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Prudence: A Tempestuous Night of Pervasive Desires
A prestigious and mysterious nightclub.
A glamorous but aging hostess who’s battling to retain her marquee.
An unscrupulous sultry beauty focused only on her own ruthless ambition.
A noble widower searching for love.
Two irreverent barflies who may or may not be what they seem.
Three young couples whose relationships will be challenged until only doubt remains.
A jaded model trying to find her self-respect.
A male stripper lost in his own dissonance.
A dreamer gambling on a shortcut to fortune.
An exploitative mogul on the prowl.
And a mysterious old man who will reach into their hearts and twist and pervert everything they hold dear.
Over the course of one torrid night, each will face the deepest, darkest sum of their innermost desires.
And their lives will never be the same again.
Prudence is a dark psychosexual thriller that explores human boundaries, the needs that test them, and the choices that shatter them.
A glamorous but aging hostess who’s battling to retain her marquee.
An unscrupulous sultry beauty focused only on her own ruthless ambition.
A noble widower searching for love.
Two irreverent barflies who may or may not be what they seem.
Three young couples whose relationships will be challenged until only doubt remains.
A jaded model trying to find her self-respect.
A male stripper lost in his own dissonance.
A dreamer gambling on a shortcut to fortune.
An exploitative mogul on the prowl.
And a mysterious old man who will reach into their hearts and twist and pervert everything they hold dear.
Over the course of one torrid night, each will face the deepest, darkest sum of their innermost desires.
And their lives will never be the same again.
Prudence is a dark psychosexual thriller that explores human boundaries, the needs that test them, and the choices that shatter them.
330 pages, Paperback
Published November 5, 2024
6 people want to read
About the author
Les Zig
10 books19 followersLes Zig is a novelist, screenwriter, and speaker.
He has six published novels: Just Another Week in Suburbia (ECG Press 2025, although it was originally published by Pantera Press in 2017), explores the questions of trust, fidelity, and how well you can ever truly know another person; Any More Complicated Than That (ECG Press 2024) is a sexy but humorous polarization of the love triangle trope; Prudence (ECG Press 2023) delves into questions of fidelity, temptation, and our darkest desires and poses the question, who do you become when you face the worst part of yourself?; and August Falling (Pantera Press 2018) is a story about unconditional acceptance, reclaiming the past, and finding a way forward.
As “Lazaros Zigomanis” (the name under which he was baptized), his YA novel, This, (MidnightSun Publishing 2023), tells the story of a 15-year-old dealing with burgeoning neurosis as he navigates social pressures, high school obligations, and his overbearing Greek parents. Kevin Brophy called it “engrossing, authentic and important fiction”.
Song of the Curlew (ECG Press 2022) is about dreams, coming of age, community, love, and racism. It has been described by best-selling Young Adult author George Ivanoff as “an extraordinary book”.
Les has also written and directed short content: the short film, The Here Now (2023), about a woman who can’t escape her grief; The Other Side of Paradise (2021), about a man trapped in his own vengeance; The Abnorms (2020), which was shot entirely in lockdown, and plays with idea of an interdimensional invasion from demonic entities; and the concept trailer for Little Diva Rising (2019).
He’s currently working on a horror feature, Heritage, in conjunction with Glamm Productions.
He’s had four screenplays optioned, and a raft of unproduced screenplays place as finalists in over one hundred international competitions. His stories and articles have also been published extensively.
A lifetime writer, Les has a love of storytelling, and has always wanted to tell stories.
Les Zig is a novelist, screenwriter, and speaker.
He has six published novels: Just Another Week in Suburbia (ECG Press 2025, although it was originally published by Pantera Press in 2017), explores the questions of trust, fidelity, and how well you can ever truly know another person; Any More Complicated Than That (ECG Press 2024) is a sexy but humorous polarization of the love triangle trope; Prudence (ECG Press 2023) delves into questions of fidelity, temptation, and our darkest desires and poses the question, who do you become when you face the worst part of yourself?; and August Falling (Pantera Press 2018) is a story about unconditional acceptance, reclaiming the past, and finding a way forward.
As “Lazaros Zigomanis” (the name under which he was baptized), his YA novel, This, (MidnightSun Publishing 2023), tells the story of a 15-year-old dealing with burgeoning neurosis as he navigates social pressures, high school obligations, and his overbearing Greek parents. Kevin Brophy called it “engrossing, authentic and important fiction”.
Song of the Curlew (ECG Press 2022) is about dreams, coming of age, community, love, and racism. It has been described by best-selling Young Adult author George Ivanoff as “an extraordinary book”.
Les has also written and directed short content: the short film, The Here Now (2023), about a woman who can’t escape her grief; The Other Side of Paradise (2021), about a man trapped in his own vengeance; The Abnorms (2020), which was shot entirely in lockdown, and plays with idea of an interdimensional invasion from demonic entities; and the concept trailer for Little Diva Rising (2019).
He’s currently working on a horror feature, Heritage, in conjunction with Glamm Productions.
He’s had four screenplays optioned, and a raft of unproduced screenplays place as finalists in over one hundred international competitions. His stories and articles have also been published extensively.
A lifetime writer, Les has a love of storytelling, and has always wanted to tell stories.
Les Zig is a novelist, screenwriter, and speaker.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 12, 2024
2⭐
Genre ~ noir psychosexual suspense/drama
Setting ~ Australia
Publication date ~ March 31, 2023
Est page Count ~ 320 (p+ 9 chapters)
POV ~ multiple 3rd and single 1st
Featuring ~ cheating, secrets, steamage
Prudence is the location of this story that takes place in one day. It is a nightclub with different lounge areas where drinking, games, sex and cheating take place. There is drug use and a little violence, too. It dives into how greed can lure you in. Would a large sum of money tempt you to do some crazy, unspeakable things?
The main couples whose commitment to each other will be tested are:
Marcus & Holly ~ Dante & Flavia ~ Quinn & Amber
There were so many other characters to keep track of, too ~ Constance, Teo, Joy, Patricia, Bodie, Ox, Edan LeBeau, Mr. Hermes, Nico and Rupert. There were also various workers who's names begin with P giving us a common theme within Prudence's walls ~ Prelude, Prince, Providence, which I did like.
The author told me they wrote this with an experimental element in the POV. The single POV is Prudence, which was interesting. The multiple POV's hop from one character to another and for me it didn't work, but I'm not saying it was poorly written. So while, overall this one was not for me, I did find it to be exceptionally written. The club itself seemed like a maze and an interesting place to explore. The ending was satisfying.
Perhaps this will appeal to those that enjoy the noir genre.
*Thanks to the author for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ noir psychosexual suspense/drama
Setting ~ Australia
Publication date ~ March 31, 2023
Est page Count ~ 320 (p+ 9 chapters)
POV ~ multiple 3rd and single 1st
Featuring ~ cheating, secrets, steamage
Prudence is the location of this story that takes place in one day. It is a nightclub with different lounge areas where drinking, games, sex and cheating take place. There is drug use and a little violence, too. It dives into how greed can lure you in. Would a large sum of money tempt you to do some crazy, unspeakable things?
The main couples whose commitment to each other will be tested are:
Marcus & Holly ~ Dante & Flavia ~ Quinn & Amber
There were so many other characters to keep track of, too ~ Constance, Teo, Joy, Patricia, Bodie, Ox, Edan LeBeau, Mr. Hermes, Nico and Rupert. There were also various workers who's names begin with P giving us a common theme within Prudence's walls ~ Prelude, Prince, Providence, which I did like.
The author told me they wrote this with an experimental element in the POV. The single POV is Prudence, which was interesting. The multiple POV's hop from one character to another and for me it didn't work, but I'm not saying it was poorly written. So while, overall this one was not for me, I did find it to be exceptionally written. The club itself seemed like a maze and an interesting place to explore. The ending was satisfying.
Perhaps this will appeal to those that enjoy the noir genre.
*Thanks to the author for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
November 26, 2023
I really liked how there were multi partners set within in this story with alternative chapters, that was easy to follow. A big recommendation.
Extract from page 219
Rupe knows it’s foolish to remain any longer. As he takes a seat at the North Bar and orders a Vermouth, he concludes he’s foolish to be coming here at all. Around him, there are young faces, people vibrant with energy with their whole lives ahead of them. He is a relic best left in the past. He takes out his wallet. In one of the plastic pockets is a picture of his wife, smiling in front of a tree. Despite her pain, despite the way she wasted away and grew skeletal, she held onto her grace. Her smile is mischievous – A smile for all time, she told him. There is a similarity to Joy – at least vaguely.
Rupe took the picture in the park, just an hour before his wife died. She’d convinced him to take her out, and she had been more energetic. But then she collapsed as they shared waffles at a little outdoor cafe. The picture forever exemplified the sadness that followed. He has never eaten waffles again. It’s a simple thing, perhaps insignificant, but it is the emblem of his grief.
He stokes her face with his thumb, imagining the warmth and softness of her skin. He is stupid to come here, to chat up women ten years younger than him, if not half his age. There is nowhere any relationship can go. People don’t come here to settle down. They come here to let go.
As for Joy. . . What was he thinking? There hasn’t been a single man tonight who wasn’t attracted to her, who didn’t lust after her. How could he compete? But he wasn’t sure there was something there, although it was likelier a middle-aged man’s foolish whimsy, a clumsy grasp at validation that he is still relevant.
Rupe closes his wallet and shoves it into his pocket. The flirting is done. The game is over. He will make one final play for Joy.
Extract from page 219
Rupe knows it’s foolish to remain any longer. As he takes a seat at the North Bar and orders a Vermouth, he concludes he’s foolish to be coming here at all. Around him, there are young faces, people vibrant with energy with their whole lives ahead of them. He is a relic best left in the past. He takes out his wallet. In one of the plastic pockets is a picture of his wife, smiling in front of a tree. Despite her pain, despite the way she wasted away and grew skeletal, she held onto her grace. Her smile is mischievous – A smile for all time, she told him. There is a similarity to Joy – at least vaguely.
Rupe took the picture in the park, just an hour before his wife died. She’d convinced him to take her out, and she had been more energetic. But then she collapsed as they shared waffles at a little outdoor cafe. The picture forever exemplified the sadness that followed. He has never eaten waffles again. It’s a simple thing, perhaps insignificant, but it is the emblem of his grief.
He stokes her face with his thumb, imagining the warmth and softness of her skin. He is stupid to come here, to chat up women ten years younger than him, if not half his age. There is nowhere any relationship can go. People don’t come here to settle down. They come here to let go.
As for Joy. . . What was he thinking? There hasn’t been a single man tonight who wasn’t attracted to her, who didn’t lust after her. How could he compete? But he wasn’t sure there was something there, although it was likelier a middle-aged man’s foolish whimsy, a clumsy grasp at validation that he is still relevant.
Rupe closes his wallet and shoves it into his pocket. The flirting is done. The game is over. He will make one final play for Joy.
June 7, 2023
Well, i think i am a open minded person but after reading this novel I consider myself as a prude.
First chapter I already dont like it. Cheating is no no for me. I continue reading and the story build up reveal everything.
Wow, the thing people do for money and being famous.. all of this for temptation.
This is your decision to follow the lust or refuse it.
Many character share their story in this book, have partner then cheat on each other for the heat of moment with one in mind "What if?" And "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity", two woman try to snatch throne, employee who want to leave the place.
Prudence it self interesting place where people come to have fun and release tension. For me its feel like hell, each character need pass the test to get out of that place.
First chapter I already dont like it. Cheating is no no for me. I continue reading and the story build up reveal everything.
Wow, the thing people do for money and being famous.. all of this for temptation.
This is your decision to follow the lust or refuse it.
Many character share their story in this book, have partner then cheat on each other for the heat of moment with one in mind "What if?" And "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity", two woman try to snatch throne, employee who want to leave the place.
Prudence it self interesting place where people come to have fun and release tension. For me its feel like hell, each character need pass the test to get out of that place.
July 31, 2023
"Prudence" by Les Zig is a captivating and thought-provoking psychosexual thriller set in a prestigious nightclub. As the characters navigate ambition and temptation, their relationships are tested to their limits. Amidst this web of interconnected lives, an enigmatic old man causes chaos, exposing the darkest acts that fracture our souls. This mesmerizing narrative takes place on a single fateful night, leaving lasting impacts on the existence of every character involved. Get ready to be captivated and have your mind blown away.
It was my pleasure to receive a free copy of this book, but that does not in any way affect my opinions in this review of this entertaining story.
It was my pleasure to receive a free copy of this book, but that does not in any way affect my opinions in this review of this entertaining story.
January 7, 2024
This book has so much potential unfortunately it just wasn't for me. I loved the idea, the setting and the characters, but I was just confused having to re read parts of the book to workout where I was in the story.
I wanted more information from each character but it jumped from one to another without quite finishing their part in the story.
Having read at the end that this was originally written as a screen play I can now see why the book was layed out in this format.
It is such a shame that this was not a screen play or stage show as I can imagine the drama that could unfold on stage capturing the audience's attention from the start to the end. If it was to come to a theatre near me, I would definitely purchase tickets.
I have to say the ending of this book was fantastic and an unexpected twist.
Please note I received this book as an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I wanted more information from each character but it jumped from one to another without quite finishing their part in the story.
Having read at the end that this was originally written as a screen play I can now see why the book was layed out in this format.
It is such a shame that this was not a screen play or stage show as I can imagine the drama that could unfold on stage capturing the audience's attention from the start to the end. If it was to come to a theatre near me, I would definitely purchase tickets.
I have to say the ending of this book was fantastic and an unexpected twist.
Please note I received this book as an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily
December 20, 2025
Prudence will leave you breathless. With its shocking twist and turns, Prudence is for those who dare to dig into the depth of the human soul. It is an unforgettable read. Sexy!!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews