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Toy Soldiers #3
Abandoned
MP3 CD Format The survivors are trapped. Cut off from the rest of the world and quarantined as the virus spreads to every corner of the country, while the combined forces of the naval fleet set sail for deeper waters and leave the U.K. to its fate.
Facing the aftermath of the battle for the island, the groups are separated as the bonds of friendship and camaraderie are violently severed, and they must survive on their own. Every effort to survive is fraught with peril, and those left behind must battle to find some form of safety, no matter how brief that respite might be.
As it dawns on those left behind that the rest of the world has turned its back on them, they must cope with the realization that they are alone, and fight against the brutality that threatens them at every turn. Brutality from both the infected and the rest of the world as it devolves into nuclear Armageddon.
Rejoin Johnson, Peter, Amber, and the others in the immediate aftermath of the island battle, as they strive to find safety, to survive after being truly abandoned.
Facing the aftermath of the battle for the island, the groups are separated as the bonds of friendship and camaraderie are violently severed, and they must survive on their own. Every effort to survive is fraught with peril, and those left behind must battle to find some form of safety, no matter how brief that respite might be.
As it dawns on those left behind that the rest of the world has turned its back on them, they must cope with the realization that they are alone, and fight against the brutality that threatens them at every turn. Brutality from both the infected and the rest of the world as it devolves into nuclear Armageddon.
Rejoin Johnson, Peter, Amber, and the others in the immediate aftermath of the island battle, as they strive to find safety, to survive after being truly abandoned.
7 pages, MP3 CD
First published June 15, 2018
113 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Devon C. Ford
80 books430 followersDevon is from the UK, having lived in many places until finally settling in the Midlands. His career in public services started in his teens and has provided a wealth of experiences, both good and some very bad, which form the basis of the book ideas that cause regular insomnia.
He first started reading for fun as an adult, having tried his hardest to avoid anything resembling academia growing up, and at that point the world became a far bigger place. He has been reading, at least one book at a time, ever since.
His debut works, the After It Happened series, (Survival, Humanity, Society) were published in April 2016 followed by Hope (July 2016) and Sanctuary (December 2016). The first part of the series concluded with the release of Rebellion which was published in June 2017.
Storming high into the charts with the first books of the After It Happened series, Devon launched into the top 10 sellers listings in the UK, Australia, Canada and the US, and he made the decision to write full time shortly after the launch of Hope.
Devon’s self-published beginnings caused a stir in the publishing world, and resulted in contracts with Podium Publishing for Audible, narrated by R.C. Bray (The Martian, Expeditionary Force, Arisen), before a publishing deal for kindle and paperbacks with Vulpine Press.
Further works have seen the start of a multi-author series, sci-fi/post-apocalyptic cross genre, futuristic dystopian and alternative history zombie apocalypse. Spin-off books from the After It Happened world have been announced for 2018.
He first started reading for fun as an adult, having tried his hardest to avoid anything resembling academia growing up, and at that point the world became a far bigger place. He has been reading, at least one book at a time, ever since.
His debut works, the After It Happened series, (Survival, Humanity, Society) were published in April 2016 followed by Hope (July 2016) and Sanctuary (December 2016). The first part of the series concluded with the release of Rebellion which was published in June 2017.
Storming high into the charts with the first books of the After It Happened series, Devon launched into the top 10 sellers listings in the UK, Australia, Canada and the US, and he made the decision to write full time shortly after the launch of Hope.
Devon’s self-published beginnings caused a stir in the publishing world, and resulted in contracts with Podium Publishing for Audible, narrated by R.C. Bray (The Martian, Expeditionary Force, Arisen), before a publishing deal for kindle and paperbacks with Vulpine Press.
Further works have seen the start of a multi-author series, sci-fi/post-apocalyptic cross genre, futuristic dystopian and alternative history zombie apocalypse. Spin-off books from the After It Happened world have been announced for 2018.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 14, 2020
Book 10 in my Zombie-a-thon!
CW: Gore
Okay I am going up to a 4 for this one! It's rare for me to rate a book of this nature so highly, however I am fully addicted. The zombie action is so good and it is a true survival against all odds type of story! I love the addition of the Norwegian soldiers as this finally included an incredibly kickarse female soldier. I'm ignoring the potential tokenism of it because she really is very cool. Peter and Amber, our children alone amidst the carnage, continue to captivate me with their bravery. Just switch off the critical literary lens and enjoy!
Update: I've already done one update but I have just deleted my comment about the writing. I have been listening to the book and really paying attention to the actual writing and I've got to say it is actually pretty good. I just didn't really notice because the story is so engaging. End of update.
CW: Gore
Okay I am going up to a 4 for this one! It's rare for me to rate a book of this nature so highly, however I am fully addicted. The zombie action is so good and it is a true survival against all odds type of story! I love the addition of the Norwegian soldiers as this finally included an incredibly kickarse female soldier. I'm ignoring the potential tokenism of it because she really is very cool. Peter and Amber, our children alone amidst the carnage, continue to captivate me with their bravery. Just switch off the critical literary lens and enjoy!
Update: I've already done one update but I have just deleted my comment about the writing. I have been listening to the book and really paying attention to the actual writing and I've got to say it is actually pretty good. I just didn't really notice because the story is so engaging. End of update.
October 30, 2021
Exciting episode full of zombie mayhem. losses, and betrayals. The characters are all being tested beyond their human limitations with their numbers depleting and the only help to be expected is (sadly) from themselves.
February 3, 2020
Oh my goodness! The action, the blood pumping anticipation and... the BETRAYAL!
September 1, 2025
For a series that started with what felt like a level of devastation on a par with 28 Days Later, I was surprised at just how thoroughly this instalment in the series shows that things can get worse in ways I wasn't expecting.
One of my favourite things about this entry into the series is the introduction of characters from the Norwegian Forsvarets Spesialkommando (FSK), which I don't think I've ever seen in another book. I also appreciate that while this series does touch on the traditional rivalry between branches of service like the Royal Marines vs the Army, it doesn't major on it or overblow it into something it isn't; at the same time, while it's introduced characters from UK special forces units, it doesn't venerate them or imbue them with the almost preternatural skills or successes that crop up in media elsewhere.
One of my favourite things about this entry into the series is the introduction of characters from the Norwegian Forsvarets Spesialkommando (FSK), which I don't think I've ever seen in another book. I also appreciate that while this series does touch on the traditional rivalry between branches of service like the Royal Marines vs the Army, it doesn't major on it or overblow it into something it isn't; at the same time, while it's introduced characters from UK special forces units, it doesn't venerate them or imbue them with the almost preternatural skills or successes that crop up in media elsewhere.
January 31, 2024
1/5 stars
0/1 ★ for plot
0/1 ★ for characters and character development
0.5/1 ★ for writing style and narration
0.5/1 ★ for pace
0/1 ★ for world-building
DNF. Not even narrator John (Rafter) Lee can save this one, unfortunately. The cast of characters keeps getting bigger with each book despite the death and mayhem. No one really gets more than a few paragraphs at a time, so there's no opportunity to get attached to anyone. Except Sergeant Major Dean Johnson, who I'm hardly getting any of in the third book of this series. Just lots of crazy stuff going down with no real progress being made plot or character development.
0/1 ★ for plot
0/1 ★ for characters and character development
0.5/1 ★ for writing style and narration
0.5/1 ★ for pace
0/1 ★ for world-building
DNF. Not even narrator John (Rafter) Lee can save this one, unfortunately. The cast of characters keeps getting bigger with each book despite the death and mayhem. No one really gets more than a few paragraphs at a time, so there's no opportunity to get attached to anyone. Except Sergeant Major Dean Johnson, who I'm hardly getting any of in the third book of this series. Just lots of crazy stuff going down with no real progress being made plot or character development.
February 7, 2020
Very good read (pun intended). Couldn't put it down and going to get straight on with the next in the series.
Devon displays an in depth knowledge of his chosen topic and although some of it (gun specs) goes straight over my head, it makes for interesting reading as well as increasing the tension
Definitely worth a read, particularly at the current time, with the Coronavirus spreading.......
Devon displays an in depth knowledge of his chosen topic and although some of it (gun specs) goes straight over my head, it makes for interesting reading as well as increasing the tension
Definitely worth a read, particularly at the current time, with the Coronavirus spreading.......
June 7, 2020
I’ve been very pleasantly surprised by how well written this series is. Not that common with zombie apocalypse books. This is 3rd in series & the story line is still strong & engaging. I’m not British so I don’t understand all the military rank. UK readers would enjoy even more. Big thumbs up for this series & the author.
August 24, 2025
Definitely one of the more enjoyable and well-written 'Complete Series of Pulp Zombie Novels for One Credit' bundles I've come across in my short time on Audible.
I found this (and the Toy Soldiers series as a whole) a really fun read to pass the evenings after long days of work, and it was refreshing to read zombie post-apoc not only set in England, but also set in the 1980s.
After enjoying John Lee's narrative work on two of Alastair Reynolds' sci-fi books earlier in the year, he really adds a touch of class to an oft-maligned sub-genre.
I found this (and the Toy Soldiers series as a whole) a really fun read to pass the evenings after long days of work, and it was refreshing to read zombie post-apoc not only set in England, but also set in the 1980s.
After enjoying John Lee's narrative work on two of Alastair Reynolds' sci-fi books earlier in the year, he really adds a touch of class to an oft-maligned sub-genre.
January 18, 2022
Very very good
Enjoyed reading this story and think it is interesting, well written and exceptionally suspenseful. Look forward to reading more and can't wait for the next installment.
Enjoyed reading this story and think it is interesting, well written and exceptionally suspenseful. Look forward to reading more and can't wait for the next installment.
July 2, 2024
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title within the series set box. (Audible Membership)
One step forward two steps back,but it's all about survival, so we never give up, but go back to the beginning. Just watch out for dormant monsters.
One step forward two steps back,but it's all about survival, so we never give up, but go back to the beginning. Just watch out for dormant monsters.
July 7, 2020
Awesome book
I loved the first 2 books in this series and this one didn't disappoint!!! It was awesome to bring it together and some nice twists as you read through.
I loved the first 2 books in this series and this one didn't disappoint!!! It was awesome to bring it together and some nice twists as you read through.
August 19, 2020
Great story
Really keeps you going from beginning to end . Hated to see this book end and ready for the next one to come
Really keeps you going from beginning to end . Hated to see this book end and ready for the next one to come
January 27, 2021
This is one of the best series I have ever read. For me its up there with The Stand and Swan Song and I will definitely be reading it again.
July 10, 2023
It doesn't really feel like the 1980's.
February 7, 2024
Fucking NEVIIIIIN!! A lot more action in this one. I liked it. Glad the kids got picked up too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2025
Continues to be good fun. There are layers to the books and I enjoy the fact they're set in Britain, so there isn't a gun in every house
May 29, 2025
this is one of the best zombie series around I'm not always a fan of the zombie genre but I'm really enjoying this one
January 16, 2020
Really enjoyed it
Again, another great read. Pulled right in, and felt as if I was there! Descriptions of the action was very realistic. Looking forward to hook 4.
Again, another great read. Pulled right in, and felt as if I was there! Descriptions of the action was very realistic. Looking forward to hook 4.
January 14, 2020
I just can't stop reading...
These stories are so well written and I have cried so many times! The soldiers are so brave and ready to do what's right and Peter and Amber are so very brave. Gotta give the cat some credit too lol It is so easy to move from one book to the next.
These stories are so well written and I have cried so many times! The soldiers are so brave and ready to do what's right and Peter and Amber are so very brave. Gotta give the cat some credit too lol It is so easy to move from one book to the next.
January 7, 2020
This simply brilliant series continues with Abandoned. This installment doesn't disappoint, and im happy to say that this is probably one of the best collection of books i've read in a long time. Absolutely amazing.
August 20, 2019
A great read
This series has been from the beginning a stair way down into hell. England as we know it no longer exist. Russia and America have had a limited exchange of nuclear weapons. The military is decimated . Yet two little children have survived , not just survived but actually are thriving. The screechers are still running rampant. And there is really no place safe .. and on top of it all..winter is coming..I can’t wait to see what happens next..
This series has been from the beginning a stair way down into hell. England as we know it no longer exist. Russia and America have had a limited exchange of nuclear weapons. The military is decimated . Yet two little children have survived , not just survived but actually are thriving. The screechers are still running rampant. And there is really no place safe .. and on top of it all..winter is coming..I can’t wait to see what happens next..
November 19, 2018
It's all gone wrong
The island is overrun, the British isles are quarantined, Europe is on the move toward Russia and the Americans are shooting nuclear missiles everywhere.
How much more can go wrong.
I look forward to more from this world.
The island is overrun, the British isles are quarantined, Europe is on the move toward Russia and the Americans are shooting nuclear missiles everywhere.
How much more can go wrong.
I look forward to more from this world.
July 21, 2019
A Must Read for Zombie fans
I have finished the first 3 books in this series in the last 3 days. If your a Zombie fan, you really should give it a go. Tons of action and great characters.
I have finished the first 3 books in this series in the last 3 days. If your a Zombie fan, you really should give it a go. Tons of action and great characters.
July 13, 2018
Great Story
The series is great good characters and the story is coming along. Not too much zombie action but for post apocalyptic fans it's a great read.
The series is great good characters and the story is coming along. Not too much zombie action but for post apocalyptic fans it's a great read.
July 25, 2018
Good read
Looking forward to the next one. Very entertaining. Have read many books from this author and have not been disappointed
Looking forward to the next one. Very entertaining. Have read many books from this author and have not been disappointed
January 19, 2019
This is a great series, and I have to say I love Peter! The author really gets you invested in the characters, I highly recommend this book and the whole series!!
August 28, 2019
Good subplots bringing the new core plot together, enjoyed the ending, setting up a ripping yarn for the fourth book.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews