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The Undead Twenty-Five (Season Four): The Heat

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By Washington Post, WSJ, Audible & Amazon #1 bestselling author RR Haywood. Creator of the smash-hit time travel series - Extracted and the #1 sci-fi thriller The Worldship Humility.

A deadly infection spreads across Europe. The Undead Series: A terrifying account of one man desperately struggling to survive this harrowing event

562 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 8, 2021

266 people are currently reading
86 people want to read

About the author

R.R. Haywood

94 books1,234 followers
"One of the most original voices of our time." - Richard Moriarty, The Sun

"Whether it's gritty horror, spectacular sci-fi, or insane comedy, RR Haywood delivers in style." - Chris Riches, Daily Express

RR Haywood is a Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Amazon, and Audible bestselling author with over 4 million books sold and more than 30 Kindle Bestsellers. As one of the top ten most downloaded indie authors in the UK, Haywood has captivated readers worldwide with his diverse storytelling.

His creations include the global sensation EXTRACTED, the riveting CODE TRILOGY narrated by Colin Morgan, the phenomenal UNDEAD Series, the blockbuster DELIO, PHASE ONE, and the chart-topping A TOWN CALLED DISCOVERY. His latest work, FICTION LAND, narrated by Game of Thrones star Gethin Anthony, has been hailed as "an outrageously funny tour de force."

A former police officer, Haywood now resides with his dogs on the north coast of the Isle of Wight. He entertains audiences and shares his expertise on TikTok with his Writing Class for the Working Class.

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5 stars
1,040 (81%)
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181 (14%)
3 stars
35 (2%)
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5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
Profile Image for JJtheBookNerd.
121 reviews93 followers
July 27, 2025
As with most long series, they do go downhill over time, and this one is no exception. This is a longish review as I'm rounding up season 4 (books 22-25).

I've stuck with it, even though it's been a struggle at times as I wanted to know how it ends, but I have a lot of problems with this now - I'm going to delve into a few below:

- There's too much rinse and repeat going on. This last book in particular, could have been edited down by 100/200 pages, and you wouldn't have missed a thing.

- Howie and his 'team' have basically become nothing more than a cult, I mean, really, they have... everyone's just mindlessly following him and running around killing zombies for no other reason than they can. Anyone who dares to disagree or stand up to them are threatened, bullied, and belittled. There's been bits of this throughout the series, but in this season 4, it's really stepped up a notch.

- The hypocrisy is also off the charts, Howie goes on about doing the right thing, yet has on more than one occasion, gotten people killed with some of the stupid decisions he makes. Some things are fine when Howie or his cult do it, but anybody else... very, very bad. And don't even get me started on Marcy turning innocent people to use as shields whenever they need extra help. The double standards are really jarring at times.

- Maddox has rightly stated that Howie has now made himself 'judge, jury and executioner'. This obviously means the Author is aware how Howie's behaviour is starting to look. The narrative has become too much tell v show rather than the other way round.

- We've also been introduced to yet more new characters, none of which fetch anything different to the story. The very unlikeable mean girl Tappy, Danny, Booker's been dragged back out from Season 1, the people at the school all seem to have just been shoe horned in as what feels like yet more book/plot filler. The agents/spies are equally unlikeable. They've been hiding for nearly a month and now just stroll into the story murdering people and taking everything over... I mean, really?

- There's way too much romance and badly done at that. If I want romance, I'll go and pick up a romance book. I get Authors sometimes want to genre blend a little, but most of the time in this series, it's become an actual detriment to the characters in question. All the flip-flopping from person to person has become annoying.

- The Author is way overusing deus ex machina via Dave and/or Marcy whenever a sticky situation arises. There was a scene at the end of this book, where the series not only jumped the shark but literally flew over it. If you've read it, you'll know what I mean, I was rolling my eyes… hard.

So rounding up, most of the characters (bar a few) have become annoying and unlikeable. The story super repetitive, riddled with plot holes and too much plot armour, and in some places, it's just plain stupid and nonsensical. Even the 'banter' isn't funny anymore. When it gets to the point where you're rooting for the zombies over the supposed 'heroes', it's time to call it quits.

Don't get me wrong, I have enjoyed some of the books in this series, hence why I stuck with it for so long, but this season has put me off from continuing.

If the Author ever does get around to finishing it off, I might come back to see how it ended, but for now, at least, I'm out.
Profile Image for Martin Barrett.
34 reviews
June 16, 2021
Fans of the "Undead" series will not be disappointed. The story continues, and the challenges for Mr. Howie and his team continue to pile up. Literally. The plot moves on and by the end, as usual, you're left salivating for the next installment, like a zombie in a creche (sorry).

I felt like there was a little less banter in this one, but that may have been because I had only just finished the absolutely magnificent "The Four Worlds of Bertie Cavendish", or perhaps just the malign influence of Henry.

The main problem with this book, as with all the others in the series, is that it finishes too soon and the next one isn't waiting ready to go at the end. Come on R.R. Haywood, pull your bloody finger out. And the only response I want to hear from you is "On it."

40 reviews
June 20, 2021
Well Richard Raymond Haywood has done it again with another brilliant read. Day 25 Heat is gripping from start to finish, the boss is such an amazing writer with toe story and characters. I have laughed at things they say, felt for them as they go through the things that happen to them and cried with them when they lose someone. Its exciting one minute and emotional the next. I can't recommend the Undead series enough. If you haven't discovered or read any of Richard Raymond Haywood's (The Boss) books then you really don't know what your missing out on. Go on give them a go you will be gripped from the beginning and won't be able to wait to find out what happens next to all the characters.
Profile Image for Stephen Kerr.
5 reviews
June 18, 2021
Outstanding as all ways

As it stands I cart move past's the undead series
Nothing comes close for me I love it
Heat part 25 keeps me as enthralled as day one did.
The story continues to move forward at an unrelenting pace. With each book leaving more questions than the last I thought 24 would take some beating but no not at all. Mr Haywood as created a cast of characters that is hard to beat. There are characters that I love, there are characters that I hate, there even characters that I loved and now I hate, whilst being characters I hated which I now love . 25 keeps this series moving forward faster than a fast thing going really fast.
Thank you Mr Haywood.
Profile Image for Phil.
2 reviews
March 15, 2024
Best of the series, so good I think I may have read it twice, without knowing. 🤦‍♂️
Profile Image for Reads_Must .
969 reviews13 followers
October 1, 2024
The Undead Day Twenty Five: The Heat
The Undead #25
Sci-Fi
R.R. Haywood
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I liked the addition of the diary entries from different characters, especially Neal Barrett who was a scientist and helped create The Infection.

So much information was revealed about The Infection. It was originally created to be a "cure all" virus to wipe out all illnesses, diseases etc but things didn’t go to plan.

There was a lot of fighting in this book and it did get a bit repetitive. The pacing felt a bit slow at times and I just wanted to find out the end game and see what Reginald had planned.

The ending was good and I'm even more curious about Howard Senior and how he ended up with the government when his colleagues were left out.
Profile Image for Matt Schroeder.
20 reviews
September 28, 2024
Ditch the diary

A down read in the series. Hated the diary format. It didn't really add any insights into the characters, which made it a wasted effort. The editing was poor (even by the standards of this series). Not a bad read. I was still eager to turn page after page, but for the first time after 24 books, this one felt repetitive and didn't bring anything new to the story.
9 reviews1 follower
June 26, 2021
Disappointing

I believe this one is just too different than the previous 24 books. I found it slow moving and found myself skipping over sections. Still enjoy the series but disappointed in this one.
6 reviews
June 7, 2023
brilliant story.

brilliant story. I have read the whole 25 books. fantastic author. RR Haywood is a brilliant author. Cannot wait to read any more books from her
Profile Image for Sally Sadler.
57 reviews2 followers
September 6, 2021
Read the series. Honestly you wont regret it

Why is RR Haywood so addictive? Simple, well not simple, but that's the point, life is not simple, in his hands it's got a whole lot more complicated and insane. The fact is it's pretty insanely gory and if you have a sick sense of humour, its hilarious. I like to think I'd be a part of a pack like Howies in the event of a pandemic when you have a load of undead running about. I'm pretty sure I'd love Dave. In fact I'm pretty sure I have a Dave as a husband. Hard to tell but he scares the crap out of most peopme. I just think hes cute ... Like a dog that lures you in then snaps your fingers while looking adorable and fluffy. But I always was into the bad boys. Anyhoo so Im thinking with our current covid would this take the undead up a level. And I personally think yes! Because The heat, well it's hot as hell. It's insane and very hard to read slowly.. I had to force myself to slow down and really enjoy every word. Im loving the touch brought in by good old Paula. I think that writing style worked a treat! I admit I came out feeling shredded, scratched and bitten. That was insane. Brilliantly done. By the way. I was imagining Henry as a bald headed Daniel Craig. I think that helped because I think he's sexy as hell but I'd feel like I didnt want to like him because of Howie but couldnt help but like him. If you read it you'll get what I mean. All I can say is worth reading all of mr Haywood books. I'm constantly craving the next one. Luckily he's not too bad and smacking out excellent books pretty fast. No pressure... for the next.. maybe a bit of preasure.
83 reviews
August 17, 2021
What to say ? it’s just such a good read.

Not sure you could read this as a stand alone book?
Strongly recommend you read them in order

The gist is a Post Apocalyptic world, where’s there’s lots of Zombies.

If your eyes are rolling at the mention of ‘Zombies’, it’s worth noting this is a superbly written and classy set of books in particular this one.
If anything it’s a commentary on life/death/love/hate/good/evil, not in a superficial way but in many shades, from subtle to 1000% in the face, from tender moments to extreme.

It’s suffused with great characters, clever plotting (it’s particularly clever in this book, and if you have read all the series you do get some pretty profound/shocking answers as to how all this came about).
The dialogue is handled particularly well, with the author cleverly letting you experience the delights of people talking across each other which is particularly interesting.

The writing style varies from 1st person through to multi view point. Particularly of note is the clever way characters writing diaries comes into to this book, essentially you’re reading what they’ve written. (No doubt has been used before but works particularly well here).

As with the other books despite all the mayhem it’s marinading in humour, some real ‘laugh out loud’ moments, equally there are parts that are utterly heart breaking.

10*s if could, loved it. Can’t wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Justin Sarginson.
1,106 reviews10 followers
March 14, 2022
I cannot tell you just how much I love this book & this series of books. Each & every one is simply incredible, as is this one.
During the first few pages, I was lost as I struggled to remember what happened in the last one, but all the back stories of the characters & the plot rushed back immediately.

No one & I mean no one, writes battle senses like this author. I felt again the rushes of emotion as the battles played out & few authors are able to generate that emotional response.
I still find the sometimes childish & neanderthal humour & comedic situations jarring, but still the whole cohesive book & saga is one that I want to share with everyone & anyone.

For the characters alone you should read this series of books, as I reflected when I finished this (again not being able to read quickly enough). They are almost treasured items, even after all of these books, as there are still sub plots & developments yet to be made.

Quintessentially British & still uniquely brilliant.
Profile Image for Hayley.
487 reviews6 followers
October 27, 2024
Part 25: Molly, Mayonnaise and the Airport

I know there's still the whole of Season Five for me to get through and then probably more books, should RR Haywood release more (probably, hopefully?), but I truly don't know what I am going to do once this series eventually ends. Most likely start it again.

This instalment was a little different in that most of the book took the form of diary entries from various characters. It worked really well with the storyline and once again, the narration was fantastic (Joe Jameson, if you're reading this - hit me up ;))

Dave has been my favourite character right from the beginning and I honestly don't think that will ever change. What a guy.

Side note: I'm normally an audiobook consumer of this series but I've just ordered a signed version of the first seven days of this series and I am so excited for it to arrive! Looking forward to having a physical copy grace my (very selective) bookshelf.
Profile Image for Amabel Thornton.
28 reviews
September 4, 2021
I have now binge read books 1 to 25 and my word, what brilliant story telling.

I got my introduction to Howie and the others through The Four Worlds of Bertie Cavendish and decided that whilst zombie apocalypse stories aren't really my thing the writing about this group of misfits in the Living Army was such the I needed to know more.

I have now laughed and cried countless times as Howie, Dave and the others have learned how to fight back against seemingly overwhelming odds to ensure the Living Army remains victorious. The diary entry style of 25 really helped build out some of the characters voices and I especially loved Dave's entries.

I still need to read the other stories currently available and try to stem my impatience while waiting for book 26.

Basically I'm here to say this is brilliant fiction writing full of warmth, humour and suspense and I love it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
264 reviews2 followers
August 19, 2021
THE. BEST. SERIES. EVER. WRITTEN.

This is the second time I've read this series. I felt the need to re read because it had been so long between my reading of Day 24 and Day 25. Do not hesitate to read this series, even if you aren't a fan of the zombie genre......I absolutely adore these characters, and there's truly never a dull moment. "Every 30 min" as Howie says!!!! You will cry with laughter and you will cry of heartbreak, but you will enjoy every word written. And that is a fact Jack!!!! Go. Go now and get these books, you'll not regret it mate. Happy Reading!!!!
Profile Image for Biff meechan.
362 reviews5 followers
June 16, 2021
The Undead Twenty Five:The Heat⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I have waited a while for this book,I just wish I hadn't finished it already.I will miss them till the next time!The next book hopefully is been written just now,I hope R R Haywood has been writing away so.it won't b e long til I am laughing then crying because I am so wrapped up in their world & the patter is brilliant. I love the undead series if you somehow haven't read any of it then definitely give it a go you won't regret it . I have read All his books & love them all ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
11 reviews
June 18, 2021
Absolutely loved it. Each book in the series just keeps getting better and they were bloody good from the very first one.
I read dozens of apocalyptic authors and R R Haywood has to be one of the best.
Laugh out loud humour, dialogue and characters that you actually believe and would love to hang out with.
Really enjoyed the different perspectives in this one too.
Like most other reviewers my only complaint is that they seem to finish too soon and the wait for the next book is waaaay too long!!
Mr Haywood, you are a genius!
Profile Image for Caroline  Downing.
6 reviews2 followers
June 18, 2021
Oh. My. God.

I honestly do not understand how Mr Haywood works this magic!! I have been hooked since day 1 and been eagerly awaiting this book and was it worth wait!! I have experienced every single emotion under the sun reading this, my tears are still drying. This series (and all of his other books) just draw you right in, the characters are so enigmatic you can't put it down! I am so excited to see where else this tale will take us an I hope it never ends! F*** em we'll win!
Profile Image for Liz.
291 reviews5 followers
June 26, 2021
The Heat

Hmmm I want to give it 5 stars as I have enjoyed the series but to be honest it didn’t have quite the same feel of the other books and to be honest I’m a little fed up of the constant stupid banter between them,it just seemed a little too much this time, a little of it is fine it just seemed to go on too long at times but I loved the ending with the gang all around the little old couple
Profile Image for Mrs Clarereadstoomuch.
284 reviews3 followers
July 2, 2021
Another amazing book in the series

Wow this was definitely worth the wait.

This is a book in a series following the end of the word/zompoc.

Characters are amazing and the story addictive.

The format is different to the last books but I found this a nice change especially being able to see the scene from different perspectives.

Do not start reading this book if you have life commitments as you will not be able to put it down!
Profile Image for ZombieGirl74.
18 reviews1 follower
July 15, 2021
Absolutely amazing series!

I was looking for a new series to read and this one was recommended. Once I started reading I couldn't stop. Love the characters and really laughed so hard I was crying and I also felt the losses like the characters were real and !y friends. Just an amazing series and highly recommend if you are looking for a great storyline and characters that you'll feel like you know!
11 reviews
July 16, 2021
Still the best Zompoc series in existence.

What is there left to say? RR Haywood managed to not only continue the best series I've ever read, but he also managed to blow my mind with the surprise twists he throws into The Under series. I'm hoping and praying he plans to continue this series because at this point, I can't imagine not reading about how this story ends. Not many books have held in my interest in such a way.
7 reviews
October 28, 2021
Best zombie books ever

Amazing characters ( you ,I ) got wrapped up in their lives from the beginning and have hungered for the next book every time I read one its funny sad and thought provoking that some of us could consider doing this to the world but all in all a brilliant set of books , I now have to sit and await the next one, I hope its not as long Await as this one Mr Haywood
6 reviews
November 22, 2021
Good Read

The editing isn’t as bad as it has been in previous books but it’s still not great.
That said the story and characters have a way of drawing you away from such annoyances.
It’s getting more and more absurd as the team fight off more and more “living challenged” but it’s fun and I’m definitely always routing for Howie & the team as they make the world a better place through violence and bad jokes.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
54 reviews
December 21, 2022
Great Series

This is my favorite series ever! I never expected so much feeling to come from a zombie series! I fight with them and love all of them! The author makes you fall in love with all 30 characters and even the the ones that are only around a few pages and that says something. I’ve read this series at least 10 times and it never gets old and I never stop laughing and crying! We’ll Done Chap!
Profile Image for Suzi.
Author 20 books11 followers
November 2, 2024
Thank you Netgalley for my copy.

This book was okay but it wasn't as enjoyable for me as the other one I read.

On the plus side, it's well written and the characters are good because they all feel different and interact with each other in interesting manners.

For me, there was very little zombie action and more military procedure which just doesn't interest me.

Still happy to read some others as I know it's not always like this.
1 review
June 11, 2021
Oh my.

I havent been this giddy about a media release since I heard SW Episode 7 was happening. Thst nervous excitement as I read the prologue...

I Cant quite understand how Mr Haywood continues to write such funny, genuine and heart warming dialogue between our haphazard group of zombie slaying badasses.


20 reviews1 follower
June 12, 2021
It just keeps getting better!

This series is the best! I love the characters so much! I want to be there in the Saxon singing the stupid songs and giving everyone crap. I always laugh out loud and then eventually cry my eyes out when I read these stories. I can't wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Filipe Henda.
6 reviews1 follower
June 13, 2021
Can’t put it away!

I’ve read all the Undead books… twice… or three times. Not sure. I went back to 24 before starting this one. I laughed and cried again. Then I was into 25 and, damn, I couldn’t put it away. It’s been epic so far, so what word comes after epic? What ever it is that’s what the Undead 25 is.
2 reviews
June 15, 2021
A decent length of a book and still to short (or i didn't want it to end)

Book 25 (of sorts) and still I'm hooked. Even with a two year wait it was like slipping into your favourite shoes and off you go like it was only a few days.
If you like zombies, go start this series,it won't disappoint you in the slightest.

Now... When is the next book due (soon please, I hope :) )
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews

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