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The Plague
An opportunist President takes advantage of a bad vaccine to declare war on science, outlawing vaccinations and most scientific research. Suddenly, the country is faced with the resurgence of many diseases thought to be eradicated, including the bubonic plague and no way to cure them. Britton Gravel, a mother and funeral home proprietor is up against the clock to find a cure for the antibiotic-resistant plague, and discover who took her sick son, while dodging government agents who will stop at nothing to repress the truth.
110 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2019
4 people are currently reading
1136 people want to read
About the author
Ryan L. Canning
2 books66 followersRyan L Canning grew up in a small town in Muskoka, Ontario in an artistic environment.
Both parents are avid readers and his father was a woodworker. An appreciation for art and the written word were instilled in Ryan at an early age.
He explored many different mediums before finding his niche with costume designing and writing.
Ryan L Canning has two self-published novels "Syn" and "Synce..." which he wrote under the pseudonym, R.L. Canning. Ryan has taken the lessons he learned writing the 2 full-length novels and applied them to his thriller novella "The Plague."
CONNECT WITH RYAN ON FACEBOOK
Both parents are avid readers and his father was a woodworker. An appreciation for art and the written word were instilled in Ryan at an early age.
He explored many different mediums before finding his niche with costume designing and writing.
Ryan L Canning has two self-published novels "Syn" and "Synce..." which he wrote under the pseudonym, R.L. Canning. Ryan has taken the lessons he learned writing the 2 full-length novels and applied them to his thriller novella "The Plague."
CONNECT WITH RYAN ON FACEBOOK
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 24, 2022
Wow! What a thrilling novella! This book covers the breakdown of a future society and its many shortcomings. Add in some of the supernatural occurrences and thrilling secrets to uncover and it makes for a great and fast read.
October 11, 2020
What a fantastic novella! Absolutely enjoyed this. Pretty timely with what's going on in the world as well. I could definitely have gone for a longer story, but it was still wonderful! LOVE!!
October 11, 2020
Fun read, fitting for all ages
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway contest.
This novella was a fun read, and is definitely chilling with the current pandemic impacting daily life. Some of the characters seem to be references to present day people, but they do not use names directly. While they were somewhat noticeable, the book was an enjoyable read and was pretty fast paced. The author did an excellent job and could definitely write a full length book and even make a series out of it, as I thought of Connie Willis' sci-fi books about time travel as I read this.
While a novella, it is still a bit fast paced and seemed to rapidly come with solutions, but that worked out well too, because the reader can enjoy the story without needing extensive scientific or historical knowledge. The action has moments that were not intended to be funny, but due to similarities to real life, came off that way, and made the book more corny, but good.
I would recommend this to anyone who wants a short read and enjoys sci-fi, history, or mystery, and it is appropriate for all ages, with a few choice words, but not too crazy. The audience can enjoy it and understand without feeling too overwhelmed and makes for an excellent, positive read.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway contest.
This novella was a fun read, and is definitely chilling with the current pandemic impacting daily life. Some of the characters seem to be references to present day people, but they do not use names directly. While they were somewhat noticeable, the book was an enjoyable read and was pretty fast paced. The author did an excellent job and could definitely write a full length book and even make a series out of it, as I thought of Connie Willis' sci-fi books about time travel as I read this.
While a novella, it is still a bit fast paced and seemed to rapidly come with solutions, but that worked out well too, because the reader can enjoy the story without needing extensive scientific or historical knowledge. The action has moments that were not intended to be funny, but due to similarities to real life, came off that way, and made the book more corny, but good.
I would recommend this to anyone who wants a short read and enjoys sci-fi, history, or mystery, and it is appropriate for all ages, with a few choice words, but not too crazy. The audience can enjoy it and understand without feeling too overwhelmed and makes for an excellent, positive read.
October 14, 2020
Great read
I liked this book that I won as a giveaway from Goodreads (Kindle format)...its different from something I would've normally picked...it was a little eerie reading it as we are going through rough times with the Coronavirus because their president in the book reminds me of ours...im glad it had a happy ending though
I liked this book that I won as a giveaway from Goodreads (Kindle format)...its different from something I would've normally picked...it was a little eerie reading it as we are going through rough times with the Coronavirus because their president in the book reminds me of ours...im glad it had a happy ending though
August 4, 2021
It may be the times, but I really loved this book, even more than I would have normally! It had such an interesting story and unique approach to the writing and flow.
I really liked the level of detail the author gave us. It was so in depth, but not to a point you felt bogged down with it. It also allow for an excellent flow of story, with a brilliant pace.
Overall, the story was realistic enough to really keep you hooked, it gave you that creepy feeling up your spine and it was just so easy to sit down and read-and not want to put down. I highly recommend this brilliant book.
I really liked the level of detail the author gave us. It was so in depth, but not to a point you felt bogged down with it. It also allow for an excellent flow of story, with a brilliant pace.
Overall, the story was realistic enough to really keep you hooked, it gave you that creepy feeling up your spine and it was just so easy to sit down and read-and not want to put down. I highly recommend this brilliant book.
July 18, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this book. The only fault I found was that it was too short.
January 17, 2021
*I won this book in a goodreads giveaway*
I like to put a disclaimer before my reviews that I suck at writing reviews 🤣 anyway, I really enjoyed this book. I was hooked from the beginning and it kept my attention the entire read. If I didn’t know any better I would think this was about current situations going on here in the U.S..... eerily similar. The reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 was was the added time travel story line. While I did enjoy that part and it did tie the 2 worlds together I just found it odd.
I like to put a disclaimer before my reviews that I suck at writing reviews 🤣 anyway, I really enjoyed this book. I was hooked from the beginning and it kept my attention the entire read. If I didn’t know any better I would think this was about current situations going on here in the U.S..... eerily similar. The reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 was was the added time travel story line. While I did enjoy that part and it did tie the 2 worlds together I just found it odd.
November 30, 2019
A well paced read with some fun twists and turns. It touches on some timely topics. I enjoyed it.
October 23, 2020
I won this book as an ARC on Goodreads in return for an honest review.
The Plague is a story that is both interesting and daring. I’ve not read anything about Plague Doctors in some time, so I looked forward to this. Canning brings a medieval vibe to a modern era while adding relevant details that both support and escalate the plot. I will briefly cover some of the good and the bad.
The bad:
- The immediate info dump at the beginning. This is interesting, considering the current state of the world, but it would be better served if added to the story as current events happen to the protagonist.
- Britt is hard to cheer for. Her decisions are questionable, at best. A few examples are: bringing lab equipment into the funeral home just after it's raided by the Feds, visiting the CDC where there are dangerous diseases stored and failing to take PPE to protect herself, and this quote, “She started to think about the tests; she couldn’t remember if she had hidden them or if they were out in plain view.” But the worst is when Britt and Adi are attempting to make a cure and their progress is said to “smoke and melt the glass” and “not having the right color” and shockingly, we’re told that if Hunter were there, he would be the guinea pig.
- The majority of the rescue plot relying on coincidence. Britt just happens to drive past a shop that is open at 3 a.m. where a man just happens to be a conspiracy theorist and knows about Plague Doctors. They head to the CDC looking for Paul Harris and just happen to find a dodgy picture of him that just happens to hide a secret cubby with a map leading to a secret lab. Shortly after, a man named Charles just happens to hide outside said lab and is able to make the cure. The only plan Britt actually has is to steal a suit and follow the Doctors into the fog, so without coincidence, Hunter will still die of the virus.
The good:
- The story of Plague Doctors. I’ve never heard of one and may never again, so to me, this is a good bit of originality. These terrifying medieval medical elements mixed with steampunk and time travel make this premise interesting and open. I enjoy the suits, the poppies, and the connection of missing flowers to the Doctors. Nice key elements. And although some exciting bits are bypassed (illegal underground scientists groups and the mystery behind the time travel/purgatory), there is quite a lot of potential here to expand.
- The journey of Britt. As stated above, she may not be all that thoughtful of her actions, but she does grow as a character, going from worried-stay-at-home-mom to undercover-savior-to-the-world. She also has determination, because when the Plague Doctors take her son, the story immediately spurs into action seeing her doing things that are both our of character and dangerous that quickly mold her into the sudden hero.
- The CDC. This has to be the best development of a government agency under extreme duress that I’ve read about so far. James, a CDC employee, is kicked back just chillin’, probably watching Netflix and drinking Red Bull. And the secret code for pizzas and sauce in reference to their hopeful illegal experimental cures is great! Really quite well done.
Overall, this is an interesting read with unique and intelligent ideas and moments. I personally like quicker starts, more horror, more gore, and a bit more action, but the story makes up for this with originality and leaving plenty of room for expansion if Canning decides to take it further. A sweet story with a sweet ending.
The Plague is a story that is both interesting and daring. I’ve not read anything about Plague Doctors in some time, so I looked forward to this. Canning brings a medieval vibe to a modern era while adding relevant details that both support and escalate the plot. I will briefly cover some of the good and the bad.
The bad:
- The immediate info dump at the beginning. This is interesting, considering the current state of the world, but it would be better served if added to the story as current events happen to the protagonist.
- Britt is hard to cheer for. Her decisions are questionable, at best. A few examples are: bringing lab equipment into the funeral home just after it's raided by the Feds, visiting the CDC where there are dangerous diseases stored and failing to take PPE to protect herself, and this quote, “She started to think about the tests; she couldn’t remember if she had hidden them or if they were out in plain view.” But the worst is when Britt and Adi are attempting to make a cure and their progress is said to “smoke and melt the glass” and “not having the right color” and shockingly, we’re told that if Hunter were there, he would be the guinea pig.
- The majority of the rescue plot relying on coincidence. Britt just happens to drive past a shop that is open at 3 a.m. where a man just happens to be a conspiracy theorist and knows about Plague Doctors. They head to the CDC looking for Paul Harris and just happen to find a dodgy picture of him that just happens to hide a secret cubby with a map leading to a secret lab. Shortly after, a man named Charles just happens to hide outside said lab and is able to make the cure. The only plan Britt actually has is to steal a suit and follow the Doctors into the fog, so without coincidence, Hunter will still die of the virus.
The good:
- The story of Plague Doctors. I’ve never heard of one and may never again, so to me, this is a good bit of originality. These terrifying medieval medical elements mixed with steampunk and time travel make this premise interesting and open. I enjoy the suits, the poppies, and the connection of missing flowers to the Doctors. Nice key elements. And although some exciting bits are bypassed (illegal underground scientists groups and the mystery behind the time travel/purgatory), there is quite a lot of potential here to expand.
- The journey of Britt. As stated above, she may not be all that thoughtful of her actions, but she does grow as a character, going from worried-stay-at-home-mom to undercover-savior-to-the-world. She also has determination, because when the Plague Doctors take her son, the story immediately spurs into action seeing her doing things that are both our of character and dangerous that quickly mold her into the sudden hero.
- The CDC. This has to be the best development of a government agency under extreme duress that I’ve read about so far. James, a CDC employee, is kicked back just chillin’, probably watching Netflix and drinking Red Bull. And the secret code for pizzas and sauce in reference to their hopeful illegal experimental cures is great! Really quite well done.
Overall, this is an interesting read with unique and intelligent ideas and moments. I personally like quicker starts, more horror, more gore, and a bit more action, but the story makes up for this with originality and leaving plenty of room for expansion if Canning decides to take it further. A sweet story with a sweet ending.
August 11, 2021
The President has outlawed vaccinations and most scientific research. Many known and unknown viruses are now making an appearance once again in the world, killing thousands. An unknown plague is making its rounds and people are dying everywhere. Bodies are plying up with no place to store them. Mass burnings are taking place.
Britton Gravel is a mother and owns a funeral home. Her little boy becomes sick with the plague. Britton is trying her very best to find a cure for the plague to save her little boy and the world. If she is caught trying to find a vaccination the consequences could be very server if not deadly for her and anyone helping her.
Everything is going fairly well until the day the Plague Doctors walk into her home without even knocking and take her little boy away. Britton will do whatever it takes to find her little boy and bring him home. Who are the Plague Doctors? Will her little boy be safe with them? Why did they take her little boy?
The Plague is a short but fun read. It is filled with enough suspense and mystery to keep the pages turning from beginning to end. The Plague may be a short read but it reads like a full-length novel as it packs a big punch.
It never became boring even with all the scientific information that was given. As a matter of fact, scientific information is one of the things that kept me hooked from the first page to the last.
I really enjoy reading books about the plague, viruses, and the CDC, and let me tell you The Plague did not disappoint in the least. It was on the top of its game. With saying this I will have to admit that I did have one little problem with the story and let me state that it is only a small thing and that is that I would have liked for the story to have been longer. I would love to read more about The Plague’s world and its characters.
I would recommend The Plague to anyone looking for a quick, short story to read. Well, that is if you are into books about viruses or the plague. I would like to suggest that you one-click your copy of The Plague today!
Britton Gravel is a mother and owns a funeral home. Her little boy becomes sick with the plague. Britton is trying her very best to find a cure for the plague to save her little boy and the world. If she is caught trying to find a vaccination the consequences could be very server if not deadly for her and anyone helping her.
Everything is going fairly well until the day the Plague Doctors walk into her home without even knocking and take her little boy away. Britton will do whatever it takes to find her little boy and bring him home. Who are the Plague Doctors? Will her little boy be safe with them? Why did they take her little boy?
The Plague is a short but fun read. It is filled with enough suspense and mystery to keep the pages turning from beginning to end. The Plague may be a short read but it reads like a full-length novel as it packs a big punch.
It never became boring even with all the scientific information that was given. As a matter of fact, scientific information is one of the things that kept me hooked from the first page to the last.
I really enjoy reading books about the plague, viruses, and the CDC, and let me tell you The Plague did not disappoint in the least. It was on the top of its game. With saying this I will have to admit that I did have one little problem with the story and let me state that it is only a small thing and that is that I would have liked for the story to have been longer. I would love to read more about The Plague’s world and its characters.
I would recommend The Plague to anyone looking for a quick, short story to read. Well, that is if you are into books about viruses or the plague. I would like to suggest that you one-click your copy of The Plague today!
October 19, 2020
This book starts out as a modern, realistic story until the "plague doctors" come. I was somewhat disappointed with this as I'm not into sci-fi books. However, the book does have plenty of suspense that makes the reader what to continue to make sure the story ends the way one hopes.
It's a short book and easy to read. I think it could have been made into a great full-length novel (maybe without the time travel) with more development of the characters and the plot but just my thoughts because I wasn't quite ready for the book to end when it did.
It's a short book and easy to read. I think it could have been made into a great full-length novel (maybe without the time travel) with more development of the characters and the plot but just my thoughts because I wasn't quite ready for the book to end when it did.
October 21, 2020
I won this book on Goodreads. Probably based on the type of reading I enjoy, I would never pick this book to read. The writing reminded of a high school student writing a short story for a writing assignment. Not that it was bad, just not my cup of tea. It certainly did sound a bit like what we are dealing with today, science and government. It was fast moving and easy to read. I don't think I would recommend it, though, to any of my friends.
August 18, 2021
Is a novella supposed to pack this much of a punch? This story is both timely and a bit terrifying with recent events. There were a few things that would be all too easy to imagine possibly happening, which absolutely left my stomach in knots. A quick, yet immersive and emotional read, be warned going in - this feels very real when you're reading it. Excellent writing, a great story, and plenty of chills to go around.
October 21, 2020
Great Short Read
This book was outside my normal genre but I really enjoyed it. Very different plot but definitely intertwined the different generations in an interesting way. While it's a novella and a nice shorter read there are parts I could easily see expanded for an even more interesting read. Definitely a great pick for October during a pandemic
This book was outside my normal genre but I really enjoyed it. Very different plot but definitely intertwined the different generations in an interesting way. While it's a novella and a nice shorter read there are parts I could easily see expanded for an even more interesting read. Definitely a great pick for October during a pandemic
September 23, 2021
Interesting plot
It's amazing that this has a copyright year of 2019 as it seems prescient.
Unfortunately it had many printing errors and almost seems written for a younger audience except for two profanities. This was a Goodreads giveaway win. I'm hesitant to recommend this.
It's amazing that this has a copyright year of 2019 as it seems prescient.
Unfortunately it had many printing errors and almost seems written for a younger audience except for two profanities. This was a Goodreads giveaway win. I'm hesitant to recommend this.
October 8, 2022
The Plague review.
I found the story enjoyable, it moved on without the fluff of making it a longer novel. There were twists and turns to add to the intrigue. The ending was a far stretch of imagination but why not. This was a Goodreads giveaway.
I found the story enjoyable, it moved on without the fluff of making it a longer novel. There were twists and turns to add to the intrigue. The ending was a far stretch of imagination but why not. This was a Goodreads giveaway.
October 16, 2020
I won this book in a giveaway and I just wanted to say that it was a very fun and interesting read. I definitely would recommend it to someone.
October 22, 2020
This book had potential but got weird what with the fog story line. Also, the grammar was terrible..was there no proof reading done?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2021
*I won this in a Goodreads Giveaway* This novella hit the nail on the head with the timing of the pandemic. Very eerie and quite an enjoyable read.
December 16, 2021
Awkward storyline and interpersonal relationships. DNF
September 8, 2024
This novella is a great read! The story is eery, thought-provoking and entertaining. I thoroughly enjoyed it and it was written very well.
August 27, 2021
This is a novella, not always my favorite type of story. However this one seems to have depth. It’s also a quick, fun read. I liked the idea that it is written about the pandemic or as if there is one in the story. There’s a little bit of everything here genre-wise...sci-fi, mystery, and a little history. The action is what I think makes the reading move along so well. Overall, a really enjoyable read although I sure wouldn’t mind reading a full-length book by this author.
March 31, 2021
An amazing book!!!
I would recommend it for teens and adults. The “time travel” component is a great addition to the suspenseful story!
And getting a “cure” and having the President step down? If only we could do that!!!
Great job, Ryan! Can’t wait for your next masterpiece 👍
I would recommend it for teens and adults. The “time travel” component is a great addition to the suspenseful story!
And getting a “cure” and having the President step down? If only we could do that!!!
Great job, Ryan! Can’t wait for your next masterpiece 👍
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews