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Reset: SFV-1 Series - BOOK THREE
‘If one person goes out there and gets bitten, the whole place could collapse within hours.’
Danger, deception and devastating decisions set the stage in this final part of the UK post-apocalyptic SFV-1 trilogy.
The rage virus pandemic marches on, though Norah and her friends are behind safe walls at last. Within The Moors community there is peace to be found, but how long can this happy state of affairs continue?
In a secret bunker in Surrey, Larry Farnsworth's great Reset consortium is fast-tracking the plan to reclaim the country, with Julian Sweet a key player. In the North, Flint and his Berserkers are determined to stay independent of any restrictive new laws for as long as possible.
‘It's a luxurious prison that we walked into of our own accord. Everything you could possibly need within walking distance. All you need if you're a robot, anyway.’
Danger, deception and devastating decisions set the stage in this final part of the UK post-apocalyptic SFV-1 trilogy.
The rage virus pandemic marches on, though Norah and her friends are behind safe walls at last. Within The Moors community there is peace to be found, but how long can this happy state of affairs continue?
In a secret bunker in Surrey, Larry Farnsworth's great Reset consortium is fast-tracking the plan to reclaim the country, with Julian Sweet a key player. In the North, Flint and his Berserkers are determined to stay independent of any restrictive new laws for as long as possible.
‘It's a luxurious prison that we walked into of our own accord. Everything you could possibly need within walking distance. All you need if you're a robot, anyway.’
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 29, 2023
3 people are currently reading
About the author
Terry Tyler
34 books584 followersI am self-published with thirty books on Amazon. Most recently I've published the first two books in my Revenge series, Served Cold and So Shall Ye Reap. More to come!
Other recent releases include Safe Zone, a dystopian/post-apocalyptic thriller. It follows on from the SFV-1 series (Infected, Darkness and Reset), but is completely stand-alone, so can be read as a story within itself.
I love watching and reading anything to do with history, post apocalypse, dystopian scenarios, anthropology, mountaineering and polar exploration. Big Walking Dead fan.
Favourite writers: Gemma Lawrence, Kate Mary, Blake Crouch, Deborah Swift, Carol Hedges, Douglas Kennedy, John Boyne, Deborah Moggach, Judith Arnopp, Jon Krakauer, Phillipa Gregory, John Privilege, Zeb Haradon, Dylan Morgan, Kate Atkinson, Norah Lofts, Dorothy Parker, Bill Bryson, PJ O'Rourke, Ann Swinfen, Keith Blackmore, Frank Tayell.
Other recent releases include Safe Zone, a dystopian/post-apocalyptic thriller. It follows on from the SFV-1 series (Infected, Darkness and Reset), but is completely stand-alone, so can be read as a story within itself.
I love watching and reading anything to do with history, post apocalypse, dystopian scenarios, anthropology, mountaineering and polar exploration. Big Walking Dead fan.
Favourite writers: Gemma Lawrence, Kate Mary, Blake Crouch, Deborah Swift, Carol Hedges, Douglas Kennedy, John Boyne, Deborah Moggach, Judith Arnopp, Jon Krakauer, Phillipa Gregory, John Privilege, Zeb Haradon, Dylan Morgan, Kate Atkinson, Norah Lofts, Dorothy Parker, Bill Bryson, PJ O'Rourke, Ann Swinfen, Keith Blackmore, Frank Tayell.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 23, 2023
After reading the two previous short novels in the SFV-1 series (Infected and Darkness), I had to keep going to know how it all ended. And it was quite a ride.
At the end of Book 2 (Darkness), we got a hint of the plans to rebuild the country (the UK, although it seems likely that other countries were doing similar things as well) following the debacle caused by the virus SFV-1. We all have recent experiences with pandemics in mind, but, thankfully, those didn’t turn people into zombies without even killing them first. If there was chaos due to COVID-19, it doesn’t bear thinking about what something like this might bring (although we have quite a few series and books to give us some ideas).
In this third novel, we follow many of the characters we already knew to their new destinations and I can tell you that not all of them do well. The system implemented in the new settlements creates a social order of sorts, dividing people up into categories according to some previous personality/attitude tests. Without elaborating too much on it, I’ll say that questioning the established order and asking probing questions don’t endear people to the leaders running the show. And, those who have read the previous two books will know that some of the protagonists aren’t the type to keep their mouths shut and simply go along with what they are told.
The chapters alternate the points of view of many of the characters we already know, and we keep on learning things that were not always evident about them (although some we might have suspected for quite a while). There are losses, there are episodes of revenge, rebelliousness, cowardice, betrayal, and all the gamut of emotions possible. We also get to see things from perspectives that are uncomfortable and scary, but they make the narrative even more gripping and disturbing. Many of the chapters are narrated in the first person, but there are some narrated in the third person, and that is consistent for the same characters throughout the series, so it is not a cause of confusion. It is clearly marked as well, and it allows us to appreciate and identify more with some of the characters, and, at least in my case, those are my favourites (even if I don’t always agree with them).
All of the novels are filled with adventures and there is not a dull moment, and this one is no exception. Although things seem to have settled somewhat and there is a big change in the circumstances of many of the characters when the book starts, there are all kinds of things happening from the very beginning; we get to learn a lot about how everything is run, and even though there are low and dark moments, the protagonists have grown and gained in resilience and determination thanks to the ordeal, and they keep going and doing whatever is necessary.
I really enjoyed this novel. I suffered and felt bad for some of the characters, I cheered at times, I got angry at some of the things they had to go through, and I enjoyed the ending. Well... Almost, because there is an epilogue. And I won’t go into any details, of course, not to spoil the story.
So, my warnings are pretty much the same as before. As would be expected, there are scary scenes, there are violent scenes, and there is the occasional bad language (quite funny at times too). I mentioned the first-person narrative (I think that adds rather than detracts from the story, but I know that is a subjective reader thing). The main warning or piece of advice is that, as the author explains all through the books, this is a series, and the books should be read in the right order. The author always includes a recap for those who might have read the other novels a while back, and it is detailed enough to jog one’s memory, but yes, do read the novels in the right order to enjoy not only the story but also the characters’ development, because the author excels at both. Oh, and the author’s note at the end promises a change of direction. And I, for one, I’m eager to see what is coming up next.
Just to summarise: Read them all and read them now. And enjoy.
I thank the author for providing me with an ARC copy of this book, which I freely chose to review.
At the end of Book 2 (Darkness), we got a hint of the plans to rebuild the country (the UK, although it seems likely that other countries were doing similar things as well) following the debacle caused by the virus SFV-1. We all have recent experiences with pandemics in mind, but, thankfully, those didn’t turn people into zombies without even killing them first. If there was chaos due to COVID-19, it doesn’t bear thinking about what something like this might bring (although we have quite a few series and books to give us some ideas).
In this third novel, we follow many of the characters we already knew to their new destinations and I can tell you that not all of them do well. The system implemented in the new settlements creates a social order of sorts, dividing people up into categories according to some previous personality/attitude tests. Without elaborating too much on it, I’ll say that questioning the established order and asking probing questions don’t endear people to the leaders running the show. And, those who have read the previous two books will know that some of the protagonists aren’t the type to keep their mouths shut and simply go along with what they are told.
The chapters alternate the points of view of many of the characters we already know, and we keep on learning things that were not always evident about them (although some we might have suspected for quite a while). There are losses, there are episodes of revenge, rebelliousness, cowardice, betrayal, and all the gamut of emotions possible. We also get to see things from perspectives that are uncomfortable and scary, but they make the narrative even more gripping and disturbing. Many of the chapters are narrated in the first person, but there are some narrated in the third person, and that is consistent for the same characters throughout the series, so it is not a cause of confusion. It is clearly marked as well, and it allows us to appreciate and identify more with some of the characters, and, at least in my case, those are my favourites (even if I don’t always agree with them).
All of the novels are filled with adventures and there is not a dull moment, and this one is no exception. Although things seem to have settled somewhat and there is a big change in the circumstances of many of the characters when the book starts, there are all kinds of things happening from the very beginning; we get to learn a lot about how everything is run, and even though there are low and dark moments, the protagonists have grown and gained in resilience and determination thanks to the ordeal, and they keep going and doing whatever is necessary.
I really enjoyed this novel. I suffered and felt bad for some of the characters, I cheered at times, I got angry at some of the things they had to go through, and I enjoyed the ending. Well... Almost, because there is an epilogue. And I won’t go into any details, of course, not to spoil the story.
So, my warnings are pretty much the same as before. As would be expected, there are scary scenes, there are violent scenes, and there is the occasional bad language (quite funny at times too). I mentioned the first-person narrative (I think that adds rather than detracts from the story, but I know that is a subjective reader thing). The main warning or piece of advice is that, as the author explains all through the books, this is a series, and the books should be read in the right order. The author always includes a recap for those who might have read the other novels a while back, and it is detailed enough to jog one’s memory, but yes, do read the novels in the right order to enjoy not only the story but also the characters’ development, because the author excels at both. Oh, and the author’s note at the end promises a change of direction. And I, for one, I’m eager to see what is coming up next.
Just to summarise: Read them all and read them now. And enjoy.
I thank the author for providing me with an ARC copy of this book, which I freely chose to review.
September 8, 2024
Book 3, concluding this series of a zombie apocalypse, begins with a great summation and wrap-up by the author of the previous two books to refresh the mind of the very many goings ons. We will learn about how this evil virus continues to rage on and how incredibly, those who haven’t been bitten manage to survive.
A few years have now past and the characters who remain have all managed to survive in their little built up communities, knowing well how to go out armed when scavenging for food or supplies. There’s only one way to kill ‘the bloods’, the term used for those bitten and can only thrive by killing humans for their own consumption. A knife to the head is the only way to end them.
The so-called army has begun knocking on doors calling for people to come join the government led community rebuild project, where they will all be given lodgings and provisions until the country can set itself straight. A barricaded system of avenues has been sectioned off in parts of the country to create new living conditions and be protected from the many zombies that still roam the country. But they are no army, but part of a bigger more sinister plan all in the name of power. But who is behind this ‘new army’ – Julian Sweet. Sweet was a Youtuber influencer before dystopia hit the country, now second in command to re-settle the country, handing him power on who gets to live on what level of the ‘avenues’. When everyone is allotted to their new home destinations, not all are happy, especially the ones in Zone D.
Zone D is the lowest level of living with the most menial of jobs and artist Norah is stuck there because she fought this hostage-like new living by being unagreeable to the interrogation. But some escape, like her old love Brian, and her recent love Todd. Eventually, Norah makes her escape through the woods and encounters a new group of people – The Berserkers, who stand their own ground and won’t be bullied into being taken to the ‘avenues’. From there, she finds a new community working to build their own community, while building barricades and always having someone on watch for the ‘bloods’. They stay hidden from the ‘armies’too. And while life is reaching somewhat of a breathing point there, chaos is ensuing on the ‘avenues’ and there are many sightings by the Berserkers of people and bloods heading toward the south of the country. Will Norah and the Berserkers remain safe through the massive exodus? You’re going to have to read to find out!
This was a riveting series from Tyler. The series was sewn up thrillingly. And despite there being many characters in this story, I found it exciting to follow them all without getting lost. And the end, well, it’s typical Tyler. It left me to wonder and imagine what next? Is there going to be more after the southern exodus? Maybe. I feel like Terry Tyler might be writing a book 4?
A few years have now past and the characters who remain have all managed to survive in their little built up communities, knowing well how to go out armed when scavenging for food or supplies. There’s only one way to kill ‘the bloods’, the term used for those bitten and can only thrive by killing humans for their own consumption. A knife to the head is the only way to end them.
The so-called army has begun knocking on doors calling for people to come join the government led community rebuild project, where they will all be given lodgings and provisions until the country can set itself straight. A barricaded system of avenues has been sectioned off in parts of the country to create new living conditions and be protected from the many zombies that still roam the country. But they are no army, but part of a bigger more sinister plan all in the name of power. But who is behind this ‘new army’ – Julian Sweet. Sweet was a Youtuber influencer before dystopia hit the country, now second in command to re-settle the country, handing him power on who gets to live on what level of the ‘avenues’. When everyone is allotted to their new home destinations, not all are happy, especially the ones in Zone D.
Zone D is the lowest level of living with the most menial of jobs and artist Norah is stuck there because she fought this hostage-like new living by being unagreeable to the interrogation. But some escape, like her old love Brian, and her recent love Todd. Eventually, Norah makes her escape through the woods and encounters a new group of people – The Berserkers, who stand their own ground and won’t be bullied into being taken to the ‘avenues’. From there, she finds a new community working to build their own community, while building barricades and always having someone on watch for the ‘bloods’. They stay hidden from the ‘armies’too. And while life is reaching somewhat of a breathing point there, chaos is ensuing on the ‘avenues’ and there are many sightings by the Berserkers of people and bloods heading toward the south of the country. Will Norah and the Berserkers remain safe through the massive exodus? You’re going to have to read to find out!
This was a riveting series from Tyler. The series was sewn up thrillingly. And despite there being many characters in this story, I found it exciting to follow them all without getting lost. And the end, well, it’s typical Tyler. It left me to wonder and imagine what next? Is there going to be more after the southern exodus? Maybe. I feel like Terry Tyler might be writing a book 4?
December 29, 2023
As always a gripping and thought provoking novel from Terry Tyler that evokes an emotional response and a respect for human resilience.
Having read the previous two books in this series, I was keen to find out what would come next for the main characters who had survived the initial infection and the harrowing aftermath. It was not only the infected that these survivors had to worry about, but the increasing number of gangs of humans intent on taking what they needed at any cost.
There was also a third factor to be considered and that was the efforts of what government forces were left to eradicate the threat and bring the population into areas they could control. They offer security, food and a future but is there a heavy cost to pay for this promise?
The individuals left from the first two books share their own stories as they attempt to live safely in communities around the country. It requires constant vigilance and also bravery to face the daily threat from the infected roaming the countryside, and at times to step outside of previous socially accepted behaviour to use violence to survive.
As the move begins to bring the various communities together in government run strongholds, another threat rears its head. That of freedom and the loss of basic human rights, given to some but not to the majority who form the new and strictly inforced ‘service industry’. This leads to some dangerous and often fatal decisions to go it alone.
Terry Tyler masterfully ties up loose ends, and during the frightening and rapid escalation to the climax of the book, many of the characters discover their limits of endurance and face the consequences of their past actions.
There is light in the darkness with friendship, love and solidarity between survivors, heroism and sacrifice and the emphasis on the strength of the human spirit. At the end of the day it is all about the people around you, who will either bring you down or lift you up. As always I am very happy to recommend a book by this author.
Having read the previous two books in this series, I was keen to find out what would come next for the main characters who had survived the initial infection and the harrowing aftermath. It was not only the infected that these survivors had to worry about, but the increasing number of gangs of humans intent on taking what they needed at any cost.
There was also a third factor to be considered and that was the efforts of what government forces were left to eradicate the threat and bring the population into areas they could control. They offer security, food and a future but is there a heavy cost to pay for this promise?
The individuals left from the first two books share their own stories as they attempt to live safely in communities around the country. It requires constant vigilance and also bravery to face the daily threat from the infected roaming the countryside, and at times to step outside of previous socially accepted behaviour to use violence to survive.
As the move begins to bring the various communities together in government run strongholds, another threat rears its head. That of freedom and the loss of basic human rights, given to some but not to the majority who form the new and strictly inforced ‘service industry’. This leads to some dangerous and often fatal decisions to go it alone.
Terry Tyler masterfully ties up loose ends, and during the frightening and rapid escalation to the climax of the book, many of the characters discover their limits of endurance and face the consequences of their past actions.
There is light in the darkness with friendship, love and solidarity between survivors, heroism and sacrifice and the emphasis on the strength of the human spirit. At the end of the day it is all about the people around you, who will either bring you down or lift you up. As always I am very happy to recommend a book by this author.
January 17, 2024
Tyler’s greatest strength as a writer, and she has many, is her development of character. Because she takes her time with her characters, and you go on this journey with them through all the danger and heartbreak they suffer, you really feel like you are there, as part of the team. It can be dangerous to get attached to Tyler’s characters, since anyone can and will die, but rooting for them is inescapable. You’re with your favourites all the way. (And wanting to find out what happens to those you don’t like is quite compelling too!)
I think what I find most interesting about Tyler’s books in general, and this series in particular, are the questions that she raises. Tyler plunges into the darkest parts of the human condition in many of her books, developing characters who are amoral, devious and so broken that they’ve shattered, but she also portrays characters who offer hope, people who act out of love, courage and the best of humanity. Even the best of her characters have flaws, which makes them believable and relatable, but along with these representations of the best and the worst, and their journey, there are questions which are presented by the writer and are offered to the reader, and it is up to us to answer them for ourselves. I like books that make me think, stories which leave me mulling on themes and questions raised for days after, and this series left me with much to ponder, such as who the monsters really are, the rage-infested zombies or the people we live with, and see every day? Is anger the element that can destroy our world, or is it ignorance, or compliance? But in Reset what came to me most strongly was that there is a price to be paid for freedom, and a price for safety, but the real question is, which will steal your humanity?
Terry Tyler is a truly gifted writer, and this series is one of her best so far. There are hints at the end that more books might follow in this series, and I hope that will be the case because I enjoyed these books immensely, but any time this author brings out a book, I’ll buy it! She is that good.
I think what I find most interesting about Tyler’s books in general, and this series in particular, are the questions that she raises. Tyler plunges into the darkest parts of the human condition in many of her books, developing characters who are amoral, devious and so broken that they’ve shattered, but she also portrays characters who offer hope, people who act out of love, courage and the best of humanity. Even the best of her characters have flaws, which makes them believable and relatable, but along with these representations of the best and the worst, and their journey, there are questions which are presented by the writer and are offered to the reader, and it is up to us to answer them for ourselves. I like books that make me think, stories which leave me mulling on themes and questions raised for days after, and this series left me with much to ponder, such as who the monsters really are, the rage-infested zombies or the people we live with, and see every day? Is anger the element that can destroy our world, or is it ignorance, or compliance? But in Reset what came to me most strongly was that there is a price to be paid for freedom, and a price for safety, but the real question is, which will steal your humanity?
Terry Tyler is a truly gifted writer, and this series is one of her best so far. There are hints at the end that more books might follow in this series, and I hope that will be the case because I enjoyed these books immensely, but any time this author brings out a book, I’ll buy it! She is that good.
March 11, 2024
gripping, thrilling and totally absorbing.
I love Terry Tyler’s style of writing. Absolutely one of my favourite authors.
Once I picked up book one of this series, I had that strong need and desire to see what happens next. From chapter one, of book one, right through to the very last
Sentence in book three!
The characters are brilliantly described, so much so that it was easy to put yourself in the shoes of each of them. The goodies and the baddies, as well as the in-betweeners. Those you love and those you hate, each having their own reasons for behaving as they did. I understood them all.
Brilliantly written, wonderfully descriptive and thrilling. If you want an insight into how easy it would be for the world as we know it to fall apart, pick up book one and find out! You will be glad you did.
I love Terry Tyler’s style of writing. Absolutely one of my favourite authors.
Once I picked up book one of this series, I had that strong need and desire to see what happens next. From chapter one, of book one, right through to the very last
Sentence in book three!
The characters are brilliantly described, so much so that it was easy to put yourself in the shoes of each of them. The goodies and the baddies, as well as the in-betweeners. Those you love and those you hate, each having their own reasons for behaving as they did. I understood them all.
Brilliantly written, wonderfully descriptive and thrilling. If you want an insight into how easy it would be for the world as we know it to fall apart, pick up book one and find out! You will be glad you did.
December 8, 2023
A really good read & a fitting finale to what has been an excellent trilogy.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews