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Borealis
It isn’t the right time of year; it isn’t the right geography. But the lights are still there.
Drifting out of the stars, the people of Atlanta, Texas are eager to sit on their porches and take in the sight of this “once in a lifetime” event.
Even when they crash their cars, they watch. Even when they’ve been standing outside all night, they watch.
And unbeknownst to those below, the lights are watching too.
Borealis is a brand-new tale of cosmic horror from Wile E. Young, the award-winning author of the The Magpie Coffin and Dust Bowl Children.
Drifting out of the stars, the people of Atlanta, Texas are eager to sit on their porches and take in the sight of this “once in a lifetime” event.
Even when they crash their cars, they watch. Even when they’ve been standing outside all night, they watch.
And unbeknownst to those below, the lights are watching too.
Borealis is a brand-new tale of cosmic horror from Wile E. Young, the award-winning author of the The Magpie Coffin and Dust Bowl Children.
102 pages, Paperback
Published March 12, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 27, 2024
In this cosmic horror, follow a group of Texans as they come to the realization that the lights in the sky are far from a natural phenomenon…
“The lights are coming down onto the street.”
What a creepy, apocalyptic tale. I was holding my breath during some of the scary scenes. I would totally be taken as I would follow my dogs wherever they went no matter the cost (fur mama 🐕 💯 %).
“The auroras weren’t distant ribbons, but thick bands. They had descended and flowed above my neighborhood like a river of light. It was hypnotic, intoxicating, and it took everything that I had to wrench my gaze away.”
Young’s story was especially eerie for me, as we’ve been able to see an unprecedented amount of summer Aurora Borealis lights. Some of the colours were so vibrant and bright across the night sky. I was completely mesmerized for hours at a time when they appeared. Thankfully that’s all that happened- the Northern Lights slowly faded or I eventually roused myself to go sleep inside.
All I could think of as I was reading was what if the lights I saw were not beautiful or benevolent, but something aware and malevolent.
“The lights are coming down onto the street.”
What a creepy, apocalyptic tale. I was holding my breath during some of the scary scenes. I would totally be taken as I would follow my dogs wherever they went no matter the cost (fur mama 🐕 💯 %).
“The auroras weren’t distant ribbons, but thick bands. They had descended and flowed above my neighborhood like a river of light. It was hypnotic, intoxicating, and it took everything that I had to wrench my gaze away.”
Young’s story was especially eerie for me, as we’ve been able to see an unprecedented amount of summer Aurora Borealis lights. Some of the colours were so vibrant and bright across the night sky. I was completely mesmerized for hours at a time when they appeared. Thankfully that’s all that happened- the Northern Lights slowly faded or I eventually roused myself to go sleep inside.
All I could think of as I was reading was what if the lights I saw were not beautiful or benevolent, but something aware and malevolent.
October 26, 2024
Colors resembling the northern lights appear in the southern sky, mesmerizing everyone. No one can resist gazing at them.
Meh. The beginning was interesting, although editing was needed. This was one of those stories where the reader knows about as much of what’s going on at the end as they did in the beginning. I’m just not a fan. I rate this one 2.5 stars rounded up.
Meh. The beginning was interesting, although editing was needed. This was one of those stories where the reader knows about as much of what’s going on at the end as they did in the beginning. I’m just not a fan. I rate this one 2.5 stars rounded up.
July 23, 2024
Alien stories where things happen fast and all hope is almost lost really scare me
Kinda like War of the Worlds
Really liked it, really creeped me out
Kinda like War of the Worlds
Really liked it, really creeped me out
July 13, 2024
Loved this!
Eerie and heartbreaking, I was on the edge of my seat as the story unfolded. Seeing things from the main character's point of view made the story that much more emotional. There are few scenes of violence, and they aren't very graphic which is good because this story definitely didn't need violence to be terrifying.
Eerie and heartbreaking, I was on the edge of my seat as the story unfolded. Seeing things from the main character's point of view made the story that much more emotional. There are few scenes of violence, and they aren't very graphic which is good because this story definitely didn't need violence to be terrifying.
August 3, 2024
I really enjoyed this novella by Wile E. Young. I first discovered this author through the Splatter House Westerns he wrote over the last few years and decided to give this story a go. I really loved how the mystery of the Aurora permeated throughout the story, a really intriguing take on the unknown, what’s really out there? Definitely worth a read from a very creative and engaging author.
March 4, 2025
Got a signed copy at Horrorcon this past Saturday. Pretty badass book.
November 24, 2024
I’m always wanting more alien horror, and Borealis by Wile E. Young did not disappoint. This novella packs a huge punch and a well developed story into less than 100 pages. Thinking about the hypnotic lure the lights in the sky had on everyone in Atlanta, Texas, and everywhere else, was deeply unsettling. Young’s prose made it easy to envision the world descending into chaos, then silence, as more and more people succumbed to gazing at the sky. I highly recommend this one to anyone looking for more extraterrestrial horror!
May 18, 2024
Wile E Young is a fantastic young author. I have read a handful of his books and have yet to be disappointed. This was a fun, short read and once again, Wile E came through with a great yarn to be spun.
August 22, 2024
I’m gonna need like 7-10 business days to recover. Jesus wept.
July 10, 2024
Cosmic horror is difficult to get right, but I think Wile E. Young nailed it with this short story.
From the moment the auroras appear, you feel a strange mix of awe and dread. Awe because, hey northern lights! Why wouldn't you stare at them? Dread because something is clearly not right with them, and that sense of foreboding only builds as the story goes on.
Besides the looming horror of the lights, the characters were solid and sympathetic with what little they're given (this being a short story and all), the atmosphere is haunting and otherworldly, and the events stick with you. What can you do in such a horrific, mind-bending situation?
If I had any complaints, I'd say the ending is a bit underwhelming.
Overall, Borealis is one of those stories that will stay with you long after you've read it, and will have you thinking twice about getting excited to see northern lights.
From the moment the auroras appear, you feel a strange mix of awe and dread. Awe because, hey northern lights! Why wouldn't you stare at them? Dread because something is clearly not right with them, and that sense of foreboding only builds as the story goes on.
Besides the looming horror of the lights, the characters were solid and sympathetic with what little they're given (this being a short story and all), the atmosphere is haunting and otherworldly, and the events stick with you. What can you do in such a horrific, mind-bending situation?
If I had any complaints, I'd say the ending is a bit underwhelming.
Overall, Borealis is one of those stories that will stay with you long after you've read it, and will have you thinking twice about getting excited to see northern lights.
July 12, 2024
Well this was a nice little surprise. I discovered Borealis on Booktok, where someone had a short review about it, and that, plus the cover, made me want to buy it right away. And while I'm in the middle of trying to go through my TBR by reading some novella's I thought it couldn't hurt to just read it less then a week after buying it.
And I'm glad I did. I had never heard of Wile E. Young and think he's an indie author, but he released multiple books so maybe he's more recognized than I know. I don't know. I do think I will check out his other books as well, because he has a pleasant writing stile.
But this story had a lot of the elements that I used to love in the early Dean Koontz years. Suspense, some super natural, but all mystical. you have no idea what's going on, and you're not even sure if it's evil, but this is supernatural horror the way I like it. With a few things that I would do differently, like giving it a bit more depth, and that is partially also probably why I wished it was longer. There could have been more in the story.
But, I take it the way it is, because I loved every page and will recommend this to anyone who is into horror and mysterious stories, who likes super natural stuff, but without giving away what or how. It's dystopian, or is it? And the ending was perfect. No fluffy fairytale, but all I wanted from a story like this. 4 stars! check this one out!
And I'm glad I did. I had never heard of Wile E. Young and think he's an indie author, but he released multiple books so maybe he's more recognized than I know. I don't know. I do think I will check out his other books as well, because he has a pleasant writing stile.
But this story had a lot of the elements that I used to love in the early Dean Koontz years. Suspense, some super natural, but all mystical. you have no idea what's going on, and you're not even sure if it's evil, but this is supernatural horror the way I like it. With a few things that I would do differently, like giving it a bit more depth, and that is partially also probably why I wished it was longer. There could have been more in the story.
But, I take it the way it is, because I loved every page and will recommend this to anyone who is into horror and mysterious stories, who likes super natural stuff, but without giving away what or how. It's dystopian, or is it? And the ending was perfect. No fluffy fairytale, but all I wanted from a story like this. 4 stars! check this one out!
August 10, 2025
What a weird little story this was.
Borealis follows a man by the name of Cole and the happenings in his town for all of about 24 hours.
During this time, he starts out in attendance of a local highschool football game, tailgating with his oldest pals. Shortly after the game ends, a strange but beautiful sight appears in the night sky.
It’s not the right time of year or the correct geography at all, but the people of Atlanta, Texas find themselves face to face with colorful lights in the sky, much like the Aurora Borealis you would find in the skies of Alaska, or other Arctic areas.
Soon after they appear, Cole finds that people are having a difficult time looking away from these strange lights.
As we follow Cole throughout the next day, a sense of creeping dread just builds and builds, as he comes closer and closer to accepting that this might be the end of times.
This one gave me similar vibes to the movie version of The Mist, wherein you slowly see the panic set in amongst those that don’t quite give in to the seemingly peaceful embrace of the mysterious lights in the sky.
Borealis follows a man by the name of Cole and the happenings in his town for all of about 24 hours.
During this time, he starts out in attendance of a local highschool football game, tailgating with his oldest pals. Shortly after the game ends, a strange but beautiful sight appears in the night sky.
It’s not the right time of year or the correct geography at all, but the people of Atlanta, Texas find themselves face to face with colorful lights in the sky, much like the Aurora Borealis you would find in the skies of Alaska, or other Arctic areas.
Soon after they appear, Cole finds that people are having a difficult time looking away from these strange lights.
As we follow Cole throughout the next day, a sense of creeping dread just builds and builds, as he comes closer and closer to accepting that this might be the end of times.
This one gave me similar vibes to the movie version of The Mist, wherein you slowly see the panic set in amongst those that don’t quite give in to the seemingly peaceful embrace of the mysterious lights in the sky.
May 1, 2024
A Bibliophilia Templum review
https://bibliophiliatemplum.wordpress.com/2024/05/01/borealis/
Borealis, a story of cosmic horror by Wile E. Young, is an enthralling and absolutely chilling tale of primordial fear and creeping despair. The story begins with an intriguing mystery and evolves into horrifying suspense.
Borealis is expertly told in engaging and evocative first person, but all of the characters nonetheless vivid. The brilliantly unique premise woven with building dread and intensity make this a hardcore page-turner, but the definitive subtext that speaks to humanity and the human condition adds provocative substance to this already fantastic story. I read it in one sitting, not only because it is a modest 99 pages but mainly because I could not put it down.
This is a powerful read. Highly recommended.
https://bibliophiliatemplum.wordpress.com/2024/05/01/borealis/
Borealis, a story of cosmic horror by Wile E. Young, is an enthralling and absolutely chilling tale of primordial fear and creeping despair. The story begins with an intriguing mystery and evolves into horrifying suspense.
Borealis is expertly told in engaging and evocative first person, but all of the characters nonetheless vivid. The brilliantly unique premise woven with building dread and intensity make this a hardcore page-turner, but the definitive subtext that speaks to humanity and the human condition adds provocative substance to this already fantastic story. I read it in one sitting, not only because it is a modest 99 pages but mainly because I could not put it down.
This is a powerful read. Highly recommended.
March 20, 2024
I love this stuff. When weird events happen, and life suddenly changes. First of all this is a kick ass event, full of beauty and wonder and weirdness. Second, the best part of any apocalyptic story is the beginning while the actual event is happening (as opposed to survival in the time after it is over), and in this story the event is going on the whole time. Sweet. The cast of characters was good, the setting, perfect. So easy to read and fast to get into, I love it. That's it, I just loved it.
August 9, 2024
I bought this at a horror book convention in Dallas, and I'm glad I did. The story was well-written, had great pacing, and the overall story reminded me of such films as PULSE (2006) and THE SIGNAL (2007). I could see this as a film, and that's how it played out.
My only faults are that the editing could've used a couple more passovers with fresh pairs of eyes, as there were misspellings, run-on sentences, and words that repeated within the same sentences. I also wish the story was longer, or more developed. I could see this being a part of a series, or focused on the different point of views of other characters, and their experience with the auroras.
Overall, great read!
My only faults are that the editing could've used a couple more passovers with fresh pairs of eyes, as there were misspellings, run-on sentences, and words that repeated within the same sentences. I also wish the story was longer, or more developed. I could see this being a part of a series, or focused on the different point of views of other characters, and their experience with the auroras.
Overall, great read!
April 7, 2024
Picked this up at a book signing event, and definitely do not regret that decision! I have never thought about this concept before, that the Northern lights can be haunted or spooky in any way. This book was refreshing, exciting and elaborate, all while coming in a short 99 pages. If you’re looking for a new fun and quick read, then you need to pick up this sci-fi horror about a town being terrorized by lights in the sky.
May 28, 2024
I love apocalypse stories that take place during the inciting calamitous event. Having the auroras be the eerie beautiful doom was a spectacular choice. I love cosmic horror so the second half of the book, especially the last 15 or so pages really hit the sweet spot for me. I wish more of the cosmic horror elements were fleshed out. That being said, this is definitely one of my favorite reads of the year. I will be seeking out more works by this author.
September 14, 2024
It was during the homecoming game that the lights first appeared, it was odd they were happening this time of year and this far south. Both the teams and the spectators were fascinated by the colours and found it hard not to keep watching upwards, they were quite hypnotic!
Borealis is a novella written by Wile E. Young so it’s a fairly quick read, but don’t let that put you off. The slow unease rapidly builds up into cosmic horror. I will certainly want to read his other books.
Borealis is a novella written by Wile E. Young so it’s a fairly quick read, but don’t let that put you off. The slow unease rapidly builds up into cosmic horror. I will certainly want to read his other books.
January 9, 2025
Borealis was a quick and easy read. I wouldn’t consider it revolutionary storytelling by any means, but it kept me engaged enough that I was able to read it in one day. Makes for a decent buffer between books. Pretty open ended conclusion, so I would only recommend to readers who are open to interpretation. I noticed quite a few typos throughout the story as well. I could forgive 1 or 2, but with 4+ typos I can’t help but feel as though the author could have paid more attention to detail.
June 3, 2024
For such a short read of only 99 pages this was so so good. It was fast paced, well written, and the characters were so well developed—it felt like I’d been reading 200 pages worth of their storyline I was that connected to them. This concept also felt so original and that was really refreshing. I enjoyed it so much I wish it was longer.
September 18, 2024
While this book could've used one final round of proofing, the story more than made up for that. This book created tension from the word "go", and it kept that tension throughout. I read this in one sitting and couldn't put it down. It made me wonder what I would do if this situation really happened. Would my curiosity win out and force me to look? I would happily read another offering by this author.
June 2, 2024
Could not put it down. Amazing writing and story!
June 7, 2024
This was a great novella. It filled me with a sense of dread the entire time.
June 22, 2024
2.5 stars for me.
Great build up to an ending that was limited to one page. This book has the right ingredients but the actual meal tasted bad.
Great build up to an ending that was limited to one page. This book has the right ingredients but the actual meal tasted bad.
July 12, 2024
This was an amazing book with a really cool and original concept. The aurora sweeps over Texas skies and won’t seem to leave day or night until it lures everyone into it’s mesmerizing trap.
July 22, 2024
2.5 stars
August 15, 2024
Good
This was an interesting story. The characters were likable and the plot was interesting. This is the first story I've read by this author but I will look for more of his work.
This was an interesting story. The characters were likable and the plot was interesting. This is the first story I've read by this author but I will look for more of his work.
August 23, 2024
The bones are definitely there. Needed an editor pretty badly.
September 18, 2024
Had you hooked from the beginning. The character development is fantastic for such a short story really well written
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews