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The Carrier
Surprisingly wholesome for an apocalyptic novel, this mystery-adventure is sure to thrill readers of all genres.
The world ended in just days.
After losing his parents in the outbreak, Nate survives by keeping to himself, scavenging what he needs and avoiding the living almost as carefully as the infected. It’s a system that works…until it doesn’t.
Then he meets Morgan and Jace, a married couple travelling with their young niece and nephew. The children’s parents are missing, and Morgan and Jace are determined to find them, even as the country collapses around them. Nate has no intention of becoming part of anyone’s family drama, but survival has a way of ruining perfectly good boundaries, and the road ahead is safer travelled together. With nowhere else to go, he reluctantly agrees to help them reach their destination.
But something isn’t right.
Small moments keep pulling at Nate, things he can't explain, instincts he doesn't trust. The farther they travel, the harder it becomes to ignore the feeling that something is waiting for him somewhere ahead.
In a world where the infected are not the only danger, Nate is about to learn that some paths aren’t chosen -
They’re already determined.
The world ended in just days.
After losing his parents in the outbreak, Nate survives by keeping to himself, scavenging what he needs and avoiding the living almost as carefully as the infected. It’s a system that works…until it doesn’t.
Then he meets Morgan and Jace, a married couple travelling with their young niece and nephew. The children’s parents are missing, and Morgan and Jace are determined to find them, even as the country collapses around them. Nate has no intention of becoming part of anyone’s family drama, but survival has a way of ruining perfectly good boundaries, and the road ahead is safer travelled together. With nowhere else to go, he reluctantly agrees to help them reach their destination.
But something isn’t right.
Small moments keep pulling at Nate, things he can't explain, instincts he doesn't trust. The farther they travel, the harder it becomes to ignore the feeling that something is waiting for him somewhere ahead.
In a world where the infected are not the only danger, Nate is about to learn that some paths aren’t chosen -
They’re already determined.
253 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 3, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 3, 2026
THANK YOU TO THE AUTHOR FOR A COPY OF THIS BOOK!
this is the first apocalyptic book I have read and I AM NOT DISAPPOINTED! I was hooked from the first page all the way to the last page. The only reason it isn’t a 5 star is because there are a few grammatical/spelling errors but despite that I had an amazing time with this book! The author managed to get me to care about every character even ones that aren’t relevant to the whole story! It was fast paced although the chapters are a little long, and at multiple points in the book my jaw was on the floor! I really hope she brings out another book because I need to be back with these characters.
this is the first apocalyptic book I have read and I AM NOT DISAPPOINTED! I was hooked from the first page all the way to the last page. The only reason it isn’t a 5 star is because there are a few grammatical/spelling errors but despite that I had an amazing time with this book! The author managed to get me to care about every character even ones that aren’t relevant to the whole story! It was fast paced although the chapters are a little long, and at multiple points in the book my jaw was on the floor! I really hope she brings out another book because I need to be back with these characters.
May 26, 2026
This booked got me hooked from the very start! This is the first book from the author and it honestly sounds like she has been publishing for years. The way she is able to captivate you and connect you with each character is amazing. The way it all ties together was brilliant writing. 10/10 and would recommend to EVERYONE!
October 15, 2026
Okay so I’m not a huge fan of end of the world or zombie apocalypse stories so this was not a book I would usually pick up for myself but I’m glad I did and i have really enjoyed reading this book!
From the first chapter it was very captivating and I was hooked and ended up finishing this book in couple of evenings!
The writing was great and the twist near the end was absolutely incredible and so unexpected!
Nate, Jace and Morgan are the main characters in this story and they were all very enjoyable and relatable and I felt like I got to know them all in depth!
Overall I’ve loved this and would recommend this read to all!
From the first chapter it was very captivating and I was hooked and ended up finishing this book in couple of evenings!
The writing was great and the twist near the end was absolutely incredible and so unexpected!
Nate, Jace and Morgan are the main characters in this story and they were all very enjoyable and relatable and I felt like I got to know them all in depth!
Overall I’ve loved this and would recommend this read to all!
September 7, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 3.5 stars
The Carrier was such an interesting take on an apocalypse story. Rather than focusing constantly on killing zombies and action, there was much more emphasis on what actually living through an apocalypse might look like — the relationships, routines and day-to-day reality of surviving.
I really enjoyed the friendship between Nate and Jace and found myself becoming increasingly curious about Nate's dreams and how they connected to everything that was happening. When those pieces finally started coming together towards the end, I had a proper “oh WOW, that's good!” moment.
The ending was also lovely. There's something I never expected to say about an apocalypse book 😂, but it felt genuinely comforting and, for me, was the perfect place to leave the story.
My biggest struggle was simply down to personal reading preference. The chapters were very long — some took around an hour or more to read — and because this is a quieter, more day-to-day look at the apocalypse, the pacing sometimes felt a little slow for me. I'm someone who tends to prefer shorter chapters and faster-moving stories, so I did find myself struggling with that at times.
That said, I actually think this story would translate so well to TV. I could picture it playing out on screen while I was reading, and I think the character relationships, quieter moments and mystery would really suit that format.
Overall, a very good story with a different perspective on the apocalypse, a friendship I really enjoyed and a mystery that kept me wanting answers. It may not have been completely suited to my personal reading style, but I'm really glad the Indie Book Voyage brought it my way. ❤️📚
The Carrier was such an interesting take on an apocalypse story. Rather than focusing constantly on killing zombies and action, there was much more emphasis on what actually living through an apocalypse might look like — the relationships, routines and day-to-day reality of surviving.
I really enjoyed the friendship between Nate and Jace and found myself becoming increasingly curious about Nate's dreams and how they connected to everything that was happening. When those pieces finally started coming together towards the end, I had a proper “oh WOW, that's good!” moment.
The ending was also lovely. There's something I never expected to say about an apocalypse book 😂, but it felt genuinely comforting and, for me, was the perfect place to leave the story.
My biggest struggle was simply down to personal reading preference. The chapters were very long — some took around an hour or more to read — and because this is a quieter, more day-to-day look at the apocalypse, the pacing sometimes felt a little slow for me. I'm someone who tends to prefer shorter chapters and faster-moving stories, so I did find myself struggling with that at times.
That said, I actually think this story would translate so well to TV. I could picture it playing out on screen while I was reading, and I think the character relationships, quieter moments and mystery would really suit that format.
Overall, a very good story with a different perspective on the apocalypse, a friendship I really enjoyed and a mystery that kept me wanting answers. It may not have been completely suited to my personal reading style, but I'm really glad the Indie Book Voyage brought it my way. ❤️📚
July 10, 2026
Holy Moley… The whole zombie theme or anything science fiction-ish is not on my usual TBR pile… BUT I loved this book! The plot had twists and turns that left me hanging.
The author gave a realistic and relatable personality to each of the characters, in a fictional world of zombies. Even though the book was written about an apocalypse, the underlying themes are so strong and created such connection with the reader.
I’m genuinely sad there isn’t a sequel!
The author gave a realistic and relatable personality to each of the characters, in a fictional world of zombies. Even though the book was written about an apocalypse, the underlying themes are so strong and created such connection with the reader.
I’m genuinely sad there isn’t a sequel!
June 7, 2026
I am usually not a huge fan of science fiction or end of the world/zombie apocalypse books. However I did really enjoy this one. It gave me “last man on earth vibes” but with the walking dead. I didn’t see half of the events of the books coming.
July 30, 2026
A great read! So hard to put down and a mind blowing plot twist to finish! Very likeable, relatable characters in a very relatable “every day” zombie apocalypse. Thoroughly recommended!!
October 9, 2026
This is without a doubt one of the best books I've ever read.
The premise of the book exists within the first weeks/months of a zombie apocalypse and follows Nate, a young man who is surviving on his own as best he can, foraging for food in abandoned houses and just trying to make it through. After meeting a young woman while he is under a zombie attack, they spend the night together only for him to wake in the morning and she has completely cleaned out his supplies. This sets him on a new path.
No longer content to stay in the house he's been hiding in, he sets out with no real direction in mind but plagued by strange dreams involving a toddler and a man out there trying to survive. He comes across a man and young girl who are on the verge of being killed by zombies and after saving them, joins a couple who are trying to get their niece and nephew to their parent's house. Joining forces, the support and protect each other and hope against hope that the kids parents will be alive and well when they arrive at their destination. Their hopes are dashed.
The entire way, Nate is still plagued by these dreams and a sense that these aren't ordinary dreams, but a message. And there is something he needs to do. What could all of this mean?
The ending will completely floor you and you will not see it coming.
This book blew me away. I was captivated from the onset and stayed up to the early hours of the morning to finish it because I couldn't bear to put it down. The author is Australian and I particularly liked reading the Aussie slang here and there in the book as it added to it's charm. I'm seriously hoping there will be a book 2.
The premise of the book exists within the first weeks/months of a zombie apocalypse and follows Nate, a young man who is surviving on his own as best he can, foraging for food in abandoned houses and just trying to make it through. After meeting a young woman while he is under a zombie attack, they spend the night together only for him to wake in the morning and she has completely cleaned out his supplies. This sets him on a new path.
No longer content to stay in the house he's been hiding in, he sets out with no real direction in mind but plagued by strange dreams involving a toddler and a man out there trying to survive. He comes across a man and young girl who are on the verge of being killed by zombies and after saving them, joins a couple who are trying to get their niece and nephew to their parent's house. Joining forces, the support and protect each other and hope against hope that the kids parents will be alive and well when they arrive at their destination. Their hopes are dashed.
The entire way, Nate is still plagued by these dreams and a sense that these aren't ordinary dreams, but a message. And there is something he needs to do. What could all of this mean?
The ending will completely floor you and you will not see it coming.
This book blew me away. I was captivated from the onset and stayed up to the early hours of the morning to finish it because I couldn't bear to put it down. The author is Australian and I particularly liked reading the Aussie slang here and there in the book as it added to it's charm. I'm seriously hoping there will be a book 2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2026
I really enjoyed this book, great effort for a debut novel.
I did find I enjoyed the first half more when Nate was alone and dealing with the fallout of the Zombie apocalypse.. (sorry, the Undead apocalypse 😁).. and his struggles to survive while mourning his parents. I was hoping he'd run into Lexi again, maybe as a turned undead and he could've given her the well deserved Bowie treatment.
Once Nate met up with Jace, Morgan and the kids it was great he found friends he could trust and the dynamic between that group was excellent, but this is where I started to feel a bit bored at times. A lot of chapters went by when it felt like something was about to happen but nothing did, so the story just meandered along as they sat down to eat, or to play games, or getting haircuts. I speed read a lot of these scenes, I didn't find them overly important in the big scheme of things.
Having said that I made it to the end and I'd definitely read a part 2 if it came out.
I liked the characters and would love to see where they end up. Do they get to the safe haven they're dreaming of? Is Jade the answer to a cure if she's immune to the infection? So many possibilities.
So I settled on 4 stars, an excellent first book by this author. A fellow Australian as it turns out 🇦🇺
I did find I enjoyed the first half more when Nate was alone and dealing with the fallout of the Zombie apocalypse.. (sorry, the Undead apocalypse 😁).. and his struggles to survive while mourning his parents. I was hoping he'd run into Lexi again, maybe as a turned undead and he could've given her the well deserved Bowie treatment.
Once Nate met up with Jace, Morgan and the kids it was great he found friends he could trust and the dynamic between that group was excellent, but this is where I started to feel a bit bored at times. A lot of chapters went by when it felt like something was about to happen but nothing did, so the story just meandered along as they sat down to eat, or to play games, or getting haircuts. I speed read a lot of these scenes, I didn't find them overly important in the big scheme of things.
Having said that I made it to the end and I'd definitely read a part 2 if it came out.
I liked the characters and would love to see where they end up. Do they get to the safe haven they're dreaming of? Is Jade the answer to a cure if she's immune to the infection? So many possibilities.
So I settled on 4 stars, an excellent first book by this author. A fellow Australian as it turns out 🇦🇺
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2026
I really enjoyed this book, at one point I thought I was going to struggle with the pacing but I didn’t and actually found the pacing was perfect. This was a really easy book to read and I found myself not wanting to put it down.
I would definitely recommend this book even to people that have not read much zombie apocalypse books because it was an easy one to get into and to follow.
I would definitely recommend this book even to people that have not read much zombie apocalypse books because it was an easy one to get into and to follow.
August 11, 2026
Great first book from this indie author. Awesome twist at the end, fed my curiosity wonderfully!
October 24, 2026
What a refreshing twist on the zombie apocalypse. The characters were so well written and formed. The banter between them was fresh and easy. A really enjoyable book with an uplifting ending. I wanted to keep reading about them and hear more of their adventures!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews