What do you think?
Rate this book
Endangered #1
Critically Endangered
Karen, a veteran and semi-retired professional, watches from the safety of her home as the world she knows crumbles around her. She views the horror of humanity's annihilation via cable television and the internet, until they too are gone. There is no time to understand the inexplicable sickness that takes everyone. Karen's daughter dies in her arms. Her husband and son never return. When she gets sick it's almost a mercy. And then she wakes up. Her dogs are all that is left. Whatever has caused the near extinction of human life, it has spared the rest of the animal kingdom. On her first trip out she finds a planet that is unalterably changed, not with a bang but with a whimper. Karen gathers a pack of canines as companions and helpers. Among her furry partners are two very special German shepherds that appear to be more than just man's best friend. As she tries to process her different existence and locate others, Karen begins a physical metamorphosis. What she's about to realize is that not everyone changes in the same way and that some things remain the same. Humans are still this world's greatest predator. If you love dogs; if you love imagining the struggle of a totally different world; or if you love getting to know new and unlikely characters, Critically Endangered is guaranteed to entertain. It is an epic saga and thought provoking novel about a "human apocalypse".
321 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2016
331 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
N.S. Austin
6 books9 followersNS Austin, more commonly known as Nancy, has published five novels: Critically Endangered, Beyond the Great Dying, Stolen World, and Seventh Extinction (Books 1 - 4 of the Endangered Series), and Soldier, Hero, Thief, a thriller.
Nancy’s novels are a combination of rich character development juxtaposed against extraordinary circumstances. Those extraordinary circumstances may include the end of the world, aliens, talking dogs, or buried treasure, and reflect the author’s love of all things a little bit odd.
Nancy spent the first part of her life working to feed, clothe, and house her family. Among her previous life incarnations, the author was an Army Colonel, a business executive, a government manager and a champion baton twirler (no kidding). Her unusual path to becoming a best-selling author is built upon the gift of raw material for a never-ending supply of interesting, honorable, quirky, and badass characters. Now that she's mostly certain she'll never have to store her worldly possessions in a shopping cart, she's free to devote herself to writing from her home in Washington State.
Contact her with questions or learn about upcoming releases at her website: https://www.nsaustin.com
Or visit her Facebook page at : https://www.facebook.com/nancyaustina...
Nancy’s novels are a combination of rich character development juxtaposed against extraordinary circumstances. Those extraordinary circumstances may include the end of the world, aliens, talking dogs, or buried treasure, and reflect the author’s love of all things a little bit odd.
Nancy spent the first part of her life working to feed, clothe, and house her family. Among her previous life incarnations, the author was an Army Colonel, a business executive, a government manager and a champion baton twirler (no kidding). Her unusual path to becoming a best-selling author is built upon the gift of raw material for a never-ending supply of interesting, honorable, quirky, and badass characters. Now that she's mostly certain she'll never have to store her worldly possessions in a shopping cart, she's free to devote herself to writing from her home in Washington State.
Contact her with questions or learn about upcoming releases at her website: https://www.nsaustin.com
Or visit her Facebook page at : https://www.facebook.com/nancyaustina...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
July 17, 2021
Interesting original end of the world as we know it concept
I enjoyed this book. It moved quickly. The characters were believable and interesting. I liked all the good guys and really hated all the bad guys. How did the author do that?? (Usually at least a couple if the good guys are way too self righteous). Anyway, loved the dogs!!! I looking forward to enjoying the next book in the series, as soon as I finish this review and download it! Editing not bad at all especially the beginning. Started seeing some issues later on in the book...I don't know what happens to a book when the author uploads it to Amazon, but I wonder if some of the words might get switched around or repeated. Appreciate the author's efforts on lining up some quality editors!Thank you , NS Austin for sharing this creative story. I give this book a strong four stars. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written original story.
I enjoyed this book. It moved quickly. The characters were believable and interesting. I liked all the good guys and really hated all the bad guys. How did the author do that?? (Usually at least a couple if the good guys are way too self righteous). Anyway, loved the dogs!!! I looking forward to enjoying the next book in the series, as soon as I finish this review and download it! Editing not bad at all especially the beginning. Started seeing some issues later on in the book...I don't know what happens to a book when the author uploads it to Amazon, but I wonder if some of the words might get switched around or repeated. Appreciate the author's efforts on lining up some quality editors!Thank you , NS Austin for sharing this creative story. I give this book a strong four stars. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written original story.
August 6, 2018
A different apocalypse...
This virus is different. There is no warning. You get sick & you die. But do you really?
Karen has lost her entire family., Her only companions are her dogs. She does get sick but miraculously she wakes up! Only..she is different... there are so few people left. She doesn't know where. Her town is basically empty...until a knock at her front door.
I found this book so enjoyable. Lots of great characters..and dogs! I love the dogs! They too are special in their own way. Try it, it's really a great story...😉
This virus is different. There is no warning. You get sick & you die. But do you really?
Karen has lost her entire family., Her only companions are her dogs. She does get sick but miraculously she wakes up! Only..she is different... there are so few people left. She doesn't know where. Her town is basically empty...until a knock at her front door.
I found this book so enjoyable. Lots of great characters..and dogs! I love the dogs! They too are special in their own way. Try it, it's really a great story...😉
January 13, 2020
Okay Post-Apocalyptic Novel
This is a good book, but it has a few problems: 1) the characters are a bit smarmy at times, 2) the plot is pretty much by the numbers, the main villain is cartoonish. There two sequels and I probably won't be reading them.
This is a good book, but it has a few problems: 1) the characters are a bit smarmy at times, 2) the plot is pretty much by the numbers, the main villain is cartoonish. There two sequels and I probably won't be reading them.
December 3, 2018
Meh.... Interesting premise, could have been a good novel but poorly written. Wasn't advertised as young adult but felt like the writing was for teens.
September 13, 2018
The cover of the book is what first drew me in. I'm loving reading books about dogs--especially dogs trained to help humans in various ways. I thought this book might be about a search-and-rescue dog. I found it was a much different kind of book once I read the synopsis, but I was intrigued.
This is a post apocalyptic book and I haven't read one for a while. The book is very readable and I quickly read it and enjoyed it. Not everything about why and how were answered by the end of the book, but that's okay. I've already bought the next book!
This book does wrap-up the story by the end of the book. I like when a book is a complete story and doesn't end on a cliffhanger, but I thought this book was a little too neat and gave a lot of information away. Another quibble with the book: I didn't think it needed a prologue. However, these are minor things and didn't keep me from liking the book a lot.
The book has lots about dogs and I love that. The dogs are Karen's constant companions, helpers and friends. They help keep her safe, but they also help keep her sane when she doesn't find any other survivors.
This is a self-published book and I thought the author did a good job with it. The cover is excellent. That's one of the first things I look at when I see a self-published book. It's not a deal breaker for me, but too many self-published books have terrible-looking covers. I like that at the end of the book the author talks about her self-publishing process.
This is a post apocalyptic book and I haven't read one for a while. The book is very readable and I quickly read it and enjoyed it. Not everything about why and how were answered by the end of the book, but that's okay. I've already bought the next book!
This book does wrap-up the story by the end of the book. I like when a book is a complete story and doesn't end on a cliffhanger, but I thought this book was a little too neat and gave a lot of information away. Another quibble with the book: I didn't think it needed a prologue. However, these are minor things and didn't keep me from liking the book a lot.
The book has lots about dogs and I love that. The dogs are Karen's constant companions, helpers and friends. They help keep her safe, but they also help keep her sane when she doesn't find any other survivors.
This is a self-published book and I thought the author did a good job with it. The cover is excellent. That's one of the first things I look at when I see a self-published book. It's not a deal breaker for me, but too many self-published books have terrible-looking covers. I like that at the end of the book the author talks about her self-publishing process.
November 20, 2021
Love it!
I initially read the brief synopsis, and thought, "Hmm, this might be good."
I went to purchase the book, but Amazon informed me I had already purchased it in 2018. (I love those reminders)
I went ahead and started reading it, wasn't ringing any bells in my memory belfry. I continued reading hoping I would remember something from this story I purchased three years ago. Nope, nada, nothing.
The first chapter or two I almost put it down. The main character was getting on my nerves. I decided to stick with it just to see if I could remember reading this.
Oh my word! So glad I did! One he'll of a roller coaster ride! I soon became addicted. Reading up to 0200, fully knowing I would have to be up four hours later. I devoured all four books. Just finished #4 right now, and I have a tear leaking from the corner of my eye, saddened that this fantastic tale is over.
This will forever and ever be in my top ten of wonderful books that I hope I will be reading again and again over the years.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart NS Austin.
I initially read the brief synopsis, and thought, "Hmm, this might be good."
I went to purchase the book, but Amazon informed me I had already purchased it in 2018. (I love those reminders)
I went ahead and started reading it, wasn't ringing any bells in my memory belfry. I continued reading hoping I would remember something from this story I purchased three years ago. Nope, nada, nothing.
The first chapter or two I almost put it down. The main character was getting on my nerves. I decided to stick with it just to see if I could remember reading this.
Oh my word! So glad I did! One he'll of a roller coaster ride! I soon became addicted. Reading up to 0200, fully knowing I would have to be up four hours later. I devoured all four books. Just finished #4 right now, and I have a tear leaking from the corner of my eye, saddened that this fantastic tale is over.
This will forever and ever be in my top ten of wonderful books that I hope I will be reading again and again over the years.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart NS Austin.
May 21, 2023
Oh this book. The story had such potential. End of the world (blah blah blah, nearly everyone dead except a handful of humans, all animals fine), a 60+ year old woman survives and adopts a pack of dogs for company and to help keep her safe. Great idea for a story!
Two issues:
1) Somehow the virus that killed off everyone else turned the survivors young and beautiful. The woman de-aged. Grew inches taller. Her eyes and hair changed colors. She became young and strong. This happened to all the characters, another 98 year old woman became young and sexy. Why? An end of the world story with an older woman main character would be interesting, why make it a generic "everyone must be young and beautiful" thing?
2) Sigh. As way too many self-published books do, the author only paid to have the first 15% of her book edited. It was well edited up until that point, then suddenly there was an error per page.
Two issues:
1) Somehow the virus that killed off everyone else turned the survivors young and beautiful. The woman de-aged. Grew inches taller. Her eyes and hair changed colors. She became young and strong. This happened to all the characters, another 98 year old woman became young and sexy. Why? An end of the world story with an older woman main character would be interesting, why make it a generic "everyone must be young and beautiful" thing?
2) Sigh. As way too many self-published books do, the author only paid to have the first 15% of her book edited. It was well edited up until that point, then suddenly there was an error per page.
May 27, 2020
Dint' buy into this book. Strange virus that wipes out 99% of humanity but surprisingly it changes everyone to look beautiful and be fit, even have some particular enhanced abilities. Then those survivors have a helping hand with specific dogs that are somehow modified to communicate mentally and are well trained. Then the bad guys have lame arguments for why they want to impose their will. Then the good guys somehow end up finding survivors with just the right set of skills needed to save kidnapped friends or rebuild a society. Lackluster interaction, reasoning for actions, character development.
Didn't hate it. But this was just so bad. Felt like it was written by a high school teenager. Will not be reading the sequels.
Didn't hate it. But this was just so bad. Felt like it was written by a high school teenager. Will not be reading the sequels.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2019
I just finished reading Critically Endangered and it was a fantastic start to a series.
The story flowed fast and brought in a lot of great, well-rounded characters.
Just when you thought you knew where the story was going, it changed pace and direction and kept you on the edge of your seat.
I loved how the author incorporated dogs in her book. I am hoping in the next book we can find out more about the dogs and their background.
Sometimes Sci-fi stories can get so far fetched that you just stop reading because of the ridiculousness. This wasn't the case with this book.
I cannot wait to read the 2nd book.
The story flowed fast and brought in a lot of great, well-rounded characters.
Just when you thought you knew where the story was going, it changed pace and direction and kept you on the edge of your seat.
I loved how the author incorporated dogs in her book. I am hoping in the next book we can find out more about the dogs and their background.
Sometimes Sci-fi stories can get so far fetched that you just stop reading because of the ridiculousness. This wasn't the case with this book.
I cannot wait to read the 2nd book.
May 24, 2021
So much more than the end of the world
People are dying all over the world. Karen loses her husband and two grown children to the fever. And she gets sick herself. This 64 year old woman wakes up days later and her body is changing. She has been transformed back to her young self. But she is alone except for her dogs. There are only approximately 20,000 people left in the world.
I loved this book. It combined the apocalypse with characters that you get to know. It also has action, drama, mystery, a little romance, and even a little sci fi and comedy. It's not your typical end of the world story. It's so much more.
People are dying all over the world. Karen loses her husband and two grown children to the fever. And she gets sick herself. This 64 year old woman wakes up days later and her body is changing. She has been transformed back to her young self. But she is alone except for her dogs. There are only approximately 20,000 people left in the world.
I loved this book. It combined the apocalypse with characters that you get to know. It also has action, drama, mystery, a little romance, and even a little sci fi and comedy. It's not your typical end of the world story. It's so much more.
August 19, 2018
Wow!! this book was easy to get into and very hard to put down!
This is a different taken on "apocalyptic" themed books. I loved the idea, and was not dissatisfied with the result. A smooth read, story starts right off and the characters are interesting. There is not enough to be said about the dogs, that was one of the best parts of the story. I look forward to the next book and if you are looking for a fun and enjoyable read i highly recommend it!
This is a different taken on "apocalyptic" themed books. I loved the idea, and was not dissatisfied with the result. A smooth read, story starts right off and the characters are interesting. There is not enough to be said about the dogs, that was one of the best parts of the story. I look forward to the next book and if you are looking for a fun and enjoyable read i highly recommend it!
February 19, 2020
I love a great apocalyptic story where the heroine or hero has a brave animal companion!!!
I'd join that pack anytime! Great Story can hardly wait to start the next book in the series!! Nice twists on the old world epidemic killing off most of humanity theme looking forward to see if the bad pennies our hero and heroine battled will be back and if we will find out where the killer plague originated from!!
Good job,thanks for bringing this story to us readers!
I'd join that pack anytime! Great Story can hardly wait to start the next book in the series!! Nice twists on the old world epidemic killing off most of humanity theme looking forward to see if the bad pennies our hero and heroine battled will be back and if we will find out where the killer plague originated from!!
Good job,thanks for bringing this story to us readers!
August 2, 2021
A compelling read, especially for fellow dog lovers!
Kept me glued to the pages until the end! Not your normal apocalypse book. Very unique with well developed characters and some really good world building!
First book I've read by this author but won't be the last. Already downloaded the second book ok f this series! Highly recommend this book to dog lovers and fans of this genre.
Kept me glued to the pages until the end! Not your normal apocalypse book. Very unique with well developed characters and some really good world building!
First book I've read by this author but won't be the last. Already downloaded the second book ok f this series! Highly recommend this book to dog lovers and fans of this genre.
September 15, 2018
Goodgoodgood
The premise was one close to my heart. I have pondered such an ending/beginning many times. The enhancements plus the struggle was wonderful. I'll not give away more story. I am concerned about the sequel given that you chose to use a cartoon face on the cover. And not a very becoming one either. So we'll have to think that one over a bit.
The premise was one close to my heart. I have pondered such an ending/beginning many times. The enhancements plus the struggle was wonderful. I'll not give away more story. I am concerned about the sequel given that you chose to use a cartoon face on the cover. And not a very becoming one either. So we'll have to think that one over a bit.
September 16, 2018
Excellent
Highly recommend this book!!! The length is just right (not too short). I enjoyed the people and dogs. The plot was wonderful. I read a lot of books and most are okay but this one I loved. I couldn't wait to have time to get back to the story. This book had me laughing out loud and covering my eyes during suspense. I will read everything by this author. Thank you!
Highly recommend this book!!! The length is just right (not too short). I enjoyed the people and dogs. The plot was wonderful. I read a lot of books and most are okay but this one I loved. I couldn't wait to have time to get back to the story. This book had me laughing out loud and covering my eyes during suspense. I will read everything by this author. Thank you!
September 23, 2018
Unique!
A u pique outlook on an apocalypse! I loved the story for its difference! The characters are well drawn, and the story is intriguing. An event that decimated most of the population and leaves the scattered survivors different, in a good way. Loved that dogs held such a prominent spot!
A u pique outlook on an apocalypse! I loved the story for its difference! The characters are well drawn, and the story is intriguing. An event that decimated most of the population and leaves the scattered survivors different, in a good way. Loved that dogs held such a prominent spot!
October 5, 2018
Great reading
Having read quite a few apocalyptic books, this one is very believable and I loved the storyline. Both human and canine characters were wonderfully matched. This book kept my attention and I would highly recommend it. Extra plus is that it has a strong feminine lead, which is the icing on the cake for me.
Having read quite a few apocalyptic books, this one is very believable and I loved the storyline. Both human and canine characters were wonderfully matched. This book kept my attention and I would highly recommend it. Extra plus is that it has a strong feminine lead, which is the icing on the cake for me.
October 22, 2018
Good/different book
Anyone who talks to their animals, as I do, and believes they understand, will really enjoy this author.
I do have one problem, though. Ms. Austin let's her "character in danger" scenes go.on way too long, so I began skimming them.. PLEASE - tighten them up. Also, more about the animals, please.
Anyone who talks to their animals, as I do, and believes they understand, will really enjoy this author.
I do have one problem, though. Ms. Austin let's her "character in danger" scenes go.on way too long, so I began skimming them.. PLEASE - tighten them up. Also, more about the animals, please.
December 8, 2018
One of my new favorite books!
I enjoyed this book because it reminded me of my all time favorite apocalyptic novel “Earth Abides” by George Stewart. These stories both sustain my belief that although flawed, people really are good at heart—and that dogs are universally better than anyone.
I enjoyed this book because it reminded me of my all time favorite apocalyptic novel “Earth Abides” by George Stewart. These stories both sustain my belief that although flawed, people really are good at heart—and that dogs are universally better than anyone.
January 26, 2019
Nice story
It was a nice story. Totally predictable, but a different story line. The author gives credit to a publisher and an English professor. Both should be fired. Grammar, word usage, typo's, and other errors were so blatant that I literally had to stop reading to try and adjust the flow.
It was a nice story. Totally predictable, but a different story line. The author gives credit to a publisher and an English professor. Both should be fired. Grammar, word usage, typo's, and other errors were so blatant that I literally had to stop reading to try and adjust the flow.
April 15, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and had trouble breaking away from it for daily life stuff. A very interesting perspective of the WTSHTF/apocalyptic storyline. The characters were fun and fascinating in their journey in the new world they were living in. Looking forward to the next of the series books. Thank you to the author for sharing your gift of opening a new world for others to see.
April 22, 2021
Awesome book!!
I typically don’t read dystopian books. I love sci fi and books about witches. But this book drew me in on the first page and I literally could not put it down. I even gave up my fav tv shows to read this book! This book is a must read! I am now going to start book 2 in the series. I know I won’t be disappointed.
I typically don’t read dystopian books. I love sci fi and books about witches. But this book drew me in on the first page and I literally could not put it down. I even gave up my fav tv shows to read this book! This book is a must read! I am now going to start book 2 in the series. I know I won’t be disappointed.
May 9, 2021
Such a joy to read
I don't think I have ever read a book like this. The relationship between Karen and Mike with Jack and Jill, is awesome. The virus that changed them all is unique and makes all the characters exciting. This is a great book and I strongly recommend you read it.
I don't think I have ever read a book like this. The relationship between Karen and Mike with Jack and Jill, is awesome. The virus that changed them all is unique and makes all the characters exciting. This is a great book and I strongly recommend you read it.
August 6, 2018
Engaging and Entertaining
I love the attention to detail in this book. Although it is science fiction, the author includes enough real detail to keep me grounded in the story. I have already gotten her second book. . .
I love the attention to detail in this book. Although it is science fiction, the author includes enough real detail to keep me grounded in the story. I have already gotten her second book. . .
September 9, 2018
Totally Awesome!
Such a different direction than most EOTWAWKI stories and I absolutely adored it. It's a fast paced story with many great characters and I guarantee you won't be sorry to invest both time and money in this book. Totally worth both!
Such a different direction than most EOTWAWKI stories and I absolutely adored it. It's a fast paced story with many great characters and I guarantee you won't be sorry to invest both time and money in this book. Totally worth both!
September 15, 2018
If only!
For me this book was a slow start but once
I became more involved in the story I was hooked.!'losing so many people right up front was hard. But to experience the change as they
Did would / could be a an experience to enjoy.I'm looking forward to the next issue n,a
For me this book was a slow start but once
I became more involved in the story I was hooked.!'losing so many people right up front was hard. But to experience the change as they
Did would / could be a an experience to enjoy.I'm looking forward to the next issue n,a
October 13, 2018
Very enjoyable
Read it in two days. Loved it. Won't spoil but if you love dogs, not-too-hard-core dystopian stories, and still have hope for humanity, you might just like this ride! I did!
Read it in two days. Loved it. Won't spoil but if you love dogs, not-too-hard-core dystopian stories, and still have hope for humanity, you might just like this ride! I did!
October 24, 2018
An exciting read
This book was a perfect combination of thriller, post apocalyptic, character development, and a dash of romance. Plus there are dogs. Dogs make everything better. Can’t wait to read the second book.
This book was a perfect combination of thriller, post apocalyptic, character development, and a dash of romance. Plus there are dogs. Dogs make everything better. Can’t wait to read the second book.
October 25, 2018
A terrific story of love and sushi al
I heartily recommend this book to readers of all genre. Survival of a disaster of this magnitude means cooperation, communication and most importantly love and respect. Best book I ever read.
I heartily recommend this book to readers of all genre. Survival of a disaster of this magnitude means cooperation, communication and most importantly love and respect. Best book I ever read.
October 29, 2018
A wonderful read !
finally a book that gives our canine compatriots the place they deserve at our sides. Excellent character development and a plot that keeps the pages turning...Looking forward to the sequel(s)!... Maggie
finally a book that gives our canine compatriots the place they deserve at our sides. Excellent character development and a plot that keeps the pages turning...Looking forward to the sequel(s)!... Maggie
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews