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Strange Eons #1
Discovery
“Cosmic game board like no other. Astonishing. Brilliant. Unsettling. Stunning.” - Janny Wurts, author of the series, The Wars of Light and Shadow
In 1992, at the dawn of the age of technology, disgraced ex-game show host Manny di Martini schemes for a comeback with a deep-sea television special in the South Pacific. He quickly finds himself in over his head, attracting the attention of a cosmic being who will lead Manny to a television broadcast event much bigger than the entire planet bargained evidence of a slumbering alien in a ruined city at the bottom of the ocean. One look at the monster on TV, and humans collectively freak out.
The narrative leaps between a cast of unforgettable characters, revealing their connections to cosmic gods who play with their lives. If humanity can’t save itself, and the cosmic beings do not have humans’ best interests in their cold hearts, humanity will have to pull itself together to prepare for a war that not only threatens Earth, but the very fabric of reality.
“Discovery transcends genre to explore the big questions about our place in all this vastness. And we might not want to hear the answers.” - Philip Chase, author of the series, The Edan Trilogy
“The power of J.A.J. Minton’s imagination and storytelling cannot be overstated.” — Esmay Rosalyne, Grimdark Magazine
“Once this cosmic mystery/thriller has you in its tentacles, it doesn't let go. J.A.J. Minton is a serious talent and has made a wonderfully rich contribution to the world of story with Discovery.” -Jacquelyn Hagen, author of the series, The Riverfall Chronicles
“This book helped us ‘discover’ one J.A.J. Minton created a masterpiece. The plot is fresh and thrilling from start to finish. World-building is brilliantly realized. Discovery blew our minds; all two remaining brain cells. We gawk in supreme awe. 5/5 stars.” - Austin & Richard, 2 to Ramble
In 1992, at the dawn of the age of technology, disgraced ex-game show host Manny di Martini schemes for a comeback with a deep-sea television special in the South Pacific. He quickly finds himself in over his head, attracting the attention of a cosmic being who will lead Manny to a television broadcast event much bigger than the entire planet bargained evidence of a slumbering alien in a ruined city at the bottom of the ocean. One look at the monster on TV, and humans collectively freak out.
The narrative leaps between a cast of unforgettable characters, revealing their connections to cosmic gods who play with their lives. If humanity can’t save itself, and the cosmic beings do not have humans’ best interests in their cold hearts, humanity will have to pull itself together to prepare for a war that not only threatens Earth, but the very fabric of reality.
“Discovery transcends genre to explore the big questions about our place in all this vastness. And we might not want to hear the answers.” - Philip Chase, author of the series, The Edan Trilogy
“The power of J.A.J. Minton’s imagination and storytelling cannot be overstated.” — Esmay Rosalyne, Grimdark Magazine
“Once this cosmic mystery/thriller has you in its tentacles, it doesn't let go. J.A.J. Minton is a serious talent and has made a wonderfully rich contribution to the world of story with Discovery.” -Jacquelyn Hagen, author of the series, The Riverfall Chronicles
“This book helped us ‘discover’ one J.A.J. Minton created a masterpiece. The plot is fresh and thrilling from start to finish. World-building is brilliantly realized. Discovery blew our minds; all two remaining brain cells. We gawk in supreme awe. 5/5 stars.” - Austin & Richard, 2 to Ramble
461 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2025
164 people are currently reading
2837 people want to read
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May 8, 2025What if:
history as we think we know it is not the full story.
What if:
humans are being engineered by something Other for its own design, and the something Other is itself in conflict.
What if:
well loved horror written by a well known author tapped into something scary real?
J. A. J. Minton's cosmic horror novel explodes off the page with a cast of vivid characters, worldwide scope, and breathtaking vision when a cataclysm set off by when deep sea video discovery launched for TV entertainment 'goes wrong' - or does it? If humanity was being poked by the design of an alien puppeteer, whose reality are we creating after all? What is in charge?
This novel digs deep into so many venues - past, present day, and throws wild questions into the development of our technological and theological time, moving into an unknown future. If you enjoy sharp story telling, wild ideas, and layers upon layers of connection that are interlined and stunning for their scope and variety - give the debut a whirl.
Told with a rare finish, prepare to toss your world view into a blender and reemerge into a reality that is - literally - out of this world.
history as we think we know it is not the full story.
What if:
humans are being engineered by something Other for its own design, and the something Other is itself in conflict.
What if:
well loved horror written by a well known author tapped into something scary real?
J. A. J. Minton's cosmic horror novel explodes off the page with a cast of vivid characters, worldwide scope, and breathtaking vision when a cataclysm set off by when deep sea video discovery launched for TV entertainment 'goes wrong' - or does it? If humanity was being poked by the design of an alien puppeteer, whose reality are we creating after all? What is in charge?
This novel digs deep into so many venues - past, present day, and throws wild questions into the development of our technological and theological time, moving into an unknown future. If you enjoy sharp story telling, wild ideas, and layers upon layers of connection that are interlined and stunning for their scope and variety - give the debut a whirl.
Told with a rare finish, prepare to toss your world view into a blender and reemerge into a reality that is - literally - out of this world.
December 11, 2025
This review was originally published on Grimdark Magazine
4.5 stars (rounded up)
It’s not often that I find myself lost for words when I come to write a review, but what J.A.J. Minton pulled off in their stupendously ambitious debut novel Discovery has honestly left me speechless. It’s an utterly captivating story with balls, teeth and tentacles that seamlessly blends post-apocalyptic mystery, cosmic horror, dystopian sci-fi, historical fiction, and dark folkloric urban fantasy into a tour de force of cutting-edge speculative fiction.
Now, Discovery is one of those wonderfully weird and experimental novels that is quite simply unlike anything I have ever read before. What starts out in Tonga, 1992 as a deep-sea mystery broadcast gone wrong quickly escalates into a brutal and fungal-infused cosmic chess game that spans continents, eons, realms, and space. Throughout a masterfully crafted kaleidoscopic narrative spanning five distinct acts, which are broken up by the diary entries of a revolutionary computer scientist, we are introduced to a diverse cast of colourful and unforgettable characters who not only hold the fate of Earth, but the pure fabric of reality in their hands, whether they realise it or not; in other words, cue the Chaos.
And as crazy as that neat little one-paragraph summary might sound, it doesn’t even come close to conveying the brilliant madness that Minton (a.k.a. The Talking Story family) delivers in Discovery. This story doesn’t just push boundaries, but it boldly dances with the legacy of all that came before to create an altogether more mind-bending narrative. If you’ll indulge me in giving a weird metaphorical vibe-check for this book: imagine if you took all the best elements of Vandermeer’s Annihilation, Cixin Liu’s Remembrance of Earth’s Past, David Mitchell’s The Bone Clocks, Octavia E. Butler’s Parable of the Sower, and Lavalle’s The Ballad of Black Tom, put those in a blender, sprinkled some deliciously dark King vibes over it all, and then served this uniquely stomach-churning sundae of sublime storytelling with a few horrific Lovecraftian cherries on top; that’s the taste of Discovery for you.
If all that didn’t give it away, Discovery is a story that refuses to play by the rules and which isn’t afraid to make you feel uncomfortable. And I am not going to lie, there were moments during the first half of the novel that challenged me more than I was anticipating. Partly because the unconventional structure required quite a bit of blind trust in the process, partly because there’s quite a bit of esoteric big brain energy going on in some chapters (though never to the point of becoming pretentious), but most of all because I honestly don’t think I was prepared for the weight and impact of the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual journeys that these characters pulled me into.
See, Discovery is not just a character study, it’s a study of humanity and the narratives that connect us all and make up the threads of our existence. It unflinchingly examines what happens when faith, science, conspiracy theories, folklore, and the extra-terrestrial clash, and how humanity reacts when it is faced with their fear of the unknown. Seriously, Discovery contains layers of thematic depth that go deeper than the Mariana Trench, and its brutal yet effortlessly graceful exploration of mental health, cultural identity, evolution, artificial intelligence/life, generational trauma, parenthood, morality, and ethics just spoke to my soul in ways I was not ready for; this is a book with a pulse, and my heart was beating right along with it.
Though as weighty and heady and heavy as that all sounds, Discovery is also just a wickedly fun and entertaining wild ride. There’s a playfulness to Minton’s storytelling that kept me grounded and engaged throughout the increasingly complex and crazy plot, and I found myself chuckling at all the ludicrous events, funny character interactions, and killer lines of whip-smart dialogue more times than I’d like to admit. I mean, when you have a cast of characters including (but not limited to) an absolute ass-hat of a disgraced ex-game show host with a god complex, an enigmatic nun without faith, a snarky assistant with some addiction problems (my personal favourite), an ex(?)-Nazi with a foul mouth, and an interdimensional being with a flair for drama, you can expect some hysterical shenanigans to ensue.
In the hands of a lesser author, this challenging and slightly unhinged narrative could have easily crashed and burned so many times along the way, and I honestly think it all would not have worked so well if it wasn’t for the Minton family’s background in film and theatre. See, they are uniquely talented at vividly setting every scene, and the way that they distinguish between character voices and then breathe these vibrant characters to life just made the entire story unfold like a scarily realistic movie in my mind. As someone who heavily struggles to visualise while reading, Discovery offered a level of immersion that I have rarely had the pleasure of experiencing before, making this a reading journey that I will treasure forever more.
So yes, I may have struggled at some points, but if there was ever a book that rewards you a thousand fold if you give it the attention, patience, and trust that it deserves, it’s Discovery. This story just continued to zig whenever I expected it to zag, and the meticulous way that the narrative built and unravelled made me fall in love more and more with each new turn of the page. The entire final act was pure revelatory madness, pulling together all the previously assumed separate threads and giving answers to questions I didn’t even know I had, while also roping me in for the rest of the Strange Eons series in the most enticingly ominous way possible; forget the Sanderlanche, the Talking Story Tsunami is here to wipe you off your feet.
I will be the first to admit that this review is quite the hyperbolic gush fest, and yet my praise can never properly do justice to this marvellous masterpiece. The transcendental power of J.A.J. Minton’s imagination, prose and storytelling simply cannot be overstated, and the fact that this is only their debut leaves me with no doubt that their author journey is going to be legendary. So, if you like the sound of a wildly imaginative genre blending gem of a book that somehow manages to be extraordinarily alien yet deeply and relatable human at the same time, then I highly recommend diving into Discovery to discover its ground breaking storytelling genius on your own.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
4.5 stars (rounded up)
It’s not often that I find myself lost for words when I come to write a review, but what J.A.J. Minton pulled off in their stupendously ambitious debut novel Discovery has honestly left me speechless. It’s an utterly captivating story with balls, teeth and tentacles that seamlessly blends post-apocalyptic mystery, cosmic horror, dystopian sci-fi, historical fiction, and dark folkloric urban fantasy into a tour de force of cutting-edge speculative fiction.
Now, Discovery is one of those wonderfully weird and experimental novels that is quite simply unlike anything I have ever read before. What starts out in Tonga, 1992 as a deep-sea mystery broadcast gone wrong quickly escalates into a brutal and fungal-infused cosmic chess game that spans continents, eons, realms, and space. Throughout a masterfully crafted kaleidoscopic narrative spanning five distinct acts, which are broken up by the diary entries of a revolutionary computer scientist, we are introduced to a diverse cast of colourful and unforgettable characters who not only hold the fate of Earth, but the pure fabric of reality in their hands, whether they realise it or not; in other words, cue the Chaos.
And as crazy as that neat little one-paragraph summary might sound, it doesn’t even come close to conveying the brilliant madness that Minton (a.k.a. The Talking Story family) delivers in Discovery. This story doesn’t just push boundaries, but it boldly dances with the legacy of all that came before to create an altogether more mind-bending narrative. If you’ll indulge me in giving a weird metaphorical vibe-check for this book: imagine if you took all the best elements of Vandermeer’s Annihilation, Cixin Liu’s Remembrance of Earth’s Past, David Mitchell’s The Bone Clocks, Octavia E. Butler’s Parable of the Sower, and Lavalle’s The Ballad of Black Tom, put those in a blender, sprinkled some deliciously dark King vibes over it all, and then served this uniquely stomach-churning sundae of sublime storytelling with a few horrific Lovecraftian cherries on top; that’s the taste of Discovery for you.
If all that didn’t give it away, Discovery is a story that refuses to play by the rules and which isn’t afraid to make you feel uncomfortable. And I am not going to lie, there were moments during the first half of the novel that challenged me more than I was anticipating. Partly because the unconventional structure required quite a bit of blind trust in the process, partly because there’s quite a bit of esoteric big brain energy going on in some chapters (though never to the point of becoming pretentious), but most of all because I honestly don’t think I was prepared for the weight and impact of the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual journeys that these characters pulled me into.
See, Discovery is not just a character study, it’s a study of humanity and the narratives that connect us all and make up the threads of our existence. It unflinchingly examines what happens when faith, science, conspiracy theories, folklore, and the extra-terrestrial clash, and how humanity reacts when it is faced with their fear of the unknown. Seriously, Discovery contains layers of thematic depth that go deeper than the Mariana Trench, and its brutal yet effortlessly graceful exploration of mental health, cultural identity, evolution, artificial intelligence/life, generational trauma, parenthood, morality, and ethics just spoke to my soul in ways I was not ready for; this is a book with a pulse, and my heart was beating right along with it.
Though as weighty and heady and heavy as that all sounds, Discovery is also just a wickedly fun and entertaining wild ride. There’s a playfulness to Minton’s storytelling that kept me grounded and engaged throughout the increasingly complex and crazy plot, and I found myself chuckling at all the ludicrous events, funny character interactions, and killer lines of whip-smart dialogue more times than I’d like to admit. I mean, when you have a cast of characters including (but not limited to) an absolute ass-hat of a disgraced ex-game show host with a god complex, an enigmatic nun without faith, a snarky assistant with some addiction problems (my personal favourite), an ex(?)-Nazi with a foul mouth, and an interdimensional being with a flair for drama, you can expect some hysterical shenanigans to ensue.
In the hands of a lesser author, this challenging and slightly unhinged narrative could have easily crashed and burned so many times along the way, and I honestly think it all would not have worked so well if it wasn’t for the Minton family’s background in film and theatre. See, they are uniquely talented at vividly setting every scene, and the way that they distinguish between character voices and then breathe these vibrant characters to life just made the entire story unfold like a scarily realistic movie in my mind. As someone who heavily struggles to visualise while reading, Discovery offered a level of immersion that I have rarely had the pleasure of experiencing before, making this a reading journey that I will treasure forever more.
So yes, I may have struggled at some points, but if there was ever a book that rewards you a thousand fold if you give it the attention, patience, and trust that it deserves, it’s Discovery. This story just continued to zig whenever I expected it to zag, and the meticulous way that the narrative built and unravelled made me fall in love more and more with each new turn of the page. The entire final act was pure revelatory madness, pulling together all the previously assumed separate threads and giving answers to questions I didn’t even know I had, while also roping me in for the rest of the Strange Eons series in the most enticingly ominous way possible; forget the Sanderlanche, the Talking Story Tsunami is here to wipe you off your feet.
I will be the first to admit that this review is quite the hyperbolic gush fest, and yet my praise can never properly do justice to this marvellous masterpiece. The transcendental power of J.A.J. Minton’s imagination, prose and storytelling simply cannot be overstated, and the fact that this is only their debut leaves me with no doubt that their author journey is going to be legendary. So, if you like the sound of a wildly imaginative genre blending gem of a book that somehow manages to be extraordinarily alien yet deeply and relatable human at the same time, then I highly recommend diving into Discovery to discover its ground breaking storytelling genius on your own.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
March 22, 2025
I was provided an advanced reader copy by the author. I cannot say enough with how impressed I was with this debut! Great characters! Great story! Impressive world building! Pacing that keeps you engaged! What’s not to love. Honestly and truly a stunning post apocalyptic weird fiction elder gods mashup that will delight fantasy and horror fans alike. J.A.J “p” Minton has arrived!
April 27, 2025
An ambitious, genre-crossing book that will likely hook you and not let you go. The title of the book Discovery has a dual meaning, as there is an act in the book of a "Discovery" - of something on the floor of the ocean - and the actual act of discovery by the reader in piecing this story together. I really enjoyed the stylized structure of the book, as it was split into five "acts," complete with an "Overture," several "Entr'actes" and even an "encore."
The ambition and execution of this novel reminded me of some of the science fiction works of Dan Simmons, which often incorporate a high number of disparate elements thrown together in the narrative. Specifically in this book, we get science fiction elements, cosmic horror elements, fantastical elements, and metaphysical elements thrown together in what is mostly a compelling narrative.
While I feel the strength of this book is its unorthodox structure and myriad of genre-bending elements, I also felt this was the book's greatest weakness, as I never felt much of a connection to any of the characters, as each of the 5 acts had a different main protagonist, and only the main players in the Entr'actes were omnipresent in the story. As this is the first book of a planned trilogy, I do wonder if my connection with the characters will change in future installments. Which I will definitely read, as I found Discovery quite compelling.
One of the co-authors of the book sent me an Advanced Reading Copy in exchange for an honest review.
The ambition and execution of this novel reminded me of some of the science fiction works of Dan Simmons, which often incorporate a high number of disparate elements thrown together in the narrative. Specifically in this book, we get science fiction elements, cosmic horror elements, fantastical elements, and metaphysical elements thrown together in what is mostly a compelling narrative.
While I feel the strength of this book is its unorthodox structure and myriad of genre-bending elements, I also felt this was the book's greatest weakness, as I never felt much of a connection to any of the characters, as each of the 5 acts had a different main protagonist, and only the main players in the Entr'actes were omnipresent in the story. As this is the first book of a planned trilogy, I do wonder if my connection with the characters will change in future installments. Which I will definitely read, as I found Discovery quite compelling.
One of the co-authors of the book sent me an Advanced Reading Copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 21, 2025
Boo-yah!! (IYKYK) 4.5 stars. That was awesome. Excellent book one that definitely has me locked in for more.
May 19, 2025
Nothing is ever the same after the Discovery.
When an attempt to uncover the whereabouts of a missing WWII sub unearths a slumbering entity, society collapses. What will happen if the Sleeping One awakens? Are humans capable of resisting something like that? How long has it been here?
From the brilliant minds of the Minton family comes this unique take on a first contact story, encompassing multiple cultures, cities, languages and wonderfully realized characters. I find it hard to believe this story will not resonant with many of you.
I am beyond privileged to own a signed copy of this gem as I have been following Talking Story on BookTube for a while now and jumped at the chance to support them in their debut novel. It’s beautiful that together as a family they are able to weave this incredible story about scientific discovery and its implications on humankind.
You are introduced to a vast array of characters, each uniquely their own. Lucia and Daas’ relationship was one of my favorites, and Lucia’s story in particular was so awesome to piece together. I’m excited to see where Ashanti’s goes and am eager to see if we get more from Nessa. Since the first act, we didn’t get to be inside her head while all this was going down, and I would love to get more of her perspective.
Tony is a hot mess who will implode eventually, much like Chaos. Both are very interesting arcs, and if this will be series like I hope it will be, their journeys are ones to watch. Mary’s arc destroyed me; her connection to the Discovery was one my favorite chapters.
The amount of research that was put in to crafting this novel is evident. I’m not an expert on the cultures and languages in the book, but they were incredibly authentic and well placed story-timeline-wish, varying the locations in different acts and seamlessly pulling the gossamer threads together in the end. Such a satisfying and mysteriously ending that is perfectly leaving me hanging.
Ultimately, this book is about connection and evolution. Our connection to each other. To our ancestry and identity. We all carry the pasts of our families inside of us. Our life is a testament of our ancestor’s strength and character; their life is now ours to move forward upon. Ashanti’s chapters were evidence of this theme and were among my favorite parts, Mary’s as well.
The questions and implications of the evolution of mankind are top tier for me. The connection between the ArLiFs and AI today were crazy, and I loved how it got me thinking about how a creation can surpass, and in most cases, is built to surpass, the creator. If AI evolves beyond us, it is no longer in our control, and therefore can make its own choices and take paths that ,maybe, they should not be taking. Terrifying thought, but hopefully incorrect in my lifetime. It then begs the question, how much control do we really have over what we create? We create with intention, but once beyond us, it takes on its own life. Does that then apply to responsibility as well? Are the implications of said creation then the product of its reception and not the original creator?
Where did we come from? Is a faith-based perspective or science? The questions raised by this book had my head spinning at times. The gods using humans to build this prison eventually realize that the humans have evolved on their own and who are they to stop progress. Lucia and Daas’ program echoes the same sentiment. What happens if your creation is left to evolution? What would that look like? How would they branch off from their creator?
It brings up the fact that we really don’t have as much control as we think we do. You can devote so much time and energy into a project for it to potentially fail, and we have to be okay with that. It could also, if left alone, blossom on its own. Imagine a house abandoned in the woods. It will eventually degrade and fall apart, but nature will then reclaim it. Plants start snaking through the structure, animals make homes inside and outside, and the house is then incorporated into the landscape. We live, we die. Nature prevails. Evolution is unstoppable.
Towards the end, we get a bit of a Dune-inspired cautionary on Messiahs and the religious themes/Providence Prophets incorporated throughout were so interesting to read. Of course if an incredible scientific discovery, like the one in this book, is made public, religious organizations would be scrambling. Does that prove their doctrine false? Does it amplify people’s faiths? How was the world made? Where did we come from? Were we spared the knowledge that God possesses? Are we not supposed to seek the truth? What if the truth is too much to bear?
I could go on and on with the list of questions this book has now plagued me with, but I will spare you all, and instead encourage you to read Discovery and find your own questions and answers. Please give Jakob, Amy and John some love and support this book. If you love H.P. Lovecraft, Stephen King or books like Sleeping Giants, Cloud Atlas, or Annihilation, then pick up Discovery asap. I guarantee it will blow your mind.
https://www.amazon.com/Discovery-Stra...
Quotes
Siren songs of the deep have called out for exploration since before humans evolved to listen.
“‘What kind of God smites His own children who want only to be near Him?'… He says, 'It was a merciful God.'"
What is the limit of human comprehension? How much can the abyss stare back at you before you flinch? The God who severed humanity from that cosmic knowledge was a merciful God.
The connections between us—these gossamer threads that hold us to our histories and our futures, with our ancestors tugging us this way and that, guiding us to justice and peace the best they can—are the sum of all the light available to us.
How we humans need the light to understand our place in the universe!
The singularity will deliver what evolution has instructed: intelligence is power. At first evolutionary kings were judged by speed, size, and strength. But now, humans hold the apex position under the banner, "Intelligence of the Fittest." On our planet, the ones with the most complex brains win.
Time. Decay. Death. Life on earth is a slave to time, thus to death.
“Where we go after we die, we go without our minds. It is merciful. There, we will understand all. Until then, we must wait."
"The INTENT to CREATE must COME from PLACES of DEVOTION without EXPECTATION of RESULTS."
Yet, this life, born outside our power and influence, was capable of the same kind of manipulation the Terror had used to turn us against ourselves.
But the Temple is corrupted by its occupant, wrecked by the proximity of the beast. From there, sequestered to the dreamlands, it pulled the strings of evolution. It wants to be found. It wants to wake. What has evolved here on Earth has evolved to do the bidding of the Terror.
The earthly wisdom is true, that if you live long enough your children will surpass you.
Your existence causes me to rethink: were my children a flaw in the plan or a necessity?
When an attempt to uncover the whereabouts of a missing WWII sub unearths a slumbering entity, society collapses. What will happen if the Sleeping One awakens? Are humans capable of resisting something like that? How long has it been here?
From the brilliant minds of the Minton family comes this unique take on a first contact story, encompassing multiple cultures, cities, languages and wonderfully realized characters. I find it hard to believe this story will not resonant with many of you.
I am beyond privileged to own a signed copy of this gem as I have been following Talking Story on BookTube for a while now and jumped at the chance to support them in their debut novel. It’s beautiful that together as a family they are able to weave this incredible story about scientific discovery and its implications on humankind.
You are introduced to a vast array of characters, each uniquely their own. Lucia and Daas’ relationship was one of my favorites, and Lucia’s story in particular was so awesome to piece together. I’m excited to see where Ashanti’s goes and am eager to see if we get more from Nessa. Since the first act, we didn’t get to be inside her head while all this was going down, and I would love to get more of her perspective.
Tony is a hot mess who will implode eventually, much like Chaos. Both are very interesting arcs, and if this will be series like I hope it will be, their journeys are ones to watch. Mary’s arc destroyed me; her connection to the Discovery was one my favorite chapters.
The amount of research that was put in to crafting this novel is evident. I’m not an expert on the cultures and languages in the book, but they were incredibly authentic and well placed story-timeline-wish, varying the locations in different acts and seamlessly pulling the gossamer threads together in the end. Such a satisfying and mysteriously ending that is perfectly leaving me hanging.
Ultimately, this book is about connection and evolution. Our connection to each other. To our ancestry and identity. We all carry the pasts of our families inside of us. Our life is a testament of our ancestor’s strength and character; their life is now ours to move forward upon. Ashanti’s chapters were evidence of this theme and were among my favorite parts, Mary’s as well.
The questions and implications of the evolution of mankind are top tier for me. The connection between the ArLiFs and AI today were crazy, and I loved how it got me thinking about how a creation can surpass, and in most cases, is built to surpass, the creator. If AI evolves beyond us, it is no longer in our control, and therefore can make its own choices and take paths that ,maybe, they should not be taking. Terrifying thought, but hopefully incorrect in my lifetime. It then begs the question, how much control do we really have over what we create? We create with intention, but once beyond us, it takes on its own life. Does that then apply to responsibility as well? Are the implications of said creation then the product of its reception and not the original creator?
Where did we come from? Is a faith-based perspective or science? The questions raised by this book had my head spinning at times. The gods using humans to build this prison eventually realize that the humans have evolved on their own and who are they to stop progress. Lucia and Daas’ program echoes the same sentiment. What happens if your creation is left to evolution? What would that look like? How would they branch off from their creator?
It brings up the fact that we really don’t have as much control as we think we do. You can devote so much time and energy into a project for it to potentially fail, and we have to be okay with that. It could also, if left alone, blossom on its own. Imagine a house abandoned in the woods. It will eventually degrade and fall apart, but nature will then reclaim it. Plants start snaking through the structure, animals make homes inside and outside, and the house is then incorporated into the landscape. We live, we die. Nature prevails. Evolution is unstoppable.
Towards the end, we get a bit of a Dune-inspired cautionary on Messiahs and the religious themes/Providence Prophets incorporated throughout were so interesting to read. Of course if an incredible scientific discovery, like the one in this book, is made public, religious organizations would be scrambling. Does that prove their doctrine false? Does it amplify people’s faiths? How was the world made? Where did we come from? Were we spared the knowledge that God possesses? Are we not supposed to seek the truth? What if the truth is too much to bear?
I could go on and on with the list of questions this book has now plagued me with, but I will spare you all, and instead encourage you to read Discovery and find your own questions and answers. Please give Jakob, Amy and John some love and support this book. If you love H.P. Lovecraft, Stephen King or books like Sleeping Giants, Cloud Atlas, or Annihilation, then pick up Discovery asap. I guarantee it will blow your mind.
https://www.amazon.com/Discovery-Stra...
Quotes
Siren songs of the deep have called out for exploration since before humans evolved to listen.
“‘What kind of God smites His own children who want only to be near Him?'… He says, 'It was a merciful God.'"
What is the limit of human comprehension? How much can the abyss stare back at you before you flinch? The God who severed humanity from that cosmic knowledge was a merciful God.
The connections between us—these gossamer threads that hold us to our histories and our futures, with our ancestors tugging us this way and that, guiding us to justice and peace the best they can—are the sum of all the light available to us.
How we humans need the light to understand our place in the universe!
The singularity will deliver what evolution has instructed: intelligence is power. At first evolutionary kings were judged by speed, size, and strength. But now, humans hold the apex position under the banner, "Intelligence of the Fittest." On our planet, the ones with the most complex brains win.
Time. Decay. Death. Life on earth is a slave to time, thus to death.
“Where we go after we die, we go without our minds. It is merciful. There, we will understand all. Until then, we must wait."
"The INTENT to CREATE must COME from PLACES of DEVOTION without EXPECTATION of RESULTS."
Yet, this life, born outside our power and influence, was capable of the same kind of manipulation the Terror had used to turn us against ourselves.
But the Temple is corrupted by its occupant, wrecked by the proximity of the beast. From there, sequestered to the dreamlands, it pulled the strings of evolution. It wants to be found. It wants to wake. What has evolved here on Earth has evolved to do the bidding of the Terror.
The earthly wisdom is true, that if you live long enough your children will surpass you.
Your existence causes me to rethink: were my children a flaw in the plan or a necessity?
March 22, 2025
I'm giving this book a 4.5/5 stars. I was gracious enough to receive an eARC of the book cuz the authors are so kind and wonderful people. That being said this book is a breath of fresh air when it comes to something truly unique. It has wonderful characters that you grow to love as the book goes on. Now I have to be honest I did have some slight pacing issues near the middle of the book but then it ramps back up in the back half and I was locked in. This being their debut novel is truly astounding and inspiring for myself and I find myself envious of all their success so far! I truly hope this book flies off the shelves and something great happens because of it, cuz these really do deserve it!
May 15, 2025
Book good
July 5, 2025
2.5 out of 5
Nobody could ever convince me this book wasn't very ambitious. There are a lot of big ideas at play and an interesting and unconventional structure, but unfortunately I think these things hurt the novel more than help it.
The book covers a lot of ground - cosmic horror, AI, theology and cults. Some of these explorations can be very interesting and weird in a good way, but more often than not I felt like the book was just trying to do too much and biting off more than it could chew.
I feel similarly when it come to the structure. The 5 acts following new casts, new settings, new timelines, and new tones, make the book feel more like a collection of loosely connected novellas. And much like a common problem with short story collections, some of the acts feel stronger than others. Still, at times moving between acts creates genuine intrigue and an interesting sense of scope, but more so it breaks momentum and makes emotional investment difficult.
I also found many of the characters too be a little too larger than life and the dialogue to feel a bit stiff and unnatural, so I found it hard to connect with any character or storyline.
There are some genuinely good parts here, some moments of brilliance, and I commend the authors for being willing to take risks and create something unique. But overall the execution didn't match the ambition. Interesting in parts, but unsatisfying as a whole.
Nobody could ever convince me this book wasn't very ambitious. There are a lot of big ideas at play and an interesting and unconventional structure, but unfortunately I think these things hurt the novel more than help it.
The book covers a lot of ground - cosmic horror, AI, theology and cults. Some of these explorations can be very interesting and weird in a good way, but more often than not I felt like the book was just trying to do too much and biting off more than it could chew.
I feel similarly when it come to the structure. The 5 acts following new casts, new settings, new timelines, and new tones, make the book feel more like a collection of loosely connected novellas. And much like a common problem with short story collections, some of the acts feel stronger than others. Still, at times moving between acts creates genuine intrigue and an interesting sense of scope, but more so it breaks momentum and makes emotional investment difficult.
I also found many of the characters too be a little too larger than life and the dialogue to feel a bit stiff and unnatural, so I found it hard to connect with any character or storyline.
There are some genuinely good parts here, some moments of brilliance, and I commend the authors for being willing to take risks and create something unique. But overall the execution didn't match the ambition. Interesting in parts, but unsatisfying as a whole.
December 21, 2025
If you like cosmic horror stuff you'll probably like this. I think the structure is a little unusual and it takes a long time to get to what it is building towards so there were parts when I was reading it where my interest was waning a bit. However, I do really like mind bending cosmic stuff so the back 1/3 had a lot of that and really recaptured my interest.
May 26, 2025
WOW! What a debut!
Book 1's of series often have to balance the ability to keep readers enthralled in the story, while setting up the pieces on the story's chessboard for later books. Fail to set up the pieces properly, and it is almost guaranteed to fall short.
This novel, the first of a series, does a fantastic job of setting up the chess pieces on the board, while still keeping you enthralled. Characters are well thought out and developed, time jumps and flashbacks are used effectively, and the settings for our various character encompass the global. Prose and dialogue flow well, and blend sophistication with an easy to read tone.
Overall, a great debut novel, and I look forward to the next installment of the series. This novel is a fantastic mixture of science fiction, cosmic horror, and just a touch of supernatural thrown in.
4.75 Stars!
Book 1's of series often have to balance the ability to keep readers enthralled in the story, while setting up the pieces on the story's chessboard for later books. Fail to set up the pieces properly, and it is almost guaranteed to fall short.
This novel, the first of a series, does a fantastic job of setting up the chess pieces on the board, while still keeping you enthralled. Characters are well thought out and developed, time jumps and flashbacks are used effectively, and the settings for our various character encompass the global. Prose and dialogue flow well, and blend sophistication with an easy to read tone.
Overall, a great debut novel, and I look forward to the next installment of the series. This novel is a fantastic mixture of science fiction, cosmic horror, and just a touch of supernatural thrown in.
4.75 Stars!
June 4, 2025
DISCOVERY
kicks off the Strange Eons series and blends cosmic horror, sci-fi, thriller, and mystery all into one intense ride. Set in 1992, the story opens with a washed-up game show host, Manny D. Martini, who’s trying to claw his way back into the spotlight by locating a missing submarine. He ends up finding way more than he bargained for—a monstrous alien at the bottom of the ocean. What follows is total chaos as humanity reacts… which is pretty much how you'd expect.
Come visit me on my BookTube Channel! for a full non spoiler review about my experience with DISCOVERY.
Come visit me on my BookTube Channel! for a full non spoiler review about my experience with DISCOVERY.
November 24, 2025
(4.5 stars)
It has been a joy to continually reach beyond my cozy corner of fantasy fiction. Discovery was a fantastic reminder of why reading widely matters, as you never know what elements or unexpected gems you’ll come across (as the title suggests), breaking old barriers along the way.
From an academic standpoint, what has been accomplished here is quite commendable. It’s clear that the scope of research and calculation involved in forming this tome of a book was extensive. J.A.J. Minton draws from a wide array of geography and cultures, keeping both characters and circumstances authentic and captivating. Each character offers a distinct perspective and plays a crucial role in exploring the political and religious climate, as well as the effects of world-shifting events such as technological revolution and pandemics.
Through these familiarities and relatable themes (combined with a smattering of cosmic horror), Discovery proved to be a wildly impressive ride and an outstanding debut. Not only are the faces behind the Talking Story YouTube channel charismatic and affable, but they clearly have excellent writing chops as well.
This first entry in Strange Eons brought to mind one of my later reads from last year—The Terror by Dan Simmons, and although I enjoyed both, Discovery may have just pulled ahead in terms of overall enjoyment.
Finally, despite occasionally bordering on extra chunky and dense, the structure of Acts and Entr’Actes (reminiscent of a stage play) added a nuanced lens to certain personalities and dialogue. Given Minton’s background in performing arts, I found this to be a unique and tasteful addition to the overall experience.
I highly recommend Discovery to anyone seeking a well-researched and relatable world, unique structure and characters, and a healthy dose of cosmic horror.
*Review copy provided by the author for an honest review.
It has been a joy to continually reach beyond my cozy corner of fantasy fiction. Discovery was a fantastic reminder of why reading widely matters, as you never know what elements or unexpected gems you’ll come across (as the title suggests), breaking old barriers along the way.
From an academic standpoint, what has been accomplished here is quite commendable. It’s clear that the scope of research and calculation involved in forming this tome of a book was extensive. J.A.J. Minton draws from a wide array of geography and cultures, keeping both characters and circumstances authentic and captivating. Each character offers a distinct perspective and plays a crucial role in exploring the political and religious climate, as well as the effects of world-shifting events such as technological revolution and pandemics.
Through these familiarities and relatable themes (combined with a smattering of cosmic horror), Discovery proved to be a wildly impressive ride and an outstanding debut. Not only are the faces behind the Talking Story YouTube channel charismatic and affable, but they clearly have excellent writing chops as well.
This first entry in Strange Eons brought to mind one of my later reads from last year—The Terror by Dan Simmons, and although I enjoyed both, Discovery may have just pulled ahead in terms of overall enjoyment.
Finally, despite occasionally bordering on extra chunky and dense, the structure of Acts and Entr’Actes (reminiscent of a stage play) added a nuanced lens to certain personalities and dialogue. Given Minton’s background in performing arts, I found this to be a unique and tasteful addition to the overall experience.
I highly recommend Discovery to anyone seeking a well-researched and relatable world, unique structure and characters, and a healthy dose of cosmic horror.
*Review copy provided by the author for an honest review.
May 17, 2025
3.5 Stars Rounded up
Discovery is an extremely ambitious debut that I enjoyed, and it is written by some of the best people.
The first 100-150 pages of this book are some of the most compelling pages of a book I have read. I loved how this book started with the set-up, the pacing, the dialogue, and the mysteriousness of the whole thing. I loved the characters in this section, and how the mystery unfolded, and it kept me up reading late into the night. Up until the start of Act 2 I thought this book was among of the best literature I have read.
I especially enjoyed the structure of the book as it is told not just through narration but through journal entries, letters, newspaper articles, and characters telling others life events. The structure of the book is one of the best things about it. I loved the cinematic feel and the non-linear telling. I also thought the prose was immaculate, and it felt like a high quality product. I could tell that a lot of love and care went into crafting this book.
Starting from somewhere in Act 2 to near the end of Act 4 I did have some issues. I thought the pacing took a hit, the scope got larger, and the execution suffered. I was often confused about events as they unfolded, and really struggled with grasping what was happening at times in some of the more artistic parts. I also found myself questioning some of the technological advancements discussed in the book at the time it takes place in the 90s, and did feel myself having a hard time suspending disbelief. I also found that answers to the greater mysteries in the book were slow in coming, and confusing when they were given. This section dragged for me and was a bit difficult to get through.
However, I did think the book did have a compelling and solid ending where many solid answers were revealed, many threads were pulled together that made everything in the middle section feel more purposeful, and I thought it ended on a compelling cliffhanger that left me excited for the new entry. I think the ending redeemed much of my struggles with the middle of the book, and I do think it did come together well in the end and I left with a positive and happy feeling.
Overall I would say my experience was net positive with this book, but with some issues. I think this series and the authors have very high potential. I enjoyed my time with this book,.and especially loved the beginning, and I think the series can definitely become incredible.
A decent book that I'm glad I read! Excited to follow along with this one as it comes out!
Also I must admit I am very biased in this review because I am a huge fan of the Talking Story YouTube channel and watch every video. I was impressed with this book that the Minton family put together and am so grateful for the writing they do, and the YouTube videos they make as well! Thank you for this good reading experience and I can't wait to read the next one! I plan on being there Day 1 again.
Discovery is an extremely ambitious debut that I enjoyed, and it is written by some of the best people.
The first 100-150 pages of this book are some of the most compelling pages of a book I have read. I loved how this book started with the set-up, the pacing, the dialogue, and the mysteriousness of the whole thing. I loved the characters in this section, and how the mystery unfolded, and it kept me up reading late into the night. Up until the start of Act 2 I thought this book was among of the best literature I have read.
I especially enjoyed the structure of the book as it is told not just through narration but through journal entries, letters, newspaper articles, and characters telling others life events. The structure of the book is one of the best things about it. I loved the cinematic feel and the non-linear telling. I also thought the prose was immaculate, and it felt like a high quality product. I could tell that a lot of love and care went into crafting this book.
Starting from somewhere in Act 2 to near the end of Act 4 I did have some issues. I thought the pacing took a hit, the scope got larger, and the execution suffered. I was often confused about events as they unfolded, and really struggled with grasping what was happening at times in some of the more artistic parts. I also found myself questioning some of the technological advancements discussed in the book at the time it takes place in the 90s, and did feel myself having a hard time suspending disbelief. I also found that answers to the greater mysteries in the book were slow in coming, and confusing when they were given. This section dragged for me and was a bit difficult to get through.
However, I did think the book did have a compelling and solid ending where many solid answers were revealed, many threads were pulled together that made everything in the middle section feel more purposeful, and I thought it ended on a compelling cliffhanger that left me excited for the new entry. I think the ending redeemed much of my struggles with the middle of the book, and I do think it did come together well in the end and I left with a positive and happy feeling.
Overall I would say my experience was net positive with this book, but with some issues. I think this series and the authors have very high potential. I enjoyed my time with this book,.and especially loved the beginning, and I think the series can definitely become incredible.
A decent book that I'm glad I read! Excited to follow along with this one as it comes out!
Also I must admit I am very biased in this review because I am a huge fan of the Talking Story YouTube channel and watch every video. I was impressed with this book that the Minton family put together and am so grateful for the writing they do, and the YouTube videos they make as well! Thank you for this good reading experience and I can't wait to read the next one! I plan on being there Day 1 again.
March 22, 2025
I was fortunate to get an E-Arc of this book and boy did I enjoy it. Ultimately ordered the signed paperback the authors have on their website since I loved it so much. I should definitely say I have spoken with them personally, and my experience with cosmic horror or horror in general is very limited. To me, that would mean my enjoyment of this book should clarify if someone is curious about the genre and has never delved in, that this is the perfect book to do it with.
I have read Stephen King’s ‘The Stand’, and this book gave me a lot of that energy. The highs of a Stephen king novel are tough to beat it would seem, but my sustained enjoyment of Discovery far outweighed that of The Stand for me. This being a five book series has me excited for what’s next.
Dialogue is masterful, prose is masterful, story structure is unique and intentional, the characters feel alive, and the plot melded together so well and progressed so cleanly.
Need I say more?
I have read Stephen King’s ‘The Stand’, and this book gave me a lot of that energy. The highs of a Stephen king novel are tough to beat it would seem, but my sustained enjoyment of Discovery far outweighed that of The Stand for me. This being a five book series has me excited for what’s next.
Dialogue is masterful, prose is masterful, story structure is unique and intentional, the characters feel alive, and the plot melded together so well and progressed so cleanly.
Need I say more?
May 23, 2025
Wow. This is such a unique and incredible story. So creative. So well told. So fascinating and intriguing. The writers’ intentionality shines through in every movement, every scene, every character. This story is more than a cool idea. It’s a true intricately woven masterpiece. I can’t wait for more. All the stars.
May 22, 2025
[There are no explicit plot spoilers in this review].
Discovery is the debut novel from the family writing team of John, Amy, and Jakob Minton. This cosmic horror story is jam-packed with esoteric influences and presents a compelling story with ambitious scope and unique style.
In the early 1990s, a bombastic TV personality launches a deep sea expedition to search for a missing submarine but finds something unexpected on the ocean floor. This Discovery triggers a radioactive disaster around the site and threatens a full-scale global collapse as more information about the dive is revealed. As the gameboard widens throughout the book, additional layers of "otherness" are revealed that make mankind seem like an afterthought in a much larger conflict.
The authors incorporate and put their own spin on almost every inspiration and trope you could think of, such as theology, global politics, oligarchs, computer advancement, artificial intelligence, mycology, apocalyptic survival, video games, oneirology, and local folklore. This story is a patchwork quilt of EVERYTHING and reads like a fresh blend of Michael Crichton and H.P. Lovecraft. (I happened to watch the Black Mirror episode, Plaything, while reading this book which added yet another layer of mushroom-like connections to my thoughts about the book).
The story is presented in a five-act structure that focuses on different main characters who only modestly tie together by the climax. There's a sense of reset or palate-cleansing between acts that makes it a little harder to connect to individual characters – the book sometimes felt like a series of disparate novellas written in a shared world. My reading experience often mirrored the enjoyable feeling of environmental storytelling from video games: solving the mysteries with newspaper clippings, journal entries, and repeated clues that spanned the different acts. Have patience and trust in the authors through the shifts in perspective and dips in story momentum and you'll be rewarded with a very intentional (and excellently executed) drip of information that makes the denouement worthwhile.
Discovery is an amazing first novel that builds big expectations for its sequel. With all the players on the board, I'm excited to see where the story goes next!
Discovery is the debut novel from the family writing team of John, Amy, and Jakob Minton. This cosmic horror story is jam-packed with esoteric influences and presents a compelling story with ambitious scope and unique style.
In the early 1990s, a bombastic TV personality launches a deep sea expedition to search for a missing submarine but finds something unexpected on the ocean floor. This Discovery triggers a radioactive disaster around the site and threatens a full-scale global collapse as more information about the dive is revealed. As the gameboard widens throughout the book, additional layers of "otherness" are revealed that make mankind seem like an afterthought in a much larger conflict.
The authors incorporate and put their own spin on almost every inspiration and trope you could think of, such as theology, global politics, oligarchs, computer advancement, artificial intelligence, mycology, apocalyptic survival, video games, oneirology, and local folklore. This story is a patchwork quilt of EVERYTHING and reads like a fresh blend of Michael Crichton and H.P. Lovecraft. (I happened to watch the Black Mirror episode, Plaything, while reading this book which added yet another layer of mushroom-like connections to my thoughts about the book).
The story is presented in a five-act structure that focuses on different main characters who only modestly tie together by the climax. There's a sense of reset or palate-cleansing between acts that makes it a little harder to connect to individual characters – the book sometimes felt like a series of disparate novellas written in a shared world. My reading experience often mirrored the enjoyable feeling of environmental storytelling from video games: solving the mysteries with newspaper clippings, journal entries, and repeated clues that spanned the different acts. Have patience and trust in the authors through the shifts in perspective and dips in story momentum and you'll be rewarded with a very intentional (and excellently executed) drip of information that makes the denouement worthwhile.
Discovery is an amazing first novel that builds big expectations for its sequel. With all the players on the board, I'm excited to see where the story goes next!
June 22, 2025
What can I say about this book other than that it is simply a masterpiece? Between the character development and the interwoven points of view with the plot, and the absolutely transportive setting.
JAJ Minton pulls you into their world on the first page and doesn't let go until the end.
I loved that it felt like every genre I read was woven into one story. I felt the suspense, the dread, the loss, and the love.
Please do yourself a favor and pick this book up. Whether you are a Sci-fi/fantasy, horror, or something in between, this book covers it all.
Characters: 5⭐️
Setting: 5⭐️
Plot: 5⭐️
Themes: 5⭐️
Emotional Impact: 4⭐️
Personal Enjoyment: 5⭐️
Total Average: 5⭐️ (rounded up)
JAJ Minton pulls you into their world on the first page and doesn't let go until the end.
I loved that it felt like every genre I read was woven into one story. I felt the suspense, the dread, the loss, and the love.
Please do yourself a favor and pick this book up. Whether you are a Sci-fi/fantasy, horror, or something in between, this book covers it all.
Characters: 5⭐️
Setting: 5⭐️
Plot: 5⭐️
Themes: 5⭐️
Emotional Impact: 4⭐️
Personal Enjoyment: 5⭐️
Total Average: 5⭐️ (rounded up)
December 8, 2025
Closer to 4.5 stars
Took me a couple of weeks of reading 10-15 pages every few days to really get invested, but once the first “big reveal” happens I was completely hooked.
Discovery reads like an anthology, with completely seperate characters or groups being the focus of each act. At first it can feel a bit unstructured, until it becomes one of the books strengths when everything begins to tie together loosely towards the end, setting up what’s to come in future books.
I cannot wait to see where this story is going and I will absolutely be rereading this before the next book in the series comes out.
Took me a couple of weeks of reading 10-15 pages every few days to really get invested, but once the first “big reveal” happens I was completely hooked.
Discovery reads like an anthology, with completely seperate characters or groups being the focus of each act. At first it can feel a bit unstructured, until it becomes one of the books strengths when everything begins to tie together loosely towards the end, setting up what’s to come in future books.
I cannot wait to see where this story is going and I will absolutely be rereading this before the next book in the series comes out.
May 24, 2025
Finished this epic sci-fi/cosmic horror with more questions than answers. I'm glad there's going to be more. I wish I knew when the second installment will be coming!
I've heard a lot of buzz about this book for the past few months, because I watch a lot of YouTube ("Booktube") and the family who operates the channel Talking Story announced that they have been working on a project starting around the time of the pandemic. I usually don't mind offering my support, but expectations are always up in the air for debut self-published novels. Admittedly I don't read a lot of self-published work, and not for any specific reason, it's just that I have hundreds of books that are trad-published that still need read.
So, dare I say I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this?
I went into this book completely blind leading up to the release. I had a general expectation of what this could be about, being labeled "cosmic horror in the vein of H.P. Lovecraft" and the book being subtitled "An Apocalypse in Five Acts". I was expecting something like an alien infection-spreading apocalypse, but no... nothing like that. This had a more mature approach to the question of how the world would react upon a first-contact scenario... Upon learning that we're not the highest intelligence. What would that do to societies, politics and religion across the globe?
I've heard a lot of buzz about this book for the past few months, because I watch a lot of YouTube ("Booktube") and the family who operates the channel Talking Story announced that they have been working on a project starting around the time of the pandemic. I usually don't mind offering my support, but expectations are always up in the air for debut self-published novels. Admittedly I don't read a lot of self-published work, and not for any specific reason, it's just that I have hundreds of books that are trad-published that still need read.
So, dare I say I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this?
I went into this book completely blind leading up to the release. I had a general expectation of what this could be about, being labeled "cosmic horror in the vein of H.P. Lovecraft" and the book being subtitled "An Apocalypse in Five Acts". I was expecting something like an alien infection-spreading apocalypse, but no... nothing like that. This had a more mature approach to the question of how the world would react upon a first-contact scenario... Upon learning that we're not the highest intelligence. What would that do to societies, politics and religion across the globe?
December 17, 2025
Overall, *Discovery* is a work of wisdom; it's not just an adventure, but a profound exploration of self-discovery and growth. I highly recommend it to those who enjoy psychological depth and adventure stories, especially those with a strong curiosity about the unknown.
May 30, 2025
This book is literally a masterpiece.
June 15, 2025
I am in awe. Not only was this a brilliant thrill ride, it was full of rich culture and genius POVs that piece together a cosmic mystery that holds you until the end and beyond. While I want to compare this to Cloud Atlas/the Bone Clocks by David Mitchell, it far exceeds anything those books accomplished. If any book that I have this year deserves to be called a classic, I would choose Discovery without hesitation. Characters, culture, dialogue, and interwoven plots make this a simple 10/10.
April 28, 2025
Discovery: Strange Eons: Book One by J.A.J. Minton is a mind-bending, genre-defying debut that deserves every bit of its 5-star rating. Set in an alternate 1990s, the story kicks off with Manny di Martini, a disgraced ex-game show host, chasing a comeback through a deep-sea TV special in the South Pacific. What starts as a quest for redemption spirals into a cosmic horror epic when Manny’s crew uncovers evidence of a slumbering alien in a ruined underwater city, sparking global panic and unraveling the fabric of reality itself.Minton’s storytelling is a masterclass in ambition and execution. The novel blends post-apocalyptic mystery, dystopian sci-fi, cosmic horror, historical fiction, and dark fantasy into a seamless, kaleidoscopic narrative. The plot zigs and zags unpredictably, weaving together a diverse cast of unforgettable characters—each flawed, complex, and brilliantly crafted. From a revolutionary computer scientist’s diary entries to a fungal-infused cosmic chess game spanning eons and realms, the story’s five distinct acts build to a final act of revelatory madness that ties every thread together in a way that’s both satisfying and ominously enticing for the rest of the Strange Eons series.The prose is vivid and immersive, painting a world that feels theatrical yet authentic, with themes that hit hard: cultural identity, trauma, greed, and the fragility of society in crisis. Minton’s characters shine as they grapple with ethical dilemmas and world-ending stakes, their relationships grounding the cosmic scale with raw humanity. The pacing is relentless, and the “Talking Story Tsunami” of the climax lives up to its name, sweeping you away with its sheer audacity.As a reader who gave this 5/5 stars, I can say it’s a monumental, avant-garde work that pushes speculative fiction to new heights. It’s weird, it’s bold, and it’s unlike anything else out there. If you love stories that challenge conventions and leave you pondering long after the last page, Discovery is a must-read. I’m already counting down to book two.
May 15, 2025
4.5 stars, rounded up.
J.A.J. Minton have created a work here that excels in multiple areas and will absolutely suck you in with its diverse and incredibly interesting cast of characters. A book that is clearly here to bring you into the cosmic folds of what the Mintons have in store for us in the future, book 2 cannot come fast enough.
J.A.J. Minton have created a work here that excels in multiple areas and will absolutely suck you in with its diverse and incredibly interesting cast of characters. A book that is clearly here to bring you into the cosmic folds of what the Mintons have in store for us in the future, book 2 cannot come fast enough.
March 22, 2025
An unforgettable blend of cosmic horror, social sci-fi, and fantasy set to make a lasting impact on any reader. It is quite an experimental novel, and I definitely had a blast reading it—but let's break this one down.
This is a multi-PoV story organised in Acts and Entre-Acts. All Entre-Acts are epistolary narrations: the in-book diary of a computer scientist named Oliver Daas. Instead, each of the Acts follows a different character, often in a completely different place of the world.
Regardless of the change of PoV, each "section" roughly continues (time-wise) where the previous one left. There are some characters that appear in all the storylines, and there are also elements that appear, albeit subtly, in more than one storyline. The individual stories are not completely isolated, but I'll discuss that in a spoiler since it may reveal elements related to the end of the book.
Because of the diverse povs, there is also a literary element to this novel. Some PoVs are third-person past-tense, others are first-person past-tense (epistolary), there are transcribed documents, and even a first-person present-tense PoV belonging to an eldritch being. The authors(*) managed the change of voices superbly, with each character having a distinct tone, world-view, narration style, focus, and tone. They were also consistent and nuanced, with every character having layers of depth.
In terms of character work, most of them are flawed beings. From trauma to drug abuse, from power-drunkenness to amorality/different ethics, we have them all—and as we read, we discover those nuances in detail. Each character's mindset and worldview deeply affects them, and I loved how the authors explored the never-ending sequels of trauma, especially around Oliver Daas—his diaries were by far my favourite part.
Regarding the themes, this is cosmic horror set between 1992-1995. The exploration of the unknowable and incomprehensible is recurrent in the story, often reinforcing the human struggle of trying to control the uncontrollable, to know what they cannot know. It explores the idea of the endless possibilities of the universe, of the insignificance of humanity in the grand scheme of things, and what happens to our societies when just some of those truths are revealed.
That's where the social sci-fi element comes in. Thematically, there is a minor exploration of how all those discoveries of the unknown affect geopolitics and how humanity as a whole reacts. This is, after all, a quasi first-contact story.
Nevertheless, and contrary to social sci-fi, the focus of Discovery is not to ponder on the impact on society as a whole but on the individual—all PoVs belong to quote-on-quote "small" people, often subject to the whims of more powerful others.
There are also fantasy elements because we have shape-shifting eldritch creatures of lovecraftian looks—a tentacle mess of non-human, immortal/eternal creatures with powers beyond comprehension.
Overall, this was an enjoyable fast-paced book, following an incredible cast of deeply flawed and human characters, and a dash of mystery. Atmospheric and genre-breaking.
(*) To those unaware, J.A.J. Minton is the pen-name of a trio of writers who also happen to be a family (father, mother, son).
This is a multi-PoV story organised in Acts and Entre-Acts. All Entre-Acts are epistolary narrations: the in-book diary of a computer scientist named Oliver Daas. Instead, each of the Acts follows a different character, often in a completely different place of the world.
Regardless of the change of PoV, each "section" roughly continues (time-wise) where the previous one left. There are some characters that appear in all the storylines, and there are also elements that appear, albeit subtly, in more than one storyline. The individual stories are not completely isolated, but I'll discuss that in a spoiler since it may reveal elements related to the end of the book.
Because of the diverse povs, there is also a literary element to this novel. Some PoVs are third-person past-tense, others are first-person past-tense (epistolary), there are transcribed documents, and even a first-person present-tense PoV belonging to an eldritch being. The authors(*) managed the change of voices superbly, with each character having a distinct tone, world-view, narration style, focus, and tone. They were also consistent and nuanced, with every character having layers of depth.
In terms of character work, most of them are flawed beings. From trauma to drug abuse, from power-drunkenness to amorality/different ethics, we have them all—and as we read, we discover those nuances in detail. Each character's mindset and worldview deeply affects them, and I loved how the authors explored the never-ending sequels of trauma, especially around Oliver Daas—his diaries were by far my favourite part.
Regarding the themes, this is cosmic horror set between 1992-1995. The exploration of the unknowable and incomprehensible is recurrent in the story, often reinforcing the human struggle of trying to control the uncontrollable, to know what they cannot know. It explores the idea of the endless possibilities of the universe, of the insignificance of humanity in the grand scheme of things, and what happens to our societies when just some of those truths are revealed.
That's where the social sci-fi element comes in. Thematically, there is a minor exploration of how all those discoveries of the unknown affect geopolitics and how humanity as a whole reacts. This is, after all, a quasi first-contact story.
Nevertheless, and contrary to social sci-fi, the focus of Discovery is not to ponder on the impact on society as a whole but on the individual—all PoVs belong to quote-on-quote "small" people, often subject to the whims of more powerful others.
There are also fantasy elements because we have shape-shifting eldritch creatures of lovecraftian looks—a tentacle mess of non-human, immortal/eternal creatures with powers beyond comprehension.
Overall, this was an enjoyable fast-paced book, following an incredible cast of deeply flawed and human characters, and a dash of mystery. Atmospheric and genre-breaking.
(*) To those unaware, J.A.J. Minton is the pen-name of a trio of writers who also happen to be a family (father, mother, son).
September 14, 2025
moderner lovecraftian banger, ohne lovecrafts baggage & mit imo geil umgesetztem 90s touch
May 25, 2025
J.A.J. Minton's debut novel is not only incredibly compelling, it's one of the most original and genre-defying books I've ever read. Discovery grabs you from the very first page and never lets up. From the outset, you're plunged headfirst into an atmosphere thick with existential dread, and what's most striking is how effectively that sense of unease seeps off the page.
This book is fast-paced in the best way. It keeps you moving forward while giving just enough time to absorb the unsettling ideas being introduced. At its core, the book explores massive, mind-bending concepts like alien intelligence, the fragility of reality, and the cosmic insignificance of humankind, but it does so through a grounded, character-driven lens.
The cast is one of the standout aspects for me. The characters are diverse, not just in background, but in personality, outlook, and complexity. Each one brings a unique perspective, and their flaws make them feel real and relatable. There's a rawness to their emotions and reactions that's refreshing. They're so compelling that I finished the book wanting to know even more about them and where they're headed next in the vast, mysterious cosmos.
The dialogue and internal monologues are deeply thought-provoking, often touching on philosophical or metaphysical themes, yet it's all balanced with a surprisingly effective dose of humor.
The prose is another highlight; cinematic, vivid, and immersive. Minton has a knack for painting scenes with words, creating a sensory-rich experience that makes the strange and surreal elements feel tangible. Whether it's deep-sea ruins or nightmarish cosmic visions, the imagery lingers long after you put the book down.
As for the world-building, it's dense, layered, and ambitious, but never overwhelming. Minton clearly put a lot of thought into how this world operates, and it pays off. There's a sense of depth and history beneath every revelation, hinting at a much larger mythology that's only beginning to unfold and I can't wait to "discover" more of it.
What really impressed me and left me speechless is how the Overture, which at first feels cryptic and disorienting, ends up tying directly into the finale in a way that's both satisfying and unsettling. As the pieces start to click into place, you get a sense of just how carefully plotted this book really is. The ending provides a number of answers, but it also opens the door to even bigger questions.
Overall, Discovery is an unforgettable read that blends different elements in a way that feels both fresh and deeply resonant. I can't wait to see where the Strange Eons series goes next!
Side note: Huge thanks to 2 To Ramble for introducing me to the incredible family behind Talking Story. You've both truly become a bright and inspiring presence in the book community.
This book is fast-paced in the best way. It keeps you moving forward while giving just enough time to absorb the unsettling ideas being introduced. At its core, the book explores massive, mind-bending concepts like alien intelligence, the fragility of reality, and the cosmic insignificance of humankind, but it does so through a grounded, character-driven lens.
The cast is one of the standout aspects for me. The characters are diverse, not just in background, but in personality, outlook, and complexity. Each one brings a unique perspective, and their flaws make them feel real and relatable. There's a rawness to their emotions and reactions that's refreshing. They're so compelling that I finished the book wanting to know even more about them and where they're headed next in the vast, mysterious cosmos.
The dialogue and internal monologues are deeply thought-provoking, often touching on philosophical or metaphysical themes, yet it's all balanced with a surprisingly effective dose of humor.
The prose is another highlight; cinematic, vivid, and immersive. Minton has a knack for painting scenes with words, creating a sensory-rich experience that makes the strange and surreal elements feel tangible. Whether it's deep-sea ruins or nightmarish cosmic visions, the imagery lingers long after you put the book down.
As for the world-building, it's dense, layered, and ambitious, but never overwhelming. Minton clearly put a lot of thought into how this world operates, and it pays off. There's a sense of depth and history beneath every revelation, hinting at a much larger mythology that's only beginning to unfold and I can't wait to "discover" more of it.
What really impressed me and left me speechless is how the Overture, which at first feels cryptic and disorienting, ends up tying directly into the finale in a way that's both satisfying and unsettling. As the pieces start to click into place, you get a sense of just how carefully plotted this book really is. The ending provides a number of answers, but it also opens the door to even bigger questions.
Overall, Discovery is an unforgettable read that blends different elements in a way that feels both fresh and deeply resonant. I can't wait to see where the Strange Eons series goes next!
Side note: Huge thanks to 2 To Ramble for introducing me to the incredible family behind Talking Story. You've both truly become a bright and inspiring presence in the book community.
May 18, 2025
I am completely blown away by how utterly fantastic this book was. I’ve never read anything like this.
The amount of care that went into this is incredible. It has layers upon layers. I took notes as I read (for funzies) and quickly realized that every. single. section. has several themes to notice, fascinating characters, layered plot, and exquisite dialogue and prose.
If you like cosmic horror, check this out.
If you like sci-fi, check this out.
If you like apocalypse level events and seeing how the world would react (yes on a global scale), check this out.
If you like discussions around humanity and our connectedness, generational trauma, and soooo many more I don’t want to spoil for you, check this out.
Essentially, if you like damn good books, you need to read this one.
The amount of care that went into this is incredible. It has layers upon layers. I took notes as I read (for funzies) and quickly realized that every. single. section. has several themes to notice, fascinating characters, layered plot, and exquisite dialogue and prose.
If you like cosmic horror, check this out.
If you like sci-fi, check this out.
If you like apocalypse level events and seeing how the world would react (yes on a global scale), check this out.
If you like discussions around humanity and our connectedness, generational trauma, and soooo many more I don’t want to spoil for you, check this out.
Essentially, if you like damn good books, you need to read this one.
June 5, 2025
Wow. One of the best debut books from a debut author I’ve ever read. I found the Minton Family on BookTube last year, and quickly grew to love watching their videos. They have grown my TBR exponentially, but I knew I had to break it when I found out they were coming out with a book of their own and it was absolutely worth it. This doesn’t read like self-pub/indie SFF I have read before. It is tight, polished, and fast paced to where I dropped everything else I was reading for several weeks to finish it. I’m so excited for the next book and it will be an auto buy for me. I wasn’t sure if a sci-Fi/Cosmic Horror book would work for me, but this does. Would highly encourage SFF readers looking for something different to pick it up!
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