Step into the pulse-pounding world of Toy Soldiers, where a leaked bioweapon unleashes a zombie apocalypse across 1980s England! Devon C. Ford’s gripping series blends heart-stopping action, raw human emotion, and a gritty fight for survival. From battle-hardened soldiers to a courageous young boy named Peter, this zombie thriller hooks you with its vivid characters and relentless undead hordes.
Unlike typical zombie tales, Toy Soldiers stands out with its unique setting and deep dive into the minds of its survivors. Set in a pre-digital era without cell phones or internet, the story captures the chaos of a world cut off from instant communication, making every decision a life-or-death gamble. Ready to explore this thrilling saga? Let’s dive in!
How Toy Soldiers Began
Devon C. Ford, a former UK public services worker turned full-time author, launched Toy Soldiers in 2018, drawing on his experiences as a prison and police officer to craft authentic military perspectives. Inspired by his love for post-apocalyptic fiction, Ford set the series in the 1980s to explore how a zombie outbreak would unfold without modern technology. His goal? To create a zombie thriller that felt real, raw, and deeply human, with characters you’d root for through every harrowing moment.
Ford’s self-published debut, After It Happened, had already made waves, hitting top 10 charts in the UK, US, Canada, and Australia. Toy Soldiers built on that success, earning praise for its fresh take on the zombie genre and securing audiobook deals with narrators like John Lee. The series’ gritty realism and emotional depth quickly won over fans.
The Heart of Toy Soldiers
The Toy Soldiers series spans six books, each ramping up the stakes. Apocalypse (2018) kicks things off as a bioweapon leak turns London into a zombie-infested chaos zone. We meet Sergeant Major Johnson, a no-nonsense leader guiding his squadron, and Peter, a nine-year-old boy surviving alone with a pitchfork and his wits. Aftermath (2018) follows Peter’s struggle to protect another survivor, Amber, while survivors clash over resources. Abandoned (2019) sees the virus spread nationwide, with naval forces fleeing and survivors splintering after a brutal battle. Adversity (2019) throws in a harsh winter, testing the survivors’ resolve.
The series shines through its themes of resilience, sacrifice, and the blurred lines between heroism and survival. Ford’s zombies, dubbed 'Screechers' or 'Biters,' aren’t your average undead—they vary in speed and cunning, with some showing eerie intelligence, like child leaders guiding slower hordes. The 1980s setting adds a layer of isolation, forcing characters to rely on instincts and limited tools. Ford’s fluid, descriptive style brings scenes to life, blending dark humor with gut-wrenching moments, while his focus on characters’ inner thoughts makes their choices feel painfully real.
Military jargon is explained clearly, making the story accessible yet authentic. The tension between soldiers, civilians, and power-hungry survivors adds depth, exploring what happens when humanity fractures under pressure. Peter’s arc, in particular, steals hearts as he evolves from a lonely kid to a fiercely protective figure, embodying hope amid despair.
Why Toy Soldiers Resonates
Toy Soldiers has carved a niche in the zombie genre for its raw authenticity and emotional punch. Fans on Goodreads and Audible praise its well-developed characters and relentless pacing, with many calling it a refreshing departure from clichéd zombie tales. The series’ focus on ordinary people—soldiers, kids, and flawed civilians—facing extraordinary odds resonates deeply, offering a mirror to our own resilience.
Its 1980s backdrop also sets it apart, tapping into a nostalgic yet terrifying 'what-if' scenario. Ford’s ability to balance action, humor, and heartache keeps readers hooked, while the series’ exploration of moral dilemmas—like sacrificing one for the many—sparks reflection. For zombie fans, Toy Soldiers is a must-read that lingers long after the final page.
- Publication Years: 2018–2020
- Number of Books: 6
- Narrator: John Lee (audiobooks)
- Genres: Zombie Apocalypse, Post-Apocalyptic, Horror
Grab Apocalypse and dive into Toy Soldiers’ thrilling, zombie-infested world! Will you root for Peter’s cunning or Johnson’s grit? One thing’s certain: this series will keep you up all night!