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Toy Soldiers #1
Apocalypse
In 1989, Peter's young life is an unfair and miserable existence, even before events unfold far beyond his isolated, rural corner of the world. He is left alone to fend for himself and to survive in impossible circumstances. In the dying throes of the Cold War, testing of experimental bioweapons goes wrong in the worst kind of way. As the media coverage of disorder and chaos in London spreads, so too does the disease that makes the hosts it invades exist with just one goal: to find more living flesh to infect. Pockets of survivors, meanwhile, struggle to comprehend the nature of this new enemy. Cut off from information and senior leadership, one squadron of armoured troops finds itself forced to operate independently, until the remnants of military and government command re-establish themselves safely at sea in the English Channel. The dead, however, have a different agenda, and begin to exhibit behaviour that could eradicate the human race from the world.
301 pages, Paperback
First published March 16, 2018
430 people are currently reading
328 people want to read
About the author
Devon C. Ford
80 books430 followersDevon is from the UK, having lived in many places until finally settling in the Midlands. His career in public services started in his teens and has provided a wealth of experiences, both good and some very bad, which form the basis of the book ideas that cause regular insomnia.
He first started reading for fun as an adult, having tried his hardest to avoid anything resembling academia growing up, and at that point the world became a far bigger place. He has been reading, at least one book at a time, ever since.
His debut works, the After It Happened series, (Survival, Humanity, Society) were published in April 2016 followed by Hope (July 2016) and Sanctuary (December 2016). The first part of the series concluded with the release of Rebellion which was published in June 2017.
Storming high into the charts with the first books of the After It Happened series, Devon launched into the top 10 sellers listings in the UK, Australia, Canada and the US, and he made the decision to write full time shortly after the launch of Hope.
Devon’s self-published beginnings caused a stir in the publishing world, and resulted in contracts with Podium Publishing for Audible, narrated by R.C. Bray (The Martian, Expeditionary Force, Arisen), before a publishing deal for kindle and paperbacks with Vulpine Press.
Further works have seen the start of a multi-author series, sci-fi/post-apocalyptic cross genre, futuristic dystopian and alternative history zombie apocalypse. Spin-off books from the After It Happened world have been announced for 2018.
He first started reading for fun as an adult, having tried his hardest to avoid anything resembling academia growing up, and at that point the world became a far bigger place. He has been reading, at least one book at a time, ever since.
His debut works, the After It Happened series, (Survival, Humanity, Society) were published in April 2016 followed by Hope (July 2016) and Sanctuary (December 2016). The first part of the series concluded with the release of Rebellion which was published in June 2017.
Storming high into the charts with the first books of the After It Happened series, Devon launched into the top 10 sellers listings in the UK, Australia, Canada and the US, and he made the decision to write full time shortly after the launch of Hope.
Devon’s self-published beginnings caused a stir in the publishing world, and resulted in contracts with Podium Publishing for Audible, narrated by R.C. Bray (The Martian, Expeditionary Force, Arisen), before a publishing deal for kindle and paperbacks with Vulpine Press.
Further works have seen the start of a multi-author series, sci-fi/post-apocalyptic cross genre, futuristic dystopian and alternative history zombie apocalypse. Spin-off books from the After It Happened world have been announced for 2018.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
November 19, 2020
Book 8 in my Zombie-a-thon!
CW: Gore, swearing, child abuse, parent alcoholism
3.5 Stars
Well that was a thoroughly entertaining zombie romp! Plenty of terrifying undead gorging on screaming humans. A couple of central characters that are engaging, especially little Peter. Some isolated soldiers trying to find a safe location to defend, and hordes of the walking dead (and the odd scary running ones) sweeping over the country and tearing apart any living creatures in their path. A good example of classic, mindless zombie fiction. I am moving to book 2 immediately because I need to know what happens to Peter!
CW: Gore, swearing, child abuse, parent alcoholism
3.5 Stars
Well that was a thoroughly entertaining zombie romp! Plenty of terrifying undead gorging on screaming humans. A couple of central characters that are engaging, especially little Peter. Some isolated soldiers trying to find a safe location to defend, and hordes of the walking dead (and the odd scary running ones) sweeping over the country and tearing apart any living creatures in their path. A good example of classic, mindless zombie fiction. I am moving to book 2 immediately because I need to know what happens to Peter!
September 22, 2021
'Apocalypse' is a fantastic start to Devon C. Ford's 'Toy Soldiers' series. There are two subplots taking place within the storyline. The first centers around a young boy named Peter who is left alone (due to circumstances related to the apocalypse) and has to survive with a pitchfork, shotgun (too large for him to use properly), a stash of junk food, and his wits as his only devices.
The second plot taking place is about a squadron of soldiers cut off from the remaining military and forced to fend for themselves. What ensues during the back and forth between the two plots is action-packed - filled with intense zombie fighting - and character driven suspense.
The hordes are different because they have leaders who are much smarter and faster. They can communicate to the others - and the hordes follow where they go....
This first book is clever and the dialogue smart.
Narrator John Lee does a fantastic job with the accents and is a great voice for this series.
The second plot taking place is about a squadron of soldiers cut off from the remaining military and forced to fend for themselves. What ensues during the back and forth between the two plots is action-packed - filled with intense zombie fighting - and character driven suspense.
The hordes are different because they have leaders who are much smarter and faster. They can communicate to the others - and the hordes follow where they go....
This first book is clever and the dialogue smart.
Narrator John Lee does a fantastic job with the accents and is a great voice for this series.
February 2, 2020
From start to finish this book does not hold back. There are a few characters that we're focusing on but my main concern is little Peter. The poor kid's been through so much already in his young life and now... well, read it and you'll find out!
November 13, 2021
This isn’t the thriller it promises to be. It shuffles along well enough, but drags its feet too often. There are mercifully only two focal points for the narration and thankfully neither are in the first person. Also it’s nice to read a British zombie story in a rural setting rather than the all too familiar globalised urban landscapes.
The first focal point is a nine year old, abused by his parents, bullied at school and isolated from the world in his rural home. A born survivor, we are told. Fair enough, a good idea, but this build-up is rammed down the reader’s throat so much that it’s a relief when the zombies finally turn up. Although we closely follow the kid, the narrator is a dispassionate observer, so we’re not exactly seeing this through the kid’s eyes. It’s like an amateur psychologist doing a voiceover.
The second focal point is a military squadron, again isolated from the world by the chain of command. Cue lovingly detailed descriptions of kit and procedure, but precious little action. Plenty of stock characters. The tough sergeant. The foppish lieutenant. The expendable grunts.
Half way in, the read is pleasant enough. The writing is slow, descriptive, detailed, a bit clunky in places, but not bad at all. Not quite a thriller. The author is not quite living up to his literary pretensions either. If in doubt, when writing a zombie story, stick to fast paced action … or have something really original to say. There’s neither here. We’ve got a contemporary slice of rural life with the occasional walking corpse … pleasantly readable, but not really able to hold the attention.
There’s no story arc here, just the first episode in an ongoing serial, so the ending comes at an arbitrary moment. There’s no underlying mystery as to the whys and hows of the outbreak. There’s zombies. Some people survive. Some don’t. That’s it.
Would I follow the series? No. There’s nothing to make this one stand out from the crowd.
The first focal point is a nine year old, abused by his parents, bullied at school and isolated from the world in his rural home. A born survivor, we are told. Fair enough, a good idea, but this build-up is rammed down the reader’s throat so much that it’s a relief when the zombies finally turn up. Although we closely follow the kid, the narrator is a dispassionate observer, so we’re not exactly seeing this through the kid’s eyes. It’s like an amateur psychologist doing a voiceover.
The second focal point is a military squadron, again isolated from the world by the chain of command. Cue lovingly detailed descriptions of kit and procedure, but precious little action. Plenty of stock characters. The tough sergeant. The foppish lieutenant. The expendable grunts.
Half way in, the read is pleasant enough. The writing is slow, descriptive, detailed, a bit clunky in places, but not bad at all. Not quite a thriller. The author is not quite living up to his literary pretensions either. If in doubt, when writing a zombie story, stick to fast paced action … or have something really original to say. There’s neither here. We’ve got a contemporary slice of rural life with the occasional walking corpse … pleasantly readable, but not really able to hold the attention.
There’s no story arc here, just the first episode in an ongoing serial, so the ending comes at an arbitrary moment. There’s no underlying mystery as to the whys and hows of the outbreak. There’s zombies. Some people survive. Some don’t. That’s it.
Would I follow the series? No. There’s nothing to make this one stand out from the crowd.
April 2, 2025
Actually kind of boring, given what it's about. I probably won't finish the series, too many in this genre that are better. 🫠
June 21, 2019
Character Extremes
Captivating read. Any story which has me anxious for the next page is 5 star, and this story fits that description.
POV of hardened soldiers and two flawed civilians (one being an abused child) gives a heartening/hopeful view of survival from contrasting perspectives, much like real life, making the story vivid and believable.
Captivating read. Any story which has me anxious for the next page is 5 star, and this story fits that description.
POV of hardened soldiers and two flawed civilians (one being an abused child) gives a heartening/hopeful view of survival from contrasting perspectives, much like real life, making the story vivid and believable.
August 14, 2019
Not too sure about this book and the series, have to read the second book.
I enjoyed the developments concerning the army in this book, what I did not like was the juxtaposition of Peter the young boy living out in the woods by himself. This part of the book seems to have left me a bit confused. Yes Peter did have abusive parents but that does not explain to me why this character is included. Maybe there something I missed I will go back over the book again but I will read the second book maybe it will give me some more clarity.
I enjoyed the developments concerning the army in this book, what I did not like was the juxtaposition of Peter the young boy living out in the woods by himself. This part of the book seems to have left me a bit confused. Yes Peter did have abusive parents but that does not explain to me why this character is included. Maybe there something I missed I will go back over the book again but I will read the second book maybe it will give me some more clarity.
March 29, 2018
Refreshing!
A great change from the norm in this new Zombie series, set in the 80's! DCF has created a bold new world where zombies are attracted to the slightest noise, its filled with interesting characters and has brilliant insight into the British army of the time period. Thoroughly enjoying seeing zompoc through the eyes of a child. Can't wait to see where this leads.
A great change from the norm in this new Zombie series, set in the 80's! DCF has created a bold new world where zombies are attracted to the slightest noise, its filled with interesting characters and has brilliant insight into the British army of the time period. Thoroughly enjoying seeing zompoc through the eyes of a child. Can't wait to see where this leads.
September 1, 2025
I couldn't decide between 3 and 4 stars for this, so I rounded up because I particularly liked the fact that the setting is rural England, that the author has a solid working knowledge of the British Army and its kit at the time of the setting (ca. 7 years after the Falklands War) and because I couldn't help but feel for both Peter and WO2 (SSM) Jackson.
It does feel as if the plot was dragging its feet a little in places, and I was a bit surprised that the stories didn't connect directly, which makes this feel like the first part of a serial or the first half of a two-part novel without the kind of cliffhanger I was perhaps expecting. It's also really nice to have a zombie-themed story set in the UK that doesn't focus heavily on cities.
It also made me nostalgic for things like Fox and Ferret scout cars, and Saracens, and CLANSMAN, and the British Army Over the Road.
It does feel as if the plot was dragging its feet a little in places, and I was a bit surprised that the stories didn't connect directly, which makes this feel like the first part of a serial or the first half of a two-part novel without the kind of cliffhanger I was perhaps expecting. It's also really nice to have a zombie-themed story set in the UK that doesn't focus heavily on cities.
It also made me nostalgic for things like Fox and Ferret scout cars, and Saracens, and CLANSMAN, and the British Army Over the Road.
June 19, 2019
They all fall like toy soldiers ..
I really enjoyed ready this book. There are a few nice surprises in store if you read it and I would recommend that you do. If you have ever wondered how fast a epidemic would move through a industrialized nation, you will find out. Guns and explosives are only a viable solution as long as you have Ammo. Tanks only work as long as you have fuel.. and what do you do if you are a little boy lost with no one to help you and you are alone in a world full of monsters what do you do ? Read and find out..
I really enjoyed ready this book. There are a few nice surprises in store if you read it and I would recommend that you do. If you have ever wondered how fast a epidemic would move through a industrialized nation, you will find out. Guns and explosives are only a viable solution as long as you have Ammo. Tanks only work as long as you have fuel.. and what do you do if you are a little boy lost with no one to help you and you are alone in a world full of monsters what do you do ? Read and find out..
June 30, 2024
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title within the series set box. (Audible Membership)
The world had gone mad due to a virus unleashed unintentionally. The English react in a very stoic way. The arena of two situations are betrayed, that of an army contingent and that of a very young boy. Both face the undead, which can only be completely killed by a hit to the head with bullet or pitchfork.
I have read a similar apocalypse situation, but from an American point of view.
The world had gone mad due to a virus unleashed unintentionally. The English react in a very stoic way. The arena of two situations are betrayed, that of an army contingent and that of a very young boy. Both face the undead, which can only be completely killed by a hit to the head with bullet or pitchfork.
I have read a similar apocalypse situation, but from an American point of view.
December 30, 2025
I really liked this and Devon C Ford is becoming one of my favourite authors but I didn't love it as much as his "after it happened" series for some reason. When I was reading the "After it happened" books I was thinking how good they would be if there were zombies in them but somehow there wasn't as much tension or fear in this. I'll definitely read the rest of the series though if he writes any more.
October 8, 2019
Absolutely brilliant.
Picked this book at random, as I am awaiting a New book from another author to come out. So glad I did! Descriptions are amazing, attention to detail, descriptions are excellent. I am there!!! I know it's a good read, as I dream the story!!! Will be purchasing the next 4 in one go.
Picked this book at random, as I am awaiting a New book from another author to come out. So glad I did! Descriptions are amazing, attention to detail, descriptions are excellent. I am there!!! I know it's a good read, as I dream the story!!! Will be purchasing the next 4 in one go.
February 24, 2024
It was okay. Some swearing. My biggest problem is that the as the story goes on in the series there is a lot more swearing in the next book in the series. Also, I enjoyed the story of the 9 year old boy that the author started with, but that becomes a very small side story. The characters I'm invested in stop being a main part of the story.
January 10, 2022
Really good, I am really surprised that the number of reviews is still so low.
Another excellent series of Devon C. Ford
Nice set of characters, all experiencing the pandemic at the same time but each in it own way/context.
Another excellent series of Devon C. Ford
Nice set of characters, all experiencing the pandemic at the same time but each in it own way/context.
February 6, 2024
Great start to this series. Damn it started in 1989 in this eh? That’s cool. Wonder how it’s going to go in the future. No internet potentially, no mobile phones. Very curious. Look forward to the next.
June 13, 2019
Peter is awesome
Great book. Peter is remarkable and will be a hero, I think. Loved the air guitar guys sense of humor.
Great book. Peter is remarkable and will be a hero, I think. Loved the air guitar guys sense of humor.
June 18, 2019
Review
It was a good read, and really enjoyed reading. Although I read it much to fast and now have to wait for the other 2 books. Which I’ve pre-ordered.
It was a good read, and really enjoyed reading. Although I read it much to fast and now have to wait for the other 2 books. Which I’ve pre-ordered.
June 18, 2019
Amazing
This book is awesome. Amazingly written. It just sucks you in and you can see the story playing through in your head.
This book is awesome. Amazingly written. It just sucks you in and you can see the story playing through in your head.
June 19, 2019
Thank You Dirk Patton
Dirk Patton recommended this book on his Website. WOW! Great book, I flew through it. Looking forward to continue reading the Apocalypse series.
Dirk Patton recommended this book on his Website. WOW! Great book, I flew through it. Looking forward to continue reading the Apocalypse series.
June 20, 2019
Very enjoyable read. I love Zombie stories. I will be looking forward to more Toy Soldiers books.
July 5, 2019
Enjoyable Read
Well written and fast paced, what more could you ask for in a zombie book? Moving on to book 2!
Well written and fast paced, what more could you ask for in a zombie book? Moving on to book 2!
November 26, 2019
Fun read. Might be more fun if you have a military background as there is a lot of jargon and perspective from the military forces.
Read
January 3, 2020I love this author and in joyed this book getting ready to start book 2
February 8, 2020
Great book. Just waiting for the last one to come out
February 21, 2020
Good for what it is but feels far too short.
Interesting idea seeing everything from the eyes of a 9 year old but apart from that there feels no other substance.
Interesting idea seeing everything from the eyes of a 9 year old but apart from that there feels no other substance.
November 30, 2020
Starts well, then becomes as dry as a piece of toast in the Sahara.
December 17, 2020
Enjoyable zombie/military story.
Read
August 27, 2021fairly enjoyable zombie type of book. Starts slow but picks up and I enjoyed the series. Feels a little dated with the types of weapons and vehicles used. Worth a read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews