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Canis Alpha
In a future plagued with natural disasters, criminals known as “scavs” raid damaged cities. Their most important don’t help the survivors.
Bear, a twenty-nine-year-old engineer, breaks that rule when he takes Salix, a Native American college student, back to his scav team’s flying ship for medical treatment. Captain Baxter allows her to board but will not let her leave.
Salix hopes to escape, but Baxter’s growing obsession with her makes that impossible. As the situation grows tense, a tsunami in Portugal prompts a scav raid. During that raid, Bear discovers blueprints for a device that could change the world. When it becomes clear that Salix’s life is in danger, Bear flees with her, along with the blueprints, but Baxter follows, and he is more dangerous than either of them realize.
Bear, a twenty-nine-year-old engineer, breaks that rule when he takes Salix, a Native American college student, back to his scav team’s flying ship for medical treatment. Captain Baxter allows her to board but will not let her leave.
Salix hopes to escape, but Baxter’s growing obsession with her makes that impossible. As the situation grows tense, a tsunami in Portugal prompts a scav raid. During that raid, Bear discovers blueprints for a device that could change the world. When it becomes clear that Salix’s life is in danger, Bear flees with her, along with the blueprints, but Baxter follows, and he is more dangerous than either of them realize.
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Published May 20, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 9, 2025
This was written well with characters you learn through the story to love and some to really hate. I believe a good author needs to be able to do this to have a successful book.
Narrator does a good job with the various characters voices and the entire storyline.
Narrator does a good job with the various characters voices and the entire storyline.
May 26, 2025
This book instantly caught my attention since I love reading and watching shows about natural disasters. In this near-future world, there are quite a lot of them.
The characters feel grounded in the time and universe the author has built, each with distinct personalities and compelling backstories. The beginning builds toward a powerful earthquake sequence that’s packed with adrenaline and intensity.
The disaster brings the two main characters together—Salix, caught in the chaos, and Bear, a member of a looting gang targeting areas hit by disasters. Their dynamic adds tension and emotional depth to the action.
A gripping and well-written read for sci-fi and dystopian enthusiasts, full of suspense, strong worldbuilding, and cinematic moments.
The characters feel grounded in the time and universe the author has built, each with distinct personalities and compelling backstories. The beginning builds toward a powerful earthquake sequence that’s packed with adrenaline and intensity.
The disaster brings the two main characters together—Salix, caught in the chaos, and Bear, a member of a looting gang targeting areas hit by disasters. Their dynamic adds tension and emotional depth to the action.
A gripping and well-written read for sci-fi and dystopian enthusiasts, full of suspense, strong worldbuilding, and cinematic moments.
June 5, 2025
gritty gripping and gloriously human
About 15 minutes into this book, I was hooked—nail-biting, heart-racing, fully immersed. As someone who used to live in Ventura County, I was instantly drawn to the setting. The author’s near-future vision of a disaster-ravaged Ventura is both eerie and poignant. It felt like I was walking familiar streets twisted by catastrophe—chilling and fascinating all at once.
Salix, a college student turned prisoner, and Bear, a scavenger-engineer trying to survive in a collapsed world, are characters I felt in my bones. Their choices aren’t easy, but they’re real. The story never paints in black and white—just varying shades of human.
The pacing is flawless. Just when I thought I could catch my breath, a new threat would hit. And the villain, Baxter? One of the most unsettling I’ve read in years—his obsession with Salix and Bear was terrifyingly believable. I was desperate for justice.
The climax? A perfect mix of action, emotion, and reward. Watching Salix and Bear grow through the wreckage—not just as individuals but as people trying to reclaim some part of their humanity—hit me hard. Even the characters we lose stay with you long after the final page.
This is more than a dystopian thriller—it’s a reminder that love, courage, and redemption can rise from the ashes, even in a shattered Ventura.
About 15 minutes into this book, I was hooked—nail-biting, heart-racing, fully immersed. As someone who used to live in Ventura County, I was instantly drawn to the setting. The author’s near-future vision of a disaster-ravaged Ventura is both eerie and poignant. It felt like I was walking familiar streets twisted by catastrophe—chilling and fascinating all at once.
Salix, a college student turned prisoner, and Bear, a scavenger-engineer trying to survive in a collapsed world, are characters I felt in my bones. Their choices aren’t easy, but they’re real. The story never paints in black and white—just varying shades of human.
The pacing is flawless. Just when I thought I could catch my breath, a new threat would hit. And the villain, Baxter? One of the most unsettling I’ve read in years—his obsession with Salix and Bear was terrifyingly believable. I was desperate for justice.
The climax? A perfect mix of action, emotion, and reward. Watching Salix and Bear grow through the wreckage—not just as individuals but as people trying to reclaim some part of their humanity—hit me hard. Even the characters we lose stay with you long after the final page.
This is more than a dystopian thriller—it’s a reminder that love, courage, and redemption can rise from the ashes, even in a shattered Ventura.
July 21, 2025
There are a plethora of stories about good characters walking the noble path because that is how they were raised. This is a story about someone who happily lives a life of crime but is led to the path of goodness. In many ways it reminds me of the movie, “The professional,” Natalie Portman’s first film, starring Jean Reno. A man who is contentedly living outside of the law has his world inverted when his inner hero complex is given a reason to surface. In both this book and that movie, a strong, younger female character evokes the goodness within an otherwise content criminal. How is this story different? Read it and find out..
June 26, 2025
Engaging. Action-packed. Romantic. This book truly has it all. I was hooked from the first page and enjoyed every moment of the ride. The journey of Bear, also known as Eggbert, and his love interest, Salix, swept me into a roller coaster of emotions. Their story unfolds in a richly imagined futuristic sci-fi world, with each chapter brimming with adventure and suspense.
What really stood out to me was the book’s cinematic potential. The premise is not only original but gripping enough to shine on the big screen. I also loved the subtle brilliance of the villain’s presence, rarely seen, yet his shadow looms over every obstacle the protagonists face. It’s a clever, masterfully crafted plot supported by a well-written narrative that keeps you turning pages long into the night.
What really stood out to me was the book’s cinematic potential. The premise is not only original but gripping enough to shine on the big screen. I also loved the subtle brilliance of the villain’s presence, rarely seen, yet his shadow looms over every obstacle the protagonists face. It’s a clever, masterfully crafted plot supported by a well-written narrative that keeps you turning pages long into the night.
June 4, 2025
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The story was pretty original. I'm not sure if l've read one similar anywhere else. The story is about scavengers who take advantage of natural disasters in the future. It's very plausible the scenarios that are happening in this book. The narration was great.
The story was pretty original. I'm not sure if l've read one similar anywhere else. The story is about scavengers who take advantage of natural disasters in the future. It's very plausible the scenarios that are happening in this book. The narration was great.
September 14, 2025
A dystopian novel that hits on all burners. A thrilling ride, literally, into a future that seems all too possible.
July 20, 2025
This was well written and had great characters. The post apocalyptic setting is vividly brought to life and the plot twists and turns kept me engaged. For me there was too much technology and descriptions of technological games type stuff though, and I didn't like the world as much as the worlds in this author's previous novels, the Aure series particularly.
May 27, 2025
**ARC READER - All opinions are my own!**
The year is 2075, and a combination of factors, including climate change, rising sea levels, and increased tectonic activity, has turned the world into a hotbed of natural disasters, including earthquakes, mudslides, and tsunamis.
Bear Barringer has been a member of the scav team on the Canis Alpha for two years now as the crew’s engineer in charge of keeping the ship running day-in-day-out. He wasn’t always a criminal. Once upon a time, he was an adoptive father to his amazing niece, Cheshire, an engineer for high-level companies, and trending upward from a family of drug-using individuals that seemed to insist on circling the toilet bowl of life. That was until Cheshire died. Then, it all fell apart. Everything. Now he’s aboard the scav ship Canis Alpha, chasing natural disasters to scavenge (thus, the name) materials from the wreckage of homes, stores, and corporations. They’re not murderers. But they’re not saints either.
Salix Kipp is an aspiring seismologist currently saving up for her continued education by working at a high-end cafe on the daily in the “South Ventura” (SoVen) area of southern California (though we would recognize it as Oxnard). The pay is good, the tips are solid, and the clientele isn’t too bad either. It lets her live off the res while still being able to visit her mom in Tule River often to take care of her when she needs it. As a Native American, her roots are deep within the land, and as a seismologist, her understanding of the land runs deep. When a man shows up at her job claiming to be her father, everything seems to derail at once.
When a tsunami hits the SoVen area where Salix works, Bear and Salix’s worlds collide, and nothing will ever be the same for either of them, for better or worse.
“Canis Alpha” is a brand new book from bestselling author W.K. Greyling of “Witterkin” and “Mothertree” series fame and new partner-in-rhyme Aldus Webb, a talented newcomer to the literary world. This world, set in the not-so-distant future, shows the reader a dark and gritty existence revolving around trying to survive with a planet seemingly hellbent on wiping the human population off of the map. The character development is extensive, the motivations clear, and the events ever-changing. Add to that a touch of slow-burn romantic spice, and this future-imperfect novel will keep you coming back for more. Available now in both ebook and audiobook, narrated wonderfully by Brandon J. Peterson, you’re going to want to get your dystopian-loving, world’s-end-obsessed, death-at-any-corner-junky self on board for the maiden flight of the “Canis Alpha.”
I received a free copy of this e-book and audiobook and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The year is 2075, and a combination of factors, including climate change, rising sea levels, and increased tectonic activity, has turned the world into a hotbed of natural disasters, including earthquakes, mudslides, and tsunamis.
Bear Barringer has been a member of the scav team on the Canis Alpha for two years now as the crew’s engineer in charge of keeping the ship running day-in-day-out. He wasn’t always a criminal. Once upon a time, he was an adoptive father to his amazing niece, Cheshire, an engineer for high-level companies, and trending upward from a family of drug-using individuals that seemed to insist on circling the toilet bowl of life. That was until Cheshire died. Then, it all fell apart. Everything. Now he’s aboard the scav ship Canis Alpha, chasing natural disasters to scavenge (thus, the name) materials from the wreckage of homes, stores, and corporations. They’re not murderers. But they’re not saints either.
Salix Kipp is an aspiring seismologist currently saving up for her continued education by working at a high-end cafe on the daily in the “South Ventura” (SoVen) area of southern California (though we would recognize it as Oxnard). The pay is good, the tips are solid, and the clientele isn’t too bad either. It lets her live off the res while still being able to visit her mom in Tule River often to take care of her when she needs it. As a Native American, her roots are deep within the land, and as a seismologist, her understanding of the land runs deep. When a man shows up at her job claiming to be her father, everything seems to derail at once.
When a tsunami hits the SoVen area where Salix works, Bear and Salix’s worlds collide, and nothing will ever be the same for either of them, for better or worse.
“Canis Alpha” is a brand new book from bestselling author W.K. Greyling of “Witterkin” and “Mothertree” series fame and new partner-in-rhyme Aldus Webb, a talented newcomer to the literary world. This world, set in the not-so-distant future, shows the reader a dark and gritty existence revolving around trying to survive with a planet seemingly hellbent on wiping the human population off of the map. The character development is extensive, the motivations clear, and the events ever-changing. Add to that a touch of slow-burn romantic spice, and this future-imperfect novel will keep you coming back for more. Available now in both ebook and audiobook, narrated wonderfully by Brandon J. Peterson, you’re going to want to get your dystopian-loving, world’s-end-obsessed, death-at-any-corner-junky self on board for the maiden flight of the “Canis Alpha.”
I received a free copy of this e-book and audiobook and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 30, 2025
This was a great roller-coaster ride. There are genuinely likeable protagonists, and enigmatic villain, plausible near-future sci-fi tech, and good cinematic detail.
The setting is a world much like our own might be shortly, with natural disasters creating an environment where a cottage industry of post-disaster looters ("scavs") evolves. They are not quite pirates, but the idea has much in common with classic pirate tales, including dramatic action on ships, skirting the law and generally looking out for the next big score.
The back-stories of the two main protags are established well. They are to people who never looked to get involved in this kind of business, but here they are, and boy, do they have problems.
Once the introductory chapters have set the scene, the narrative turns to a terrifying, claustrophobic drama involving a genuinely unsettling villain, unravelling with a sense of the inescapable.
The two things that left me wanting more development:
- The character of the villain had far more potential. We get two or three hints of why this character is like this, but they could have become even more memorable, someone who was alien to the reader but carried a sense of "I could turn out like that, but for my good fortune".
- A "McGuffin" item is introduced that given its significance should DRIVE the narrative, but is almost superfluous to what would have been a great story without it.
Overall, the authors, similar to Greyling's other work (e.g. "Witterkin") stay mostly clear of well-established genre tropes and tell a genuinely original tale, both immersive and entertaining. The story is solid, and could have worked in a variety of genres, in the Caribbean of the Age of Piracy, or in a "Film Noir" underworld, or on a starship; but somehow the setting is specifically good for it.
I highly recommend this novel, and I hope there will be more in the same vein.
The setting is a world much like our own might be shortly, with natural disasters creating an environment where a cottage industry of post-disaster looters ("scavs") evolves. They are not quite pirates, but the idea has much in common with classic pirate tales, including dramatic action on ships, skirting the law and generally looking out for the next big score.
The back-stories of the two main protags are established well. They are to people who never looked to get involved in this kind of business, but here they are, and boy, do they have problems.
Once the introductory chapters have set the scene, the narrative turns to a terrifying, claustrophobic drama involving a genuinely unsettling villain, unravelling with a sense of the inescapable.
The two things that left me wanting more development:
- The character of the villain had far more potential. We get two or three hints of why this character is like this, but they could have become even more memorable, someone who was alien to the reader but carried a sense of "I could turn out like that, but for my good fortune".
- A "McGuffin" item is introduced that given its significance should DRIVE the narrative, but is almost superfluous to what would have been a great story without it.
Overall, the authors, similar to Greyling's other work (e.g. "Witterkin") stay mostly clear of well-established genre tropes and tell a genuinely original tale, both immersive and entertaining. The story is solid, and could have worked in a variety of genres, in the Caribbean of the Age of Piracy, or in a "Film Noir" underworld, or on a starship; but somehow the setting is specifically good for it.
I highly recommend this novel, and I hope there will be more in the same vein.
July 9, 2025
This was a really good story, and I genuinely enjoyed it from start to finish. Set in a future ravaged by natural disasters, the world felt both gritty and believable. The concept of “scavs” raiding broken cities and refusing to help survivors was both fascinating and dark—and it made Bear’s decision to save Salix all the more compelling.
Bear breaks one of the scavs' core rules when he brings Salix aboard their flying ship for medical help. What follows is a tense, layered plot full of danger and tough choices. Captain Baxter’s obsession with Salix adds a chilling undercurrent, and as the story builds—especially with the discovery of a potentially world-changing device—the stakes grow.
There were a lot of key characters throughout, and I wanted more of their backstories—it would’ve made the story even richer. The ending was satisfying for some, but felt unresolved for others. I especially wanted more time and deeper connection between Bear and Salix; their dynamic had so much potential.
The narration was excellent—clear, engaging, and easy to follow no matter how many characters were in play. Overall, this was a strong, well-written listen, and I’m absolutely looking forward to more from this author.
Bear breaks one of the scavs' core rules when he brings Salix aboard their flying ship for medical help. What follows is a tense, layered plot full of danger and tough choices. Captain Baxter’s obsession with Salix adds a chilling undercurrent, and as the story builds—especially with the discovery of a potentially world-changing device—the stakes grow.
There were a lot of key characters throughout, and I wanted more of their backstories—it would’ve made the story even richer. The ending was satisfying for some, but felt unresolved for others. I especially wanted more time and deeper connection between Bear and Salix; their dynamic had so much potential.
The narration was excellent—clear, engaging, and easy to follow no matter how many characters were in play. Overall, this was a strong, well-written listen, and I’m absolutely looking forward to more from this author.
July 15, 2025
Canis Alpha" by WK Greyling is a captivating and intense dystopian thriller that explores a world ravaged by natural disasters and ruled by ruthless scavengers. The story follows Bear, a complex and resourceful engineer, and Salix, a determined and resilient half Native American college student, as they navigate a treacherous world where survival is a daily struggle.
Greyling's vivid descriptions of a post-apocalyptic world will leave you on the edge of your seat. Bear and Salix are well-developed and relatable protagonists, with rich backstories and motivations. The book's pacing is expertly handled, with heart-pumping action scenes that will keep you guessing.
The novel explores themes of survival, loyalty, and redemption in a world where right and wrong are not always clear-cut. The relationship between Bear and Salix is nuanced and compelling, with a slow-burning tension that adds depth to the story. The book's plot is full of unexpected twists and turns, keeping you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
This book is perfect for fans of dystopian fiction, particularly those who enjoy stories with complex characters, moral ambiguity, and heart-pumping action. If you're looking for a thrilling and thought-provoking read, "Canis Alpha" is an excellent choice
Greyling's vivid descriptions of a post-apocalyptic world will leave you on the edge of your seat. Bear and Salix are well-developed and relatable protagonists, with rich backstories and motivations. The book's pacing is expertly handled, with heart-pumping action scenes that will keep you guessing.
The novel explores themes of survival, loyalty, and redemption in a world where right and wrong are not always clear-cut. The relationship between Bear and Salix is nuanced and compelling, with a slow-burning tension that adds depth to the story. The book's plot is full of unexpected twists and turns, keeping you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
This book is perfect for fans of dystopian fiction, particularly those who enjoy stories with complex characters, moral ambiguity, and heart-pumping action. If you're looking for a thrilling and thought-provoking read, "Canis Alpha" is an excellent choice
May 28, 2025
About 15 minutes into this audiobook, I was completely hooked, biting my nails through every twist. The story of Salix, a college student trapped as a prisoner, and Bear, a scavenger engineer on a team stealing from disaster-ravaged cities, felt so real, like I was right there with them. Their complex reasons for a life of crime never seemed far-fetched, just human. The pacing is perfect—never dragging, always moving to new challenges at just the right moment. The narrator’s voice was spot-on, keeping me guessing with every surprise. Baxter, the villain, had me fuming; his obsessive pursuit of Salix and Bear was chillingly believable. I wanted him taken out soooo badly. The climax? Thrilling, rewarding, and so satisfying, especially seeing Salix and Bear’s growth and redemption. Even the characters who didn’t make it stayed with me. I kept checking the time left, dreading the end of this gripping story. Nothing felt too graphic—just well-written, drawing me into their fight for freedom. Bravo to a beautifully crafted story and narration that matches its brilliance!
June 6, 2025
I’d listened to a book by WK Greyling a while back, so I expected something totally different (genre-wise), but nothing by Aldus Webb. I guess it helps to read the blurb. I wasn’t disappointed by the genre change, though. This was a great story.
I'm usually not the biggest fan of action-based stories, but this one held my attention the entire time. It was entertaining, and I had a hard time stopping.
The narrator did an awesome job! I’ll be on the lookout for any future books by either of these authors.
I'm usually not the biggest fan of action-based stories, but this one held my attention the entire time. It was entertaining, and I had a hard time stopping.
The narrator did an awesome job! I’ll be on the lookout for any future books by either of these authors.
June 21, 2025
Having read previous books by W.K. Greyling, I was not anticipating the genre of this futuristic action romance novel! So expertly written, keeping me on the edge of my seat for many chapters! Just a bit too much tech information in the beginning, but it definitely sets the scene for what is to come. I can only imagine the research that went into creating this world... love the characters with their well-defined personalities, brought to life by the excellent narration by Brandon J. Peterson. SO glad I went on this journey!!
June 29, 2025
Canis Alpha by W. K. Greyling and Aldus Webb is an excellent post-apocalyptic adventure. Brandon J. Peterson did an incredible job with the narration. The story is entertaining, interesting, engaging, enjoyable, thrilling, adventurous, and more. With natural disasters, scavs raids, and apocalypse events. The story has many twist and turns, a great plot, and well written. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Highly recommend.
July 16, 2025
Absolutely loved the plot, I'm pretty good at anticipating what is gong to happen in the stories that I read but this one kept me guessing until the very end. I was exciting, it was new, it was something different. I would have never thought I would get so invested into a "pirate" book.
I loved the interaction between the main characters and how realistic it felt I can't help myself but with for a second one to explore their relation more.
I loved the interaction between the main characters and how realistic it felt I can't help myself but with for a second one to explore their relation more.
May 28, 2025
Really enjoyed this futuristic science fiction book..great story that pulls you in and keeps you guessing what's going to happen next. Lots of twists and turns that keep you hooked right to the end. Loved it!
August 18, 2025
Couldn’t stop listening! The world-building is vivid, the action never slows down, and the characters felt real. Bear is such a compelling lead, and Salix’s strength really shines. Easily one of the best post-apocalyptic stories I’ve heard in a while.
January 23, 2026
FAB
This is a great story, it's fast paced and captivating from the start.
She is rescued from death, to something far worse.
She is a prisoner on board a pirate ship, with a crazy captain.
All she wants is to go home to her mum, but fate has other plans for her!
This is a great story, it's fast paced and captivating from the start.
She is rescued from death, to something far worse.
She is a prisoner on board a pirate ship, with a crazy captain.
All she wants is to go home to her mum, but fate has other plans for her!
April 18, 2025
An enjoyable story set in a time not too far off from our own. A modern adventure I enjoyed thoroughly.
May 31, 2025
I've listened to a few books by this author now and I must admit this one might be my favorite. I enjoyed the story line and the characters. I look forward to more.
June 8, 2025
The overall story is good, I enjoyed the plot and some of the characters were really interesting. The narration wasn’t poor, it just wasn’t to my liking.
June 12, 2025
This was a very good story. I enjoyed it! Narration by Brandon J. Peterson was well done.
July 8, 2025
Great book, a combination of realistic and futuristic storyline blended with science and technology.
Interesting and well crafted characters.
Narration that draws you into the story.
Interesting and well crafted characters.
Narration that draws you into the story.
January 21, 2026
This is an honest review in exchange for a free download.
Absolutely loved this book, great storyline and excellent storytelling by the narrator.
A must read for a bit of Sci Fi.
Absolutely loved this book, great storyline and excellent storytelling by the narrator.
A must read for a bit of Sci Fi.
August 16, 2025
Interesting premises
This is a book with an interesting version of what can happen in the future also what can happen when we do not look after nature. The characters are written well and relatable. I really enjoyed the audiobook the narrator did a very good job bringing the characters to life.
This is a book with an interesting version of what can happen in the future also what can happen when we do not look after nature. The characters are written well and relatable. I really enjoyed the audiobook the narrator did a very good job bringing the characters to life.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews