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Trapped in an abandoned and quarantined Britain, forsaken by the rest of the world, the scattered survivors are forced into hibernation by the fast onset of a bitter winter. Struggling for supplies and battling the elements, the true nature of people shows through as they face adversity like they have never known before. Nevin, as charmed and untouchable as his toxic existence has been, finds a niche in his new home; still not enough for him, though, as he plans to become more comfortable at the expense of others. But is tangling with Johnson a confrontation he can come back from? Peter and Amber are still fending for themselves and digging in for the harsh winter. But will that be enough to keep them safe? Major Downes confides in Captain Palmer, and together they plan for escape to normality and to structure a new lifestyle for their charges. But in the uncertain world they live in now, nothing is easy.

7 pages, Audio CD

First published August 27, 2018

89 people are currently reading
62 people want to read

About the author

Devon C. Ford

80 books430 followers
Devon 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.

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5 stars
164 (52%)
4 stars
97 (30%)
3 stars
47 (15%)
2 stars
5 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Claude's Bookzone.
1,551 reviews270 followers
November 16, 2020
Book 11 in my Zombie-a-thon!

CW: Gore,

Hi Devon,

I was just wondering at what point you will cease toying with my emotions. I need to see some of the characters I adore make the connections that will ease my their suffering. I will not elaborate as this would spoil the journey somewhat for others but you know of whom I speak. Also, these books are thoroughly enjoyable and have the best zombie horde attack scenes ever.

Kind regards,
Claude
Profile Image for Tracy  P. .
1,168 reviews12 followers
October 31, 2021
The betrayals and scheming are continuing to rise within the ranks of humans. Luckily, karma has come a calling. The previously meek and subservient are now realizing there is a lot of strength in numbers when they fought back in a mighty way against the abuse and oppressive treatment inflicted on many of them - delving out punishment with merciless, torturous authority... Payback is a b**ch.
The group has also acquired a good amount of new members who mostly seem seem eager to pick up tasks and do their fair share to help secure a better life. They are still far from safe, and as they found out the hard way, one bad egg can turn safety into a death sentence in the blink of an eye.
Profile Image for XR.
1,980 reviews107 followers
February 3, 2020
Oh my babies, Peter, Amber and Jessica!
Damnit, Ford... why are you playing with my emotions like this?!??!?
Profile Image for Karina Halt.
676 reviews4 followers
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!!
11 reviews
January 15, 2020
Only so many so many soldiers survived

And then were separated without knowing where the others were. Life in these times is so cruel and Devon knows how to bring it all through in his writing. Not all bad though, some good comes through too. Winter has set in and made survival even harder. The books in this series are amazing and so emotionally charged. I cry when one book ends but immediately pick up the next. Thank you Devon
Profile Image for Rosemary Hughes.
4,192 reviews23 followers
July 2, 2024
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title within the series set box. (Audible Membership)

Regardless of what is thrown at them, this group of survivors refuse to give up. Their groups are separated, some killed, and yet they still they stumble onwards, supporting those that have grown weary or are injured, but moving onwards to what they believe will be a better day.
Profile Image for John Remedy.
97 reviews1 follower
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.

Book Four proved just as easy a read. I found this (and the Toy Soldiers series as a whole) a really fun journey 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.
496 reviews5 followers
January 30, 2022
#1

Great tale. It's too bad everyone had to turn but interesting to see what the survivors do and how they react. Look forward to the next installment and to see where humanity goes from here.
7 reviews
June 25, 2024
Gripping

I've reread the Toy Soldiers series a few
times now, and they are always so gripping. Congratulations, Mr Ford on a superbly written group of characters and multiple storylines.
Profile Image for Darren Dilnott.
296 reviews3 followers
January 14, 2020
Utterly brilliant series continues with Adversity. I can't remember when a series captivated me so much, with its superb characters and story.
24 reviews1 follower
June 8, 2020
Excellent read

Book 4 & the series is STILL rockin. I'm pleased & amazed. Onward to 5 now. Highly recommended if you love a good apocalypse book.
Profile Image for Corinne Marshall.
410 reviews10 followers
June 22, 2020
I love this series. Book 4 continues to be a thrilling ride. Great story great characters. I highly recommend Toy Soldiers.
Profile Image for jonathan sanford.
199 reviews1 follower
July 10, 2020
Amazing

I can not recommend this book enough. Seriously its awesome to see everything coming together and little twists!!!!!
This is a must read!
Profile Image for chix.
184 reviews1 follower
April 14, 2023
I'm so glad I powered through it. It was a bitnif a struggle during the 2nd and 3rd book but I am very satisfied with the ending.
223 reviews
February 7, 2024
Nevin got what he deserved. So happy about that. I liked this one the most out of the 6 so far.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
500 reviews1 follower
August 7, 2025
yet again I enjoyed this book the fourth in the series great character and story telling
Profile Image for Taeo.
13 reviews
November 26, 2019
Satisfying ending, it kind of hints that everyone gets reunited at the end, without directly stating it. Fun series, enjoyable characters, though some of the side stories feel like they are disconnected from the main narrative.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Billy Barfield.
192 reviews4 followers
August 20, 2019
Better

Oh yes it does just get better and better , I don’t want to give away anything so that way you have to get this book and read it. But let’s just say that everyone that deserves it starts to get what they deserve. Whether it be a bullet or being thrown from a cliff. Friends are separated and some are rejoined..and some are finding out that they are not alone..and that safety isn’t what they thought it was .. now if that is not enough to make you want to read this book, I don’t know what would .. so go ahead and pick up this book and read it that way you can be just like me and be on pins and needles waiting for the next book..
451 reviews2 followers
August 27, 2018
Brilliant

Devon c Ford what can I say . I stumbled on this Author by accident . After it happened series. I have been hooked since. This book has strong characters you will love. Bad guys you will loathe and want to come to a sticky end. Hero's you want win and survive . You won't be disappointed and it's set in the UK. Great post apocalyptic book series . Can't wait for the next instalment .
35 reviews2 followers
September 10, 2019
I'm really starting to make this author one of my "can't wait for his next book" group. Excellent writing style and believable characters. This series in particular is fantastic. The fact he actually publishes on a consistent basis so you don't have to (but you might want to) reread the prior books in the series is a real plus.
451 reviews2 followers
September 24, 2019
Brilliant!

This series is so good. It leaves you on the edge of your seat. I couldn't put it down once I started it. Nail biting roller coaster ride. Love the character's ,the kind of people you would want on your side if there was ever a zombie apocalypse . If you haven't read these yet ,what are you waiting for? Devon C Ford books are brilliant .
3 reviews
February 10, 2019
Another gripping tale...

DCF is one of my favourite authors having read numerous books now. His style falls off the page and attaches you to his characters. This was my first Zombie series and I loved it from page one.
I just need book 5 now..you have work to do sir!
79 reviews3 followers
August 25, 2019
Excellent series.

Devon C. Ford does not disappoint with the fourth in this series. The four books are all equally thrilling to read and this reader is happy that there are two still to come.
324 reviews8 followers
August 26, 2019
Love the Series!

Just Excellent! Wonderful characters with believable storylines. No unbelievable characters here. Anyone could be the next to fall to either the infected, or the surviving scum.
If I could give this book 6 stars,I would.
Profile Image for Carla Adams.
6 reviews
August 15, 2019
Loving this story!

This continuation of the series kept me entertained and looking for more. I wasn't ready for the book to end. I'm looking forward to the next boning the series.
2 reviews
August 24, 2019
Well written

Thoroughenly enjoyable with many twists and turns. Keeps you on your toes! A good read and would recommend it to everyone!
6 reviews
October 5, 2019
I found myself absolutely absorb by this series and can’t wait for the final two instalments
Typical zombie apocalypse story
the characters are credible and believable
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

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