The Thing: Zero Day

by Lee McGeorge (contributor)

An alien craft has crashed in the Antarctic.
A creature has crawled from the wreckage and become frozen in ice.
The men of Fafnir Station have transported it back to their base.
Some of the men can hear it whispering in their mind.
Some are afraid and want to destroy it...
...and some will kill to defend it.

In this nerve shredding sci-fi thriller, Lee McGeorge has fused the visceral horror of John Carpenter’s seminal movie with the psychological elements of Campbell’s, Who Goes There?

“Creepy, horrifying and laced with heart-pounding action, this is ‘The Thing’ that fans have waited for.”

Genres: Horror, Science Fiction

140 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2015

About the author

Before stepping into fiction full-time, Lee enjoyed a successful career in hospitality that took him from Buckingham Palace and 10 Downing Street to the British Embassy in Berlin and some of London's finest hotels.

Originally from Hartlepool, he now considers North London to be his rightful and spiritual home.

Follow on Facebook for free download codes, meetups, giveaways and goodies. www.facebook.com/leemcgeorge73

Reviews

[Eduardo · Rating 4 out of 5]

If only this would have been the script/story used for the 2011 movie prequel...oh what a different film it would have been. Alas, that is not the case, but we now have this worthy prequel in novel form from Lee McGeorge, and as if it being great weren't enough, it's 100% free! Just visit Smashwords and get it.
I don't thing going into the story of this novella would add any value, just know that if you like Carpenter's The Thing, you'll most likely want to read this and afterward deem it a worthy part of the storyline that leads right into the opening sequence of the film.

[Mark Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must for fans of the 1982 film "The Thing", this short story is an imagining of the events leading to the opening scenes of the famous horror film. Equally as heart stopping and horrific, this is tightly written with attention to detail.
The author stops short of extending this to a novel or even novella length, the length and pace of the story keep pace with the film. If you ever wondered what might have happened, McGeorge's theory is as good as any.

[Zakk Madness · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Quick reviews from a simple reader...."

"The Thing: Zero Day" by Lee McGeorge. 140 pages.

Overall score: 3.5/5

This alternate prequel to John Carpenter's "The Thing" is tough to score. It is well written and very entertaining at times with some pretty solid dialogue. It makes a clever blend between the alien form from WGT and the mythos built by Carpenter. You do have to wait a bit to get to the alien characteristics you are wanting from this book, and when they drop its fantastic. There are plenty of skin crawling scenes and the overall vibe is pretty creeptastic BUT....

The entire time I'm reading it I'm aching to read the source material "Who Goes There" from John W. Campbell or watch JC's film so I never found myself fully immersed in this tale. Plus there's an aspect to the alien's final form that recalls Mercedes M. Yardley's big bad from Nameless: The Darkness Comes. It would have impacted me more if I hadn't recently read Nameless. It still plays out pretty awesome, but just not quite as awesome... Timing is everything I guess.

So if you've never read "Who Goes There" or if you've never watched the 2011 prequel (#NotARemake), you're probably going to dig this a lot. If you have, well, Zero Day will be hit or miss with you. It was a near miss with me. Either way it's free on Smashwords or iBooks. Check it out.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooked from the first pages, with a banging introduction Lee McGeorge knows how to draw the reader in and maintain momentum in the story, while creating suspense which makes the reader keen to keep turning the next page. Explicit, imaginative and well written.

[Shannon Everyday · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the movie The Thing, so when I saw (through another author) that this book was available to read on Smashwords, I decided to check it out. I'm glad I did. The Thing: Zero Day is a well done, action filled story that takes before the events of the file The Thing. It's a shorter story, so it dives pretty quickly into the action of a group at a station finding a creature, and what happens when they bring it back to the station. If you are looking for a fast, action filled story set in the The Thing universe, this is worth checking out.

[Wes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the great pleasure of receiving a copy of this book from the author for an open an honest review.

This wonderful little book is fan fiction at its best. The Thing is one of my all time favourite films and "Zero Day" compliments the film superbly. It is set prior to the film with the original outpost discovering the alien. Due to the shortness the book it has to hit the ground running and continues at great pace throughout. The one thing that comes across most of all is the enthusiasm of the author, it's beautifully written, backed with pace and suspense.

I thoroughly enjoyed this and had me racing to watch the film again. Thanks Lee a marvellous addition to the catalogue and one which I will be rereading time and time again.

[Kittykorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book via goodreads first reads.

This book fell onto my mat today and I was chuffed as I didn't know I'd won lol.
One word can sum this book up and its WOW. I loved every minute of this book flew right through it in one sitting, its fast paced and doesn't let up ever. It makes me want to watch the movie right now ( but unfortunately for me kids am off school so going to have to wait a few days ) this book is the "prequel" to the movie The Thing. If you love The Thing you really need to read this!!!! Definitely will be looking up more of Lee McGeorge

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book from goodreads.com - thanks guys.

I enjoyed a genre that I wouldn't normally read - science fiction. I found it very readable and it brought back memories of the 1951 film The Thing from Another World - a bit cheesy but fabulous.

I would recommend this author for anyone considering sci-fi since the science is not too far fetched and the fiction is well drafted.

Thanks Lee, I will be checking out your other work.

[Rebecca Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from Lee as I had reviewed his previous work, The Tourist.

Lee has really outdone himself with this prequel! This book was so well written there was not a single boring moment. I am looking forward to reading more and I now want to read and watch what inspired this story, 'The Thing' by John Carpenter and the book 'Who Goes There' by John W Campbell.

This is my honest opinion...you NEED to read this! It is simply amazing.

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm lucky to have this book. It's not for sale and there were only 100 made, but Lee was kind enough to send it to me, along with his prequel to Cronenberg's VIDEODROME (VIDEODROME: DAYS OF O'BLIVION), which I also thoroughly enjoyed.

THE THING: ZERO DAY would make a most excellent movie. I went into this book expecting some kind of "hidden host" deal just like the film, but this wasn't that. This is McGeorge's own imagining of what happened BEFORE Carpenter's film and I really liked it. It's a short book (138 pages) so there wasn't a lot of room for character development when he knew we'd probably all want to get to the Thing itself ASAP, but as a result it did suffer slightly in that regard, as I had a hard time having any kind of interest in any of the characters. Nevertheless, it was very well written and I'm impressed at how well McGeorge pulled this off. Since you can't go out and buy the paperback book (though an electronic copy is available for FREE on Smashwords), I would encourage you to pick up something else by Lee McGeorge. I have a few more of them I plan on getting to.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 *

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, always wanted to read the start of story. Great job. Enjoyed it thoroughly, makes me want to read next.lol. Would love to follow you find out more of your imagination. Great read😉 Mr. McGeorge,

[Ventsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is also available on the blog Codices, where I'm a contributor.

Have you ever started to read something without knowing what to expect, but ultimately couldn’t put down? Yeah, exactly! For me “The Thing: Zero Day” by British author Lee McGeorge was just that. For those who don’t know, McGeorge was fascinated by John Carpenter’s classic “The Thing” and seemingly wanted to deliver a proper prequel to this, with the feel of the novella that inspired the movie – “Who Goes There?” by John W. Campbell, Jr. Let me tell you that I for one am completely satisfied with what Lee delivered here. In contrast to the poor attempt at a prequel to “The Thing” in 2011, this here fanfiction novella is so well conceived that it could actually be considered canon in my opinion.

As I said, I couldn’t put the book down and that is due to a few things. Firstly, the story is so captivating that although I knew almost exactly how in would end (or how I hoped it would end because it is a prequel to the movie), I just had to see how the author would develop all this. The story unravels with a good pace and there really aren’t any cons to it that I can think of. And last but not least – the language… oh! the language! That’s where “The Thing: Zero Day” makes you feel the way you felt the first time you read “Who Goes There?”, because Lee McGeorge’s way with words is brilliant. He says so much with so few words and that makes him so enjoyable to read. Let me quote a passage from the novella so you can see for yourself:

“He was only a ten second walk from the rec room and he knew there were men in the workshop, yet here, suddenly, he was alone and overwhelmed by a crushing fear of isolation. The feeling was profound, like he was the last man on Earth, but it was countered by a strange beckoning pull from the workshop.”

Yeah…

The way McGeorge realizes his fanfiction works will grab you, too. Just like his past novella “The Tourist” (based on a script of an unmade movie; the book is currently banned and shrouded in controversy), “The Thing: Zero Day” was printed in a limited run of 100 signed and numbered copies, which were distributed for free. If you can’t get your hands on a physical copy, you can always download the novella as an ebook for free at Smashwords.

This is my first encounter with Lee McGeorge’s work, but let me tell you that it certainly won’t be the last. And for all of you that haven’t heard about this here book, do download it and start reading right now! You won’t regret it, more so if you are a fan of John Carpenter’s movies. I don’t know what else to say – I reserve my 5 star reviews for stuff I really really loved and “The Thing: Zero Day” proudly becomes just that. I would go make sweet love to this novella if I could.

[Hazel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

The Thing: Zero Day is a short science fiction, horror story by Lee McGeorge. Inspired by John Carpenter’s film The Thing and the story Who Goes There? by John W. Campbell, McGeorge has created a creepy, fast paced thriller for readers to enjoy.

It is 1982 and a group of twelve Norwegian climatologists witness the crash landing of an unidentified flying object. Curiosity getting the better of them, they try to salvage what they can of the craft and discover an alien in a block of ice. What at first seems like a magnificent discovery turns frightening after all but three of the climate scientists begin behaving strangely, becoming impassive as if something has a psychological hold over them. The story becomes more horrific as it goes on with gruesome descriptions of the things that happen to the men.

The book is short enough to be read in one sitting, however it ends, annoyingly, without a definite conclusion, leaving the reader to imagine what happens next. The Thing: Zero Day is not a novel but a piece of fan fiction for the film The Thing. Although I have not seen the film I am led to believe that this book is a sort of prologue to the main story line.

Being short, the narrative is gripping from start to finish, jumping straight into the story. Readers are sucked into the tale and will most likely read it from beginning to end without putting it down. The Thing: Zero Day is obviously recommended for lovers of the film, however people who have not had the opportunity to view it, yet enjoy horror and science fiction, will also enjoy this book.

[Tim Seabrook · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've ever seen John Carpenter's "The Thing" then you won't be disappointed by this retelling of the story. The twelve man crew of an ice station witness the crash landing of an alien craft and after finding the site of its demise, also discover a body.

Like any group of scientists, having made the greatest discovery in the world, they bring it back and soon things take a turn for the worse...

The book is well written if a little short, the characters and traits are well described as is the creature and the way it worms its way into the minds of the group, affecting them differently.

[Owen McNally · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can i say? yet another explosive action packed piece of original fiction!

Proud owner of a First edition limited paperback # 99/100

Epitomising the true spirit of carpenters style, a splash of suspence from Campbell's classic a re imagining of the prequel to John Carpenters The Thing

The story although seemingly familiar twists and turns taking the reader on a roller-coaster of suspense and terror and is never as you expect.

Fantastic story telling from a master of the genre!

Truly top shelf material, more deserving than most!

cannot enthuse with regards this authors material enough!

5 stars from me!

[T.L. Searle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway*

I liked this novel but I didn't get hooked and therefore it took me a while to finish. The Thing Zero Day is a thriller set in a scientific outpost, Antarctica; 1982. The writing is flawless (apart from a small overuse of the word 'seemingly') and the pacing is perfect.

The ending was left open; not always pleasing for a reader but it works in this instance. *Amendment* Unless you've seen the film that starts at this point!

I recommend it to readers of the sci fi/thriller genre who are looking for a shorter length novel to read.

[Mereka Elsworthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won the book through the good reads giveaway. This book in my opinion is one of the best I have ever read it has everything from suspense action to sadness and an ending that leaves you wanting more. Lee McGeorge is a superb writer who has such skill and imagination and leaves the reader wanting to find out what the next page holds. I could not put this book down. I read a lot of book and lee McGeorge is now in my top ten of authors. A must read for all avid readers

[Dex · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good fun and action packed read. It stays true to the John Carpenter movie, even in detail (e.g. the references to decanite which features in the movie and the Carpenter short story but not in reality), and ends where the movie begins. As such it does provide an effective prequel story to The Thing in explaining what happened to the Norwegians. The characterisation works well and the tension builds at a steady pace. All in all, an enjoyable read.

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was one of the lucky winners on Goodreads First Reads Giveaway.

I must admit that I was rather surprised as to how much I enjoyed this book. It is not a genre that I would normally read and did not really know what to expect. Certainly kept me entertained whilst travelling! I hope to read more books by Lee McGeorge.

[Steve Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being a fan of The Thing (1982 and its 2011 prequel), not to mention Campbell's 'Who Goes There,' I did enjoy this short book. I wasn't blown away by it, most likely because it felt more like the 2011 prequel, lacking a slow, stealthy, paranoid build up - which is what really epitomises The Thing.

It was however an interesting attempt at a prequel and I am pleased to have read it.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads

Great, no, fantastic little novella. Not overly scary, but enough of an 'ewwwww' factor to keep to its roots. Well written, nicely paced, and a great prequel to the 1982 film. Now am compelled to watch that version, as well as the 1951 and 2011 releases. Netflix at the ready.......

Oh, and, RECOMMENDED!

[Jo Abram-Merchant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was given this book for an honest review.

Not the sort of genre I would usually read, but McGeorge's writing style is gripping. The pace of this book never dropped, only increased, building tension so that even I couldn't put it down and missed my stop on the tube. Never seen the film, still not sure I want to, I'm not very good with these sort of films, but this story was excellent.

[Damian Valkenwulf · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first sentence I was immersed in a tense atmosphere, packed with action and vivid images that manage to capture the imagination with such simple intensity.
Dark, grim, spine-chilling (quite literally almost, with the setting), action: a great horror, with fast paced action scenes, and creepy idle scenes.
I was truly entertained!

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Thing: Zero Day. A genius of an idea, to pen a prequel to John Carpenter's The Thing.

Another fantastic read from Lee McGeorge. Written with so much pace, you will find it difficult to put the book down. I am sure to recommend this book to everyone.

[Daniela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gripping and exciting book by Lee McGeorge . I had to wrestle the book from my husband who also loved it. It is inspired by John Carpenter's 'The Thing' and will have you hooked from start to finish.

[susan murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Won from goodreads
Well written and fast paced you don't get time to be bored really graphic descriptions you can see the story unfold in your mind.

[K. Carters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finally read it! Many thanks, well produced piece and in keeping with the original. Fantastic effort and can't wait to stumble across the next one :)

[Rhiannon Forsythe · Rating 4 out of 5]

i really enjoyed this book and was gripped right through to the end

[Serenity · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad. Had some repetition at times and some grammar errors, but pretty enjoyable read. Loved the gore! I would recommend.