The Survival of Tom

The Survival of Tom #1

by M.J. Brierley

Tom survived the first wave of the virus. He survived the second. Now his most significant problem is the others who survived with him. With the civilisation decimated and order broken, Tom must change who he is to survive an evolving world. With those he has vowed to protect, he must commit atrocities that were unthinkable to him just a few short months earlier.

361 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 30, 2020

Reviews

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

Slightly slow to start but it’s a great story and the characters are amazing. It’s a very easy and quick with enough going on that kept me reading.

[SCJM · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Survival of Tom by M.J. Brierley is about a man trying to survive (see title) in an post-apocalyptical world ravaged by a deadly virus. Most of the population has passed and services ceased. Overall, the characters and story are decent, but I had a difficult time reading the book due to its editing and formatting. Besides the walls of exposition, there were some paragraphs and sentences that didn't make sense no matter how many times I tried to read them. The prose is mostly readable but I felt like it was choppy throughout and took me out of a better reading experience. I'm not sure if it's just my Kindle Unlimited experience but the formatting wasn't entirely pleasant - there were larger paragraph breaks than others and I wasn't sure whether or not it was a start of a new scene. There were inconsistencies in not only the formatting, but character thoughts (sometimes they were italicized, sometimes not) and a lot of grammar and spelling mistakes. This could have used several more proofreads.

Side note: this is biased with my background, but I am pulled out of immersion when an author doesn't have actual familiarity with what they're writing about. In this case, the author continued to call a weapon magazine a "clip" (different thing). And a Glock 17 (any Glocks actually) do not have the safeties the author is referring to.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very strange post and review to write, as the authors is my other half!!! So whilst, this is not an add as and is by no means a paid promotion (he even made me buy the book myself), however, I know it would make him very happy is someone bought his book, hence the disclaimer. Don't worry this is still a very honest post but its important to declare my involvement with the book.

'Like a virus, mankind would never entirely die out. They would come back from this to wreak their second wave of destruction on the world through another age of globalisation, industrialisation, greed. (The Survival of Tom: M.J. Brierley).

**Trigger warnings: Murder, violence, rape, graphic imagery**

Synopsis
The story follows Tom as he lives through a viral outbreak (very apt at the moment) that sweeps across the world. We follow Tom's journey as he fights to survive both alone and with a group and respond to the threats that present themselves, including starvation, dehydration and the other survivors themselves. We read his story as he battles along and follow his decision making in his quest to live within the environment he is in.

What others have said
This is a completely self published and self promoted book via Amazon which Mike has funded himself. This means that there has not been any formal book reviews completed. But there are some Amazon to read, if you would like to check them out.

What did I think?
So the first thing to say, is this is not my type of book (too much violence for me, although it is not too shocking). However, I have to say and this is not because I am emotionally attached to the author actually quite enjoyed it.

I think its important to note that I am not the target audience for the book and at times that really showed. I found that it was typically masculine in its style of writing and by that I mean not too much description of the relationships between characters or their personalities themselves, but with more focus upon description of the environment and the movements of the characters. I have already provided the feedback to him that I wanted more detail on the background of the characters and their emotional response to the situation. However, this is something I always want from books, maybe its the social work background as well - I always want to know why people respond as they do, rather than what action they actually took.

It strikes me how worryingly realistic the book was and at times as I was reading it during lock-down it felt uncomfortable given that a virus was currently sweeping all around us. It was also interesting to see how easily in theory our own sense of society could all crumble if things escalate. That's the joy of a dystopian novel and why I do love them (Margaret Atwood being a personal favourite) as they show what our world can become. I also felt that as the book went on, it got better. The writing style and the story seemed to develop further and I began to invest in the characters and their experiences.

So in summary, I enjoyed the book and I think its worth a read. For me its not one I will pick up again and whilst, I think there are some profound moments in it, I feel there could be some further development in the characters and the emotional aspects of the books. What I must say is that I feel great admiration for the author not just because he is my partner but I think its incredibly brave to work as hard as he did to write this alongside working a full time job and then to put it out there into the world yourself and see how you get on!! I think a lot of people would not be brave enough to do that, but he did because he had an aspiration - maybe there is a lesson in that for everyone.

The rating
Star rating: 3.5 (out of 5)
Will I read it again?: No, it just isn't my style of writing and I need to learn more about characters to allow me to fully emotionally invest.

[Kitty Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

M.J. Brierley's The Survival of Tom is a gripping tale of resilience and self-discovery set against the harsh backdrop of an unforgiving post-apocalyptic world. The novel follows Tom, an ordinary man thrust into extraordinary circumstances, as he battles the elements and his inner demons to survive. Tom is a well-rounded character whose growth is evident throughout the novel. Initially portrayed as an everyman, his character evolves as he confronts his fears and limitations. Brierley skillfully delves into Tom's psyche, revealing his vulnerabilities and strengths, which makes his transformation both believable and inspiring. Bierley also incorporates the points of view of people Tom crosses paths with, which makes the story even more rich and compelling. The narrative is tightly woven, with each chapter escalating the tension and stakes. Brierley explores themes of isolation, perseverance, and the innate human drive for survival. Tom's journey is not just a physical struggle but an emotional and psychological battle, making his story layered and relatable. The descriptive language immerses readers in Tom's environment, making the challenges he faces feel immediate and real. Dialogue is sparse but impactful, reflecting the novel’s introspective tone. The pacing quickens towards the end, and there are many action-packed sequences that keep the reader engaged until the very last page! The Survival of Tom is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, and it will leave readers reflecting on their own capacities for resilience and growth.

[Paul Leverell · Rating 4 out of 5]

great read

This book is a total gem in the post-apocalyptic genre, mixing action, suspense, and emotional depth in such a fantastic way. Tom's journey through a world destroyed by a virus is both heart-wrenching and hopeful, and it really digs into survival, morality, and human connection. The vivid, desolate landscapes and Tom's character growth are so well done, you can’t help but be pulled into his story.

It feels especially relevant given everything that’s happened in the past few years. The narrative is so gripping that you’re on the edge of your seat the entire time. Sure, there are a few minor editing issues and some unanswered questions, but the sequel picks up right where the first book left off and clears up a lot of those. Plus, the characters we loved are back, each dealing with their own battles in this harsh world.

The book gives off serious "The Walking Dead" vibes, but without zombies—just the horror of what people can do to each other when society breaks down. Despite the dark theme, it's an incredibly compelling read. Even if you're not usually into post-apocalyptic stories, this one might just change your mind. And if you’re already a fan, you’ll definitely be hooked. The story is so immersive that you feel like you’re right there with the characters, struggling to survive. It’s definitely a book that stays with you, and you’ll be eagerly waiting to see what happens next in Tom’s saga.

[Eric S · Rating 5 out of 5]

well worth your time!

If you're looking for a thrilling continuation of Tom's journey in a world devastated by a deadly virus, this sequel won't disappoint. Picking up where the first book left off, it dives right back into the gritty, desolate landscape where survival is a day-by-day struggle. One of the best things about this book is how it addresses many of the questions left unanswered in the first installment, giving readers a deeper understanding of the world and its challenges.

What really stands out in this sequel is the improved polish and editing. It feels more refined, smoothing out the minor issues that some readers noticed before. The pacing is tight, and every page is packed with suspense, emotion, and resilience, making it hard to put down.

Fans of the first book will be excited to see the return of familiar characters, each fighting their own battles in this harsh environment. M. Brierley has done an excellent job of weaving together a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat while also delving deeper into the characters' lives and struggles.

Overall, it's a great read that not only lives up to the promise of the first book but also takes the story to new heights. If you enjoyed the first adventure, you'll definitely want to continue Tom's journey in this gripping sequel.

[Kelly Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Survival of Tom: Life in a post-apocalyptic, virus ravaged world”, by M.J Brierley, is an interesting, very dark, and gritty tale of one man’s journey following a devastating virus. (Trigger warnings for violence and rape.) There are elements of “The Walking Dead,” but without the zombies. But they are not necessary; all you really need for an effective horror tale are amoral human beings.
The story is told in 3rd person, past tense. There are long periods, such as in the beginning, with unbroken stretches of exposition. I was taken aback when Tom finds himself confronted by a survivor, and the same writing style continues. Thankfully, though, dialogue is employed a bit later. Tom teams up with the woman, Kate and her two companions.
Tom’s wife and baby daughter perished from the deadly virus. Soon thereafter, most of the population died too, and all services ceased. At first, Tom hides in his residence until forced to leave and search for food. He soon encounters a few dangerous survivors and thereafter attempts to avoid people.
I thought the story would have been more compelling with less telling, and it would have been less confusing with the flashback scenes delineated in some way. Nevertheless, the action picks up towards the last third of the book, leading to a satisfying finish. Overall, an entertaining read.

[Elle Sie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I enjoyed most about this book was how unsettling and realistic the bleak post-pandemic landscape in this story was. Having been through several Covid lockdowns before, it wasn’t a far stretch to imagine what might happen if a virus decimated most of the world. The story followed Tom, scavenging what little resources he could find to survive, and learning quickly that not all fellow survivors, however few and far between, were well-intentioned. I liked how moments of his former life before the virus struck were interspersed; the happiness of his life with his wife and daughter made his new existence much more harrowing. Along the way, he met a few friendly survivors: Kate, Rose and Matt – and later, Chloe. As Chloe’s plight became clear, at the hands of a sadistic group run by a criminal ringleader, Chester, the story took more of an existential post-apocalyptic turn, with Tom seeking retribution against the criminals. A nice surprise later in the book was how it deviated from Tom’s point of view to Chester’s. Even inside the mind of the criminal ringleader, he remained unsympathetic, but with enough backstory that he didn’t become a one-dimensional villain. If anything, he was written so realistically, I hated him even more. Tight characterisation by the author made this an enjoyable, and sometimes unnerving read.

[Eduardo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bleak, post-apocalyptic story in which survival is the ultimate goal. The author has successfully painted a vivid picture of a society devastated by a deadly virus, in which Tom, the protagonist, navigates through chaos and despair. What makes this book unique is its focus on human connections amidst adversity. Rather than a solitary survivor tale, Tom's journey is intertwined with others, each grappling with their own fears, insecurities, challenges, and motivations. Throughout the narrative, Tom evolves from a regular person into a hardened survivor, forced to make tough choices to protect those he cares about. The story is gripping and intense, filled with suspense as Tom faces not only external threats but also internal moral dilemmas. The author skillfully explores themes of loss, resilience, and the quest for meaning in a shattered world. Readers and fans looking for a compelling dystopian story will find this book engaging and captivating. The story's depth and well-developed characters make it a standout in the genre. Additionally, the gripping storyline and thematic richness make it a worthwhile read for those interested in exploring the darker aspects of human nature in extreme circumstances.

[J. Witcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I watched Vincent Price’s film, The Last Man On Earth, as a teenager, I have been fascinated by apocalypse stories. The idea of one last person surviving a catastrophe fascinates me. This book by M.J. Brierly is a good one. It is not the usual type of end-of-the-world story but has a few new twists and turns.
A virus has wiped out most of the world and the few people remaining are caught up in a violent struggle for survival. We meet Tom who is a pretty average guy. No hero. We follow his days as he struggles to find the essentials of lie. He knows other people survived but he’s seen the violence and he’s terrified. He thinks it’s safer to be alone.
And then he runs into another and he’s suddenly part of a small family. He discovers that he has been missing the essential part of human existence- companionship. But with companionship comes danger. A deadly enemy suddenly becomes aware of his existence and he must find a kind of strength inside himself he didn’t know he had.

[Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story starts with the main protagonist, Tom, living in solitude on an unnamed beach. The start is slightly choppy, although flow is achieved and maintained as the story progresses.
Tom travels into the urban areas and finds himself in cohorts with others survivors, all battling to stay alive.
The introduction of the protagonist brings a multitude of gore and violence into the story, along with several sub-plots into the characters past and events that led them to their current roles in a devastated world. The story itself does not focus directly on any viral outbreak, but rather the post-apocalyptic world that succeeds it.
The plot maintains what you would expect in this genre and the finale is well written, if not slightly predictable.

In summary, it's worth a read and a good start. There is room for a series to be made from this, I may watch out for them, should they arrive.

[Debi Swanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story!

I have read so many books about apocalyptic situations. This is the first one that I have read from this angle. I really felt like I was experiencing this world gone mad. At first I thought the story was going to be about Tom's survival as the last person left, but I was happy to see how each of the other characters were woven into Tom's journey. I won't spoil the book by telling more, but this is definitely worth reading! It is hard to say that I "enjoyed" this book. How do you enjoy reading about such tragedy? I did feel like I was there with the characters. I am a firm believer that our world is headed for some kind of an apocalypse at some point in the future. I hope I am wrong.
My only complaint was the editing. There were many problems with that and it seemed to get worse as the story progressed. Otherwise, this is probably my second favorite post-apocalyptic book! (My #1 favorite is WOOL!)

[Staci · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Survival of Tom is a gripping read that delves into themes of isolation and the human need for connection. The stark realities of living through a two-wave pandemic and then enduring the aftermath of civilization's breakdown create significant challenges, making every moment about survival. The story follows Tom as he navigates a chaotic landscape, keeping the suspense and tension high from chapter to chapter. The author does a fantastic job developing the characters and making their struggles feel real. I was particularly struck by how well the book highlighted the human need for connection even in the direst of circumstances. Though I found a couple of parts a bit slow, its still hard to put down. Overall, it’s a must-read for fans of the genre, emphasising resilience and human endurance. This book is a vivid portrayal of survival and the lengths one will go to endure and thrive in a post-apocalyptic world.

[Mags Hayward · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Survival of Tom book one is a brutal post-apocalyptic drama set in a world ravaged by a deadly virus. The storyline gives off “Walking Dead” vibes and chilling Covid 19 worst case scenarios with a narrative both tragic and violent, the fall of society changing those who survive the virus’ deadly second wave into lawless savages who kill for the little food remaining.
Overall the plot is gripping with carefully thought out plot detail and believable characters, though the writing is rather simplistic which felt at odds with the complex subject matter. There are questions left unanswered at the close of the book but that’s to be expected form a storyline set to continue for a further two volumes.
This is an interesting take on mankind’s struggle to survive and the torment of individual survivors, in a post apocalyptic society.

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read a post-apocalyptic book in quite a while, but I enjoyed 'The Survival of Tom.' As you might expect, it tells the story of Tom starting six months after society has collapsed following the second wave of a pandemic.

Tom is a likeable character and I found myself rooting for him. In the beginning of the book, he has lost his wife and baby and to a large degree himself as he tries to survive on his own, but as he meets new characters, he regains his sense of self. There are plenty of flashbacks and back story which is, for the most part, scarily believable, although the villain, Chester's, motivations could have been clearer.

Although the storyline wrapped up well, it felt like the book ended a bit quickly, so I was pleased to see a sequel has just been released.

[Janice · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two stars in that it was okay, just about good enough to finish.
Tom finds himself teaming up with a group of survivors fighting (literally) to stay alive in a violent, dystopian world. The story holds together, there is some good characterisation, and the book's protagonist Tom is a very likeable chap.
On the other hand it became apparent fairly early on that this book is self published and therefore not edited properly, almost as if the author had rushed to get the story written down with the intention of going back and tidying up all the spelling mistakes and grammatical errors, and then somehow forgot.

[Beverley Collings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book I couldn't put it down. I would recommend this to anyone.

[gerry langan. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Loved this story of Tom surviving after a virus changed the world....well worth a read..... well written too.....wonder if there will be a sequel?

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well I enjoyed it, found myself liking Tom so wanted him to win , I liked it

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Start of a great series.