Future's Beginning

Surviving The Evacuation #13

by Frank Tayell

For good or ill, the future has begun. After the outbreak came the nuclear war. The blasts killed millions. Chaos followed. Most of those unlucky enough not to succumb to starvation and disease joined the ranks of the living dead. Fleeing the impossible nightmare, ten thousand, from nations across the Atlantic seaboard, found refuge on the Welsh island of Anglesey. There, they should have been safe. There, they should have been able to rebuild. There, they were betrayed. Forced to flee once more, a hasty exodus was planned, but those plans were sabotaged. The survivors became scattered across the island of Ireland. Old-world supplies are scarce, hope is running out, and safety is just a memory. The snow has come, and though rain will soon follow, winter has truly begun.

In Dundalk, eight hundred survivors have occupied a local college, but the campus is too dispersed to defend. As they scour the snow-covered town for a safe route to the sea, they find signs of long-fled survivors and answers to a question they hadn't asked.

In Belfast, the situation is increasingly precarious. There are saboteurs in their midst. As the investigation into their identity slowly progresses, the terrorists continue to plot. Rumours of a mutiny escalate into a riot, while an unseen clock ticks ever closer towards humanity's destruction.

Set in Belfast and Dundalk, over three days that change everything.

Genres: Zombies, Fiction, Horror

246 pages, Paperback

First published May 17, 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]

Another good entry in the Surviving the Evacuation series. Some changes are afoot and I'm excited to read the next book to see what happens. And I'm eager to know what's been happening to some of the characters that haven't been shown in a while.

The books 1-3 are Bill's journals from the first few months after the outbreak.

Books 4-7 are from Nilda and Chester's perspectives, mostly in London.

Books 8-10 are also Bill's journal entries, set on Anglesey and in Ireland.

Books 11 through 13 focus on a variety of characters, in a variety of locations. Bill, Chester, Eamonn, Bran, etc. But books 12 and 13 are mostly from Kim's and Sholto's perspectives.

[Nicola · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s one in the morning and I have to get up in five hours and I feel like this partly attributable to the book and partly attributable to my depression and the fact that it’s Monday in equal measure.

[Justin Larimore · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rebuild

As survivors slowly move across the seas, the world is undead but with signs of life. Is there hope on the horizon? As always, perspective is in the eye of the beholder.

[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.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 13 closes a chapter nicely, whilst laying the ground work for the future of the communities, disappointing not to get an update on the main protagonist, but only makes the reader eager for book 14!

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

It’s almost hard to believe that Surviving the Evacuation has already hit thirteen books (well, fourteen, actually, I’m one behind as of writing this review). Not to mention the spin-off series he has, which I think is three of four books long. You’d think that Tayell would have run out of things for his characters to do at this point, and you’d be wrong.
If you haven’t read any of Tayell’s books, you absolutely should go back to the beginning and read through them, especially before reading this book or review. A lot of the backstory wouldn’t make sense, and you wouldn’t know the characters that well either.
Future’s Beginning covers a mere three days, yet it feels like a year. Not because it drags on, but because the characters have to deal with so much, and in such a short period of time. I do not envy the situation any of them are in, to say the least.



No warning for this book, besides the obvious (there are zombies, people get bit and killed, it’s a given), but I did want to say that the cat is okay. I sort of freaked at the introduction of the cat, and got worried every time she was brought up. So I’m going to save you some anxiety and say that as of the end of this book, she’s fine (and I haven’t read beyond this point, so my not being able to say more is not a spoiler).
I love how Tayell breaks his books into such short time periods. It allows for a ton of detail, focusing on individual characters and locations, and not having to skim over the day to day battle for survival. I feel like this is something a lot of zombie series tend to overlook, and it’s also probably the reason why I love this series so much.
It does feel like every book makes the situation more dire than the last. First it was the zombie apocalypse, then it was humans nuking other humans, followed by betrayal, mass murder, espionage, sabotage, more mass murder, and so on and so forth. I’m not sure if we’re going to see that pattern changing anytime soon, but it would be nice to see everybody get a large win for once. Sure, they have their small moments of victory, and even some major ones…but those ones never seem to stick. I feel like there’s something big and bright over the horizon…but that may just be wishful thinking.
This book focuses solely on the events happening in Belfast and Dundalk. Those are two of the new settlements. Well, sort of. One wasn’t exactly intended, but it’s working for now. The other one was planned, but it’s been clear since the last book that it wouldn’t work out. We haven’t gotten an update on Will, the rest of the people on the plane, or the fishing fleet in quite some time. One can only hope that they’re doing fine.
I was surprised by the turn of events in a couple of points, though maybe I shouldn’t have been. Tayell did a fantastic job with the buildup, especially with Sholto’s plot. I would have happily had that be the entire focus of the book, though it was nice to get the updates on what was happening in the other settlement as well, of course.
Naturally there was a lot of fighting in this book, what with all the zombies. There was also some human on human fighting, some more betrayal, political maneuvering, and the like. All things I’ve come to expect, especially when Sholto is around.
There’s one more book out already, Mort Vivant. So at least I won’t have to wait long for the next book. I don’t know how many more books are planned for the series, but we’ve got to be getting close to the end (last I heard it was estimated to end around fourteen or fifteen…so…). I’ll be sad to see the series go, but I will be interested to see what Frank Tayell would start up next.


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

[Derek · Rating 5 out of 5]

For good or ill, the future has begun.

After the outbreak came the nuclear war. The blasts killed millions. Chaos followed. Most of those unlucky enough not to succumb to starvation and disease joined the ranks of the living dead.

Fleeing the impossible nightmare, ten thousand, from nations across the Atlantic seaboard, found refuge on the Welsh island of Anglesey. There, they should have been safe. There, they should have been able to rebuild. There, they were betrayed.

Forced to flee once more, a hasty exodus was planned, but those plans were sabotaged. The survivors became scattered across the island of Ireland. Old-world supplies are scarce, hope is running out, and safety is just a memory. The snow has come, and though rain will soon follow, winter has truly begun.

In Dundalk, eight hundred survivors have occupied a local college, but the campus is too dispersed to defend. As they scour the snow-covered town for a safe route to the sea, they find signs of long-fled survivors and answers to a question they hadn’t asked.

In Belfast, the situation is increasingly precarious. There are saboteurs in their midst. As the investigation into their identity slowly progresses, the terrorists continue to plot. Rumours of a mutiny escalate into a riot, while an unseen clock ticks ever closer towards humanity’s destruction.

Set in Belfast and Dundalk, over three days that change everything.
**

[Robd · Rating 4 out of 5]

The thirteenth book in the Surviving the Evacuation series sees the survivors having to flee the relative safety and comforts on Anglesey as their very existence was sabotaged from within. Forced to flee to a snow covered Ireland, the survivors are scattered across the land and faced with scavenging the rapidly diminishing and often useless old world remnants. They come across signs of other, long-fled, survivors and are left with many unanswered questions. When further attempts are made to sabotage the group, the perpetrators need to be caught and the future destination of all to be decided.
This novel carries on the daily struggle to exist in a world populated by the undead and with seemingly less and less hope that humanity can survive. Maybe not the best writing style but nonetheless a great tale for lovers of the genre

Rob D

[Doctor Doom · Rating 5 out of 5]

For some reason I delayed reading this book [#13] even though I had enjoyed all the others. Something about the blurb made me think I was not going to enjoy it. I finally read it, and as you can tell be the stars I gave it, I though it was great.
Sholto [you don't have to know who he is to read the book but he is an awesome recurring character] really shines in this volume as do some others. It's like a thriller, mystery, action book all rolled into a zombified apocalyptic nightmare and yet is fairly easy to follow.
As Tayell usually does he does not need to curse to write a good book [no one really does but some seem to think so]. I will be continuing this series [probably for as long as he is writing it].

[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

[Kell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sabotage! That's exactly the last thing the survivors need right now, but that's exactly what they have. Someone is destroying everything they've so carefully and painstakingly built up amid myriad dangers, including the roaming undead, and not everyone will make it. Every moment is fraught with danger...

The tension is ramped up even higher in this 13th entailment in the incredibly well written zombie apocalypse series by Frank Tayell. Keep 'em coming, coz I ain't had my fill yet - not nearly!

[Julian White · Rating 4 out of 5]

On Kobo 297 pages Epub 2 DRM-Free

Annette seems to have taken over chronicling the survivers efforts. After the sabotage and shipwreck the remaining 800 take refuge in Dundalk... Meanwhile, in Belfast, the sabotage continues, while contact has been lost with the plane, last heading over France. As the investigation into the sabotage continues decisions are made about the future - Ireland no longer seems feasible and the possible eventual expiry of the zombies is a factor that cannot be counted upon.

A lot is packed into a three day period here. The series continues to be entertaining.

[Andrea Chiossone · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the worst out of all 13 books. Wasn’t particularly interested in this one - really just wanted to know what had happened to Bill and Chester!!! Got to the end and realised there must be yet another book as not a mention really!! Starting to feel a bit like The Walking Dead - loved it at first but now starting to drag.

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

I loved this book just as much as the last 12 plus the spin-offs. Frank Tayell just seems to be able to keep on writing and writing very readable books. I have problems writing the reviews for all the books that is different but still shows how much I enjoyed the book. I can't wait to start number 14. I highly recommend this series.

[Doghouse Gav · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thumbs up

Just love this series. You'd think after book 13 it would get stale. But it just leaves you wanting more. Each time I think the book has run its course BANG another twist hits you. Book 14 please!!!

[Tara Wowra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still enjoying the adventure.

The author has done a great job of identifying problems and solutions without seeming dreary. The lead characters are well drawn and respectable. Hope is always illuminated as well in this post apocalyptic world.

[Joshua Mckay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

I have read the whole series it continues to impress the twists and turns in the plot you don't see coming. I love the realistic approach to it not just the normal series where you have abundant resources.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What more can be said!

If you have read the previous instalments I’ve no need to sell you this book. You will be hooked already. If you haven’t, stop reviewing book 13 and go read book 1. You won’t be sorry! Leave you wanting so much more! Brilliant Frank! Thank you

[Annmarie Bellew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant

Well done Mr Tayell on another brilliant book. I couldn't put it down. Can't wait for the next instalment of this series

[Leigh Swanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!

So good I didn’t want it to end :( I cannot wait to see where the story takes them next!

[Mandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

Another great novel fron this fab series that i wasnt sure I'd like but became hooked total thumbs up *****

[Willosious · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a big fan of this series. Unfortunately, this book was too short. I (for lack of a better term) devoured it. All I can say is please don't ever stop Frank!! Keep them coming!!

[Adam Withers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great continuation to the series - cannot wait for the next one now..... bring it on.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another excellent book by Frank Tayell...

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kept me turning pages

Another great instalment although I have to say I can’t help thinking about Bill and the others on the plane!

[Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

As good as ever

I totally enjoyed this as much as all the others, although this one did feel a bit like a filler as it was set over such a short period of time.

[Cari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 13 in the series, fifteen if you add in the 2 Here We Stand books. It's still a good read, I am just ready to get to some sort of conclusion at this point. One more book to go!

[Maurice Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This saga keeps going and remains a really good read. Always what more so I can find out what happens to the characters.

[stephen lamb · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 star rating , for a 5 star genius..👍

[Del Gaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable, fast paced yarn, but the detail is incredible. All characters are well fleshed out, and the reader does become invested in their progress
Loved it.