The Less Year

The Less Years #1

by C.K. Oldfield

The world ended. Civilization collapsed. Centuries passed. People survived.

But the world was fragile. Perched on the precipice of ruin, it could only handle so much.

It needed help. It needed less…


Magnus and Mariam never named their son. Why name a thing that may not live to earn it? Tucked away on the broiling edge of failed civilization, their reclusive child is left to fumble his way through a dangerous and cruel world that is only going to get crueler.

Because a Less Year is coming.

For the first time in twenty years, no trade along the world's last road is to be permitted. No trees are to be felled, no stones quarried. For an entire year, every village and town must isolate. So the land can heal. So the population can dwindle.

As resources wither and betrayal looms, the nameless Boy must embrace his parents' secret survivalist ways lest he succumb to a world set on destroying itself.

Because less is coming. It’s coming for everyone...

Genres: Post Apocalyptic, Dystopia, Science Fiction, Apocalyptic

354 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2023

About the author

Chris was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada but grew up in small-town Ontario. After spending his teenage years playing in punk bands and working on an organic farm, he headed off to university where — after dropping out to move to a monastery in Japan — he eventually earned a BA in history.

During his time at university, he had a few pieces of poetry published and wrote a couple of plays that were brought to life on stage. It was there where the idea for The Less Year took root.

After spending a decade traveling the world, Chris returned to writing, eventually diving back into The Less Year with reckless abandon.

When he’s not traveling the world or visiting friends and family in Canada, Chris can be found on his quiet island in Western Sweden.

Reviews

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for dystopian stories and this one is on the brink of falling apart. Magnus and his wife lost their daughter and now only have their son. A wasteland where everyone has to survive and do what they can.. and wow are there turns.

[Suki J · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

A post-apocalyptic story of survival, this book got under my skin, and once I had gotten into it (around the 30% mark) I couldn't put it down. This is grim and violent, and there's not much hope to go around, but I loved it.
It's definitely not a book where you can get attached to anyone, as it's such a brutal world our characters live in. I'll be picking up the sequel soon!

[Ashley Piontek · Rating 5 out of 5]

**A Gripping Dystopian Debut**

**Rating: ★★★★★**

C.K. Oldfield’s *The Less Year* is an extraordinary entry into the dystopian genre and a captivating read for anyone new to this realm. As my first foray into dystopian literature, I was deeply impressed by Oldfield's masterful world-building and intricate storytelling.

Having known Chris for over 30 years, it’s incredibly rewarding to see his creative vision come to life in this debut novel. The fact that this remarkable story comes from a Canadian indie author adds an extra layer of pride and excitement. The novel immerses readers in a chilling, vividly imagined future where societal structures are turned on their head. Oldfield’s world is both haunting and thought-provoking, presenting a scenario that is unsettling yet undeniably fascinating.

The characters are deeply developed, each grappling with their own struggles in this harsh new world. Their journeys are both emotional and thought-provoking, and their interactions drive the plot forward in surprising and satisfying ways. Oldfield’s writing is sharp and evocative, bringing the dystopian setting to life with every word.

The pacing of the story is perfect, maintaining a suspenseful rhythm that kept me on the edge of my seat. The plot twists are well-executed, and the resolution is both satisfying and open-ended enough to provoke thoughtful reflection.

*The Less Year* is a remarkable debut that not only establishes C.K. Oldfield as a talented new voice in dystopian fiction but also offers a fresh perspective for readers new to the genre. I can’t wait to continue the series and see where Oldfield takes us next.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting, dark and gritty. One of my favourite post-apocalyptic stories. Christopher writes with a gripping, imaginary and descriptive style that kept me turning pages. Loved it, and can’t wait for the sequel!

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Less Year is a highly engaging read that draws you into its dark world from page one. I'd describe it as The Road (by Cormac McCarthy) meets a way better Hunger Games, definitely leaning more towards the atmosphere and mature style of The Road. It's undoubtedly an adult book, which I very much appreciated as I've found most other dystopian and post-apocalyptic fiction has a much tamer YA bent.

Throughout, the book has a very deliberate pacing with details slowly revealed as you learn more about the world and characters. Yet that slower pace would sometimes be uprooted in an instant with new developments pushing the story forward, so while I wouldn't say that it's a plot-driven thriller, you're always kept on your toes. It never dragged, as you're always wanting to know more about the world and what will happen with the characters (as well as a certain endearing pet)!

I'd highly recommend it to other fans of this genre. It's the best post-apocalyptic read I've encountered in a long time!

[C.K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think it's pretty great, but I may be biased...

[Nim · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoy some figurative language as much as the next guy, but sometimes it's OK to just say "she looked at" instead of "her eyes devoured/swallowed/consumed"... I remember a spot where someone's eyes ate at least three times in 6 pages, and that's just a lot of eye-eating for one scene. I noticed other reoccurring expressions, but that was the one that started bugging me within the first 100 pages.

The world, characters and such are alright. It's a gritty story, so if things can go wrong when it matters, they will. Sometimes it wasn't very interesting, just felt like bad things had to happen every now and then or the story would just be about a handful of people hanging out at home and doing push-ups and knife drills. I think this has to do with the fact that it's a family-centric story - the dynamics are familiar, parents are trying to protect their child and said child is doing things teenagers do. There's no getting to know a mysterious new stranger you've ended up having to travel with or navigating in the middle of a larger political game (for now, that is - seems like the Boy might grow up to be somebody important).

Fights felt like they had a good mix of strategy and pure animalistic instinct. I feel like the flowery language sometimes took me out of it though, I started to expect the next dramatic sentence whenever a fight was about to end, instead of focusing on the story. Not always, just in a few spots across the book. This could be a matter of taste though, and I do think a book without any flair would be worse than a book that sometimes goes a bit far with the poetic expressions.

Some scenes were powerful. The reading experience as a whole still felt a bit lukewarm to me, like something was missing or didn't live up to my expectations. I love post-apocalyptic media, and I do enjoy getting emotionally wrecked by books, so I thought I would enjoy this more. It feels like this first book might be setting up a greater story though, so maybe it’ll get more interesting in the later books. Not sure if I’ll be reading it myself yet. 

[Georgi (Dystopiandamsel) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've really got to read the second book!
This started off quite slow for me, but then it suddenly boiled over into fast paced, violent action sequences of torment and horror constantly, which honestly exhausted me at parts, I too felt the despair and relentlessness of the main character.
The setting is extremely well detailed and descriptive, I felt as though I was there on the barren farmlands swallowing dust and guarding my homestead, fighting with every inch of my life. I think at some points the over descriptive language wasn't exactly needed and just over complicated and padded out some scenes, but it did die down again.
I am extremely invested in the world building itself though, what lies beyond the small town of Hope, what's left in the world to live for? What's happening in the bigger cities where the stock caravans are coming from? Why is this 'year' even happening, what's the purpose of it? To reduce population for dwindling resources, is all I can think of? It very much a ride or die survival story of heartbreak and very descriptive violence, but not enough was answered in this first book for me, I desperately need to know more.

[Steve T · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The Less Year by C.K. Oldfield, a dystopian world is teetering on collapse. At the heart of the story is the unnamed son of Magnus and Mariam, who faces an unforgiving existence in the decaying civilization. As the Less Year approaches—a period where all societal activities cease in order for the earth to heal— the anonymous boy must adopt his parents' brutal survivalist methods. (Hint: expect hammers!)

With dwindling resources and danger at every turn, he battles against the odds to survive in a world hell-bent on self-destruction. This is YA for adults, so I guess that makes it survivalist horror. You may feel like there are some loose ends when you finish, but this is Book 1 in a series.

Dystopian novels are not typically my genre of choice, but I liked the storytelling and I recommend it.

[Gerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this was a great story. It was very well written and the main characters were likeable despite their human frailties. The reasons for how they were was very well described by the story and was understandable. The story had good progression despite the dark parts being, seemingly, unending. Despite the world in this book being dark, horrific and violent, the author used such brilliant descriptions of the beauty in surrounding environment and the brilliant love between characters to always put forth hope, even in the bleakest times.

I’ve downloaded book 2 although I will probably take a week or two off before delving back into Magnus’ son’s journey - my heart needs the break! Great book.

[Allison Valentine · Rating 4 out of 5]

If there was one book that I had to read before all humanity ends, then this would definitely be the one.
The Less Year is a complex and intriguing book.
The world is not as you know it, with wasteland and nothing beyond. But people have made do for the last twenty years until the Year End is coming.
There will be death and destruction.
Who will fight and who will die?
Magnus and his wife have seen it all before, after loosing their daughter Rachel in a fire with only their boy left, can they live again without fear?
Fantastic start to a new series .

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

A grim dystopian story. Set in a future where we used up earths resources people struggle to survive. After a few good years a Less Year is starting.

I like the contrast between Magnus and his unnamed son; Magnus is realitic/cynical/brutal whereas his son is optimistic. While this is a common theme in childrens tv films ("stupid adults") I think this book gives it a nice spin by showing both sides of this.

And while you could say this is a coming of age story it's mostly a very violent book about desperate people in desperate times. If you liked the human interactions in The Walking Dead you'll probably like this book.

Be sure to get A Year Of Bones (it's free if you sign up for the mailinglist), I think I liked it even more as a story.

Edit: one thing I disliked a bit in this book is that the setting of the world is a bit vague. But it makes sense since the book is told from characters who have little knowledge of the world, and this gets clearer and cleared as the serie progresses. I now appreciate it more than you're a bit in the dark at first.

[Betterman77 · Rating 5 out of 5]

" Adventure wasn't heroic;it was necessity. It was gut-wrenching violence and the dreadful smell of dying."

I literally have nothing bad to say about this book. Having read The Road by Cormac McCarthy last month I thought I had a fair idea of what to expect from this post apocalyptic tale about a Boy, not given a name yet because names are for survivors of The Less Year. it's fast paced , it's suspenseful , its not for the faint hearted and I loved it.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t typically write reviews, but man did this book really hit. The writing was easily accessible and while you could just digest the story and breeze through it, the words also bit hard if you stopped to listen to them. The story never bogged down and I wanted more answers. Many were not forthcoming, but that also added to the desperation of the story. Overall, powerful. I can’t wait to pick up the next book, after something a bit more lighthearted as a palette cleanser I think…

[Nikki Houghton · Rating 5 out of 5]

End of the World stuff at its finest. The Road meets The Last of Us meets Dean Koontz at his finest and yet with its own individual voice and cadence. Gore? Blood? Mayhem? Monstrous individuals? Survival (not always of the fittest) it’s all there and Kees you enthralled and rooting for the good(ish) guys. Diverting entertainment, and riverting as one of Magnus’ Son’s hammers.

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good dystopian story

This was a good story although I felt I was often waiting for more. I don’t know what, but more of something. That being said I enjoyed it enough to finish it and will be checking out more from this author.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good book! I really enjoyed everything about it! A little different, a really scary idea, turned into a completely mad dystopian world! A descent length, so something to really get your interest! I will look for more by this writer!

[Lesley Hurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a dark, moody, post apocalyptic tale about love and survival. If you loved The Walking Dead but thought it was the humans that were scary this is for you. The writing is fantastic, descriptive and perfectly paced. I was gripped right to the end. I loved every minute of it

[Lisa Ferland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great dystopian novel about survival and family. I enjoyed it!

[Joe Foxford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I happened upon this book by chance and I regret nothing. I read it cover to cover in one sitting. It’s the battle royale at the end of the world.

There is nothing negative I can say about this book.
The few characters from Hope are relatable and you’re not overwhelmed with fillers they all serve their purpose to move the story along and because of how few there are you feel each and every one of their losses. There’s also a few cliff hangers where you kind of hope for a happy outcome but you’re never really sure.

The pacing was spot on and there was nothing in there that felt out of place, the build up and the backstories to the main even of the less year was perfectly executed. Honestly I am so grateful I stumbled upon this book and this author is definitely one I’ll be returning to!

[Rachel Newton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic read—a gritty and compelling post-apocalyptic tale of what happens when one’s humanity is confronted with the desperate need to survive!