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Delio, Phase Two

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The most original AI novel of our timeWashington Post, Wall Street Journal, Amazon & Audible bestselling author, RR Haywood. One of the most downloaded indie authors in the UK with over four million books sold and more than 35 Kindle bestsellers.

For nearly two days, every human on Earth has been frozen by Delio’s brutal Phase One. Sunstroke, rats, and rot are setting in. In London, Alfie and his fractured team must cross a collapsing UK to reach the European kill switch. In New York, Tripal races toward Site 26A, the only other way to stop the system.

But something is wrong. Phase One hasn’t progressed, and time is running out. What was meant to save humanity now risks destroying it. As Alfie and Tripal push deeper into chaos, nothing is what it seems. And with every step, a darker question is Delio still in control?

From RR Haywood, the author of the worldwide bestselling Extracted, and The Code trilogies, and the phenomenal Undead Series - DELIO PHASE TWO continues this blockbuster adventure

726 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 2, 2025

291 people are currently reading
48 people want to read

About the author

R.R. Haywood

94 books1,231 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.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for Mrs Christie Jones.
6 reviews
July 6, 2025
Woah, one hell of a read

I enjoyed Delio phase one but loved phase two! Funny as always but so thought provoking too. For those like me who have already devoured the many many books written by RR Haywood this book enlightened us to the links with his other books and I found myself self getting giddy at the teasers particularly the ending.
Seriously though this was a brilliant book and I loved every minute of it. I can’t wait for the audio version to be released so I can enjoy it all over again.
23 reviews
July 31, 2025
It’s difficult to rate this one.

I love RR Haywood, I’ve literally read everything he’s written and loved them all in various forms. Delio phase 2 is different, some of it for the better others I’m not sure.

When first settling in I was getting ready to be taken on a Luther wild ride and always delighted to see a 700+ page book, much longer than usual.

The characters are lovable and flawed, the thinking behind the story is amazing. You have to marvel at where the brain has gone to link the wonderful and the absurd and made it one brilliantly woven tapestry.

That’s said, there are some parts that really pulled me out of the story. Early on, I couldn’t get the similarities between Alfie and Maddox (IYKYK) out of my head and that is where they settled. There are multiple nods to the other books and where I normally enjoy this I felt on this occasion there were perhaps too many. Finally Deli as the Old Lady and Tripal as the leader of Freedom, although they made sense I wasn’t a fan of. I’d have preferred a truly independent tale allowing DISCO to run its own course. Finally, I think it was a little long- I know I know I said I liked it being longer. What I mean here is I feel that parts weren’t as tight as they usually are, which took away from the more gripping elements of the story
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for LISA HAWSEY.
50 reviews2 followers
November 23, 2025
RR Haywood has done it again!

If you've read any of Haywood's many books, you know his writing is genius. I've read them all. Most-more than once. Many-multiple times.
Delio Phase Two is not only in keeping with the genius of Mr. Haywood's writing and his incredible characters, but it's also heartfelt and often times laugh-out-loud funny. I reread Delio Phase One just before reading Phase Two and remembered how smart RR would have to be in order to write about an AI. But seriously, I'm truly convinced Haywood must be an actual genius because normal people don't think like he does. I've read hundreds of wonderful books by great authors, but none blow me away like this time after time. The incredible knowledge this man has in order to write the off-the-wall, intelligent, futuristic, often funny, sometimes sad, and always unbelievably believable books and characters is astonishing.
He knows policing (because he was a cop), computers, and coding, yet knows how to write the most endearing characters.
Not only do I want you to read these two Delio books, but go back and read the Extracted trilogy (my all-time favorite books ever in the history of my book reading) and well really ALL of his other books as well. There's often a fun little nod to the other books that you just don't want to miss!
10 reviews
January 6, 2026
RR Haywood

Been an avid fan of Richard from covid era and been on a long journey with him trawling through his penned imaginations.
And all I can say is wow and thank-you. Not read any of the new fan creation ones I believed recently released as of yet. But likely I will!
But I have read every series and to think back when I first picked up Undead book one and shortly met Howie and Dave I was coming off the back of being fed up with Game of Thrones a books when you simply need to take notes of the characters back stories and generations! I said to a few people at the time there is no way I am picking up another trilogy anytime soon!
And the next book I picked up Undead book 1, feels like I went 40 odd books deep!
Worldshop code series and extracted were great, and the one offs great too, not so sure about the big zombie bird one with the council men running stuff, but Delio!
Book one had me hooked and hopefully this follow up isn't the end. I think there is a few more laps to be run mate.
Keep it up fella and thank you.
52 reviews1 follower
July 15, 2025
How does he do it every time!?

I love this author! I have read all of his books and rave about him to everyone.
If you haven't read any yet, it doesn't matter where you start (well, except at the beginning of each series), but you can do it in any order. Extracted, the undead, worldship humility. Basically, you will find they all integrate somehow.
Great writer. I always wait before I read a new book that's out because I know I'll be hooked, and it'll be over before I know it, then I'm gutted because it's finished.

So, about delio phase two. If you're reading this review, you must have read phase one.
This was not how I expected it to go. Definitely, a jaw drop and added excitement at the end. If you're a true RR haywood groupie, you will get it. If you're new, you'll be curious. Amazing writing, great story as always. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Matt Schroeder.
19 reviews
September 12, 2025
Brilliantly uneven, but still brilliant.

Honest, spoiler-free review: I didn't like Phase Two as much as Phase One, and a lot of that has to do with the meat of Phase One cribbed and copied into Phase Two. It's unnecessary bloat, but it also showcases the brilliance of Phase One, in both idea and execution. It's a quality that overshadows Phase Two, which is sometimes gripping to the point of ripping through dozens of pages, only to hit a screeching halt of exposition that drags it down.

Better analogy: Phase One was 'The Matrix,' and Phase Two is 'The Matrix Reloaded.' one was perfect, while the other was really good, but felt overstuffed and complicated.. IYKYK.

I would read Haywood if he wrote the phone book (Google it, kids), but sometimes you hit all the X names and struggle to get the pronunciation right.
72 reviews
July 27, 2025
Outstanding

Finding an author who creates original, intelligent and witty work is a very good thing. Finding one who does all that and produces a real page turner is great.

RR Haywood does it with bloody knobs on! His characters are incredibly well rounded and relatable (even Ollie) his plotting and pace are wonderful and how he manages to juggle the threads that drag the reader on at breakneck speed is beyond me.

The ending was a little abrupt, but I can see that it couldn't really have been any other way and, perhaps, leaves an opportunity for book 3? I hope so.
4 reviews
October 11, 2025
Good but not Harwood best

The idea for this story is really impressive. Phase one was more gripping and more interesting than phase two. It was also more believable as phase two had some monologues and dialogues that showed AI being really thick. However funny it was not beleavable. The book has similar characters to the undead series which for a fan is a good thing but for a reader can get repetitive and maybe boring. I did enjoy reading it. I think Harwood books should be turned into tv series. Cannot wait to binge watch it!
Profile Image for Patti Bronecky.
22 reviews
July 28, 2025
You twisted my head around again!

I have read everything Rich has written. I cannot wait to get my hands on his next release, and again, I have not been disappointed. You, mister, are brilliant. You weave the story around characters that are everyday, could be my neighbor types. Having the worst day, week, year, ever and doing their utmost to survive the insurmountable. Delio Phase two was beyond what and where I thought it would lead. BRAVO!
Profile Image for Ed Fry.
10 reviews
July 29, 2025
another ripper from R.R.Haywood

I was going to read this one slowly - lots going on in the real world - but once again I couldn’t help it. Dragged into the high velocity worlds that Rich Haywood creates - buffeted along on the currents of violence, insight and twists from his characters - I just found it harder and harder to put down.

And now … I’m full of questions … and as an AI user and Prompt Author … wondering whether I should be ;-)
Profile Image for Jo Morrison.
268 reviews2 followers
August 12, 2025
I was really excited about this book after loving the first one, but was disappointed a bit for the first 20% as it was very repetitive of Phase 1 which was still very fresh in my mind after a recent re-read.

However, it soon turned fantastic and I loved it. Great characters, great humour, fab AI story and some genuine WTAF moments with some genuinely surprising twists.

I need to re-read some of the other books now for some of it to make sense cos I’m a tad confused!
6 reviews
August 16, 2025
Brilliant!!!

I found this author whilst I was searching for a new type of zombie apocalypse book to read (my favourite genre). I have now read all of his books and I’m sat here twiddling my thumbs wondering how long till I get my next fix of his absolutely brilliant writing. Totally believable characters, interwoven into books that will captivate you. Not all about zombies. Best day ever when each book comes out.
Profile Image for Simon.
107 reviews
October 8, 2025
I was really looking forward to this as I absolutely loved the first book. However, it felt like it was hard to write and was a little disjointed at times. It still had some trademark laughs and the cameo from another book made me laugh out loud, but all in all it just didn't seem to flow as easily as his other books.
Still well worth a read though, especially if you enjoyed the first as much as I did
7 reviews
October 16, 2025
absolutely brilliant, again!

Thirteen years of RR Haywood now and it gets better and better. Whether you think you’re reading sci fi or zombie you’re actually reading a whole new thing. Incredible dialog pace carnage/chaos/comedy and the finest near future fiction since Gibson and Stephenson. And at the very bottom of it all, love for life in all forms. All of this from a true independent, I practically feel guilty for getting his books on Kindle Unlimited. All 35 times.
9 reviews
October 22, 2025
Best Yet

I don't read his Undead series, I'm not really into zombies.
I have however, read all his sci-fi books and he really has hit the heights with this one, so many aspects, situations, emotions and last but not least humour, involved in thisl monumental book.
It is brilliant and I loved every minute of it thank you, Rich.
All the best and looking forward to your next venture.
Andrew Gooch
1 review
October 24, 2025
intense and twisty

The phase one was good and kept my attention, leaving me wanting more. Phase 2 is intense and twisty. Reading it on kindle and phone misses some of the breaks in scene, so struggled a bit to figure out “where” and who was affected. Great twist in story…. And connections…LOVE your stories and have read almost all (some 2 and 2 times). Going to start the Bertie Cavendish book soon. Keep up the good work!!!!
114 reviews
July 25, 2025
I’ve followed Mr Haywood for a while now and love his quirky style of writing, this doesn’t disappoint, really good storyline with plenty of humour and action, if I had to pick any fault it would be some of the very deep and introspective conversations, that said they ARE part of what is quite a deep subject.

I loved this and if you’ve read the first DELIO book you’ve GOT to read this!
Profile Image for Meghan Snavely-Farr Busby.
15 reviews
August 2, 2025
So fantastic!

Another smashing hit from my favorite author RR Haywood. I was immediately sucked back into the world of Deli and could barely put this down, trying to absorb what she was planning and how it would work out. Is this it? What will happen next? And with cameos from other Haywood stars, it all points to a bigger story…
1 review
August 8, 2025
How did I not see that coming?!

I was a little lost for the first 3rd of the book, unsure where it was going and confused by the repetition, but when it got there all became clear ! Good read, maybe not as good as the code series or the extracted series but if you like this author already this is a no brainer and I loved the ending. Fabulous!
10 reviews
August 13, 2025
Extraordinary pace and scale

Vivid characterisation. These people would really do these things in these situations. Poses some deep questions about how we are to lift ourselves beyond our flaws. When does integrity become an obstacle to salvation? How high can we rise and how low can we go?
451 reviews2 followers
August 17, 2025
Wasn't expecting that !!

The story follows two main groups , Alifies team in London and Tripals team in New York . It's a race against time to find the kill switch for Delio. It's relentless and fast paced . Just when you think you know what's happening the rug is pulled from under your feet .
2 reviews
August 21, 2025
Fantastic read

I loved this book and the others he has written. It holds your attention all the way through.

DR Haywood has an incredible imagination and I didn't want it to end.

Thank you Mr Haywood for many, many happy hours of reading. Genuinely a book it's hard to put down.
Profile Image for Sacha Vacher.
33 reviews1 follower
October 16, 2025
Superb as usual from Richard loved the ending and the twists and lovely to see one of his other characters from another book come into it love it when he does this. Hopefully we will have another Delio here's hoping. But brilliant story and totally believable could see something like this happening.
10 reviews
July 6, 2025
An addictive roller coaster!

An addictive roller coaster read, an absolute treat for true RR Haywood fans.
Graphic, terrifying, beautiful and with twists and turns you'll never see coming!
Profile Image for Donna.
14 reviews
July 16, 2025
Loved, loved, LOVED this book. I am a huge fan of RR Haywood and would recommend the Extracted Series and Worldship Humility series, as those are my 2 favorites. Although the Undead series is amazing as well.
35 reviews5 followers
July 21, 2025
Great!

A really unique and interesting sequel with an ending (no spoilers!) that ties so many things together. Read Deli phase one first, though. And maybe some of Haywood's other series. Not that I'm telling you what to do, of course ;)
Profile Image for Daniel Taylor.
Author 7 books
July 22, 2025
Another great romp

Mr Haywood has again captured the essence of the characters they're flaws and struggles and the good and the bad and brings them to life amazing author. I can only hope to produce character driven narratives like him
7 reviews
July 22, 2025
Fantastic read

Delio. Phase Two: WOW twists, turns, all the emotions and brilliant take on the 'what if' scenario. RR Haywood keeps you gripped and manages to successfully hide any plots twists until they hit you in face. Very clever concept and amazing as always.
Profile Image for Lou Canning.
326 reviews6 followers
July 25, 2025
Brilliant

R R Haywood is a damn good indie author. His books are funny, exciting, full of action and are always really rather clever.
Just read one of his books and see for yourself. Well worth it.
6 reviews
July 28, 2025
Brilliant as usual

Loved this and it's predecessor. Action and comedy spot on. Also enjoyed the references to other Haywood books. A+. I just wish he would publish twice his output in the same time frames. I'm constantly on baited breath waiting for the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews

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