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Smokepit Fairytales
Hank and his trusty Corpsman, "Doc," only thought they knew what to expect when they were deployed to Iraq, but after getting trapped in an ancient Babylonian temple, things only got weird. After months of combat in a war that wouldn't end, Hank returns to California to face a different type of immigrant, the kind that comes from space.Follow Hank through this wildly imaginative science fiction romp as he tries to figure out what it means to be human, or if he even still is one.
480 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 11, 2017
68 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Tripp Ainsworth
21 books24 followersTripp Ainsworth joined the Marines as a combat cameraman so he could steel people’s souls—sorry, bad handwriting; he meant steal. He’s put his boots down in every time zone and refused to take a nap in any of them. Somewhere between firefights and film reels, he outwitted a sphinx, gave cured ham the disease it needed the injection for, and started writing stories to make sense of the absurd.
Legend has it that after Afghanistan, he found God—or at least inspiration—in a burrito behind the Purple Church in Oceanside. When the woman who made that divine creation, Sister Maria, was deported and took a vow never to cook again, Tripp went AWOL, stole a nuclear submarine, grafted its reactor into an AMC Javelin, and cooled it with Jägermeister. Time travel happened. Mussolini challenged him to a race, Dracula refused a drink, and Stalin tried to weaponize Maria’s recipe. Somewhere between chaos, faith, and a hangover, a writer was born.
Today, Tripp writes books like Smokepit Fairytales and The Litany of Vise—gritty, darkly funny tales about war, ghosts, and the long, strange road to redemption. He’s still chasing the perfect burrito.
Legend has it that after Afghanistan, he found God—or at least inspiration—in a burrito behind the Purple Church in Oceanside. When the woman who made that divine creation, Sister Maria, was deported and took a vow never to cook again, Tripp went AWOL, stole a nuclear submarine, grafted its reactor into an AMC Javelin, and cooled it with Jägermeister. Time travel happened. Mussolini challenged him to a race, Dracula refused a drink, and Stalin tried to weaponize Maria’s recipe. Somewhere between chaos, faith, and a hangover, a writer was born.
Today, Tripp writes books like Smokepit Fairytales and The Litany of Vise—gritty, darkly funny tales about war, ghosts, and the long, strange road to redemption. He’s still chasing the perfect burrito.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 8, 2019
This book is unlike any I’ve ever read. I was literally laughing, crying, and cringing while following the main character’s twisted heroic tale. This is a Marine Corp story that is outrageous and so shocking that it is pretty much nonfiction.
I’m not sure if I should give the main character a hug or a bar of soap, but either way I was beyond invested in the outcome.
If you have any military connection and a sick sense of humor (or if you enjoy good writing and don’t mind the shock and awe) do yourself a favor and pick up a copy.
I’m not sure if I should give the main character a hug or a bar of soap, but either way I was beyond invested in the outcome.
If you have any military connection and a sick sense of humor (or if you enjoy good writing and don’t mind the shock and awe) do yourself a favor and pick up a copy.
March 2, 2021
This story has so many elements, but I'll discuss the one that speaks loudest to me first, and that's the view of military life. I am an army veteran, my sister is a navy veteran, and we grew up near Camp Pendleton in Southern California where the stateside part of the story takes place, so I have pretty good idea how accurate this element of the story is. And it is completely accurate, more than a lot of serious military fiction I've read. It deals with the terror and insanity of combat, and the camaraderie and sense of fighting, not so much for some grand ideal, but for the person fighting on either side of you. It really gets the absurdities of military life, especially when not deployed, and showcases quite well the difference between trigger pullers and button polishers and paper pushers.
It also really nails what life for stateside Marines is like. The various interpersonal drama with civilians in the area, between their dating lives and just interacting with civilians in general. The town of Oceanside, California is in a lot of ways designed to separate marines from their money, and we get to see this in many ways throughout the story. It just rings so true.
As I mentioned earlier, there are sci-fi and fantasy elements as well. Without going into too much detail, the sci-fi elements bear a lot of resemblance to the movie District 9, although the new "visitors" aren't prawn like humanoids, looking much more human-like, and not here to take over or do anything evil, but just live normal lives. The fantasy elements are a bit more subtle, as you see them happening, but they aren't really overt. It's not until towards the end of the book that we see that an ancient bit of mythology may not have been such a myth after all, and Hank and Doc have been drawn into something that might have world shaking consequences.
That brings us to the characters, which is another area this book truly shines in. Hank is a combat photographer, so he ends up attached to combat units on deployment and for the most part, and acts as a rifleman while not doing his specific job. His friend Wilson Evans, called Doc, is a Navy Corpman, medics who are attached to Marine combat units. These characters are so true to life, you can just tell the author wrote what he knew. This also includes the secondary characters, who remind me so much of people I knew in the military, both good and bad. Their love interests are quite interesting as well, with surprising character development, especially dealing with Marines who may very well have PTSD, or, as Hank puts it, "you mean the best time in our lives". As crazy and over the top as some of the characters may seem at times, I have seen some of these exact things, and sometimes worse, and that's without off planet visitors. It may be my bias showing, but these are some of the best characters in fiction I've ever read.
While I loved this book to death, I'll be honest that it won't be for everyone. There is a lot of gross and dark humor throughout, and it is decidedly not PC. While not intentionally offensive, there are some aspect of the military, and the Marines in particular, that will rub some people the wrong way. That being said, this is easily one of the top five books I've read in the last five years. Any veteran will understand and appreciate what the author put into writing this book, and should enjoy it. I think that anyone looking for an action packed sci fi/fantasy mashup with dark humor throughout should find something to enjoy. It's unlike anything I've ever read before that wasn't non- fiction in the military parts. I highly recommend checking this one out, and can't wait to see what happens in the next book.
It also really nails what life for stateside Marines is like. The various interpersonal drama with civilians in the area, between their dating lives and just interacting with civilians in general. The town of Oceanside, California is in a lot of ways designed to separate marines from their money, and we get to see this in many ways throughout the story. It just rings so true.
As I mentioned earlier, there are sci-fi and fantasy elements as well. Without going into too much detail, the sci-fi elements bear a lot of resemblance to the movie District 9, although the new "visitors" aren't prawn like humanoids, looking much more human-like, and not here to take over or do anything evil, but just live normal lives. The fantasy elements are a bit more subtle, as you see them happening, but they aren't really overt. It's not until towards the end of the book that we see that an ancient bit of mythology may not have been such a myth after all, and Hank and Doc have been drawn into something that might have world shaking consequences.
That brings us to the characters, which is another area this book truly shines in. Hank is a combat photographer, so he ends up attached to combat units on deployment and for the most part, and acts as a rifleman while not doing his specific job. His friend Wilson Evans, called Doc, is a Navy Corpman, medics who are attached to Marine combat units. These characters are so true to life, you can just tell the author wrote what he knew. This also includes the secondary characters, who remind me so much of people I knew in the military, both good and bad. Their love interests are quite interesting as well, with surprising character development, especially dealing with Marines who may very well have PTSD, or, as Hank puts it, "you mean the best time in our lives". As crazy and over the top as some of the characters may seem at times, I have seen some of these exact things, and sometimes worse, and that's without off planet visitors. It may be my bias showing, but these are some of the best characters in fiction I've ever read.
While I loved this book to death, I'll be honest that it won't be for everyone. There is a lot of gross and dark humor throughout, and it is decidedly not PC. While not intentionally offensive, there are some aspect of the military, and the Marines in particular, that will rub some people the wrong way. That being said, this is easily one of the top five books I've read in the last five years. Any veteran will understand and appreciate what the author put into writing this book, and should enjoy it. I think that anyone looking for an action packed sci fi/fantasy mashup with dark humor throughout should find something to enjoy. It's unlike anything I've ever read before that wasn't non- fiction in the military parts. I highly recommend checking this one out, and can't wait to see what happens in the next book.
March 4, 2025
Every once in awhile there’s a book that’s just in its own category and this is one of those books. It’s irreverent, crass, dark, adventurous, and hysterical all at the same time. You never know what you’re going get chapter by chapter. If you’re easily offended don’t read. If you were ever in the military or are good friends with someone who is or was you might enjoy this particular gem. I will be reading the second one hoping it’s just as good.
March 6, 2024
Fantastic read! I laughed, I almost cried. Just the right amount of war story, sci-fi and fantasy. Can’t wait to keep going. In reality it only took me a few days to finish it once I was able to sit down and focus on it.
February 1, 2020
I'm rating this book as someone from the outside (i.e. I have never served), but I really enjoyed being immersed in a whole world that I've never explored before - in imagination or reality. It's a bit of a culture shock, but I found myself laughing out loud as often as crying (and yes, wanting to vomit).
This book was like jumping into a swamp of unfamiliar feelings and behaviors every time I picked it up - or like getting into a roller coaster without a harness: exhilarating and terrifying! I wasn't prepared for the sharp turns or the wild scenarios and I LOVED it.
I have had many loved ones in various branches of the military and it helped me to appreciate the struggle our warriors face as they're thrown between a world of violence and adrenaline, and then back into a world of boredom - what feels like stagnation. Getting an unfiltered peek into the barracks and the ranking and the kinds of tension that can exist between those who have served in warfare and those who have not was invaluable and enlightening. I loved the banter, the relationships, the honesty, the crazy situations, the philosophical debates, the political opinions. Awesome. All of it.
Oh! And I am a big sci-fi lover and there was that, too lol...the conversations revolving around what to do with alien technology and how it all works...and the ending! I WILL be reading the second book!
This book was like jumping into a swamp of unfamiliar feelings and behaviors every time I picked it up - or like getting into a roller coaster without a harness: exhilarating and terrifying! I wasn't prepared for the sharp turns or the wild scenarios and I LOVED it.
I have had many loved ones in various branches of the military and it helped me to appreciate the struggle our warriors face as they're thrown between a world of violence and adrenaline, and then back into a world of boredom - what feels like stagnation. Getting an unfiltered peek into the barracks and the ranking and the kinds of tension that can exist between those who have served in warfare and those who have not was invaluable and enlightening. I loved the banter, the relationships, the honesty, the crazy situations, the philosophical debates, the political opinions. Awesome. All of it.
Oh! And I am a big sci-fi lover and there was that, too lol...the conversations revolving around what to do with alien technology and how it all works...and the ending! I WILL be reading the second book!
March 19, 2020
Smokepit fairytales is one of the most entertaining reads I've come across in years. On the face of it, it's a war story following some US marines on their deployment to Iraq and the aftermath of a short war with Iran, but there's so much more to this novel.
The humor is what sucked me in at first - the sharp, snappy one-liners heard in barracks around the world. The highs and lows were hilarious and brutal, from drunken rampages on crazy nights out to moments of raw suffering as the main character and his friends battle with PTSD and everyday life.
The battle scenes were intense and vicious; the author does an amazing job of catching every bullet and bayonet thrust and sucking you into the action. The science fiction and fantasy elements really gives this fantastic war story an extra layer. The characters are vivid and flawed human beings you can relate to and the background events really set up the potential for the rest of this series.
There's a reason this book has so many 5 star reviews - grab a copy and find out why!
The humor is what sucked me in at first - the sharp, snappy one-liners heard in barracks around the world. The highs and lows were hilarious and brutal, from drunken rampages on crazy nights out to moments of raw suffering as the main character and his friends battle with PTSD and everyday life.
The battle scenes were intense and vicious; the author does an amazing job of catching every bullet and bayonet thrust and sucking you into the action. The science fiction and fantasy elements really gives this fantastic war story an extra layer. The characters are vivid and flawed human beings you can relate to and the background events really set up the potential for the rest of this series.
There's a reason this book has so many 5 star reviews - grab a copy and find out why!
April 16, 2021
Horrifying, hilarious, irreverent, honest, and completely politically incorrect, this story had a bit of everything (and I mean everything). It felt like a story in two parts, the first being the main character and his friends being sent on tour to Iraq and into Iran. It's gritty and realistic, it pulls no punches, and is downright horrible at times (the subject, not the writing). As someone who's only read soldier Marines stories from the Vietnam era, this was something totally new. It gives you a real respect for the hell these men live through, while the humor they share lightens it a bit for the reader the same way it does for the soldiers Marines depicted.
The second part is coming back home and trying to readjust after everything that happened in the first part. It's odd at times, and there's some hilarious developments you wouldn't believe if I told you. But this book had me howling with laughter at times. If you can handle the un-PC stuff and aren't easily offended, this will probably make you laugh out loud.
The second part is coming back home and trying to readjust after everything that happened in the first part. It's odd at times, and there's some hilarious developments you wouldn't believe if I told you. But this book had me howling with laughter at times. If you can handle the un-PC stuff and aren't easily offended, this will probably make you laugh out loud.
April 27, 2021
Should I say this was a fun read? To say anything else would be a blatant lie. When you've been in the military service, there's a level of understanding that we've all seen and done some crazy things. We've met some crazy people. Often, those people have the best stories.
Tripp is one of those people.
Much like my time sitting around with my section sergeant, listening to his latest tale of adventures, these stories draw you in. Not every single story is a banger, yet, with 25 of them on deck, it's hard not to have a few favorites.
Stories catch you off-guard, as well they should. 50 Shades of Dave is an interesting story, and I'll leave it at that.
For those who've been in the service, pick up a copy of some off the wall stories by Tripp. As a former army guy, reading the stories from a Marine makes the world feel a bit smaller knowing we're all the same in the end.
If you haven't served, never had relatives that served and literally know F**k all about the military, buckle up. If you like in your face stories, welcome home.
Tripp is one of those people.
Much like my time sitting around with my section sergeant, listening to his latest tale of adventures, these stories draw you in. Not every single story is a banger, yet, with 25 of them on deck, it's hard not to have a few favorites.
Stories catch you off-guard, as well they should. 50 Shades of Dave is an interesting story, and I'll leave it at that.
For those who've been in the service, pick up a copy of some off the wall stories by Tripp. As a former army guy, reading the stories from a Marine makes the world feel a bit smaller knowing we're all the same in the end.
If you haven't served, never had relatives that served and literally know F**k all about the military, buckle up. If you like in your face stories, welcome home.
March 4, 2019
This is the first war related book that I've read, not including sci-fi and fantasy variants, so I didn't know what to expect, but I can safely say that I'm glad that I picked up the book and experienced it.
The opening was very good and it reminded me a lot of the opening cafe/diner scene from 'Pulp Fiction', and while I did struggle a little in the following chapters (I'm unfamiliar with the genre so I blame that), the story ramped up nicely and I felt invested with what was going to happen to the characters. The story also ends on a cliffhanger, which to me is always a plus! I do love some world building.
The book is very dialogue heavy which might not be to everyone’s taste, but aside from that minor thing it’s a very enjoyable read.
If you're a fan of war stories, or just want a lively book with some big spectacle moments to escape to, then I would definitely recommend that you pick up a copy of this book today.
Bring on book two!
The opening was very good and it reminded me a lot of the opening cafe/diner scene from 'Pulp Fiction', and while I did struggle a little in the following chapters (I'm unfamiliar with the genre so I blame that), the story ramped up nicely and I felt invested with what was going to happen to the characters. The story also ends on a cliffhanger, which to me is always a plus! I do love some world building.
The book is very dialogue heavy which might not be to everyone’s taste, but aside from that minor thing it’s a very enjoyable read.
If you're a fan of war stories, or just want a lively book with some big spectacle moments to escape to, then I would definitely recommend that you pick up a copy of this book today.
Bring on book two!
April 29, 2020
If you're looking for a story that strikes dear into the hearts of men and makes mountains tremble like the Napoleonic drums across Europe.. then this might not be for you. But, if you're looking for a sick, twisted and oddly beautiful story about two Marines fucking shit up across Iraq and Mars then you've come to the right place. For me what sets Mr Ainsworth apart from other authors that write about military life, conflict or what it's like to serve is that he's experienced it. He understands the brutal honesty of what is like to serve, the bullshit you go through, the shit you have to put up with and the brotherhood that comes with it. His writing incorporates a sense of humour that most first responders or servicemen understand, and that's what drew me in and kept me reading all the way through. For those that don't care to read all this
TL;DR: shits fucked and it's funny to laugh at 👍
TL;DR: shits fucked and it's funny to laugh at 👍
March 20, 2021
Strap on your Ka-bar, open a Rip-It, smoke 'em if you got 'em & bury your head in this.
You should get the writing of Gene Allen Ainsworth III into your #SciFi & #MilSciFi collection.
A serious & genuine health warning.
This is graphic military science fiction.
It's in your face, no holds barred, no pulled punches, unapologetic, battle hardened writing.
It's also creative, unique, & goddam funny.
A story which even when it makes you wince, makes you want to turn the page.
Humanity & all its faces is in here.
From the most tender to the most violent.
It's dedicated to marines, service personnel & #veterans everywhere.
Hook it into my veins!
Tripp has created a new fan here, and with the utter lack of self control I have when I find a new series I know I am going to enjoy, this guy had kindly created an entire series for one to gorge on.
You should get the writing of Gene Allen Ainsworth III into your #SciFi & #MilSciFi collection.
A serious & genuine health warning.
This is graphic military science fiction.
It's in your face, no holds barred, no pulled punches, unapologetic, battle hardened writing.
It's also creative, unique, & goddam funny.
A story which even when it makes you wince, makes you want to turn the page.
Humanity & all its faces is in here.
From the most tender to the most violent.
It's dedicated to marines, service personnel & #veterans everywhere.
Hook it into my veins!
Tripp has created a new fan here, and with the utter lack of self control I have when I find a new series I know I am going to enjoy, this guy had kindly created an entire series for one to gorge on.
April 21, 2020
An absorbing read!
Smokepit Fairytales starts out as a raw and gritty story about war and the soldiers who fight them. Hunkered down in the trenches with its crass yet captivating characters, I thought I knew what kind of story I was reading. Then things took a turn. Then another. And another! Just when I thought Ainsworth obviously couldn’t make up his mind what kind of story to write, he tantalizingly tied everything together in preparation for the next book in the series. An absorbing read!
Full disclosure: Anyone with delicate sensibilities should take heed when considering this book. If you are not easily offended, and if you don’t mind a fair bit of diatribe, then buckle up.
Smokepit Fairytales starts out as a raw and gritty story about war and the soldiers who fight them. Hunkered down in the trenches with its crass yet captivating characters, I thought I knew what kind of story I was reading. Then things took a turn. Then another. And another! Just when I thought Ainsworth obviously couldn’t make up his mind what kind of story to write, he tantalizingly tied everything together in preparation for the next book in the series. An absorbing read!
Full disclosure: Anyone with delicate sensibilities should take heed when considering this book. If you are not easily offended, and if you don’t mind a fair bit of diatribe, then buckle up.
December 30, 2022
The most extraordinary novel in the history of time. This piece of work (as well as the rest of the series) has changed my life. It was the first book I've read to each of my children, and I'll read it to my parents on their deathbeds. I buy this book for my friends who live in other states, so I have a copy when I get there. If I were to be stranded on an island with only two books, I'd bring Smokepit Fairytales and another copy of Smokepit Fairytales because I never want to go without.
Description: 1984 if it was written in 2034, the Art of War if it wasn't written by a nerd, and Bambi but with better gore, all wrapped into one. Thank you, Tripp, for being the hero we needed in these trying times.
Description: 1984 if it was written in 2034, the Art of War if it wasn't written by a nerd, and Bambi but with better gore, all wrapped into one. Thank you, Tripp, for being the hero we needed in these trying times.
January 27, 2019
Unlike Anything Else
You guys should read this book. If you start reading and think about calling it quits for whatever reason, don't. Keep reading it. If you find yourself shocked, horrified, offended, pissed off, triggered, whatever, just keep reading. It's a great story with fascinating insight into the life and mind of a marine, plus war, plus aliens, plus cool Indiana Jones stuff, plus epic sequel potential. So stoked for the next book! thanks to the author for the wild ride
You guys should read this book. If you start reading and think about calling it quits for whatever reason, don't. Keep reading it. If you find yourself shocked, horrified, offended, pissed off, triggered, whatever, just keep reading. It's a great story with fascinating insight into the life and mind of a marine, plus war, plus aliens, plus cool Indiana Jones stuff, plus epic sequel potential. So stoked for the next book! thanks to the author for the wild ride
April 20, 2020
I laughed at loud so many times, I lost count. You know, the gut laughs when it's unexpected. (Sure, much of it was inappropriate, but didn't mean it wasn't funny). I was instantly drawn in within the first page and appreciated the camaraderie of the characters. You felt like you could be their friend. The dialogue is incredible; such detail. I was concerned it would be too (military) detailed in its writing for my preference, but a clever twist takes it to a new level and broadens the scope of this great work. Kudos! Looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
September 6, 2023
Wild burger good story telling
This is what to expect from A book Done by a veteran Who does not care for Sensibility of Of the politically correct That side though this is a good story And I will be possibly reading rest of them
This is what to expect from A book Done by a veteran Who does not care for Sensibility of Of the politically correct That side though this is a good story And I will be possibly reading rest of them
January 24, 2021
Great book
This book is awesome, hilarious, and dark all at the same time. Loved it!! Had a hard time putting it down!!
This book is awesome, hilarious, and dark all at the same time. Loved it!! Had a hard time putting it down!!
January 27, 2021
Well...
Well, that was a crazy ride. I have to read the others now. You'll like the dark humor and sci-fi aspect if you grew up watching USA Channels Up All Night.
Well, that was a crazy ride. I have to read the others now. You'll like the dark humor and sci-fi aspect if you grew up watching USA Channels Up All Night.
November 30, 2021
Made me laugh and made me nostalgic over my time at Pendleton. Felt like I was in the book with the characters. Loved it!
August 17, 2024
One of the dumbest books I've ever had the misfortune of reading.
A total waste of time.
A total waste of time.
Read
August 31, 2025very raw, gritty, military sci-fi. extremely inappropriate and enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews