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Green Tsunami
"You would think that when a big green tsunami pounds down on the earth and floods the streets, and rips buildings out of the ground, that the scientists would have seen something coming. That they could have prepared for it. But this seems to have caught everyone with their pants down.
"And it doesn’t make sense that anyone survived. Nobody seems to remember when it actually hit. And nobody can figure out how we all didn’t get wiped out. How we all didn’t just drown.
"I’ve never seen such damage. And at the same time, it all seems to be healing over in some weird way. New things growing in their place–I can’t identify most of it. But I’ll try if you let me ..."
Laura Cooney and L.L. Soares have created an apocalytpic novella that is disturbing, graphic, and provocative. A mysterious "green tsunami" has swept the planet–and nothing will be the same as both living and inanimate things begin to metamorphosize into a new horrifying reality. The story is told entirely via e-mails between a man and his wife, separated by the catastrophe, describing the terrors they must face as they strive to survive.
The cover illustration is by Dan Verkys, with a cover design by Ju Kim. Interior illustrations were created by Will Renfro, Justynn Tyme, and Ju Kim.
"And it doesn’t make sense that anyone survived. Nobody seems to remember when it actually hit. And nobody can figure out how we all didn’t get wiped out. How we all didn’t just drown.
"I’ve never seen such damage. And at the same time, it all seems to be healing over in some weird way. New things growing in their place–I can’t identify most of it. But I’ll try if you let me ..."
Laura Cooney and L.L. Soares have created an apocalytpic novella that is disturbing, graphic, and provocative. A mysterious "green tsunami" has swept the planet–and nothing will be the same as both living and inanimate things begin to metamorphosize into a new horrifying reality. The story is told entirely via e-mails between a man and his wife, separated by the catastrophe, describing the terrors they must face as they strive to survive.
The cover illustration is by Dan Verkys, with a cover design by Ju Kim. Interior illustrations were created by Will Renfro, Justynn Tyme, and Ju Kim.
- GenresHorror
168 pages, Paperback
First published May 18, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 25, 2015
However grim, Green Tsunami is an unusually refreshing novella authored by real-life husband and wife L.L. Soares and Laura Cooney and told entirely through emails between fictional husband and wife Aaron and Joy. As a fan of Smart Rhino’s editor Weldon Burge, I was anxious to check out one of his press’ publications, and this did not disappoint. The cover art by Daniel Verkys is surreal and evocative and made me even more curious as to what I might find between the pages.
We are hooked from the very first entry: “Joy, The sky looks like it’s on fire”... and from there are taken on a surreal, harrowing journey which gradually increases in both terror and strangeness by the second. The writing is intentionally informal, as these are conversations taking place between a man and his wife who have been separated by this bizarre and cataclysmic event—and yet this colloquial speech does not detract from the authors’ ability to create a vivid, richly developed setting and thoroughly unsettling emotional core at the heart of the story’s plot.
As surreal, mind-bending, and grotesque as this work becomes as the story unfolds, it is inarguably symbolic on many levels. The plot touches upon important themes, including relationships, parenting, humanity, ecology, class, ethics, morality, love, war, and much more. It approaches difficult topics such as the guilt a parent feels when his or her child becomes something of a “monster”... to guilt on a more universal level for our roles, however indirect, on atrocities past, present, and future.
Both begin to question these profound matters given the circumstances. “Aaron...Why do I say ‘we’ dropped the A-bomb? We weren’t even alive in 1945. It’s the collective ‘we’ of a community. Somehow we were all complicit in it, as we are in the green tsunami...”
“Joy...Am I losing my mind? Then again, can anyone be sane in this world we’re in now? This strange, unrecognizable planet that exists after the green tsunami?”
The volley of communications between the two as Aaron tries desperately to find and rescue his wife lends itself to a seductive, hypnotic read which is complemented by appropriately freakish illustrations, many of which allow the reader to visualize the body horror aspect of the storyline all the more.
No one is safe from the effects of the green tsunami, and the changes it has on the characters grow worse until the nightmarish direction the plot has been leading all along reveals itself.
This is an imaginative, disturbing, and well-constructed original work of graphic and evocative fiction that I would recommend for fans of sci-fi, bizarro, or good old fashioned horror.
We are hooked from the very first entry: “Joy, The sky looks like it’s on fire”... and from there are taken on a surreal, harrowing journey which gradually increases in both terror and strangeness by the second. The writing is intentionally informal, as these are conversations taking place between a man and his wife who have been separated by this bizarre and cataclysmic event—and yet this colloquial speech does not detract from the authors’ ability to create a vivid, richly developed setting and thoroughly unsettling emotional core at the heart of the story’s plot.
As surreal, mind-bending, and grotesque as this work becomes as the story unfolds, it is inarguably symbolic on many levels. The plot touches upon important themes, including relationships, parenting, humanity, ecology, class, ethics, morality, love, war, and much more. It approaches difficult topics such as the guilt a parent feels when his or her child becomes something of a “monster”... to guilt on a more universal level for our roles, however indirect, on atrocities past, present, and future.
Both begin to question these profound matters given the circumstances. “Aaron...Why do I say ‘we’ dropped the A-bomb? We weren’t even alive in 1945. It’s the collective ‘we’ of a community. Somehow we were all complicit in it, as we are in the green tsunami...”
“Joy...Am I losing my mind? Then again, can anyone be sane in this world we’re in now? This strange, unrecognizable planet that exists after the green tsunami?”
The volley of communications between the two as Aaron tries desperately to find and rescue his wife lends itself to a seductive, hypnotic read which is complemented by appropriately freakish illustrations, many of which allow the reader to visualize the body horror aspect of the storyline all the more.
No one is safe from the effects of the green tsunami, and the changes it has on the characters grow worse until the nightmarish direction the plot has been leading all along reveals itself.
This is an imaginative, disturbing, and well-constructed original work of graphic and evocative fiction that I would recommend for fans of sci-fi, bizarro, or good old fashioned horror.
July 28, 2015
One of the best books I've ever read. What a ride!
September 9, 2014
Laura Cooney and L.L.Soares have done a fantastic job with this novella. A green tsunami has decimated the earth and the survivors that are left are changed in ways you cannot imagine. This story is told via emails between a husband and wife as they try to figure out why it happened, how they can survive, and save each other in this new apocalyptic world. Living and non-living things have transformed and are changing into things that would give David Cronenberg nightmares.I see shades of Lovecraft's "The Colour Out of Space", William Hope Hodgson's "The Voice in the Night", and Stephen King's "The Lonesome Death of Jordy Verrill" all through out this wonderful and terrifying story. Along with the interior illustrations Ju Kim, Will Renfo, Justynn Tyme, and Daniel Verkys makes this book even more unsettling.
August 16, 2014
There's an art to writing surreal horror fiction. Overall, the world of a conventional horror novel (or novella in the case this this book) is, for the most part, the real world. "Normal". Into it, something unreal or horrific is introduced. In a novella like Green Tsunami, which falls into my personal definition of surreal, something unreal and horrific is introduced to a world that is, or has become, itself horrific. The setting for this story is a world changed so dramatically it's become nightmarish in its own regard - an unexplained event has occurred, a slimy green wave (the the main characters have come to call it a tsunami) has washed over everything in the world, and has, and is continuing to, transform everything (organic and inorganic) into something alien and new. When the bonds of storytelling are freed up and not confined to staying in a conventional, "real" world setting, the story can become so weird it gets in the way of any real plot, or it becomes an integral part of book and the characters themselves, like this one.
This review's starting to get surreal. Let me step back.
The story is written by the brilliantly talented husband and wife team L.L. Soares and Laura Cooney. Each chapter is an email sent by either the husband, Aaron, to his wife, Joy, or vice versa. Joy is trapped, a prisoner, essentially, in the office building where she was working when the tsunami hit. Aaron is at home. Many buildings were destroyed in the wave, many others have been altered into strange, alien forms, but the electricity still works sporadically and so does email. This situation is convenient for the plot to move forward, but is often questioned by the characters themselves, who suspect that this may be more deliberate than they realize.
Aaron and Joy had been going through a rough patch in their marriage, noted by the terse way in which Joy responds to her husband's emails. They learn what the world has become for each, and more importantly as the story progresses what has become of their troubled son, who was in school when everything went green.
I was surprised how well the story of Aaron's search for Joy and their son, all the while dealing with his own body's strange metamorphosis (everyone caught in the wave, who survived, were changed in some surreal - there's that word again - way) and Joy's situation being held captive by oddities they call "Baloon Heads", was conveyed through nothing but emails.
I assumed in reading this that the authors wrote their respective character's parts (L.L. doing Aaron's emails and Laura doing Joy's), but I could be wrong. Regardless, their writing in the past has always been strong and this is no exception. The book is inventive and, most importantly, engaging. One of those stories where you want to read just - one - more - chapter and suddenly it's over.
Now, be warned. This is not your average horror story, like I said. The setting and events are quite surreal (not to the vast extent of, say, Cisco's The Divinity Student, though written just as well) and can bend your brain in directions it usually doesn't need to in a Koontz novel. But if you want a story that's way out of the box, but tells a fascinating, and often touching, story, check this novella out.
This review's starting to get surreal. Let me step back.
The story is written by the brilliantly talented husband and wife team L.L. Soares and Laura Cooney. Each chapter is an email sent by either the husband, Aaron, to his wife, Joy, or vice versa. Joy is trapped, a prisoner, essentially, in the office building where she was working when the tsunami hit. Aaron is at home. Many buildings were destroyed in the wave, many others have been altered into strange, alien forms, but the electricity still works sporadically and so does email. This situation is convenient for the plot to move forward, but is often questioned by the characters themselves, who suspect that this may be more deliberate than they realize.
Aaron and Joy had been going through a rough patch in their marriage, noted by the terse way in which Joy responds to her husband's emails. They learn what the world has become for each, and more importantly as the story progresses what has become of their troubled son, who was in school when everything went green.
I was surprised how well the story of Aaron's search for Joy and their son, all the while dealing with his own body's strange metamorphosis (everyone caught in the wave, who survived, were changed in some surreal - there's that word again - way) and Joy's situation being held captive by oddities they call "Baloon Heads", was conveyed through nothing but emails.
I assumed in reading this that the authors wrote their respective character's parts (L.L. doing Aaron's emails and Laura doing Joy's), but I could be wrong. Regardless, their writing in the past has always been strong and this is no exception. The book is inventive and, most importantly, engaging. One of those stories where you want to read just - one - more - chapter and suddenly it's over.
Now, be warned. This is not your average horror story, like I said. The setting and events are quite surreal (not to the vast extent of, say, Cisco's The Divinity Student, though written just as well) and can bend your brain in directions it usually doesn't need to in a Koontz novel. But if you want a story that's way out of the box, but tells a fascinating, and often touching, story, check this novella out.
August 24, 2014
L. L. Soares and his wife, Laura Cooney, in a major departure from the exemplary horror fiction we’ve come to expect, have presented us with a remarkable surrealistic novella.
The premise is that the Earth has been swept by an organic green tidal wave that has eliminated most of civilization pretty much overnight, altered what it didn’t kill, and changed some inanimate objects to an animated state. The metamorphosis is Kafka-esque, but much more far-reaching.
Among the few humans left is an unhappily married couple, Aaron and Joy. When the green tsunami hit, Joy was at her office and Aaron was at home. Their son, David, was at school. Though all three survived, they underwent horrific physical changes, as did all of the handful of survivors. The entire book is a series of emails (electricity is still on, but sporadic) between Aaron and Joy, with Aaron trying desperately to find and rescue his wife. It isn't easy, because the once familiar city is so modified that finding anything or anyone is difficult, if not impossible.
I expect that this style serves the authors well on several levels. First of all, who doesn’t like to read others’ mail? The book is a fast read, the emails acting as a sort of shorthand to just get the facts out to the reader without going all Dostoyevsky about it. And it is effective. It’s a wonderful way to get to know both the protagonists, as well as their absent son, almost immediately. The reader is swept up into the story on the first page and isn’t let go until the last. The book was neither too short nor too long, but absolutely the perfect length—a difficult feat for a novella of this nature.
Green Tsunami about what happens when nature takes the planet back, and is out for revenge while it’s at it; where humans become extraneous at best and food at worst. You’ll think twice before you step on a bug or pull up a weed after you read this, believe me.
I’ve never been much of a surrealist/bizarro fan, but this amazing novella has opened my eyes and changed my mind. Bravo.
The premise is that the Earth has been swept by an organic green tidal wave that has eliminated most of civilization pretty much overnight, altered what it didn’t kill, and changed some inanimate objects to an animated state. The metamorphosis is Kafka-esque, but much more far-reaching.
Among the few humans left is an unhappily married couple, Aaron and Joy. When the green tsunami hit, Joy was at her office and Aaron was at home. Their son, David, was at school. Though all three survived, they underwent horrific physical changes, as did all of the handful of survivors. The entire book is a series of emails (electricity is still on, but sporadic) between Aaron and Joy, with Aaron trying desperately to find and rescue his wife. It isn't easy, because the once familiar city is so modified that finding anything or anyone is difficult, if not impossible.
I expect that this style serves the authors well on several levels. First of all, who doesn’t like to read others’ mail? The book is a fast read, the emails acting as a sort of shorthand to just get the facts out to the reader without going all Dostoyevsky about it. And it is effective. It’s a wonderful way to get to know both the protagonists, as well as their absent son, almost immediately. The reader is swept up into the story on the first page and isn’t let go until the last. The book was neither too short nor too long, but absolutely the perfect length—a difficult feat for a novella of this nature.
Green Tsunami about what happens when nature takes the planet back, and is out for revenge while it’s at it; where humans become extraneous at best and food at worst. You’ll think twice before you step on a bug or pull up a weed after you read this, believe me.
I’ve never been much of a surrealist/bizarro fan, but this amazing novella has opened my eyes and changed my mind. Bravo.
October 14, 2014
When it comes to fiction, I’m a sucker for a good story, regardless of genre. Sci-fi, horror, fantasy, thrillers, even romance and humor…as long as the plot intrigues me, I’ll give it a look. So when I read the synopsis for GREEN TSUNAMI, my interest shot through the roof. As you can imagine, I was quite excited. Post-apocalyptic novels are a dime a dozen; but when you come across one that is rife with originality, how can you pass that up? That’s right…you can’t. I’m so glad I gave this one a chance because it’s an excellent read that will keep you riveted to your seat.
If you are not familiar with GREEN TSUNAMI, here is the plot synopsis courtesy of Smart Rhino Publications:
I don’t think I’ve ever read surrealistic horror like this before, but I sure hope I can find more. The book is full of bold imagery and mind-bending scenes. I’ve never tried drugs, but I will bet reading GREEN TSUNAMI is like dropping LSD and then taking a tour of Willie Wonka’s Chocolate Factory.
GREEN TSUNAMI is written very well and flows nicely. I am very impressed with how authors Laura Cooney and L. L. Soares are able to convey the story from an e-mail point-of-view. This is a solid testament to the massive talent this duo has. But it is not only a good read, the book is visionary as well. The magnificent scope of the story that unfolds is huge. I absolutely love the ending, and I will probably reread this book very soon.
The book is only 150+ pages in length, but the authors cram a lot of drama into that small space. As a result, the reader is given a thrilling journey through the bizarre that can be completed in just a couple of sittings. This is another big plus for me, as I was able to finish the book in just two days.
GREEN TSUNAMI is a major win for me, and I recommend it to fans of horror, science-fiction, or anyone looking for a dark, enthralling nightmare. The book is available now in several formats.
If you are not familiar with GREEN TSUNAMI, here is the plot synopsis courtesy of Smart Rhino Publications:
I don’t think I’ve ever read surrealistic horror like this before, but I sure hope I can find more. The book is full of bold imagery and mind-bending scenes. I’ve never tried drugs, but I will bet reading GREEN TSUNAMI is like dropping LSD and then taking a tour of Willie Wonka’s Chocolate Factory.
GREEN TSUNAMI is written very well and flows nicely. I am very impressed with how authors Laura Cooney and L. L. Soares are able to convey the story from an e-mail point-of-view. This is a solid testament to the massive talent this duo has. But it is not only a good read, the book is visionary as well. The magnificent scope of the story that unfolds is huge. I absolutely love the ending, and I will probably reread this book very soon.
The book is only 150+ pages in length, but the authors cram a lot of drama into that small space. As a result, the reader is given a thrilling journey through the bizarre that can be completed in just a couple of sittings. This is another big plus for me, as I was able to finish the book in just two days.
GREEN TSUNAMI is a major win for me, and I recommend it to fans of horror, science-fiction, or anyone looking for a dark, enthralling nightmare. The book is available now in several formats.
February 19, 2016
Honestly, when I heard the book had illustrations I had to have it. As an author and artist it's nice to see a complimentary combination of the two artforms. Seriously, I wish more publishers would release stuff like this.
Concerning the story, I like the back and forth communications between the husband and wife, which describe the events from two perspectives. If you're a fan of body horror (Brian Yuzna, Stuart Gordon, David Cronenberg) this story is for you. It's grotesque, but the bodily afflictions serve a purpose.
It's surreal for sure, but not abstract and pointless. I expected the competing forces to wind up in a different direction, but I did call the ending close. In both cases I wasn't disappointed.
It's a nice read and the sparse illustrations are a treat. This would make a great sci-fi/horror film.
Concerning the story, I like the back and forth communications between the husband and wife, which describe the events from two perspectives. If you're a fan of body horror (Brian Yuzna, Stuart Gordon, David Cronenberg) this story is for you. It's grotesque, but the bodily afflictions serve a purpose.
It's surreal for sure, but not abstract and pointless. I expected the competing forces to wind up in a different direction, but I did call the ending close. In both cases I wasn't disappointed.
It's a nice read and the sparse illustrations are a treat. This would make a great sci-fi/horror film.
July 23, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed Green Tsunami, I was fortunate enough to provide the cover art and on reading the book I found myself transported into one of my pictures, cleverly written and conceived, well done to all.
August 28, 2022
So very weird. Eco-horror that kind of reminded me of The Beauty by Aliya Whitely. I liked it a lot, but definitely would have preferred if it wasn't epistolary.
January 30, 2023
Super scary and unique!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews