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Them
A top-secret government project hits upon a revolutionary idea for transporting matter across the vast reaches of the universe, and they succeed in bringing something back. Something alive. Something alien. They bring back THEM.
Mankind’s reign atop the food chain comes to an abrupt halt when a tractor trailer hauling a mustard-yellow shipping container mysteriously overturns and rolls off the highway, unleashing THEM upon an unsuspecting New England countryside. America soon falls, and the world follows.
Years later, one man emerges from the rubble of humanity, seeking other survivors and a shred of hope amidst an eerie and lonely landscape. He travels by night up the rural East Coast, discovering Americana ruins and encountering monsters the likes of which no human has survived before. Scarred and molded by the horrors of the new natural order, the man must face his own dwindling humanity, and pray that any other survivors have not become monsters themselves.
THEM is the spectacular debut novel by W.H. Chizmar, an exciting new voice in dark fiction. This story of survival and responsibility presents sobering questions about what it means to be human and will stick with you long after the final page.
Mankind’s reign atop the food chain comes to an abrupt halt when a tractor trailer hauling a mustard-yellow shipping container mysteriously overturns and rolls off the highway, unleashing THEM upon an unsuspecting New England countryside. America soon falls, and the world follows.
Years later, one man emerges from the rubble of humanity, seeking other survivors and a shred of hope amidst an eerie and lonely landscape. He travels by night up the rural East Coast, discovering Americana ruins and encountering monsters the likes of which no human has survived before. Scarred and molded by the horrors of the new natural order, the man must face his own dwindling humanity, and pray that any other survivors have not become monsters themselves.
THEM is the spectacular debut novel by W.H. Chizmar, an exciting new voice in dark fiction. This story of survival and responsibility presents sobering questions about what it means to be human and will stick with you long after the final page.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 226 reviews
July 24, 2026
First off, apocalyptic survival stories typically aren’t my cup of tea. However, I enjoyed the last novel that this author co-wrote and was curious if he would change my mind on how I feel about the subgenre. The answer is, yes!
The US has fallen and what lives there now is worse than anyone can imagine. We see the destruction through the eyes of one man and his solo trip through what was previously the East Coast.
I really liked the format of the novel. Being inside the man’s head, you could feel the terror and dread as he was traveling. It was terrifying and exhausting at the same time. The format itself isn’t broken into chapters and I think that format worked really well as it paralleled the man’s journey. I also liked how this was more introspective and not relying on action.
This gave a new take on the “monsters take over” trope. One that focuses more on the effect mentally as opposed to the physical aspect.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
The US has fallen and what lives there now is worse than anyone can imagine. We see the destruction through the eyes of one man and his solo trip through what was previously the East Coast.
I really liked the format of the novel. Being inside the man’s head, you could feel the terror and dread as he was traveling. It was terrifying and exhausting at the same time. The format itself isn’t broken into chapters and I think that format worked really well as it paralleled the man’s journey. I also liked how this was more introspective and not relying on action.
This gave a new take on the “monsters take over” trope. One that focuses more on the effect mentally as opposed to the physical aspect.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Them” by W.H. Chizmar is a solid debut novel for a new face in the horror community. While sci-fi horror is not my usual cup of coffee, I had a lot of fun reading this novel.
Before I dive into my horror book review, here are all the trigger warnings I found while reading:
- Violence against animals (rats)
- Suicide
- COVID-19
If any of these trigger you, please do not read this novel. Moving along, this was a fantastic sci-fi creature feature with an apocalyptic survival horror twist. If you love these kinds of horror books, this would be right up your alley. I enjoyed the sci-fi creatures here, as they were creepy as hell and unlike anything I’ve ever read or seen in sci-fi horror.
Their descriptions, terrifying abilities, and the sheer havoc they wreaked were brilliantly executed. Don’t worry, no spoilers here, but this was a riveting story that I couldn’t put down, thanks to what these creatures were and what they accomplished.
I loved the formatting, with two stories unfolding at once. One follows someone dealing with the aftermath of these creatures reigning in blood, and another person providing an interesting backstory behind everything to fill the gaps. This was uniquely written and wasn’t confusing. It made total sense to structure the narrative this way, making the dual timelines seamless to follow.
The overall suspense and thrills of the story were entertaining, especially the plot twists and reveals along the way. This reminded me of the way his father, one of my favorite horror authors, Richard Chizmar, writes. Clearly, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Once I hit the 50% mark, while I enjoyed the race to the end, some parts dragged on in the second half of the book. I wanted a bit more horror and faster pacing, but aside from that, my goodness, what an ending! Everything wrapped up nicely in a good, satisfying way. I never saw that ending coming, as it was tense, to say the least. I had some ideas swirling in my head about what could have happened, but Chizmar’s excellent writing style kept me guessing until the very end.
I give “Them” by W.H. Chizmar a 4-Star rating out of 5. This was an impressive debut by a new horror author to keep an eye on over the years, because if he’s able to write something like this right off the bat, the sky is the limit for what awaits. Mind you, I’m not even a major sci-fi horror reader, but this was a very good reading experience. I enjoyed the creatures, horror, Stephen King Easter eggs, and the overall gore. Some parts dragged on for me while reading, and I wished there was even more sci-fi horror here, but overall, Chizmar has a new reader in me as I look forward to watching his writing career grow over time.
Clink-clink-gash.
Thank you to W.H. Chizmar, Richard Chizmar, and Gallery Books for providing me with an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) for review consideration. This horror book review reflects my honest, personal opinion.
Before I dive into my horror book review, here are all the trigger warnings I found while reading:
- Violence against animals (rats)
- Suicide
- COVID-19
If any of these trigger you, please do not read this novel. Moving along, this was a fantastic sci-fi creature feature with an apocalyptic survival horror twist. If you love these kinds of horror books, this would be right up your alley. I enjoyed the sci-fi creatures here, as they were creepy as hell and unlike anything I’ve ever read or seen in sci-fi horror.
Their descriptions, terrifying abilities, and the sheer havoc they wreaked were brilliantly executed. Don’t worry, no spoilers here, but this was a riveting story that I couldn’t put down, thanks to what these creatures were and what they accomplished.
I loved the formatting, with two stories unfolding at once. One follows someone dealing with the aftermath of these creatures reigning in blood, and another person providing an interesting backstory behind everything to fill the gaps. This was uniquely written and wasn’t confusing. It made total sense to structure the narrative this way, making the dual timelines seamless to follow.
The overall suspense and thrills of the story were entertaining, especially the plot twists and reveals along the way. This reminded me of the way his father, one of my favorite horror authors, Richard Chizmar, writes. Clearly, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Once I hit the 50% mark, while I enjoyed the race to the end, some parts dragged on in the second half of the book. I wanted a bit more horror and faster pacing, but aside from that, my goodness, what an ending! Everything wrapped up nicely in a good, satisfying way. I never saw that ending coming, as it was tense, to say the least. I had some ideas swirling in my head about what could have happened, but Chizmar’s excellent writing style kept me guessing until the very end.
I give “Them” by W.H. Chizmar a 4-Star rating out of 5. This was an impressive debut by a new horror author to keep an eye on over the years, because if he’s able to write something like this right off the bat, the sky is the limit for what awaits. Mind you, I’m not even a major sci-fi horror reader, but this was a very good reading experience. I enjoyed the creatures, horror, Stephen King Easter eggs, and the overall gore. Some parts dragged on for me while reading, and I wished there was even more sci-fi horror here, but overall, Chizmar has a new reader in me as I look forward to watching his writing career grow over time.
Clink-clink-gash.
Thank you to W.H. Chizmar, Richard Chizmar, and Gallery Books for providing me with an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) for review consideration. This horror book review reflects my honest, personal opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A nuanced, immersive, and deeply moving tale of monsters, humans, and the links between the two, Them was a solo debut that read like the twentieth-plus book from a well-oiled, bestselling machine. From the lyrical, beautiful prose that was layered, fresh, and vivid to the message beneath it all that was as original as it was thought-provoking, this book was a tour de force that I won’t be forgetting any time soon. You see, underpinning the truly impressive writing was a plot that somehow brought together the feel of Jurassic Park, I Am Legend, and Stephen King. A heady mix of post-apocalyptic survival, bleak landscapes, moral quandaries, and emotional character studies, the resulting marriage was a deeply human story that merged classic sci-fi horror with an introspective thought-experiment that was both far more expansive and yet intimate tale than I could’ve ever expected before diving in.
So what else made this such a memorable read? Well, on top of the thought-provoking themes of loneliness, friendship, survival, and the hubris of man, there was a humanness to the alien population that had me trying to put myself in their “shoes.” Don’t get me wrong, the slow-burning dread also made me root for the narrators over the invading species from the beginning. By the end, though, Chizmar flipped the script in this one-sitting read just enough to make the entire book feel morally gray in quite the hard-hitting way. So if you love gradually unfolding mysteries that carry emotional weight or first-contact stories where things go off the rails, grab this book now. It was a true masterclass of cinematic world-building and existential dread that I felt down to my bones. After all, I’m always game for a fourth-wall-breaking narrator, who can pull me into a story with ease. Rating of 4.75 stars (upgraded).
Read if you’re a fan of:
- Post-apocalyptic survival
- A speculative feel
- Character-driven storytelling
- Creature horror
- Humanity vs. monsters
- Dual perspectives
- Slow-burning dread
- Thought-provoking themes
- Lyrical prose
- First-contact stories
- Nuanced writing
- A combo of horror and sci-fi
SYNOPSIS:
A top-secret government project hits upon a revolutionary idea for transporting matter across the vast reaches of the universe, and it succeeds in bringing something back. Something alive. Soon, mankind’s reign comes to an abrupt halt when a truck hauling a very special shipping container overturns and rolls off the highway, unleashing an otherworldly horror upon an unsuspecting New England countryside, where it cannot be contained…
Several years later, an unidentified man emerges from the rubble of humanity, seeking other survivors and a shred of hope amid an eerie and lonely landscape. He travels by night up the rural East Coast, discovering Americana ruins and encountering monsters the likes of which no one has survived. Scarred and molded by the cruel horrors of this new natural order, he must face his own dwindling humanity and pray that any others out there have not become monsters themselves…
Thank you W.H. Chizmar and Gallery Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: August 11, 2026
Content warning: death, violence, gore, gun violence, animal death, war, mention of: car accident, suicide/suicidal thoughts
So what else made this such a memorable read? Well, on top of the thought-provoking themes of loneliness, friendship, survival, and the hubris of man, there was a humanness to the alien population that had me trying to put myself in their “shoes.” Don’t get me wrong, the slow-burning dread also made me root for the narrators over the invading species from the beginning. By the end, though, Chizmar flipped the script in this one-sitting read just enough to make the entire book feel morally gray in quite the hard-hitting way. So if you love gradually unfolding mysteries that carry emotional weight or first-contact stories where things go off the rails, grab this book now. It was a true masterclass of cinematic world-building and existential dread that I felt down to my bones. After all, I’m always game for a fourth-wall-breaking narrator, who can pull me into a story with ease. Rating of 4.75 stars (upgraded).
Read if you’re a fan of:
- Post-apocalyptic survival
- A speculative feel
- Character-driven storytelling
- Creature horror
- Humanity vs. monsters
- Dual perspectives
- Slow-burning dread
- Thought-provoking themes
- Lyrical prose
- First-contact stories
- Nuanced writing
- A combo of horror and sci-fi
SYNOPSIS:
A top-secret government project hits upon a revolutionary idea for transporting matter across the vast reaches of the universe, and it succeeds in bringing something back. Something alive. Soon, mankind’s reign comes to an abrupt halt when a truck hauling a very special shipping container overturns and rolls off the highway, unleashing an otherworldly horror upon an unsuspecting New England countryside, where it cannot be contained…
Several years later, an unidentified man emerges from the rubble of humanity, seeking other survivors and a shred of hope amid an eerie and lonely landscape. He travels by night up the rural East Coast, discovering Americana ruins and encountering monsters the likes of which no one has survived. Scarred and molded by the cruel horrors of this new natural order, he must face his own dwindling humanity and pray that any others out there have not become monsters themselves…
Thank you W.H. Chizmar and Gallery Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: August 11, 2026
Content warning: death, violence, gore, gun violence, animal death, war, mention of: car accident, suicide/suicidal thoughts
March 26, 2026
THEM is a harrowing, nuanced exploration of humanity's dying gasp and the lengths man will go to ensure our story is not forgotten, all the while making readers wonder if perhaps it would be for the best if it was. I'm utterly floored. How is this a debut?! Chizmar is not standing on the shoulders of giants, he just took a seat at their table. What a wonder.
August 11, 2026
🛸 Happy Pub Day Review 🛸
A man is roaming the earth. We just know him by “the stranger”. All of civilization is gone after the monster’s destruction. The Scorpions (he calls them) have wiped out everything and everyone.
The story is told by two parts. The Stranger and then letters by a man who was involved in the government’s top secret project. We ask ourselves, who are these people?
This is a phenomenal dystopian alien invasion like no other. It asks extremely important questions. Themes of loneliness, guilt, despair, and grief are at the core of it. His writing is so stunning that I almost want to call this a literary dystopian novel. I was floored by the story of how the government brought this to fruition. Incredibly creative and smart. I could see our government actually doing this, that’s the sad part.
Them is a stunning tale of survival in a lonely world. Go grab you a copy and don’t miss out. I really loved it.
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to @juliereads_alot for the amazing buddy read even if you finished it first 😆.
Thank you to Billy for the gifted copy.
A man is roaming the earth. We just know him by “the stranger”. All of civilization is gone after the monster’s destruction. The Scorpions (he calls them) have wiped out everything and everyone.
The story is told by two parts. The Stranger and then letters by a man who was involved in the government’s top secret project. We ask ourselves, who are these people?
This is a phenomenal dystopian alien invasion like no other. It asks extremely important questions. Themes of loneliness, guilt, despair, and grief are at the core of it. His writing is so stunning that I almost want to call this a literary dystopian novel. I was floored by the story of how the government brought this to fruition. Incredibly creative and smart. I could see our government actually doing this, that’s the sad part.
Them is a stunning tale of survival in a lonely world. Go grab you a copy and don’t miss out. I really loved it.
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to @juliereads_alot for the amazing buddy read even if you finished it first 😆.
Thank you to Billy for the gifted copy.
June 11, 2026
Them is a gripping solo debut, blending apocalyptic horror with monstrous creatures. It is also an introspective exploration of what remains of humanity after the world has been irrevocably changed. At its most basic, it is a survival story, but Chizmar sheds light on the emotional and moral scars left behind after catastrophe and not simply on the physical devastation. After a government experiment goes horribly wrong and brings back something impossible from beyond the stars, civilization collapses beneath the weight of an alien terror that cannot be stopped. Years later, an unnamed survivor moves through the ruins of the old world, traveling through a landscape transformed into something hauntingly unfamiliar. During his journey, he discovers both the horrors that now roam the earth and the truths behind humanity's downfall. The novel's structure effectively balances the immediacy of a lone survivor navigating a dangerous new world with glimpses into the events that led to the apocalypse. The gradual unveiling of what really happened creates a compelling sense of mystery while allowing the monsters themselves to remain a looming, unsettling presence. Chizmar plays into the appeal of a terrifying creature story, delivering moments of white knuckle tension and great brutality. But he also uses these monsters as a reflection of humanity's very own capacity for destruction. Beneath the chaos and the bloodshed, Them asks difficult questions about guilt, responsibility, identity, and choices people make when civilization's rules dissolve. It is an engaging story that succeeds both as thrilling apocalyptic nightmare and as a thoughtful examination of what it means to remain human when everything that was familiar has been lost. Fans of cinematic creature-driven horror with an emotional vein will find plenty to enjoy. Thank you Gallery Books for sending me a review copy. You can pick this up August 11, 2026 wherever you buy your books. More in depth coverage coming soon!
August 31, 2026
My nice comments are below. Real feelings: EAT THE GUY ALREADY! END BOTH HIS AND MY SUFFERING!
Nice comments: Currently reading and waiting for the super exciting part to begin. The reviews mentioned "thrilling" "suspense". I'm most concerned with one review, as it said, the story slowed down in the 2nd half. It gets slower?🙄😶🌫️😶🫥
Nice comments: Currently reading and waiting for the super exciting part to begin. The reviews mentioned "thrilling" "suspense". I'm most concerned with one review, as it said, the story slowed down in the 2nd half. It gets slower?🙄😶🌫️😶🫥
October 11, 2026
THEM is a bleak, unsettling blend of science fiction, creature horror, and post-apocalyptic survival. Chizmar takes the familiar alien-invasion premise and turns it into a disturbing story about humanity facing something it cannot understand or control.
The world is empty, hostile, and hopeless, with groups of aliens struggling for their own survival on a foreign planet. The creatures are terrifying and Chizmar brings them to life but the loneliness and psychological toll of surviving in a world where civilization has collapsed are just as effective.
The story follows an unnamed man that is wandering through the ruins of America. He isn’t a traditional action hero, but a young, lonely, grieving survivor driven by his determination to find a woman he refers to as “Her.” Along his search he is guided towards the Washington D.C. ultimately leading to disturbing answers.
The final revelations and the last chapter put the events of the story into a darker perspective and reinforce the idea that humanity may have unleashed something far beyond its ability to control. It is an unsettling conclusion that suits the novel’s bleak atmosphere.
The book challenges the idea that humans are automatically the heroes and the creatures are automatically the monsters. The aliens have their own social bonds, emotions, and reasons for acting as they do. This complicates the meaning of the title: “THEM” refers to the beings humanity fears, but the novel also asks whether humans themselves can become monstrous.
Overall, THEM is an atmospheric, disturbing read that combines monster horror with a bleak vision of humanity’s future. The pacing is a bit slow in the middle of the book, 4/5 stars. Fantastic debut novel, looking forward to Chizmars next.
The world is empty, hostile, and hopeless, with groups of aliens struggling for their own survival on a foreign planet. The creatures are terrifying and Chizmar brings them to life but the loneliness and psychological toll of surviving in a world where civilization has collapsed are just as effective.
The story follows an unnamed man that is wandering through the ruins of America. He isn’t a traditional action hero, but a young, lonely, grieving survivor driven by his determination to find a woman he refers to as “Her.” Along his search he is guided towards the Washington D.C. ultimately leading to disturbing answers.
The final revelations and the last chapter put the events of the story into a darker perspective and reinforce the idea that humanity may have unleashed something far beyond its ability to control. It is an unsettling conclusion that suits the novel’s bleak atmosphere.
The book challenges the idea that humans are automatically the heroes and the creatures are automatically the monsters. The aliens have their own social bonds, emotions, and reasons for acting as they do. This complicates the meaning of the title: “THEM” refers to the beings humanity fears, but the novel also asks whether humans themselves can become monstrous.
Overall, THEM is an atmospheric, disturbing read that combines monster horror with a bleak vision of humanity’s future. The pacing is a bit slow in the middle of the book, 4/5 stars. Fantastic debut novel, looking forward to Chizmars next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2026
This was really 4.5 stars, for many reasons. It is quite an undertaking to make your debut novel something that bounces back and forth between two unnamed characters with no real chapter breaks, but between the pacing and character anonymity, Chizmar nailed it.
While it's a fun story, there is definitely an underlying commentary on humanity that feels delivered with perfect timing given the current state of the world.
Are humans actually the monsters? Do we create them out of others? Are there no monsters, simply different perspectives? Are we our own worst enemy? There's lots to wax philosophical over, if that's your jam.
If not it's still a quick, fun creature feature. I finished it this morning and have spent all day thinking about what MC may be up to now.
Enjoy!
PS big thank you to Gallery Books for sending this ARC to my wife so that I could devour it before she had a chance.
While it's a fun story, there is definitely an underlying commentary on humanity that feels delivered with perfect timing given the current state of the world.
Are humans actually the monsters? Do we create them out of others? Are there no monsters, simply different perspectives? Are we our own worst enemy? There's lots to wax philosophical over, if that's your jam.
If not it's still a quick, fun creature feature. I finished it this morning and have spent all day thinking about what MC may be up to now.
Enjoy!
PS big thank you to Gallery Books for sending this ARC to my wife so that I could devour it before she had a chance.
October 4, 2026
i always like a good post apocalyptic survival horror, and add some aliens that have some intense generational trauma (for good reason), and this was exactly that. the story was compelling and i liked the way a lot of thought was given to the aliens and how they aren’t really aren’t that different from us, but maybe the giant scorpion like tails isn’t a common trait we share lol. good writing, maybe i wish the ending didn’t feel so rushed but just a solid read
August 25, 2026
This really reminded me of The Road (but with added aliens). Not just because of the post apocalyptic journey through the ruins, but stylistically because of the lack of chapters. Spotting all the nods and allusions to Stephen King books is fun as well.
August 29, 2026
What a wonderful debut novel! These were deep thoughtful characters in a very scary and unreal world…
I truly enjoyed every moment and I look forward to more by this author
I truly enjoyed every moment and I look forward to more by this author
August 16, 2026
"Them" was refreshing.
I liked that the monsters hunted at day time
There are a lot of movies and novels about night time predators and this novel was different
I liked the pace, I liked the storyline
I must say that I hate humans
Their nonsense curiosity and how it puts everyone at risks
I liked that the monsters hunted at day time
There are a lot of movies and novels about night time predators and this novel was different
I liked the pace, I liked the storyline
I must say that I hate humans
Their nonsense curiosity and how it puts everyone at risks
November 17, 2024
THEM by W.H. Chizmar is a notable debut for multiple reasons, chiefly the story’s dual functioning as an exciting creature feature and a means to provide deeper commentary on the human condition. The earth as we know it no longer stands as most humans have perished at the hands (talons?) of “them.” One man walks alone in search of something. A reason to keep going, one other survivor, what all of this destruction means for him. And just how the hell did he get here in this predicament?
The first half of this novel combines both compelling action as the man travels this destroyed landscape in addition to riveting documentation from an unknown author shedding light on details of “them” that few would know. This combination of slow reveals with present action really works in moving things along right from the start. It’s interesting formatting and structure that lends itself to the mystery of how the world ended up in this shape and possibly further explaining this man’s plight to survive.
Furthermore, THEM functions as a great creature-feature story while also providing thought-provoking commentary on man’s purpose. This reads as rather timely given the division in our world as topics of guilt, accountability, blame, and confession are brought about in this way. This deeper meaning is there if you’d like it, but there’s plenty to be entertained with sans the emo bits. From creature design to action to confrontation, THEM is a successful creature feature with notes of Spielberg-esque humanity layered throughout.
The first half of this novel combines both compelling action as the man travels this destroyed landscape in addition to riveting documentation from an unknown author shedding light on details of “them” that few would know. This combination of slow reveals with present action really works in moving things along right from the start. It’s interesting formatting and structure that lends itself to the mystery of how the world ended up in this shape and possibly further explaining this man’s plight to survive.
Furthermore, THEM functions as a great creature-feature story while also providing thought-provoking commentary on man’s purpose. This reads as rather timely given the division in our world as topics of guilt, accountability, blame, and confession are brought about in this way. This deeper meaning is there if you’d like it, but there’s plenty to be entertained with sans the emo bits. From creature design to action to confrontation, THEM is a successful creature feature with notes of Spielberg-esque humanity layered throughout.
January 14, 2025
I feel cheated. This was probably my most anticipated book of the month and one of the most of the year. I had really high expectations and they didn't pay off.
Review to come
Review to come
October 23, 2026
#ad much love for my finished copy @gallerybooks #partner
Them
< @
Available Now
Tremors meets A Quiet Place
I loved the setting of this book! Living five minutes from where the story takes place brings a whole new perspective into play.
A secret government project, a revolutionary breakthrough in transporting matter between outer space and Earth, and one catastrophic mishap that brings something back that was never meant to be here. Them by W.H. Chizmar is a debut horror that you won’t ever forget! Chizmar has carved out a piece of the map for himself - and I assure you, we are all here for it.
The story opens with a truck driver transporting some highly dangerous cargo. And when an accident causes the contents of his shipping container to be released, all hell breaks loose. All of New England is suddenly in danger, and most people won’t even realize it until it’s far too late.
Oof! What a way to kick off a horror story! The story then jumps ahead several years, and New England is barely recognizable. So much devastated and countless lives have been lost. Those who could flee did, never to return, and those who remained are doing everything they can just to survive. The world they once knew is gone, and whatever was unleashed that day has changed everything they used to know.
I thought the notes on the doors of abandoned houses was a genius way of giving nonexistent characters a place in the story. We don’t see them because they aren’t there, but we do see them because of their absence - their deafening absence. This had such an impact on the unsettling feels of the story. I also liked how the story alternates between the man walking around trying to survive and the story of everything that led to how the world is now. The backstory of Project Artemis.
Chizmar’s writing is off the chain! Seriously, some of those descriptions will have you shaking in your boots and checking out your windows. I enjoyed this one, but I did struggle during parts of it. Overall a solid read though.
Them
< @
Available Now
Tremors meets A Quiet Place
I loved the setting of this book! Living five minutes from where the story takes place brings a whole new perspective into play.
A secret government project, a revolutionary breakthrough in transporting matter between outer space and Earth, and one catastrophic mishap that brings something back that was never meant to be here. Them by W.H. Chizmar is a debut horror that you won’t ever forget! Chizmar has carved out a piece of the map for himself - and I assure you, we are all here for it.
The story opens with a truck driver transporting some highly dangerous cargo. And when an accident causes the contents of his shipping container to be released, all hell breaks loose. All of New England is suddenly in danger, and most people won’t even realize it until it’s far too late.
Oof! What a way to kick off a horror story! The story then jumps ahead several years, and New England is barely recognizable. So much devastated and countless lives have been lost. Those who could flee did, never to return, and those who remained are doing everything they can just to survive. The world they once knew is gone, and whatever was unleashed that day has changed everything they used to know.
I thought the notes on the doors of abandoned houses was a genius way of giving nonexistent characters a place in the story. We don’t see them because they aren’t there, but we do see them because of their absence - their deafening absence. This had such an impact on the unsettling feels of the story. I also liked how the story alternates between the man walking around trying to survive and the story of everything that led to how the world is now. The backstory of Project Artemis.
Chizmar’s writing is off the chain! Seriously, some of those descriptions will have you shaking in your boots and checking out your windows. I enjoyed this one, but I did struggle during parts of it. Overall a solid read though.
October 19, 2026
W.H. going solo with this one after collaborating with his father Richard on Widow's Point which I'd read this spring. For his first solo outing, admirable.
Them is a bit of a mish mash from other post-apocalyptic novels in the likes of I Am Legend and movies like A Quiet Place. What Chizmar brings here however are a couple things that make it differ from the aforementioned: 1 - the way the beings materialize on Earth is rather unique and 2 - he uses a dual narrative between a person surviving on his own for years (character A) and another survivor who feels responsible for the planet's demise (character B).
It was a given that the story would include confrontations with the beings, and while fairly entertaining, what I enjoyed most was character A's ongoing will to survive in the face of despair and hopelessness and character B's account of what transpired in causing the beings to appear on Earth and the responsibility he felt for its demise. I deducted a 1/2 star as I felt that character A's story line wasn't as fascinating as character B's - while reading character A's story, I often peeked to see how many pages I had left to get to character B. With character B, we learn of an individual haunted by decisions made and not made; a character who feels he doesn't deserve to take the easy road and die as an escape for his actions. Rather, he sets out a goal to find at least one survivor through which he can seek forgiveness and atonement for his role in the events leading to Earth's destruction. The account of what transpired, the resulting impact on both Earth and himself and the outcome of his aspirations were pretty intriguing.
I was a bit underwhelmed by the title when I purchased the book, feeling it bordered on lazy but I think it provides better justification now that I believe whom Them applies to. As a debut novel, I get a pretty good sense that, as a horror writer, the younger Chizmar might just find his niche with the rest of Them.
Them is a bit of a mish mash from other post-apocalyptic novels in the likes of I Am Legend and movies like A Quiet Place. What Chizmar brings here however are a couple things that make it differ from the aforementioned: 1 - the way the beings materialize on Earth is rather unique and 2 - he uses a dual narrative between a person surviving on his own for years (character A) and another survivor who feels responsible for the planet's demise (character B).
It was a given that the story would include confrontations with the beings, and while fairly entertaining, what I enjoyed most was character A's ongoing will to survive in the face of despair and hopelessness and character B's account of what transpired in causing the beings to appear on Earth and the responsibility he felt for its demise. I deducted a 1/2 star as I felt that character A's story line wasn't as fascinating as character B's - while reading character A's story, I often peeked to see how many pages I had left to get to character B. With character B, we learn of an individual haunted by decisions made and not made; a character who feels he doesn't deserve to take the easy road and die as an escape for his actions. Rather, he sets out a goal to find at least one survivor through which he can seek forgiveness and atonement for his role in the events leading to Earth's destruction. The account of what transpired, the resulting impact on both Earth and himself and the outcome of his aspirations were pretty intriguing.
I was a bit underwhelmed by the title when I purchased the book, feeling it bordered on lazy but I think it provides better justification now that I believe whom Them applies to. As a debut novel, I get a pretty good sense that, as a horror writer, the younger Chizmar might just find his niche with the rest of Them.
August 30, 2026
Enjoyable and had a good time while listening, but I won't remember it.
September 29, 2026
I had such high hopes for this debut horror novel. I mean, it started off with such a huge 💥.
Unfortunately, at least for me, it then took a big nose dive into a mishmash of confusion and repetitive story lines which I can't really say much about because I would give away some of the book to you.
This author is connected in a roundabout way to Stephen King, so there was a lot of references to King's books throughout this novel, including The Mist (which is a superior short novella by King). It didn't work within the pages of this particular novel.
Let's just say that as you dive in to the book, a truck that has overturned and rolled off the highway and you kind of figure out that whatever it was carrying was not of this world and would probably be able to end this world, it sounds like it would be just a outstanding suspenseful horror novel, especially when you find out exactly what the truck was carrying. And of course the government is involved, isn't it always with top secret crap that it doesn't tell the world about until it's too late and by then, it's really too late for mankind.
But the majority of this book was boring. An unidentified man traveling only at night (as what was released into the world apparently does not like the dark) and that is when the storyline kind of gets very slow, plodding and monotonous. The otherworldly thing that is released into the world, it is very reminiscent of what happened in Stephen King's novella The Mist.
Unfortunately this ended up not being my cup of tea. And in particular the last few chapters, I almost threw in the towel. It is not a book I would recommend.
Unfortunately, at least for me, it then took a big nose dive into a mishmash of confusion and repetitive story lines which I can't really say much about because I would give away some of the book to you.
This author is connected in a roundabout way to Stephen King, so there was a lot of references to King's books throughout this novel, including The Mist (which is a superior short novella by King). It didn't work within the pages of this particular novel.
Let's just say that as you dive in to the book, a truck that has overturned and rolled off the highway and you kind of figure out that whatever it was carrying was not of this world and would probably be able to end this world, it sounds like it would be just a outstanding suspenseful horror novel, especially when you find out exactly what the truck was carrying. And of course the government is involved, isn't it always with top secret crap that it doesn't tell the world about until it's too late and by then, it's really too late for mankind.
But the majority of this book was boring. An unidentified man traveling only at night (as what was released into the world apparently does not like the dark) and that is when the storyline kind of gets very slow, plodding and monotonous. The otherworldly thing that is released into the world, it is very reminiscent of what happened in Stephen King's novella The Mist.
Unfortunately this ended up not being my cup of tea. And in particular the last few chapters, I almost threw in the towel. It is not a book I would recommend.
October 11, 2026
the alien's sound was always presented with WAY too much use of onomatopoeia. it always feels really silly to me when i'm reading something and it's interrupted with full-caps KURRRRAAAAAAA-
however, i would have read a whole book following the government guy pre-apocalypse into the beginning of it. wasn't particularly interested in anything else.
however, i would have read a whole book following the government guy pre-apocalypse into the beginning of it. wasn't particularly interested in anything else.
August 24, 2026
4. 5 Stars
THEM by W.H. Chizmar (USA Bestseller)
Post-apocalyptic sci-fi horror
" A man walked across the countryside and no one followed."
I went into this one completely blind, no synopsis, going completely off the cover and the author. I was expecting your average creature feature novel, this is not that..to me this is better.
By focusing on only two characters, their experiences hit even harder. Loneliness, isolation, regret and longing. I did enjoy the nods to King's work, the music, the literature referenced. I did not expect to cry but there is one moment in particular that just really affected me.
And, then there is THEM. Highly descriptive storytelling, you will see THEM, even without the audiobook narration, you will hear THEM and because of the way that Chismar wrote THEM, I was surprised about how I felt about, fear, yes but more than that. Definitely recommend.
I did the audiobook with the dual narration by Johnny Heller and Kevin R. Free. Excellent performances.
THEM by W.H. Chizmar (USA Bestseller)
Post-apocalyptic sci-fi horror
" A man walked across the countryside and no one followed."
I went into this one completely blind, no synopsis, going completely off the cover and the author. I was expecting your average creature feature novel, this is not that..to me this is better.
By focusing on only two characters, their experiences hit even harder. Loneliness, isolation, regret and longing. I did enjoy the nods to King's work, the music, the literature referenced. I did not expect to cry but there is one moment in particular that just really affected me.
And, then there is THEM. Highly descriptive storytelling, you will see THEM, even without the audiobook narration, you will hear THEM and because of the way that Chismar wrote THEM, I was surprised about how I felt about, fear, yes but more than that. Definitely recommend.
I did the audiobook with the dual narration by Johnny Heller and Kevin R. Free. Excellent performances.
August 15, 2026
Review of Advanced Readers Copy received from author/publisher
3.5⭐️ Cormac McCarthy’s The Road meets Cloverfield with a dash of Alien.
Chizmar’s debut novel, Them, was a heavy literary based horror novel that focused on one man’s journey across the east coast as he struggled to survive, and hopefully find humanity. You could say Them has a strong McCarthy/The Road atmosphere, but also includes flashbacks to when the scientists first discovered Them. I really enjoyed seeing how the fall of civilization happened, and learning about Them. Often many alien/creature books don’t go into detail about the true star of the show, but Chizmar takes readers down a slow path to understand Them. Going into Them, I expected more plot/action but this story is definitely more character based. While I enjoyed the writing, literary based novels are just not my thing. If you loved The Road, definitely give Them a read!
Thank you to W.H. Chizmar and Gallery Books for providing me a printed ARC.
3.5⭐️ Cormac McCarthy’s The Road meets Cloverfield with a dash of Alien.
Chizmar’s debut novel, Them, was a heavy literary based horror novel that focused on one man’s journey across the east coast as he struggled to survive, and hopefully find humanity. You could say Them has a strong McCarthy/The Road atmosphere, but also includes flashbacks to when the scientists first discovered Them. I really enjoyed seeing how the fall of civilization happened, and learning about Them. Often many alien/creature books don’t go into detail about the true star of the show, but Chizmar takes readers down a slow path to understand Them. Going into Them, I expected more plot/action but this story is definitely more character based. While I enjoyed the writing, literary based novels are just not my thing. If you loved The Road, definitely give Them a read!
Thank you to W.H. Chizmar and Gallery Books for providing me a printed ARC.
July 9, 2026
How do you physically, mentally, and emotionally survive when aliens have overthrown Earth and view you as prey? How do you maintain your humanity without anyone to talk to? What would you miss most about the before? Would you even remember your name if no one uses it?
THEM is contradictory in the most compelling way. It is both apocalyptic and hopeful. It feels at once intimate with the explored thoughts and emotions of so few characters, and broadly cinematic with the descriptions of specific and familiar landscapes. Plot expectations are both fulfilled and subverted. I wanted the main character to succeed, but somehow felt sympathy for the aliens. It showcases humanity’s best and worst qualities, which are occasionally the same ones, and yet I couldn’t look away.
Chizmar immerses you so deeply it made me appreciate such basic luxuries as fresh food, indoor plumbing, and feeling the sunshine warm my skin.
Thank you, Odd Bird Bookshop, for the advanced reader copy.
THEM is contradictory in the most compelling way. It is both apocalyptic and hopeful. It feels at once intimate with the explored thoughts and emotions of so few characters, and broadly cinematic with the descriptions of specific and familiar landscapes. Plot expectations are both fulfilled and subverted. I wanted the main character to succeed, but somehow felt sympathy for the aliens. It showcases humanity’s best and worst qualities, which are occasionally the same ones, and yet I couldn’t look away.
Chizmar immerses you so deeply it made me appreciate such basic luxuries as fresh food, indoor plumbing, and feeling the sunshine warm my skin.
Thank you, Odd Bird Bookshop, for the advanced reader copy.
August 10, 2026
welp this is an alien/monster apocalyptic horror novel that made me cry twice because it was so bleak and hopeful and tragic all at once >>> If you’re a fan of “a quiet place”, “love and monsters”, “i am legend” or “the eternaut” this is giving that end of the world, human vs. monster energy. This story was so interesting to read with dual narratives that really help set the tone and unfold the plot >>> i’d love to see it on the big screen
thank you to Gallery Books & W.H. Chizman for the free advanced reader’s edition
thank you to Gallery Books & W.H. Chizman for the free advanced reader’s edition
August 12, 2026
I just want to start off by saying this was a very well written book! I think I am just solidified in my decision that aliens/sci-fi is not my thing. Eldrich horror creatures? All day every day. But these "scorpions" just did not hit me the same way. That is not the fault of the author at all! He is very talented at writing.
There being almost no dialogue for a lot of the book also was hard for me because I am not used to that in the books I read.
I am still glad I finished this one though!
There being almost no dialogue for a lot of the book also was hard for me because I am not used to that in the books I read.
I am still glad I finished this one though!
September 17, 2026
I enjoyed the slow, suspenseful atmosphere that came from the unknown man’s journey where a single mistake could mean death. It lost its edge when it became more of an action film of “David versus Goliath” at the end.
January 14, 2025
I really had high hopes for W.H. Chizmar's Them, the debut novel from Richard Chizmar's son, especially since Lividian Publications gave it the special edition treatment. The book looks fantastic as you'd expect, but the story fails to impress. Chizmar is a good writer, but the story of a lone man's journey through the apocalypse while avoiding the deadly race of aliens that have taken over the planet is a dull, joyless affair.
The aliens are the most interesting characters in the book, especially when we get an unexpected POV from one of the creatures in the book's close. There are two human POVs, the aforementioned lone man, and diary entries from another man that is partly responsible for the end of humanity. Unfortunately, much of the story drags at a slow pace. When our character does encounter the aliens, the action falls flat and lacks suspense. Maybe it's just because our main character feels like a husk of a person. Chizmar doesn't give us any reason to care about him; the character struggles to remember his own name. He's just there. Kind of like this book.
2.5 stars out of 5. Fear Nerd says, "Check it out!"
The aliens are the most interesting characters in the book, especially when we get an unexpected POV from one of the creatures in the book's close. There are two human POVs, the aforementioned lone man, and diary entries from another man that is partly responsible for the end of humanity. Unfortunately, much of the story drags at a slow pace. When our character does encounter the aliens, the action falls flat and lacks suspense. Maybe it's just because our main character feels like a husk of a person. Chizmar doesn't give us any reason to care about him; the character struggles to remember his own name. He's just there. Kind of like this book.
2.5 stars out of 5. Fear Nerd says, "Check it out!"
January 7, 2025
WH Chizmar’s debut novel does NOT disappoint, far from it.
THEM is a apocalyptic novel written in a dual narrative that Matheson, Sturgeon and Orwell could not have written better.
The two mains are introduced and share their stories with a seamless transition. Cinema can’t even seem to get it right, but Chizmar nails it.
We not one, but two well developed characters and somehow the reader begins to form a bond… a connection? with the Monsters.
Absolutely blown away that this is a debut novel and very much looking forward to future works.
5 out of 5… a must read and instant classic!
THEM is a apocalyptic novel written in a dual narrative that Matheson, Sturgeon and Orwell could not have written better.
The two mains are introduced and share their stories with a seamless transition. Cinema can’t even seem to get it right, but Chizmar nails it.
We not one, but two well developed characters and somehow the reader begins to form a bond… a connection? with the Monsters.
Absolutely blown away that this is a debut novel and very much looking forward to future works.
5 out of 5… a must read and instant classic!
November 3, 2026
An old-school, but nonetheless creative sci-fi/post-apocalyptic novel from an up-and-coming debut author.
Them imagines a nightmare scenario future where American scientists bring back strange, crustacean-like aliens from a distant planet back to Earth, and then accidentally unleash the monsters onto the public, where they wreak havoc and kill almost all of humanity.
Almost being the key word here.
One survivor, who is unnamed for most of the story, trails his way through what remains of the U.S. East Coast years after the aliens are unleashed, trying to do everything he can do to avoid the massive, otherworldly monsters in his path.
This was honestly a pretty straightforward horror story that I believe could’ve benefited from more characters, as most of the drama stemmed from the protagonist avoiding the aliens without there being a real sense of why we should care and root for his survival. The secondary story, narrated by a hardened member from the U.S. military who was part of the team that brought the aliens to earth, relied on a lot of overused sci-fi tropes.
I wanted more complex human stakes from both characters. Stories like Station Eleven, The Walking Dead, and The Last Of Us have raised the bar for how to craft nuanced characters in post-apocalyptic/sci-fi environments — a random dude hacking it out on his own doesn’t really do it for me anymore.
The redeeming X factor that made me finish the book? The aliens themselves. Chizmar concocts these elaborate six-eyed three-legged beasts with metallic scorpion tails that have a logic (and phyisics) of their own. Chizmar does a terrific job explaining their biology, mating habits, and behavior as a species without diluting the sheer horror they inflict, either. His writing style is suspenseful and Lovecraftian, but there is also beautiful imagery and care throughout.
I won’t give anything away, but the last parts of the book play with perspective in a GENIUS way that made me reconsider everything I had just read. I only wish we got more from that point of view throughout instead of following two boring protagonists in such an otherwise fascinating situation.
Overall: 🐑🐑🐑🐩 (3.5 sheep)
Them imagines a nightmare scenario future where American scientists bring back strange, crustacean-like aliens from a distant planet back to Earth, and then accidentally unleash the monsters onto the public, where they wreak havoc and kill almost all of humanity.
Almost being the key word here.
One survivor, who is unnamed for most of the story, trails his way through what remains of the U.S. East Coast years after the aliens are unleashed, trying to do everything he can do to avoid the massive, otherworldly monsters in his path.
This was honestly a pretty straightforward horror story that I believe could’ve benefited from more characters, as most of the drama stemmed from the protagonist avoiding the aliens without there being a real sense of why we should care and root for his survival. The secondary story, narrated by a hardened member from the U.S. military who was part of the team that brought the aliens to earth, relied on a lot of overused sci-fi tropes.
I wanted more complex human stakes from both characters. Stories like Station Eleven, The Walking Dead, and The Last Of Us have raised the bar for how to craft nuanced characters in post-apocalyptic/sci-fi environments — a random dude hacking it out on his own doesn’t really do it for me anymore.
The redeeming X factor that made me finish the book? The aliens themselves. Chizmar concocts these elaborate six-eyed three-legged beasts with metallic scorpion tails that have a logic (and phyisics) of their own. Chizmar does a terrific job explaining their biology, mating habits, and behavior as a species without diluting the sheer horror they inflict, either. His writing style is suspenseful and Lovecraftian, but there is also beautiful imagery and care throughout.
I won’t give anything away, but the last parts of the book play with perspective in a GENIUS way that made me reconsider everything I had just read. I only wish we got more from that point of view throughout instead of following two boring protagonists in such an otherwise fascinating situation.
Overall: 🐑🐑🐑🐩 (3.5 sheep)
August 14, 2026
4.5 stars rounded up
After reading and loving Widow's Point, written by the father-son Chizmar team, I was excited to read son, W.H. Chizmar's solo debut, Them. This apocalyptic novel reminded me of a cross between Stephen King's The Stand and War of the Worlds, with I Am Legend tossed in. The unique writing style, alternating between two unnamed narrators who have both survived the elimination of the human species by aliens, served to keep me unsettled in the way only the best horror novels can.
The novel is not overtly terrifying, though there were a number of close encounters between 'the man' and an alien family that had me literally speed reading to find out how he will survive. The calm, lonely desperation of a young man who is walking through the night toward the possibility of other survivors that he is doubtful exist was the source of the horror, alongside the guilt and regret of the much older military scientist who knows how everything began and how it spiraled out of control. The story speaks volumes in our current times.
One of the more interesting aspects is the interactions between the aliens which are portrayed as having feelings similar to humans. They protect and love each other, grieving and seeking revenge when one of their own is injured or killed. The epilogue from the point of view of one of the Scorpions, as the aliens are called, was fascinating and added to my enjoyment overall.
The only criticism, and it is more a personal reaction, is that I was not completely thrilled with the final scene. I felt that things were somewhat unresolved and not satisfactorily explained. Until the end, the book was a solid 5-stars, and regardless, it is a fantastic debut!
Thank you to Netgalley and Gallery Books for the digital ARC of Them by W.H. Chizmar. The opinions in this review are my own.
After reading and loving Widow's Point, written by the father-son Chizmar team, I was excited to read son, W.H. Chizmar's solo debut, Them. This apocalyptic novel reminded me of a cross between Stephen King's The Stand and War of the Worlds, with I Am Legend tossed in. The unique writing style, alternating between two unnamed narrators who have both survived the elimination of the human species by aliens, served to keep me unsettled in the way only the best horror novels can.
The novel is not overtly terrifying, though there were a number of close encounters between 'the man' and an alien family that had me literally speed reading to find out how he will survive. The calm, lonely desperation of a young man who is walking through the night toward the possibility of other survivors that he is doubtful exist was the source of the horror, alongside the guilt and regret of the much older military scientist who knows how everything began and how it spiraled out of control. The story speaks volumes in our current times.
One of the more interesting aspects is the interactions between the aliens which are portrayed as having feelings similar to humans. They protect and love each other, grieving and seeking revenge when one of their own is injured or killed. The epilogue from the point of view of one of the Scorpions, as the aliens are called, was fascinating and added to my enjoyment overall.
The only criticism, and it is more a personal reaction, is that I was not completely thrilled with the final scene. I felt that things were somewhat unresolved and not satisfactorily explained. Until the end, the book was a solid 5-stars, and regardless, it is a fantastic debut!
Thank you to Netgalley and Gallery Books for the digital ARC of Them by W.H. Chizmar. The opinions in this review are my own.
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