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Fractured Reality

The Tyranny of Tomorrow

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In the heart of Sydney's Western Suburbs, a devastating virus has unleashed a wave of unprecedented violence, leaving the town in chaos. As the government struggles to regain control, the contagion spreads with alarming speed, triggering a global crisis. Amid the turmoil, Madeline, a quiet teenage girl, and Michael, the boy who captures her heart, are unexpectedly thrust together. Now they must navigate the treacherous landscape, racing against time to secure a safe haven for their families and friends. Faced with the relentless onslaught of the virus, they'll have to rely on their wits, courage, and the unbreakable bonds they forge in this high-stakes race for survival. `The Tyranny of Tomorrow’ is a fast-paced and thrilling first instalment in a gripping series that explores the resilience of youth, the imposition of responsibility and the meaning of humanity in the face of an unravelling world.

346 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 8, 2024

23 people are currently reading
808 people want to read

About the author

Magda Mizzi

7 books10 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
Profile Image for ❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books.
2,637 reviews11k followers
December 29, 2025
Can I fit one more zombie book in before the new year? Saw this one on Amazon as a recommendation so grabbed it. Here’s hoping it gives me that adrenaline rush I seek!

I had high hopes for this one, from the cover to the blurb..Others before me enjoyed this one..But sadly it wasn't for me..

This took me a while to get into, the writing style was choppy, jumped from one person's POV straight into the next, no warning, no page break, repeated words or sentences made it hard going so I pushed through using text to speech on my iPad. Otherwise it would’ve been shielded as dnf.

What I did like though is that the author didn’t shy away from giving vivid details in someone’s demise, no one was safe from her penmanship.

Plus they weren’t called zombies, same manifestations as a zombie, they bite, they spread the disease they don’t die, rinse and repeat the cycle carries on. They were called VFP’s.

At this stage I’m not inclined to carry on with this series.
Profile Image for Charlie .
83 reviews14 followers
October 4, 2025
Apocalypse books are my guilty pleasure, and this one was no exception. I was kindly sent this book to review a few days ago, and I ate it up. I have been so sick this week, and a lovely comforting apocalypse book was exactly what I needed 🙂‍↔️ It's not everyone's cup of tea, but if you're also into apocalypse/disaster books, then I would absolutely recommend this one for you!

There's just something about these books just hard to look away from. They have all their odds stacked against them, but there's always someone who survives, despite now living in a world clearly not meant for anyone to live in.

The Tyranny of Tomorrow is one of these apocalypse books, where they are left fighting for their survival after a virus outbreak mutated, and turned the infected violent. It is set in Australia, which I have to admit is the perfect location for an apocalypse book, because of how cut off it is from the rest of the world. We follow a couple teenagers that are forced to grow up over night, in order to save their growing group of survivors. They have to leave the only homes they're ever known, and head out on a journey in this new unforgiving world, hoping to find safety in a world where they're not sure it exists anymore.

I love following our group of survivors, and I can't wait to see what happens next. There's thankfully two more books in this series, so we won't have to say goodbye to them all just yet! Also side note I am so here for the sprinkle of romance, and they better have a happy ending at the end of this 🤺🤺
Profile Image for Jaimie.
512 reviews16 followers
September 10, 2025
Tyranny reminds me a lot of The Maze Runner when it comes to the writing style. It's not the best writing but the story itself pulls you in and keeps you interested. I really really enjoyed this one! At times it reminded me of The Walking Dead even though they aren't "zombies". They sure act like it though and I would have enjoyed it more if it was just zombies. But maybe it's more and we find that out in the next book.

It says this is YA but it has some very adult topics like rape. I don't read a lot of YA so I don't know if that's normal. But I was thinking this was a book I could read with my daughter in a couple years but it's one that will have to wait.

I really loved all the characters. I was sad when some didn't make it. It wasn't a book that made me overly emotional, I think because of the writing honestly, but that's ok! it was still really enjoyable.

Just a warning:

For anyone who gets triggered by the Covid lockdown, this book might not be for you. It is not specifically Covid related, but it is a mutation of the flu, so it's pretty much the same thing. lol. They are also in a lockdown in the book as well, wearing masks and all that. The only difference here being the grotesque side effects making you basically a zombie. VFP = violent flu patient is what they called them.

That's more or less just in the beginning and they talk about martial law a bit so if you can get past that, it is really good. It's a post-apocalyptic, fun read! Will I be continuing the series? Absolutely!

Thank you to Kelsey at Book Publicity Services for a free copy to review. All thoughts are mine and mine alone. :)
Profile Image for Ellen (the_plentiful_library).
242 reviews9 followers
October 2, 2025
The Tyranny Of Tomorrow is the first book in a YA dystopian series set in Sydney Australia. A super flu sweeps the nation turning those infected into crazed beings who hunt the uninfected and attack them.
Caught in the middle of it all are two teens Madeline and Michael. As they try to navigate this new apocalyptic world and get their families to safety a budding romance forms.

This one took me back to my teenage years reading the Tomorrow When The War Began series by John Marsden. I think today's teens will love this one too. There's romance, it's not shy on the gory details and it's a chance to read about kids their own age making big decisions for survival. The only let down for me was in the writing style, it changed character point of views sometimes multiple times in a page which took a bit of getting used to but overall I enjoyed the story.
Profile Image for Therearenobadbooks.
1,928 reviews102 followers
June 17, 2025
Here is a series perfect for fans of The Walking Dead, The Last of Us, World War Z, and YA coming of age, first love and taking responsibility for other's survival kind of story. We have a teen couple leading the group, saving the others from the nastiest actions and trauma, protecting kids and older people on a journey to survive. Book one is the star. The outbreak of the pandemic, the start of the end and the slow understanding of what the rules of the new world are going to be, how the disease spreads and how fast, how to avoid it, where is it safe to be... all the world building sets of rules. It's a slow start and doesn't offer much uniqueness in comparison with what was already done, but the characters are fun and the author already has two more volumes out which gives me hope that she will bring something that makes this series stand out more. The action scenes are well described, and I appreciate the size font of the paperback, making it an easy read. I am curious about the next volumes and will continue reading it at my own pace. I love Annie. She is my favorite character, a kid, but a very badass one who competed mixed martial arts, so she fights the VFPs (zombies/infected) like no other. She's awesome. There's light/first romance with the lead couple and some teen drama and issues like jealousy but very light because this is fast-paced, and there is no time to argue or be sad with hordes coming. Besides the infected, it's also dealing with the cruelty of the other survivors who become as nasty as the VFPs.
"Other people taking what's yours. That'll be your biggest problem."
Profile Image for Jamie.
487 reviews1 follower
June 18, 2025
4.75⭐️
Loved this story soo much, and so SUSPENSEFUL! You fall in love with the writing and the characters so much you actually start to feel for them in the moment. So much character development.
Only thing I have to say about it was that it reminded me a lot of the walking dead. Certain things were different, but the majority I feel like I can picture easily because I've seen it before.
Other than that it is a really gory, suspenseful ya story and I will be getting the next two to continue it.
3 reviews
July 21, 2025
LOVED THIS! This book is a fast-paced, emotionally charged novel that just grabs you. Set in a vividly imagined, post-collapse Australia, the story balances high-stakes survival with deeply personal character arcs that feel raw and real. I could literally see myself as the protagonists here.

What sets this book apart is its ability to combine the tension and danger of The Walking Dead with the emotional depth and connection of This Is Us. The characters are richly developed, and their relationships are at the heart of the story—every choice, loss, and moment of hope feels earned and impactful. The world-building is immersive, with the Australian setting offering a fresh, gritty landscape that feels both familiar and eerily transformed.

If you're looking for a dystopian novel that’s not just about the end of the world but about the people trying to live through it—flawed, brave, and heartbreakingly human—The Tyranny of Tomorrow is the one. A must-read that will stay with you long after the final page.
Profile Image for Jozie | Cozy Romantasy Reader.
183 reviews11 followers
August 28, 2025
The Tyranny Of Tomorrow is a fast-paced and emotional young adult thriller that will have you hooked from chapter one.

Australia has been under a strict lockdown due to the pandemic but something has changed and an alert has been sent out stating that the citizens are now under martial law. What the government hasn't mentioned yet, is that the virus has mutated, making people extremely violent and infecting others with as little as a scratch. Michael and Madeline are unaware of the dangers when they are both out searching for their younger brothers. They will come face-to-face with danger and the harsh reality that their childhoods are over.

This book hit the mark for me. We are instantly thrown into danger, and the feeling only gets worse. Whether it's VFPs (infected) or the cruel individuals who are taking advantage of the lack of authority, the characters never have a real sense of safety. That's what kept me flipping the pages: the feeling that something bad is going to happen, and I have to find out what. As the characters get a grip on this new reality they find themselves thrown into, they become more skilled at defending themselves, and we see more and more action. In this new world, the family that they have created is not safe and although this is obvious, it doesn't make the losses any less painful. Not going to lie, this book had me in tears. Finally, we have a whisper of romance between the two teenagers. Even under the circumstances, Michael and Madeline's romance is sweet and a bit awkward. In the beginning, I think they feel a bit guilty about their feelings when the world is falling apart around them and maybe unsure if their feelings are real or created from convenience.

I highly recommend The Tyranny Of Tomorrow if you're looking for a dystopian, coming of age novel.

coming of age • death • disease • dystopian romance • found family • grief • post apocalyptic • self discovery • virus
Profile Image for Rebecca.
32 reviews2 followers
October 25, 2025
I went into this book with no real expectations and ended up finishing it in under a day. The pacing is fast, the tension builds quickly, and I found myself completely drawn in.

Set in Australia, the story follows teens Michael and Madeline as they navigate a world where a virus is turning people into violent, rage driven attackers. The premise felt eerily familiar at times, especially in the early stages that echo parts of the COVID pandemic - though the direction this story takes is much more intense.

The writing creates a strong sense of atmosphere, and the stakes remain high throughout. It is told in third person and shifts between multiple points of view, which occasionally made it a little difficult to keep track of perspectives if I wasn’t fully focused. However, this didn’t stop me from wanting to keep reading.

I am giving this 4 stars rather than 5 because there were no trigger warnings included. While not graphic, the book does contain mentions and scenes involving harm to children. As a new mother, I found these particularly difficult and emotionally heavy. I understand that this is common in post-apocalyptic narratives, but I still would have appreciated a heads up.

Overall, I found the story compelling and engaging, and I was eager to see how everything unfolded. If you enjoy post-apocalyptic fiction or series like The Walking Dead, I think this is one worth picking up.
Profile Image for Miranda | _pandathebibliophile.
259 reviews28 followers
August 9, 2025
The Tyranny of Tomorrow takes place in Australia where a flu like virus that has the world in lockdown has suddenly mutated and caused infected people to become increasingly violent. As the apocalypse begins we follow Madison and Micheal, two teens, as they learn to navigate and survive this new world.

Despite the fact that the infected are not actual zombies, this felt very typical of many apocalyptic books/movies. I felt that there could be something more here to make it more unique to itself, however this did not deter me from enjoying the read. What was unique to me personally as someone from the United States, was the Australian setting. It was nice to see the apocalypse take place on the other side of the world for once.

The action in Tyranny of Tomorrow pops off right in the beginning. You are thrown straight into an onslaught of chaos as society begins to collapse. With the loss of loved ones early on, Micheal and Madison quickly have to grow up and toughen up to survive not only for themselves, but for their younger siblings as well.

The Tyranny of Tomorrow is a great YA dystopian novel setting up suspense for the next in the series. The emotional depth of the characters really makes you feel for them. A wonderful coming of age story in a society that is falling to pieces. Fans of a good apocalypse novel will love this.

Thank you to Kelsey at BookPublicityServices for this gifted copy. This is an honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Eclectic Review.
1,691 reviews5 followers
October 27, 2025
Holy cow! I haven’t been this enthralled with a book since Justin Cronin’s The Passage. Ms. Mizzi’s book is unsettling and perilous as two terrified and determined teens lead a group of desperate people across Australia to survive a post-apocalyptic world of chaos and danger. They all face the fear of what lurks around the corner. Panic, uncertainty. Foreboding. Regrets. Violent flu patients (VFPs). Martial law. Government bombings. The world as they know it is gone. The cost of survival is to kill or be killed. Would it ever end?

Madeleine is shy and reserved, kind, with an understated beauty and strength. She has a crush on Michael and fearlessly stands by his side, along with her younger brother, Patrick, and Michael’s younger brother, Oscar.

Michael, once a popular and likable bad boy, self-exiled after his mother’s suicide, is brave and holds himself together despite the devastating responsibility and guilt he feels to protect everyone at all costs. His burden of impending adulthood weighs heavily on him as he develops into a remarkable leader.

There’s an attraction between Michael and Madeleine that grows as they work together to survive the horrors of a world gone wild. They were so different once, but now they find strength in each other. They are fearless and supportive as they grow up quickly amidst an unknown outcome.

Aunt Rachel, who has lost almost everyone in her family, finds hope with Michael and Madeleine in charge. Amara is a doctor, while Doug is an older man with valuable advice and skills. Annie is a brave young girl who is protecting her siblings.

This fast-paced book features short chapters and ominous, engaging prose highlighting the growth and courage of both Michael and Madeleine amidst the terrifying pursuit of angry, insatiable creatures intent on spreading the horrible virus to everyone on the planet. Will anyone survive? I’ll have to wait until the next installment.

I highly recommend this gripping, dystopian tale that had me devouring it late into the night.

Thank you to Ms. Mizzi for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

For more of my reviews, visit The Eclectic Review.
Profile Image for Sierra.
172 reviews2 followers
October 17, 2025
I was graciously sent a copy of this book without ever hearing about it or the author before. I figured why not, I always go into books blind anyways so why not try out another new author. Let me just say, I really enjoyed this book.

The Tyranny of Tomorrow by Magda Mizzi takes place in Australia and is basically a zombie apocalypse book, but with a twist. After a virus left everyone in lock down for the last couple of months, a new aggressive strain mutated. This new highly contagious virus changed its host into extremely angry, aggressive people.

Honestly, I really enjoyed this book. It was a great twist on a typical zombie apocalypse story. I really enjoyed most of the characters and felt sorry for them. If you like zombie books, I do highly recommend this book, and I will be continuing onto book two on my own.
Profile Image for Kim Becker (MIDDLE of the Book MARCH).
325 reviews274 followers
August 16, 2025
*** I received this book for review from Book Publicity Services.***

This is the YA “zombie” adventure of Michael and Madeleine. The story is set in Australia and details events that come immediately after the spread of a plague flu that causes humans to become violent disease spreaders. Michael and Mads grow up fast while also navigating growing feelings for each other.

The book is action packed and fairly gory; FYI. The story kept me reading and I became invested in the characters. The books is almost identical to The Walking Dead so if you like that series you may like this story. However some of the dialogue and thoughts in the book don’t match the characters’ personalities or the context of the story. Some of the story arcs are a little clunky. Still, it was a fun read.
Profile Image for CrescentFiction.
37 reviews10 followers
October 12, 2025
The Tyranny of Tomorrow is a dystopian fantasy centred around a coming of age story within a gruesome world. It takes place in Sydney (as an Australian, this was a very exciting prospect) as a violent virus erupts and turns the world into a living nightmare.

From the very beginning, this book had my attention. It wasted no time delving into the violence and chaos of a virus stricken world. After living through COVID, the concept of lockdowns and outbreaks hits closer to home, making the story all the more frightening.

The characters were well thought out, forming an alliance and travelling through dangerous scenarios in search of a safe haven. The story questions the idea of morals in a collapsed society, and the horrors of humanity. However, due to the point of view this book is written in, I did find the narrative style confusing at times.

I highly recommend anyone considering reading this book to check the trigger warnings. It is listed as a YA read, but it does explore some sensitive and mature themes.

Overall, if you’re a dystopian fan, someone who enjoyed The Walking Dead or any gruesome post-apocalyptic story, I’d definitely recommend this book! Thank you so much to Kelsey from Book Publicity Services for sending me a copy of this book!
Profile Image for Kelly Rose.
97 reviews3 followers
August 8, 2025
This is a fast paced novel! Like omg will it have you on the edge of your seat the entire time! I was always a fan of resident evil with a virus outbreak and I knew this would be something I wanted to read! Not only do the characters have a little teenage romance going on through the book but also they are running and fighting for their lives against not only the virus but other people also! The way Madeline and Michael become responsible for their friends and family through out the book is really touching because they are so young and I just love the connection those two have! I wasn’t expecting it to be so suspenseful and gripping but I mean this book is the best of all worlds! Looking forward to the second book!
Profile Image for Sheila's Bookshelf .
434 reviews4 followers
Read
July 30, 2025
🆈🆁🅰🅽🅽🆈 🅾🅵 🆃🅾🅼🅾🆁🆁🅾🆆
By Magda Mitzi

Wow! This YA post apocalyptic book was amazing and I ended up loving it more than I anticipated.

It takes place in Sydney Australia where a flu-like virus has people in lock down, but suddenly it is causing people to change and become violent and deadly.

From the first chapter there is action and tension which makes it impossible to put down.
It's a high stakes survival story with an unforgettable character arc, and four teens are at the heart of it.

Magda's writing is vividly descriptive and you can visualize the landscape of Australia and what people are going through like a movie in your head

Tyranny of Tomorrow is a coming of age story in a society that is crumbling that will have you glued to the pages until the end. It has emotional depth, survival strategies and 4 teens who have lost everything.

I think this series will be a fantastic edition to anyone's library.
Profile Image for Karis Clements.
79 reviews8 followers
September 3, 2025
Absolutely loved this post-apocalyptic read and it gripped my attention from the very first chapter. The Tyranny of Tomorrow is the first book of a series, and we follow teenager Madeline and Michael, the boy who has captured her heart, I also enjoyed how it had a romance aspect. I loved how this book was set in Australia and Magda Mizzi’s writing is fast-paced and evocative, immersing you in this story and making you feel like you cannot put this book down. If you are looking for a great YA dystopian thriller, I highly recommend this one.
Profile Image for Meghen.
151 reviews
September 18, 2025
Yes, this is another pandemic/apocalyptic book; however, it quickly distinguishes itself from the rest of the books in this genre. This is also a story of found family.

Here, we have a flu that is spread by body fluids and is rampaging Australia. Once someone is infected, the don't die. Instead, they become a VFP (violent flu patient). VFP's seek out victims to bite and spread the disease. They often travel in packs and are attracted to noise.

We are introduced to two families, initially: siblings Maddie and Patrick, and John, whose children are Michael and Oliver. After rescuing their younger brothers from VFPs, Maddie and Patrick band together. This group of five has a plan to stay with a family member who lives on a remote farm. Along the way, others are added to their group.

Unfortunately, due to grief, inability to make decisions, and fatigue, Maddie and Patrick, both high school students, become the leaders of this "family."

From there, we go on a journey. Will the group make it to the family member's house? Who will be caught by a VFP?

We see how the Australian government reacts to the pandemic. Also, who among the group is able to rise to the occasion and what sacrifices need to be made.

I thought this book was fantastic. It is the first of a trilogy and I cannot wait to find out what happens next! 5/5 stars.

I received a gifted copy of this book from Book Publicity Services. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Kasey.
50 reviews3 followers
October 17, 2025
Thank you to Kelsey from Book Publicity Services for gifting me a copy of this book! When I heard about its premise and how it is set in Sydney, as a big fan of dystopian novels and science fiction, I was genuinely intrigued. The story is well-paced and I enjoyed the character development as the story unraveled. I admit there were some parts where I felt like I was losing interest, but overall this was a thrilling read.
Profile Image for Sarah King-Brown.
123 reviews3 followers
September 4, 2025
A big thank you to @bookpublicityservices and @magsmitzi for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review of the book.
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The Tyranny of Tomorrow is the first in Fractured Reality Series. It follows Michael and Madeline as they learn to navigate a new world after a devastating virus was unleashed. The story reminds me of covid lockdowns and I’m sure thats what Magda was going with. I felt like I was walking the streets of Penrith with her. One question I definitely have is why did Michael and everyone try to go up and over the mountains via the Great Western Highway rather than the Bells Line of Road. There was a couple of times where I was confused on who was the focus of the chapter.
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Something that I find interesting about Zombie books is the fact that Zombies are relying on those who are not infected to be able to infect them. What happens when the world is completely infected? What happens then? Magda explains how the infection spread through the community.
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Otherwise a good start to the series and I’m intrigued in how Magda continues the series.
Profile Image for David.
195 reviews7 followers
July 22, 2025
This is the first book in a series, set in the western suburbs of Sydney, Australia. It follows an apocalyptic story centered around a flu virus that turns its victims violently aggressive. The two main characters, Madeline and Michael, must navigate this dangerous new world while protecting their families and friends. The challenges they face force them to grow up quickly, showing incredible resilience in the face of chaos.

The majority of the book keeps you on the edge of your seat, filled with tension and fast-paced action, though there are moments of slower pacing that allow for character development and reflection. This is a gripping introduction to the series—I can’t wait to see what happens in Book Two.
Profile Image for Erika.
136 reviews
September 18, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. Michael and Madeline are likeable, easy characters to root for.

The pacing was more steady than building to a climax, but it worked for this story. Some of the really gut wrenching stuff happened early on which made the pacing feel a litrle strange, but it kept me invested and I wanted to know what happened next. The writing also wasn't always smooth, but it wasn't something clunky that I couldn't get into the story.

This is definitely not a lighthearted read, but I liked it a lot and will definitely get the sequel when I have a chance, as the cliffhanger here was intense. 🫠🫠

Thanks to Book Publicity Services for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for a review!
1 review
July 22, 2025
This post-apocalyptic novel really sticks with you. It's not just about survival—it’s about what happens to people when the world they've always known is gone. The writing pulls you into a bleak, broken landscape, but it’s the characters that make it feel real. They're flawed, tough, and trying to hold onto something human.

The story moves at a good pace, with enough tension to keep you turning pages, though it does slow down here and there. Still, it’s thoughtful and raw in a way that feels honest. If you like stories that explore both the collapse of society and the strength it takes to keep going, this one's worth reading.
117 reviews1 follower
August 30, 2025
I really enjoyed this one! I don't read much of dystopia, but when I do, I'm rarely disappointed. This had so much suspension, I was obsessed with the characters and all that they had to go through. This YA coming of age book was fast-paced and set in Australia. I loved it.
Profile Image for Lauren Vick.
159 reviews10 followers
August 13, 2025
Survival is key in this post apocalyptic, fast-paced novel. Violence is high and the government is having trouble keeping up with the contagious virus rapidly spreading. As the pandemic rocks the globe, those who aren’t contagious try to survive.
6 reviews5 followers
September 30, 2025
This was a book gifted to me which is not my usual read, but I must say that I actually enjoyed it. This was such a suspenseful read! It's a great coming of age story that keeps you wanting to read and really got me invested in the characters. Did give me Walking Dead vibes, and I loved that.
Profile Image for Emily Barnes.
1 review1 follower
March 22, 2025
LOVED!! This is a fast paced, action packed novel! I found it impossible to put down. I loved the characters, and their
development over such a short span of time.

I also enjoyed reading a post-apocalyptic novel set in Sydney, and the Blue mountains area which I know and love.

I really like the depth into the survival strategies, as well as, the realistic scenarios and how these factor into the characters decision making and ability to survive. I think this adds a level of realism which is sometimes lacking in novels of this genre.

I had the opportunity to meet Madga at the sydney book fair last year, and she was so captivating that I purchased both of the novels currently released in this series. I think she has has a clear for survival and apocalyptic novels.

I think this series will definitely be a fantastic read, i’m looking forward to the next one!
Profile Image for ReadwithMae.
31 reviews1 follower
August 15, 2025
Thank you so much to book publicity services for reaching out and to Magda Mizzi for gifting me a copy of her amazing book,

(all opinions are my own)

Before I read this I had actually NEVER read a post apocalyptic novel,( which is insane I know)

And this did not disappoint!

The Tyranny of Tomorrow is a thrilling young adult post apocalyptic novel set in NSW after a flu like pandemic infecting the city suddenly mutates and begins turning carriers violent and zombie like. The story follows two teenagers Madeline and Michael, suddenly dealing with extreme loss and huge responsibility thrust on them as the world collapses around them. carrying the weight of being responsible for the survival of a group of people including young children, whilst also battling with their moral compass as they kill to keep themselvessafe from the virus. The story is not only filled with high stakes action but raw and deep character arcs.

I thought it was very well written, such great use of language devices, especially imagery (So incredibly vivid) and really good pacing, so suspenseful and so fast paced. As an Australian It was really cool to read something set in Australia, I don’t see that very often. And it actually made it scarier to read, because I had been to some of the locations.

The characterisation and character development was soooooooo good even though it occurred in such a short amount of time. I loved all of the main characters so much and they grew so much throughout the novel, especially Michael and Madeline, the growth was incredible to read and they just felt so real. By the end of the book, Iwas so emotionally connected to them that I couldn’t put it down because I just needed them to be okay. All characters are so well developed and their relationships take as much of a center stage as the action.

It did take me a while to get into it (it was a little slow to begin with, but there was essential world building) but mainly because I’ve just been CRAZY busy (year 12 is no joke). But when I finally had the time to, I absolutely devoured the last 200 pages in one sitting. I could not put it down, it was so addictive.

I highly recommend checking out Magda Mizzi's work, she's an incredible Australian Indie author from NSW, and she is actually an English teacher! And shoutout to her for the level of research she put into this,because believe me I can tell, the survival strategies, the science behind the virus, everything is so complex and well researched.

This series is a completed trilogy, so if you are interested in reading a new dystopian series, I’d recommend!!!
Profile Image for Shanni-Lea.
183 reviews
September 7, 2025
First impressions 💭
I was really excited to jump into the Tyranny of tomorrow! I have a not so secret addiction to apocalyptic and post apocalyptic movies / shows and books. This one following the journey of two teenagers through a pandemic, was also nostalgic of one of my favourite books as a teen - tomorrow when the war began.

What I Loved ❤️
- The story was pretty consistently fast paced, quickly moving the plot along while the characters faced the virus and all the challenges that unfolded with it.
- The plot definitely gave me vibes of “the walking dead” and the harsh reality of what it would be like in a situation like this.
There’s interesting commentary on morality, and what becomes of humanity when forced into life and death situations without guidance and leadership.
- It was suspenseful and at times a heart pounding adrenaline rush of action and adventure.

What wasn’t for me 👎🏻
- It needs a list of trigger warnings at the start, something I hope will be rectified in the future. Obviously knowing that it is a post apocalyptic novel based on a type of virus, you are expecting a certain level of violence and gore.
But things that are worth mentioning that can be quite triggering for some people include witnessed sexual assault and mention of rape. As well as what I would consider graphic depictions of infant death and the death of children on numerous occasions.
- This being 100% just a personal opinion, I prefer reading books that are either first person or third person limited. I find it much easier to connect with characters with that style of writing, and in depth character arcs and development are essential for me personally to connect to and enjoy a book.
The tyranny of tomorrow is third person omniscient - meaning that in any given chapter it can switch between multiple characters views / thoughts and feelings. This style of narrative just wasn’t for me personally.

Final verdict ⭐️
While I enjoyed the plot and the premise of the storyline and book, and was entertained enough to keep reading - the writing style was not for me personally.
But I would still recommend it to anyone who enjoys apocalyptic and post apocalyptic worlds and the action, adventure and high stakes that this genre brings. Especially if you enjoy reading third person narrative!
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40 reviews
November 9, 2025
Book: Tyranny of Tomorrow
Author: Magda Mizzi
Rating: 3.75/5 stars (Rounded to 4)

If you’re a fan of suspenseful dystopian or apocalyptic series, then Tyranny of Tomorrow would be just the book for you!
It is the first book in the Fractured Reality series, and it was both a fast-paced and high-stakes story.

Tyranny of Tomorrow follows the story of main characters Madeline and Michael, who both live in Australia and find themselves wrapped up living in a world that is taken over by a deadly virus. After the virus spreads much quicker than it is able to be controlled, the world falls into chaos, and the main characters Madeline and Michael are forced together. They each have the responsibility of survival for themselves and others, protecting their loved ones, and navigating the new world that they now live in. With the violence and chaos ever-increasing, the story that follows is one of survival, horror, and hope.

I thought that Tyranny of Tomorrow was a well-written apocalyptic book. It didn’t shy away from showing how dire situations can change both scenarios and those within the scenarios. Since the stakes are so high, it makes for both an emotional and suspenseful story.
The characters are constantly trying to avoid danger - both from the infected and others who are taking advantage of the lack of proper authority and laws in the new world. Right from the first page, readers are thrust into the action and the gripping aspect that had me curious to find out what happened next from chapter to chapter.

I thought that the difficult situations that Madeline and Michael faced were written in a way that was captivating - although I don’t envy them in the slightest. They both had emotional depth to them and had something to fight for, which kept the hope within them alive.

Tyranny of Tomorrow is a YA book, but there were some heavier scenes and topics in the book. I would advise readers to read content warnings beforehand, especially those within the YA age range.

Thank you to Book Publicity Services for sending me a copy of Tyranny of Tomorrow to read and review.
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