Northern France is a frozen morass of mud and snow across which rampages a horde of the undead, a hundred million strong. That won’t stop Chester Carson and his comrades. Seeking a way across the Channel, they make for the coast, unaware that Britain has been abandoned, Belfast is a ruin, and that radiation is seeping into the Irish Sea. If they knew, that wouldn’t stop them either. They’re on a quest to save their family, their friends, and humanity itself; failure is not an option.
As they journey through war-ravaged ports and storm-wrecked beaches, a new truth becomes clear. The flotilla that found refuge on Anglesey wasn’t the only group of sea-borne refugees to have survived the outbreak. There are other survivors. Some good, some evil, some just determined to do their duty no matter the cost.Danger lurks along the French and Belgian coasts. So do answers, and hope that humanity now has a future.
This is book 15 of the main series and it's still going strong. I love the characters and I'm still interested in what's happening to them.
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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 11-13 focus on a variety of characters (Bill, Chester, Eamonn, Bran, etc.) in England and Ireland. But books 12 and 13 are mostly from Kim's and Sholto's perspectives in Ireland.
Books 14-15 focus on the people in France and London. From Nilda's, Chester's, and Bill's perspectives.
"Zombies vs the Living Dead" is a novella from George's perspective. It's about his experiences with Mary at the beginning of the outbreak.
The "Here We Stand" duology is from Sholto's perspective. It's about his experiences in America at the beginning of the outbreak.
Another excellent addition to the series. I can't believe this is the 15th book in the series. I'd happily read another 15. I think the best thing about the series are the characters. I genuinely don't want any to die & I find them both likeable & relatable. I'd highly recommend this series.
Where There’s Hope is the fifteenth novel in the Surviving the Outbreak series by Frank Tayell, and honestly, it’s almost shocking to realize how long the series has been going on for. I’d happily take another dozen novels in this series, given the chance. Surviving the Outbreak has been by far one of the most emotional and detailed zombie outbreak series I’ve read to date. It’s easily my favorite out there – by a long shot. One of the shining features of this series is the varied cast of characters, and their stories. Where There’s Hope continues to follow our ragtag group of survivors and their quest to find a new home. This time the focus is back on Chester, Bill, and Nilda. I love that the series will bounce around like this; giving us a chance to see different perspectives, but having a main focus per book. It keeps things nice and neat (even when I do get anxious to see how the others are doing).
Another solid instalment, and one which bounced around across the continent AND managed to shift our ensemble’s view of the world a little. It isn’t without its flaws, and I feel sometimes like my geography isn’t up to the task, but I do so enjoy this series, and the characters that people it.
ETA: discards the narrative device of having Annette recap so whilst I was a little lost I was ultimately happier. Also - Chester, Locke and Bill are an ultimately hilarious combination of survivors in our merry band.
Northern France is a frozen morass of mud and snow across which rampages a horde of the undead, a hundred million strong. That won't stop Chester Carson and his comrades. Seeking a way across the Channel, they make for the coast, unaware that Britain has been abandoned, Belfast is a ruin, and that radiation is seeping into the Irish Sea. If they knew, that wouldn't stop them either. They're on a quest to save their family, their friends, and humanity itself; failure is not an option.
As they journey through war-ravaged ports and storm-wrecked beaches, a new truth becomes clear. The flotilla that found refuge on Anglesey wasn't the only group of sea-borne refugees to have survived the outbreak. There are other survivors. Some good, some evil, some just determined to do their duty no matter the cost.
Danger lurks along the French and Belgian coasts. So do answers, and hope that humanity now has a future.
I have been addicted to this series since I found it. It’s a post apocalyptic world that is presented in a believable manner. It is not the usual male egocentric tactical fantasy with one dimensional females. Refreshing!
The fifteenth instalment of Frank Tayell's post apocalyptic tale sees some of the survivors trapped in northern France and Belgium desperately seeking away across the channel, unaware that mainland Britain has now been abandoned. They have to carry on in the face of hunger, little fuel and the severe winter weather. When they discover that the Tunnel and some of the ports are mined and that all have been devastated by war and the weather, they must now decide where to seek refuge and what next for the remnants of humanity. There are other groups of survivors, some good, some just protecting what belongs to them and some that are bad. In a lawless world, organised criminals control, subjugate and thrive at the expense of others. And, of course, there's the undead to contend with.
A series of novels that leave you wanting more, rather like a serialisation in a monthly magazine. Not the best writing style, but still gripping storytelling.
I've read a few books in this genre and I can honestly say that not one comes anywhere near Frank Tayells Surviving the Evacuation series. Where There’s Hope is book 15 and you would not guess that because the writing is as fresh as book 1 was. As soon as I open the book that is it my head is gone and I'm living with Nilda or George or whoever it is I'm following at the time. I totally love the characters and I don't know what I would do if one of them got killed they are all so woven in with the story. There is so much going on in every book that my eyes don't lift from the pages until I have to. I totally recommend this series and the author. An amazing read.
15 books in and this series is still going strong, still as compelling reading as ever. The old characters remain interesting and the occasional new ones introduced keep adding something positive to the mix. There are zombies and hordes keep everyone on their toes, and mean plans have to change, people go to different destinations, and escape remains complicated. And the French setting for much of this book provides a contrast to the London, Anglesey and Ireland of recent episodes (for want of a better word). So, character-driven and decent action continue to move a solid plot along nicely, while the writing is of as good quality as ever. I'm looking forward to reading next instalment as soon as!
Book fifteen of the main "Evacuation" series. Nilda, George and the others at the Tower are othn the cusp of abandoning London. Whilst they are awaiting boats from Ireland to take them, it is discovered the horde of undead bearing down on London are closer than expected prompting Nilda to bring forward the evacution and meet the rescue boats further down the Thames. Meanwhile in France Bill, Chester & Sorcha are heading for the coast & Dunkirk. Events conspire to push them further South to Calais where a hostile welcome awaits. Will this book finally the disparate groups back together. Another excellent installment
Unaware that Belfast has been abandoned the crashed team treks through frozen France towards the coast where they hope to find a boat to return to Ireland. Out of contact after the satellite phone was smashed in the crash they have no means of tracing the (reported) horde - but they are being pursued by the cartel and an unpleasant surprise awaits them when they reach Calais.
While concenrating on our team we are introduced to several of the differences in how the outbreak affected Europe and elsewhere in the world - as well as a new nd important character.
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.
My journey through this book series continues to pay off. This book is really the other side of the coin from Book 14. The way the author intermeshes the two stories, while introduces new plot elements and characters that give us fodder for future books, is exceptional. He progresses the primary plot, character growth, and all while teasing us with more to come. A great, refreshing zombie apocalypse series got another great chapter with this book!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book for its compelling narrative and insightful themes. The characters were well-developed, and the pacing kept me engaged throughout. I particularly appreciated how it tackled complex issues with sensitivity. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy character-driven stories with emotional depth. I gave this rating because the writing was consistently strong.
Another book in this series still coming up with new plots and twists.I have been finding it hard to keep all the story threads together in previous books but I stoped reading them for a bit. Came back with a fresh brain and followed this book perfectly. Looking forward to the mext
Another enjoyable addition to the series, though as ever, I prefer the books, where the main protagonists are together. The dangers of Europe add a new level to those that our group experienced in Wales, Ireland and GB. A sense they are floundering without clear options, and I am intrigued to see where they go next.
A fantastic continuation of the series. There's sabotage and subterfuge, and several of our main characters are separated from the larger group, and left in mainland Europe, with no way of communicating to their loved ones where they are, and next to no chance of ever getting back them, with enemies and undead standing between them and home...
Another excellent part of the series. I really enjoy Frank’s writing style and this book does not disappoint. We get to meet some new characters and catch up with some old ones. If you enjoy zombie fiction would 100% recommend this series.
A few points i do not understand when they went back to where the Russian destroyer was there was no mention about the diesel storage did they just forget about it and why didn't the satellite show there was a big group of people at calais.
I love that they are safe for now. I love these characters. This series has me hooked. It would be nice if they had a time jump a few years to see if they were growing crops, etc.