The Silence

In The Silence, Earth is devastated by the release of blind but sound-sensitive creatures known as vesps, hailing from ancient underground caverns. These winged predators hunt by the slightest noise—making any whisper a potential death sentence. The story follows Ally, a deaf teenager who survives the initial attack at school, alongside her parents and younger brother. With her hearing loss becoming their greatest asset, the family embarks on a perilous journey across a ruined landscape. Their goal: a remote refuge rumored to be safe in rural England.

Tim Lebbon creates a haunting and innovative twist on apocalyptic horror—using silence not as an absence, but as a weapon and shield. The narrative tension is intense, with every sound potentially fatal. Beyond the creatures, the story delves into the moral decay in desperation: what atrocities will people commit to survive? Family bonds are tested, sacrifices must be made, and survival becomes a stark measure of human resilience. With crisp pacing and visceral scenes, The Silence offers an immersive thrill ride. Readers who loved A Quiet Place or The Road will find echoes here—but Lebbon’s storytelling stands firmly on its own. A novel that chills and stays with you long after the last page.