Posts

Showing posts from March, 2025

Stolen Valor

"Stolen Valor" by Craig Rainey is an electrifying action-adventure novel that marks the gripping debut of the Carson Brand series. Published by Craig Rainey Creative, LLC, this fast-paced thriller dives into the gritty underworld of crime, betrayal, and survival, set against the backdrop of Texas and Mexico. The story follows Carson Brand, a tough-as-nails construction worker from the San Antonio area, whose life takes a dramatic turn after a seemingly routine night out with his best friend, Bert, across the Mexican border. Brand is portrayed as a man of raw physicality—skilled with a hammer on the job and equally adept with his fists in a fight. His weekend escapades with Bert are typically lighthearted, but trouble brews when Bert, a serial womanizer with a hidden connection to a powerful drug cartel, crosses the wrong woman. What begins as a night of revelry quickly spirals into chaos, leaving Brand betrayed, alone, and thrust into a deadly game of cat and mouse. Unbekno...

Panama Red

"Panama Red" by David Edward is a gripping military thriller that marks the debut of the Dirk Lasher series. Set in the late 1980s during Manuel Noriega’s reign in Panama, the novel follows U.S. Army Special Agent Dirk Lasher, an undercover operative tasked with gathering intelligence from low-level informants. What begins as a routine assignment quickly spirals into a high-stakes battle involving government conspiracies, drug cartels, and international intrigue. The story kicks off when Lasher, a lone-wolf agent, encounters unexpected trouble during an operation. After taking down two strangers who turn out to be DEA agents, he uncovers a web of corruption tied to Noriega’s security forces and a shadowy organization aiming to destabilize global financial markets. As the plot unfolds, Lasher finds himself racing against time to rescue the abducted family of an informant, battling Colombian thugs linked to Pablo Escobar, and navigating the treacherous jungles near the Panama...

There Are No Countries

"There Are No Countries" by Marshall Smith is a captivating and imaginative science fiction novel, the first in the "Lucid Machines" series, published in August 2020. The story transports readers to the newly discovered planet of Dandros, a world ripe with life and seemingly perfect for colonization. Unlike Earth, Dandros has no people or vertebrate animals, yet it holds mysterious traces of civilization—a single castle and a statue of a man known as "the anomaly." This enigmatic figure, with energy resonating from its head, becomes the focal point of curiosity and exploration for scouting crews who arrive to probe its secrets. The narrative centers on Doug, the protagonist, who finds himself thrust into this alien landscape after slipping into another reality via a splicing machine. Doug is an ordinary man turned involuntary explorer, navigating a strange yet endearing world populated by "Preforms"—semi-evolved, humanoid beings with incredible...

Negative Space

"Negative Space" by B.R. Yeager is a haunting, experimental novel that plunges readers into a world of existential dread, teenage alienation, and cosmic horror. Published in 2020 by Apocalypse Party, this book has garnered a cult following for its unflinching portrayal of a decaying small town and the fractured lives of its young inhabitants. Set in the fictional Kinsfield, New Hampshire, the story unfolds through the perspectives of three teenagers—Jill, Lu, and Ahmir—whose lives intersect with a fourth character, Tyler, a magnetic yet deeply troubled figure whose occult obsessions and drug-fueled rituals drive much of the narrative. The novel begins with a premise that feels faintly familiar: a small town gripped by a wave of teenage suicides, a backdrop of parental neglect, and a pervasive sense of stagnation. But Yeager quickly subverts any expectations of a conventional coming-of-age tale. The suicides—often carried out with an orange extension cord—become a grotesque ...

The Marbled Swarm

"The Marbled Swarm" by Dennis Cooper is a novel that plunges readers into a disorienting, darkly seductive world where language, power, and depravity intertwine. Published in 2011, it stands out as one of Cooper’s most stylistically ambitious and thematically unsettling works. Known for his transgressive fiction, Cooper here crafts a narrative that’s as much about the act of storytelling as it is about the disturbing events it recounts. The story is narrated by an unnamed, wealthy young Frenchman whose voice is both hypnotic and unreliable. He begins by describing his purchase of a chateau from a family marked by tragedy—a father who spied on his sons’ abusive relationship, one brother dead, the other abducted by the narrator for sinister purposes. From there, the plot spirals into a labyrinth of secret passages, hidden rooms, and perverse revelations, mirroring the narrator’s own tangled mind. Themes of voyeurism, incest, cannibalism, and manipulation emerge, delivered wit...

A Harvest of Hearts

"A Harvest of Hearts" by Andrea Eames is a captivating fantasy novel that blends whimsy, adventure, and a touch of darkness into a story that feels both timeless and fresh. Published on March 4, 2025, this book has been likened to classics like Howl’s Moving Castle and The House in the Cerulean Sea, yet it carves its own path with a unique magical premise and a grounded, relatable heroine. The story centers on Foss Butcher, a plainspoken, practical young woman from a small village where magic-workers periodically arrive to harvest pieces of human hearts to fuel their spells. This grim tradition is accepted as a fact of life in her kingdom, but Foss—self-described as clumsy and unremarkable—never imagines she’d be a target. That changes when Sylvester, a petulant and inexperienced sorcerer, accidentally snags a piece of her heart, binding her to him in a way that’s both physically painful and emotionally complex. Determined to reclaim what’s hers, Foss sets off for the grand...

A Language of Dragons

"A Language of Dragons" by S.F. Williamson is a captivating debut novel that blends historical fantasy, dark academia, and the allure of dragons into a richly imagined narrative. Set in an alternate version of 1920s London, the story unfolds in a world where dragons and humans coexist under a fragile Peace Agreement, enforced by a rigid class system that divides society into three human tiers, with dragons relegated to an oppressed fourth class. This dystopian backdrop, steeped in political tension and social inequality, sets the stage for a tale that explores the power of language, the cost of loyalty, and the complexities of personal growth. The protagonist, Vivien Featherswallow, is a young linguist with a passion for dragon languages, fluent in multiple human and draconic tongues. Initially, her ambitions are modest yet deeply personal: to secure an internship studying dragon linguistics and ensure her younger sister never falls into the downtrodden Third Class. Vivien ...

The Rose Bargain

"The Rose Bargain" by Sasha Peyton Smith is a captivating young adult romantasy novel that kicks off an anticipated duology. Set in an alternate Victorian London in 1848, the story unfolds in a world where England has been ruled for four centuries by an immortal fae queen, Mor, who seized the throne through cunning deception. This richly imagined setting blends the elegance of Regency-era society with the perilous allure of faerie magic, drawing comparisons to works like "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black and "The Selection" by Kiera Cass, while adding its own darkly enchanting twist. At the heart of the novel is Ivy Benton, an eighteen-year-old debutante whose family’s fortunes have crumbled following a scandal involving her older sister, Lydia. In this world, every citizen is granted one opportunity to strike a bargain with Queen Mor for their deepest desire—a privilege that comes with unpredictable and often steep costs. High society girls typically ba...

Heavenly Bodies

"Heavenly Bodies" by Imani Erriu is a captivating debut novel that has taken the romantasy genre by storm, blending celestial mythology, shadow magic, and a heart-wrenching enemies-to-lovers romance into an unforgettable tale. First published independently in 2022 and later re-released in a traditionally published edition in January 2025 by Random House Canada, the book has garnered a passionate following, fueled by its viral success on platforms like TikTok and glowing reviews from readers and critics alike. Set in a richly imagined world ruled by the Stars—cruel, merciless gods who hold dominion over humanity—the story centers on Elara, a princess of the Kingdom of Night, who is cursed by a prophecy. This prophecy foretells that she will fall in love with a Star, a union destined to end in mutual destruction. When Ariete, the Star of Wrath, War, and Chaos, descends to wreak havoc on her kingdom, Elara is forced to flee to the neighboring Kingdom of Light, Helios. There, sh...

This Woven Kingdom

This Woven Kingdom is a fantasy novel by Tahereh Mafi, published in 2022, and the first installment in a planned series. Known for her lyrical prose and intricate world-building, Mafi crafts a story inspired by Persian mythology, weaving together romance, political intrigue, and magic in a richly imagined setting. The novel follows Alizeh, a young woman who appears to be a lowly servant but harbors a dangerous secret: she is the lost heir to an ancient Jinn kingdom, destined to reclaim her throne. In a world where Jinn are oppressed and feared by humans, Alizeh must conceal her identity while navigating a life of hardship. Her path crosses with Kamran, a prince and heir to the Ardunian empire, who is grappling with his own duties and a growing fascination with Alizeh. As their lives intertwine, political tensions rise, prophecies unfold, and a slow-burn romance begins to simmer, setting the stage for an epic tale of power and destiny. Mafi’s storytelling shines through her vivid de...

Defy the Night

Defy the Night is a captivating young adult fantasy novel by Brigid Kemmerer, published in 2021. It’s the first book in a series set in the kingdom of Kandala, a richly imagined world where political intrigue, social inequality, and a deadly fever threaten to unravel the fabric of society. Kemmerer, known for her ability to blend emotional depth with gripping plots, delivers a story that’s equal parts rebellion, romance, and resilience. The novel centers on two protagonists from starkly different walks of life. Tessa Cade is an apothecary’s apprentice who, after losing her parents to the fever, turns to smuggling rare medicinal elixirs made from the Moonflower petal to help the poor. Her work is dangerous, as the elixir is tightly controlled by the crown, and thieves are executed without mercy. On the other side is Prince Corrick, known as “King’s Justice,” the younger brother of King Harristan. By day, he’s a cold enforcer of the kingdom’s harsh laws; by night, he grapples with the ...

The Prison Healer

The Prison Healer is a captivating young adult fantasy novel by Australian author Lynette Noni, first published in 2021. It’s the opening installment of a trilogy that blends gritty realism with magical intrigue, centered around a strong, resourceful heroine named Kiva Meridan. The story unfolds in the grim confines of Zalindov, a notorious prison where survival is a daily struggle, and trust is a rare commodity. Kiva, the protagonist, is a 17-year-old who has spent the last decade of her life as Zalindov’s prison healer. She’s a skilled medic, hardened by her environment, yet carries a quiet resilience and a mysterious past. Her role involves tending to the inmates—patching up wounds, treating diseases, and occasionally easing the suffering of those doomed to die. Life in Zalindov is brutal, with prisoners subjected to harsh labor, starvation, and the constant threat of the guards’ cruelty. Kiva’s existence is one of cautious routine until a pivotal event disrupts her world: the arr...

House of Salt and Sorrows

House of Salt and Sorrows is a hauntingly beautiful young adult fantasy novel by Erin A. Craig, first published in 2019. Inspired by the classic fairy tale "The Twelve Dancing Princesses," this gothic retelling weaves a dark, atmospheric story filled with mystery, grief, and a touch of the supernatural. Set against the moody backdrop of a windswept island estate, the novel follows Annaleigh Thaumas, one of twelve sisters in a cursed family plagued by tragedy. The story begins with the Thaumas family reeling from the deaths of four of Annaleigh’s sisters, each lost to seemingly freak accidents or illness. The once-grand Highmoor estate, perched on the edge of the sea, feels more like a mausoleum than a home, shadowed by mourning and whispers of a curse. As the surviving sisters try to move forward—attending lavish balls and slipping into a strange, dreamlike routine of dancing each night—Annaleigh begins to suspect that the deaths were not accidents but murders. Driven by gr...

The Haar

"The Haar" by David Sodergren is a gripping and genre-blending horror novel that weaves together elements of folk horror, cosmic terror, and visceral body horror into a hauntingly unique tale. Set in the fictional Scottish fishing village of Witchaven, the story centers on Muriel McAuley, an elderly widow in her 80s who has spent her entire life in the coastal town. Fiercely independent and deeply tied to her home, Muriel faces an existential threat when a ruthless American property developer, Patrick Grant, sets his sights on razing Witchaven to build a luxury golf course. As the billionaire pressures the remaining residents to sell their ancestral lands, Muriel stands as the last holdout, refusing to abandon the house her late husband, Billy, built for her decades ago. The narrative takes a dark and fantastical turn when a mysterious fog—known as the "haar" in Scottish dialect—rolls in from the sea. This eerie, dense mist brings with it something otherworldly: a...

This Thing Between Us

"This Thing Between Us" by Gus Moreno is a haunting debut novel that blends grief, horror, and existential dread into a gripping narrative. Published in 2021, it follows Thiago Alvarez, a man grappling with the sudden and tragic death of his wife, Vera. The story unfolds as a deeply personal account, written in a first-person narrative where Thiago addresses Vera directly, as if recounting the events to her posthumously. This stylistic choice amplifies the emotional weight of the novel, pulling readers into Thiago’s spiraling despair and fractured mind. The novel begins with Thiago and Vera living in a Chicago condo, where strange occurrences—cold spots, scratching in the walls, and the erratic behavior of their smart speaker, Itza—hint at something sinister. Vera’s decision to purchase Itza, billed as “the world’s most advanced smart speaker,” initially seems like a quirky addition to their lives, but it soon becomes a conduit for unease, autonomously ordering bizarre item...

Boys in the Valley

"Boys in the Valley" by Philip Fracassi is a gripping horror novel that blends supernatural terror with deep emotional resonance, set against the stark backdrop of an early 20th-century orphanage. Published by Tor Nightfire in July 2023, the story unfolds in St. Vincent’s Orphanage for Boys, a remote Catholic institution nestled in a desolate Pennsylvania valley. The novel follows Peter Barlow, a sixteen-year-old orphan who arrived at St. Vincent’s seven years earlier after witnessing the horrific murder-suicide of his parents. Under the harsh rule of priests like the dogmatic Father Poole, Peter and the thirty other boys endure a grueling existence of scant food, hard labor, and strict discipline. Yet, Peter finds a sense of family among his peers and grapples with a pivotal choice: to pursue priesthood under the guidance of his mentor, Father Andrew, or to follow his heart toward Grace, a farmer’s daughter he’s grown to love. The narrative takes a dark turn when, one stor...

December Park

"December Park" by Ronald Malfi is a gripping coming-of-age suspense novel that blends elements of mystery, thriller, and subtle horror into a poignant exploration of youth, friendship, and the loss of innocence. Published in 2014, the story unfolds over the course of a year, from 1993 to 1994, in the fictional bayside town of Harting Farms, Maryland—a setting Malfi has described as a fictionalized reflection of his own childhood hometown of Severna Park. Often hailed as his most autobiographical work, "December Park" weaves a tale that is both deeply personal and universally relatable, earning praise for its atmospheric prose and richly drawn characters. The novel centers on Angelo "Angie" Mazzone, a 15-year-old narrator, and his tight-knit group of friends—Scott Steeple, Peter Galloway, Michael Sugarland, and the newcomer Adrian Gardiner. Set against the backdrop of a quiet suburb, their carefree teenage lives are upended when children begin vanishing ...

Small Town Horror

"Small Town Horror" by Ronald Malfi is a chilling and atmospheric novel that dives deep into the dark heart of small-town secrets, guilt, and the inescapable pull of the past. Published in June 2024 by Titan Books, this horror masterpiece centers on Andrew Larimer, a successful New York lawyer who has built a new life far from his childhood home of Kingsport, Maryland. With a pregnant wife and a promising career, Andrew seems to have left his past behind—until a late-night phone call from an old friend, Dale Walls, drags him back to the decaying seaside village where he grew up. The story unfolds across two timelines: the present, where Andrew returns to Kingsport, and the past, revealed through vivid flashbacks to a fateful night twenty years earlier. That night, Andrew and his four childhood friends—Dale, Eric (now the town’s deputy sheriff), Tig (a single mother running a local bar), and Meach (a drug-addicted wreck haunted by visions)—committed an act so terrible that t...

Pay the Piper

"Pay the Piper" is a supernatural horror novel co-authored by the legendary filmmaker George A. Romero and bestselling writer Daniel Kraus. Published in September 2024 by Union Square & Co., this chilling tale marks a posthumous collaboration, bringing to life an unfinished manuscript Romero left behind before his death in 2017. Discovered by Kraus in 2019 while exploring the George A. Romero Archival Collection at the University of Pittsburgh, the novel represents a departure from Romero’s iconic zombie narratives, showcasing his versatility as a storyteller with a deep dive into Southern Gothic and folk horror. Set in the fictional Alligator Point, Louisiana—a decaying bayou town with a population of just 141—the story centers on young Renée Pontiac, a sharp-witted nine-year-old who has grown up hearing tales of “the Piper,” a sinister swamp entity. When children begin disappearing and turning up brutally slain, the legend transforms into a horrifying reality. The tow...

Evil in Me

"Evil in Me" by Brom is a wild, visceral ride that blends punk rock energy with dark fantasy and horror, showcasing the acclaimed author and artist's signature style. Published in September 2024 by Tor Nightfire, this novel follows Ruby Tucker, an aspiring musician trapped in a stifling small rural town with a dysfunctional family. Ruby's dreams of escaping to Atlanta's punk scene with her best friend and bandmate have crumbled after a falling-out, leaving her stuck doing community service. Her life takes a sharp turn when, while helping an eccentric neighbor sort through religious relics, an ancient ring fuses to her finger, unleashing a bloodthirsty demon that possesses her. This isn’t just any possession tale—the ring becomes a beacon, drawing a grotesque mob of evil entities straight to Ruby, all eager to claim her flesh. What sets "Evil in Me" apart is its fusion of gritty 1980s punk culture with supernatural chaos. Ruby’s only hope for salvation ...

Krampus: The Yule Lord

Krampus: The Yule Lord is a dark fantasy novel written and illustrated by Gerald Brom, known simply as Brom, published in 2012. This book blends horror, mythology, and a twisted take on holiday lore, showcasing Brom’s signature style of vivid storytelling and macabre artistry. It’s a tale that flips the traditional Christmas narrative on its head, centering on Krampus, the horned, cloven-hoofed figure from Alpine folklore who punishes naughty children, as the protagonist in a gritty, violent, and surprisingly emotional story. The novel is set in the backwoods of Boone County, West Virginia, on Christmas Eve. The story follows Jesse Walker, a down-on-his-luck musician with a troubled past, who witnesses a bizarre event: a sleigh crashes in the sky, pursued by strange figures. This leads him to stumble upon a sack of magical loot dropped by Santa Claus himself. However, this discovery draws the attention of Krampus, the Yule Lord, who has been imprisoned for centuries and is now free, ...

Lost Gods

Lost Gods by Brom is a dark, visceral fantasy novel that showcases the artist and author's signature blend of grotesque beauty, haunting imagery, and deep emotional resonance. Published in 2016, the book takes readers on a harrowing journey through a nightmarish underworld, exploring themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the human condition—all wrapped in Brom’s gothic, mythological style. The story follows Chet Moran, a man fresh out of prison, desperate to leave his troubled past behind and start anew with his pregnant girlfriend, Trish. But fate has other plans. After a violent encounter forces Chet to flee, he finds himself fatally wounded—only to awaken in a strange, purgatorial realm. This is no ordinary afterlife; it’s a twisted landscape populated by forgotten gods, grotesque creatures, and lost souls trapped in an eternal struggle for power and survival. Chet’s only goal is to escape and return to the living world to save Trish and their unborn child, but the path is frau...

Slewfoot: A Tale of Bewitchery

Slewfoot: A Tale of Bewitchery is a dark and captivating novel by Gerald Brom, known simply as Brom, an artist and writer celebrated for his gothic fantasy works. Published in 2021, this book blends historical fiction, horror, and folklore into a richly atmospheric tale set in colonial New England. It’s a story of vengeance, identity, and the clash between Puritan rigidity and the wild, untamed forces of nature—both human and supernatural. The novel centers on Abitha, a young Englishwoman who arrives in the Connecticut colony in 1666 to begin a new life with her husband, Edward. Abitha is spirited and headstrong, traits that immediately put her at odds with the strict, God-fearing community and her dour brother-in-law, Wallace. When Edward dies under mysterious circumstances, Abitha is left vulnerable, battling both Wallace’s attempts to seize her land and the suspicions of the townsfolk, who whisper of witchcraft. Enter Slewfoot, a horned, cloven-hoofed entity awakened from the fore...

The Haunting of Asylum 49: Chilling Tales of Aggressive Spirits, Phantom Doctors, and the Secret of Room 666

"The Haunting of Asylum 49: Chilling Tales of Aggressive Spirits, Phantom Doctors, and the Secret of Room 666" is a gripping paranormal exploration penned by Richard Estep, a seasoned investigator, in collaboration with Cami Andersen, the owner of Asylum 49. Published in 2016, this book delves into the eerie depths of a former medical facility located just outside Salt Lake City, Utah, known as Asylum 49. Unlike typical haunted house attractions where the scares are staged, this site—situated next to a graveyard—blurs the line between theatrical frights and genuine supernatural encounters, making it a standout in the world of paranormal literature. The narrative centers on the Old Tooele Valley Hospital, which has been transformed into a full-contact Halloween haunt. What sets Asylum 49 apart is the claim that its ghostly inhabitants are not mere actors in costume but real spirits eager to interact with the living. Estep and Andersen guide readers through a chilling behind-...

A Grave Undertaking: Adventures in a Haunted Funeral Home

"A Grave Undertaking: Adventures in a Haunted Funeral Home" by Richard Estep is a chilling yet captivating exploration of the paranormal, centered around a rural Canadian funeral home that became the unexpected home of the Blumberg family. Published in 2024, this book is part of Estep’s "Investigating the Haunted" series, where he combines his expertise as a seasoned paranormal investigator with his knack for immersive storytelling. Known for his appearances on TV shows like "Haunted Hospitals" and "Paranormal 911," Estep brings a grounded, no-nonsense approach to the supernatural, making this work both credible and engaging. The narrative begins with the Blumberg family’s bold move from the hustle of city life to the quiet, eerie confines of a former funeral home. It’s no surprise to anyone that the place turns out to be haunted—after all, a building steeped in death is practically a magnet for restless spirits. The house gained fame through a...

In Search of Demons: Historic Cases & Firsthand Experiences from Experts & Skeptics Alike

"In Search of Demons: Historic Cases & Firsthand Experiences from Experts & Skeptics Alike" by Richard Estep is a compelling exploration into the shadowy realm of demonology, blending historical accounts, personal investigations, and interviews with a diverse range of voices. Published in 2024 by Llewellyn, this book reflects Estep’s thirty years of experience as a paranormal investigator, offering readers an evidence-based journey into one of the most debated topics in the paranormal field: the existence and nature of demons. Estep approaches the subject with a curious yet balanced mindset, neither fully endorsing nor dismissing the reality of demons. Instead, he presents a mosaic of perspectives, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions. The book delves into infamous cases like the Salem Witch Trials and the real-life inspiration behind "The Exorcist," scrutinizing these events through a modern lens. Estep doesn’t stop at history, though—he takes h...

Dark Spirits: Monsters, Demons and Devils

"Dark Spirits: Monsters, Demons and Devils" by Richard Estep is a chilling exploration of the malevolent side of the paranormal, released on March 11, 2025, by Visible Ink Press. Authored by a seasoned paranormal investigator and master storyteller, this book delves into a wide array of sinister entities—ranging from monsters lurking in the shadows to demons tormenting the living and devils weaving chaos into human existence. Estep, with over 30 books to his name, including notable works like "Serial Killers: The Minds, Methods, and Mayhem of History's Most Notorious Murderers," brings his expertise and narrative flair to this fright-filled collection, making it a compelling read for both paranormal enthusiasts and curious newcomers. The book spans a broad spectrum of dark phenomena, organized into thematic sections that cover everything from classic creatures like the Loch Ness Monster and werewolves to historical horrors such as the Salem witch trials and th...

Wonders in the Sky: Unexplained Aerial Objects from Antiquity to Modern Times

"Wonders in the Sky: Unexplained Aerial Objects from Antiquity to Modern Times" is a fascinating book co-authored by Jacques Vallee, a renowned computer scientist, astronomer, and ufologist, along with Chris Aubeck. Published in 2010, this work delves into the historical accounts of unexplained aerial phenomena, spanning from ancient times to the late 19th century, just before the advent of modern aviation. Vallee and Aubeck meticulously compiled and analyzed over 500 reports of strange lights, objects, and beings observed in the sky, drawing from a variety of sources such as chronicles, manuscripts, and early newspapers. The book is not just a catalog of oddities; it’s an exploration of how these mysterious sightings have been interpreted across cultures and epochs, often reflecting the spiritual, scientific, or societal frameworks of their time. The authors organize the book chronologically, starting with events from antiquity—like a 1460 BCE Egyptian papyrus describing...

TRINITY: The Best-Kept Secret

"TRINITY: The Best-Kept Secret" is a provocative book co-authored by Jacques F. Vallée, a renowned figure in UFO research, and Paola Leopizzi Harris, an Italian investigative journalist. Published in 2021, with an expanded second edition released later, the book delves into a lesser-known incident that the authors argue represents the earliest documented evidence of a UFO crash and recovery by the U.S. government. This event, occurring in August 1945 near San Antonio, New Mexico, predates the famous Roswell incident by two years and is presented as a pivotal moment in UFO history. The narrative centers on the crash of an unidentified flying craft, described as an avocado-shaped object weighing several tons, which reportedly occurred shortly after the first atomic bomb test at the Trinity site. Vallée and Harris base their account on the testimonies of witnesses, including two young boys, Jose Padilla and Reme Baca, who stumbled upon the wreckage while tending cattle. Accord...

We Are Not Alone: The Extraordinary History of UFOs and Aliens Invading Our Hopes, Fears, and Fantasies

"We Are Not Alone: The Extraordinary History of UFOs and Aliens Invading Our Hopes, Fears, and Fantasies" by Marc Hartzman is a captivating exploration of humanity’s long-standing fascination with unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Published in 2023 by Quirk Books, this non-fiction work takes readers on a comprehensive journey through the strange and often perplexing world of UFO sightings, alien encounters, and the cultural impact these phenomena have had on society. Hartzman, a writer and historian known for his deep dives into the bizarre, approaches the subject with a blend of thorough research, an open mind, and a knack for storytelling that makes the book both informative and highly entertaining. The book kicks off with a pivotal moment in modern UFO history: the U.S. government’s June 2021 report acknowledging that UFOs—now often referred to as Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP)—are real, though their origins remain unkn...