UK2

I think UK2, the third volume in Terry Tyler's Project Renova series, is the best yet! I loved seeing the contrasts between what our group of survivors had managed to create from pretty much nothing on Lindisfarne and the vast shadily-financed UK2 settlement under construction on the South Downs. Although it has only been three years since Bat Fever ran riot, some people have managed to embrace their completely different lifestyle whereas others hanker after former securities and comforts. When scouts are sent out from UK2 to entice survivors to join the new colony, it is interesting to see who would give up freedom for the promise of hot showers and the sort of regular employment they used to have!

I appreciated the ideas discussed around the concept of freedom. UK2 offers its inhabitants the protection of high fences and armed guards. People can rebuild their lives free from threats of starvation and violent attacks from other survivors' groups. Jobs will bring financial security again with opportunities for shopping and leisure activities such as TV, cinema and the pub. Lindisfarne has a pub too, of course, and a barricade to keep outsiders out. People there must also work hard to provide food and the basics to maintain their lives, but at a precarious subsistence level that could easily be destroyed. So which life is actually freedom?

Tyler builds on the ideas from the previous novels Tipping Point and Lindisfarne and I liked the mix of new characters with originals, plus the reappearances of some thought lost. UK2 keeps up a great pace throughout so this is an exciting read. I occasionally had moments where I lost track of the large cast, but their diverse situations and beliefs allows for clever and unexpected plot twists. UK2 was intended to be the final book of a trilogy and, as such, it is a blockbuster! However I now know that Tyler has written a fourth installment, Legacy. I am delighted not to have to leave the Renova world behind just yet!