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Less
From Caroline Angel, author of Madman Across the Water and Origin of Evil, comes the dystopian horror novel Less.
When Sam and the staff of the Blue Dawn Diner arrive at work one morning, it only takes a moment to see that something is very wrong. The streets of the usually bustling town are eerily quiet - even the birds are silent. Sam and his friends soon discover that the world has changed beyond all comprehension, throwing them into a battle for survival as they try to create a new life and a new community. Coming up against other survivors and horrifying creatures, the group are forced to adapt quickly. Will the group survive long enough to find answers? Will they do what is needed to protect their community? Will humanity thrive again, even when there are Less?
When Sam and the staff of the Blue Dawn Diner arrive at work one morning, it only takes a moment to see that something is very wrong. The streets of the usually bustling town are eerily quiet - even the birds are silent. Sam and his friends soon discover that the world has changed beyond all comprehension, throwing them into a battle for survival as they try to create a new life and a new community. Coming up against other survivors and horrifying creatures, the group are forced to adapt quickly. Will the group survive long enough to find answers? Will they do what is needed to protect their community? Will humanity thrive again, even when there are Less?
Audible Audio
Published January 27, 2021
3 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Angel
14 books35 followersWriter of Horror, Science Fiction and Fantasy.
Caroline lives alone on a small farm in rural Victoria, Australia, with her beloved Arabian horses, her dogs and cats. She has always been passionate about writing, having written many short stories as a child and teenager, but found life got in the way and put her dreams of being an author aside for many decades. In her fifties, she finally found the courage to start putting her stories online, from fanfiction and flash fiction, she moved into her favorite genre and wrote horror. After winning several awards and competitions, and achieving the 'most read' on fiction websites she finally started her first novel and has not stopped writing since. Gaining her BA in Creative Writing, she constantly expands her writing horizons by delving into different genres and platforms.
Caroline lives alone on a small farm in rural Victoria, Australia, with her beloved Arabian horses, her dogs and cats. She has always been passionate about writing, having written many short stories as a child and teenager, but found life got in the way and put her dreams of being an author aside for many decades. In her fifties, she finally found the courage to start putting her stories online, from fanfiction and flash fiction, she moved into her favorite genre and wrote horror. After winning several awards and competitions, and achieving the 'most read' on fiction websites she finally started her first novel and has not stopped writing since. Gaining her BA in Creative Writing, she constantly expands her writing horizons by delving into different genres and platforms.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 28, 2021
OMG! Please tell me there will be a sequel!!!! I don't read too many 'end of the world' books. I used to, but felt like they all started to be the same story over and over. This story was a refreshing change from what I've been reading. (Actually, I listened to it..)
It starts before the end of the world so we get a chance to get to know some of the characters pre-apocalypse. Then people vanish, with a few left behind. It was neat how they scoured TV channels looking for answers and what was happening.
There was a Dawn of the Dead vibe with the group taking shelter at a mall, but that makes sense. A mall is perfect, especially if it has a hotel.
The characters were great, the bad guys (Flippers) were hearty opponents. I also loved how pets came into play in the book. I'm a sucker for dogs in stories.
I hope there will be #2
It starts before the end of the world so we get a chance to get to know some of the characters pre-apocalypse. Then people vanish, with a few left behind. It was neat how they scoured TV channels looking for answers and what was happening.
There was a Dawn of the Dead vibe with the group taking shelter at a mall, but that makes sense. A mall is perfect, especially if it has a hotel.
The characters were great, the bad guys (Flippers) were hearty opponents. I also loved how pets came into play in the book. I'm a sucker for dogs in stories.
I hope there will be #2
January 17, 2025
I bought this from the author’s stand at Supanova a couple of years ago. I enjoyed this story more than I expected (for the most part). I liked the characters, the ‘monsters’ were fun and different enough that this didn’t feel like another zombie apocalypse (it wasn’t zombies, just fyi), and the story moved along nicely.
Towards the end there was a part that felt like it came out of nowhere. A conflict involving a hateful group of people, (think: white, Christian, racist, homophobic, sexist a-holes). These people exist I’m sure, my real complaint is that it felt like it was dropped in as though the author was thinking “I need to add this so everyone knows how much I hate these type of people.” It might have worked if there was some foreshadowing/conflict beforehand, but there wasn’t any, so I feel like it could’ve been left out all together.
Towards the end there was a part that felt like it came out of nowhere. A conflict involving a hateful group of people, (think: white, Christian, racist, homophobic, sexist a-holes). These people exist I’m sure, my real complaint is that it felt like it was dropped in as though the author was thinking “I need to add this so everyone knows how much I hate these type of people.” It might have worked if there was some foreshadowing/conflict beforehand, but there wasn’t any, so I feel like it could’ve been left out all together.
January 1, 2021
This is my first time reading this author, the blurb sounded brilliant and so I was thrilled to get a chance to read the book. The book is absolutely fantastic! The writing is amazing and made it, so I was right there with the characters. This is a book that once started you shall not be able to put down, even after I finished it, I wanted more, not because anything was lacking in the book but because I loved it so much.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 8, 2024
What an interesting Dystopian thriller. This was definitely a step up from zombie stories. Imagine waking up one day, looking outside and seeing nothing...no birds, planes, cars or people. Then imagine realizing you aren't the last person standing and there are others, along with a few animals that survived. The big question is...what did they survive and what does it mean now? Just when the group of people and a few trusty dogs try to find a way to survive, in comes various creatures. The dogs can sense them, but the people can't always see them. Then along comes "flippers" who look and act like people until they don't. Creepy, full of action, and struggles to survive. The people realize they need to learn the strengths and weaknesses of the monsters they now have to fight. True to the world, not all the monsters are the creatures...there are some survivors who have Hitler mentality on who is worth living and who isn't. Like other readers, a continuation of the story would be good.
August 12, 2025
A chilling dystopian horror - Less is a novel that grips you from the first eerie moment. When Sam and the staff of the Blue Dawn Diner arrive to find their town eerily silent and deserted, a creeping dread sets in. With society mysteriously vanished and monstrous threats lurking, the survivors must band together to forge a new community and fight for their lives.
The suspense is relentless, and the questions are haunting: Where did everyone go? Can humanity rebuild when there are “Less”?
I was sleeping with my Kindle in my bed for two nights reading this. The characters are vividly drawn, their emotions raw and relatable, and the storyline is refreshingly original. Angel’s creativity shines through every twist and turn, and I’m already eager to explore more of her work. If you enjoy dystopian thrillers with a touch of horror and heart, Less is a must-read. WARNING: This is dystopian fiction which means some violence and death.
The suspense is relentless, and the questions are haunting: Where did everyone go? Can humanity rebuild when there are “Less”?
I was sleeping with my Kindle in my bed for two nights reading this. The characters are vividly drawn, their emotions raw and relatable, and the storyline is refreshingly original. Angel’s creativity shines through every twist and turn, and I’m already eager to explore more of her work. If you enjoy dystopian thrillers with a touch of horror and heart, Less is a must-read. WARNING: This is dystopian fiction which means some violence and death.
July 29, 2021
My god, I don't know where to start. This book is bloody brilliant. The situation is super scary, I can't imagine what I'd do if I woke up and everyone I knew was just gone. And the monsters? I actually had a nightmare, first time since I was a kid. Diverse characters, which is so refreshing! Sick of your basic white guy always being the hero, this one does have a white man, also people of colour and different sexual orientation that are treated as normal, every day characters, not something special or placed there just to cater to modern conventions. Nice to see the neo nazi types that hide their hate behind Christianity get their come-uppance as well. I'd absolutely recommend this book, I also want (no, NEED) a sequel, and think this would make a fantastic movie. Going to check out other books by this author now, the writing is amazing. Wish I could give ten out of five stars.
August 7, 2021
Amazing work love it ❣️
After reading this book , I craved to go through more of her work . I thought to finish the book within 3 days but I couldn’t put it down and completed the story in 2 sittings as I was completely hooked to the plot . Dystopian fictions have never been a cup of my tea but after reading this book , I admired every bit of it .
Kudos to the author for her creativity . I was visualising if one day everything around me becomes quiet ?? The world is not the same as it was before ?? How would I survive ??
The plot is so engaging and gripping and I can say this book was definitely worth my time .
After reading this book , I craved to go through more of her work . I thought to finish the book within 3 days but I couldn’t put it down and completed the story in 2 sittings as I was completely hooked to the plot . Dystopian fictions have never been a cup of my tea but after reading this book , I admired every bit of it .
Kudos to the author for her creativity . I was visualising if one day everything around me becomes quiet ?? The world is not the same as it was before ?? How would I survive ??
The plot is so engaging and gripping and I can say this book was definitely worth my time .
July 13, 2021
The World is virtually wiped out overnight. Sam turns up to work as normal but why are the streets quiet? Why are the birds not singing? They soon find out! There are only a fraction of the human race left, they must congregate when they meet and join forces against creatures hell-bent on killing them. Is this the end of the Human Race or will the survivors come through? Find out in this enjoyable book written skillfully by Caroline Angel. A very good read that keeps you wanting to know what happens next. Recommended read.
February 17, 2021
I loved reading this very well written book.
I would highly recommend Caroline Angel’s book but I don’t want to give anything away that happens because I want you to find out. It’s like you want to be there with them and be a part of there journey.
What would you do if you woke up and 95% of the population was gone?
Well check out what these people do. Two thumbs up from me.
I loved it!!!
I would highly recommend Caroline Angel’s book but I don’t want to give anything away that happens because I want you to find out. It’s like you want to be there with them and be a part of there journey.
What would you do if you woke up and 95% of the population was gone?
Well check out what these people do. Two thumbs up from me.
I loved it!!!
June 30, 2021
The author has a strong hate for white Christians
At first I liked this book, but once you get to the middle and especially the end of the book you can tell the author is judgemental. She definitely hates white Christian men. All those characters are portrayed as nasty, racist and sexist. I'm sick of the media portraying Christians this way. I know a lot of white Christians and they are not like this at all!
At first I liked this book, but once you get to the middle and especially the end of the book you can tell the author is judgemental. She definitely hates white Christian men. All those characters are portrayed as nasty, racist and sexist. I'm sick of the media portraying Christians this way. I know a lot of white Christians and they are not like this at all!
August 11, 2021
Interesting read
I always pick up the book for reading after reading the blurb . The blurb really excited me. And after reading this , I think it would be more fun if it comes out as a movie .
The author is really creative , she has so beautifully woven the story . She has come up with a great story to keep us all hooked . It is perfectly character driven that there was no way for me to drop out in between . Five out of five stars from my side .
I always pick up the book for reading after reading the blurb . The blurb really excited me. And after reading this , I think it would be more fun if it comes out as a movie .
The author is really creative , she has so beautifully woven the story . She has come up with a great story to keep us all hooked . It is perfectly character driven that there was no way for me to drop out in between . Five out of five stars from my side .
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June 17, 2023I did really enjoy this! A well written, & very enjoyable apocalyptic, sci fi story! Without too much people pitted against each other, which is a lovely change! I liked the overall feel & energy of the book, first time to read this writers work & I am so glad I did! A really great read! I do recommend & I hope to read more by this author in the future!
November 6, 2022
Nice
Weird concept but like the idea of this all folding together.well-written characters and the details true world that draws you in from the beginning of what Sam goes through til the end!
Weird concept but like the idea of this all folding together.well-written characters and the details true world that draws you in from the beginning of what Sam goes through til the end!
February 25, 2023
This is the sixth book I've read written by Caroline Angel; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story is about Sam & his friends trying to survive after the creatures take over their town.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story is about Sam & his friends trying to survive after the creatures take over their town.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
July 5, 2021
Fantastic dystopian novel, unique, well written, with some great monsters.
November 26, 2020
Loved this book so much! It's going to be amazing on Audible!
July 7, 2021
Another fantastic story
Fast paced with so many twists and turns! This book will keep you awake in more ways than one. What would you do if you woke up to find the world changed?
Fast paced with so many twists and turns! This book will keep you awake in more ways than one. What would you do if you woke up to find the world changed?
May 8, 2024
Met the author at the Clunes 2024 Booktown Festival and decided to try out the book based on talking with the author and hearing a little about it from her. I personally haven’t read much ‘horror’ or ‘dystopian’ styled stuff, but really enjoyed the world envisioned by this story and how it handled the differing perspectives.
Eagerly awaiting a potential sequel!
Eagerly awaiting a potential sequel!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews