What do you think?
Rate this book
Sightings
Are aliens real? Four film school students are about to find out. In 1988, Lydia Conner was abducted by aliens from her cabin near Specter Lake, Minnesota while her husband lay in bed, temporarily paralyzed. She screamed at him for help as she floated up to the ceiling in a blinding flash of light . . . and then she was gone.In 2009, three film school students journey to the Specter Lake cabin where the abduction of Lydia Conner took place, bringing along Fran, Lydia Conner's daughter. They hope to capture proof of an alien visitation on film. They hope to re-create events from the abduction. They plan to use Fran as the bait . . .. . . but they encounter much more than they ever could have imagined.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2015
196 people are currently reading
491 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
February 16, 2025
This was a suspenseful and creepy story! It read almost like a found footage documentary, and the characters were not deeply overthought, but it all just worked well. The idea of extraterrestrials and UFOs (It’s now UAPs, I think?) will always have our curiosity and this capitalizes on that concept. Some of the writing was a bit repetitive and the sentence structure at times was off, but that was all in the very small minority. I haven’t studied the idea of aliens and such, as I tend to veer more towards cryptids, but I didn’t see anything new brought to the table here. That’s not a put down at all, and I did enjoy the story, but it was just fairly standard alien fare, written well. The one other high compliment was how the author didn’t spend half the story overly detailing the expected sexual situations between 4 young people in a remote cabin. It was very gracefully touched on at a few points, but not detailed at all, and Lukens deserves high praise for going against the grain in this regard.
January 23, 2022
Sightings was a mixed bag for me. The parts I liked, I really liked. The parts I didn't, I really didn't.
First of all I loved the premise. Aliens! We do not get enough alien horror.
The story begins as four college students set out to capture video proof of extra-terrestrial life at Specter Lake--an area known for visitation and abduction. I enjoyed the group dynamics...though painfully cliché--the intelligent front-man, his loud, beautiful girlfriend, his dimwitted jock bestfriend, and the quiet girl with a secret--as they set up cameras and tell alien tales of the area. There was lots of creepy happenings which escaladed through-out the book.
My biggest problem was the storytelling. The characters constantly made bold, obvious statements as if we the readers could not understand very basic nuance. At times, it felt like I was reading Blue Clues as Steve literally spelled out A.L.I.E.N to me.
Then there was John, our main character...our true believer...our Mulder want-to-be. He's written as what I assumed was suppose to be obsessive and driven. However, he really just came off as a pouty, whiny, self-centered douchebag. The kind of person you'd hate in real life.
So it was 3 stars for me. I liked it, but reading it made me want to go out in search of a really good alien horror. I want to believe it's out there.
First of all I loved the premise. Aliens! We do not get enough alien horror.
The story begins as four college students set out to capture video proof of extra-terrestrial life at Specter Lake--an area known for visitation and abduction. I enjoyed the group dynamics...though painfully cliché--the intelligent front-man, his loud, beautiful girlfriend, his dimwitted jock bestfriend, and the quiet girl with a secret--as they set up cameras and tell alien tales of the area. There was lots of creepy happenings which escaladed through-out the book.
My biggest problem was the storytelling. The characters constantly made bold, obvious statements as if we the readers could not understand very basic nuance. At times, it felt like I was reading Blue Clues as Steve literally spelled out A.L.I.E.N to me.
Then there was John, our main character...our true believer...our Mulder want-to-be. He's written as what I assumed was suppose to be obsessive and driven. However, he really just came off as a pouty, whiny, self-centered douchebag. The kind of person you'd hate in real life.
So it was 3 stars for me. I liked it, but reading it made me want to go out in search of a really good alien horror. I want to believe it's out there.
December 11, 2024
Four students go back to a little cabin in the woods where once Fran's mother was abducted by aliens. Can you guess what's happening to them? Mark Lukens comes up with a hair raising alien thriller. Those aliens aren't friendly. Those aliens don't come in piece. What's their aim? First rate page turner with a surprising twist at the end and all the right ingredients. Highly recommended!
July 29, 2018
Sightings was an enjoyable creepy read that was a solid 4 stars for me. Four students from the University of Wisconsin travel to a cabin in Specter Lake-one of the guys (a film student) is hoping to find/film evidence of possible alien existence for his thesis project. This is no ordinary area though -Specter Lake is very remote and the land that surrounds the cabin is owned by the government. With no bases, military operations, or park services-it begs the question why the government would be interested in buying so much land and not even use it. It should be noted that one of the four students has a definite past with the cabin and its surrounding area (but no spoilers here). I would definitely recommend this to horror and sci-fi fans.
August 12, 2022
Possible Triggers: Animal Mutilations, Alien Abduction
Seem that i have struck the proverbial jackpot with interesting stories. If you like stories that pull you in a wrap you up...this is one of those. It's a fairly solid, almost believable, alien abduction story. The characters are skillfully portrayed and drawn out so that the reader gets to know and care for each of them. There are some extremely frightening moments, especially near the end. I had to pretty much skip over the animal mutilating. The book lost a 5 star rating because of it. I can read the goriest murder descriptions but don't kick the dog or anything else with fur and four legs...or feathers and two...or scales and none. I would pay to see this made into a movie.
Seem that i have struck the proverbial jackpot with interesting stories. If you like stories that pull you in a wrap you up...this is one of those. It's a fairly solid, almost believable, alien abduction story. The characters are skillfully portrayed and drawn out so that the reader gets to know and care for each of them. There are some extremely frightening moments, especially near the end. I had to pretty much skip over the animal mutilating. The book lost a 5 star rating because of it. I can read the goriest murder descriptions but don't kick the dog or anything else with fur and four legs...or feathers and two...or scales and none. I would pay to see this made into a movie.
November 16, 2020
Scary stuff here
Wow, this was scary in parts. And I hated the ending but the premise of this book is scary. Four students filming a documentary on aliens and let's just say it was a frightening experience for them. Fran 's Mother was abducted by Aliens and returned to earth three days later and she was pregnant or so the story goes. John a film producer student and conspiracy theorist was making a film on aliens. His girlfriend and his best friend went with Fran and him to the cabin where it happened. And of course unexpected experiences waited for them there. A perfect teenage horror film and it follows the standard storyline to the T. And it was scary. I felt their fear as events spiralled out of control. Good stuff. I kinda hope there is a sequel someday! Hint hint....
Wow, this was scary in parts. And I hated the ending but the premise of this book is scary. Four students filming a documentary on aliens and let's just say it was a frightening experience for them. Fran 's Mother was abducted by Aliens and returned to earth three days later and she was pregnant or so the story goes. John a film producer student and conspiracy theorist was making a film on aliens. His girlfriend and his best friend went with Fran and him to the cabin where it happened. And of course unexpected experiences waited for them there. A perfect teenage horror film and it follows the standard storyline to the T. And it was scary. I felt their fear as events spiralled out of control. Good stuff. I kinda hope there is a sequel someday! Hint hint....
October 12, 2022
Wow… this one kept me up for a bit last night upon finishing the story. Alien abductions and UFO phenomena have always interested me whether I believe it or not is a different thing. But overall, this story gripped me. It’s about a couple traveling to a huge remote cabin by Specter Lake, Minnesota and one night the woman, Lydia, is abruptly abducted in front of her husband.
Fast forward in time, a group of friends are going up to the same cabin to investigate the UFO sightings. One of them is a girl named Fran who is the daughter of Lydia, the mother, who had been abducted before. They start hearing and seeing things at night and not long before, things start to escalate and doubts turn to fear… they are not alone.
I highly recommend this book to anyone remotely interested in UFO phenomena and/or abductions. The author did a wonderful job setting the plot up and introducing our characters so it all felt very believable. 5 stars from me
Fast forward in time, a group of friends are going up to the same cabin to investigate the UFO sightings. One of them is a girl named Fran who is the daughter of Lydia, the mother, who had been abducted before. They start hearing and seeing things at night and not long before, things start to escalate and doubts turn to fear… they are not alone.
I highly recommend this book to anyone remotely interested in UFO phenomena and/or abductions. The author did a wonderful job setting the plot up and introducing our characters so it all felt very believable. 5 stars from me
May 17, 2015
Great story, very suspense-building!
Four kids from the University of Wisconsin travel to a young girl's inherited cabin in the woods by Specter Lake, hoping to create a film to prove the existence of aliens. The girl who inherited the cabin has a story to tell about her mom having been abducted years prior. The kids have a fun weekend planned, but creepy things begin happening from the first night on.....really creepy story with an even creepier ending!!!
Four kids from the University of Wisconsin travel to a young girl's inherited cabin in the woods by Specter Lake, hoping to create a film to prove the existence of aliens. The girl who inherited the cabin has a story to tell about her mom having been abducted years prior. The kids have a fun weekend planned, but creepy things begin happening from the first night on.....really creepy story with an even creepier ending!!!
July 22, 2019
Seeing as my biggest fear is aliens and alien abduction I found this book to be quite chilling. I rarely find horror fiction about aliens and it's a shame because I'll always stop and take the time to read a good alien abduction story. This one hit the mark and I hate to admit it made me a little wary to turn out the light afterwards. Great read!
July 20, 2019
It's been so hard to write a review for this book. Because when something this good comes along, it's extremely rare. And fascinating to as I discover more and more authors that compare to images in my head of the Mona Lisa, the leaning tower of Pisa, the statue of David, because they are that good. To place these guys on platforms. They make, I the reader feel good. There are no writers that I like above any others. They are amazing, Mr Hunter Shea, Mr Jonathon janz, Mr Jason parent, Mr Jeff strand, Mr Mark Lukens, Mr Kealon Patrick burke, and there are more amazing writers out there, and believe me I'll find you. Ps, this book is good, creepy, and surreal, because aliens are real and the story could happen. But, fair warning, if you and some friends decide to do some investigating, be careful who you take with you, they might be the last people you ever see. I give this book 6.5 stars out of 5. Do yourself a favor, read it, love it, and always read Mr Mark Lukens, you won't be disappointed in any way. Thanks Mark for creeping me out. That's my review and I'm sticking to it, and in the immortal words of the band Cinderella, if you don't like it I don't care. Pss, your gonna need a bigger boat.
December 19, 2015
Great alien story which also mentions some great conspiracy theories for those of us that love them both.
It takes the author a while to get to the meat of the story. One of the character's story and why she is there rides on this. Once it gets going it's a great ride. This isn't your typical gray alien story. Oh no. Much creepier and much better.
All in all a quick, great read that won't leave you disappointed.
It takes the author a while to get to the meat of the story. One of the character's story and why she is there rides on this. Once it gets going it's a great ride. This isn't your typical gray alien story. Oh no. Much creepier and much better.
All in all a quick, great read that won't leave you disappointed.
February 6, 2016
I love a good alien story, it's one of the things that scare me most. This story scared me! Although the storyline is fairly common,especially in film and tv, the author managed to keep the tension ramped up. Even the scenes set in daytime kept me wound tight, waiting! Would love there to be a sequel.
September 13, 2023
Solid alien horror is hard to come by. It's difficult to get the balance right between visceral horror and science fiction. Mark Lukens has created a solid offering within the sub-genre with Sightings.
We follow John, a film student who has strong feelings about the existence of aliens and wants to use his thesis to prove it. John, along with his girlfriend and best friend, travel to Frans cabin. The cabin, which sits deep in the woods, belonged to her recently deceased father. It's also where her mother was abducted by aliens before she was born.
Fran has agreed to tell her story on camera, and John fervently hopes to capture evidence while on location. Strange things begin to happen, culminating in terrifying events which will leave the group forever altered.
Some of the dialogue was a little juvenile and honestly, the characters weren't particularly likeable for the most part, but Lukens builds a slow-burning atmosphere of dread throughout. When the events begin, things spiral quickly and the pages begin to turn themselves. He uses quite a few horror tropes to great effect and the final few chapters are quietly terrifying.
If you've been searching the skies for a decent alien horror then rejoice! This one is definitely worth a read!
We follow John, a film student who has strong feelings about the existence of aliens and wants to use his thesis to prove it. John, along with his girlfriend and best friend, travel to Frans cabin. The cabin, which sits deep in the woods, belonged to her recently deceased father. It's also where her mother was abducted by aliens before she was born.
Fran has agreed to tell her story on camera, and John fervently hopes to capture evidence while on location. Strange things begin to happen, culminating in terrifying events which will leave the group forever altered.
Some of the dialogue was a little juvenile and honestly, the characters weren't particularly likeable for the most part, but Lukens builds a slow-burning atmosphere of dread throughout. When the events begin, things spiral quickly and the pages begin to turn themselves. He uses quite a few horror tropes to great effect and the final few chapters are quietly terrifying.
If you've been searching the skies for a decent alien horror then rejoice! This one is definitely worth a read!
August 27, 2017
I loved this book. love this author. I thought it a little slow in places, but the book and ending made up for it.
by the title I figured out what it was about, however, there were a few red herrings and I ended up changing my mind a couple times. A wonderful read. Put on my keeper shelf.
Do yourself a favor and read this book. You'll love it too.
by the title I figured out what it was about, however, there were a few red herrings and I ended up changing my mind a couple times. A wonderful read. Put on my keeper shelf.
Do yourself a favor and read this book. You'll love it too.
December 28, 2015
On reading the blurb, I initially thought that it would be one of those books, you know the ones that are done to death!! 4 friends head to a cabin miles from anywhere in the hopes of proof of what happened there, nothing new there, been there done that! But when I say that it was narrated by Teri Schnaubelt, I knew I had to listen. I always enjoy her narration and find that she can bring any story to life. Well, this is no different. She nails the performance, and I think helped me enjoy this a lot more that if I read it!
The plot doesn't really have anything new. Though I did love the "Alien" they had guarding the door of the cabin! ;) It's a fairly fast paced read and there is plenty tension throughout that will keep your attention. It was predictable at times, but it didn't really take away anything from the overall feel of the book. It's a solid abduction book, with a few small twists thrown in.
In all, a quick and exciting read. It wasn't ground breaking, but it did entertain me, and that's good enough for me.
*I received a copy of this for review. This in no way affects my thoughts.*
The plot doesn't really have anything new. Though I did love the "Alien" they had guarding the door of the cabin! ;) It's a fairly fast paced read and there is plenty tension throughout that will keep your attention. It was predictable at times, but it didn't really take away anything from the overall feel of the book. It's a solid abduction book, with a few small twists thrown in.
In all, a quick and exciting read. It wasn't ground breaking, but it did entertain me, and that's good enough for me.
*I received a copy of this for review. This in no way affects my thoughts.*
August 3, 2016
Four film students travel to a remote cabin in the woods to document an abduction that took place there years ago. They are filming a documentary about an alien abduction. At first, it was a typical college fun-filled outing, but then creepy occurrences begin to happen.
The idea of going to a remote, spooky place to investigate a mystery has been explored in a lot of books. However, this author managed to keep the tension escalated throughout the book. It s a real page turner. The only fault to the story is that it leaves unanswered questions. I haven't heard that there would be any other books, but it reads like the start of a series. This book is currently being made into a movie.
The idea of going to a remote, spooky place to investigate a mystery has been explored in a lot of books. However, this author managed to keep the tension escalated throughout the book. It s a real page turner. The only fault to the story is that it leaves unanswered questions. I haven't heard that there would be any other books, but it reads like the start of a series. This book is currently being made into a movie.
September 13, 2021
I was so excited to read this tale. I love the strange. I'm a big X-Files fan and love tales of Men in Black, Skinwalkers, and Indrid Cold. The main character, the film director and official nerd was on the same page with me which was awesome. His girlfriend, however, really bugged me. How did he end up with her anyway? Ick! The story was good, though a bit overly wordy. So much happened and I felt a little let down. The suspense of what eerie events were taking place were sucked nearly dry of tension due to that wordiness and redundancies. A good editor could make this delicious tale into a five-star read.
September 1, 2022
Good read, but definitely needs an editor.
I read the Kindle edition, and there were several spelling and grammar issues that seemed to just be transcription problems. Nevertheless, they were noticeable and took me out of the story a bit.
Spoilers below. Kinda.
I’m a sucker for good old gray alien horror, and this delivers. I found the story to be captivating and very hard to put down. The characters were mainly likeable, but their personalities definitely shift in ways that seem to serve the story rather than paint authentic characters. Drew’s violent shift during the climax was a bit off-putting based on his character up to that point, but the rest of the characters are more-or-less consistent based on what the text tells us about them.
The epilogue was wholly useless, unless Lukens intends for this to be a series. But I think this works better as a stand-alone unless he can do something interesting with the gray alien mythos, because this had it all already — abductions, returns with memory loss, government coverups, alien pregnancies, and high strangeness. Definitely a lot to love if you’re an alien-head like me.
3.5/5 stars, rounded down for the Kindle issues.
Definitely excited to read more of Lukens work.
I read the Kindle edition, and there were several spelling and grammar issues that seemed to just be transcription problems. Nevertheless, they were noticeable and took me out of the story a bit.
Spoilers below. Kinda.
I’m a sucker for good old gray alien horror, and this delivers. I found the story to be captivating and very hard to put down. The characters were mainly likeable, but their personalities definitely shift in ways that seem to serve the story rather than paint authentic characters. Drew’s violent shift during the climax was a bit off-putting based on his character up to that point, but the rest of the characters are more-or-less consistent based on what the text tells us about them.
The epilogue was wholly useless, unless Lukens intends for this to be a series. But I think this works better as a stand-alone unless he can do something interesting with the gray alien mythos, because this had it all already — abductions, returns with memory loss, government coverups, alien pregnancies, and high strangeness. Definitely a lot to love if you’re an alien-head like me.
3.5/5 stars, rounded down for the Kindle issues.
Definitely excited to read more of Lukens work.
September 25, 2023
Aliens don’t get the spotlight they deserve in the horror genre, and “Sightings” definitely proves why they should be more utilized! This book was actually terrifying - I was so tense and scared during the alien encounters and it reminded me of my experience watching “Signs!” I really liked how the events escalated more and more, and the intense ending was so thrilling! I do wish the writing was a little more polished and the characters could have been more developed. But I think this would make an excellent movie, maybe even a found footage style! I can’t wait to read more of this author’s works. Highly recommend for alien horror lovers!
October 22, 2022
I really enjoyed this. I don't know that this is going down as an all time favorite read...but...this is probably my favorite alien abduction story I've ever read. It's not super original...it feels like a story we've all heard before. But I feel like it delivered on creepy vibes and building the tension throughout the story
April 28, 2025
Started off stronger than it managed to finish.
May 26, 2022
Whoa!!! This was an amazing story! I was both spooked and creeped out! Mark Lukens is an amazing author and this story definitely shows that!
This story is about Three Wisconsin Film Students who look to film a documentary with a girl named Fran. Fran has a dark secret that she is willing to tell to the students, and she’s going to do it at the same spot where it all took place.
Sightings is an alien abduction story for the ages! It seemed like the author took the time and did his research with this one, and I absolutely adored it!
I loved the eerie horror that this book has going for it and the slow ramp up to an exhilarating ending was so much fun!
I rarely get spooked by a book, but this is one of my biggest fears, and it was written so freaking well. I loved all the characters too! Great plot and character development!
I highly recommend this one and think you should read it if you are terrified of being beamed up into a mothership!
Overall, 5 Alien Hearts for this one!
👽🛸
This story is about Three Wisconsin Film Students who look to film a documentary with a girl named Fran. Fran has a dark secret that she is willing to tell to the students, and she’s going to do it at the same spot where it all took place.
Sightings is an alien abduction story for the ages! It seemed like the author took the time and did his research with this one, and I absolutely adored it!
I loved the eerie horror that this book has going for it and the slow ramp up to an exhilarating ending was so much fun!
I rarely get spooked by a book, but this is one of my biggest fears, and it was written so freaking well. I loved all the characters too! Great plot and character development!
I highly recommend this one and think you should read it if you are terrified of being beamed up into a mothership!
Overall, 5 Alien Hearts for this one!
👽🛸
July 25, 2015
A Page Turner...Thoroughly Enjoyed It
I really enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting. I thought the story flowed very well, and the creepiness factor kept me turning the pages. In fact, I found myself rushing through certain parts because I was so anxious to see what was going to happen next. I found a few things predictable but I never got bored and the story didn't drag (which kept it from landing in my graveyard of unfinished books). In many cases I found myself having vivid mental images of certain scenes and thought it would make a great movie. I recommend this book to anyone who likes creepy stories, but I don't think it's a good idea to read it while sitting outside under the stars......you might be safer under a blanket on your living room sofa....then again........maybe not.....lol.....
I really enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting. I thought the story flowed very well, and the creepiness factor kept me turning the pages. In fact, I found myself rushing through certain parts because I was so anxious to see what was going to happen next. I found a few things predictable but I never got bored and the story didn't drag (which kept it from landing in my graveyard of unfinished books). In many cases I found myself having vivid mental images of certain scenes and thought it would make a great movie. I recommend this book to anyone who likes creepy stories, but I don't think it's a good idea to read it while sitting outside under the stars......you might be safer under a blanket on your living room sofa....then again........maybe not.....lol.....
March 14, 2018
I’m a little torn about this review because there was a lot that I liked and a lot that I didn’t like. I really loved the story, but I thought that the writing was very amateurish, and I wasn’t completely satisfied with the ending.
First, the plot. Film student John is obsessed with ufology, and wants to make a documentary capturing evidence of alien visitation. He has for help his friends Veronica and Drew, and a girl named Fran, who’s family has experienced alien abductions. Frank takes John and his friends to her family’s cabin in the woods, the place where her mother was abducted. Once there, strange things start happening.
This was definitely a fun book. It was creepy, it was creative, and it kept you wondering what was going to happen next. It also had the feel of a “found footage” film due to the documentary element and the fact that John always kept the camera rolling. I’m a fan of found footage horror so I enjoyed this. I’d definitely recommend it for anyone who likes sci-fi horror.
My main issue is the writing. I feel a little mean calling it “amateurish,” but that was the word that came to mind. It got better as the story went along, but the beginning especially felt a little off.
Then there was the ending. With a story like this, I expected that some things would go unexplained. It adds to the air of mystery. But some things didn’t make sense within the context of the story. I can’t explain without offering spoilers. Basically, I was thinking, “If the explanation is this, then why did this other thing happen in the story?” The ending was also kind of confusing, and not in an “air of mystery, there are still some things unanswered” confusing. I just wish that more things had been explained better.
All in all, a very enjoyable read and I’m glad I read it, but as far as quality goes, it’s not a prize-winner. Still, fans of sci-fi/horror should check it out.
First, the plot. Film student John is obsessed with ufology, and wants to make a documentary capturing evidence of alien visitation. He has for help his friends Veronica and Drew, and a girl named Fran, who’s family has experienced alien abductions. Frank takes John and his friends to her family’s cabin in the woods, the place where her mother was abducted. Once there, strange things start happening.
This was definitely a fun book. It was creepy, it was creative, and it kept you wondering what was going to happen next. It also had the feel of a “found footage” film due to the documentary element and the fact that John always kept the camera rolling. I’m a fan of found footage horror so I enjoyed this. I’d definitely recommend it for anyone who likes sci-fi horror.
My main issue is the writing. I feel a little mean calling it “amateurish,” but that was the word that came to mind. It got better as the story went along, but the beginning especially felt a little off.
Then there was the ending. With a story like this, I expected that some things would go unexplained. It adds to the air of mystery. But some things didn’t make sense within the context of the story. I can’t explain without offering spoilers. Basically, I was thinking, “If the explanation is this, then why did this other thing happen in the story?” The ending was also kind of confusing, and not in an “air of mystery, there are still some things unanswered” confusing. I just wish that more things had been explained better.
All in all, a very enjoyable read and I’m glad I read it, but as far as quality goes, it’s not a prize-winner. Still, fans of sci-fi/horror should check it out.
August 11, 2017
Well no need to write a script for a movie because this book reads like your standard straight to video movie. The main characters are your cookie cutter teens in an alien story - the geek, the jock, the skeptic, and the quite one. Except these characters don't follow a consistent adherence to their characters. One of the characters keep talking about how nervous she is to be back at a tragic site. Except she's willing to have a creepy, talking alien doll hanging outside; she pretty much gets pimped out to the jock, and she doesn't act too apprehensive.
The biggest flaw is that not much happens and the story is too short to add to an atmosphere. Again, it follows the simple movie tropes of alien abduction story's. No much happens then small, unknown things happen, then all heck brakes loose. The climax doesn't make much sense and characters break character even more. It's an ok story for being so derivative but you won't be missing anything that you can't find in the B section of sci-fi on Netflix. Final Grade - C
The biggest flaw is that not much happens and the story is too short to add to an atmosphere. Again, it follows the simple movie tropes of alien abduction story's. No much happens then small, unknown things happen, then all heck brakes loose. The climax doesn't make much sense and characters break character even more. It's an ok story for being so derivative but you won't be missing anything that you can't find in the B section of sci-fi on Netflix. Final Grade - C
July 31, 2020
Love it, totally awesome & campy - in the best way!
Mark may be one of my new favorites! I love Dean Koontz, and now I love Mark’s books too! This is a great story - sure its perfectly campy but that’s what makes it so great!!! It’s also creepy and will keep you turning pages late into the night forcing you to eat a bagel while you keep flipping lol just like Sleep Disorders! I don’t often leave reviews just “stars” but he has to know how much I love his work and eventually I’ll have to decide a favorite and try to find a signed copy. I collect just a few from people I admire & authors I adore. John is not offending anyone with his views LOL! Come on, it’s just a story...or is it? 😉
Mark may be one of my new favorites! I love Dean Koontz, and now I love Mark’s books too! This is a great story - sure its perfectly campy but that’s what makes it so great!!! It’s also creepy and will keep you turning pages late into the night forcing you to eat a bagel while you keep flipping lol just like Sleep Disorders! I don’t often leave reviews just “stars” but he has to know how much I love his work and eventually I’ll have to decide a favorite and try to find a signed copy. I collect just a few from people I admire & authors I adore. John is not offending anyone with his views LOL! Come on, it’s just a story...or is it? 😉
August 3, 2022
Solid Suspenseful Entertainment
With well drawn characters and pacing that pulls the reader along, this story offers a mix of the expected and the Erie the fall somewhere between Pop entertainment and Realism. A group of college kids at an isolated cabin where alien abduction was said to have taken place seek to make a documentary film for one of their professors as a thesis. With them is the current owner of the cabin, the daughter of the woman supposedly taken by extraterrestrials. Lukens never opts for an all out pulp fest. Instead, he remains grounded in our world while still offering some spectacular, and gratifying, fireworks. Altogether a fun and fine book, recommended. / Gene Stewart
With well drawn characters and pacing that pulls the reader along, this story offers a mix of the expected and the Erie the fall somewhere between Pop entertainment and Realism. A group of college kids at an isolated cabin where alien abduction was said to have taken place seek to make a documentary film for one of their professors as a thesis. With them is the current owner of the cabin, the daughter of the woman supposedly taken by extraterrestrials. Lukens never opts for an all out pulp fest. Instead, he remains grounded in our world while still offering some spectacular, and gratifying, fireworks. Altogether a fun and fine book, recommended. / Gene Stewart
May 12, 2025
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Follow four college students to the cabin in Minnesota where Fran’s mother was abducted by aliens in 1988, all the while John is trying to obtain proof on camera, as he is working on his film project for the arts.
I’ve really liked every Mark Lukens book I’ve read so far. I wouldn’t call this “spectacular;” although it was entertaining and kept me turning pages, (which is hard to do as I get bored very easily) so I really can’t give it less than 4.5 stars. 5 stars are books I would recommend to people.
I’ve had this book for quite some time. I was always too afraid to start it since it’s about aliens. I live alone, and didn’t quite think my cat would be able to protect me. The good news is it wasn’t “scary-scary,” it was ok to turn out the light.
I’ve really liked every Mark Lukens book I’ve read so far. I wouldn’t call this “spectacular;” although it was entertaining and kept me turning pages, (which is hard to do as I get bored very easily) so I really can’t give it less than 4.5 stars. 5 stars are books I would recommend to people.
I’ve had this book for quite some time. I was always too afraid to start it since it’s about aliens. I live alone, and didn’t quite think my cat would be able to protect me. The good news is it wasn’t “scary-scary,” it was ok to turn out the light.
October 20, 2021
The idea for the story was good, but it never really filled out… I would have liked to know more of the backstory and aftermath for the first abduction, some lore of earlier happenings in the area - and what with the gouvernments doings there. We get to know they own lots of land around the lake, and they appear in the epilogue hinting of awareness to what is going on in the woods. Also - the ending could be a great cliffhanger for a book two, but frankly I’m not interested in another book of ya-drinking, bickering and pretty boring characters….
November 5, 2022
Oh my goodness, I absolutely couldn’t put this book down! I was actually biting my nails during some of the stressful & frightening scenes!
This was the most eerie and realistic-seeming alien abduction fiction I’ve ever read! I will be thinking of this every time I go tenting or camping in the wilderness now!
Is there going to be a second book? I’d love to know “what’s coming” that has the aliens so riled up.
Favourite Line(s): “I think the only reasons aliens would come here would be for nefarious reasons. Either to enslave us, eat us, or take over our planet.”
This was the most eerie and realistic-seeming alien abduction fiction I’ve ever read! I will be thinking of this every time I go tenting or camping in the wilderness now!
Is there going to be a second book? I’d love to know “what’s coming” that has the aliens so riled up.
Favourite Line(s): “I think the only reasons aliens would come here would be for nefarious reasons. Either to enslave us, eat us, or take over our planet.”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews