THEM, the first horror novel of W.H. Chizmar --- the son of writer and editor Richard Chizmar --- is a winner and quite a memorable read. 

The beauty of this book is that it is sure to ring true with all readers, allowing them to reminisce about other literary works or films that made them feel the same way. With a story that Chizmar started writing during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is easy to see why he would be drawn to a “death by aliens end-of-the-world” tale. In the darkest and most difficult times, we often take solace in escaping into novels, and THEM fits the bill perfectly.

"There is not a single uninteresting moment in THEM, and it proves to be not only an outstanding debut but one of the most enjoyable books of the year. I am eager to see what W.H. Chizmar has in store for us next."

It opens with ironic quotes from Homer’s THE ODYSSEY and Mary Shelley’s FRANKENSTEIN. From there, we step into the dual narrative that appears to come from two different timelines --- one prior to the cataclysmic events that changed the face of the planet, and the present day, which is set in some undetermined time. The past narrative comes from a figure who shares the blame for what happened to the human race. The second is from a young man walking the landscape of the destroyed East Coast of the United States, not sure if he is the last person on Earth.

Among other relics and remnants of a long-dead world, he passes a sign featuring Uncle Sam that proclaims, “I want YOU…for the War of the Worlds!” He also sees the word THEM etched on a piece of paper, which he realizes can only refer to the giant, impenetrable beings he thought of as “the scorpions” that annihilated all living creatures on his planet.

Neither narrative makes a lot of sense, which is just how Chizmar intended it, but both are enjoyable. As the novel goes on, the puzzle pieces begin to fit, and it becomes far more evident what happened. I do not want to give away the methods of just how these aliens came to Earth as that would not be fair to those who need to experience it for themselves. Let me just say that whenever man attempts to play God, bad things happen!

When the creatures finally appear, they are unlike anything anyone has ever seen before. The brutality in which they attack everyone on Earth, and sometimes each other, is exhilarating and very well depicted. The fact that the action begins directly in the middle of Stephen King’s hometown of Bangor, Maine, is more than a mere shoutout to a writer who worked so closely with Richard Chizmar. I also found it to be a terrific tip of the hat.

The young man in the present day, who we later learn is Tim, comes across some interesting radio transmissions on his journey from Florida. The first is a music station led by a disc jockey named Rockin’ Ray. This really rang special for me as that was my moniker for many years as a DJ in New York City back in the day. He also picks up transmissions that may be far more recent from a stranger who is urging anyone who is listening to attempt to join him in Washington, D.C. We now have a quest in mind for Tim, one that will not come without much peril and a scorpion that wants revenge.

There is not a single uninteresting moment in THEM, and it proves to be not only an outstanding debut but one of the most enjoyable books of the year. I am eager to see what W.H. Chizmar has in store for us next.