The Last Candidate

Surviving The Evacuation #10

by Frank Tayell

Whoever wins the election, humanity will lose. Nine months after the outbreak, ten thousand survivors from across the globe have found a refuge on the Welsh island of Anglesey. Hordes of the undead ravage the wastelands of Britain and Ireland. Satellite images show that the rest of the world is no better. Food, fuel, and ammunition are running low and there are no more old-world supplies with which to replace them. Intended as an alternative to a slide into despotism, an election is called. It is hoped the contest will bring forth solutions to the myriad crises facing this last bastion of humanity. After the favoured candidate is hospitalised, suspicion falls on the new frontrunner, a publican who purchased his support with an impossible promise of a return to the pre-apocalyptic world. With no viable candidate, and no way of calling off the election, those who still have access to a ship plan their departure; others plan to rig the contest; a few give up on all plans for a future beyond tomorrow. Anglesey is on the verge of collapse, and humanity is on the brink of extinction. Set in Belfast, the Isle of Man, and Wales during the run-up to the election on Anglesey, this is the sixth volume of Bill Wright’s journals.

Genres: Zombies, Horror, Fiction, Dystopia, Post Apocalyptic

253 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 25, 2017

About the author

Author of post-apocalyptic and near-future science fiction, with a focus on democracies struggling against dystopia.

For more information, or to join the mailing list, please visit; www.FrankTayell.com, facebook.com/FrankTayell, or facebook.com/TheEvacuation

Reviews

[Zero · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've missed this series. I read the previous book last August, so it's been a while. But I didn't have any trouble following the story.

Books 1-3 are Bill's journals.
Books 4-7 are from Nilda's and Chester's perspective.
Books 8-10 are more of Bill's writings.

[Jim Scriven · Rating 5 out of 5]

And the Tale Continues!

Frank Tayell’s Surviving the Evacuation, has yet another ending point, but still also a spring board to more to come. I remain impressed with his nuanced approach to the zombie apocalypse. Fascinating reading, and looking forward to continuing.

[Robd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another instalment in the Surviving the Evacuation series from Frank Tayell; a series that could potentially continue for some time as the survivors struggle to live in a post apocalyptic world populated by the undead.
In this book the survivors living on Anglesey must choose a figurehead, a leader who can bring some order to their lives and so an election is called but which candidates can be trusted and who best to serve the remnants of humanity. As the story continues and the campaigns begin, the past once again affects the procedures with devastating results.
The future looks uncertain as 'old world' resources run out or fail and alternatives are desperately needed. The survivors need to work together, but can they? And of course there are plenty of zombies in the way.
Another enjoyable chapter in a series for fans of the post apocalyptic genre.

Rob D

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great addition to this series, the complex web of interactions between characters and past story arcs continues to work well, and take the series beyond a simple zombie vs human adventure book.

My only disappointment was the relative lack of interaction between Bill and Kim in this volume, as well as Annette playing a relatively small role, it would be good to see certainly more of the relationship of the former two in the next volume, but also because this family unit (including Daisy) provide the context for Bill, Sholto and Kim's decisions for a future life if not world

Without adding spoilers this book takes a turn for the unexpected for the reader and the characters, and ends with a body blow, that leaves one ever eager for the next volume.

[Kell · Rating 4 out of 5]

And still this series shows no signs of letting up or going stale! As the election on Anglesey approaches, trouble is brewing, and there are secrets and dangers everywhere. Ten books down, and I'm still excited about continuing this series to see where it goes and where it takes our characters. Tayell has gripped me completely!

[Doghouse Gav · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabulous

Yet another belting book. Twists and turns and a cliffhanger of an ending. As per all Frank's books the writing is wonderful and the characters deep ans relatable. Roll on book 11.

[Gary Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Civilization Lives On

A little more involved story wise, but well worth the read. Probably more for the true fans of the genre, but I enjoyed every minute of the journey and looking forward to Book 11.

[Julian White]

On Kobo (1230001657937) Epub 2 DRM-Free; 314 pages

Halfway through the current run. Bill and Kim make it back to Anglesey, where the forthcoming election is in trouble, with a promising candidate incapacitated leaving three potential leaders, only one of whom seems a 'decent' prospect...

Another of Bill's journals, this one completing the Ireland trek and leading into the next series of problems. They continue to be an intriguing exploration of the new world and the survivors.

[CG Birrell · Rating 1 out of 5]

excellent book 10!

Loved the whole political election angle - a fascinating development in the brilliant series. Anglesea is where most of the action happens and a nerve shredding visit to the Isle of Man in the middle of the novel is also a great change of pace to the story.

[Tracy Dobbs · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit more of a slog than the others in the series. It finally picked up speed at the end.

[paula dear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting

Another excellent read in the continuation of after the zombie apocolypse. The new world is now falling apart....where'd will our hero's go next?

[K M Egan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this whole series of books

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good instalment

Another enjoyable instalment in the undead saga. It seems the time when Bill and friends can finally relax is a long way off yet

[Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

As fast paced as ever!

I'm so excited to continue the journey and see where our survivors end up next that I'm rushing this review. Brilliant as always and only gets better.

[Sharleen Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be honest, the start of this book didn't thrill me and the politics and election I found a bit meh but the story picked up and so did my opinion of this installment of a very good series.

[derick prentice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seems to be moving away from the plot I feel. Some very big holes in the story line by.
Not sure if I will read any more.

[Nicola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still very more-ish.

[Liz (Quirky Cat) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Candidate is the tenth book in the Surviving the Evacuation series by Frank Tayell. I know that there are two more books in this series following this one that are currently out, with at least one more to be published (Frank Tayell is being a tease and won’t confirm if there will be a fourteenth novel). If you haven’t read any of this series, I strongly advise you stop reading this review, and go check out the first book. It goes without saying that this review will likely contain spoilers for the earlier novels (if nothing more than who survives what).



I was really curious when I saw the title for the tenth book in this series. I sincerely can’t think of a zombie survival series I’ve read where the concern of politics has come up (at least not when the human race was still at such a desperate point). Considering the main character (Bill), and his brother (Shoto) and their respective backgrounds, it really shouldn’t be surprising that we eventually came around to this point. Still, I wasn’t expecting it, and I appreciate that even after so many books Frank Tayell can keep me on my toes.
The Last Candidate takes place a total of nine months after the “evacuation” of London. It’s hard to believe the timeframe, as it feels like they’ve done so much but have made so little progress. I can only imagine how the characters themselves must be feeling about this. Tayell has done a fantastic job of pacing the series; we’re at a believable point for nine months in, and have the threat of an impending winter looming over the future, and that’s in addition to all of the already numerous problems. Despite this I never find myself lost or confused about what is occurring, Tayell is clear and concise when needed.
I really loved all the ethical and moral questions that arose with this series. What was the right response to having two corrupt and incompetent people aiming to win an election (running alongside an unpopular but decent man, making him unlikely to win). It appears that if either of the first two men were to win, things would go very poorly for our little safe haven. Markus is corrupt, sure, but he’s also uninterested in facts or actually making sure the human race survives (beyond his own skin that is). And the Bishop, frankly he terrifies me. A man that twisted by his own beliefs should never be given any sort of power.
Which raises the question; are Bill and Shoto in the wrong for letting the election run its course, or are they wrong to try and intervene? What level of intervention is appropriate? Should they rig the election, change the rules of it, or just go after either man? None of these solutions sound very moral, until one compares them to the men trying to win. Then it gets a lot foggier. I love the debate about it, and I’m sure some would see it at a pretty cut and dry problem, but this is Tayell’s world and I’m happy with the solution his characters came up with.
I’m on the edge of my seat waiting for more information about the zombies themselves. Tayell keeps teasing us with hints that the zombies may be dying out on their own (something I’ve been hoping to see included in a zombie series for ages), but none of our characters have actually been able to confirm it yet. I sincerely hope this is the case, as for me it would increase the believability of the series. Not to mention the ability for everyone else to survive - it’s a lot easier for farm and forage for food if you don’t have to be on the lookout for zombies (or having them squish your crops).
The next novel in the series is titled Search and Rescue, and needless to say I have some theories about that one. I can’t wait to see what actually happens in it (and no, I’m not going to read the description until the last minute – I love doing this with series, as it lets me be more surprised when I dive on in).


For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks

[Elaine and Tess the Springer. I won’t be on GR for a bit. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I struggled with this book I thought that there was too much of the same going on and on.

[Derek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoever wins the election, humanity will lose. Nine months after the outbreak, ten thousand survivors from across the globe have found a refuge on the Welsh island of Anglesey. Hordes of the undead ravage the wastelands of Britain and Ireland. Satellite images show that the rest of the world is no better. Food, fuel, and ammunition are running low and there are no more old-world supplies with which to replace them. Intended as an alternative to a slide into despotism, an election is called. It is hoped the contest will bring forth solutions to the myriad crises facing this last bastion of humanity. After the favoured candidate is hospitalised, suspicion falls on the new frontrunner, a publican who purchased his support with an impossible promise of a return to the pre-apocalyptic world. With no viable candidate, and no way of calling off the election, those who still have access to a ship plan their departure; others plan to rig the contest; a few give up on all plans for a future beyond tomorrow. Anglesey is on the verge of collapse, and humanity is on the brink of extinction. Set in Belfast, the Isle of Man, and Wales during the run-up to the election on Anglesey, this is the sixth volume of Bill Wright’s journals.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a massive soft spot for very well witten zombie-apocalypse type books.

This is first rate.

Excellent characters that i feel that i actually know and grieve for. Great "real" locations that i easily recognise and also lament as they are destroyed.

I simply cannot get enough of the intrigue and struggles and look forward to the continuation of the series, as humanity clings precariously to survival amidst savage competition and diminishing resources.

[Doctor Doom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I was not going to like this book as much as the others in the series because of the title... I am very happy to say that I was totally wrong. Another winner from Tayell! No cursing, the author just uses lots of action, suspense, character development and interesting twists to keep you hooked [I am not seriously suggesting cursing keeps people hooked but the way some people defend it you would think that was the case].

[July · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has been a good read. I love the development of the story and now have to wait for the next one... *sigh*

[Gary Letham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book ten of the series takes us from Belfast back to Anglesey. Bill discovers the least best candidate in the election is now the favourite to win. Markus with his unrealistic agenda has the future of the colony in serious doubt. Sholto wants to orig the election in favour of Dr Umbert. Disaster strikes on a trip to the Isle of Man to opromote Umberts candidacy, and it becomes apparent theat Markus is really a stalking horse for the conspiracy behind Bishop. Again a great addition to the series