The action in the last third plus the stunning surprise ending..which totally blindsided me..rescued the book from oblivion.
Mostly dull and seemingly predictable with some dislikeable secondary characters until the last third of the book.
The action in the last third plus the stunning surprise ending..which totally blindsided me..rescued the book from oblivion.
February 4, 2019
Not as good as the first one but still enjoyable. Bill meets some people. Some of them are assholes. I didn’t find him as focussed in this one and I felt like the ending was really contrived. Actually half a star off for the ending. Three and a half stars.
October 27, 2025
1st read: June 2022
2nd read: August 2025
This one had a different feel than the first book, but I still really liked it. The big differences between the books were that this had more than one person in it and the conspiracy had more of a spotlight.
2nd read: August 2025
This one had a different feel than the first book, but I still really liked it. The big differences between the books were that this had more than one person in it and the conspiracy had more of a spotlight.
November 11, 2024
This is a 4.5 🌟 read rounded ⬆️ to 5 🌟.
Conspiracy, paranoia and Zombies! I loved it, and I look forward to seeing if the character Barrett gets a bullet or two to the head(or possibly munched by zombies in an excruciatingly painful way!) in the future. If anyone knows which book of the "Surviving The Evacuation" saga that appears in I'd be forever in your debt.
Conspiracy, paranoia and Zombies! I loved it, and I look forward to seeing if the character Barrett gets a bullet or two to the head(or possibly munched by zombies in an excruciatingly painful way!) in the future. If anyone knows which book of the "Surviving The Evacuation" saga that appears in I'd be forever in your debt.
January 16, 2014
Wasteland picks up right where London left off, continuing in journal entry format, new arrival Kim picking up the slack at times. Poor bill is surrounded by estrogen! Bill and Kim rescue a teenage girl, Annette, and infant, Daisy. Annette lost her parents in the evacuation of London. She finds Daisy and is bitten by the infants brother. I would have liked to hear more about this encounter. It was just kind of brushed past as matter of fact. The first book was the all Bill show. Wastelands addition of new characters changes the tone of the book. I found I enjoyed Wasteland much more than London.
British writing has a lot of words we don't use in the States...nappies, pram, lorries, chip shops, buggies. I had to really stretch my deductive reasoning to get an idea what these words meant. Each time I came across a new word, it took me out of the moment and became a bit distracting at times.
The survivors return to the abbey, but they're not alone. Now, just outside the walls, hundreds of the undead await them and the inevitable moment they will need to venture out. With the addition of new mouths to feed (there are nine of them at final count), their situation becomes bleak.
On a side note, what is it about a diary that brings out the inner sleuth of even the most angelic souls? Bill's poor luck has everyone and their brother invading his personal thoughts and feelings. And even worse, his role as the architect of the evacuation plan.
Argh Frank, you're killing me! Now, in addition to having to know what became of Jen, I need to know about Thompson. Are the immune carriers? The words "to be concluded" end this installment of Surviving the Evacuation; remind readers this is a trilogy. I'm waiting with baited breath in hopes all my old and new questions will find themselves answered.
There was a great plot reveal (in addition to the tangled web that's already been weaved) at the end. The pacing of Wasteland out lapped its predecessor. While Book one earned a solid 4 stars, Wastelands twists and turns, and conspiracy wrapped in conspiracy, lands this book FIVE stars from The Bookie Monster. Tayell will have to put everything he's got into completing the series and satisfying my appetite. Thankfully, I feel confident that he will succeed. More, please!!
Visit www.bookie-monster.com to read the full review!
British writing has a lot of words we don't use in the States...nappies, pram, lorries, chip shops, buggies. I had to really stretch my deductive reasoning to get an idea what these words meant. Each time I came across a new word, it took me out of the moment and became a bit distracting at times.
The survivors return to the abbey, but they're not alone. Now, just outside the walls, hundreds of the undead await them and the inevitable moment they will need to venture out. With the addition of new mouths to feed (there are nine of them at final count), their situation becomes bleak.
On a side note, what is it about a diary that brings out the inner sleuth of even the most angelic souls? Bill's poor luck has everyone and their brother invading his personal thoughts and feelings. And even worse, his role as the architect of the evacuation plan.
Argh Frank, you're killing me! Now, in addition to having to know what became of Jen, I need to know about Thompson. Are the immune carriers? The words "to be concluded" end this installment of Surviving the Evacuation; remind readers this is a trilogy. I'm waiting with baited breath in hopes all my old and new questions will find themselves answered.
There was a great plot reveal (in addition to the tangled web that's already been weaved) at the end. The pacing of Wasteland out lapped its predecessor. While Book one earned a solid 4 stars, Wastelands twists and turns, and conspiracy wrapped in conspiracy, lands this book FIVE stars from The Bookie Monster. Tayell will have to put everything he's got into completing the series and satisfying my appetite. Thankfully, I feel confident that he will succeed. More, please!!
Visit www.bookie-monster.com to read the full review!
May 8, 2017
I was eager when I started the next volume of this series. But oddly enough, when Bill met up with Kim, I felt like the heartbeat of the plot fell away to multiple lengthy flashbacks...ending with that really seemed to come out of the blue (was I not listening closely enough?). I honestly feel like the action of this book could be summarized in, hm, four sentences? And the rest of the novel was either Kim's flashback or the grouchy woman's flashback (what was her name again?) I've heard the opinion that flashbacks don't make good storytelling, and this makes an excellent example of it.
I feel like Bill's diary in the first novel with his inner monologue and stream of consciousness was where the strength of the story and the mood resided. Now that that is gone, my interest has died away. It feels like a dime novel action story now and I have no burning desire to find out what happens next.
I feel like Bill's diary in the first novel with his inner monologue and stream of consciousness was where the strength of the story and the mood resided. Now that that is gone, my interest has died away. It feels like a dime novel action story now and I have no burning desire to find out what happens next.
July 12, 2022
Your average Joe zombie book.
Whereas the first volume London was nice, Wasteland turns out to be interesting and yet kinda dull.
The main negative point I'll report in here is that the tone isn't right: the journal-like writing is still omnipresent but we're now gone into a first-person narrative with loads of details no one'd put in a journal entry. And the mix of both styles doesn't work, at least to me.
3.5 rounded up.
Whereas the first volume London was nice, Wasteland turns out to be interesting and yet kinda dull.
The main negative point I'll report in here is that the tone isn't right: the journal-like writing is still omnipresent but we're now gone into a first-person narrative with loads of details no one'd put in a journal entry. And the mix of both styles doesn't work, at least to me.
3.5 rounded up.
April 22, 2015
4.5 stars
Yes, the second of the series read in 24 hours, too! In which Bill Wright's leg gets better enough for him to move around a bit, he travels south, meets people, abandons old plans, makes new ones, gets betrayed, discovered - oh, look, it's another page turner, right? Put it like this - husband and I were watching a good film and he fell asleep; I very quietly turned the sound down to low and picked up my Kindle so I could read as much of this as possible before he woke up again....!
Bill and Kim's experience is a lot more terrifying than in other zombie apoc books I've read, or indeed The Walking Dead. In Frank Tayell's books there are hardly any survivors and a hell of a lot more zombies; I notice that each person who writes these stories has a slightly different take on how the infection spreads.
We discover more in this part about Sholto and the Prometheus project - all good stuff. I found the ending a little bizarre, and not quite in keeping with the realism of the rest of the book, which is why I have knocked half a star off an otherwise fab second episode. And I've already bought the other three.
Yes, the second of the series read in 24 hours, too! In which Bill Wright's leg gets better enough for him to move around a bit, he travels south, meets people, abandons old plans, makes new ones, gets betrayed, discovered - oh, look, it's another page turner, right? Put it like this - husband and I were watching a good film and he fell asleep; I very quietly turned the sound down to low and picked up my Kindle so I could read as much of this as possible before he woke up again....!
Bill and Kim's experience is a lot more terrifying than in other zombie apoc books I've read, or indeed The Walking Dead. In Frank Tayell's books there are hardly any survivors and a hell of a lot more zombies; I notice that each person who writes these stories has a slightly different take on how the infection spreads.
We discover more in this part about Sholto and the Prometheus project - all good stuff. I found the ending a little bizarre, and not quite in keeping with the realism of the rest of the book, which is why I have knocked half a star off an otherwise fab second episode. And I've already bought the other three.
February 4, 2017
8/85, 4 stars ****
I do like these Surviving the Evacuation books - pretty good dystopian fiction that doesn't focus on zombies or blood and gore so much as it does on human nature and the struggle for survival. It's a series I'll look forward to continuing! :)
I do like these Surviving the Evacuation books - pretty good dystopian fiction that doesn't focus on zombies or blood and gore so much as it does on human nature and the struggle for survival. It's a series I'll look forward to continuing! :)
March 20, 2022
While the first book focused on Bill and his singular struggle to survive and understand his new world, this second book introduces some much needed extra characters. I found myself very drawn to Kim, Annette and Daisy, and was anxious about their fate. I really didn't want any of them killed off for sake of the plot, and of course zombie books make me slightly anxious anyway. I still read them though, in a kind of horrified fascination way.
I definitely felt like this was enough action vs character growth and understanding for a survival book. I went straight onto the third book because I was eager to find out the next story. Four stars.
I definitely felt like this was enough action vs character growth and understanding for a survival book. I went straight onto the third book because I was eager to find out the next story. Four stars.
March 20, 2023
Whoa... Plot Twist!
When it takes me a while to read a book I've yet to be interested in, I set the book aside and ponder it instead of reading it. It either ages like fine wine, or I lose interest altogether. This book was another that's in the "fine-wine literature" group, and I didn't see half the plot twists coming, especially the truth of Sholto's identity! A serious "wow" right there! Count me in for reading the rest of this zombie survival fiction series!
When it takes me a while to read a book I've yet to be interested in, I set the book aside and ponder it instead of reading it. It either ages like fine wine, or I lose interest altogether. This book was another that's in the "fine-wine literature" group, and I didn't see half the plot twists coming, especially the truth of Sholto's identity! A serious "wow" right there! Count me in for reading the rest of this zombie survival fiction series!
November 27, 2024
Terrible, terrible confession: Somehow I missed something in my reading of the first book, and it wasn't until about 23% through this one that I realized the narrator was male. I swear I thought we were reading about a woman. I don't know why. So, when I realized that, I had to re-imagine a whole lot of scenes in my mind.
On to this book. I liked it a lot. There was a bit of a lull in a couple of spots, but man, the action through almost the end of the book was amazing. My heart was racing just a little bit. Tayell has a talent for keeping things moving.
I really am enjoying his zombie lore. I love the idea of Bill's being immune. I LOVED the explanation of why zombies focus on hearing things rather than seeing. I'm just a fan of this universe. I love all things zombie, and this is one of my favorites. It is an easy, enjoyable read. Go for it.
On to this book. I liked it a lot. There was a bit of a lull in a couple of spots, but man, the action through almost the end of the book was amazing. My heart was racing just a little bit. Tayell has a talent for keeping things moving.
I really am enjoying his zombie lore. I love the idea of Bill's being immune. I LOVED the explanation of why zombies focus on hearing things rather than seeing. I'm just a fan of this universe. I love all things zombie, and this is one of my favorites. It is an easy, enjoyable read. Go for it.
October 12, 2018
I bought the second one based on the good writing in the first one. Now I'm a believer.
This guy is publishing his work all by himself and frankly is a better proofreader than most of the big publishing houses. He could benefit from a savvy editor, but since they apparently can't be bothered, I'll skip the awkward parts and concentrate on this guy's writing talent, skill in storytelling, and ability to use the English language in a coherent and interesting way.
My only query is, "What happens next???" (translation: buying all the rest of the series of 12)
This guy is publishing his work all by himself and frankly is a better proofreader than most of the big publishing houses. He could benefit from a savvy editor, but since they apparently can't be bothered, I'll skip the awkward parts and concentrate on this guy's writing talent, skill in storytelling, and ability to use the English language in a coherent and interesting way.
My only query is, "What happens next???" (translation: buying all the rest of the series of 12)
January 21, 2020
More like 3.5 stars, because I still liked the story, but not as much as the first book. And it's still way better than about 90% of zombie fiction out there... but I didn't really appreciate the focus shift.
Book one was about survival in a world that went to hell in a hand basket. Survival made even more difficult because the protagonist was basically stuck due to his broken leg. Book two shifted from that towards finding out who done it and why. I'm not sure that really matters anymore though. Like Kim said, would knowing who did this change anything? The world still ended. The zombies are still everywhere. Knowing the blow by blow of how that happened won't change the future. Especially since we don't really learn what happened anyway. I guess that will be in the next book, right?
We also get multiple POVs added to the story as Bill meets more survivors. My problem with that approach is that the new characters are very black or white. They are either good and well developed, because we are meant to like them, or they are awful horribad human beings that are so one dimensional they are almost see-through. That's when the book stopped to be fun to read - after all you could see who would leave who behind to die almost from the moment they were introduced. If you don't care about a character, you can't be shocked by their betrayal.
I think if the book had continued to focus on survival and trying to rebuild some kind of life in a zombie infested England, I would have found it more interesting. As it stands, the book didn't answer any questions and didn't really add anything on the survival plan either. Yes, it might be in the next books in the series, but I don't think I'm interested enough to continue reading...
Book one was about survival in a world that went to hell in a hand basket. Survival made even more difficult because the protagonist was basically stuck due to his broken leg. Book two shifted from that towards finding out who done it and why. I'm not sure that really matters anymore though. Like Kim said, would knowing who did this change anything? The world still ended. The zombies are still everywhere. Knowing the blow by blow of how that happened won't change the future. Especially since we don't really learn what happened anyway. I guess that will be in the next book, right?
We also get multiple POVs added to the story as Bill meets more survivors. My problem with that approach is that the new characters are very black or white. They are either good and well developed, because we are meant to like them, or they are awful horribad human beings that are so one dimensional they are almost see-through. That's when the book stopped to be fun to read - after all you could see who would leave who behind to die almost from the moment they were introduced. If you don't care about a character, you can't be shocked by their betrayal.
I think if the book had continued to focus on survival and trying to rebuild some kind of life in a zombie infested England, I would have found it more interesting. As it stands, the book didn't answer any questions and didn't really add anything on the survival plan either. Yes, it might be in the next books in the series, but I don't think I'm interested enough to continue reading...
January 31, 2020
I enjoyed book one, its main focus upon isolation and Bill, trapped in London that had 'fallen' due to a zombie virus. Book two develops both the plot and characters. We learn more about Bill and new characters are introduced, while the zombie threat multiples.
There are secrets within secrets and further questions into 'why' that enhance the intrigue - very well done.
It's well-written and I love the first-person narrative, which gives true depth and emotion to the story.
Highly recommended
There are secrets within secrets and further questions into 'why' that enhance the intrigue - very well done.
It's well-written and I love the first-person narrative, which gives true depth and emotion to the story.
Highly recommended
November 15, 2021
Book 2 in the "Surviving the Evacuation" series. Bill is determined to find out more information on the virus and his immunity, and along the way meets some more survivors. Of course, some are not quite as nice as others. I think there were some missed chances for a bit more grittiness with Kim's story. Actually, this is actually one of the least down-and-dirty zombie series I've ever read. It's very step-by-step with not a lot of emotional range, yet I'm interested to see what Bill turns up in his investigation and what these other survivors are up to. I'll keep going for another book, at least.
March 15, 2023
It follows a somewhat similar formula to the first book. Bill, the protagonist is the second coming of MacGyver and is always able to get himself out of a situation. A few things happen throughout the story only to have a massive twist at the end.
September 12, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
Now the same as the first book but this one had a new character which sometimes we got the pov of. Kim was a breath of fresh air when Bill sometimes was a little too much.
The plot twist at the end was so unexpected maybe that is why they call it plot twists ahahahaha. I like this series just because it is such a different apocalypse book. Usually they go for only the learning to survive and stuff but this series goed also for the how it happend and why.
Looking forward to the next book😁
Now the same as the first book but this one had a new character which sometimes we got the pov of. Kim was a breath of fresh air when Bill sometimes was a little too much.
The plot twist at the end was so unexpected maybe that is why they call it plot twists ahahahaha. I like this series just because it is such a different apocalypse book. Usually they go for only the learning to survive and stuff but this series goed also for the how it happend and why.
Looking forward to the next book😁
October 31, 2018
Similar "problems" to the first in terms of the authors abilities but once again an eminently readable book despite its many flaws. Very tense ending as well with a group of characters the author really inspired me to hate.
I would add another frustration on top of the attempts to make the plot more than it needs to be. The author seems to "dodge" really dark or emotional moments this is down, I'm assuming, to his limited skill but this is frustrating all the same.
Still I will be purchasing the next.
I would add another frustration on top of the attempts to make the plot more than it needs to be. The author seems to "dodge" really dark or emotional moments this is down, I'm assuming, to his limited skill but this is frustrating all the same.
Still I will be purchasing the next.
July 25, 2014
This is the second book of the series. The main character, Bill, is starting to take responsibility for the things that are happening around and to him. He was the one who mAde up the evacuation plan. Then it went all wrong. Now he has other survivors to look after. A teenager and a baby and Kim. This book delves more into Bill's psyche and how he perceives the situations they are in. I recommend this book and this series.
January 7, 2018
Second reading!
I originally gave this 4 stars due to the bad proof reading. However, it was good enough for me to read a second time and still enjoy so it got that last star back :)
I originally gave this 4 stars due to the bad proof reading. However, it was good enough for me to read a second time and still enjoy so it got that last star back :)
April 7, 2015
Not as strong as the first. Some of the plot feels shoehorned in, and the hijinks are a little less plausible, which was one of the strengths of the first book. Still eminently readable and has me listening out for un-identified noises in the night.
Must stop reading zombie novels after dark.
Must stop reading zombie novels after dark.
December 29, 2015
It was better than the first one. More characters were definitely necessary.
I do like Kim a lot, and the girls too.
The plot with the others, though... so stupid and boring.
And the "twist" at the end, it was just so Darth Vader.
I wanted to like this series. So far, I can barely tolerate it.
I do like Kim a lot, and the girls too.
The plot with the others, though... so stupid and boring.
And the "twist" at the end, it was just so Darth Vader.
I wanted to like this series. So far, I can barely tolerate it.
November 18, 2014
This story continues to keep me enthralled. I will definitely keep reading.
February 9, 2023
This is the second time I've read this book, and it has only gotten better with the revisit. I discovered details I'd missed the first time around, subtly woven into the text. A lot more action this time around, but no complaints here! Very excited to re-read the third installment.
The book opens on Bill discovering that he is not the only survivor of the zombie apocalypse ravaging the world -- but the new arrivals seem to think that Bill is worth more with a hole in his head than an addition to the team. It takes several hours for him to navigate the hedge maze hiding him from the duo with the sniper rifle, but he eventually makes it to the house. Armed with an axe and aided by the shooters' prisoner, a furious woman named Kim, he takes out the very first -- but definitely not the last -- threat of this book. They claim the spoils of victory but quickly discover that, since they can't stay here, they have to leave most of it behind. Such is the struggle of biking.
Twice the people doesn't mean surviving becomes half as difficult. New problems arise, compiling on top of the stress of simply staying alive, but these two troopers brute-force their way through the ravaged English countryside. Before they know it, they've added two members to their ramshackle group: teenager Annette and infant Daisy. Within a few days, they find a large yellow truck (which makes more noise than any of them expected) and rescue five people trapped at a farm. The exhausted survivors return to the place that the first book ended on: Brazely Abbey.
Unfortunately, that noisy yellow truck attracted more attention than they expected, and they remain trapped at the sanctuary. The majority of the planted vegetables and fruit trees are outside the walls of safety, being trampled by far more zombies than even a group of nine can handle. Though there is a well, negating a need for water, they find themselves with enough food for perhaps two weeks.
Tensions rise quickly, skyrocketing when the new arrivals find and read Bill's first journal -- the first book in this series. The farm crew is furious with Bill and blame him for the disastrous evacuation and the vaccine. They manage to put aside their differences (somewhat - Bill can still cut the tension with a knife) and plan an escape. Though Bill insists on going to Lenham Hill and finishing what he inadvertently started, he is quickly overruled with a new plan to find a boat on the Thames and ride the current to the coast.
What happens next, Bill and Kim do not expect -- and cannot stop.
Be warned! This is a zombie book. There is a lot of violence and gore -- along with a scene that heavily implies that one character was assaulted. If these things make you uncomfortable, steer clear of this book. But if you like action and underdogs fighting against a world that demands their death, this is a great book. It is written in the style of a journal, marking days and times to keep everything nice and organized.
As the first book took place largely in Bill's apartment, with his broken leg wrapped in a plaster cast, it was very slow paced (though PACKED with tension). This book is a lot faster -- at times, I was holding my breath. I found that Daisy, the baby, seemed to be forgotten in places and was thrown in here and there to remind the audience that she existed, but all the other characters were quite fleshed out and realistic. I found myself quite frustrated with some characters and wished I existed in this world so I could yell at them for their stubborn singlemindedness. I found this only made them more believable.
Excellent work. I really enjoyed this book. Off to read book three (Family) now!
The book opens on Bill discovering that he is not the only survivor of the zombie apocalypse ravaging the world -- but the new arrivals seem to think that Bill is worth more with a hole in his head than an addition to the team. It takes several hours for him to navigate the hedge maze hiding him from the duo with the sniper rifle, but he eventually makes it to the house. Armed with an axe and aided by the shooters' prisoner, a furious woman named Kim, he takes out the very first -- but definitely not the last -- threat of this book. They claim the spoils of victory but quickly discover that, since they can't stay here, they have to leave most of it behind. Such is the struggle of biking.
Twice the people doesn't mean surviving becomes half as difficult. New problems arise, compiling on top of the stress of simply staying alive, but these two troopers brute-force their way through the ravaged English countryside. Before they know it, they've added two members to their ramshackle group: teenager Annette and infant Daisy. Within a few days, they find a large yellow truck (which makes more noise than any of them expected) and rescue five people trapped at a farm. The exhausted survivors return to the place that the first book ended on: Brazely Abbey.
Unfortunately, that noisy yellow truck attracted more attention than they expected, and they remain trapped at the sanctuary. The majority of the planted vegetables and fruit trees are outside the walls of safety, being trampled by far more zombies than even a group of nine can handle. Though there is a well, negating a need for water, they find themselves with enough food for perhaps two weeks.
Tensions rise quickly, skyrocketing when the new arrivals find and read Bill's first journal -- the first book in this series. The farm crew is furious with Bill and blame him for the disastrous evacuation and the vaccine. They manage to put aside their differences (somewhat - Bill can still cut the tension with a knife) and plan an escape. Though Bill insists on going to Lenham Hill and finishing what he inadvertently started, he is quickly overruled with a new plan to find a boat on the Thames and ride the current to the coast.
What happens next, Bill and Kim do not expect -- and cannot stop.
Be warned! This is a zombie book. There is a lot of violence and gore -- along with a scene that heavily implies that one character was assaulted. If these things make you uncomfortable, steer clear of this book. But if you like action and underdogs fighting against a world that demands their death, this is a great book. It is written in the style of a journal, marking days and times to keep everything nice and organized.
As the first book took place largely in Bill's apartment, with his broken leg wrapped in a plaster cast, it was very slow paced (though PACKED with tension). This book is a lot faster -- at times, I was holding my breath. I found that Daisy, the baby, seemed to be forgotten in places and was thrown in here and there to remind the audience that she existed, but all the other characters were quite fleshed out and realistic. I found myself quite frustrated with some characters and wished I existed in this world so I could yell at them for their stubborn singlemindedness. I found this only made them more believable.
Excellent work. I really enjoyed this book. Off to read book three (Family) now!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2018
My review of Wasteland can also be found here: Review of Wasteland by Frank Tayell
I loved this book as much as the first! This series really pulls you in! I really enjoyed how there was a bunch of changes Bill had to deal with and adjust to. It was interesting being in his head and reading about how he felt about those changes and how he was dealing with the adjustments. I also loved seeing more of his planning on where to go, how to get stuff, how to help save others, etc. He is pretty quick on his feet with improvising plans when needed. I'm impressed. I honestly don't think I'd have as quick of thinking as he does most of the time, especially with hordes of the undead right on my tail. Speaking of hordes, we actually get a number of hordes throughout the book.
The book description is definitely right when it says he discovers things more dangerous than the undead. You know what's more dangerous? Other humans. While not everyone becomes a cold, killing machine, there are some people that let that type of living and thinking overtake them. Bill encounters two of these people in the beginning when he's out riding on his bike looking for supplies, surveying the motorways, and determining his next moves. What's worse is these people he encountered not only were pure killing machines, but they also locked another human being up. Not bitten or infected in any sort. Just locked her up in chains just cuz they could. She didn't fit in with the thinking and instead of letting her leave, just locked her up. It really makes you wonder how far gone some people are when they will just kill anyone or lock up anyone just because they can, even in the middle of an apocalypse! Luckily Bill ends up being able to save the woman, named Kim, and she ends up being a big part of the story going forward. :)
One thing I have to say I liked was how Kim picked up with the journal writing when Bill was sleeping or unable to. She wrote out her parts of the story, how she helped him survive things. It was so cool seeing her do that because she knew Bill would want that and appreciate that.
Later on in the story Bill helps save another group of survivors, but they too seem to have ulterior motives. It never came out and showed it until the end of the book, but you could sense it. The way these people attacked Bill over his past work involving the evacuation plan, how they talked behind Kim & Bills back about escape plans, how they always seemed like they were trying to get rid of them or get them killed. They just gave me a bad feeling from the moment Bill brought them back to the Abbey and they proved it right. And I just knew what they did at the end in the escape from the Abbey was 100% sinister. They are definitely shady people.
I have to say, I was actually surprised a bit by the ending. For most of the book we see Bill thinking about how and when he'd get the chance to go to check out the facility where the virus was made, and stored. Eventually he does get there, but not for the reasons he originally was go for. Surprisingly, the lab was deserted save for one person who seemed to get there just weeks before Bill did. When this person started talking to Bill, I knew right away who he was. I wasn't expecting the twist in the story this person revealed. I had no inklings about what this person revealed but yet it does seem like it could possibly be true. I'm excited to see how this revelation plays out in the next book.
I loved this book as much as the first! This series really pulls you in! I really enjoyed how there was a bunch of changes Bill had to deal with and adjust to. It was interesting being in his head and reading about how he felt about those changes and how he was dealing with the adjustments. I also loved seeing more of his planning on where to go, how to get stuff, how to help save others, etc. He is pretty quick on his feet with improvising plans when needed. I'm impressed. I honestly don't think I'd have as quick of thinking as he does most of the time, especially with hordes of the undead right on my tail. Speaking of hordes, we actually get a number of hordes throughout the book.
The book description is definitely right when it says he discovers things more dangerous than the undead. You know what's more dangerous? Other humans. While not everyone becomes a cold, killing machine, there are some people that let that type of living and thinking overtake them. Bill encounters two of these people in the beginning when he's out riding on his bike looking for supplies, surveying the motorways, and determining his next moves. What's worse is these people he encountered not only were pure killing machines, but they also locked another human being up. Not bitten or infected in any sort. Just locked her up in chains just cuz they could. She didn't fit in with the thinking and instead of letting her leave, just locked her up. It really makes you wonder how far gone some people are when they will just kill anyone or lock up anyone just because they can, even in the middle of an apocalypse! Luckily Bill ends up being able to save the woman, named Kim, and she ends up being a big part of the story going forward. :)
One thing I have to say I liked was how Kim picked up with the journal writing when Bill was sleeping or unable to. She wrote out her parts of the story, how she helped him survive things. It was so cool seeing her do that because she knew Bill would want that and appreciate that.
Later on in the story Bill helps save another group of survivors, but they too seem to have ulterior motives. It never came out and showed it until the end of the book, but you could sense it. The way these people attacked Bill over his past work involving the evacuation plan, how they talked behind Kim & Bills back about escape plans, how they always seemed like they were trying to get rid of them or get them killed. They just gave me a bad feeling from the moment Bill brought them back to the Abbey and they proved it right. And I just knew what they did at the end in the escape from the Abbey was 100% sinister. They are definitely shady people.
I have to say, I was actually surprised a bit by the ending. For most of the book we see Bill thinking about how and when he'd get the chance to go to check out the facility where the virus was made, and stored. Eventually he does get there, but not for the reasons he originally was go for. Surprisingly, the lab was deserted save for one person who seemed to get there just weeks before Bill did. When this person started talking to Bill, I knew right away who he was. I wasn't expecting the twist in the story this person revealed. I had no inklings about what this person revealed but yet it does seem like it could possibly be true. I'm excited to see how this revelation plays out in the next book.
August 12, 2019
Quick and easy to read, this series by Frank Tayell would be a sprawing epic the size of Stephen King's The Stand if published as one book. It's broken into much smaller c200-page chunks though and works pretty well nonetheless.
Following the journal format of the first novel Bill is soon to discover, like Charlton Heston in The Omega Man, he is not the only human survivor.
As others have pointed out, this is not badly written but some editing would have helped massively. There is a long, long exposition in the middle which does not hold the attention well and there are times where Tayell seems to be trying too hard.
The passage where (and he's not alone, most Z-fiction authors are guilty of this) the lead character goes to some length to tell us – in a blaze of self-satisfied knowing smugness – how *this* zombie outbreak is not like it is in the movies.
Additionally, I appreciate that rationing took place before the outbreak which limits the availability of petrol and food but I cannot beleive to the extent described. Similarly there a desciptions of decay and the wild regaining urban environments which seem inlikely so soon after the collapse of society. It's much more realistically described by John Wyndham in Day of The Triffids.
Other parts are much more compelling: the killing of zombies is portrayed as much harder than the swift dispatch they are dealt in much other Z-media. I felt the passages describing the damage to vehicles which hit zombies was excellent too.
I will continue with the tale as it does end with a lot of story left untold. Whether I get to book 1§2 or not though, is still up for debate.
Following the journal format of the first novel Bill is soon to discover, like Charlton Heston in The Omega Man, he is not the only human survivor.
As others have pointed out, this is not badly written but some editing would have helped massively. There is a long, long exposition in the middle which does not hold the attention well and there are times where Tayell seems to be trying too hard.
The passage where (and he's not alone, most Z-fiction authors are guilty of this) the lead character goes to some length to tell us – in a blaze of self-satisfied knowing smugness – how *this* zombie outbreak is not like it is in the movies.
Additionally, I appreciate that rationing took place before the outbreak which limits the availability of petrol and food but I cannot beleive to the extent described. Similarly there a desciptions of decay and the wild regaining urban environments which seem inlikely so soon after the collapse of society. It's much more realistically described by John Wyndham in Day of The Triffids.
Other parts are much more compelling: the killing of zombies is portrayed as much harder than the swift dispatch they are dealt in much other Z-media. I felt the passages describing the damage to vehicles which hit zombies was excellent too.
I will continue with the tale as it does end with a lot of story left untold. Whether I get to book 1§2 or not though, is still up for debate.
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