I gave UK2 5*
Book Description:
Two decades of social media had prepared them well for UK2.’
The pace steps up in this final instalment of the Project Renova trilogy, as the survivors’ way of life comes under threat.
Two years after the viral outbreak, representatives from UK Central arrive at Lindisfarne to tell the islanders about the shiny new city being created down south. UK2 governor Verlander’s plan is simple: all independent communities are to be dissolved, their inhabitants to reside in approved colonies. Alas, those who relocate soon suspect that the promises of a bright tomorrow are nothing but smoke and mirrors, as great opportunities turn into broken dreams, and dangerous journeys provide the only hope of freedom.
Meanwhile, far away in the southern hemisphere, a new terror is gathering momentum…
‘I walked through that grey afternoon, past fields that nobody had tended for nearly three years, past broken down, rusty old vehicles, buildings with smashed windows. I was walking alone at the end of the world, but I was a happy man. I was free, at last.’
Although this concludes the Project Renova trilogy, there will be more books in the series. A collection of five side stories is planned, and another novel, set far into the future.
My Review,
i have long enjoyed Terry Tylers’ work and I have read almost everything she has written. However, when I heard she had changed genres and written an end of the world novel I hesitated. Only once had I read a dystopian book – and I hated it. What I forgot, at first, was that, not only does this author write a cracking good story, whatever the subject, she creates brilliantly rounded characters that take on a life of their own…and live, and grow and change as the plots progress. I took a chance and was hooked. I read the first of the trilogy Tipping Point (you can read my review here). Following the lives of the characters through desperate times was both fascinating and felt unbelievably real. The second of the trilogy, Lindisfarne; my review here, continues the story and, from my point of view, is equally riveting.
I have also enjoyed Patient Zero: short stories from the Project Renova series; a collection of nine short stories featuring minor characters from the series
And so to this last book, UK2, the conclusion of the the story (at least for the time being – as we see in the book description, Terry Tyler has other ideas). But, for now the stories of each of these characters I have grown to know and understand have sailed off into the distance.
There are so many well-rounded characters I honestly wouldn’t know where to start (and would probably ramble on for pages!). Some of the characters are told by a third person omniscient narrator, which allows the reader to sit back and observe. But many characters tell whole chapters from their own points of view. It’s interesting to hear the internal voices of Lottie, Vicky and Doyle, with their opinions on the world they are living in; all developing in the way good characters should in a novel. I was well impressed the way one character, Flora, changed. Oh, and I should mention the appearance of two characters I instantly loved, Seren and Hawk.
The dialogue is, as usual, good; some of the voices of the characters with the intonations subtly changed as the characters go forward in their stories, some immediately recognisable.
The settings, whether of Lindisfarne, the devastated Britain of the past, UK Central (ruled over by the plastic ‘Hollywood-style governor Verlander’) or islands far away, give a brilliant sense of place.
I have to be honest, it is a complex book with plots and subplots intertwined and a whole plethora of characters; so I can only recommend that readers start with the first book of the trilogy. And, to be fair, this is what the author recommends.
But, having the last word (well, this is my review!), whatever your preferred genre, give this series a go…you’ll be hooked.
Links to buy:
Amazon.co.uk: https://amzn.to/2IekT4X
Amazon.com: https://amzn.to/2EctvXz
About the Author:
Terry Tyler is the author of seventeen books available from Amazon, the latest being ‘UK2’, the third book in her new post apocalyptic series. She is proud to be self-published, is an avid reader and book reviewer, and a member of Rosie Amber’s Book Review Team.
Terry is a Walking Dead addict, and loves history, winter, South Park and Netflix. She lives in the north east of England with her husband; she is still trying to learn Geordie.
Connect with Terry:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TerryTyler4
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2xLJRa6
Thanks so much, Judith ~ and yes, they were never intended to be stand-alones, it’s an ongoing story, that’s why I do the ‘story so far’ bit at the beginning, to remind anyone with a memory as bad as mine! Really appreciate your interest in and support for this series, and glad you took a chance on the genre! x
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My pleasure. Glad there will be more in the series, Terry.. Loved every one of the three so far.
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Great review, Judith. I’m half way through UK2 now and loving it.
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Thanks, Mary. Fabulous isn’t it?!!
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Yes, it is. I don’t want it to end.
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Thanks, Mary, so glad you’re liking it! Am now starting on a 100 years later story, linking back to Lottie, Flora, etc.
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Looking forward to this. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in the series.
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Thanks for dropping by,Olga. Can’t recommend this book enough.
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Have this one waiting for me on my Kindle – great review, Judith!
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Thanks, Terri. Let it wait no longer!! Why should I have been the one to sit up reading it all night. LOL . Brilliant book,.
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I’ve downloaded and am good to go! I just need to find a little time to read. Thanks for sharing your review. X
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Thanks for dropping by, Mandy. I’ve got just the answer; do what I did… don’t sleep! lol. Cheers. Hope you enjoy the book as much as the first two in the trilogy
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I like post-apocalyptic stories and your review makes this sound like a good series to jump into – especially since it isn’t your typical interest. Thanks for the recommendation, Judith. 🙂 Happy Reading.
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Thanks for dropping by, Dianna. It’s those books where it’s graphically describing people eating one another!!! Luckily, this isn’t one of them; it’s a strongly written read with great characters. Sure you’ll enjoy. x
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Ha ha ha. Yum. Well, I am now relieved that it wasn’t one of my books that you hated. Phew! This one sounds much more…. palatable. 🙂
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Hahaha… I’m ashamed to say I haven’t read your work, Dianna – so must rectify that – as long as there isn’t any munching on humans, I’ll be okay. I’m such a sensitive soul, you know!! hah!! 🙂
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No problem, Judith, and I wasn’t trying to needle you. But if you ever get around to it, rest assured, there’s no human-munching. 🙂
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LOL… Takes a sharp needle, Dianna, I have a thick skin (so no good munching on me. 🙂 ) Off to check you out… Hmm, does that sound somewhat of a threat?!! Sorry. 🙂
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😀
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Bought Five Elements Anthology. Seems quite safe!! Will report back.x 🙂
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Hi Judith. This book/series is getting a lot of great press. Thanks for adding your thoughts. Best to Terry. Hugs all around.
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Thanks, Teagan, it is a brilliant read.<3
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