Malia lives with Cole, her little boy. They are always together and live a very quiet life because absolutely everyone else is the world has gone, including Malia's beloved husband Josh. Malia can't think too deeply about what has happened, or why she and Cole are the only people left on the planet. The thought scares her, so she lives what she perceives to be a 'normal' existence until one day, she is messaged by someone on defunct social media channels. In a desperate attempt to connect to this man, Malia strikes up an online friendship with Ian, in Australia. That's when even more strange and unnatural things start to happen. Dark entities and crows begin to threaten Malia and Cole's very existence, which Malia desperately tries to cling onto while Ian is trying to get to her and her son. Will he make it? Will Malia and Cole survive and who are the dark entities that threaten the only ones left?
K.E. Is a signed author with the London based publishing house, Provoco Publishing. She writes psychological thrillers that send chills up your spine. All of her net author royalties are donated to combatstress.uk to benefit British forces with PTSD. She is also a US Army combat veteran and writes nonfiction as well in various online magazines and anthologies. You can find her skateboarding, walking on the beach or hiking.
In This gripping debut dystopia thiller Ke Jennings we met Malia and cole who find out are they only ones left until Facebook request Ian. But dark forces stop from finding out why they are the only left. I recommend this thriller for everyone.
The books cover is a black and white image, which portrays a stark reality of what it's like to be alive in a post apocalyptic world.
Jennings has created a dystopia that had the combined feels of I Am Legend and The Entity.
I devoured the book in one sitting, the plot was compelling and it was so easy to lose myself into the bleakness that has become life for Malia, and son Cole, as the reality sets in that they are the only ones left alive on the planet.
But are they?
It comes in at a short 178 pages, so was a one sitting read for me. It's moderately paced, has some great world building and believable characters.
Is it entertaining?...yes! Enjoyable?...yes! Exciting?...yes! Recommendable?...absolutely!!
Ok, my suggestion for this book straight away, is....do not read this alone on a dark night - or alone at any time of day to be honest - I spent the majority of this book with my eyes wide and my body curled up as tight as possible - absolutely petrified!!
When Malia wakes one morning, she finds that she and her young son, Cole, are the only ones left. Having searched the house, street and local area - everyone has gone!
I loved meeting Malia and Cole and learning how they coped with the stresses and strains of such an odd event. There were definitely some questions ain my head as I read through from the start - I can't say what as that would spoil the storyline..... - but there were some anomalies that didn't make sense - definitely just roll with it and don't question too much - things will be explained later....
I thought Malia was so brave - especially as things started to get creepy much more frequently! She definitely had that "mum" fire in her - doing absolutely anything to help her son to stay safe! I can definitely relate to this - as many others will too!
I loved that Cole was a great rep for autism. My son is autistic and it's so rare that you see this presented within fiction (although it is becoming more visual) - Cole was just perfect and I really built up a closeness to him and his mum....even through my fear!!
The storyline was brilliant and I kept coming up with theories about what might have happened to everyone (and who the shadow men might be) and then it suddenly clicked at about 2/3's of the way through - there was just one comment and event that struck me and then I spent the remainder trying to fit the narrative into this theory - it didnt always work, but I was indeed right in the end.
I thought the writing style was amazing - the first 50% of the book, I was completely immersed (and on edge!) - after that point it seemed to get ever so slightly repetitive, but with enough new content to keep me hooked and turning the pages.
The only thing that I wasn't sure about, were the last few chapters/segments. I found it quite confusing to tally just whose pov it was - although this was meant to add to the mystery and big reveal, I understand that, but I found it more confusing than thrilling (if that makes sense?) possibly because of the speed it switched? I'm not sure ....
But.... I did like that at the very end, I'm still pondering whether I did guess the right ending? - it's hard to explain without giving spoilers ...but I have a feeling that I'm only almost right.....and the fact I'm not 100% sure is still praying on my mind!
A brilliantly creepy and surreal read - and I loved it!! Looking forward to more by this author!
Right from the start this sucks you in, wanting to know why Malia and her son Cole are the only ones left right along with them. It's been a couple of months since everyone just disappeared in the night but Malia's still no closer to working out why and obviously looking after herself and her 5-year-old autistic son is far more important. She has a couple of theories, could it be aliens or some kind of bio-weapon, but can't quite get them to fit. Plus she doesn't believe in aliens or the supernatural, but then nothing about their situation is normal! We get to see a bit of how they've been living and Malia's routines to keep them safe and fed and sane. And then one day she gets a Facebook request from Ian in Australia, is there really another person alive out there? It was really exciting, as things got creepier and creepier the longer time went on. They started off living life fairly normally (minus everyone else) but weird things start going on with no natural easy explanation. I wouldn't recommend reading this at night (although I can't say I tried it because thankfully my mum warned me having read it first), but I would definitely recommend reading it! I had so many random theories throughout the book, none of which were right haha! I loved all the characters, although I will admit I was suspicious of pretty much everyone at one point or another, not that were many of them of course. The ending, I loved the way it explained what had happened. Done to begin with in a way that was meant to be a little confusing before it becomes clear. I don't really know how best to describe it without major spoilers so I'll just say that. There was one aspect I was still a little confused over but it definite keeps you thinking about it! Mum and I had a very long chat trying to figure out all the aspects of the ending and we mostly got there in the end and noticed some other bits about things earlier on, it was very cleverly done! A nice quick read I'd definitely recommend (but maybe in the daytime)!
Here is my review for The Only Ones Left by K E Jennings
This was a very intriguing read which I really enjoyed. Something very different to normal books this one has Malia waking up one day to a world where everyone apart from her child has disappeared. She has to learn to live a life of togetherness with her child and talk to herself to hear a conversation as Cole is not a great conversationalist. She has to learn which are the best shops to go shopping in for which items but they are all so eerily quiet until a sudden noise will make Malia have a panic attack. Then the attacks start from the crows and she has to try and frighten them away but they frighten her. It’s a terrific read and a great debut.
Blurb :
Malia lives with Cole, her little boy. They are always together and live a very quiet life because absolutely everyone else is the world has gone, including Malia's beloved husband Josh. Malia can't think too deeply about what has happened, or why she and Cole are the only people left on the planet. The thought scares her, so she lives what she perceives to be a 'normal' existence until one day, she is messaged by someone on defunct social media channels. In a desperate attempt to connect to this man, Malia strikes up an online friendship with Ian, in Australia. That's when even more strange and unnatural things start to happen. Dark entities and crows begin to threaten Malia and Cole's very existence, which Malia desperately tries to cling onto while Ian is trying to get to her and her son. Will he make it? Will Malia and Cole survive and who are the dark entities that threaten the only ones left?
The Only Ones Left is the debut novel of K.E. Jennings, who signed for Provoco in 2023. More books from this talented author are planned in the near future.
“Perception is reality” takes on a new meaning with this book about a mother and her young son as they navigate a world where they are literally the only people left. Or are they?
I did enjoy this story, and it was easy to fly through the pages. Malia is a very likable main character with relatable struggles like anxiety and worry over how to care for her son in a post apocalyptic world. She is frightened and doing so much on her own, and all she has to keep her going is her son, who is her entire world.
Cole is also a great character. He’s autistic, and it’s extremely rare in fiction to see an accurate portrayal instead of a one-size-fits-all caricature. He has so much depth and truly shines as a supporting character, and his bond with Malia is such a beautiful thing.
What makes this story especially interesting (besides having a mother as the heroine—we need more of those) is that as Malia goes about her routine, I as the reader had so many questions about certain anomalies and had to suspend my disbelief until the end, where it all finally comes together. The novel builds to the ending, and even though you’re running through every single possibility, the clues do shape in your mind as you go until things start to fall into place. And you wonder the entire time, but once you get to the end, it is satisfying to fit the rest of the pieces together and look at the bigger picture. The ending is ambiguous, which will leave you pondering the bigger questions for a very long time to come.
This story is creepy in the very best way. There’s no gore, and as far as most books go, it is very mild in the sense it draws you in before you realize you should have left the lights on throughout the house.
I would definitely recommend as one of the best books I’ve read in a very long time. I only wish there was more because I’m not ready to say goodbye.
The Only Ones Left by K.E Jennings follows Malia and her Son Cole, who wake up one day to discover they are the only ones left in a post apocalyptic world.
First let's talk a little about the cover. We have a black and white deserted city image with the silhouette of Malia and Cole in the foreground. I think this is quite a powerful image to use as it portrays quite well the feelings of desolation and loneliness. The text in red was also a good choice as it's a bright, bold colour to contrast well against the image.
Just a little about the story without giving too much away. After a number of weeks since everyone disappeared, Malia is still none the wiser as to what happened and is doing her best to take care of Cole ( and herself ), in such an overwhelming situation. Malia starts to form some theories as to what happened when one day she receives a social media friend request, and our story progresses from there.
Overall, I really enjoyed this read, it was creepy, atmospheric and made you feel quite uneasy at times, in a good way.
I thought the story flowed well and the pace was just right, with the author's writing style just great for this type of novel. The characters had decent depth and you really felt for Malia and Cole in such a desperate situation.
I don’t really know where to start with this book, I really enjoyed it, but I’m struggling to put my thoughts into words because part of the thrill of it was not knowing what was going to happen next.
It starts off strange but fairly tame, but soon gets dark and chilling, the idea of being the only people alive in a world is something of nightmares for me, I’m a very social person.
Malia does everything she can to make things seem as normal as possible for her 5 year old son Cole, not an easy task considering they woke up one morning a few months ago and everything had changed!
They go everywhere together, got themselves into a routine, they go shopping once a week, check their utilities once a week and if you look under the drivers seat you’ll find a lock box with a gun.. they can’t be taking any chances after all.
One day a crow appears, and then comes the shadows.. then a friend request on Facebook, so maybe they’re not alone!
It soon gets hard to tell what’s real and what’s a dream but I couldn’t put it down, it’s one hell of a page turner, I will definitely be looking out for more from this author in the future.. although I���ll be honest I don’t know if I’ll be brave enough to read the next one 😂
This is a quick read at around 200 pages, and can I just say that as the biggest scaredy cat going, this book was way creepier than I was expecting. Some heart racing thrills for sure.
Like don't read at night, sleep with the lights on after!
I was intrigued by the cover of this one, and the dystopian / sci-fi vibes premise of the story.
Malia was like a bundle of anxiety (understandably) through the most part of this book, and by the time the creepier aspects of the story picked up, I was too!
I loved the way the authour blended reality and dreams together so that you never really knew where one began or ended at several points.
I had no clue where this story was going to go and the ending was a definite surprise. Not the total wrap up I was hoping for (I'm all about the HEA or full explanations) but definitely some twists I didnt see coming in the last few chapters.
For a short book this packed alot in, one to read with the lights on and if you love a good mix of heart racing moments with sci fi vibes.
The Only Ones Left is an intriguing and, at times, thrilling story of a woman and her young son who believe they are the last people on Earth after everyone, including her husband, disappears without explanation.
It is not a new plot (see The Twilight Zone Episode 1, Season 1, "Where is Everyone"), but it provides some unique twists with a nod to modern times. Malia is trying to live as normal a life as possible despite their circumstances. There are some chill-inducing encounters with "Shadow Man" and the red-eyed crow. When Malia is contacted by one other survivor of the apocalypse, an online relationship develops. Ian lives in Australia, Malia in the U.S. Ian has to figure out how to travel halfway around the world to reach her. I was stunned by the ending, as it left a lot for the reader to interpret and provided more questions than answers. This was a dark thriller that was a good read...but left me a bit in the dark. Perhaps there is a sequel in the works.
On the edge of my seat, sucked into another world, absolutely gripping, can't put it down, debut novel! As you get deeper into every chapter, you feel like you're in the book with Malia and her son, Cole. The descriptions of the bone-chilling experience they endure in this other worldly environment keeps you wanting more and asking questions, further engulfing you into the words on the pages to get answers. The book gives a great sense of Malia and Cole trying to normalize their new environment while also taking precautions of surviving in a world no one could imagine being in. The relationship between Malia and her son is endearing and one that you cherish immediately. The story is a mother doing everything she can to keep her son safe from their reality, literally, all alone. I experienced a multitude of emotions throughout the book and the ending was MIND-BLOWING! Absolutely, without a doubt, 10/10 recommend this book! Amazing job, K!
As a fellow writer of dark tales, I'm always excited to discover new voices in horror. Author K.E. Jennings' debut novel, 'The Only Ones Left,' is a shining example of what can be achieved with skill, dedication, and a passion for storytelling.
Jennings' writing is evocative, vivid, and unflinching – qualities that make for a truly immersive reading experience. She has a keen sense of pacing, plot, and character development, weaving a narrative that's both terrifying and thought-provoking.
One of the most striking aspects of 'The Only Ones Left' is its ability to evoke a wide range of emotions in the reader. Jennings' storytelling is a delicate balance of suspense, horror, and heart, making this novel an unforgettable journey from start to finish.
I highly recommend 'The Only Ones Left' to fans of dark fiction. Author K.E. Jennings has proven herself to be a talented writer with a knack for crafting compelling stories that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.
Oh my! I was blown away by this book and read it in one sitting. Malia wakes up one day to find that she and her son Cole are the only ones left. I couldn't wait to read it as soon as I saw the blurb.
I loved Malia and Cole's characters. The plot of this story is definitely a plus point, and I absolutely adored Jennings writing style.
I really enjoyed how the story got creepier and atmospheric. I had many theories as I was reading the story, but they weren't even close. I highly recommend The Only Ones Left.
BOOK REVIEW A surreal journey into the fragmented mind of a woman left behind with only her young son by her side. She finally makes contact with a man who lives across the world, and the two of them form theories about what might be happening to them. Is it aliens? Is it a government simulation? What are the dark shadow men and why do supernatural creatures stalk them? This book is sensory driven, mysterious, and suspenseful. I was left wondering if it could be me or the characters on the edge of madness.
I think it might be my worst nightmare to wake up and find everyone else gone! At least Malia has Cole… This book really highlighted the emotion of Malia as you go through living in a world where everyone else has mysteriously disappeared and I loved that the writer included her thoughts too. I won’t give away any spoilers but I enjoyed the plot tremendously and recommend it to those who love a dystopian genre.
I was hooked right away and the whole book kept you on edge and in suspense. Eerie atmosphere, nail-biting moments. Things start to change towards the end and I’m still not sure what happened. Definitely a good read but I’d like some spoilers as to the ending!
OMG!! This book was outstanding, I was so invested in it, read it in one sitting!!
The narrative was engaging, and it was so easy to be absorbed in the grim reality faced by Malia and her son Cole, as they discover that they are the only living beings left on Earth.
I found the characters to be lovable and captivating. The story’s plot is definitely a positive aspect, and Jennings’ writing style is absolutely captivating.
The black and white elements in the cover really enhance it.