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The One Who Takes It Back: The final book in the thrilling Outlier Chronicles series
Not yet published
Expected 14 Aug 26116 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication August 14, 2026
About the author
M.E. Tilburn
3 books11 followersI am a UK-based writer of fiction, mixing psychological tension with near-future speculation, exploring memory, identity, and the fragile balance between control and freedom - at least, that is the hope.
When not writing, I'm usually being outsmarted by my two daughters, or trying (and failing) to keep on top of the washing.
Ten Billion to One will be my first novella, with more projects in progress , including flash fiction experiments and a novel in the works too.
Most recently, I won the Andromeda Magazine Flash-Fiction contest for October 2025 🏆
When not writing, I'm usually being outsmarted by my two daughters, or trying (and failing) to keep on top of the washing.
Ten Billion to One will be my first novella, with more projects in progress , including flash fiction experiments and a novel in the works too.
Most recently, I won the Andromeda Magazine Flash-Fiction contest for October 2025 🏆
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
July 20, 2026
I went into this with so many questions.
And all have been resolved… I think.
They haven’t explicitly been answers, but the scope for speculation means that they have.
I didn’t expect the twist. Really enjoyed this short read.
Thanks for allowing me to ARC read!
And all have been resolved… I think.
They haven’t explicitly been answers, but the scope for speculation means that they have.
I didn’t expect the twist. Really enjoyed this short read.
Thanks for allowing me to ARC read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Returning to this series for one last time felt like catching up with old friends, and M.E. Tilburn delivered a finale that was well worth the journey.
Writing a review for the final book in a series is never easy, especially when so much of what makes it special is tied to everything that came before. The less you know going in, the better.
Although this instalment is quite short, it never feels incomplete. Every chapter serves a purpose, and by the time I reached the end, I felt completely satisfied. It brings the story to a close in a way that feels both rewarding and true to the series.
One of the biggest surprises was the change of pace. While the earlier books were driven by fast-moving action, this one takes a more measured approach. It builds tension through uncertainty, political intrigue and the weight of every decision. I found myself completely absorbed, always wondering how everything would come together.
By this point, the characters are already well established, so the focus isn't on introducing new sides of them but on seeing the consequences of everything they've experienced. That said, Tilburn still finds ways to surprise you, adding new layers to characters you've come to know over the course of the series.
What stood out most was the emotional depth beneath the suspense. Alongside the intrigue and danger, the story explores loyalty, sacrifice and the cost of the choices these characters have made. Those quieter moments gave the finale even greater impact and made the ending all the more satisfying.
Tilburn's writing remains as engaging as ever. The pages flew by, and I never found myself wanting to put the book down. Instead, I simply wanted to keep reading to discover how this journey would end.
Verdict: A satisfying and emotionally rewarding conclusion to The Outlier Chronicles. It delivers suspense, political intrigue and heartfelt character moments while bringing the series to a fitting close. If you've enjoyed the previous books, you won't want to miss this finale.
A huge thank you to author M.E. Tilburn for providing me with an eARC copy. I really appreciate the opportunity to read and review this final instalment ahead of its release.
Writing a review for the final book in a series is never easy, especially when so much of what makes it special is tied to everything that came before. The less you know going in, the better.
Although this instalment is quite short, it never feels incomplete. Every chapter serves a purpose, and by the time I reached the end, I felt completely satisfied. It brings the story to a close in a way that feels both rewarding and true to the series.
One of the biggest surprises was the change of pace. While the earlier books were driven by fast-moving action, this one takes a more measured approach. It builds tension through uncertainty, political intrigue and the weight of every decision. I found myself completely absorbed, always wondering how everything would come together.
By this point, the characters are already well established, so the focus isn't on introducing new sides of them but on seeing the consequences of everything they've experienced. That said, Tilburn still finds ways to surprise you, adding new layers to characters you've come to know over the course of the series.
What stood out most was the emotional depth beneath the suspense. Alongside the intrigue and danger, the story explores loyalty, sacrifice and the cost of the choices these characters have made. Those quieter moments gave the finale even greater impact and made the ending all the more satisfying.
Tilburn's writing remains as engaging as ever. The pages flew by, and I never found myself wanting to put the book down. Instead, I simply wanted to keep reading to discover how this journey would end.
Verdict: A satisfying and emotionally rewarding conclusion to The Outlier Chronicles. It delivers suspense, political intrigue and heartfelt character moments while bringing the series to a fitting close. If you've enjoyed the previous books, you won't want to miss this finale.
A huge thank you to author M.E. Tilburn for providing me with an eARC copy. I really appreciate the opportunity to read and review this final instalment ahead of its release.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews