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Non-Human Origin
What if the greatest threat to humanity isn’t coming from above… but from below?
"Armageddon meets The Thing... I couldn't put it down!"
On his 49th birthday, Rex Lassiter decides he's done with danger.
After surviving the battlefields of Afghanistan as a Navy SEAL, then fighting blowouts, hurricanes, and armed revolutionaries, on deepwater drilling rigs across the globe, he’s ready to settle into the quiet life on his late grandfather’s Colorado ranch—a place of hard-earned peace and cherished memories.
But fate likes irony, and peace is a luxury Rex can’t afford. Ruthless developers circle like vultures, ready to bulldoze his heritage into a billionaire’s playground. With lawsuits bleeding him dry, Rex is one court date away from losing it all.
Enter Joss Malloy—a cocky young tech mogul with a proposition too insane to lead a black-ops crew aboard the Theseus, the world’s most advanced drillship, to retrieve a classified artifact locked 11,000 feet beneath the Antarctic Ocean. The payout? Enough to bury the developers and secure Rex’s future forever.
There’s just one the ship’s advanced AI, ADONIS, is unraveling—hallucinating, rewriting code, and whispering in languages no human should understand. And the closer they get, the more the object responds… like it’s waiting.
As Rex gathers a ragtag team of battle-hardened veterans, brilliant engineers, and fearless misfits, he must confront the treacherous conditions of the Antarctic while navigating the potential threat of the object below.
As ADONIS’s psychosis spirals and the artifact begins to awaken, Rex realizes that what started as a recovery mission is quickly turning into a fight for survival.
"Some things were never meant to be found. Some doors, once opened, can’t be closed.”
In a heart-stopping race against corporate greed, a rogue AI, and a discovery that predates mankind, Rex Lassiter’s final mission becomes humanity’s last stand.
Join Rex and his team on a pulse-pounding adventure, where secrets are unearthed that may have been better off left in the Antarctic's icy depths, and one man’s fight for his legacy becomes a battle for the future of Earth.
"Armageddon meets The Thing... I couldn't put it down!"
On his 49th birthday, Rex Lassiter decides he's done with danger.
After surviving the battlefields of Afghanistan as a Navy SEAL, then fighting blowouts, hurricanes, and armed revolutionaries, on deepwater drilling rigs across the globe, he’s ready to settle into the quiet life on his late grandfather’s Colorado ranch—a place of hard-earned peace and cherished memories.
But fate likes irony, and peace is a luxury Rex can’t afford. Ruthless developers circle like vultures, ready to bulldoze his heritage into a billionaire’s playground. With lawsuits bleeding him dry, Rex is one court date away from losing it all.
Enter Joss Malloy—a cocky young tech mogul with a proposition too insane to lead a black-ops crew aboard the Theseus, the world’s most advanced drillship, to retrieve a classified artifact locked 11,000 feet beneath the Antarctic Ocean. The payout? Enough to bury the developers and secure Rex’s future forever.
There’s just one the ship’s advanced AI, ADONIS, is unraveling—hallucinating, rewriting code, and whispering in languages no human should understand. And the closer they get, the more the object responds… like it’s waiting.
As Rex gathers a ragtag team of battle-hardened veterans, brilliant engineers, and fearless misfits, he must confront the treacherous conditions of the Antarctic while navigating the potential threat of the object below.
As ADONIS’s psychosis spirals and the artifact begins to awaken, Rex realizes that what started as a recovery mission is quickly turning into a fight for survival.
"Some things were never meant to be found. Some doors, once opened, can’t be closed.”
In a heart-stopping race against corporate greed, a rogue AI, and a discovery that predates mankind, Rex Lassiter’s final mission becomes humanity’s last stand.
Join Rex and his team on a pulse-pounding adventure, where secrets are unearthed that may have been better off left in the Antarctic's icy depths, and one man’s fight for his legacy becomes a battle for the future of Earth.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 23, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
November 9, 2025
A supurbly and eloquently written sci-fi thriller! The story unfolds beautifully and I was pulled in right away and loved every chapter! The characters became real to me early on due to the crisp, clear descriptions, and I fretted for them as the suspense mounted! Buzarde has once again demonstrated his giftedness as a writer through his quick, rich, witty and smart command of the English language and his ability to tell a story with a mixture of serious charm and charming seriousness! Non-Human Origin: A Science-Fiction Thriller Is, to date, I believe, his masterpiece and is well worth the reader’s time!
February 4, 2026
Cool
This was a very good read.I finished it in no time.And it was fast paced.No boring interval.
However,I feel as if Rex and his team's stories have not been completed.
And so I will like a continuation....if you don't mind.The characters and stories are wonderful and have to be developed further.Adonis the AI,for example,is now part of the Void Sentinel.Lets explore other universes or space.
There is a lot of unfinished business.
Either way,I really enjoyed this.
Welldone
This was a very good read.I finished it in no time.And it was fast paced.No boring interval.
However,I feel as if Rex and his team's stories have not been completed.
And so I will like a continuation....if you don't mind.The characters and stories are wonderful and have to be developed further.Adonis the AI,for example,is now part of the Void Sentinel.Lets explore other universes or space.
There is a lot of unfinished business.
Either way,I really enjoyed this.
Welldone
July 18, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the characters, even the ones I loved to hate. The story was unique and original. I will read more by this author.
January 21, 2026
Oh I loved this one. Between the deep ocean exploration, AI, and the sci-fi aspect, I wasn’t sure which would turn first and I was on edge the whole time.
Very well written and I genuinely loved most of our cast of characters, it’s worth checking out. Think Armageddon, but the ocean version.
Very well written and I genuinely loved most of our cast of characters, it’s worth checking out. Think Armageddon, but the ocean version.
January 9, 2026
very enjoyable book
I really enjoyed reading this story. Great characters with a fast paced storyline. I’d definitely recommend this book. Now onto seeing what.else he’s written.
I really enjoyed reading this story. Great characters with a fast paced storyline. I’d definitely recommend this book. Now onto seeing what.else he’s written.
May 8, 2026
Not for md
The book commenced A promising narrative initially, yet the text became less engaging as it unfolded. The excessive technical terminology detracted from the narrative's accessibility, potentially alienating readers less familiar with industrial equipment specifics. Additionally, the murder subplot appeared underdeveloped and failed to meaningfully contribute to the overall narrative structure. and the ending in a few pages was a real downer.
The book commenced A promising narrative initially, yet the text became less engaging as it unfolded. The excessive technical terminology detracted from the narrative's accessibility, potentially alienating readers less familiar with industrial equipment specifics. Additionally, the murder subplot appeared underdeveloped and failed to meaningfully contribute to the overall narrative structure. and the ending in a few pages was a real downer.
December 14, 2025
Refreshing Sifi
The most refreshing book I have read in a long time. Its premise was fresh, and the characters were memorable.
The most refreshing book I have read in a long time. Its premise was fresh, and the characters were memorable.
December 18, 2025
I had a hard time deciding how to rate this one. The story kept you interested, and the author evidently did a lot of research into the details, but it was way too wordy for me. Some may enjoy all of the detail, but the story could have been trimmed by half and it wouldn't have detracted from the storyline.
February 26, 2026
A Very Technical Book
Its a good book with a good story but sometimes it can be a bit too technical. The author does his best to describe the process of certain things but can be lost with technical terms and a convoluted process.
Its a good book with a good story but sometimes it can be a bit too technical. The author does his best to describe the process of certain things but can be lost with technical terms and a convoluted process.
March 31, 2026
meh…
Science fiction? Yes. Thriller? Not even close. A lot of slow, detailed character development and setting up the main plot but this book fizzled and never really hooked me. Those of you who are into offshore drilling or salvaging, this would be right up your alley.
Science fiction? Yes. Thriller? Not even close. A lot of slow, detailed character development and setting up the main plot but this book fizzled and never really hooked me. Those of you who are into offshore drilling or salvaging, this would be right up your alley.
January 30, 2026
Just not interesting
I suppose this plot could have worked, but it was so poorly put together I could barely finish it. The conclusion seemed like the author just gave up.
I suppose this plot could have worked, but it was so poorly put together I could barely finish it. The conclusion seemed like the author just gave up.
December 8, 2025
Not bad, not bad at all!
Non-Human Origin is a well written sci-fi thriller set on a massive ship in the Antarctic with the mission of retrieving a mysterious object located 11,000' below the surface. There is plenty of action and a bit of philosophical discussion to keep things interesting. I was recommended this book by a friend and its a very good recommendation for fans of science fiction thrillers! 4/5 stars! I'm looking forward to reading more of Buzarde's books, if they're as good as Non-Human Origin, I'll love them!
Non-Human Origin is a well written sci-fi thriller set on a massive ship in the Antarctic with the mission of retrieving a mysterious object located 11,000' below the surface. There is plenty of action and a bit of philosophical discussion to keep things interesting. I was recommended this book by a friend and its a very good recommendation for fans of science fiction thrillers! 4/5 stars! I'm looking forward to reading more of Buzarde's books, if they're as good as Non-Human Origin, I'll love them!
June 6, 2026
A murder subplot which went nowhere.
Overly technical descriptions that 90% of readers wouldn't read. Literal information dumps.
Any beginnings of suspense quickly peters off.
One scene where a worker strike (their demands were to be informed about what is going on, something which the main character complains about for chapters) gets brutally crushed that is supposed to show the main character in a good light? Ok, bro.
This book is bad.
Struggling to understand the high reviews.
Overly technical descriptions that 90% of readers wouldn't read. Literal information dumps.
Any beginnings of suspense quickly peters off.
One scene where a worker strike (their demands were to be informed about what is going on, something which the main character complains about for chapters) gets brutally crushed that is supposed to show the main character in a good light? Ok, bro.
This book is bad.
Struggling to understand the high reviews.
August 22, 2026
Ok, but overly technical
I was drawn to this book because it was about a rogue AI which, as it turns out, is a minor part of the story. So unless you know a lot about deep water drilling rigs or find that interesting, prepare for a lot of boredom. I'm also not into the whole alien thing so that's on me. I still give it 4 stars because it was a good story with lots of side stories. But probably won't read any of the author's other books. But this is a VERY subjective opinion. 🙂
I was drawn to this book because it was about a rogue AI which, as it turns out, is a minor part of the story. So unless you know a lot about deep water drilling rigs or find that interesting, prepare for a lot of boredom. I'm also not into the whole alien thing so that's on me. I still give it 4 stars because it was a good story with lots of side stories. But probably won't read any of the author's other books. But this is a VERY subjective opinion. 🙂
December 27, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this story!
Great plot and suspenseful action, although I would have liked a little more character development. Some descriptions of the technical aspects of the story seemed to assume a lay person should understand, but that didn't really distract too much when they didn't.
Overall, it was a fun read, and my only additional comment would be-clearly a sequel is appropriate and already hinted at. When do we get that?!
Great plot and suspenseful action, although I would have liked a little more character development. Some descriptions of the technical aspects of the story seemed to assume a lay person should understand, but that didn't really distract too much when they didn't.
Overall, it was a fun read, and my only additional comment would be-clearly a sequel is appropriate and already hinted at. When do we get that?!
February 25, 2026
I just can't do it anymore. Characters with the depth & complexity of a paper plate, character descriptions that are suspiciously like they were the result of an AI prompt, awful pacing, stereotypical dialogue, ... I could go on but you probably get the idea. I love Antarctica, so I was really hoping that this would be a win.
This book received a lot of high marks, so either (A) I read it wrong, or (B) the reviewers have some connection to the author.
This book received a lot of high marks, so either (A) I read it wrong, or (B) the reviewers have some connection to the author.
July 5, 2026
The plot was initially interesting. Too much detail on the recovery ship’s specifications. Looking for more detailed plot lines regarding the Shard. A few expected “ dues ex machina” moments; to be expected at the climax but it could have been more polished than the appearance of the trans dimensional heroes in the nick of time. I’m beginning to realize the genre has become thematically exhausted.
December 10, 2025
Joss
This was a great adventure,took me 2 days to read,you end up loving the characters including the self absorbed IT billionaire,The mystery is interesting,the action great but it felt like a character introduction. The ship,the crew, the computer, there must be a sequal,hell a series I want a series
This was a great adventure,took me 2 days to read,you end up loving the characters including the self absorbed IT billionaire,The mystery is interesting,the action great but it felt like a character introduction. The ship,the crew, the computer, there must be a sequal,hell a series I want a series
December 29, 2025
Great Read on AI and Alien Encounters
This was a short read with well developed characters and plenty of action. The author is very knowledgeable about offshore drilling systems, which was part of the reason I didn't give this a 5-star rating. I skimmed the sections where the drilling systems were talked about In detail.
This was a short read with well developed characters and plenty of action. The author is very knowledgeable about offshore drilling systems, which was part of the reason I didn't give this a 5-star rating. I skimmed the sections where the drilling systems were talked about In detail.
January 7, 2026
Pretty Good
I love "death comes from the sea" books. For this one I liked most of the characters and how they worked with each other. I wish more time was spent on the boat and less on the build-up. I also thought things were resolved too easily, especially with all the threats going in. I did find the ending to be unexpected and I really liked the AI.
I love "death comes from the sea" books. For this one I liked most of the characters and how they worked with each other. I wish more time was spent on the boat and less on the build-up. I also thought things were resolved too easily, especially with all the threats going in. I did find the ending to be unexpected and I really liked the AI.
April 24, 2026
Good story; Piss Poor Editing
The story reminded me of "The Thing" with Kurt Russell, then moved into a good sci-fi thriller. The story pushed so far that the ending seemed clipped prior to the last chapter to make it not leak over to a full novel (which in my opinion would have been better).
Chris to Buzarde. Get a better editor the next round.
The story reminded me of "The Thing" with Kurt Russell, then moved into a good sci-fi thriller. The story pushed so far that the ending seemed clipped prior to the last chapter to make it not leak over to a full novel (which in my opinion would have been better).
Chris to Buzarde. Get a better editor the next round.
June 2, 2026
I found it boring and did not finish it.
The book wastes a lot of space on endless technicalities which are not essential to the story. It feels like padding to inflate the number of pages. The plot has some merit for what I read but it's very linear. No subplot, it just a single thread. So intellectually it feels a bit primitive or immature, like a book for children or teenagers.
The book wastes a lot of space on endless technicalities which are not essential to the story. It feels like padding to inflate the number of pages. The plot has some merit for what I read but it's very linear. No subplot, it just a single thread. So intellectually it feels a bit primitive or immature, like a book for children or teenagers.
February 26, 2026
great read
I’ve read a lot of fiction authors and stumbled onto this one, I have to say his style is up there with the best. I totally enjoyed this story but loved finding another writer with talent.
SMG
I’ve read a lot of fiction authors and stumbled onto this one, I have to say his style is up there with the best. I totally enjoyed this story but loved finding another writer with talent.
SMG
March 18, 2026
Outstanding Book
This novel really has it all, murder, money, high seas adventure and aliens. I read it two days because I couldn’t put it down. Don’t take my word for it from the first till last chapter it takes you on a fantastic adventure.
This novel really has it all, murder, money, high seas adventure and aliens. I read it two days because I couldn’t put it down. Don’t take my word for it from the first till last chapter it takes you on a fantastic adventure.
March 29, 2026
Good action, very much an adventure novel
Good action and OK characters. Firmly in the adventure category. The sci-fi side of it is very close to fantasy, rather than sci-fi, but passable. In desperate need of a good editor, but otherwise enjoyable.
Good action and OK characters. Firmly in the adventure category. The sci-fi side of it is very close to fantasy, rather than sci-fi, but passable. In desperate need of a good editor, but otherwise enjoyable.
July 25, 2026
Exciting hard sci-fi (mostly), great characters.
Non-Human Origin by Vern David Buzarde
I enjoyed the characters. And definitely learned new things. Their attempt to recover the alien artifact was pretty intense.
Non-Human Origin by Vern David Buzarde
I enjoyed the characters. And definitely learned new things. Their attempt to recover the alien artifact was pretty intense.
January 14, 2026
Very good novel
A little slow to begin but by the end it was unputtdownable. I highly recommend to any one who likes scifi.
A little slow to begin but by the end it was unputtdownable. I highly recommend to any one who likes scifi.
January 23, 2026
A good story proving money can't buy you everything
February 3, 2026
A great read
When I found this book it sounded interesting. It was very well done. If you like first contact you will like this book.
When I found this book it sounded interesting. It was very well done. If you like first contact you will like this book.
February 4, 2026
Outreach
If the unknown is out there, there is z greater possibility mankind will undoubtedly try to get to it sooner than later.
If the unknown is out there, there is z greater possibility mankind will undoubtedly try to get to it sooner than later.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews