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Them: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 11 Aug 26
The solo debut from the New York Times bestselling coauthor of Widow's The Complete Haunting, a post-apocalyptic/survival horror novel written in the bestselling traditions of Stephen King’s The Mist and Josh Malerman’s Bird Box.
A top-secret government project hits upon a revolutionary idea for transporting matter across the vast reaches of the universe, and it succeeds in bringing something back. Something alive. Soon, mankind’s reign comes to an abrupt halt when a truck hauling a very special shipping container overturns and rolls off the highway, unleashing an otherworldly horror upon an unsuspecting New England countryside, where it cannot be contained…
Several years later, an unidentified man emerges from the rubble of humanity, seeking other survivors and a shred of hope amid an eerie and lonely landscape. He travels by night up the rural East Coast, discovering Americana ruins and encountering monsters the likes of which no one has survived. Scarred and molded by the cruel horrors of this new natural order, he must face his own dwindling humanity and pray that any others out there have not become monsters themselves…
A top-secret government project hits upon a revolutionary idea for transporting matter across the vast reaches of the universe, and it succeeds in bringing something back. Something alive. Soon, mankind’s reign comes to an abrupt halt when a truck hauling a very special shipping container overturns and rolls off the highway, unleashing an otherworldly horror upon an unsuspecting New England countryside, where it cannot be contained…
Several years later, an unidentified man emerges from the rubble of humanity, seeking other survivors and a shred of hope amid an eerie and lonely landscape. He travels by night up the rural East Coast, discovering Americana ruins and encountering monsters the likes of which no one has survived. Scarred and molded by the cruel horrors of this new natural order, he must face his own dwindling humanity and pray that any others out there have not become monsters themselves…
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 26, 2026
THEM is a harrowing, nuanced exploration of humanity's dying gasp and the lengths man will go to ensure our story is not forgotten, all the while making readers wonder if perhaps it would be for the best if it was. I'm utterly floored. How is this a debut?! Chizmar is not standing on the shoulders of giants, he just took a seat at their table. What a wonder.
July 24, 2026
First off, apocalyptic survival stories typically aren’t my cup of tea. However, I enjoyed the last novel that this author co-wrote and was curious if he would change my mind on how I feel about the subgenre. The answer is, yes!
The US has fallen and what lives there now is worse than anyone can imagine. We see the destruction through the eyes of one man and his solo trip through what was previously the East Coast.
I really liked the format of the novel. Being inside the man’s head, you could feel the terror and dread as he was traveling. It was terrifying and exhausting at the same time. The format itself isn’t broken into chapters and I think that format worked really well as it paralleled the man’s journey. I also liked how this was more introspective and not relying on action.
This gave a new take on the “monsters take over” trope. One that focuses more on the effect mentally as opposed to the physical aspect.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
The US has fallen and what lives there now is worse than anyone can imagine. We see the destruction through the eyes of one man and his solo trip through what was previously the East Coast.
I really liked the format of the novel. Being inside the man’s head, you could feel the terror and dread as he was traveling. It was terrifying and exhausting at the same time. The format itself isn’t broken into chapters and I think that format worked really well as it paralleled the man’s journey. I also liked how this was more introspective and not relying on action.
This gave a new take on the “monsters take over” trope. One that focuses more on the effect mentally as opposed to the physical aspect.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 11, 2026
Them is a gripping solo debut, blending apocalyptic horror with monstrous creatures. It is also an introspective exploration of what remains of humanity after the world has been irrevocably changed. At its most basic, it is a survival story, but Chizmar sheds light on the emotional and moral scars left behind after catastrophe and not simply on the physical devastation. After a government experiment goes horribly wrong and brings back something impossible from beyond the stars, civilization collapses beneath the weight of an alien terror that cannot be stopped. Years later, an unnamed survivor moves through the ruins of the old world, traveling through a landscape transformed into something hauntingly unfamiliar. During his journey, he discovers both the horrors that now roam the earth and the truths behind humanity's downfall. The novel's structure effectively balances the immediacy of a lone survivor navigating a dangerous new world with glimpses into the events that led to the apocalypse. The gradual unveiling of what really happened creates a compelling sense of mystery while allowing the monsters themselves to remain a looming, unsettling presence. Chizmar plays into the appeal of a terrifying creature story, delivering moments of white knuckle tension and great brutality. But he also uses these monsters as a reflection of humanity's very own capacity for destruction. Beneath the chaos and the bloodshed, Them asks difficult questions about guilt, responsibility, identity, and choices people make when civilization's rules dissolve. It is an engaging story that succeeds both as thrilling apocalyptic nightmare and as a thoughtful examination of what it means to remain human when everything that was familiar has been lost. Fans of cinematic creature-driven horror with an emotional vein will find plenty to enjoy. Thank you Gallery Books for sending me a review copy. You can pick this up August 11, 2026 wherever you buy your books. More in depth coverage coming soon!
March 21, 2026
This was really 4.5 stars, for many reasons. It is quite an undertaking to make your debut novel something that bounces back and forth between two unnamed characters with no real chapter breaks, but between the pacing and character anonymity, Chizmar nailed it.
While it's a fun story, there is definitely an underlying commentary on humanity that feels delivered with perfect timing given the current state of the world.
Are humans actually the monsters? Do we create them out of others? Are there no monsters, simply different perspectives? Are we our own worst enemy? There's lots to wax philosophical over, if that's your jam.
If not it's still a quick, fun creature feature. I finished it this morning and have spent all day thinking about what MC may be up to now.
Enjoy!
PS big thank you to Gallery Books for sending this ARC to my wife so that I could devour it before she had a chance.
While it's a fun story, there is definitely an underlying commentary on humanity that feels delivered with perfect timing given the current state of the world.
Are humans actually the monsters? Do we create them out of others? Are there no monsters, simply different perspectives? Are we our own worst enemy? There's lots to wax philosophical over, if that's your jam.
If not it's still a quick, fun creature feature. I finished it this morning and have spent all day thinking about what MC may be up to now.
Enjoy!
PS big thank you to Gallery Books for sending this ARC to my wife so that I could devour it before she had a chance.
November 27, 2024
THEM by W.H. Chizmar is a notable debut for multiple reasons, chiefly the story’s dual functioning as an exciting creature feature and a means to provide deeper commentary on the human condition. The earth as we know it no longer stands as most humans have perished at the hands (talons?) of “them.” One man walks alone in search of something. A reason to keep going, one other survivor, what all of this destruction means for him. And just how the hell did he get here in this predicament?
The first half of this novel combines both compelling action as the man travels this destroyed landscape in addition to riveting documentation from an unknown author shedding light on details of “them” that few would know. This combination of slow reveals with present action really works in moving things along right from the start. It’s interesting formatting and structure that lends itself to the mystery of how the world ended up in this shape and possibly further explaining this man’s plight to survive.
Furthermore, THEM functions as a great creature-feature story while also providing thought-provoking commentary on man’s purpose. This reads as rather timely given the division in our world as topics of guilt, accountability, blame, and confession are brought about in this way. This deeper meaning is there if you’d like it, but there’s plenty to be entertained with sans the emo bits. From creature design to action to confrontation, THEM is a successful creature feature with notes of Spielberg-esque humanity layered throughout.
The first half of this novel combines both compelling action as the man travels this destroyed landscape in addition to riveting documentation from an unknown author shedding light on details of “them” that few would know. This combination of slow reveals with present action really works in moving things along right from the start. It’s interesting formatting and structure that lends itself to the mystery of how the world ended up in this shape and possibly further explaining this man’s plight to survive.
Furthermore, THEM functions as a great creature-feature story while also providing thought-provoking commentary on man’s purpose. This reads as rather timely given the division in our world as topics of guilt, accountability, blame, and confession are brought about in this way. This deeper meaning is there if you’d like it, but there’s plenty to be entertained with sans the emo bits. From creature design to action to confrontation, THEM is a successful creature feature with notes of Spielberg-esque humanity layered throughout.
July 9, 2026
How do you physically, mentally, and emotionally survive when aliens have overthrown Earth and view you as prey? How do you maintain your humanity without anyone to talk to? What would you miss most about the before? Would you even remember your name if no one uses it?
THEM is contradictory in the most compelling way. It is both apocalyptic and hopeful. It feels at once intimate with the explored thoughts and emotions of so few characters, and broadly cinematic with the descriptions of specific and familiar landscapes. Plot expectations are both fulfilled and subverted. I wanted the main character to succeed, but somehow felt sympathy for the aliens. It showcases humanity’s best and worst qualities, which are occasionally the same ones, and yet I couldn’t look away.
Chizmar immerses you so deeply it made me appreciate such basic luxuries as fresh food, indoor plumbing, and feeling the sunshine warm my skin.
Thank you, Odd Bird Bookshop, for the advanced reader copy.
THEM is contradictory in the most compelling way. It is both apocalyptic and hopeful. It feels at once intimate with the explored thoughts and emotions of so few characters, and broadly cinematic with the descriptions of specific and familiar landscapes. Plot expectations are both fulfilled and subverted. I wanted the main character to succeed, but somehow felt sympathy for the aliens. It showcases humanity’s best and worst qualities, which are occasionally the same ones, and yet I couldn’t look away.
Chizmar immerses you so deeply it made me appreciate such basic luxuries as fresh food, indoor plumbing, and feeling the sunshine warm my skin.
Thank you, Odd Bird Bookshop, for the advanced reader copy.
January 8, 2025
WH Chizmar’s debut novel does NOT disappoint, far from it.
THEM is a apocalyptic novel written in a dual narrative that Matheson, Sturgeon and Orwell could not have written better.
The two mains are introduced and share their stories with a seamless transition. Cinema can’t even seem to get it right, but Chizmar nails it.
We not one, but two well developed characters and somehow the reader begins to form a bond… a connection? with the Monsters.
Absolutely blown away that this is a debut novel and very much looking forward to future works.
5 out of 5… a must read and instant classic!
THEM is a apocalyptic novel written in a dual narrative that Matheson, Sturgeon and Orwell could not have written better.
The two mains are introduced and share their stories with a seamless transition. Cinema can’t even seem to get it right, but Chizmar nails it.
We not one, but two well developed characters and somehow the reader begins to form a bond… a connection? with the Monsters.
Absolutely blown away that this is a debut novel and very much looking forward to future works.
5 out of 5… a must read and instant classic!
January 14, 2025
I feel cheated. This was probably my most anticipated book of the month and one of the most of the year. I had really high expectations and they didn't pay off.
Review to come
Review to come
March 27, 2025
I really had high hopes for W.H. Chizmar's Them, the debut novel from Richard Chizmar's son, especially since Lividian Publications gave it the special edition treatment. The book looks fantastic as you'd expect, but the story fails to impress. Chizmar is a good writer, but the story of a lone man's journey through the apocalypse while avoiding the deadly race of aliens that have taken over the planet is a dull, joyless affair.
The aliens are the most interesting characters in the book, especially when we get an unexpected POV from one of the creatures in the book's close. There are two human POVs, the aforementioned lone man, and diary entries from another man that is partly responsible for the end of humanity. Unfortunately, much of the story drags at a slow pace. When our character does encounter the aliens, the action falls flat and lacks suspense. Maybe it's just because our main character feels like a husk of a person. Chizmar doesn't give us any reason to care about him; the character struggles to remember his own name. He's just there. Kind of like this book.
2.5 stars out of 5. Fear Nerd says, "Check it out!"
The aliens are the most interesting characters in the book, especially when we get an unexpected POV from one of the creatures in the book's close. There are two human POVs, the aforementioned lone man, and diary entries from another man that is partly responsible for the end of humanity. Unfortunately, much of the story drags at a slow pace. When our character does encounter the aliens, the action falls flat and lacks suspense. Maybe it's just because our main character feels like a husk of a person. Chizmar doesn't give us any reason to care about him; the character struggles to remember his own name. He's just there. Kind of like this book.
2.5 stars out of 5. Fear Nerd says, "Check it out!"
March 31, 2026
fine. sentence-level this was quite good, and the fact it was a debut is impressive. but the "solo dude exploring apocalypse america" creature feature didn't grip me like I thought it would, which is my bad... that isn't my cup of tea to begin with. I enjoyed the secondary POV more, which was more of the scifi thriller government nutty shit I usually enjoy. made me wanna play Project Zomboid again lol.
the philosophical questions were nice but not shocking or new, the whole "who is REALLY the monster here" bit.
glad to have seen the deluxe ed. with the illustration of the Scorpions to get a good picture of them.
the philosophical questions were nice but not shocking or new, the whole "who is REALLY the monster here" bit.
glad to have seen the deluxe ed. with the illustration of the Scorpions to get a good picture of them.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When diving into
Them
by New York Times bestselling author W.H. Chizmar, I didn't know what to fully expect. What I thought was going to be a solid creature-feature horror tale, ended up being just that but a lot more.
Them
is thoughtful, atmospheric, and original. A story that is monstrous, but also utterly human.
A top-secret government project hits upon a revolutionary idea for transporting matter across the vast reaches of the universe, and it succeeds in bringing something back. Something alive. Soon, mankind’s reign comes to an abrupt halt when a truck hauling a very special shipping container overturns and rolls off the highway, unleashing an otherworldly horror upon an unsuspecting New England countryside, where it cannot be contained…
Several years later, an unidentified man emerges from the rubble of humanity, seeking other survivors and a shred of hope amid an eerie and lonely landscape. He travels by night up the rural East Coast, discovering Americana ruins and encountering monsters the likes of which no one has survived. Scarred and molded by the cruel horrors of this new natural order, he must face his own dwindling humanity and pray that any others out there have not become monsters themselves…
It's not for a lack of faith in Chizmar's first solo novel, the incredibly crafted and extremely successful Widow's Point: The Complete Haunting he co-wrote with his father Richard Chizmar is proof of the talent, but what would the first solo book be like. What we got was a fantastic solo debut novel that took me by surprise in the most wonderful way.
Them is classic sci-fi horror, where a secret government experiment goes wrong, something unknown gets loose, and suddenly everything spirals into chaos. Onward from there we follow a survivor recounting what went on as this situation escalated into something much bigger and more terrifying. It has that post-apocalyptic, end-of-the-world vibe, but told in a much more personal, character-driven, and grounded way.
The whole story is surrounded by this constant sense of dread that builds steadily throughout, even when the story opens up a bit, it still feels intimate, making for a really atmospheric tale. The horror is just about the threat itself, it's about the uncertainty, the confusion, and how we react when things stop making sense to us. This takes a creature horror story and surrounds it with dread, suspense, and utter fear.
Them features a nice blend of genres, it's part sci-fi, part horror, part on the road story, but balances this extremely well. Of course some have been comparing the story to how The Stand was written, in terms of overall scope, but it definitely tends to say a bit more focused on individual experience rather than a larger cast. The book also features a good amount of deeper themes running across it with questions about responsibility, humanity, and how fragile the world can really be when you it is pushed to the edge.
Chizmar brings a unique style to the story, especially when it came to the survivor perspective. We are not just watching events unfold, we are piecing them together as they happen, keeping the sense of unease alive and allowing us to stay engaged along the way. It's a style that had me thrown for a loop a bit at the beginning, but quickly set in place and was hooked from then on.
Them is more than a book full of terror or some sort of spectacle, but a story filled with a lingering sense of humanity threaded through all that chaos. W.H. Chizmar delivers an amazing, character-driven story with a classic sci-fi horror vibe that feels intimate and expansive at the same time. Them blends dread, emotion, and great imagination into a fantastic solo debut.
Them hits bookstores everywhere on August 11, 2026 from Gallery Books. The audiobook is available via Libro.fm!
NOTE: We received an advance copy of Them from the publisher. Opinions are our own.
A top-secret government project hits upon a revolutionary idea for transporting matter across the vast reaches of the universe, and it succeeds in bringing something back. Something alive. Soon, mankind’s reign comes to an abrupt halt when a truck hauling a very special shipping container overturns and rolls off the highway, unleashing an otherworldly horror upon an unsuspecting New England countryside, where it cannot be contained…
Several years later, an unidentified man emerges from the rubble of humanity, seeking other survivors and a shred of hope amid an eerie and lonely landscape. He travels by night up the rural East Coast, discovering Americana ruins and encountering monsters the likes of which no one has survived. Scarred and molded by the cruel horrors of this new natural order, he must face his own dwindling humanity and pray that any others out there have not become monsters themselves…
It's not for a lack of faith in Chizmar's first solo novel, the incredibly crafted and extremely successful Widow's Point: The Complete Haunting he co-wrote with his father Richard Chizmar is proof of the talent, but what would the first solo book be like. What we got was a fantastic solo debut novel that took me by surprise in the most wonderful way.
Them is classic sci-fi horror, where a secret government experiment goes wrong, something unknown gets loose, and suddenly everything spirals into chaos. Onward from there we follow a survivor recounting what went on as this situation escalated into something much bigger and more terrifying. It has that post-apocalyptic, end-of-the-world vibe, but told in a much more personal, character-driven, and grounded way.
The whole story is surrounded by this constant sense of dread that builds steadily throughout, even when the story opens up a bit, it still feels intimate, making for a really atmospheric tale. The horror is just about the threat itself, it's about the uncertainty, the confusion, and how we react when things stop making sense to us. This takes a creature horror story and surrounds it with dread, suspense, and utter fear.
Them features a nice blend of genres, it's part sci-fi, part horror, part on the road story, but balances this extremely well. Of course some have been comparing the story to how The Stand was written, in terms of overall scope, but it definitely tends to say a bit more focused on individual experience rather than a larger cast. The book also features a good amount of deeper themes running across it with questions about responsibility, humanity, and how fragile the world can really be when you it is pushed to the edge.
Chizmar brings a unique style to the story, especially when it came to the survivor perspective. We are not just watching events unfold, we are piecing them together as they happen, keeping the sense of unease alive and allowing us to stay engaged along the way. It's a style that had me thrown for a loop a bit at the beginning, but quickly set in place and was hooked from then on.
Them is more than a book full of terror or some sort of spectacle, but a story filled with a lingering sense of humanity threaded through all that chaos. W.H. Chizmar delivers an amazing, character-driven story with a classic sci-fi horror vibe that feels intimate and expansive at the same time. Them blends dread, emotion, and great imagination into a fantastic solo debut.
Them hits bookstores everywhere on August 11, 2026 from Gallery Books. The audiobook is available via Libro.fm!
NOTE: We received an advance copy of Them from the publisher. Opinions are our own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
W.H. Chizmar's Them is a refreshing take on post-apocalyptic sci-fi horror. The monsters may be towering, razor-taloned aliens called Scorpions, but the real terror isn't the invasion, rather, the loneliness of what is left. Rather than chronicling humanity's last stand, Chizmar follows two survivors wandering a world where civilization has already lost. This is an apocalypse built on grief, regret, and the crushing weight of being utterly alone.
What makes Them stand apart is what it avoids. No biker gangs. No conspiracy-fueled militias. No Independence Day-style heroics. Chizmar finds suspense in the ordinary, turning daylight, open water, and even the lingering effects of a concussion into sources of genuine dread. His prose shifts effortlessly between lyrical introspection and razor-sharp observation, making the novel both beautiful and unsettling.
The middle occasionally slows with a few too many repeated survival routines, but those quieter stretches also reinforce the exhausting monotony of simply staying alive. More importantly, Them proves that the end of the world doesn't have to be loud to be terrifying. The greatest monster here isn't the Scorpion; it's solitude.
A haunting, thoughtful, and confidently original debut.
Read my full review at Read @ Joe's to see why Them lingered with me long after I turned the final page, and why W.H. Chizmar is a writer worth keeping an eye on.
What makes Them stand apart is what it avoids. No biker gangs. No conspiracy-fueled militias. No Independence Day-style heroics. Chizmar finds suspense in the ordinary, turning daylight, open water, and even the lingering effects of a concussion into sources of genuine dread. His prose shifts effortlessly between lyrical introspection and razor-sharp observation, making the novel both beautiful and unsettling.
The middle occasionally slows with a few too many repeated survival routines, but those quieter stretches also reinforce the exhausting monotony of simply staying alive. More importantly, Them proves that the end of the world doesn't have to be loud to be terrifying. The greatest monster here isn't the Scorpion; it's solitude.
A haunting, thoughtful, and confidently original debut.
Read my full review at Read @ Joe's to see why Them lingered with me long after I turned the final page, and why W.H. Chizmar is a writer worth keeping an eye on.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Them by W.H. Chizmar is a debut post-apocalyptic novel set on an Earth that has been taken over by a race of alien creatures brought here by the US government to be used in warfare. It follows the Man as he emerges from his bunker in search of any other humans left alive.
I was immediately drawn in by the cover, which is striking and beautiful. The writing style is flowery, but in a way that I initially really enjoyed. The book opens with an exquisitely eerie, lonely vibe that feels like a love letter to the genre.
I found the Man very interesting; he’s a dip-chewing soccer player, but he’s nice to animals and doesn’t litter if he can help it. He’s a mess of contradictions, and doesn’t have a good idea of who he even is anymore. But the Scorpions themselves are the real stars here. As a child I always rooted for Jaws, and as an adult I was absolutely rooting for the Scorpions. Imagine the loneliness of being ripped away from your planet, stranded an unimaginable distance away, with no hope of ever returning home?
The book really slows down in the back third, and the Climactic Battle felt silly and dramatic, but the final chapter made it all worth it to me. Overall, I enjoyed Them and would recommend it to any fans of sci-fi, alien invasions, or apocalypse stories.
Thank you Gallery Books for providing this advance copy for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I was immediately drawn in by the cover, which is striking and beautiful. The writing style is flowery, but in a way that I initially really enjoyed. The book opens with an exquisitely eerie, lonely vibe that feels like a love letter to the genre.
I found the Man very interesting; he’s a dip-chewing soccer player, but he’s nice to animals and doesn’t litter if he can help it. He’s a mess of contradictions, and doesn’t have a good idea of who he even is anymore. But the Scorpions themselves are the real stars here. As a child I always rooted for Jaws, and as an adult I was absolutely rooting for the Scorpions. Imagine the loneliness of being ripped away from your planet, stranded an unimaginable distance away, with no hope of ever returning home?
The book really slows down in the back third, and the Climactic Battle felt silly and dramatic, but the final chapter made it all worth it to me. Overall, I enjoyed Them and would recommend it to any fans of sci-fi, alien invasions, or apocalypse stories.
Thank you Gallery Books for providing this advance copy for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 Stars rounded up
I really, really enjoyed this one. Apocalyptic horror is one of my favorite genres, and Them absolutely delivered. As I was reading, I couldn't help but think of the first half of Stephen King's The Stand. There's that same compelling journey across a devastated landscape, following a survivor as they travel the East Coast searching for other people and trying to make sense of a world that no longer does.
What sets W.H. Chizmar's novel apart, though, is how much heart it has. Amid all the destruction and uncertainty, he never loses sight of the humanity of his characters. They feel authentic, flawed, and worth rooting for, making the quieter moments just as compelling as the more terrifying ones.
I also loved the alien science fiction element. It added an intriguing layer to the story and kept me guessing about where everything was headed without overshadowing the emotional core of the novel. This is exactly the kind of apocalyptic horror I gravitate toward: eerie, character driven, and filled with a sense of wonder and dread in equal measure. If you're a fan of end of the world horror with memorable characters and an engrossing mystery, Them is absolutely worth picking up.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Gallery Books, and W.H Chizmar for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
I really, really enjoyed this one. Apocalyptic horror is one of my favorite genres, and Them absolutely delivered. As I was reading, I couldn't help but think of the first half of Stephen King's The Stand. There's that same compelling journey across a devastated landscape, following a survivor as they travel the East Coast searching for other people and trying to make sense of a world that no longer does.
What sets W.H. Chizmar's novel apart, though, is how much heart it has. Amid all the destruction and uncertainty, he never loses sight of the humanity of his characters. They feel authentic, flawed, and worth rooting for, making the quieter moments just as compelling as the more terrifying ones.
I also loved the alien science fiction element. It added an intriguing layer to the story and kept me guessing about where everything was headed without overshadowing the emotional core of the novel. This is exactly the kind of apocalyptic horror I gravitate toward: eerie, character driven, and filled with a sense of wonder and dread in equal measure. If you're a fan of end of the world horror with memorable characters and an engrossing mystery, Them is absolutely worth picking up.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Gallery Books, and W.H Chizmar for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was good! I think I'm kind of leaning more towards 3.5 stars for this, but I'll round it up. First of all, if you get the chance to check out the edition with the illustrations, I would probably do that. I googled the images because the ARC I read didn't include those, but knowing what the scorpions look like helped with my enjoyment a lot. I had trouble visualizing them from the descriptions in the book (I still don't fully grasp how they walk in circles, honestly). The story itself was just a solid post-apocalyptic monster/alien story. Very much like Birdbox or A Quiet Place. Even a bit I Am Legend. I don't think it reinvents the wheel or anything, but it does what it does really well. I think the reason I'm kind of between 4 and 5 stars is because it does drag a bit towards the back half. The journey kind of had the same basic structure for like a third of the book, so I think maybe cutting out some scenes of Tim finding a house, staying for a bit then moving on would have helped the pacing a bit. There are some exciting scenes that happen around those, but just like 2 or 3 less of those scenes would have been great. This is nothing like the elder Chizmar's books, so that was an interesting surprise. WH really has a voice that's very much his own and I'm for sure going to look out for his next book. This was a fun read for sure.
March 17, 2026
A creature feature at its best
The US government succeeded in bringing back a whole six-eyed monster that immediately started in devouring all humans in its path. Then, when trying to transport one of the beasts, they allowed it to escape. Now the world has become a wasteland at the mercy of THEM.
I loved this creature feature sci fi horror tale. I loved the descriptions of the monsters.
This wasn't a feel-good story, by any means. The narrator heaps a lot of the blame for the destruction of the world on his own shoulders as he treks up the East Coast trying to avoid "Scorpions."
I enjoyed the storyline, the writing, the descriptive passages. I personally liked the bright green cover of the book that I got on the Kindle copy I received - left more to the imagination.
I heartily recommend.
I received this Digital Review Copy from Gallery Books through Edelweiss and am very thankful.
The US government succeeded in bringing back a whole six-eyed monster that immediately started in devouring all humans in its path. Then, when trying to transport one of the beasts, they allowed it to escape. Now the world has become a wasteland at the mercy of THEM.
I loved this creature feature sci fi horror tale. I loved the descriptions of the monsters.
This wasn't a feel-good story, by any means. The narrator heaps a lot of the blame for the destruction of the world on his own shoulders as he treks up the East Coast trying to avoid "Scorpions."
I enjoyed the storyline, the writing, the descriptive passages. I personally liked the bright green cover of the book that I got on the Kindle copy I received - left more to the imagination.
I heartily recommend.
I received this Digital Review Copy from Gallery Books through Edelweiss and am very thankful.
June 28, 2026
You know when you can just tell the author had fun writing their book?
THEM is a dark, end-of-the-world apocalyptic horror featuring a power-hungry government experiment gone wrong… but it's also witty, thoughtful, thrilling, and an effortlessly bingeable creature feature.
And one hell of an impressive debut.
WH Chizmar has a remarkably confident voice for a debut author. The prose is intelligent, sometimes flowery, occasionally borders on rambling (in a humorous way), but it always feels intentional- deeply compelling and undeniably human. Rather than a high-octane sci-fi horror, THEM is a slow-burn meditation on humanity, greed, and survival.
The premise is deceptively simple: a lonely man wanders a post-apocalyptic America, trying to avoid the notice of an alien predator.
And can we take a moment for these aliens? Sure, they're cannibalistic, sharp-tailed, house-sized nightmares... but I may have been rooting for them by the end.
Horror with heart I highly recommend.
THEM is a dark, end-of-the-world apocalyptic horror featuring a power-hungry government experiment gone wrong… but it's also witty, thoughtful, thrilling, and an effortlessly bingeable creature feature.
And one hell of an impressive debut.
WH Chizmar has a remarkably confident voice for a debut author. The prose is intelligent, sometimes flowery, occasionally borders on rambling (in a humorous way), but it always feels intentional- deeply compelling and undeniably human. Rather than a high-octane sci-fi horror, THEM is a slow-burn meditation on humanity, greed, and survival.
The premise is deceptively simple: a lonely man wanders a post-apocalyptic America, trying to avoid the notice of an alien predator.
And can we take a moment for these aliens? Sure, they're cannibalistic, sharp-tailed, house-sized nightmares... but I may have been rooting for them by the end.
Horror with heart I highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Them by W.H. Chizmar!
After a failed(?) U.S. Government experiment brings THEM to Earth, humanity has to reckon with the consequences of its actions. Years later, an unnamed survivor makes his way through the ruins of civilization, making sure to steer clear of the intruders. How long can he survive in this wasteland? Is there anything worth surviving for? Are there any humans left and if so, does he even want to know?
Chizmar has taken on a large order for a debut novel, but it is safe to say that he delivered. This complex, winding narrative explores grief, guilt, and what survival really means in a really beautiful way. Chizmar dives into the reality of unchecked ambition and how we deal with being complicit in others' actions. It was not a conversation I was prepared to have in an apocalyptic thriller, but wow was it done well. I really enjoyed this novel, and cannot wait to read more from W.H. Chizmar!
After a failed(?) U.S. Government experiment brings THEM to Earth, humanity has to reckon with the consequences of its actions. Years later, an unnamed survivor makes his way through the ruins of civilization, making sure to steer clear of the intruders. How long can he survive in this wasteland? Is there anything worth surviving for? Are there any humans left and if so, does he even want to know?
Chizmar has taken on a large order for a debut novel, but it is safe to say that he delivered. This complex, winding narrative explores grief, guilt, and what survival really means in a really beautiful way. Chizmar dives into the reality of unchecked ambition and how we deal with being complicit in others' actions. It was not a conversation I was prepared to have in an apocalyptic thriller, but wow was it done well. I really enjoyed this novel, and cannot wait to read more from W.H. Chizmar!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you @whchizmar @gallerybooks for my copy! You guys….certified banger alert!!! All the damn stars!!!
I literally am absolutely FLOORED that this is a debut. Chizmar just added himself to the table with the greats in his first novel. I am amazed beyond belief and cannot wait to see what he has in store for us next. This will be at the top of the year for me.
This is a story of survival, a pilgrimage and an exploration into a post-apocalyptic dystopia with giant monsters roaming the earth. However, it’s so much more. Each word is crafted beautifully and perfectly. Chizmar makes every single one count.
The book asks its readers some hard questions about humanity, the human ability to ruin/destruct everything and the desire to have our stories set in stone. It’s cinematic, filled with white knuckle tension and some very chilling scenes while also being emotional and heartbreaking. It asks the time old question-what is more terrifying? Monsters or humans…
I literally am absolutely FLOORED that this is a debut. Chizmar just added himself to the table with the greats in his first novel. I am amazed beyond belief and cannot wait to see what he has in store for us next. This will be at the top of the year for me.
This is a story of survival, a pilgrimage and an exploration into a post-apocalyptic dystopia with giant monsters roaming the earth. However, it’s so much more. Each word is crafted beautifully and perfectly. Chizmar makes every single one count.
The book asks its readers some hard questions about humanity, the human ability to ruin/destruct everything and the desire to have our stories set in stone. It’s cinematic, filled with white knuckle tension and some very chilling scenes while also being emotional and heartbreaking. It asks the time old question-what is more terrifying? Monsters or humans…
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars. This is an apocalyptic survival horror in the same vein as The Road and The Mist. Honestly, I am so impressed by the maturity of Chizmar's writing, given that this is his solo debut. We follow a lone survivor moving through the wreckage of our world in the aftermath of an alien creature being brought here by none other than us--humanity. The ruined landscape, the fear, the survival mode, the isolation... it all adds to the tense, desolate and unsettling atmosphere. This book is riddled with loneliness; you can feel it. The loneliness is a horror in and of itself. But the standout aspect, for me, was the alien creatures, or "them". I don't want to give anything away, but my heart went out to "them". There are messages, you could even say warnings, written into this book about humanity thinking they are above all others and pushing too far. Playing God is never a good idea, for any involved. There are also clear messages on how all sides of a conflict have valid perspectives. I was not initially planning on annotating this book, but I kept coming across such great lines that really cut me, so I wound up picking up my highlighter and tabs! I can't share the quotes because the book is not out yet, but man, W.H. Chizmar can write! Extremely insightful. Extremely important. Extremely well done.
Thank you to Gallery Books and W.H. Chizmar for the physical ARC! Cover art is awesome. Book releases 8/11/26.
Thank you to Gallery Books and W.H. Chizmar for the physical ARC! Cover art is awesome. Book releases 8/11/26.
July 23, 2026
I am always a fan of an alien doomsday story and this checked all the boxes. When I first started it, I was nervous because this book has no chapters, only page breaks and that’s an intimidating book feature. But thankfully, after the first few pages and flashbacks, it worked. It kept the pacing steady for the present day plot line and honestly it flowed even better after the flashbacks and world development stopped.
It gave me War of the Worlds 2.0 vibes because the aliens in this have quite a few layers that are uncovered during the duration of the book. Because you’re following one survivor, there is also barely any dialogue so be prepared for that. Again, this writing style works because he’s literally SURVIVING the best he can, so don’t let that deter you from picking up a copy. As a science fiction fan, I loved it. The various human elements and decisions in this were really immersive. Alien invasion tales can feel repetitive, and while there were a couple predictable moments, as a debut novel, this story was incredibly developed and the aliens are just freaking awesome.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
It gave me War of the Worlds 2.0 vibes because the aliens in this have quite a few layers that are uncovered during the duration of the book. Because you’re following one survivor, there is also barely any dialogue so be prepared for that. Again, this writing style works because he’s literally SURVIVING the best he can, so don’t let that deter you from picking up a copy. As a science fiction fan, I loved it. The various human elements and decisions in this were really immersive. Alien invasion tales can feel repetitive, and while there were a couple predictable moments, as a debut novel, this story was incredibly developed and the aliens are just freaking awesome.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
"I have not atoned for my sins. I doubt I ever will, but there is a path I can follow. One of accoutnability. Of atonement."
I never thought a book about alien monsters and the end of civilization could make me cry—yet here we are. Don't expect an edge-of-your seat thrill ride, though there are intense moments of survival. This slow-burn thought-provoking tale on the downfall of humanity due to hubris was lyrically written with introspection and empathy—and I felt it. 𝙒.𝙃. 𝘾𝙝𝙞𝙯𝙢𝙖𝙧 made the clever creative choice not to include chapters—and it works. It adds to the lonely and isolated feeling of our 'one man alone' survivor. Interspersed with the inner thoughts of 'the man' are journal entries of another man, which act as a confession of sorts. He describes the role he played in the cosmic transportation project that led to the aliens' arrival on Earth and their ultimate escape.
One day bleeds into the next and time has little meaning as 'the man' walks and walks, trying to stay alive and unnoticed by the beings dubbed Scorpions. The Scorpions are monstrous enough to rival the Xenomorph from 𝘈𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘯, but at times—such as when they sing in the rain—they seem all too human. It left me contemplating: Were the Scorpions just defending themselves? Since people can't find peace amongst themselves, is it any wonder violence was the answer? Who are the real monsters?
𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗺 is a striking post-apocalyptic alien invasion story—that seems entirely plausble—blended with deeply moving commentary on the human condition. It's about arrogance, curiosity, and megalomania; yet, it's also about guilt, redemption, and hope. Bravo on your fabulous debut, Mr. 𝘾𝙝𝙞𝙯𝙢𝙖𝙧; by the end I was in tears—and it wasn't for humanity.
____
Thank you to Richard and W.H. Chizmar and Gallery Books for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own and shared voluntarily.
I never thought a book about alien monsters and the end of civilization could make me cry—yet here we are. Don't expect an edge-of-your seat thrill ride, though there are intense moments of survival. This slow-burn thought-provoking tale on the downfall of humanity due to hubris was lyrically written with introspection and empathy—and I felt it. 𝙒.𝙃. 𝘾𝙝𝙞𝙯𝙢𝙖𝙧 made the clever creative choice not to include chapters—and it works. It adds to the lonely and isolated feeling of our 'one man alone' survivor. Interspersed with the inner thoughts of 'the man' are journal entries of another man, which act as a confession of sorts. He describes the role he played in the cosmic transportation project that led to the aliens' arrival on Earth and their ultimate escape.
One day bleeds into the next and time has little meaning as 'the man' walks and walks, trying to stay alive and unnoticed by the beings dubbed Scorpions. The Scorpions are monstrous enough to rival the Xenomorph from 𝘈𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘯, but at times—such as when they sing in the rain—they seem all too human. It left me contemplating: Were the Scorpions just defending themselves? Since people can't find peace amongst themselves, is it any wonder violence was the answer? Who are the real monsters?
𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗺 is a striking post-apocalyptic alien invasion story—that seems entirely plausble—blended with deeply moving commentary on the human condition. It's about arrogance, curiosity, and megalomania; yet, it's also about guilt, redemption, and hope. Bravo on your fabulous debut, Mr. 𝘾𝙝𝙞𝙯𝙢𝙖𝙧; by the end I was in tears—and it wasn't for humanity.
____
Thank you to Richard and W.H. Chizmar and Gallery Books for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own and shared voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I love a creature driven book so this was right up my alley. This was a solo debut and it was well done. I can see where this author will have great traction in the future. Some of the writing was clunky, but that’s just personal preference. Told in dual POV and dual timeline, it was atmospheric and compelling. Once I got started, I was invested throughout. It steadily built dread throughout the book and gave me the creeps. I recommend this book if you enjoy creature horror.
Thank you, NetGalley and Gallery Books for allowing me to read this book early. The opinion in this review is my own.
Thank you, NetGalley and Gallery Books for allowing me to read this book early. The opinion in this review is my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a very unusual novel written by the son of the author of the Boogeyman books, Richard Chizmar. It is a fascinating horror book with, oddly, no chapters, but well-drawn characters and lots of scary action. A nameless man walks alone at night from Florida north to Maryland and Washington, D.C. The reader slowly learns the reason - monsters roam the country during the day. As the story unfolds, italicized sections offer background information as the man travels slowly north. The story is original and unique, excitingly told, even offering information from the monsters' points of view. I loved it and highly recommend it! Thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for providing an ARC.
Read
July 3, 2026What a fantastic solo debut. I really enjoyed the author’s previous work with his father, so was excited to jump into this one too. This book however is much different in both tone and tempo. Chizmar, writes with a great deal of maturity while still keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. Mixing elements of classic alien stories with man’s hubris, Them packs all the punch of post apocalyptic survival. I appreciated the little nods to horror staples like Stephen King, HG Wells, and Ridley Scott and loved the interesting take on metal coated organic creatures. And the epilogue? Perfect. Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I went into Them thinking it would be a fun creature feature. It's definitely a creature feature, but it's so much more than that! Them is deep exploration of humanities greatest fears: being forgotten, being destroyed, and fear of the unknown. There's a pervading sense of dread threaded through the entire story which gave it a Twilight Zone feel.
I love this book! And I absolutely recommend, especially if you're a fan of the Alien movies.
I went into Them thinking it would be a fun creature feature. It's definitely a creature feature, but it's so much more than that! Them is deep exploration of humanities greatest fears: being forgotten, being destroyed, and fear of the unknown. There's a pervading sense of dread threaded through the entire story which gave it a Twilight Zone feel.
I love this book! And I absolutely recommend, especially if you're a fan of the Alien movies.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Gallery Books for an ARC of Them via NetGalley.
If you're familiar with The Book of Eli, I am Legend, and The War of The Worlds then you can safely skip reading this book. It felt like the storyline was following a formula and as a result was very predictable. By no means was this a bad book, but it wasn't anything groundbreaking or one I would go out of my way to recommend.
3 stars.
If you're familiar with The Book of Eli, I am Legend, and The War of The Worlds then you can safely skip reading this book. It felt like the storyline was following a formula and as a result was very predictable. By no means was this a bad book, but it wasn't anything groundbreaking or one I would go out of my way to recommend.
3 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Thank you to Edelweiss for the ARC!
This was a really great, quiet post apocalypse story. I enjoyed the anonymity of the main character, and the flash back journal entries really gave everything a good sense of scale and purpose. I struggled a bit with the pacing, but that's most likely just a me problem. All in all, very well done, similar to the Stand.
This was a really great, quiet post apocalypse story. I enjoyed the anonymity of the main character, and the flash back journal entries really gave everything a good sense of scale and purpose. I struggled a bit with the pacing, but that's most likely just a me problem. All in all, very well done, similar to the Stand.
May 1, 2026
Them was a different novel then what I am used to reading. It does a dive into post Apocalyptic America and one man's journey around the states. While I did struggle in some areas to follow the story I believe that is due to the different pace and subject matter. Altogether I enjoyed the story. I received a copy through Netgalley.. A review was not required..
November 8, 2024
Enjoyable read.
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