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Survive
A family's island holiday getaway takes a twisted turn in this crime thriller by the international bestselling author of See How They Run.
Paradise is about to become hell . . .
On a remote island in the Adriatic, an enigmatic billionaire hosts a twisted form of entertainment to satisfy the jaded appetites of his exclusive guests. And for one unsuspecting family, the holiday of a lifetime is about to become a desperate battle for survival.
As young parents, Sam and Jody have managed to defy the odds once before. But years of struggle have taken their toll, and Sam's demons return to haunt him at the worst possible time.
Caught up in a sick game of cat and mouse, can they put their differences aside and work under intolerable pressure to save themselves and their children? Live or die. It's the only choice they have . . .
A fast-paced, utterly-gripping thriller, Survive is the perfect summer-time read and will appeal to fans of authors like John Marrs, Lucy Foley, and Peter May.
Praise for Tom Bale
"Tom Bale is one the best British thriller writers around." --Simon Kernick, international bestselling author of The Bone Field
"Bale keeps us guessing as our heroes edge towards a shocking climax." --Matthew Lewin, Guardian
Paradise is about to become hell . . .
On a remote island in the Adriatic, an enigmatic billionaire hosts a twisted form of entertainment to satisfy the jaded appetites of his exclusive guests. And for one unsuspecting family, the holiday of a lifetime is about to become a desperate battle for survival.
As young parents, Sam and Jody have managed to defy the odds once before. But years of struggle have taken their toll, and Sam's demons return to haunt him at the worst possible time.
Caught up in a sick game of cat and mouse, can they put their differences aside and work under intolerable pressure to save themselves and their children? Live or die. It's the only choice they have . . .
A fast-paced, utterly-gripping thriller, Survive is the perfect summer-time read and will appeal to fans of authors like John Marrs, Lucy Foley, and Peter May.
Praise for Tom Bale
"Tom Bale is one the best British thriller writers around." --Simon Kernick, international bestselling author of The Bone Field
"Bale keeps us guessing as our heroes edge towards a shocking climax." --Matthew Lewin, Guardian
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 8, 2020
193 people are currently reading
240 people want to read
About the author
Tom Bale
24 books251 followersTom Bale is the author of nine thrillers, published between 2006 and 2018.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
June 7, 2020
SURVIVE is a fast-paced, utterly gripping thriller, by Tom Bale, internationally bestselling author of See How They Run and All Fall Down. Having enjoyed both these books I was anxious to read his new novel.
This is the first foreign holiday that Sam and Jody and their two children, eight-year-old daughter, Grace and five-year-old son, Dylan have taken as a family. Their destination is Sekliw Island, a remote island in the Adriatic, staying at the Adriana Beach Hotel, an all-inclusive holiday for them a real luxury for which they had to save and sacrifice. Not owning a home, with no chance of getting a mortgage, just keeping up with the crippling rent to find every month, this is a holiday of a lifetime.
An enigmatic billionaire, Borko, hosts a twisted form of entertainment to satisfy the jaded appetites of his exclusive guests. And for one unsuspecting family, the holiday of a lifetime is about to become a desperate battle for survival.
Everything changes then…and the tempo picks up drastically.
As young parents, Sam and Jody have managed to defy the odds once before. But years of struggle have taken their toll, and Sam’s demons return to haunt him at the worst possible time.
They were chosen and tested to see if they could survive in an isolated setting…a study of human nature, and reminded me of the TV show “Amazing Race”.
Live or die. It’s the only choice they have.
I loved this book and couldn’t put it down! A gripping plot with outstanding well-developed characters, and twists and turns to hold your attention to a shocking ending.
Many thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for my digital copy.
This is the first foreign holiday that Sam and Jody and their two children, eight-year-old daughter, Grace and five-year-old son, Dylan have taken as a family. Their destination is Sekliw Island, a remote island in the Adriatic, staying at the Adriana Beach Hotel, an all-inclusive holiday for them a real luxury for which they had to save and sacrifice. Not owning a home, with no chance of getting a mortgage, just keeping up with the crippling rent to find every month, this is a holiday of a lifetime.
An enigmatic billionaire, Borko, hosts a twisted form of entertainment to satisfy the jaded appetites of his exclusive guests. And for one unsuspecting family, the holiday of a lifetime is about to become a desperate battle for survival.
Everything changes then…and the tempo picks up drastically.
As young parents, Sam and Jody have managed to defy the odds once before. But years of struggle have taken their toll, and Sam’s demons return to haunt him at the worst possible time.
They were chosen and tested to see if they could survive in an isolated setting…a study of human nature, and reminded me of the TV show “Amazing Race”.
Live or die. It’s the only choice they have.
I loved this book and couldn’t put it down! A gripping plot with outstanding well-developed characters, and twists and turns to hold your attention to a shocking ending.
Many thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for my digital copy.
June 7, 2020
With the prospect of going on holiday, and going on holiday abroad, is actually pretty remote, Bale takes you away instead. A little cheesy, somewhat predictable but Bale captures those feelings of flying off on holiday: the natural emotions of uncertainty when being in a foreign place, the remote concerns about money, and then, worrying about safety. Because in this book, the family involved soon find out that there is more to their all-inclusive holiday than they realised.
It is clear from the onset that Sam and Jody have not been entirely honest with one another. Parents from a young age, they both feel they have lived a full life – even though they are only at the ripe old age of 26! The holiday abroad is clearly a treat that Jody has pushed for, but both adults are secretly concerned about the amount of money it has cost. Bale makes it clear that this is a family who works hard and has made many sacrifices to ensure they have the money for this holiday. Sam continuously holds grudges against people which, whilst entertaining, was a little bit irritating. It did make him seem like an immature child because of how unfair he feels like has been with him. However, this is what establishes a key theme of the story: the differences in class and money, and how people behave.
When the family wake up on the stranded beach, completely disorientated, it did remind me of films I have seen in the past. The events that follow appear to be a test of the family’s endurance – until it becomes clear that there is no one to rescue them. Despite the increasing danger, Sam and Jody have to remain strong and convince their young children that everything would be ok. To be honest, I admired this grit and determination: I don’t think I would have been able to keep up that facade in such stressful and exhausting circumstances!
The characters are all pretty convincing, although I did feel that Borka was a well-used stereotype: excessively rich and used to getting what he wants. Gabby’s role appeared as a means of progressing the plot forwards; I did not care too much about her and had little interest in her background. The family themselves were believable, although I did struggle to connect Grace with the image of an eight year old; she seems far older beyond her years and I instead imagined her as an aware, grumpy teenager.
Despite it being a little predictable and obvious, I relished in the escapism that Bale provides. Describing the family’s movements about the hotel and even landing at the airport reminded me of my own holidays abroad. I could totally relate to the scenes being described and I felt transported back to my own memories.
Some may argue that the story is rather far-fetched however, this is all part of the plot. I was gripped by the ending and shared the family’s suspicions of everyone. I really enjoyed the twist that Bale gives at the end because it was quite unexpected. Feeling like I was watching a film unfold, I appreciated the escapism and descriptions of a hellish Paradise.
Allow yourself to go on holiday with the writer. You will find that being on the outside, you could probably spot all the suspicious characters that surround the family. However, that is all part of the fun with this sinister, gripping story. Unsure with how events will unfold, suddenly the rush to the all-inclusive buffet in the evenings seems like the least of their problems!
With thanks to Bloodhound books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It is clear from the onset that Sam and Jody have not been entirely honest with one another. Parents from a young age, they both feel they have lived a full life – even though they are only at the ripe old age of 26! The holiday abroad is clearly a treat that Jody has pushed for, but both adults are secretly concerned about the amount of money it has cost. Bale makes it clear that this is a family who works hard and has made many sacrifices to ensure they have the money for this holiday. Sam continuously holds grudges against people which, whilst entertaining, was a little bit irritating. It did make him seem like an immature child because of how unfair he feels like has been with him. However, this is what establishes a key theme of the story: the differences in class and money, and how people behave.
When the family wake up on the stranded beach, completely disorientated, it did remind me of films I have seen in the past. The events that follow appear to be a test of the family’s endurance – until it becomes clear that there is no one to rescue them. Despite the increasing danger, Sam and Jody have to remain strong and convince their young children that everything would be ok. To be honest, I admired this grit and determination: I don’t think I would have been able to keep up that facade in such stressful and exhausting circumstances!
The characters are all pretty convincing, although I did feel that Borka was a well-used stereotype: excessively rich and used to getting what he wants. Gabby’s role appeared as a means of progressing the plot forwards; I did not care too much about her and had little interest in her background. The family themselves were believable, although I did struggle to connect Grace with the image of an eight year old; she seems far older beyond her years and I instead imagined her as an aware, grumpy teenager.
Despite it being a little predictable and obvious, I relished in the escapism that Bale provides. Describing the family’s movements about the hotel and even landing at the airport reminded me of my own holidays abroad. I could totally relate to the scenes being described and I felt transported back to my own memories.
Some may argue that the story is rather far-fetched however, this is all part of the plot. I was gripped by the ending and shared the family’s suspicions of everyone. I really enjoyed the twist that Bale gives at the end because it was quite unexpected. Feeling like I was watching a film unfold, I appreciated the escapism and descriptions of a hellish Paradise.
Allow yourself to go on holiday with the writer. You will find that being on the outside, you could probably spot all the suspicious characters that surround the family. However, that is all part of the fun with this sinister, gripping story. Unsure with how events will unfold, suddenly the rush to the all-inclusive buffet in the evenings seems like the least of their problems!
With thanks to Bloodhound books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 18, 2020
Gripping action-packed survival thriller.There really wasn't any shocking twist or reveal so I didn't give it full five stars but the story itself was exciting and pretty good.I will definitely read more from this author.
June 4, 2020
Sam, Jody and their two children have been looking forward to their first family holiday abroad and when they arrive they’re impressed with the hotel and it’s facilities.
They’re encouraged to enter a competition to win a night at the most luxurious hotel in the island and they win the prize.
When they arrive things seem a bit off but soon they realise they have been tricked into coming here and may not escape alive.
I won’t say exactly what happens as it will spoil it but it’s hard to imagine what it was like for them being so scared for their lives.
This is a gripping thriller that had me hooked throughout.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the opportunity to read this book.
They’re encouraged to enter a competition to win a night at the most luxurious hotel in the island and they win the prize.
When they arrive things seem a bit off but soon they realise they have been tricked into coming here and may not escape alive.
I won’t say exactly what happens as it will spoil it but it’s hard to imagine what it was like for them being so scared for their lives.
This is a gripping thriller that had me hooked throughout.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the opportunity to read this book.
August 11, 2020
Thoroughly engrossing and exciting crime thriller, which almost made me appreciate my own holiday being cancelled this year... Very hard to put down. Review to follow shortly on For Winter Nights.
February 3, 2021
OMG its TOM BALE who is back with a bang with his latest novel Survive. Which I think is his best book to date….I freaking loved it.
The story starts off with a normal family who go on holiday….A holiday that turns into a living nightmare. I found myself tearing through the pages to find out what happens next.
I read this one sitting I couldn’t put it down. It is totally gripping full of tension and OMG moments, that will have you on the edge of your seat.
With some full on terrifying scenes which will have you biting your nails off. Will they live or will they die is the question I kept asking myself.
This book would make a brilliant film. I cannot recommend this book enough. Giving it all the stars.
The story starts off with a normal family who go on holiday….A holiday that turns into a living nightmare. I found myself tearing through the pages to find out what happens next.
I read this one sitting I couldn’t put it down. It is totally gripping full of tension and OMG moments, that will have you on the edge of your seat.
With some full on terrifying scenes which will have you biting your nails off. Will they live or will they die is the question I kept asking myself.
This book would make a brilliant film. I cannot recommend this book enough. Giving it all the stars.
June 27, 2020
I banged through this brilliantly plotted and well written thriller, a tense and exciting novel with one family battling for survival against the odds.
Tom Bale builds the tension beautifully- the title alone let's you know this particular family holiday isn't going to go well- but like all good writers he takes the time to really dig into his characters so by the time disaster strikes you are right there with them.
A perfect summer read with thrills, spills and whole lot of time reading from the very edge of your seat.
Recommended.
Tom Bale builds the tension beautifully- the title alone let's you know this particular family holiday isn't going to go well- but like all good writers he takes the time to really dig into his characters so by the time disaster strikes you are right there with them.
A perfect summer read with thrills, spills and whole lot of time reading from the very edge of your seat.
Recommended.
July 10, 2020
During lockdown, I am sure I am not alone in having periods of such lack of concentration that I felt almost like I would never pick up a book again. If you totally give yourself over to the suspension of disbelief, and turn off that nit picky, endlessly questioning worm in your head, this was a complete tonic. On paper, it looks a fairly unbelievable premise, young couple on holiday with kids get immersed in bizarre Tales Of The Unexpected meets Hunger Games-esque fight for survival, but I tell you what, could I put it down? No, I could not.
I loved the whole farfetchedness of the story, because Bale makes you feel a real connection and empathy with this hapless family. I was completely rooting for them throughout. Well apart from one of the kids, who was really annoying, but that’s a minor quibble. He puts this perfectly ordinary family under such pressure, extreme torment and a pervading sense of violence, that you have to wonder if Bale’s partner has to sleep with one eye open. What a dark and twisted mind…. I like it. The baddies are, oh so bad. So scheming. As one character falls foul of this cartel of carnage you know how ruthless these people are. Do all of the family escape? Do they survive? Will you emerge with your nerves completely un-shredded? Why not find out? Mwahahahaha….
I loved the whole farfetchedness of the story, because Bale makes you feel a real connection and empathy with this hapless family. I was completely rooting for them throughout. Well apart from one of the kids, who was really annoying, but that’s a minor quibble. He puts this perfectly ordinary family under such pressure, extreme torment and a pervading sense of violence, that you have to wonder if Bale’s partner has to sleep with one eye open. What a dark and twisted mind…. I like it. The baddies are, oh so bad. So scheming. As one character falls foul of this cartel of carnage you know how ruthless these people are. Do all of the family escape? Do they survive? Will you emerge with your nerves completely un-shredded? Why not find out? Mwahahahaha….
October 4, 2020
A slow burner (too slow for me) I found the dad Sam unlikable & the kid Dylan I didn't like either, you have rich people who film victims on a private beach & have been doing so for years so I though ooh this might get dark but it is so slow to get going that it is a good way into the book before they even wake up on the beach & even then it is really slow & while on the beach they have three 'tasks' for the rich folks to watch how they cope, I found the tasks not bad but simply not enough of them, the author missed a great opportunity here the family had life smarts so I felt they could have had the family do more tasks for more rewards for more entertainment but instead the author goes around in circles with Sam blowing his top, the mom asking herself if she is really happy with her partner & then Dylan having a tantrum. The ending is sadly typical, no frills & just left me bored.
July 3, 2020
I am a huge Tom Bale fan as I love how he takes ordinary families going about their everyday lives but by being in the wrong place at the wrong time something goes very, very wrong for them. His books are thrilling and fast paced with “edge of your seat” action so I was hoping that Survive also followed his trademark style and I wasn’t disappointed! I loved this family-they were young, they weren’t perfect but they had a determination that made you root for them from the start!
There is quite a lot of “setting the scene” so the action isn’t up and running immediately. We get to watch Sam and Jody as they arrive on their much needed all inclusive holiday with their 2 young children. Sam especially seems to be on edge and in need of some relaxation but after winning a competition at their reps welcome meeting, their luck seems about to change…
I was completely gripped by Sam and Jody’s dilemma here as they fought to keep their family together and alive. I can’t imagine how they would have felt when they became caught up in a nightmare scenario where they had to work together as a family to beat the sick individuals pulling their strings. If you take every reality tv survival game and combine them then you get an idea of what they were up against! Nasty surprises awaited them around every corner and there were some horribly realistic choices that they were forced to make as they bravely fought their unseen enemies. The last few chapters had me turning the pages as quickly as I could to find out the fates of all involved and there were some shocking twists to end Survive on a real high.
A truly gripping thriller that will have you thinking twice about booking that all inclusive holiday you’ve got your eye on!
There is quite a lot of “setting the scene” so the action isn’t up and running immediately. We get to watch Sam and Jody as they arrive on their much needed all inclusive holiday with their 2 young children. Sam especially seems to be on edge and in need of some relaxation but after winning a competition at their reps welcome meeting, their luck seems about to change…
I was completely gripped by Sam and Jody’s dilemma here as they fought to keep their family together and alive. I can’t imagine how they would have felt when they became caught up in a nightmare scenario where they had to work together as a family to beat the sick individuals pulling their strings. If you take every reality tv survival game and combine them then you get an idea of what they were up against! Nasty surprises awaited them around every corner and there were some horribly realistic choices that they were forced to make as they bravely fought their unseen enemies. The last few chapters had me turning the pages as quickly as I could to find out the fates of all involved and there were some shocking twists to end Survive on a real high.
A truly gripping thriller that will have you thinking twice about booking that all inclusive holiday you’ve got your eye on!
January 29, 2024
This one was a free book on my Audible plus catalogue, if it wasn't i am not sure if i would of read it.
I do like Tom Bale - and have nothing bad to say about the book, its just not the kind of book i usually read.
If you are a fan of Maze Runner & Hunger Games, i think this will be a great one for you.
I do like Tom Bale - and have nothing bad to say about the book, its just not the kind of book i usually read.
If you are a fan of Maze Runner & Hunger Games, i think this will be a great one for you.
February 7, 2021
Brilliant. Must read, great reccomendation from Mob.
June 6, 2020
This book opens quite slow but interesting as the author builds up the story and then what a brilliant book this is and I loved every page.
It soon becomes a fast paced thriller which I couldn't put down, was brilliantly addictive and I was holding my breath until the very last page.
I can thoroughly recommend this book, you will not be disappointed and a very worthy five stars from me.
It soon becomes a fast paced thriller which I couldn't put down, was brilliantly addictive and I was holding my breath until the very last page.
I can thoroughly recommend this book, you will not be disappointed and a very worthy five stars from me.
June 8, 2020
When a family flies off for a once in a lifetime beach vacation on a remote island, they could never imagine how theirs lives would change forever. Sam, Jody and their two young children have decided to experience everything that an all-inclusive has to offer but from the moment they enter their modest but expansive resort they start to experience all the uncertainty that ‘day-one’ offers; that initial walk by the pool to check into their room while catching the not-so-subtle glances from the existing tanned guests, questioning whether to say “yes” to the kids for ice cream before a healthy snack, do they bother with the ‘mandatory’ orientation meeting and simply figuring out how to relax again. When they finally fall into their groove things take an unexpected turn that only the sickest mind can conjure up. Now the only thing they can think about is how can they keep united and positive while trying to stay alive?
The story was perfectly set to propel me right into vacation mode! Well, it certainly starts that way. The scenes are so wonderfully descript and set with such ease that you experience the same sights, smells and general ‘feels’ that the family does. Unfortunately, they’re not all positive.
The story was perfectly set to propel me right into vacation mode! Well, it certainly starts that way. The scenes are so wonderfully descript and set with such ease that you experience the same sights, smells and general ‘feels’ that the family does. Unfortunately, they’re not all positive.
July 17, 2020
With the current corona lockdown reading about a couple going on a holiday with their two children of 5 and 8 gave me a nostalgic ping, thinking back to the good times when I was in their shoes. Their story was quite mouth watering and I was almost looking in my atlas to see where Sikliw (pronounced Sikley) was located to book the next flight over myself… but that moment passed soon enough as I continued in the story and it wasn’t long that I found myself quite happy still sitting in my own comfy chair at home.
Survive is the ultimate holiday horror story. The plotline was an interesting mixture of The Hunger Games meets Robinson Crusoe, but with the added tension that two small children were involved. It’s totally different when you place a family instead of one individual in the position they find themselves in, there’s just a lot more to lose.
The novel got off on a bit of a slow start because I felt very strongly that something was bound to happen but the author left it simmering for a while and I was obliged to read about the wonderful holiday they were having (oh horror 😉), safe for a couple of snobs the family ran into now and again.
I was getting very excited though when I figured out what the turning point would be even if I had no idea what was going to happen other than that they probably wouldn’t like it. Well it was much worse than not liking it, I think it’s safe to say. The rest of the story really picked up the pace and was full of challenges and tension for the family and their predicament made me wonder several times what I would do in their position. I couldn’t see a way out of their situation either, their peril kept me extremely busy. Thankfully they were resourceful and never stranded in fatalism. I love people who stand up and fight and that’s what they did. Of course it helped that they did get some help from an unexpected ally.
Survive was not my typical novel to read but it also gave me thrills. There were several scary moments but one of them definitely got me sitting on the edge of my seat. It was as chilling as Antartica to watch the scenes unfold and I’m surprised I didn’t dream about it at night because I saw it playing out so vividly before my eyes, it was like I was watching a movie.
Sam and Jody were an interesting couple. I found it quite unconventional that Jody was in fact the one in charge most of the time, leading the way – literally and figuratively – and the one who comes up with the best ideas. I didn’t take to Sam for the opposite reason and he irritated me sometimes even though I know that men are just as entitled to feel fear and don’t have to be automatically charged with solving everything. Still, I like a real hero when it comes to these kind of adventures, I can’t help it and I found him a bit useless sometimes. I have to credit the author though for making them realistic characters without getting stuck in any clichés.
The end of the novel held plenty of action and until the very last moment I wasn’t sure how it was going to play out. I enjoyed the ending, it was very fitting even if I felt a little sad when I was reading one of the final twists. I forgive the author for messing with my heart at the last moment though and I’m thankful the author made me read a novel a little bit out of my comfort zone. I needed to put my mind off things and thanks to Surive I was able to escape everything that was going on for a few hours.
Survive is the ultimate holiday horror story. The plotline was an interesting mixture of The Hunger Games meets Robinson Crusoe, but with the added tension that two small children were involved. It’s totally different when you place a family instead of one individual in the position they find themselves in, there’s just a lot more to lose.
The novel got off on a bit of a slow start because I felt very strongly that something was bound to happen but the author left it simmering for a while and I was obliged to read about the wonderful holiday they were having (oh horror 😉), safe for a couple of snobs the family ran into now and again.
I was getting very excited though when I figured out what the turning point would be even if I had no idea what was going to happen other than that they probably wouldn’t like it. Well it was much worse than not liking it, I think it’s safe to say. The rest of the story really picked up the pace and was full of challenges and tension for the family and their predicament made me wonder several times what I would do in their position. I couldn’t see a way out of their situation either, their peril kept me extremely busy. Thankfully they were resourceful and never stranded in fatalism. I love people who stand up and fight and that’s what they did. Of course it helped that they did get some help from an unexpected ally.
Survive was not my typical novel to read but it also gave me thrills. There were several scary moments but one of them definitely got me sitting on the edge of my seat. It was as chilling as Antartica to watch the scenes unfold and I’m surprised I didn’t dream about it at night because I saw it playing out so vividly before my eyes, it was like I was watching a movie.
Sam and Jody were an interesting couple. I found it quite unconventional that Jody was in fact the one in charge most of the time, leading the way – literally and figuratively – and the one who comes up with the best ideas. I didn’t take to Sam for the opposite reason and he irritated me sometimes even though I know that men are just as entitled to feel fear and don’t have to be automatically charged with solving everything. Still, I like a real hero when it comes to these kind of adventures, I can’t help it and I found him a bit useless sometimes. I have to credit the author though for making them realistic characters without getting stuck in any clichés.
The end of the novel held plenty of action and until the very last moment I wasn’t sure how it was going to play out. I enjoyed the ending, it was very fitting even if I felt a little sad when I was reading one of the final twists. I forgive the author for messing with my heart at the last moment though and I’m thankful the author made me read a novel a little bit out of my comfort zone. I needed to put my mind off things and thanks to Surive I was able to escape everything that was going on for a few hours.
September 27, 2020
Talk about your holiday from hell!. Imagine the scene. You have been saving all year for that one moment of luxury, the all inclusive holiday that is the one thing you need to get away from everyday life and help you cope with all the stresses and pressure you have been under. That is what Sam and Jody believe is the case when they take their children Dylan and Grace away to what looks like, at least in their eyes, the picture perfect holiday. If only they'd listened to the warning from Jody's father before they left home they might not only have been spared the experience of the terrible turbulence and the fellow passenger bores from hell, but also what turns out to be some of the worst nights of their young lives.
It's really hard to say too much about the book without giving away some of the key plot points of the story. What I can say is that Tom Bale has taken a perfectly ordinary family, young maybe, perhaps lacking in the world experience of their fellow passengers, and thrown them into a real battle for their lives against an unknown force or forces. It is very hard to know who to trust but it is clear, from the start, that something is very off about their holiday, if truth be told from the very moment they check into the hotel. The first part of the story is given over to exploring Sam and Jody's background and lulling them, and us as readers, into a false sense of security. Maybe this will just be the perfect holiday after all. And it is. Right up until the moment they win a trip to the resorts most luxurious hotel. From that point on things take a decidedly ominous and sinister turn.
I really found myself liking Sam and Jody very quickly and the author has created a really fun family dynamic here. Although clearly fish out of water, you cannot help but root for them all from the off and I especially loved the way in which he played around with the children's behaviour, watching older sister Grace get what she wanted by a little bit of trickery with her little brother, but ultimately still showing how much she cared for him. The whole thing really rang true, as did the tension between Sam and Jody for reasons readers will uncover as the story progresses. From the overly attentive Resort Rep to the season traveller know it alls who are nursing their own secrets, you really do feel a though you are at the heart of the story with people you have probably met yourselves on one holiday or another.
This kind of felt like a story that was half way between an episode of Survivor and a slightly more PG version of the movie Hostel, with other forces using the family's distress to their own end. As to exactly who and why, you have to read the book to discover, but as they group are put in ever more precarious and potentially deadly situations, you can feel the tension, energy and nerves rising. This really is a story of survival , a battle of wills and intellectual strength as much as raw power, and seeing the lengths that Sam and Jody go to in order to protect their children is the thing that will keep you reading long into the night. After the slower start, they are on holiday after all, the pacing really pics up and with each page turn you wonder just what is going to be thrown at them all next. And just when you think they might finally be safe ... Well, it wouldn't be a Tom Bale story without that extra sting in the tale.
Another cracking read that fans of the author are sure to enjoy.
It's really hard to say too much about the book without giving away some of the key plot points of the story. What I can say is that Tom Bale has taken a perfectly ordinary family, young maybe, perhaps lacking in the world experience of their fellow passengers, and thrown them into a real battle for their lives against an unknown force or forces. It is very hard to know who to trust but it is clear, from the start, that something is very off about their holiday, if truth be told from the very moment they check into the hotel. The first part of the story is given over to exploring Sam and Jody's background and lulling them, and us as readers, into a false sense of security. Maybe this will just be the perfect holiday after all. And it is. Right up until the moment they win a trip to the resorts most luxurious hotel. From that point on things take a decidedly ominous and sinister turn.
I really found myself liking Sam and Jody very quickly and the author has created a really fun family dynamic here. Although clearly fish out of water, you cannot help but root for them all from the off and I especially loved the way in which he played around with the children's behaviour, watching older sister Grace get what she wanted by a little bit of trickery with her little brother, but ultimately still showing how much she cared for him. The whole thing really rang true, as did the tension between Sam and Jody for reasons readers will uncover as the story progresses. From the overly attentive Resort Rep to the season traveller know it alls who are nursing their own secrets, you really do feel a though you are at the heart of the story with people you have probably met yourselves on one holiday or another.
This kind of felt like a story that was half way between an episode of Survivor and a slightly more PG version of the movie Hostel, with other forces using the family's distress to their own end. As to exactly who and why, you have to read the book to discover, but as they group are put in ever more precarious and potentially deadly situations, you can feel the tension, energy and nerves rising. This really is a story of survival , a battle of wills and intellectual strength as much as raw power, and seeing the lengths that Sam and Jody go to in order to protect their children is the thing that will keep you reading long into the night. After the slower start, they are on holiday after all, the pacing really pics up and with each page turn you wonder just what is going to be thrown at them all next. And just when you think they might finally be safe ... Well, it wouldn't be a Tom Bale story without that extra sting in the tale.
Another cracking read that fans of the author are sure to enjoy.
August 2, 2020
Who doesn't like an adrenaline rush every now and then. I know how I feel when I walk around Ikea the wrong way and because of the restraining order, I have had to find another way of achieving that rush of excitement. I tried White Water Rafting but it got the ankle tracker wet. I tried Ballroom Dancing but I get dizzy very easily. Finally after hours of tireless searching I discovered Tom Bale or more accurately his books.
I have been a big fan of Toms Bales books for quite a few years and in my opinion Survive is one of his best. Starting with a nice and normal family on a well deserved holiday. Its not long before You are taken on a ride that if it was a song would be Ebeneezer Goode by The Shamen.
What I'm trying to say is that Survive by Tom Bale is a fantastic book that will have you thinking about it long after reading.
"He takes you to the top, shakes you all around
Then back down - you know as he gets mellow
Then as smooth as the groove that is making you move
He glides into your mind with a sunny "Hello!""
I have been a big fan of Toms Bales books for quite a few years and in my opinion Survive is one of his best. Starting with a nice and normal family on a well deserved holiday. Its not long before You are taken on a ride that if it was a song would be Ebeneezer Goode by The Shamen.
What I'm trying to say is that Survive by Tom Bale is a fantastic book that will have you thinking about it long after reading.
"He takes you to the top, shakes you all around
Then back down - you know as he gets mellow
Then as smooth as the groove that is making you move
He glides into your mind with a sunny "Hello!""
February 19, 2022
Wow wow wow
Wow have to say had my doubts about this book but it was really good. It's one of those books you just don't want to put down as you have to see what happens next .Was hooked from start to finish .
Jody ,her partner Sam and their children Dylan and grace are looking forward to their holiday which they have saved hard for .
Sam however hasn't flown before and is having reservations about the holiday so when a private plane causes problems at the airport affecting their landing it just makes him worse .
They are enjoying their holiday when they find out they have won the competition to attend a party at another holiday .Both Sam and Jody have their reservations about it and try to give the tickets away but it doesn't work so they have to go .That's when their holiday really turns into a nightmare .This is so much more I could say but don't want to give anything away .All I will say is this is a must read book that will keep you on the edge of your seat and hooked till the end.
Wow have to say had my doubts about this book but it was really good. It's one of those books you just don't want to put down as you have to see what happens next .Was hooked from start to finish .
Jody ,her partner Sam and their children Dylan and grace are looking forward to their holiday which they have saved hard for .
Sam however hasn't flown before and is having reservations about the holiday so when a private plane causes problems at the airport affecting their landing it just makes him worse .
They are enjoying their holiday when they find out they have won the competition to attend a party at another holiday .Both Sam and Jody have their reservations about it and try to give the tickets away but it doesn't work so they have to go .That's when their holiday really turns into a nightmare .This is so much more I could say but don't want to give anything away .All I will say is this is a must read book that will keep you on the edge of your seat and hooked till the end.
October 1, 2025
Audio- This was a long audiobook but it did not feel like it,I was gripped and every part was full of tension or drama. This is a cross between Squid Games and I’m a Celebrity with a bit of Saw thrown in and my blood pressure was high throughout most of it. Even when the family are enjoying the hotel you know it’s going to take a turn soon and I didn’t know if this was going to have a happy ending. Borko was a nasty piece of work and I was glad to learn he will be getting what he deserves. I didn’t like Gabby for most of the book until she wanted to help the family and she didn’t deserve what happened to her. Jody and Sam’s relationship seemed realistic and I enjoyed the fact they were all a living family unit,Grace seemed a lot older than she was. What happened to them was a nightmare and I was desperate for them to survive. The narrator (Melanie Crawley) was brilliant and her range of voices brought all the characters to life in my head especially Dillon! This would be a good film.
June 8, 2020
Sam Berry and Jody Lamb, both 26, have two children, Grace (8) and Dylan (5). They've had some difficult times as they're young parents and their daughter was conceived when Jody was only 17.
Sam is rather insecure and lacking in self-confidence, which comes from his background and being a young dad. The couple both feel judged for having children young, and are constantly worrying about what others think of them.
After saving for three years, they're on their first family holiday abroad, all-inclusive, on the beautiful island of Sekliw in the Adriatic. They're staying at the Adriana Beach, the number two hotel in the resort, and the holiday cost them a lot of money, nearly three thousand pounds.
At the welcome meeting, the couple are encouraged by their tour rep, Gabby, to enter a special prize draw to attend a VIP champagne reception at the Hotel Conchis, the most luxurious and exclusive accommodation on the island.
Sam and Jody are shocked and feel a bit uneasy when they discover that they've won the competition! They're already out of their comfort zone and the reception sounds quite prestigious. They learn that the president's son, Borko Radić, is expected to attend.
On the day of the reception, they're driven for an hour in a stretch Hummer and then escorted into a function room, where there are a couple of hundred guests and a band, and offered drinks and canapés.
When the time comes for Borko Radić's address, all the children are taken to another room to be entertained.
As the hours pass and after chatting for a while with another English couple, they're tiring and Jody decides to check on the children. She's shocked to discover all the kids are running riot in the playroom and things are getting rather raucous!
The family decide to leave to get Grace and Dylan to bed and ask for a car to take them back to the Adriana Beach. Throughout this experience, they've felt a bit uncomfortable and uneasy at times and it seems their worst fears are realised when things take a sinister turn ...
I don't want to give away any more of the plot but have to say that I really enjoyed this book! After a slightly slow start, events really ramped up and things got rather exciting and disturbing.
Sam and Jody and the children have to dig deep in a real battle for their survival when things go in a shocking direction, with an unknown enemy!
Overall, this was a gripping and tense thriller and had me on the edge of my seat at times! I was frantically turning the pages to see who would survive! Cleverly plotted and well written, with great suspense, this was an absorbing read! Slightly far fetched at times but it kept me entertained and I'd love to see it turned into a film!
This was the first book of Tom Bale's that I'd read but I've got most of his other novels on my Kindle and will definitely be checking out more from him soon!
Sam is rather insecure and lacking in self-confidence, which comes from his background and being a young dad. The couple both feel judged for having children young, and are constantly worrying about what others think of them.
After saving for three years, they're on their first family holiday abroad, all-inclusive, on the beautiful island of Sekliw in the Adriatic. They're staying at the Adriana Beach, the number two hotel in the resort, and the holiday cost them a lot of money, nearly three thousand pounds.
At the welcome meeting, the couple are encouraged by their tour rep, Gabby, to enter a special prize draw to attend a VIP champagne reception at the Hotel Conchis, the most luxurious and exclusive accommodation on the island.
Sam and Jody are shocked and feel a bit uneasy when they discover that they've won the competition! They're already out of their comfort zone and the reception sounds quite prestigious. They learn that the president's son, Borko Radić, is expected to attend.
On the day of the reception, they're driven for an hour in a stretch Hummer and then escorted into a function room, where there are a couple of hundred guests and a band, and offered drinks and canapés.
When the time comes for Borko Radić's address, all the children are taken to another room to be entertained.
As the hours pass and after chatting for a while with another English couple, they're tiring and Jody decides to check on the children. She's shocked to discover all the kids are running riot in the playroom and things are getting rather raucous!
The family decide to leave to get Grace and Dylan to bed and ask for a car to take them back to the Adriana Beach. Throughout this experience, they've felt a bit uncomfortable and uneasy at times and it seems their worst fears are realised when things take a sinister turn ...
I don't want to give away any more of the plot but have to say that I really enjoyed this book! After a slightly slow start, events really ramped up and things got rather exciting and disturbing.
Sam and Jody and the children have to dig deep in a real battle for their survival when things go in a shocking direction, with an unknown enemy!
Overall, this was a gripping and tense thriller and had me on the edge of my seat at times! I was frantically turning the pages to see who would survive! Cleverly plotted and well written, with great suspense, this was an absorbing read! Slightly far fetched at times but it kept me entertained and I'd love to see it turned into a film!
This was the first book of Tom Bale's that I'd read but I've got most of his other novels on my Kindle and will definitely be checking out more from him soon!
July 10, 2020
A perfect 5 stars for “Survive” by Tom Bale. You are literally inside the book- its people, their lives, joys and tribulations. The story is about a family that heads out for a long-awaited “proper” holiday they have denied themselves for years because of a money crunch. What happens to them at this seaside resort, how their lives change abruptly, and the hitherto unknown inner reserves that help them, and give them hope.
It is a story about some of our most powerful impulses- to hurt, to destroy, to help, to survive. I found it an excellent read.
5 Stars
It is a story about some of our most powerful impulses- to hurt, to destroy, to help, to survive. I found it an excellent read.
5 Stars
July 29, 2020
I absolutely loved this book. A very different storyline from the host of domestic thrillers out there with a family facing perilous challenges courtesy of a group of ultra rich people, after being abducted to fulfil their sick game. Quite hard to read at times as there was only a year's difference between the ages of the children and my 3, and because the characters were all written so realistically. I really felt for them. Some scenes were particularly tense, and creepy and ensured I was totally gripped by the story. Overall, a fantastic read and a real page turner.
September 22, 2020
Brilliant!
I read a lot of this type of book and so often it can seem the author simply rehashes the same old stuff with different characters. This one however put a whole new slant on things simply with the addition of children. It delves deeper than just the usual fight for survival as parents fight also for a future for their children.
Brilliantly written with great characters that were well fleshed out without needing pages of long winded descriptions or dialogue.
Definitely recommend
I read a lot of this type of book and so often it can seem the author simply rehashes the same old stuff with different characters. This one however put a whole new slant on things simply with the addition of children. It delves deeper than just the usual fight for survival as parents fight also for a future for their children.
Brilliantly written with great characters that were well fleshed out without needing pages of long winded descriptions or dialogue.
Definitely recommend
June 8, 2020
Here is my review of Survive by Tom Bale. It’s about a young family that has saved up money to go on holiday abroad for the first time but didn’t realise that they would be fighting for their lives to survive.
Jody Lamb and Sam Berry with their young children, Grace and Dylan are on holiday at the Adriana Beach Hotel, on the island of Sekliw. They are a bit late to the welcome meeting. Also a special prize draw for a VIP reception at Hotel Conchis and all their names were automatically entered.
The next day, Jody is dozing on a sun lounger when Gabby tells her she has won the VIP reception the next day. Later that evening Jody and Sam are speaking to Kay and Trevor Baxter, Sam decides to give them the VIP invite.
On reception day with ten minutes to spare, Gabby finds them to say they need to attend, the invite is non-transferable. Reluctantly, they got changed and just made the transport laid on.
They all arrive at the reception and hand their invites over, they are taken to the top floor and into a large function room overlooking the sea. Jody is chatting to Michelle while Sam is gearing up for conversation with Gareth. Borko makes a big entrance and goes on to say that they have arranged for the children to be entertained elsewhere as them and speeches don’t mix.
Borko goes into speech mode until he winds it up, there are fire breathing stilt-walkers while he starts circling amongst the guests. Jody escapes to check on the children, she finds the room, the kids are wearing overalls and masks, firing paintballs at staff.
Jody brings Sam to see the kids, he cringes at the sight. They see Grace leading Dylan away, so call her and they both come running but one of the guards lifts his wrist to his mouth. When they leave the room, they meet Naji Hussein and they explain about the staff being fired at and that they want to leave. He leads them to a room and refreshments come. They drank them and one by one fell asleep.
When they woke up, Sam felt like he was dreaming, there was a rushing noise in his ears. The light is very bright as he opens his eyes and is that sand? Where are they? How did they get here?
This was a really great book to read, slow to start but when the action begins, you will find it’s hard to put the book down. This is the first book I have read by this author and he was recommended to me.
Jody Lamb and Sam Berry with their young children, Grace and Dylan are on holiday at the Adriana Beach Hotel, on the island of Sekliw. They are a bit late to the welcome meeting. Also a special prize draw for a VIP reception at Hotel Conchis and all their names were automatically entered.
The next day, Jody is dozing on a sun lounger when Gabby tells her she has won the VIP reception the next day. Later that evening Jody and Sam are speaking to Kay and Trevor Baxter, Sam decides to give them the VIP invite.
On reception day with ten minutes to spare, Gabby finds them to say they need to attend, the invite is non-transferable. Reluctantly, they got changed and just made the transport laid on.
They all arrive at the reception and hand their invites over, they are taken to the top floor and into a large function room overlooking the sea. Jody is chatting to Michelle while Sam is gearing up for conversation with Gareth. Borko makes a big entrance and goes on to say that they have arranged for the children to be entertained elsewhere as them and speeches don’t mix.
Borko goes into speech mode until he winds it up, there are fire breathing stilt-walkers while he starts circling amongst the guests. Jody escapes to check on the children, she finds the room, the kids are wearing overalls and masks, firing paintballs at staff.
Jody brings Sam to see the kids, he cringes at the sight. They see Grace leading Dylan away, so call her and they both come running but one of the guards lifts his wrist to his mouth. When they leave the room, they meet Naji Hussein and they explain about the staff being fired at and that they want to leave. He leads them to a room and refreshments come. They drank them and one by one fell asleep.
When they woke up, Sam felt like he was dreaming, there was a rushing noise in his ears. The light is very bright as he opens his eyes and is that sand? Where are they? How did they get here?
This was a really great book to read, slow to start but when the action begins, you will find it’s hard to put the book down. This is the first book I have read by this author and he was recommended to me.
December 10, 2020
On a package overseas holiday Sam, Jody, and their children Grace and Dylan are manipulated into accepting a prize of a reception at a very fancy hotel on the island. They are stranded on a deserted island with only the clothes on their backs and a desperate game of survival begins for the enjoyment of some cruel and jaded rich people. A really riveting read with very real and well-drawn characters.
December 19, 2020
This is my first book by Tom Bale but I'm sure it won't be my last. Survive had my gripped from the start and was filled with gorgeous detailed descriptions that instantly made me want to book a holiday. I found the character development great and the main characters were massively relatable. This book didn't have twists and turns which meant it was slightly predictable but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
June 9, 2020
I enjoyed this suspenseful thriller. It is my first book by this author and I will be looking for more from him. It is a well developed story that has characters that are connectable. They made the story to easy to read and follow. This is an engaging story that I was pulled in right from the beginning. The twists and turns left me turning pages fast. I highly recommend this book.
July 23, 2020
Well that was a bit different. You could call it a page turner as I found I was reading one more page and then one more chapter. It finished in a hurry as if the author couldn't quite think of a better end and didn't want to have to go into further explanations or tie up any loose ends. Was a good holiday read.
August 17, 2020
I every Tom Bale book ( some more than once ) and a new one is one of the reading highlights of my year.As always this was fantastic, great setting, great characters, lots of tense excitement and action which kept me reading and on the edge of my seat late into the night. Can't wait for the next one. In the meantime I can always re-read 😊
January 19, 2021
Leaves you guessing
Very exciting book with a totally new direction for a story which is a refreshing change. I enjoyed this book a lot and as I've said in the title it really did keep me guessing and wondering what will happen next all the way through and I really couldn't have predicted any of it. I did think it was a little slow to start but ended up being a very good read.
Very exciting book with a totally new direction for a story which is a refreshing change. I enjoyed this book a lot and as I've said in the title it really did keep me guessing and wondering what will happen next all the way through and I really couldn't have predicted any of it. I did think it was a little slow to start but ended up being a very good read.
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