Silentium

by M F Alfrey

Aliens meets The Thing in M. F. Alfrey’s Silentium. In this action-packed military SF gore-fest, a struggling haulage crew and a squad of delinquent marines find themselves hurled together in a gruelling fight for survival beneath the ice.

Captain Joe Bannerman has finally scored a big job that would mean the good life for him and his crew: a long-haul trip to drop a bunch of marines on the edge of the charted territories for re-education training. The only drawback is their employer – the Inter Planetary Commission. A ruthless totalitarian corporate government.

But not long after their arrival, and failure to raise Aquilo Base on comms, all souls aboard the Fritzwicky suddenly find themselves stranded on a frozen world with no other choice but to delve into the ominously silent facility. And what should have been a routine passenger drop quickly takes a hideously twisted and disturbing turn.

Genres: Horror, Fiction

495 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 10, 2024

About the author

M F Alfrey has always been fascinated by creatures – especially the strange and the overlooked, from peculiar dinosaurs to bizarre insects. A lifelong love of wildlife and monsters had him dreaming of a career in special creature FX, but with no clear path at the time, he turned to art. Eventually, that passion evolved into writing, where he now brings his own monsters to life on the page. From the horrific to the inexplicable, his creatures are more than just threats – they’re the wildlife of his worlds, serving as antagonists, protagonists, or mirrors of humanity in all its beauty and brutality.

For a more in-depth bio, visit his author site: https://mfalfrey.com/

Reviews

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was extremely lucky to be given an opportunity to beta read "Silentium," and with reassurances that my favourite character was still in the book, I eagerly agreed to write a review.

The comparison between "Silentium" and classic sci-fi horror masterpieces like "Alien" and "The Thing" is spot on – fans of these iconic stories should definitely add "Silentium" to their to-read list. Alfrey’s ability to craft tension and suspense is truly captivating; the narrative is so immersive it feels as if it can transport you off this planet. Additionally, I’ve never reacted so viscerally to a horror story as much as this one; certain parts made me physically gag.

The bonds you form with the characters are profound, leaving you genuinely rooting for their survival and success. Personally, I found myself particularly connected to Coghlan. His reactions in various scenarios mirrored how I believe I would respond if faced with similar predicaments. In a genre where characters often make frustratingly poor decisions, it was refreshing and affirming to encounter a character whose thoughts and actions felt authentic and relatable.

"Silentium" is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a well-told horror story with complex characters and a gripping plot. Alfrey’s storytelling is both a tribute to the genre’s classics and a fresh, thrilling experience in its own right.

[Karl Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

One last job, transporting space marines to a classified research facility on the edge of charted space. What could possibly go wrong?
This is a well crafted story set in a beautifully detailed vision of the future.
Full of action, thrills and monsters that leave you shivering.
This is a fantastic book and well worth a read.