Britain's End

Surviving The Evacuation #12

by Frank Tayell

Humanity is at a crossroads. Either all will survive, or our species will perish. Anglesey became a refuge for survivors from across the world, but living in the shadow of a decrepit nuclear power station was always a precarious existence. There is only one destination for their final exodus from Britain, but Belfast won’t become their new home. There are fewer undead on the island of Ireland, but their numbers still count in the millions. With farming impossible, with the weather worsening, with ammunition exhausted, desperation turns to despair. All seems bleak, but the survivors don’t know how truly desperate their situation is. During the chaos that ensued after the calamitous election, they misjudged the evidence. Their true enemy is still among them, and that enemy is about to act. Set nine months after the outbreak, in Britain and the island of Ireland, when humanity is at a crossroads. Either all will survive, or our species will die.

Genres: Horror, Zombies, Fiction

310 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 9, 2018

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 liked the beginning of this book better than the end, but it's still a good addition to the series. It ends in a cliffhanger about the fate of a few characters and I'm excited to find out what happened to them.

In the same vein as book 11, "Britain's End" has chapters from quite a few characters' perspectives (Nilda, Chester, Bill, Sholto, and Kim).

[Adam Jarvis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. There not the best ever but I always enjoy them. Easy to read and zombies! Perfect really.. looking forward to the next.

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

With this novel I am finally up to date with my Surviving the Evacuation series! Granted, I said the same thing last year, and before I knew it I was three books behind, so there’s that. Anyway, we know there’s going to be at least one more novel in the series, but beyond that it’s anyone’s guess. I’d like to see the series continue of course, but I also trust Tayell to know when it’s time to end it, so I think I’ll be okay with it either way (as long as he starts another series that is!).
This is the twelfth book in the series, so obviously I’d suggest against starting here (you’ll have no idea what’s going on or why particular characters are behaving/injured in certain ways). It’s hard to believe that this novel is set only nine months after the outbreak – it feels like it’s been ages (and I’m sure the characters would agree with that). I love the steady and detailed pace Tayell has taken with this series.



Like the last novel, Britain’s End jumps between multiple perspectives. Since I was more or less expecting it this time (since all of the characters introduced have now been introduced to each other) it wasn’t odd and actually ended up making sense for the series. Though I do wish they had spent more time with Bill and Chester (partially because he left them off on a bit of a cliffhanger – that will be covered in the next novel I’m sure).
You’d think after surviving the zombie apocalypse (and the resulting mutually assured destruction that occurred) that the people of Anglesey had seen the worst that human nature had to offer. You would be wrong. There are still plenty of hiccups, backslides, and dangers for our characters, with so many twists and turns it’s almost overwhelming.
The title obviously implies something here; that the reign of Britain is ending. We already knew from the last novel that the people of Anglesey will have to evacuate, and sooner rather than later (thanks to a nuclear power plant’s impending meltdown). This novel focuses more on that plight, as well as the debate for the survivors in London.
I understand why Nilda doesn’t want to give up on London – for so many years it was her home. Now it’s her only connection to her late husband, and the start of her son’s life. It resembled safety in a world where there’s no such thing, and became almost a symbol for her and many others. But the practical concerns really do outweigh the emotional ones. For example, even if the zombies do drop dead (dead again that is) tomorrow (which we don’t really have a solid confirmation on yet, I’m so curious!) there are still a lot of problems with London. How would they farm? The few grassy areas in London were destroyed during the horrific ‘evacuation’ (readers will understand that emphasis), and eventually the food that’s left in the city will go bad (if it hasn’t already). They’re literally running on borrowed time.
Meanwhile things aren’t going too smoothly for Kim and the evacuation of Anglesey either (though I’m sure they’re smart enough to not call it an evacuation, after what they’ve been through). It seems like every time they take a step forward, they’re forced to take two steps back, and none of their plans, no matter how carefully they’re laid, seem to fully pan out. It’s rapidly hitting the point where the number of events going on cannot be considered a coincidence. First the grain, then the power plant, as well as the other events in this novel? Not to mention all the other events I haven’t even thought to list. It’s too much to be considered anything other than sabotage. It’ll be interesting to see where that whole plot ends up leading.
As mentioned above, I would have liked to see more of Bill and Chester in this novel. I’m sure they’re going to have more than their fair share of danger in their part of the plot, and I’m really anxious to see what happens. Not only are they in a dangerous situation, but they have a potentially deadly companion with them. That combination has me pretty worried, to say the least.
I’m hoping we start hearing information about the next novel soon, but I think that’s just the impatient side of me talking (after all, it hasn’t been that long since this one released). I’m just feeling a little antsy to see what happens next.


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

[Lyn Pilkington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!

I was so looking forward to reading this, and you didn't disappoint! The way you described Sheppey was perfect, coming from Sittingbourne I know the docks and the car yards.
Really well written

[Kell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twelve books into the series (plus offshoots and novella!) and it's still delivering. Everything the survivors have been trying to rebuild is falling apart, and it's a race against time to make new plans and put them into action... but that timeframe may well be cut much shorter than they expected, as saboteurs put a spanner in the works. Still character driven, but still plenty of plot to go round, and more than enough to make it absolutely imperative that I immediately continue with the next installment!

[Julian White]

On Kobo (1230002084480; Epub 2 DRM-Free); 375 pages

As the title suggests the survivors come to realise that Britain is no longer a possible refuge: the imminent failure of the nuclear power plant forces an evacuation of Anglesey while the London group is threatened by the zombie horde approaching after levelling Birmingham. Only gradually does it become clear that as well as those problems (and possibly part of the cause) there are saboteurs in the population... (We readers are given this information in the prologue.)

Not one of Bill's journals (though Annette, in her self-appointed rôle as his editor/agent, gives Daisy an update in the beginning). A bitter-sweet opening to this sequence continues the gloom as several of the 'regular' cast are separated from the main groups by acts of sabotage... and we end on something of a cliff-hanger.

[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 loved this the 12th book in a series of 18... An outstanding book I just lose myself in the words... Everything seems to be coming apart at the seams for the survivors and that is because they have an enemy that they don't know of... I love all the characters they all play their part well. I'm surprised that they don't have any pets although they would have to have eaten it before now. It's a brilliant book and I highly recommend it.

[Jim Scriven · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Story Continues… to Be Solid!

This far into a series, especially zombie apocalypse books, it’s simple for the tale to flatten out and get less interesting, more one note. Not here! This story continues to throw in new surprises, uncover hidden layers, and connect to plot points all the way back from book 1, but in fresh ways. Shocked I hadn’t heard of this until so recently, but great to have so many books to just keep reading through!

[Christin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily one of the best

Absolutely love this series and the is easily one of the best! Constant action, a gripping plotline with believable plot twists, sensory orientated details make for a too short novel. It flies by, leaving me wanting more (only drawback) and knowing I can't get it soon enough!

[Leigh Swanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

More, More, more!

Wow, I was enthralled by the latest book on this series. I didn't want to put it down. The characters have developed amazingly, I loved the different narratives and the twists and turns. Next one please :)

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. The first book was a freebie so I thought what the hell! Let’s give it a go! It hooked me in and I find I am invested in the characters. I also love that this is set in Britain so far, and as a result defensive weapons have to be somewhat more diverse than just guns!

[CG Birrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

brilliant book 12!

Loved this book in the series. Full of great new locations and unexpected battles. Thoroughly recommend! Has made me intent on reading book 13. A total page turner!

[rosemary mccay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you.

I've thoroughly enjoyed this series. Great characters. Well written. Engrossing storylines. I would recommend Frank's books to anyone who likes post-apocalyptic fiction.

[amanda foulkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping

Fantastic ad usual gripping edge of the seat moments intrigue sadness and joy all rolled into one book loved it

[gabi g · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book

Can't wait for the next one. The characters are intriguing and compelling and the story line is fascinating. Next please

[Lisa Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and I'm enjoying where the story is going! Can't wait for the next one

[D L Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continuing super saga

Thoroughly enjoyed this latest installment. Written in a very reader friendly style. Once started couldn't stop. Can't wait for the next one

[Doghouse Gav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

Loved this series from the start. Such good characters and storylines wonderfully written. Frank you devil you have done it again.

[Joshua Mckay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book.

Great series of books the story still has exciting plots and twists to it as the group's left try to survive.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

binge read all 12 books, now the horrible wait for a new book noooooooooo

[Miss Sharron McLean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent work

Love this series. Hoping there is more.
I love following the different stories of all the survivors. I am really hoping to read the one when they are all together.

[Nicola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably the least hopeful, most depressing instalment so far :( I’ve ordered the next, but I hope Tayell isn’t about to go down the grimdark route.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed

One of my favourites in the series so far. Full of action and fast paced drama with an air of desperation throughout.

[Stephen Elgie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertains as do all in the series

[Lynda Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

The new world collapses into the rubble of the old. Another entertaining addition to the story, with dark twists leaving the reader wanting more.

[Gary Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant, when will we see the TV series ?

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

“What’s in my heaaaad, what’s in my heaaaad, zombie, zombie, zombie, eh eh “

[Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant as always

I loved this as much as every other book in this series. Especially the twist at the beginning!
One star deducted for the below par proof reading simply because it really does detract from my enjoyment of reading anything