Search and Rescue

Surviving The Evacuation #11

by Frank Tayell

Not all survivors are to be trusted. Not all the conspirators are dead.

February: Within hours of the outbreak, the quarantine was sabotaged. Within days, the world was gripped by civil war.

March: When the lights finally went out, billions were dead. Millions more had joined the ranks of the undead.

May: Anglesey has become home to nearly ten thousand survivors from across the Atlantic. While there is still danger from the undead on the mainland, there is hope. Hope that the zombies might die, hope that the electricity supply might be restored, and hope that more survivors will be found. Hope is not enough. Sergeant Branofski and Chester Carson venture into northern Wales to set up a network of safe houses that will provide a route to Anglesey for those still trapped in the wasteland. Though they find survivors, they discover something far worse.

September: Nowhere is safe from the living dead, not even The Tower of London. The ancient fortress has become home to nearly a hundred people. Food is scarce and the undead are many. The survivors are doomed unless help can be found, but the only place it can come from is Anglesey. Eamonn Finnegan sets out alone to seek their salvation. He never reaches Wales.

November: In her heart, Greta knows that Eamonn is dead, yet she has to look for her lost love because he would look for her. Chester joins her in the futile quest to ensure the search doesn’t cost Greta her life. Before their journey has barely begun, they discover an old foe that they thought was dead.

Set on Anglesey and in London, near Wrexham and in Birmingham, while hope is fading for the last survivors of humanity.

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

300 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 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 5 out of 5]

This is book 11 of the series and it has more perspectives than any of the previous books in the series, which is really exciting. Some that we've seen before, like Bill and Chester, and some that we haven't, like Bran and Eamonn. Some scenes are from the the past (how Bran and Chester first met, etc), but most take place in September, October, and November after the outbreak.

I really like all of the perspectives shown in this book.

Books 1-3 tell the beginning of Bill's story.
Books 4-7 tell Nilda's and Chester's story.
Books 8-10 continue with Bill's and Kim's story on Anglesey and in Ireland.

[Justin Larimore · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the trek continues, tempers flare, deception grows. But the common enemy remains. As the journey continues stragglers are picked up and the band grows. But...is the band breaking up?

[Liz (Quirky Cat) · Rating 4 out of 5]

One would think that a series that’s eleven books in wouldn’t have many surprises left, but man does Frank Tayell prove that wrong. Search and Rescue is the eleventh book (out of at least thirteen, possibly more?) in a series, and I found myself enjoying it at much as I had the first ones. This series ages well, the intricacies placed previously adding and mixing to create a detailed and well balanced world.



Warnings first: Two of the characters (for the sake of spoilers, I won’t say who) end up being held captive by a pretty nasty guy. He loves to hurt people, so he takes the time to torture both of them. While we’re not forced to see it happen, that doesn’t change the fact that it happens. Additionally, it’s implied more than stated, but not in a too-subtle to pick up way. You know the male character was beat horribly, and that the woman was raped. There’s no denying it. So just consider yourself warned.
I think this is the first book in the series that had so many different perspective switches; which is interesting, considering how far along we are. Multiple characters that have been introduced previously had a chance to give their say, and their different perspectives gave us a chance to see the story in full (where everyone else just had the pieces). I hadn’t anticipated this particular storytelling method, but it actually works perfectly with this series.
Obviously Bill is one of the characters who’s perspective we sees (I think there were only two books in this series where it wasn’t the case? Not counting the spin-off with his brother), but I’m not going to list the other characters, as they’re actually huge spoilers for the series. Seriously, when one of them started ‘talking’ I had to stop and think about the last time I saw him/her. I was shocked.
I’m actually feeling a bit torn on the whole thing – on the one hand it was great to see so many different perspectives in one novel (as opposed to having to wait until the next book dropped), but on the other there were times were I didn’t want to leave a character, or something like that. I think on the whole I enjoyed it, it was just the fact that it was different that really threw me through a loop.
I don’t think I’ve ever read a zombie series as detailed as Surviving the Evacuation, I mean, we’re eleven books in now, and the survivors haven’t even gone a year since day 0. That’s pretty insane, when you think about it. I love that along with the main plot (which is fairly obvious, by now) but Tayell also has each set of characters have their own individual plots and mysteries to focus on. Together we get an insanely cohesive idea of how the world is functioning, post-apocalypse.
What is really interesting about Tayell’s writing is the balance of showing humanity at its best and at its worst. We see people working together, going out of their way and risking their lives to save people they don’t even know, people adopting orphan children, all of these wonderful moments. But we also see the bad, like what happened with the evacuation, or Sorcha Locke and her crew. There’s a full representation of morality here, and it’s interesting to see. It has the side effect of having us see the different levels of hope people carry within themselves, and I love that as much as anything else.
I have only one more novel to read until I’m caught up to the current publishing point. I’m not sure if I’m excited about it, or dreading the wait that’ll come after it. Either way, I’m probably going to read the next one sooner rather than later, no matter what I end up telling myself. I just love this series so much.


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

[Robd · Rating 4 out of 5]

The eleventh instalment of Frank Tayell's post apocalyptic series sees a number of threads from previous books coming together as various protagonists converge on the city of Birmingham. The survivors on Anglesey have to make a decision where next to settle as the danger from the nuclear power station threatens the island's safety, whilst the survivors in the Tower of London may also be unsafe. Meanwhile a battle takes place between different factions in Birmingham and people from both settlements are caught up in the conflict. All this set in a world populated with the undead, who may or may not be 'dying' themselves and who are ever present in the survivor's lives; including a massive horde trampling it's way across the country and levelling everything in it's path.

Another good tale in the series, that despite the occasionally poor style, continues to entertain a fan of this genre. Looking forward to the next one.

Rob D

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the longest series I've ever read, I believe. It is so good though that I still can't wait for more! I started the first book in April and it is going to be super weird without these characters in my life every day.

As for this book in particular, I love how some of the separate stories are all coming together. I'm also not a huge sickly sweet romance fan, so I appreciate how that has been dealt with. This book shows that romance can happen and even be an integral part of the plot without being over the top. I don't need a play by play of their affections to understand how deeply people feel for each other.

[Michelle Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book series is wonderful, thank you FB for advertising it and to Frank Tayell for writing them all.. it kept appearing book 1 free to download and eventually I did, no going back I purchased books through to 12 and didn’t put my kindle down. Now just read book 15 which has just been released and reading them all again for the 4th time.

I am 44, my son is 13 but also totally enthralled, zombies are not my thing but this series is so much more than blood and gore, I feel lost when I finish the set and wait patiently for the next book to be released.

Long may they continue

Thank you

[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.

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

I can't believe that I've just finished Frank Tayells search & rescue which is number 11 in the series. What a talent this man has to be writing all 18 books in this series as well as the spin-offs and still keep it very readable. This genre is the first I've read of the kind & am thankful that I started with Frank Tayell.

[Julian White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kobo 322 pages: 1230001785029

This volume ties up several loose ends from earlier books - we finally get to meet Sorcha Locke, Bill and Chester finally meet in person, we learn what happened to Eamonn... Moving through the post-outbreak time period and set in various locations on the mainland, this is not a volume in Bill's journal but a record of several PoVs - and more of a 'bringing up to date/story so far' episode but the narrative continues to be engaging. Not exactly a 'new readers start here' book, though a useful refresher at this halfway point...

[Jim Scriven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stepping Up His Game

This 11th book in the Surviving the Evacuation series did a magnificent job of bringing to fruition a whole bunch of plot hooks stretching all the way back to book 1. So well done! And with a great balance of mystery, tension, and action sequences. A very satisfying addition to the series. Looking forward to continuing to the next book!

[Doghouse Gav · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing

Another book another top review. The series that keeps giving. What a fantastic book. To keep it so fresh after 11 books is a testament to Frank's amazing writing style. May this series never end!!!!

[mrs julie smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great again

Frank tayell writes a rocking good tale. Can't wait to read the next in this great series. Continuing dramas are hard to keep moving but this writer manages more than that and keeps you on edge of your seat.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced

A step up in pace from the last couple of books in the series, especially towards the end in Birmingham. Interesting to see the characters from different books meeting at last. Onto the next instalment

[Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read

I dropped a star on this one simply because I found the jumping around places, characters and timelines a little confusing in the beginning. Apart from this, as always, I loved it.

[Kell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eleven books in, and it's still just as exciting and fraught with danger as ever! Everything the various surviving groups have worked towards is on the brink of collapse, and the race is on to secure the future - *any* kind of future - in the wake of the undead hoarde.

[CG Birrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic read!

This was such a brilliant book - one of the best in the series. Couldn’t put it down. Just read it yourself and enjoy the non-stop pace - it keeps moving like a zombie rollercoaster ride. Brilliant!

[tanya cassidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read

Brill from start to finish.. kept me in suspense n rooting for the survivors to win. Would highly recommend these books

[Monocep · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving how all the threads are coming together, and some threads we didn't even see. Another great book, keep 'em coming!

[Jennifer Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking for next book

Could not put it down. Please write more Frank. Amongst the best zombie series out there. . . . .

[Cynthia Josaitis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book!

I loved it! I hope there will be another book. I have grown to love the characters in it. I just want them to be safe. To be able to rebuild.

[Andrew Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read, the best Post Zombie Apocalypse series that I have found. As soon as Frank releases a new book I buy and read asap

[July · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've enjoyed this series from the beginning. This latest installment brought together many different threads. I'm looking forward to the next book.

[Caitlin Obando · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm far more interested in Bill and his crew than I am in a bunch of flashbacks

[FesterMull · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story. Great to tie up loose ends and bring all stories to the same point

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great addition to the series, reuniting the disparate story arcs, and linking back to some of the historical events in the conspiracy. Can't wait for the next volume.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Books getting shorter

The books are getting and I have to pay more for them.

Still a good story though and worth the purchase.

[mike brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it.

[Adam Jarvis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good entry to the saga. Solid character development.

Intrigued to what happens next especially if anything nore regarding the hoard.

[Derek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not all survivors are to be trusted. Not all the conspirators are dead.

February: Within hours of the outbreak, the quarantine was sabotaged. Within days, the world was gripped by civil war.

March: When the lights finally went out, billions were dead. Millions more had joined the ranks of the undead.

May: Anglesey has become home to nearly ten thousand survivors from across the Atlantic. While there is still danger from the undead on the mainland, there is hope. Hope that the zombies might die, hope that the electricity supply might be restored, and hope that more survivors will be found. Hope is not enough. Sergeant Branofski and Chester Carson venture into northern Wales to set up a network of safe houses that will provide a route to Anglesey for those still trapped in the wasteland. Though they find survivors, they discover something far worse.

September: Nowhere is safe from the living dead, not even The Tower of London. The ancient fortress has become home to nearly a hundred people. Food is scarce and the undead are many. The survivors are doomed unless help can be found, but the only place it can come from is Anglesey. Eamonn Finnegan sets out alone to seek their salvation. He never reaches Wales.

November: In her heart, Greta knows that Eamonn is dead, yet she has to look for her lost love because he would look for her. Chester joins her in the futile quest to ensure the search doesn’t cost Greta her life. Before their journey has barely begun, they discover an old foe that they thought was dead.

Set on Anglesey and in London, near Wrexham and in Birmingham, while hope is fading for the last survivors of humanity.

[Gary Letham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book eleven brings us up to date with Eamonn, Bran and we finally meet Sorcha Locke. Anglesey is on borrowed time, an evacuation is to be undertaken before to nuclear power station melts down. Belfast, Elysium and Northe America are potential settling points. Chester and Greta set out to find trace of Eamonn and stumble across a standoff between Sorcha and some Birmingham survivors and the last remaining element of Quigleys private army. The viability of London is in doubt as a zonbie horde heads south and it seems Sorcha may hold a get out of jail free card for humanity.......but what will she want for it. Another excellent installment