‘You’re judging this by the standards of the old world. But that’s gone. We don’t live there any more.’Six months after the viral outbreak, civilised society in the UK has broken down. Vicky and her group travel to the Northumbrian island of Lindisfarne, where they are welcomed by an existing community. New relationships are formed, old ones renewed. The lucky survivors adapt, finding strength … finding strength they didn’t know they possessed, but the honeymoon period does not last long. Some cannot accept that the rules have changed, and, for just a few, the opportunity to seize power is too great to pass up. Egos clash, and the islanders soon discover that there are greater dangers than not having enough to eat.
Meanwhile, in the south, Brian Doyle discovers that rebuilding is taking place in the middle of the devastated countryside. He comes face to face with Alex Verlander from Renova Workforce Liaison, who makes him an offer he can’t refuse. But is UK 2.0 a world in which he will want to live?
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Having read book one of The Renova Project, Tipping Point, I was already familiar with the group of travellers who are on their way to seek a sanctuary where they can rebuild their lives.
Lindisfarne has an ancient history of spiritual enclaves and violence from Viking raiders which has left its mark on the landscape. From a small resident population cut off from the mainland by the incoming tides at certain times of the day, it has now found itself a refuge for those seeking a new and peaceful life. Unfortunately, the island’s past is not so easily dismissed. One side of the island is managed by a committee of well-meaning residents led by Marcus, intent on growing crops and creating a commune approach to their predicament. On the other side of the Island are the bikers, who have infiltrated the community and laid claim to the pub, offering nothing to the ongoing efforts.
When Vicki, Lottie, Heath, Jax and the rest of the group arrive they find that Vicki’s former boyfriend Dex is beginning to insert himself into the role of Viking Earl of the Island. Including claiming the much coveted castle for himself, hoping to be joined Vicki, despite his previous transgressions and current domestic situation. Alliances are made as groups form to become scavengers on the mainland, develop the island’s natural resources, and others plot to gain control.
What could possibly go wrong? If the existing situation was not challenging enough, add in a psychotic biker leader intent on revenge, mainland gangs determined to use whatever means to take what little the community has, love affairs, murder and the future threat of a secret building project in the south west of England.
The tension throughout the book is maintained with some interesting twists and surprises. The story flowed well from the first book; drawing you into a world where socially accepted behaviour, breaks down as people struggle to survive. It is a very dangerous world where humanity is slipping away.
I am not sure how I would cope in this stark, but I believe realistic post-apocalyptic world, created by Terry Tyler. The characters are believable and you become invested in survival for most of them, but rather wish for a righteous end for others! By the time I had finished the book, I found myself in tune with the language which does pepper the dialogue. I am sure that I would have been using “F” word quite frequently too.
I am looking forward to finding out how the central characters that have survived book two, will manage as the governmental forces begin to exert control in other parts of the country, and the search for a safe haven continues.
I recommend that you read Tipping Point first before reading Lindisfarne, as it does set up the story and the characters extremely well. You might like me, begin to think about what you might do under similar circumstances following such a catastrophic event.
A thrilling adventure which will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The Project Renova series continues with “Lindisfarne”, picking up where “Tipping Point” left off.
Ms Tyler, in one of her promos, notes that the Project Renova series is “No guns or zombies — just people, in an extraordinary situation.”
I think that description accurately sums up the first two books in the series, and I am guessing the remaining books as well.
Compared to “Tipping Point”, I found “Lindisfarne” very slow going for the first two-thirds of the book. However, hang on to your hat for the final third!
The focus in “Lindisfarne” is on a few people and their attempt to bring order and a sense of normality to their lives. In addition, we get some foreshadowing of what the future may hold for the UK survivors of the pandemic. And it doesn’t look good.
If character studies are your thing, give this series a try.
What an incredible sequel to Tipping Point. I wasn’t sure how the first book could be equalled, but Terry Tyler has managed that and more. I won’t say much about the plot; all readers need to know is in the book blurb, but the amazing developments in this book are mostly about the relationships and how the author has tapped into the fears, tensions and pressures that would inevitably result from this kind of new beginning when nothing is certain and no one is safe. It is totally gripping and despite the somewhat richer language than I’m used to (haha) from certain characters, it was completely authentic. A gritty and totally believable book that had me riveted from the first page. Brilliant, prophetic and yes, phenomenal. I am now very much looking forward to book 3 to find out how the new world pans out, and also what happens to certain characters I’ve grown quite fond of!
The absolute best thing about having a holiday is being able to read a book in a day. This is what I did with Lindisfarne and there is nothing like it for truly immersing yourself in a story. So much so that when I had to pop to Lidl for some essentials I imagined I was on a supply run and found myself checking out the aisles for the best things to take. Read the book, you’ll know what I mean.
Terry Tyler really gets people and while her characters are richly rounded it’s the way they interact and what they think about the relationships they have with others, or that are happening around them, that I find particularly interesting.
Several of the characters from Tipping Point arrive in Lindisfarne looking for a community to join and live in. Everybody there has been through a bad time but this relatively small group of people have to try to get along with each other. And that’s not easy. They come from the entire spectrum of society and accordingly have different sensitivities. They are also all simply trying to survive, or in one case seek vengeance, and the story is full of drama, and death, because of it.
Fully absorbing, this story, as with Tipping Point, makes you think about how things would be and how you would cope should something apocalyptic happen. What sort of person would you become?
I thought Lottie was a star, Vicky, weak, although I could understand why, Heath, most excellent, Travis, stronger than he thinks he is and Dex, well… I have no words that wouldn’t spoil it for those of you yet to try this series. You won’t know what you’re missing until you do.
I will add that there is a helpful ‘The Story So Far’ bit if like me you read Tipping Point ages ago. As for me, well I’m onto the next in the series, UK2.