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Project Renova #0.5
Patient Zero
The year is 2024.
A mysterious virus rages around the UK.
Within days, 'bat fever' is out of control.
Patient Zero is a collection of nine short stories featuring minor characters from the post apocalyptic Project Renova series. All stories are completely 'stand alone'.
1. Jared: The Spare Vial
Jared has two vaccinations against the deadly virus: one for him, one for a friend...
2. Flora: Princess Snowflake
The girl with the perfect life, who believes in her father, the government, Christian charity and happy endings.
3. Jeff: The Prepper
What does a doomsday 'prepper' do when there is nothing left to prepare for?
4. Karen: Atonement
She ruined her sister's last day on earth, and for this she must do penance.
5. Aaron: #NewWorldProblems
Aaron can't believe his luck; he appears to be immune. But his problems are far from over.
6. Meg: The Prison Guard's Wife
Meg waits for her husband to arrive home from work. And waits...
7. Ruby: Money To Burn
Eager to escape from her drug dealer boyfriend's lifestyle, Ruby sets off with a bag filled with cash.
8. Evie: Patient Zero
Boyfriend Nick neglects her. This Sunday will be the last time she puts up with it. The very last time.
9. Martin: This Life
Life after life has taught the sixty year old journalist to see the bigger picture.
Tipping Point and Lindisfarne are the first two full length novels in the Project Renova series. A third will be available around late spring/early summer 2018.
A mysterious virus rages around the UK.
Within days, 'bat fever' is out of control.
Patient Zero is a collection of nine short stories featuring minor characters from the post apocalyptic Project Renova series. All stories are completely 'stand alone'.
1. Jared: The Spare Vial
Jared has two vaccinations against the deadly virus: one for him, one for a friend...
2. Flora: Princess Snowflake
The girl with the perfect life, who believes in her father, the government, Christian charity and happy endings.
3. Jeff: The Prepper
What does a doomsday 'prepper' do when there is nothing left to prepare for?
4. Karen: Atonement
She ruined her sister's last day on earth, and for this she must do penance.
5. Aaron: #NewWorldProblems
Aaron can't believe his luck; he appears to be immune. But his problems are far from over.
6. Meg: The Prison Guard's Wife
Meg waits for her husband to arrive home from work. And waits...
7. Ruby: Money To Burn
Eager to escape from her drug dealer boyfriend's lifestyle, Ruby sets off with a bag filled with cash.
8. Evie: Patient Zero
Boyfriend Nick neglects her. This Sunday will be the last time she puts up with it. The very last time.
9. Martin: This Life
Life after life has taught the sixty year old journalist to see the bigger picture.
Tipping Point and Lindisfarne are the first two full length novels in the Project Renova series. A third will be available around late spring/early summer 2018.
120 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 10, 2017
73 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Terry Tyler
34 books584 followersI am self-published with thirty books on Amazon. Most recently I've published the first two books in my Revenge series, Served Cold and So Shall Ye Reap. More to come!
Other recent releases include Safe Zone, a dystopian/post-apocalyptic thriller. It follows on from the SFV-1 series (Infected, Darkness and Reset), but is completely stand-alone, so can be read as a story within itself.
I love watching and reading anything to do with history, post apocalypse, dystopian scenarios, anthropology, mountaineering and polar exploration. Big Walking Dead fan.
Favourite writers: Gemma Lawrence, Kate Mary, Blake Crouch, Deborah Swift, Carol Hedges, Douglas Kennedy, John Boyne, Deborah Moggach, Judith Arnopp, Jon Krakauer, Phillipa Gregory, John Privilege, Zeb Haradon, Dylan Morgan, Kate Atkinson, Norah Lofts, Dorothy Parker, Bill Bryson, PJ O'Rourke, Ann Swinfen, Keith Blackmore, Frank Tayell.
Other recent releases include Safe Zone, a dystopian/post-apocalyptic thriller. It follows on from the SFV-1 series (Infected, Darkness and Reset), but is completely stand-alone, so can be read as a story within itself.
I love watching and reading anything to do with history, post apocalypse, dystopian scenarios, anthropology, mountaineering and polar exploration. Big Walking Dead fan.
Favourite writers: Gemma Lawrence, Kate Mary, Blake Crouch, Deborah Swift, Carol Hedges, Douglas Kennedy, John Boyne, Deborah Moggach, Judith Arnopp, Jon Krakauer, Phillipa Gregory, John Privilege, Zeb Haradon, Dylan Morgan, Kate Atkinson, Norah Lofts, Dorothy Parker, Bill Bryson, PJ O'Rourke, Ann Swinfen, Keith Blackmore, Frank Tayell.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 27, 2019
Being a fan of short stories as well as The Walking Dead, I was eager to read Terry Tyler’s Patient Zero.
Set in the UK, in 2024, bat fever is spreading, and except for the lucky few who are given vaccinations, Death is an equal-opportunity killer. Within these standalone stories, are slices of life, of humanity infected by the inhumane, and portraits of people dealing with a dying world they have never known.
Even the prepper who was planned for years, no longer knows what to do with himself. I was quite intrigued by this story because I always wondered why anyone would want to be a prepper, and as our world hasn’t quite reached a doomsday scenario, I was very interested that the author chose to explore this subject.
Well-written and insightful, Tyler’s stories captured many end-of-life scenarios for everyday situations: how to deal with a cheating girlfriend, deciding whether to unburden oneself to a dying sibling with a hurtful truth, and creating a brilliant new Twitter hash tag in a world where there is no Twitter. #horrorsindeed
As the author notes at the end, these stories are a sidestep from her Post-Apocalyptic Project Renova series, which I hope to read in the future. Excellent storytelling; an easy recommendation.
Set in the UK, in 2024, bat fever is spreading, and except for the lucky few who are given vaccinations, Death is an equal-opportunity killer. Within these standalone stories, are slices of life, of humanity infected by the inhumane, and portraits of people dealing with a dying world they have never known.
Even the prepper who was planned for years, no longer knows what to do with himself. I was quite intrigued by this story because I always wondered why anyone would want to be a prepper, and as our world hasn’t quite reached a doomsday scenario, I was very interested that the author chose to explore this subject.
Well-written and insightful, Tyler’s stories captured many end-of-life scenarios for everyday situations: how to deal with a cheating girlfriend, deciding whether to unburden oneself to a dying sibling with a hurtful truth, and creating a brilliant new Twitter hash tag in a world where there is no Twitter. #horrorsindeed
As the author notes at the end, these stories are a sidestep from her Post-Apocalyptic Project Renova series, which I hope to read in the future. Excellent storytelling; an easy recommendation.
November 14, 2017
Having already read the two post-apocalyptic novels,Tipping Point (here's my review: http://bit.ly/2um9Fcq), and Lindisfarne: (review here: http://bit.ly/2igJnQG) of this Project Renova series by Terry Tyler, I was keen to get my hands on her anthology of short stories of the minor characters in these books. Until I read both these novels I was wary of this genre... too gloomy, I thought...not something I'd want to read about. But because I have always admired this author's work I gave them a go. I'm glad I did. Brilliant writing!
And Patient Zero sets the bar high for collections of short stories as well.
I love this idea of giving the flat characters in novels a life of their own. Each story reveals both the background and the present environment of the characters. Some tales are chilling, some poignant, some even threaded through with slight subtle humour. But all show the universal belief that humans have, that 'all will be well' for them belief. (Well, I say all, there is one story; Jeff: The Prepper, where the character has believed that the world as we know it will end and is ready. But even he has a discovery he didn't expect... say no more.
With some told from both the first person point of view and some from the omniscient narrator each story is complete in itself and is a good solid read.
As always with this author the dialogue, both spoken and internal, is true to each character.
And, as usual, the descriptions of the settings give a great sense of place.
There is the same inevitability to the endings of the short stories, as with the two novels, after all these are apocalyptic accounts. Yet some took me by surprise (which, for me is always a good sign). There are open-endings, twist in the tale denouements and the 'of course' endings. But what they all are, is satisfying.
The character who evoked a sense of sadness in me - Meg: The Prison Guard's Wife.
The character that most angered me by her selfishness - Karen in Atonement.
The character who gives hope, perhaps - Martin: This Life.
Not that I'm going to tell you their stories!
I strongly suggest to any reader that they check Patient Zero out for themselves. I highly recommend this anthology to readers who love this genre... and to readers who like good writing.
And Patient Zero sets the bar high for collections of short stories as well.
I love this idea of giving the flat characters in novels a life of their own. Each story reveals both the background and the present environment of the characters. Some tales are chilling, some poignant, some even threaded through with slight subtle humour. But all show the universal belief that humans have, that 'all will be well' for them belief. (Well, I say all, there is one story; Jeff: The Prepper, where the character has believed that the world as we know it will end and is ready. But even he has a discovery he didn't expect... say no more.
With some told from both the first person point of view and some from the omniscient narrator each story is complete in itself and is a good solid read.
As always with this author the dialogue, both spoken and internal, is true to each character.
And, as usual, the descriptions of the settings give a great sense of place.
There is the same inevitability to the endings of the short stories, as with the two novels, after all these are apocalyptic accounts. Yet some took me by surprise (which, for me is always a good sign). There are open-endings, twist in the tale denouements and the 'of course' endings. But what they all are, is satisfying.
The character who evoked a sense of sadness in me - Meg: The Prison Guard's Wife.
The character that most angered me by her selfishness - Karen in Atonement.
The character who gives hope, perhaps - Martin: This Life.
Not that I'm going to tell you their stories!
I strongly suggest to any reader that they check Patient Zero out for themselves. I highly recommend this anthology to readers who love this genre... and to readers who like good writing.
November 24, 2017
This collection of short stories is a perfect accompaniment to the Project Renova series, or if you haven’t yet read Tipping Point or Lindisfarne, just as stand alone book. They showcase different scenarios from some characters on the periphery of the main story line.
The so called ‘Bat Fever,’ a fatal virus, is ravaging the country despite a vaccination program being put into operation. A small number of people seem to have a natural immunity but many, many more are dying before, and sometimes after, vaccination.
Jared’s Uncle Owen works for the pharmaceutical company who have produced the vaccine. He’s given Jared two doses, one for himself, another for someone of his own choosing. But will he give it to his girlfriend, who Jared suspects of infidelity?
There are nine stories in all and each character is fleshed out and given a back story, whether the story is on the longer or shorter side. Some people find themselves adrift, just moving from place to place to find food and shelter. Others trust the government propaganda and stay put, at home or wherever they find a place, waiting for everything to get back to normal. But there is no normal anymore. It’s everyone for themselves.
Jeff, the prepper, is the exception. He commissioned and had built a post apocalyptic survival bunker on a piece of land in the middle of nowhere, kitted it out and filled it with everything he might need for a protracted stay. But after all his planning, having the shelter doesn’t turn out quite the way he had expected.
Immunity doesn’t necessarily guarantee safety, as one of the characters finds to his cost. Having a bag full of money means nothing now, there’s nowhere to spend it. And who would have thought one of the characters had such a story to tell.
Some stories are told in the first person, some in the third but each one gives a real sense of that particular character’s personality and the place they’re at. It’s something Terry Tyler excels at, and every story is consistent in that regard. This is an excellent collection. I read it straight through and enjoyed every story. No-one’s destiny is really under their own control, it’s all down to luck, chance, the throw of the dice…..and who you open your door to. The stories show, very realistically I think, how reactions and ways of coping differ from person to person.
I chose to read and review Patient Zero based on an advanced digital copy of the book supplied by the author.
The so called ‘Bat Fever,’ a fatal virus, is ravaging the country despite a vaccination program being put into operation. A small number of people seem to have a natural immunity but many, many more are dying before, and sometimes after, vaccination.
Jared’s Uncle Owen works for the pharmaceutical company who have produced the vaccine. He’s given Jared two doses, one for himself, another for someone of his own choosing. But will he give it to his girlfriend, who Jared suspects of infidelity?
There are nine stories in all and each character is fleshed out and given a back story, whether the story is on the longer or shorter side. Some people find themselves adrift, just moving from place to place to find food and shelter. Others trust the government propaganda and stay put, at home or wherever they find a place, waiting for everything to get back to normal. But there is no normal anymore. It’s everyone for themselves.
Jeff, the prepper, is the exception. He commissioned and had built a post apocalyptic survival bunker on a piece of land in the middle of nowhere, kitted it out and filled it with everything he might need for a protracted stay. But after all his planning, having the shelter doesn’t turn out quite the way he had expected.
Immunity doesn’t necessarily guarantee safety, as one of the characters finds to his cost. Having a bag full of money means nothing now, there’s nowhere to spend it. And who would have thought one of the characters had such a story to tell.
Some stories are told in the first person, some in the third but each one gives a real sense of that particular character’s personality and the place they’re at. It’s something Terry Tyler excels at, and every story is consistent in that regard. This is an excellent collection. I read it straight through and enjoyed every story. No-one’s destiny is really under their own control, it’s all down to luck, chance, the throw of the dice…..and who you open your door to. The stories show, very realistically I think, how reactions and ways of coping differ from person to person.
I chose to read and review Patient Zero based on an advanced digital copy of the book supplied by the author.
February 21, 2018
This is a short book, part of the Project Renova series which details nine of the minor characters in "Tipping Point" and "Lindisfarne", and describes what happens to them, giving them a life of their own beyond the main plot.
My favourite was Meg - the Prison Guard's Wife; which was sad and poignant. Least favourite - the last one, Martin. A bit too supernatural for me.
My favourite was Meg - the Prison Guard's Wife; which was sad and poignant. Least favourite - the last one, Martin. A bit too supernatural for me.
June 28, 2024
A great selection of short stories.
November 3, 2021
I received a copy of Patient Zero in exchange for an honest review. See the full review at https://rosieamber.wordpress.com/
In a six sentence Introduction, Tyler sets up everything a reader needs to know about her Project Renova series, and then sends them forth to read Patient Zero’s short stories, unfettered by the weight of the novels. And it’s great! An unstoppable virus is killing people by the truckload and here is a selection of people from all over England and all walks of life, and how they dealt with said virus – get on board and enjoy the ride.
Occasionally triumphant, sometimes ironic, always written with a voice entirely unique to the character narrating that particular story, Tyler’s Patient Zero spans the breadth of human experience in a desperate situation. From the moral dilemma of one of the lucky few vaccinated, to a woman’s search for redemption following a painful confession to a child’s take of apocalypse and a doomsday prepper’s vindication, it’s all here in sharp, fast little bites of stories.
Evocative throughout, though maybe a little closer to home than some people really want in the Year of Our Lord 2021, look out especially for the opening story “Jared: The Spare Vial”, the wit of “Aaron: #NewWorldProblems”, and the distinct, if drifting, voice of “Meg: The Prison Guard’s Wife”.
In a six sentence Introduction, Tyler sets up everything a reader needs to know about her Project Renova series, and then sends them forth to read Patient Zero’s short stories, unfettered by the weight of the novels. And it’s great! An unstoppable virus is killing people by the truckload and here is a selection of people from all over England and all walks of life, and how they dealt with said virus – get on board and enjoy the ride.
Occasionally triumphant, sometimes ironic, always written with a voice entirely unique to the character narrating that particular story, Tyler’s Patient Zero spans the breadth of human experience in a desperate situation. From the moral dilemma of one of the lucky few vaccinated, to a woman’s search for redemption following a painful confession to a child’s take of apocalypse and a doomsday prepper’s vindication, it’s all here in sharp, fast little bites of stories.
Evocative throughout, though maybe a little closer to home than some people really want in the Year of Our Lord 2021, look out especially for the opening story “Jared: The Spare Vial”, the wit of “Aaron: #NewWorldProblems”, and the distinct, if drifting, voice of “Meg: The Prison Guard’s Wife”.
November 21, 2017
4.5 stars. Okay, I admit it. This is a terrific collection of disturbing little stories that I would completely have given five stars to except... I've read the first two books in this series and they are seriously even better.
For me, the thing I like best about this post-apocalyptic world is that it's actually not about the presidents and prime ministers and generals and captains of the corporate engine who have their thumbs heavily on the buttons controlling the big picture. They're all going to be holed up in their underground bunkers instead of providing story fodder. No, it tells us what might happen to the kind of individuals we meet every day...dreaming teenaged girls like Flora, self-centered boy-men like Aaron, traditional housewives like Meg, and people travelling through reincarnated lives like Martin. (Well, maybe not so many Martins, of course, unless you live in Los Angeles or Glastonbury...) The question the Project Renova series asks is what happens to people like us when our world ends?
For the most part, Terry Tyler's answer, of course, is "not good things", at least at first. But one of the most amazing things about these little stories and about the series in general, is that sometimes what happens is...not all bad things. Jeff, the gloomy gus who has had the satisfaction of seeing the doomsday he's been predicting, finds a surprising answer to the question of what's next.
If you like your apocalypse with more than a touch of black humor, characters under a microscope, and a dash of hope, I'd recommend Patient Zero. (Of course, if you want to know why Nick becomes patient #zero, I'd recommend even more that you read the first two books in this incredible series. I guarantee you'll join the rest of us converts in our impatient wait for the final book due out early 2018.
For me, the thing I like best about this post-apocalyptic world is that it's actually not about the presidents and prime ministers and generals and captains of the corporate engine who have their thumbs heavily on the buttons controlling the big picture. They're all going to be holed up in their underground bunkers instead of providing story fodder. No, it tells us what might happen to the kind of individuals we meet every day...dreaming teenaged girls like Flora, self-centered boy-men like Aaron, traditional housewives like Meg, and people travelling through reincarnated lives like Martin. (Well, maybe not so many Martins, of course, unless you live in Los Angeles or Glastonbury...) The question the Project Renova series asks is what happens to people like us when our world ends?
For the most part, Terry Tyler's answer, of course, is "not good things", at least at first. But one of the most amazing things about these little stories and about the series in general, is that sometimes what happens is...not all bad things. Jeff, the gloomy gus who has had the satisfaction of seeing the doomsday he's been predicting, finds a surprising answer to the question of what's next.
If you like your apocalypse with more than a touch of black humor, characters under a microscope, and a dash of hope, I'd recommend Patient Zero. (Of course, if you want to know why Nick becomes patient #zero, I'd recommend even more that you read the first two books in this incredible series. I guarantee you'll join the rest of us converts in our impatient wait for the final book due out early 2018.
February 2, 2018
I must admit myself a now dedicated fan to Ms Tyler's Project Renova series. I'm hooked! This short story collection includes ancillary characters to the main books, Tipping Point and Lindisfarne, and those connected to them, filling in detail and bringing depth to what is a rich, complex, bleak, and compelling world.
Ms Tyler is a master of characters. Her books come alive with such a delicate touch, handling violent, disturbing issues with stark simplicity, and made only the more powerful in doing so.
The world of Project Renova is not easy, nor is it kind, but there are shafts of light amongst the darkness, and therein lies hope. I cannot wait for the next book in the series, and I'm hanging on to a hope that more in this series will emerge. If you have not discovered these books, get a move on. For fans of dystopian worlds, sci-fi, or simply those who enjoy great writing, these books are a must.
Ms Tyler is a master of characters. Her books come alive with such a delicate touch, handling violent, disturbing issues with stark simplicity, and made only the more powerful in doing so.
The world of Project Renova is not easy, nor is it kind, but there are shafts of light amongst the darkness, and therein lies hope. I cannot wait for the next book in the series, and I'm hanging on to a hope that more in this series will emerge. If you have not discovered these books, get a move on. For fans of dystopian worlds, sci-fi, or simply those who enjoy great writing, these books are a must.
Read
December 18, 2017So how would ordinary people truly fare if the world was hit by a contagion that left medieval plagues in the shade? As a prequel to the Project Renova series, readers gain glimpses into the lives of nine very ordinary people as the apocalypse unfolds. Guilt, brutality and madness jostle with love, caring, and self-sacrifice as ordinary people come to terms with a new norm.
This is the first time I’ve read Terry Tyler. The writing is excellent, the characterisations made me care. On the strength of this I’ve bought the first two titles in the series. Looking forward to them.
This is the first time I’ve read Terry Tyler. The writing is excellent, the characterisations made me care. On the strength of this I’ve bought the first two titles in the series. Looking forward to them.
November 20, 2017
Having read Project Zero & Lindisfarne ( the previous books in the Project Renova series )
i found the short character stories of Patient Zero a real bonus & the perfect compliment
to a brilliant series.
My favourite story was that of Meg, so utterly moving, excellent writing as ever from
the author.
i found the short character stories of Patient Zero a real bonus & the perfect compliment
to a brilliant series.
My favourite story was that of Meg, so utterly moving, excellent writing as ever from
the author.
November 28, 2017
A wonderfully diverse set of tales...
This was an excellent addition to the first two books in the Project Renova series. I particularly appreciated the irony of the, Aaron: #NewWorldProblems, story, which was both tragic and darkly humorous.
This was an excellent addition to the first two books in the Project Renova series. I particularly appreciated the irony of the, Aaron: #NewWorldProblems, story, which was both tragic and darkly humorous.
December 10, 2020
I’ve been avoiding pandemic books (since there’s enough of that going around in real life these days), but decided to give this collection of nine short stories a try. Great decision (pats self on back). All of the stories take place in the same world, a place being ravaged by a “bat virus.” They read like vignettes, and I was completely drawn in by the characters and their situations. It was fascinating and chilling at the same time.
Each story focuses on a different character, often living through a different stage of the pandemic. Some of them are alone, others with family or friends. Some are highly prepared, others not so much. What I really enjoyed about the collection was how unique each story was and how believable! Yikes. I could absolutely see these tales happening in my neighborhood.
The deadly pandemic is the driving force behind the stories, but the characters bring their own situations, logic, and emotions into their choices. Not all of them survive, despite the best of plans, and for those who do, the world will never be the same. This isn’t a long read, and I recommend it to sci fi fans who enjoy a fictional pandemic and great writing.
Each story focuses on a different character, often living through a different stage of the pandemic. Some of them are alone, others with family or friends. Some are highly prepared, others not so much. What I really enjoyed about the collection was how unique each story was and how believable! Yikes. I could absolutely see these tales happening in my neighborhood.
The deadly pandemic is the driving force behind the stories, but the characters bring their own situations, logic, and emotions into their choices. Not all of them survive, despite the best of plans, and for those who do, the world will never be the same. This isn’t a long read, and I recommend it to sci fi fans who enjoy a fictional pandemic and great writing.
April 16, 2018
Excellent set of short stories. Though I haven’t read the Project Renova books yet, I enjoyed delving deeper into characters from that series.
The author gives us a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people faced with ‘the end of the world as they know it’. This book is comprised of nine stand-alone stories set against a deadly viral outbreak. Each character is so different (personality, background, lifestyle), it was fascinating to see how he or she handled being in the midst of an apocalypse.
Most stories ended with a definitive closing yet left readers to ponder the fate of the character: Did he change his mind? Did she leave? Did he/she somehow survive? I found myself thinking about these stories days after I’d finished the collection.
There are a few characters I disliked, others I liked, still others I felt indifferent about. Likable or not, every one of them was believable.
Realistic scenarios, good dialogue and settings. Well-written, character-driven stories (with a bit of dark humor). Highly recommended.
The author gives us a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people faced with ‘the end of the world as they know it’. This book is comprised of nine stand-alone stories set against a deadly viral outbreak. Each character is so different (personality, background, lifestyle), it was fascinating to see how he or she handled being in the midst of an apocalypse.
Most stories ended with a definitive closing yet left readers to ponder the fate of the character: Did he change his mind? Did she leave? Did he/she somehow survive? I found myself thinking about these stories days after I’d finished the collection.
There are a few characters I disliked, others I liked, still others I felt indifferent about. Likable or not, every one of them was believable.
Realistic scenarios, good dialogue and settings. Well-written, character-driven stories (with a bit of dark humor). Highly recommended.
February 5, 2019
After devouring the full four book Project Renova series one after the other I was delighted to see this book of short stories. It was a compilation of tales to accompany the series and as such featured snippets on some of the characters from the four books. What a great idea of Terry Tyler to provide more background info. It is something many authors could emulate as a follow up to a series. Each tale was short and sweet and made it easy bedtime reading. I am now hoping that there will be another such book from this author. Let's face it there were so many fabulous characters in this series. They must all be clamouring for a piece of the action. Well done Terry Tyler on such a (forgive the pun) novel idea.
August 15, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this intriguing selection of short stories all centered around the theme of a dystopian future caused by a virus. Sounds familiar, but don't let the theme scare you...this book shouldn't be missed. Each story is well crafted and interesting enough in its own way to be a stand-alone piece of short fiction. The small slices of humanity offered in each tale showcased the weak, strong, and incredibly insightful sides of ordinary people caught in a crisis. Without missing a beat, the author delivers a perfect window into lives turned upside-down. As a reader, I appreciated both the strong prose and the excellent pacing of this disturbing little collection. High recommendations for loyal fans of post-apocalyptic fiction.
April 7, 2020
Great writer as Author !
I just discovered her ! And her writing. Characters immediately
I'll you in, you are hookex, you have to find out what's going on, and it keeps you so engaged time
Added and you can't put her books down. I've been a reader since my Mother, and her Mother, my Granny taught me the love of books for entertainment, learning and fun.
My Aunt always told me Books are your Friends. Great them as such
I have never read any authors work quite like hers. So refreshing to call in love with reading again, though I've never stopped. It's a part of each and every day. So lucky to have discovered her !
I just discovered her ! And her writing. Characters immediately
I'll you in, you are hookex, you have to find out what's going on, and it keeps you so engaged time
Added and you can't put her books down. I've been a reader since my Mother, and her Mother, my Granny taught me the love of books for entertainment, learning and fun.
My Aunt always told me Books are your Friends. Great them as such
I have never read any authors work quite like hers. So refreshing to call in love with reading again, though I've never stopped. It's a part of each and every day. So lucky to have discovered her !
September 11, 2018
A lovely spin-off from Terry Tyler's Renova novels. Each story concentrates on one character – often a very minor character – from the books, developing them and explaining how the apocalyptic plot line has affected them. Tyler has a really nice way of catching characters in deceptively simple prose and deploys this to great effect in this book. It was reading this that encouraged me to read the novels.
January 11, 2019
A superb collection of short stories, introducing a range of different characters.
I really enjoyed reading these and given the dark dystopian subject matter, they are written in way that is intriguing and at times humorous, with plenty of twists along the way. Some are about survival, some sad, some filled with bitter irony, but a book that makes you think.
It is a great introduction to a futuristic series and I have already downloaded Tipping Point.
Looking forward to starting it.
I really enjoyed reading these and given the dark dystopian subject matter, they are written in way that is intriguing and at times humorous, with plenty of twists along the way. Some are about survival, some sad, some filled with bitter irony, but a book that makes you think.
It is a great introduction to a futuristic series and I have already downloaded Tipping Point.
Looking forward to starting it.
March 13, 2020
This collection of short stories was well-written and very topical given the current Coronavirus situation. Not having read any previous books in the series, I didn't feel any great connection to the characters. If dystopian medical fiction is your thing, you'll probably enjoy this book.
June 22, 2020
Perfect read during Covid
WOW this was fantastic and a perfect read for this crazy time.we are in right now. I am definitely going to read more from Terry Tyler what a fabulous author
WOW this was fantastic and a perfect read for this crazy time.we are in right now. I am definitely going to read more from Terry Tyler what a fabulous author
August 19, 2018
BACK STORIES TO THE RENOVA PROJECT TRILOGY
I enjoyed discovering more about the characters in the trilogy which was a great read and highly recommended.
I enjoyed discovering more about the characters in the trilogy which was a great read and highly recommended.
November 13, 2018
Excellent!
April 20, 2019
Thank you
Omg I loved these stories. This was an awesome and I hope ‘this keeps going on This was an excellent price
Omg I loved these stories. This was an awesome and I hope ‘this keeps going on This was an excellent price
November 18, 2020
Keeps you interested.
I enjoyed reading this book. It flowed smoothly and kept you interested all the time.
I got this book free in exchange for an honest review
I enjoyed reading this book. It flowed smoothly and kept you interested all the time.
I got this book free in exchange for an honest review
April 15, 2021
Fun but didn’t really add much to understand the main books or expanding the world.
April 12, 2023
An add on to the Renova Story with a few extra short stories about some of the side characters from the first two books. If you have enjoyed the series this is well worth a read.
January 24, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Am now a Renova series fan. No, wait - I'm a Terry Tyler fan...
February 28, 2021
3.5 Stars
August 15, 2019
Terry Tyler’s Patient Zero: Post-Apocalyptic Short Stories apparently is an add-on to her “Project Renova” series. It’s supposed to stand alone, so I thought it might be interesting to read and give me an idea of whether I want to read the actual series. It’s a small collection of short stories set in a post-apocalyptic UK where a virus has wiped out much of the population. I found it mostly stood well alone. The stories aren’t about arc-plot; they’re slice-of-life stories about various people’s experiences during and after the end of things. Because of this they’re relatively low-key. The final story seems to break genre, which is confusing–the protagonist claims to have died and been reborn many times, which doesn’t fit in your average viral apocalypse, and there’s nothing in the other stories that hinted at anything like that. Also one of the stories is called “Evie: Patient Zero,” but there’s really nothing in there that explains the patient zero reference (although the afterword assures us that one of the other books does explain it).
The nine stories provide a nice range of characters and views of the apocalypse. Jared Green’s Uncle Owen gave him two vials of precious vaccine–but Jared’s no longer sure he wants to give the second one to his girlfriend, who’s cheating on him. Flora’s father figured out things were going to go badly and put a bunch of stuff by–but that doesn’t mean her family will have an easy time of things as society fails. Jeff was a prepper who went all-out having a bunker made and stocking it with everything he could need, but he failed to account for the boredom and loneliness.
Karen cared for her sister and her sister’s family as they died, but she remained immune. She laid a heavy burden on her sister as Claire lay dying, and now she’s trying to atone for that. Aaron, who also seems to be immune, set out to find anyone he knows who might still be alive, and ended up at his ex-girlfriend’s house. Meg is waiting for her prison guard husband to return so they can leave their home and go someplace safer, but he’s late.
Ruby, girlfriend to a drug dealer, starts to wonder whether she should really wait for him before getting the hell out of Dodge. Evie is having trouble holding onto her boyfriend Nick, but she’s also having trouble letting go. She just never seems to come first in his life. Martin is the man who’s lived many lives. I’m still utterly confused by this story’s place in the rest of this world.
The stories are interesting, and it’s an enjoyable book if you like viral apocalypses, which I definitely do. There isn’t anything amazing here, but it’s solidly good.
Original review posted on my blog: http://www.errantdreams.com/2019/08/r...
The nine stories provide a nice range of characters and views of the apocalypse. Jared Green’s Uncle Owen gave him two vials of precious vaccine–but Jared’s no longer sure he wants to give the second one to his girlfriend, who’s cheating on him. Flora’s father figured out things were going to go badly and put a bunch of stuff by–but that doesn’t mean her family will have an easy time of things as society fails. Jeff was a prepper who went all-out having a bunker made and stocking it with everything he could need, but he failed to account for the boredom and loneliness.
Karen cared for her sister and her sister’s family as they died, but she remained immune. She laid a heavy burden on her sister as Claire lay dying, and now she’s trying to atone for that. Aaron, who also seems to be immune, set out to find anyone he knows who might still be alive, and ended up at his ex-girlfriend’s house. Meg is waiting for her prison guard husband to return so they can leave their home and go someplace safer, but he’s late.
Ruby, girlfriend to a drug dealer, starts to wonder whether she should really wait for him before getting the hell out of Dodge. Evie is having trouble holding onto her boyfriend Nick, but she’s also having trouble letting go. She just never seems to come first in his life. Martin is the man who’s lived many lives. I’m still utterly confused by this story’s place in the rest of this world.
The stories are interesting, and it’s an enjoyable book if you like viral apocalypses, which I definitely do. There isn’t anything amazing here, but it’s solidly good.
Original review posted on my blog: http://www.errantdreams.com/2019/08/r...
November 15, 2017
The short stories in Patient Zero are part of Terry Tyler’s Project Renova series. They add to the two books “Tipping Point” and “Lindisfarne” but they can successfully be read without knowledge of, or before reading one or both of the novels.
A deadly virus, nicknamed Bat Fever has appeared in 2024. Despite vaccination gradually being offered around the country, many people have died, though some seem immune. For several years, an underground group known as Unicorn have been suspicious of the government and now they believe that the virus may have been deliberately spread.
The unfair way in which the vaccination is distributed is highlighted in the first story when Jared is given a vial by his uncle who works for a drug company. He is also given a spare vial. Should he give it to his girlfriend Angelina even though he suspects she may be unfaithful to him? Later in the book, in the story of Evie, we meet her boyfriend Nick Greenaway, a high achieving, non-stop socialite who proudly displays his wristband to prove he has been vaccinated on social media. Does he deserve Evie’s devotion?
One character, Jeff was well prepared for an apocalypse. He had a bunker built and well stocked away from civilisation and finally when he was 65, the epidemic arrived. He planned to live alone but two of the underground group Unicorn joined him. When they moved on, he decided to seek out other survivors and this is when his life really began. In total contrast, Flora or Princess Snowflake, her more apt name, has been brought up as a chosen child. Spoilt and isolated by her “Christian,” kind parents, their character changes as civilisation breaks down. She is totally unable to cope on her own, but she maintains her positive attitude.
There are other stories of disparate characters, all subject to fate and their own actions. There is no right way to deal with a country in chaos, but their beliefs and habits dictate how they react. This fascinating book of stories has one fault. It isn’t long enough to tell even more individual stories. If you haven’t read the other two books, “Patient Zero” would make a good introduction. If you have read them then you mustn’t miss these stories.
A deadly virus, nicknamed Bat Fever has appeared in 2024. Despite vaccination gradually being offered around the country, many people have died, though some seem immune. For several years, an underground group known as Unicorn have been suspicious of the government and now they believe that the virus may have been deliberately spread.
The unfair way in which the vaccination is distributed is highlighted in the first story when Jared is given a vial by his uncle who works for a drug company. He is also given a spare vial. Should he give it to his girlfriend Angelina even though he suspects she may be unfaithful to him? Later in the book, in the story of Evie, we meet her boyfriend Nick Greenaway, a high achieving, non-stop socialite who proudly displays his wristband to prove he has been vaccinated on social media. Does he deserve Evie’s devotion?
One character, Jeff was well prepared for an apocalypse. He had a bunker built and well stocked away from civilisation and finally when he was 65, the epidemic arrived. He planned to live alone but two of the underground group Unicorn joined him. When they moved on, he decided to seek out other survivors and this is when his life really began. In total contrast, Flora or Princess Snowflake, her more apt name, has been brought up as a chosen child. Spoilt and isolated by her “Christian,” kind parents, their character changes as civilisation breaks down. She is totally unable to cope on her own, but she maintains her positive attitude.
There are other stories of disparate characters, all subject to fate and their own actions. There is no right way to deal with a country in chaos, but their beliefs and habits dictate how they react. This fascinating book of stories has one fault. It isn’t long enough to tell even more individual stories. If you haven’t read the other two books, “Patient Zero” would make a good introduction. If you have read them then you mustn’t miss these stories.
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