Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Spread #5

Turning Point

Rate this book
Survival is about to get tougher.

Aaron Cartwright is not the young boy he used to be. He is something else now. Something not quite human. His friends no longer look at him the same way. But the mission hasn’t changed. The enemy needs destroying. The Earth needs reclaiming.

The problem is...

A new threat is about to arrive, and everything mankind thought it knew is about to be proved dead wrong.

232 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 25, 2022

142 people are currently reading
334 people want to read

About the author

Iain Rob Wright

163 books1,808 followers
One of Horror's most respected authors, Iain Rob Wright is the writer of more than forty books, many of them bestsellers. A previous Kindle All-Star and a mainstay in the horror charts, he is a prolific producer of unique and original stories. From his apocalyptic saga The Gates to his claustrophobic revenge thriller ASBO, Iain writes across a broad spectrum of sub genres, creating both beloved series and standalone titles.

With work available in several languages and in audio, Iain Rob Wright is one of the fastest rising stars in horror, but when not writing he is a dedicated family man. Father to Jack and Molly, and husband to Sally, he is often seen sharing his family memories with his fans on Facebook.

To get 6 of his books for free (no strings), just visit: www.iainrobwright.com

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
446 (54%)
4 stars
267 (32%)
3 stars
86 (10%)
2 stars
19 (2%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
Profile Image for Kiera ☠.
331 reviews124 followers
September 25, 2023
4.5/5 A solid continuation to this incredible series! I really just cannot get over how much I love these characters and how invested I am in seeing them through this apocalypse. The ending SHOCKED me and now I’m even more excited to get to the final book in the series and see how it all ends.

I was in quite a reading slump this month and this definitely re-invigorated my love/desire to read. This series is entirely too slept on in the horror community. I need to get the word out there because The Spread is so much fun!
Profile Image for Netanella.
4,714 reviews37 followers
April 9, 2022
Iain Rob Wright's mutant alien series continues with Turning Point, which has some incredible reveals, including another face to the alien invasion, and the dramatic reappearance of a long-lost character. Little brother Aaron loses his arm, literally, and there's vaporization action down by the swimming pool. It's all green and gunky and multicolored explosive (think red, blue, and orange blood) and a whole lot of fun.

On another note, I want to make one of these for Halloween this year . . . .

Profile Image for Mylene.
313 reviews1 follower
April 13, 2022
Another awesome chapter

As I mentioned in my last review, usually when I read books in a series several months or years apart, I have a tendency to forget the details of the story. Not in this case! I have jumped in to every book in the series without having to refresh my memory of the plot and/or the characters. Iain is such a gifted writer. He knows how to bring characters to life while also creating complex plots about survival. Although this is not my favorite series from Iain, this is still an excellent read. As per usual, I have fallen in love with his characters and can’t wait to see what happens next with Aaron and his ragtag group of warrior friends, Sophia, Ryan, and mama Cartwright.
Profile Image for Dane Bovee.
62 reviews
May 26, 2024
4.5 stars... Just like every book in this series so far, nonstop action that reads much like a movie. The level of connection I now have with each character hits the feels even more when something bad happens. This story had several twists that I wasn't expecting and the ending was quite exciting! Looking forward to seeing how the survivors wrap everything up in the last book and also who gets reunited!
Profile Image for D.S. Mac.
Author 1 book38 followers
August 23, 2022
“We’re all the same, Teddy. No matter what place we come from, we all just want a life that doesn’t hurt.”

This penultimate entry to a fantastic series really opened up an entirely new threat. The future certainly looked bleak!

Brilliantly written, with some fantastic twists and turns, this has grown into one hell of a series.
Profile Image for Ray Smillie.
734 reviews
July 11, 2022
Dragged a wee bit at times. Not so much that there wasn't plenty action more just wishing Aaron would kick the invaders arses into oblivion. Did like the unexpected ending which sets in up nicely for the last in this series.
Profile Image for Tracy Halls.
218 reviews5 followers
March 30, 2022
Another amazing book

Another amazing book in The Spread series but my god what a cliff hanger ending, can't wait for book 6!
A lot of the time when a story is spread over several books it falls flat after the first couple but this is most defiantly not the case with this series.
It just keeps on giving, keeps you on the edge of your seat all the way through and leaves you wanting more time after time!!
The characters feel like old friends and I genuinely can't wait to see what the future holds for them!
Profile Image for Hazel.
730 reviews12 followers
March 27, 2022
Reading Stuff 'n' Things

This is the fifth instalment of this series which needs to be read in conjunction with the others.

This is an excellent series which continues to capture me and I find myself taking every opportunity to snatch just 5 more minutes of reading to find out what is next to befall the excellent characters.

Be warned ... no one and nowhere is safe but that ending ... oh my! I can't wait for the next which looks like it might be the last unfortunately.

My thanks must go to Iain for accepting me into his "street team" and for providing me with an advance copy in return for comments and an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
108 reviews2 followers
March 31, 2022
Another great one!

I always enjoy reading Iain Rob Wright. Never disappointed. I already ordered the next book in the series. Can't wait.
Profile Image for Yvonne.
1,734 reviews135 followers
November 18, 2024
This series is so good and with only one more book to go, it is getting dramatic.

Aaron with his friends, has successfully dealt with one problem only to be met by another. This is still a race for survival and the odds of surviving did seem to be getting better. But with one step forward, it seems there is another step, or more back.

Rachel and Nancy have arrived in Edinburgh, it is not what they thought it would be and while they feel safe from the alien fungus, it is the humans they have to be wary of once again.

These are so easy to read and get caught up in, each book is around 200 pages and each one has been read pretty much in one sitting. As this series is getting towards the end, I am reluctant to give too much in the way of details, but the drama and tension are increasing.

This book sees the groups still trying to work to do what is best, trying to break the lock the fungus has on the land and anything it comes into contact with. There are still going to be serious injuries and deaths of close people. With the population change, there is the obvious change in leadership and this brings its own problems.

Another fabulous book in the series that pits friends against the threat of humankind and the world as they know it. This book falls into the sci-fi, thriller and horror genres and I would recommend this book.
Profile Image for Matthew Cole.
68 reviews
June 16, 2022
I’m not used to books farther along in a series to be very good, but this one however breaks that mold for me. From some new faces, to knew discoveries, to even the last few paragraphs… just awesome. I’m so psyched for the finale! Also a little sad that it’s ending though because man things are really going down and I don’t want my journey to end with this rag tag group of friends I’ve made.
528 reviews2 followers
January 23, 2024
The Spread: Book 5 (Turning Point) by Iain Rob Wright is another exciting and horrifying instalment.

Cameron, the town drunk is now like a viking warrior, protecting everyone. Aaron has become part alien, part human and his friends are wary of him since he had been infected.

Certain parts of the country are facing civil unrest and may lead to an uprising against the military. A sphere fell to the earth spilling out fungus and green men who are like scouts clearing the way forth for the Takers or Slugs who are more powerful than a grizzly bear.

Sophie and Nancy seek refuge at the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh as volunteers and they face food rationing and a new Scottish leader. Sophie's group named their helpers 'Trips' short for tripods as they have three legs.

Sophie and Nancy have decided that they still need to search for Ryan and Aaron but Nancy is far too weak and Sophie is forced to sadly leave her behind.

Toward the end of book 5 there is an amazing revealation which I was not expecting.

I love all the Scottish slang words within this series IE Bawwag means idiot/fool. Bawheid means big head. Crivvens mean shock, horror, astonishment.







Profile Image for FeedMyReads.
374 reviews21 followers
April 25, 2023
4.5 stars

The Earth is not the place it used to be and Aaron is not the person he used to be either. He had the infection but has survived for longer than the others he has witnessed who got infected. The biggest question is how much longer can he keep that human part of himself going and be that hero who continues to fight to save mankind?

The battle for the survival of humanity continues and develops with yet more threats coming to take on an ever decreasing human population but can mankind put aside the differences and see everyone pull together to fight the true enemy?

This is another fantastic addition to this series and the fact these characters keep developing is a true level of quality that you don't always find in the horror genre and for me it has been exciting to find an author who is delivering a superb storyline which has twists and turns but never loses the quality.

Profile Image for Pam Baddeley.
Author 2 books64 followers
July 24, 2025
In book 5, the invasion steps up a notch with the arrival of the orange aliens, the Takers, as friendly alien Helper calls them, who are responsible for the havoc caused by the green fungus. They want to take over Earth and destroy all life to do so. Sophie and Nancy have made it to Edinburgh, where Sophie is nursed back to health after being savagely attacked by a man in book 4, and where she and Nancy become nurses at the infirmary. Unfortunately, human beings continue to cause problems, and those in charge are executing people for the slightest excuse.

Meanwhile, Aaron and friends have destroyed one of the 'corkscrews' that spread the virus, cleansing a large area of Scotland, though he has been transformed in the process and is no longer quite human. There's a big surprise at the end which isn't quite convincing though 'nice'. Overall, 3 stars.
656 reviews4 followers
March 25, 2022
Turning Point follows on directly from The Road, the previous book of the series ,and we continue on with Aaron and his group of thrown together warriors as they try to keep taking the fight to the invading creatures. At the same time we see what has become of Sophie and her ‘almost mother-in-law’ Nancy as they search for Aaron and his brother Ryan, who is engaged to Sophie. Iain Rob Wright keeps the action and tension turned right up as he has for this entire series as the hits keep coming thick and fast for the heroes of the story. This is another top class apocalypse horror with lovely large doses of body-horror thrown in too. It’s at the high quality that I’ve come to expect from this author and he never disappoints in terms of story or quality.
70 reviews1 follower
March 26, 2022
Great series

I don't think I can take much more of this! Many times I caught myself holding my breath. I love Helper and wanted to see more of Papa but good to know there are more of them. I really hate the Takers when they are in their balls they should be thrown in water to sink. So glad to see so many people surviving and fighting back. I love all the characters and when one dies I actually get upset. Preordered the last book, not sure if I am happy or sad that it will be the end.
52 reviews
April 4, 2022
Turning point

I got a massive surprise near the end of this book but I won't reveal what it is. I don't want to give away any spoilers. This series is brilliant. In a lot of book series follow on books can get a bit samey. The Spread its the total opposite, five books and I've not been able to put them down. Each book kettles your interest from start to finish. I'm now going to get book 6 and start it straight away. I highly recommend this series and any book written by Iain Rob Wright. He's a brilliant author like a British Stephen King.
Profile Image for Billie.
5,782 reviews72 followers
March 25, 2022
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for Adam Lyons.
170 reviews1 follower
April 4, 2022
Book 5

The story continues..... my interest however doesn't in comparison to the earlier books. This book felt mediocre in comparison to the other books in the series although sometimes I understand that one book in the series has to "fill" in order to complete the story.
Overall I have really enjoyed the series and if you have too I would urge you to read this and carry on however this isn't the authors best work.
Profile Image for Michael John Paul McManus.
369 reviews1 follower
April 5, 2022
Turning Point: Book 5 of The Spread

Ian Rob Wright has created a brilliant series called The Spread. Book 5, Turning Point was a storming read building up nicely to an unexpected ending, leading on to Book 6. I can't wait for the next instalment. Will the Cartwright brothers meet up again and will mankind win the war against the fungus and the aliens. Book 6 is a must buy book. Excellent indeed.
41 reviews2 followers
January 12, 2023
Edge of your seat

There are several characters in this book but not so many that you can’t follow them. Ian talks enough about them that you get to know them and care about them, which means it’s really hard to put the books down. You care about them and have to know what happens to them. Not to mention the fate of humanity. I think the next book is the last book, I’ll be sad to see my ‘friends’ go.
1,524 reviews12 followers
August 7, 2023
In this book in the series, the author slows down on killing the characters that we connect with, so we could build a deeper build an emotional connection with them again. Even the friendly aliens started appealing to me, which I was struggling with in the previous book. Nonstop action, as usual, with plenty of gory bits. The end was predictable; I was expecting it in the previous book already. But it's a good predictable that sets up the series for a satisfying end.
Profile Image for Molly-Jane Eley.
124 reviews1 follower
May 7, 2024
Ok so I took a while to read this as it just did not capture me in the first half. I felt a massive drop off from the previous 4 books, but boy was I wrong (and happy to admit it).

The latter half of this book had me reeling!

RYAN ✨

Helen 😩😩

Favourite quotes:

“We’re all the same, teddy. No matter what place we come from, we all just want a life that doesn’t hurt”

“One thing I’ve learned, Aaron, is that misery doesn’t discriminate”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lou.
242 reviews3 followers
April 4, 2022
Wow!

I feel like I waited forever for this to be published but wow, was it ever worth the wait! I literally gobbled this up and got nothing done all weekend and now back to waiting for the next one.

I don't want to give anything away so all I will say is I never saw that ending coming! Brilliant, as always expected from this author.
Profile Image for Asheley.
318 reviews
March 26, 2023
I do love these books and each new chapter/ book brings more of the same but as I move closer to the final I feel sad that my journey with Aaron will end soon but twist at the end of this book is brilliant and so the final instalment must be next.

If you like apocalyptic, dystopian reads this series doesn’t disappoint.
563 reviews4 followers
October 23, 2023
This Series Keeps Getting Better

Without spoiling anything I can only say that the next phase, so to speak, of this catastrophic event has been ramped up to a 1000.
Also there are some new surprises and crazy twists that continue to make this a great series!!
Highly recommend that you start on Book one and then you'll be hooked like I am!!
Profile Image for Heather Spurrier.
23 reviews
February 20, 2024
Ugh not nearly as good as the first 4 in this series. A lot of filler here, too much “oh no we almost died again” and I didn’t really enjoy all the new…. Things that appear to help. Why did all the greens suddenly just disappear in this part? Almost TOO much new enemies in this part of the story. Looking forward to the last book none the less!
Profile Image for Jessica.
404 reviews13 followers
April 18, 2025
I’m really enjoying this series!
Aaron and his group of friends have been through so much together trying to reclaim earth!
They have been faced with impossible odds, yet still managed to come out on top.
I was happy to see that Sophie found them and got reunited.
Hopefully all the characters find each other and defeat the aliens soon!
Profile Image for Chris.
2,064 reviews29 followers
November 1, 2025
Six books of this! This is book five and it could have ended at book three. I just want this to end. I need a break from it before I can resume the last book. More casualties. More poor judgment. A new wave of aliens. Back and forth, up and down the UK- missing each other, a family reunion, a resurrection of sorts. Massive yawn.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.