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The Undead #8
The Undead Day Eight
A deadly infection spreads across Europe.
The Undead Series: A terrifying account of one man desperately struggling to survive this harrowing event.
Day Eight and the struggle continues into week two of The Undead Series....
The Undead Series: A terrifying account of one man desperately struggling to survive this harrowing event.
Day Eight and the struggle continues into week two of The Undead Series....
ebook
First published December 5, 2012
44 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
R.R. Haywood
94 books1,239 followers"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.
"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.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 9, 2018
the bad guy aka Darren found his mate. Boring and boring
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2013
Following my review on The Undead: The First Seven days I figured I'd share my thoughts on the next instalments too, though these will be shorter individually based on the shorter nature of the stories.
As I mentioned in my previous review, Haywood matured and learnt as he wrote the first 7 days, something you can clearly see with each chapter. Day 8 is a vast improvement. I was curious to see if the author could continue to hold the attention of the reader given the climactic events at the end of day 7.
I had so many questions and expectations. And that's a good thing right? Had the characters been fully explored? Was there any back story to them left to be uncovered? What would the plague do next? How would the survivors keep going considering the slim chance for long term survival? What would Howie do next?
Well day 8 doesn't exactly deliver on all those questions but it makes a pretty damn good start, enough for me to want to get day 9 as soon as possible - downloaded on my kindle and ready to go as I write this.
A part of me expected a sort of lull, or backtrack to day 8, a bit like watching part 2 of a trilogy, where instead of picking up right at the peak of the action at the end of the first movie it starts slow and steady and drags the audience to yet another climax.
Day 8 is kinda like that. It does start in a calm fashion, more or less. But only because that's a natural pause after the last stand. However, it actually picks up immediately after the end of day 7. No softly, softly bullshit. You're right back there with Howie, Dave and the recruits, sweaty, bloody, tired and working on their next plan.
I was pleased to see no more weird titles for the chapters "Extract from Howie's diary" and instead a clear and easy to follow switch from Howie to Smithy (aka the mind of the plague) which is way better and cleaner than the previous days 1-7. And it works very well too. The characters are by now well established and it only takes a few words or a sentence to know who we're with when a new chapter starts.
Haywood has kept it simple this time, with only 2 character POV. I hope that if we get to see things from Dave's perspective it's not a third person thing like before, but inside his head, first person, up close and personal. I can only hope.
Day 8 has a slower pace, but that's okay, good in fact, because the reader needs a break from the chaos to gather their thoughts and relax, much the same way the characters do. I sense better plotting in this one, as if Haywood knows where he's going, or has a better sense of his path compared to the occasional "flying by the seat of his pants" sections in days 1-7.
But hey, that's no bad thing either! Pants writing can be a big rush though sometimes that excitement felt by the writer isn't always translated well into understandable narrative structure or a plot that makes sense.
It was refreshing to see Smithy's POV. The "plague" as a sentient being/virus has been set aside. Good job too. We get it now. The virus can think. Continuing with the constant "plague" reference would have been tiring so I'm glad to see Haywood evolving the story beyond that to Smithy, thinking and figuring things out without referring to every other zombie and the world wide hive mind.
I felt the plot gears grind a couple of times with obvious twists that will have an impact later on. Again, this is no bad thing as it hints at the long story rather than a bunch of mad short sprints.
Once again it was a page turner, and I was annoyed to finish it so fast - but that makes me happy! Keeps me wanting more.
Only one minor irritation - Smithy's inner thoughts were considerably more violent and angry than before. There's a lot of swearing. Not that I'm easily insulted or put off by such language, the f-word is my favourite word at the moment! In days 1-7 the plague felt and showed anger but it came across in more profound and acute manner compared to Smithy in day 8. Smithy understandably feels angry for reasons I won't state here so I won't spoil things for you, good reader.
Less is better. A few key f***'s here and there at the right time can have a huge impact on how a reader views a character and experiences a situation. But when it's f*****g f****r every few other sentence the impact is severely reduced. The reader tends to tune out certain words, almost skipping over them as they become numb or used to words that should have dramatic impact as they did in the previous 7 days.
That aside I've really enjoyed getting to know Smithy the zombie. It's nice to see him enjoying his new found dead life and the humour flows nicely, if quite dark at times. And I especially liked the interesting twist near the end - again, not giving it away, you'll have to read it to find out.
So, to conclude, good continuation of a solid roller-coaster ride, better paced, better laid out, improved narrative, good POV and again it left me wanting more.
Looking forward to Day 9!
As I mentioned in my previous review, Haywood matured and learnt as he wrote the first 7 days, something you can clearly see with each chapter. Day 8 is a vast improvement. I was curious to see if the author could continue to hold the attention of the reader given the climactic events at the end of day 7.
I had so many questions and expectations. And that's a good thing right? Had the characters been fully explored? Was there any back story to them left to be uncovered? What would the plague do next? How would the survivors keep going considering the slim chance for long term survival? What would Howie do next?
Well day 8 doesn't exactly deliver on all those questions but it makes a pretty damn good start, enough for me to want to get day 9 as soon as possible - downloaded on my kindle and ready to go as I write this.
A part of me expected a sort of lull, or backtrack to day 8, a bit like watching part 2 of a trilogy, where instead of picking up right at the peak of the action at the end of the first movie it starts slow and steady and drags the audience to yet another climax.
Day 8 is kinda like that. It does start in a calm fashion, more or less. But only because that's a natural pause after the last stand. However, it actually picks up immediately after the end of day 7. No softly, softly bullshit. You're right back there with Howie, Dave and the recruits, sweaty, bloody, tired and working on their next plan.
I was pleased to see no more weird titles for the chapters "Extract from Howie's diary" and instead a clear and easy to follow switch from Howie to Smithy (aka the mind of the plague) which is way better and cleaner than the previous days 1-7. And it works very well too. The characters are by now well established and it only takes a few words or a sentence to know who we're with when a new chapter starts.
Haywood has kept it simple this time, with only 2 character POV. I hope that if we get to see things from Dave's perspective it's not a third person thing like before, but inside his head, first person, up close and personal. I can only hope.
Day 8 has a slower pace, but that's okay, good in fact, because the reader needs a break from the chaos to gather their thoughts and relax, much the same way the characters do. I sense better plotting in this one, as if Haywood knows where he's going, or has a better sense of his path compared to the occasional "flying by the seat of his pants" sections in days 1-7.
But hey, that's no bad thing either! Pants writing can be a big rush though sometimes that excitement felt by the writer isn't always translated well into understandable narrative structure or a plot that makes sense.
It was refreshing to see Smithy's POV. The "plague" as a sentient being/virus has been set aside. Good job too. We get it now. The virus can think. Continuing with the constant "plague" reference would have been tiring so I'm glad to see Haywood evolving the story beyond that to Smithy, thinking and figuring things out without referring to every other zombie and the world wide hive mind.
I felt the plot gears grind a couple of times with obvious twists that will have an impact later on. Again, this is no bad thing as it hints at the long story rather than a bunch of mad short sprints.
Once again it was a page turner, and I was annoyed to finish it so fast - but that makes me happy! Keeps me wanting more.
Only one minor irritation - Smithy's inner thoughts were considerably more violent and angry than before. There's a lot of swearing. Not that I'm easily insulted or put off by such language, the f-word is my favourite word at the moment! In days 1-7 the plague felt and showed anger but it came across in more profound and acute manner compared to Smithy in day 8. Smithy understandably feels angry for reasons I won't state here so I won't spoil things for you, good reader.
Less is better. A few key f***'s here and there at the right time can have a huge impact on how a reader views a character and experiences a situation. But when it's f*****g f****r every few other sentence the impact is severely reduced. The reader tends to tune out certain words, almost skipping over them as they become numb or used to words that should have dramatic impact as they did in the previous 7 days.
That aside I've really enjoyed getting to know Smithy the zombie. It's nice to see him enjoying his new found dead life and the humour flows nicely, if quite dark at times. And I especially liked the interesting twist near the end - again, not giving it away, you'll have to read it to find out.
So, to conclude, good continuation of a solid roller-coaster ride, better paced, better laid out, improved narrative, good POV and again it left me wanting more.
Looking forward to Day 9!
July 22, 2013
I had to write something about this series because, for me, it has been some time since I have devoured books in one of my favourite genres. Since posting this originally as read I have also read days 9 to 12 with similar ferocity and enjoyed every twist, turn, introduction to new characters and demise of existing ones. If you love zombie books you will absolutely adore this series. At the end of each day the author just leaves you with such a great sense of expectation and excitement that I personally cannot wait to see what happens next.
February 22, 2019
I just about enjoyed the first book (the first seven days) enough to want to read this one. However, that was with some hope that the story would become a bit more interesting. I got about halfway through this book and had to give up (which is a very rare thing for me to do, I always try to finish a book even if I'm not really enjoying it). I just found the story very boring, I found some of the characters irritating (and the ones who weren't irritating were just a bit boring) and I couldn't take Darren's chapters seriously, they were laughable. I also found the writing style quite boring and repetitive. However, a lot of people seem to have enjoyed this book so I think the style just isn't for me.
August 18, 2024
The Undead Day Eight
The Undead #8
Sci-Fi
R.R. Haywood
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
• ꜱᴍᴀʀᴛ ᴢᴏᴍʙɪᴇꜱ • ᴛʀᴀᴘꜱ • ɢʀɪᴇꜰ •
Not much really happened in terms of plot progression in this book. There were a couple of important events but mostly it was Howie and his group searching for the women and children that were sent to an island for safety.
The pacing was good and The Infection is still evolving and making Darren even stronger as the days go by.
I love the banter the main group of characters have. It really shows the bond between them all and how well they work together.
It was a bit weird when Darren created another "super zombie" by accident but I suspect it was planned by The Infection.
The ending was a little underwhelming for me
The Undead #8
Sci-Fi
R.R. Haywood
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
• ꜱᴍᴀʀᴛ ᴢᴏᴍʙɪᴇꜱ • ᴛʀᴀᴘꜱ • ɢʀɪᴇꜰ •
Not much really happened in terms of plot progression in this book. There were a couple of important events but mostly it was Howie and his group searching for the women and children that were sent to an island for safety.
The pacing was good and The Infection is still evolving and making Darren even stronger as the days go by.
I love the banter the main group of characters have. It really shows the bond between them all and how well they work together.
It was a bit weird when Darren created another "super zombie" by accident but I suspect it was planned by The Infection.
The ending was a little underwhelming for me
November 13, 2025
It’s rather crazy and gets a little bit ridiculous in some ways, even for a zombie apocalypse fiction. But it’s also very engaging and the characters, well, I’m very invested in them. I loved day 1-7 and love where this is going. Looking forward to reading more of the journey. Only reason I knocked off one star is the last chapter or two just felt a little too ridiculous and quick of an introduction to a new character.
January 19, 2026
The last couple books of this series have been much slower in comparison to the others :( I’m still going to carry on with the series but I am now finding myself not churning through it like I once was. I know a zombie apocalypse in itself is considered a far fetched idea but there have been some scenes thrown around in this which I’m sorry MAKE NO SENSE. I guess anything can happen in an apocalypse but zombie sex scenes were not on my bucket list🤣
August 29, 2018
This was very entertaining although I think one should be past part 13 or 14 to fully understand some of the characters. I'm really not looking forward to getting to the last part. This was like a dessert after dinner.
October 12, 2019
Darren is really getting on my wick now, I hope Howie, Dave and co get rid of him soon. His new recruit is also going to be a problem I think! Bring on Day 9!
July 13, 2021
Loved it
August 9, 2021
I don't adore this series but it's quite entertaining and easy listening
September 25, 2021
Found myself skimming a lot, waiting for something to happen.
June 19, 2023
I love how we meet Marcy 😘
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2024
Another instalment of the Undead series. I love a bit of dystopian fiction and the characters in the books are great.
October 25, 2025
ZOMBIE SMUT
August 12, 2016
Let's start this review off with a big WOW! The Undead series is nothing short of amazing. I read the entire thing in a mere four days and was sad to see it end. It shocked me to find the series has yet to be picked up.
RR Haywood spins a tale of Mr. Howie, a night shift grocery worker as he fights off the wretched undead and meets some pretty awesome people along the way. Howie first teams up with Dave, a fellow co-worker at the store. Dave is a killing machine, methodical and devoid of social grace, it came as no shock when he revealed having Asbergers. His dry demeanor mixed with Howie's witty humor makes for some pretty deadpan comedy.
Joined by rookie soldiers Cookey, Blowers and Nick the comedy continues as they each dish out witty barbs. Each character is fully developed and believable. It's evident in the writing that a lot of thought went into creating them and the dynamic they bring to the group. Along the way, many more people are introduced. I won't go into their details, since that's the fun part about reading, but I will say they were each written just as well as the others.
Despite the never ending battle to survive, Howie and company continue in their mission to secure a safe haven for refugees. Destruction never ceasing to knock down their doors, the action is non-stop.
These aren't your garden variety zombies. They are a collective, pushed onward by an infection portrayed as an entity all it's own. The infection morphs and evolves in it's single minded goal to wipe out humanity. The undead aren't interested in eating its prey, it's only desire to spread the infection.
There are zombies of all shapes and sizes. Slow and lumbering, fast and vicious, thinking and plotting, seducing, vengeful...you name it, they've got it. The one thing they have in common is the red eyes. Lucky for the eyes or survivors would be completely fubar. The infection itself is original. It allows what could have ended up long and drawn out to keep me on the edge of my seat and never bored.
The Undead series is an ever changing, exciting work of fiction that will keep readers glued to the pages from start to finish. With it's terror, humor, unique story and likable characters, it is sure to be a huge hit with the masses.
Important note: This series is not for the feint of heart. In addition to the blood and guts, there is a lot of bad language (most of it pretty hilarious) and a few sexually explicit scenes that may be shocking to some. I appreciate the authors show of restraint as he did not harp on the uncomfortable moments. Oh, and spiders...lest we not forget the spiders. Haywoods description of poor Paula as she is stalked by an eight legged terror had me squirming in my seat and making noises of fear and disgust, followed promptly by a full body check and scan of my surroundings to ensure I, too, was not about to be attacked.
Visit www.bookie-monster.com to read my entire review.
RR Haywood spins a tale of Mr. Howie, a night shift grocery worker as he fights off the wretched undead and meets some pretty awesome people along the way. Howie first teams up with Dave, a fellow co-worker at the store. Dave is a killing machine, methodical and devoid of social grace, it came as no shock when he revealed having Asbergers. His dry demeanor mixed with Howie's witty humor makes for some pretty deadpan comedy.
Joined by rookie soldiers Cookey, Blowers and Nick the comedy continues as they each dish out witty barbs. Each character is fully developed and believable. It's evident in the writing that a lot of thought went into creating them and the dynamic they bring to the group. Along the way, many more people are introduced. I won't go into their details, since that's the fun part about reading, but I will say they were each written just as well as the others.
Despite the never ending battle to survive, Howie and company continue in their mission to secure a safe haven for refugees. Destruction never ceasing to knock down their doors, the action is non-stop.
These aren't your garden variety zombies. They are a collective, pushed onward by an infection portrayed as an entity all it's own. The infection morphs and evolves in it's single minded goal to wipe out humanity. The undead aren't interested in eating its prey, it's only desire to spread the infection.
There are zombies of all shapes and sizes. Slow and lumbering, fast and vicious, thinking and plotting, seducing, vengeful...you name it, they've got it. The one thing they have in common is the red eyes. Lucky for the eyes or survivors would be completely fubar. The infection itself is original. It allows what could have ended up long and drawn out to keep me on the edge of my seat and never bored.
The Undead series is an ever changing, exciting work of fiction that will keep readers glued to the pages from start to finish. With it's terror, humor, unique story and likable characters, it is sure to be a huge hit with the masses.
Important note: This series is not for the feint of heart. In addition to the blood and guts, there is a lot of bad language (most of it pretty hilarious) and a few sexually explicit scenes that may be shocking to some. I appreciate the authors show of restraint as he did not harp on the uncomfortable moments. Oh, and spiders...lest we not forget the spiders. Haywoods description of poor Paula as she is stalked by an eight legged terror had me squirming in my seat and making noises of fear and disgust, followed promptly by a full body check and scan of my surroundings to ensure I, too, was not about to be attacked.
Visit www.bookie-monster.com to read my entire review.
March 1, 2017
very close to not bothering to finish.
Not much to it, and if you took out the cursing, it would be about half the size. Maybe the author was trying to set a record or something.
Not much to it, and if you took out the cursing, it would be about half the size. Maybe the author was trying to set a record or something.
September 7, 2016
This audio book was part 8 and related to day 13 so there are spoilers in this review.
I really liked this episode; it picks up after Howie and Marcy get back to the fort. I don't want to give too much away, but there are 2 awesome new characters - Paula and the chap with the bow and arrows (who I want to call Reg but I know that's wrong so I'll maybe come back and edit this later). They were fantastic. I really hope they stay in the team.
In this episode, Maddox and his crews join up with Howie to help defeat the organised, militarised zombie army. The ending did seem a little predictable, but I can't wait for the next instalment!
I really liked this episode; it picks up after Howie and Marcy get back to the fort. I don't want to give too much away, but there are 2 awesome new characters - Paula and the chap with the bow and arrows (who I want to call Reg but I know that's wrong so I'll maybe come back and edit this later). They were fantastic. I really hope they stay in the team.
In this episode, Maddox and his crews join up with Howie to help defeat the organised, militarised zombie army. The ending did seem a little predictable, but I can't wait for the next instalment!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2016
Either that was really short or I was reading super fast! That Day (Day 8) went SO quickly!
So much happened it feels like a blur...another amazing instalment. Plenty of action, plenty of laughs and each time one of our fallen is mentioned my heart tugs...
Also, I hate Darren...that is all.
Addition to the Zompoc kit...erm: BOAT!
So much happened it feels like a blur...another amazing instalment. Plenty of action, plenty of laughs and each time one of our fallen is mentioned my heart tugs...
Also, I hate Darren...that is all.
Addition to the Zompoc kit...erm: BOAT!
August 19, 2022
Day 8: Zombie Leader & His GF.
The last few episodes of this series have included chapters from the point of view of the zombie ‘leader’. This has been my least favourite instalment of the series so far, mostly due to the very aggressive language from one of the characters.
Hopefully the swearing and the crude and inappropriate language will ease up soon, otherwise I may drop this series.
The last few episodes of this series have included chapters from the point of view of the zombie ‘leader’. This has been my least favourite instalment of the series so far, mostly due to the very aggressive language from one of the characters.
Hopefully the swearing and the crude and inappropriate language will ease up soon, otherwise I may drop this series.
August 27, 2013
I enjoyed the first 7 days; but day 8 seems very hastily put together and not very well thought out. Not much of a storyline and a bit boring really.
July 18, 2014
What preparation and what a battle loved it
October 16, 2024
Short and sweet.
Was definitely a filler book following the ending to the Day 7’s battle, but still enjoyable.
Only giving it 3 stars because not a great deal happened.
Was definitely a filler book following the ending to the Day 7’s battle, but still enjoyable.
Only giving it 3 stars because not a great deal happened.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews