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The Ethereal Transit Society
Not all cults are wrong about the end of the world...
Believing their late mentor is calling them from the grave, the last surviving members of a modern doomsday cult travel across the country to reclaim his body in preparation for the end-times he preached about. Tracing their leader's echo through a cosmic signal known to them as the Transit Frequency brings them to the rural outback of Arkansas, where its presence has drastic and dangerous effects on anything living. Time, though, is running out for the last of the remnants of the Ethereal Transit Society as they attempt to track down his final resting place and unlock the mysteries of the coming apocalypse before they become victims of it.
The Ethereal Transit Society is the debut novella from Arkansas writer Thomas Vaughn, and brings readers a tense and authentic dive into the philosophies of modern doomsday and UFO cults while delivering a strong dose of cosmic horror fiction.
Believing their late mentor is calling them from the grave, the last surviving members of a modern doomsday cult travel across the country to reclaim his body in preparation for the end-times he preached about. Tracing their leader's echo through a cosmic signal known to them as the Transit Frequency brings them to the rural outback of Arkansas, where its presence has drastic and dangerous effects on anything living. Time, though, is running out for the last of the remnants of the Ethereal Transit Society as they attempt to track down his final resting place and unlock the mysteries of the coming apocalypse before they become victims of it.
The Ethereal Transit Society is the debut novella from Arkansas writer Thomas Vaughn, and brings readers a tense and authentic dive into the philosophies of modern doomsday and UFO cults while delivering a strong dose of cosmic horror fiction.
139 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 7, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 14, 2020
Wowser, this was a thoroughly nasty little read that will appeal to fans of apocalyptic horror. I went into it completely cold, and was blown away. My only complaint is that it is perhaps a tad too short. But Thomas Vaughn packs more incident into these pages than some authors do in entire novels.
Vaughn is described in the author bio as ‘a byproduct of rural Arkansas, a place he calls the archive of pain’. If that is not weird enough, he is a college professor whose research interests lie in … doomsday cults. Enter the Ethereal Transit Society, or ET for short.
I was expecting the kind of Lovecraftian anti-pastiche that seems so in vogue in horror fiction these days. But instead Vaughn takes a much more matter-of-fact and darker approach that slowly ratchets up the gore and weird fluids until the apocalyptic climax. In case you get the wrong idea: ‘Nobody gave a shit about sex because we were on the cusp of a new age in human history’.
The story focuses on three ‘left-behinds’ of the ET doomsday cult, who embark on a journey that takes them deep into redneck Arkansas in search of the corpse of their beloved, but sadly deceased, leader known as Quint, short for Quintessence. The sort of rural backwater where ‘If the world ended, I’m not sure anyone around here would notice much of a difference’.
One of the three, the narrator, attempted to shoot himself after their initial failure to transcend. But he only shot off half of his face, and now sports a mask and a titanium plate in his skull like some kind of demented member of the X-Men. He is also ‘in tune’ with the cosmic frequency emitted by Quint’s remains, which they need in order to amplify the signal so that their bodies or ‘vehicles’ can travel into the Transit Light. Or something like that. You know how batshit crazy these cults are.
The shooting incident also seemed to have increased our narrator’s cynicism, which is perhaps understandable. ‘I always make it a priority to check out the shithouse prophets when I find myself in a new place. It seems like the worse the town is, the more profound their insights’.
Vaughn cleverly throws in some true and amazing facts about Wilhelm Reich, who ‘linked all cosmic energy to the orgasm … orgones represented a universal vibratory pulse that, if harnessed correctly, would adjust the human body to universal orgasmic energy like a tuning fork. He figured that if everyone got plugged in, they wouldn’t gravitate toward fundamentalist religion and fascist dictators’. Yeah, right.
There is also our narrator’s take on the Rudra/Mahakala myth: ‘There was something about a terrible demon called Rudra that stalked the world of the dead until the Buddha stormed from the heavens and enlightened him by penetrating his rectum. After this violation, Rudra was transformed into Mahakala, becoming the protector of the dharma. That’s how it is with the Buddhists. They never imprison their demons like the Christians, but try to rehabilitate them’.
Well, our intrepid ETs eventually get to the cemetery where Quint’s remains are allegedly buried, for a kind of High Noon showdown with some of the locals who are not generally prone to welcome outsiders with open arms (especially city folk). And this is where Vaughn really lets rip. I don’t know about other readers, but there is something intuitively repulsive and alien about maggots. Doubly so for giant-sized, aggressive ones.
Vaughn does not beat the reader over the head about doomsday-cult lore or how misguided these people are. Hell, you just have to take a look at your average Republican in the US or EFF member in South Africa to appreciate the adage about the banality of evil. I do think though I detected a sense of wistfulness about Quint and ET towards the end. What if these people, as fucked-up as they are, have had a glimpse of the Truth?
“Quint never made any guarantees. All he offered was a chance,” says Xi. “You can either live your life in obscurity, working and procreating for nothing, or you can attempt to transcend your status as a material being. This is no church of fairy tales. Heaven isn’t a birthright.”
Vaughn is described in the author bio as ‘a byproduct of rural Arkansas, a place he calls the archive of pain’. If that is not weird enough, he is a college professor whose research interests lie in … doomsday cults. Enter the Ethereal Transit Society, or ET for short.
I was expecting the kind of Lovecraftian anti-pastiche that seems so in vogue in horror fiction these days. But instead Vaughn takes a much more matter-of-fact and darker approach that slowly ratchets up the gore and weird fluids until the apocalyptic climax. In case you get the wrong idea: ‘Nobody gave a shit about sex because we were on the cusp of a new age in human history’.
The story focuses on three ‘left-behinds’ of the ET doomsday cult, who embark on a journey that takes them deep into redneck Arkansas in search of the corpse of their beloved, but sadly deceased, leader known as Quint, short for Quintessence. The sort of rural backwater where ‘If the world ended, I’m not sure anyone around here would notice much of a difference’.
One of the three, the narrator, attempted to shoot himself after their initial failure to transcend. But he only shot off half of his face, and now sports a mask and a titanium plate in his skull like some kind of demented member of the X-Men. He is also ‘in tune’ with the cosmic frequency emitted by Quint’s remains, which they need in order to amplify the signal so that their bodies or ‘vehicles’ can travel into the Transit Light. Or something like that. You know how batshit crazy these cults are.
The shooting incident also seemed to have increased our narrator’s cynicism, which is perhaps understandable. ‘I always make it a priority to check out the shithouse prophets when I find myself in a new place. It seems like the worse the town is, the more profound their insights’.
Vaughn cleverly throws in some true and amazing facts about Wilhelm Reich, who ‘linked all cosmic energy to the orgasm … orgones represented a universal vibratory pulse that, if harnessed correctly, would adjust the human body to universal orgasmic energy like a tuning fork. He figured that if everyone got plugged in, they wouldn’t gravitate toward fundamentalist religion and fascist dictators’. Yeah, right.
There is also our narrator’s take on the Rudra/Mahakala myth: ‘There was something about a terrible demon called Rudra that stalked the world of the dead until the Buddha stormed from the heavens and enlightened him by penetrating his rectum. After this violation, Rudra was transformed into Mahakala, becoming the protector of the dharma. That’s how it is with the Buddhists. They never imprison their demons like the Christians, but try to rehabilitate them’.
Well, our intrepid ETs eventually get to the cemetery where Quint’s remains are allegedly buried, for a kind of High Noon showdown with some of the locals who are not generally prone to welcome outsiders with open arms (especially city folk). And this is where Vaughn really lets rip. I don’t know about other readers, but there is something intuitively repulsive and alien about maggots. Doubly so for giant-sized, aggressive ones.
Vaughn does not beat the reader over the head about doomsday-cult lore or how misguided these people are. Hell, you just have to take a look at your average Republican in the US or EFF member in South Africa to appreciate the adage about the banality of evil. I do think though I detected a sense of wistfulness about Quint and ET towards the end. What if these people, as fucked-up as they are, have had a glimpse of the Truth?
“Quint never made any guarantees. All he offered was a chance,” says Xi. “You can either live your life in obscurity, working and procreating for nothing, or you can attempt to transcend your status as a material being. This is no church of fairy tales. Heaven isn’t a birthright.”
November 23, 2020
This is a strange little story that can be read in a day.
In the Ethereal Transit Society we meet Ohm/Simon, Xi and Danielle/Astra. They’re 3 members of a doomsday cult who are trying to retrieve the body of their leader from a cemetery in rural Arkansas. They believe that the end of the world is coming soon and they need his body in order to transition into the light. Along the way they meet a local named Caleb who is willing to help them retrieve the body. The book is mainly set in the graveyard and takes place over the course of one day.
It gives some background info on the cult and its members but not as much as I would’ve liked. This is a novella and I thought it could’ve been a full length novel. I wanted to know about the cult and I wanted explanations for some of the strange things the group encounters in their journey of trying to find the body. The ending also felt a little rushed to me and I think this would’ve worked better for me as a full book instead of being so short. I found myself being drawn into the book and felt unsatisfied with how many of my questions about the Ethereal Transit Society being left unanswered. I just wanted more information and insight into these characters. I wanted to know more about the cult and its teachings, al well as their leader. I think a longer, more detailed book could've been a 5 star read for me but this short novella just wasn't enough for me. The overall story was odd and a little unsettling with some creepy scenes described in the book.
Overall, I thought the Ethereal Transit Society was an ok read and think anyone who likes a creepy sci-fi book would enjoy this. I just felt it was a bit unfinished and should’ve been longer to give more to the story and dive into the cult.
Thank you to Booksirens for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. As always all opinions are my own.
In the Ethereal Transit Society we meet Ohm/Simon, Xi and Danielle/Astra. They’re 3 members of a doomsday cult who are trying to retrieve the body of their leader from a cemetery in rural Arkansas. They believe that the end of the world is coming soon and they need his body in order to transition into the light. Along the way they meet a local named Caleb who is willing to help them retrieve the body. The book is mainly set in the graveyard and takes place over the course of one day.
It gives some background info on the cult and its members but not as much as I would’ve liked. This is a novella and I thought it could’ve been a full length novel. I wanted to know about the cult and I wanted explanations for some of the strange things the group encounters in their journey of trying to find the body. The ending also felt a little rushed to me and I think this would’ve worked better for me as a full book instead of being so short. I found myself being drawn into the book and felt unsatisfied with how many of my questions about the Ethereal Transit Society being left unanswered. I just wanted more information and insight into these characters. I wanted to know more about the cult and its teachings, al well as their leader. I think a longer, more detailed book could've been a 5 star read for me but this short novella just wasn't enough for me. The overall story was odd and a little unsettling with some creepy scenes described in the book.
Overall, I thought the Ethereal Transit Society was an ok read and think anyone who likes a creepy sci-fi book would enjoy this. I just felt it was a bit unfinished and should’ve been longer to give more to the story and dive into the cult.
Thank you to Booksirens for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. As always all opinions are my own.
December 31, 2020
Fun apocalyptic cosmic horror!
If that doesn't catch your attention, then I can't help you. But seriously, this book is a fast-paced, wild little ride that throws you right into the story and builds to an ending of seismic, reality-shattering proportions.
I absolutely love the set up of a modern doomsday cult traveling cross-country to recover the body of their late mentor, who is seemingly calling to them from beyond the grave. I like that the story is written from perspective of the cult members, giving their presence and mission an empathy and emotional weight that may have otherwise been missing. Also their character traits and actions are well-written, though their exact motivations are a little underdeveloped.
Cults (including doomsday ones) have always fascinated me, and I found their beliefs about cosmic vibrations (Transit Frequencies) and energy to be intriguing, if a little confusing. Honestly though I wanted a little more of that in the story, especially how the cult was started and how our current characters joined. There were hints towards all that in the book, but I still wanted to know more.
I also liked the combination of real life threats (danger of being black in racist, rural Arkansas), as well as the otherworldly creatures that show up in the second half of the book. It's a testament to the author that this novella manages to pack so much into so few pages. Lots of drama and tension, heady ideas, and again THAT ENDING. The writing is also pretty good, despite some awkward phrasing and dialogue. Overall a very impressive debut from an author that I desperately hope writes more in this sub genre (being a professor whose research focuses on apocalyptic rhetoric and doomsday cults, this is obviously his wheelhouse).
If that doesn't catch your attention, then I can't help you. But seriously, this book is a fast-paced, wild little ride that throws you right into the story and builds to an ending of seismic, reality-shattering proportions.
I absolutely love the set up of a modern doomsday cult traveling cross-country to recover the body of their late mentor, who is seemingly calling to them from beyond the grave. I like that the story is written from perspective of the cult members, giving their presence and mission an empathy and emotional weight that may have otherwise been missing. Also their character traits and actions are well-written, though their exact motivations are a little underdeveloped.
Cults (including doomsday ones) have always fascinated me, and I found their beliefs about cosmic vibrations (Transit Frequencies) and energy to be intriguing, if a little confusing. Honestly though I wanted a little more of that in the story, especially how the cult was started and how our current characters joined. There were hints towards all that in the book, but I still wanted to know more.
I also liked the combination of real life threats (danger of being black in racist, rural Arkansas), as well as the otherworldly creatures that show up in the second half of the book. It's a testament to the author that this novella manages to pack so much into so few pages. Lots of drama and tension, heady ideas, and again THAT ENDING. The writing is also pretty good, despite some awkward phrasing and dialogue. Overall a very impressive debut from an author that I desperately hope writes more in this sub genre (being a professor whose research focuses on apocalyptic rhetoric and doomsday cults, this is obviously his wheelhouse).
November 14, 2020
The Ethereal Transit Society by Thomas Vaughn is a suspenseful cosmic horror tale that drops the readers right into a stressful situation and doesn’t let up until the final page!
Full disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my rating in any way.
[BOOK REVIEW] THE ETHEREAL TRANSIT SOCIETY BY THOMAS VAUGHN
NOVEMBER 13, 2020
The Ethereal Transit Society by Thomas Vaughn book photo by Erica Robyn Reads
The Ethereal Transit Society by Thomas Vaughn is a suspenseful cosmic horror tale that drops the readers right into a stressful situation and doesn’t let up until the final page!
Full disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my rating in any way.
Let’s dive in!
My Thoughts on The Ethereal Transit Society by Thomas Vaughn
I love stories that you’re just dropped in to and then you slowly figure out what’s going on. That was exactly the case here. We knew the crew of characters were on a mission, but we didn’t yet know why.
As the story goes on, we see our main characters coping with a stressful trip through a small town out in the middle of nowhere. In this town, it’s clear that they’re not exactly welcome… and something has everyone on edge.
When they come across one townie who is curious about their story and wants to help, we begin to learn a lot more about who they are and what their mission is.
From there, the tale becomes even more stressful as they enter a cemetery and are visited by other town folk. But will they complete their mission in time?
My goodness this was a fun and interesting read! I loved each of the characters and couldn’t put the book down as I needed to make sure it all turned out alright.
My Favorite Passages
If the end of the world happened, I’m not sure anyone around here would notice much of a difference.
Everything in this place is either dead or dying. It’s a hungry land. Even the vines seem determined to strangle the life from the spindly trees.
It’s interesting how we can spend our lives blowing our own problems out of proportion when nature is out there, waiting. It doesn’t care how you’re feeling today. It’s full of creatures that want to drink your blood or feast on your dead flesh.
My Final Thoughts
If you enjoy cosmic horror and doomsday cults, you should definitely check this one out! I’m still pretty new to cosmic horror, and I think this was an awesome book to help me branch out into that genre more. This is definitely a story that I can see myself returning to again down the road.
Full disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my rating in any way.
[BOOK REVIEW] THE ETHEREAL TRANSIT SOCIETY BY THOMAS VAUGHN
NOVEMBER 13, 2020
The Ethereal Transit Society by Thomas Vaughn book photo by Erica Robyn Reads
The Ethereal Transit Society by Thomas Vaughn is a suspenseful cosmic horror tale that drops the readers right into a stressful situation and doesn’t let up until the final page!
Full disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my rating in any way.
Let’s dive in!
My Thoughts on The Ethereal Transit Society by Thomas Vaughn
I love stories that you’re just dropped in to and then you slowly figure out what’s going on. That was exactly the case here. We knew the crew of characters were on a mission, but we didn’t yet know why.
As the story goes on, we see our main characters coping with a stressful trip through a small town out in the middle of nowhere. In this town, it’s clear that they’re not exactly welcome… and something has everyone on edge.
When they come across one townie who is curious about their story and wants to help, we begin to learn a lot more about who they are and what their mission is.
From there, the tale becomes even more stressful as they enter a cemetery and are visited by other town folk. But will they complete their mission in time?
My goodness this was a fun and interesting read! I loved each of the characters and couldn’t put the book down as I needed to make sure it all turned out alright.
My Favorite Passages
If the end of the world happened, I’m not sure anyone around here would notice much of a difference.
Everything in this place is either dead or dying. It’s a hungry land. Even the vines seem determined to strangle the life from the spindly trees.
It’s interesting how we can spend our lives blowing our own problems out of proportion when nature is out there, waiting. It doesn’t care how you’re feeling today. It’s full of creatures that want to drink your blood or feast on your dead flesh.
My Final Thoughts
If you enjoy cosmic horror and doomsday cults, you should definitely check this one out! I’m still pretty new to cosmic horror, and I think this was an awesome book to help me branch out into that genre more. This is definitely a story that I can see myself returning to again down the road.
May 24, 2022
kind of creepy but interesting
October 26, 2020
For seasonal readers this novella would be a perfect treat for the gloomy evenings of the months when the night settles in early. It's a science fiction story tinged with horror that will suck you right in and won't let you go until you reach the last page.
It might not have been exactly scary, for me personally, but I found it to be both dark and creepy in its exploration of the nature of humanity.
Who would have thought that following the members of a religious cult at the brink of an apocalypse could be so relatable? And yet, I found the connection with the characters who seek the release from their mortal forms as a result of their experiences. Some of those are more dramatic and violent - losing something important, traumatic childhood, being at the receiving end of other people's prejudices. Others are more subtle - simply realising the violent, cruel and judgmental nature of a large part of the humankind as a result of years of observation. It's amazing how those characters were made alive on the pages of the book, despite its limited length.
The story itself was also riveting and kept me guessing what was actually going on. Somehow despite the confusing beginning I was hooked right from the start and ended up putting aside my other readings to find out were this story was going. The atmosphere charged with danger helped with reinforcing the anticipation of the unfolding events.
I fully recommend this book.
*I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It might not have been exactly scary, for me personally, but I found it to be both dark and creepy in its exploration of the nature of humanity.
Who would have thought that following the members of a religious cult at the brink of an apocalypse could be so relatable? And yet, I found the connection with the characters who seek the release from their mortal forms as a result of their experiences. Some of those are more dramatic and violent - losing something important, traumatic childhood, being at the receiving end of other people's prejudices. Others are more subtle - simply realising the violent, cruel and judgmental nature of a large part of the humankind as a result of years of observation. It's amazing how those characters were made alive on the pages of the book, despite its limited length.
The story itself was also riveting and kept me guessing what was actually going on. Somehow despite the confusing beginning I was hooked right from the start and ended up putting aside my other readings to find out were this story was going. The atmosphere charged with danger helped with reinforcing the anticipation of the unfolding events.
I fully recommend this book.
*I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 26, 2020
Mr. Vaughn, you had me at “doomsday cult.”
The Ethereal Transit Society is a quirky cosmic horror that is well-written and carefully plotted. When three members of a doomsday cult set out to track their late leader’s body in a rather unwelcoming Arkansas town, they get a bit more than they bargained for. But the aforementioned leader’s decomposing corpse is sending out a transit signal and the end is near. They must dig him up before it’s too late!
I really enjoyed this story. It was kind of gross, fast-paced, and superbly entertaining. If I had to complain about anything, I’d simply say that it was over too soon! It’s a novella and although I truly appreciate the lack of pointless fillers, I wanted just a little bit more from the ending than what it gave me.
I too often find myself frustrated with thrillers that feel like the same story I’ve read dozens of times before. This unique take on the cult trope was a breath of fresh air. If you want a quick, crazy read, preorder yourself a copy of The Ethereal Transit Society! It’s due for publication on December 7, 2020 so you won’t have to wait long!
Thank you to the author and Book Sirens for my digital review copy. All opinions are my own.
The Ethereal Transit Society is a quirky cosmic horror that is well-written and carefully plotted. When three members of a doomsday cult set out to track their late leader’s body in a rather unwelcoming Arkansas town, they get a bit more than they bargained for. But the aforementioned leader’s decomposing corpse is sending out a transit signal and the end is near. They must dig him up before it’s too late!
I really enjoyed this story. It was kind of gross, fast-paced, and superbly entertaining. If I had to complain about anything, I’d simply say that it was over too soon! It’s a novella and although I truly appreciate the lack of pointless fillers, I wanted just a little bit more from the ending than what it gave me.
I too often find myself frustrated with thrillers that feel like the same story I’ve read dozens of times before. This unique take on the cult trope was a breath of fresh air. If you want a quick, crazy read, preorder yourself a copy of The Ethereal Transit Society! It’s due for publication on December 7, 2020 so you won’t have to wait long!
Thank you to the author and Book Sirens for my digital review copy. All opinions are my own.
December 7, 2020
First of all, the writing is superb! I love how it's descriptive and succinct, sharply getting to the heart of the matter. I thought the characters felt real and fully formed. The setting of a poverty-stricken town comes alive and easy to imagine. There's some gory scenes and the uncertainty of what's going on made everything unsettling.
I enjoyed the premise but it also felt like I was dropped into the ending of a story. While there's some background information about the doomsday cult, I wanted to know more about it. I didn't fully understand the characters' motivations because I feel like there's a gap between the end of the cult and what brought them here. But this story asks interesting questions about beliefs and salvation. What would you do at the end of the world?
Thank you to the publisher for a review copy.
book blog | twitter | instagram
I enjoyed the premise but it also felt like I was dropped into the ending of a story. While there's some background information about the doomsday cult, I wanted to know more about it. I didn't fully understand the characters' motivations because I feel like there's a gap between the end of the cult and what brought them here. But this story asks interesting questions about beliefs and salvation. What would you do at the end of the world?
Thank you to the publisher for a review copy.
book blog | twitter | instagram
December 13, 2020
This mysterious little novella drew me in with the promises of doomsday cults and a coming apocalypse. I do enjoy a good apocalyptic horror.
Right from page one, we're smack dab in the middle of the story. Traveling alongside a group of doomsday cult survivors as they follow the Transit Frequency (a sort of echo and vibration from their leader), we certainly experience plenty of "weirdness." The group searches rural Arkansas for the grave of their leader, Quint, in order to reclaim his body and prepare for the apocalypse that he prophesized. We also learn that the Transit Frequency has dangerous effects for all living things within its reach, and time is running out for the group Ethereal Transit Society.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first half or so of this book. The doomsday cult and the story of the those that were left behind was interesting, especially that of the narrator who suffered a failed attempt at suicide and now dons a mask and a plate in his head which allows him to be more in touch with the signal frequencies. Cults interest me, but one of the most interesting points for me is the WHY. Why do they think and believe the things that they do? How can these things be rationalized in their minds? The answers to these questions are something that I felt was lacking in this book. I felt like there were just parts of the story missing, before the events in this book, that a reader would benefit from.
The Ethereal Transit Society was a well written novella with well developed and likeable characters. I would classify this more as a sci-fi/cosmic horror rather than an apocalyptic horror. There was certainly some disgusting and creepy imagery and spookiness mixed with UFOs and the end of the world, but some of the sci-fi'ness lost me. I am POSITIVE that this book would appeal to those who love that sci-fi/cosmic element in their horror, so certainly don't sleep on this one, even if it wasn't "totally" for me.
**Thank you to @baddreamentertainment for providing me this copy in exchange for an honest review.**
Right from page one, we're smack dab in the middle of the story. Traveling alongside a group of doomsday cult survivors as they follow the Transit Frequency (a sort of echo and vibration from their leader), we certainly experience plenty of "weirdness." The group searches rural Arkansas for the grave of their leader, Quint, in order to reclaim his body and prepare for the apocalypse that he prophesized. We also learn that the Transit Frequency has dangerous effects for all living things within its reach, and time is running out for the group Ethereal Transit Society.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first half or so of this book. The doomsday cult and the story of the those that were left behind was interesting, especially that of the narrator who suffered a failed attempt at suicide and now dons a mask and a plate in his head which allows him to be more in touch with the signal frequencies. Cults interest me, but one of the most interesting points for me is the WHY. Why do they think and believe the things that they do? How can these things be rationalized in their minds? The answers to these questions are something that I felt was lacking in this book. I felt like there were just parts of the story missing, before the events in this book, that a reader would benefit from.
The Ethereal Transit Society was a well written novella with well developed and likeable characters. I would classify this more as a sci-fi/cosmic horror rather than an apocalyptic horror. There was certainly some disgusting and creepy imagery and spookiness mixed with UFOs and the end of the world, but some of the sci-fi'ness lost me. I am POSITIVE that this book would appeal to those who love that sci-fi/cosmic element in their horror, so certainly don't sleep on this one, even if it wasn't "totally" for me.
**Thank you to @baddreamentertainment for providing me this copy in exchange for an honest review.**
October 16, 2020
This was a fun, short read I devoured in one sitting. Seeing the end of the world from the internal perspective of a doomsday cult is an unusual treat. Vaughn treats his characters with sympathy and respect as they stumble toward their promised shiny new day of global apocalypse.
Almost as inevitably as the end of the world itself, any work this brief must sacrifice a lot of story on the altar of brevity. There's little in the way of character development here, and no scope for any significant choices or conflicts. The end of the story looms like all-consuming light in the sky, and there's too little time left for narrative niceties. That's probably the biggest letdown I had - there's little question whether this death cult's prophecy is true. Doubt dies early, and it goes holding hands with our story's sense of dramatic tension. It's an intriguing world Vaughn has created here, it's just a pity it dies too young.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Almost as inevitably as the end of the world itself, any work this brief must sacrifice a lot of story on the altar of brevity. There's little in the way of character development here, and no scope for any significant choices or conflicts. The end of the story looms like all-consuming light in the sky, and there's too little time left for narrative niceties. That's probably the biggest letdown I had - there's little question whether this death cult's prophecy is true. Doubt dies early, and it goes holding hands with our story's sense of dramatic tension. It's an intriguing world Vaughn has created here, it's just a pity it dies too young.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 7, 2020
This was an odd little novella that I thoroughly enjoyed reading in one sitting. It is an interesting take on what happens when an apocalyptic doomsday cult gets it right. The story was quick and easy to follow along and the characters were likable despite what seemed like an asinine dedication to their "cult" leader. It was a creepy look at the end of the world and a group of people trying to escape it.
Thank you to BookSirens and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to BookSirens and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
April 26, 2021
About ten or twelve years ago, I was in Missouri with my oldest child, my father, and great-uncle. We were visiting some relatives who lived out in the woods and also seeing a bit of family history via some old cemeteries. One place we visited was a tiny little graveyard, fenced off right in the middle of a cow pasture, and you had to stop at the nearest house and get the key to the gate to even get onto the road that led to this cemetery.
.
So when Thomas Vaughn set the majority of his book in a little middle-of-nowhere cemetery just like that, the setting was instantly real to me.
.
This short story about the three surviving members of a doomsday cult who have traveled halfway across the country to find their leader's remains is part horror, part sci-fi, part doomsday apocalypse freak out. Simon, Astra, and Xi can hear the Transit Signal. They know their leader's words were true. They hope to transcend their earthly vehicles and be carried away into the bright-light consciousness that is the Ethereal Transit.
.
Which is how they end up in a graveyard in Arkansas, dealing with rotting corpses, strange glowing liquids, giant worms, psychotic rednecks...and the end of the world.
.
Scary? Mostly in a existential way. Weird and trippy and a good quick read when you've got an extra hour or two? Most definitely.
.
So when Thomas Vaughn set the majority of his book in a little middle-of-nowhere cemetery just like that, the setting was instantly real to me.
.
This short story about the three surviving members of a doomsday cult who have traveled halfway across the country to find their leader's remains is part horror, part sci-fi, part doomsday apocalypse freak out. Simon, Astra, and Xi can hear the Transit Signal. They know their leader's words were true. They hope to transcend their earthly vehicles and be carried away into the bright-light consciousness that is the Ethereal Transit.
.
Which is how they end up in a graveyard in Arkansas, dealing with rotting corpses, strange glowing liquids, giant worms, psychotic rednecks...and the end of the world.
.
Scary? Mostly in a existential way. Weird and trippy and a good quick read when you've got an extra hour or two? Most definitely.
October 28, 2020
What a great little apocalyptic horror novella. Almost a sci-fi/fantasy apocalyptic horror novella! How would you categorize this? I don’t know! Not my job lol
I believe this is the author’s debut novel? Which is great! I love getting in on new authors and from the ground up! It says in his bio that Thomas Vaughn is a “college professor whose research focuses on apocalyptic rhetoric and doomsday cults.” which fits this book perfectly! Hey, write what you know eh? And I’ll read it because I love apocalyptic focused books!
This is about a doomsday cult and the members that are left after a major event for their cult...and as a reader you’re left wondering if this cult IS for real as the end nears. It has such great imagery. Great characters with enough background to work, which is hard to do in a novella! Well done here though.
I’d have liked it to be a full novel size. I would not have gotten tired of the story or the characters. If it was longer though would I have? The world may never know.
I’d suggest this book to anyone! Really great read. I’m very happy Bad Dream Entertainment reached out to me to sent me this review copy! (and I’m glad I said yes!)
Check them out at BadDreamEntertainment.com or author Thomas Vaughn at brokentransmitter.com
5 stars!
I believe this is the author’s debut novel? Which is great! I love getting in on new authors and from the ground up! It says in his bio that Thomas Vaughn is a “college professor whose research focuses on apocalyptic rhetoric and doomsday cults.” which fits this book perfectly! Hey, write what you know eh? And I’ll read it because I love apocalyptic focused books!
This is about a doomsday cult and the members that are left after a major event for their cult...and as a reader you’re left wondering if this cult IS for real as the end nears. It has such great imagery. Great characters with enough background to work, which is hard to do in a novella! Well done here though.
I’d have liked it to be a full novel size. I would not have gotten tired of the story or the characters. If it was longer though would I have? The world may never know.
I’d suggest this book to anyone! Really great read. I’m very happy Bad Dream Entertainment reached out to me to sent me this review copy! (and I’m glad I said yes!)
Check them out at BadDreamEntertainment.com or author Thomas Vaughn at brokentransmitter.com
5 stars!
November 18, 2020
*I received free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
The Ethereal Transit society is a short novella packed full of nuanced characters and messed up people. Exploring cult members task to locate and retrieve their late messiah’s body, in order no less to explain the secrets of the end of the world, this is a novella that sits in the mind long after you turn the last page.
Vaughn’s writing is engaging and shaped by the characters we share the story with. A mixture of sci-fi and cosmic horror, the story delves into universal themes of loneliness, existential pain, and the human drive to find meaning in life and the suffering we are inevitably subjected to. As well as this, there are some gruesome things done to corpses and glow in the dark goo that I personally would not be touching, but each to their own.
The Ethereal Transit Society is a new angle on the familiar idea of cults, where not only are we diving in after the end is over and these characters have been left behind, but also dealing with a cult that might not be as delusion as they seem.
A rich and well written novella that will make you rethink the next time your ears start inexplicably ringing.
The Ethereal Transit society is a short novella packed full of nuanced characters and messed up people. Exploring cult members task to locate and retrieve their late messiah’s body, in order no less to explain the secrets of the end of the world, this is a novella that sits in the mind long after you turn the last page.
Vaughn’s writing is engaging and shaped by the characters we share the story with. A mixture of sci-fi and cosmic horror, the story delves into universal themes of loneliness, existential pain, and the human drive to find meaning in life and the suffering we are inevitably subjected to. As well as this, there are some gruesome things done to corpses and glow in the dark goo that I personally would not be touching, but each to their own.
The Ethereal Transit Society is a new angle on the familiar idea of cults, where not only are we diving in after the end is over and these characters have been left behind, but also dealing with a cult that might not be as delusion as they seem.
A rich and well written novella that will make you rethink the next time your ears start inexplicably ringing.
December 4, 2020
This was such a joy and honour to read. Maybe ‘joy’ isn’t the word you’d think to use when talking about a sci-fi fantasy horror hybrid, but it was really a joy. Vaughn has such a beautiful way of creating and writing characters that brings them to life very quickly on the page. While this book only runs 131 pages, he’s created a fully completed story alongside fully developed characters that somehow still manage to grow realistically.
Despite the heavy material, the story feels filled with hope and positivity. With everything riding against this team of three cult members they still continue to lift each other up and push for their future.
There’s definitely a sci-fi element here with the Transit Light coming to fruition and the talk of implants and other beings. The horror element comes into play softly at first with a few graphic depictions of dead bodies and a small town filled with “hick types”. But it quickly ramps up at the end as we read the fate of the three characters and the world itself. As the back of the book states; not all doomsday cults are wrong about the end of the world…
CHECK OUT THE FULL REVIEW AT HORRORBOUND.NET
Despite the heavy material, the story feels filled with hope and positivity. With everything riding against this team of three cult members they still continue to lift each other up and push for their future.
There’s definitely a sci-fi element here with the Transit Light coming to fruition and the talk of implants and other beings. The horror element comes into play softly at first with a few graphic depictions of dead bodies and a small town filled with “hick types”. But it quickly ramps up at the end as we read the fate of the three characters and the world itself. As the back of the book states; not all doomsday cults are wrong about the end of the world…
CHECK OUT THE FULL REVIEW AT HORRORBOUND.NET
February 13, 2021
What You Don't Believe Can't Hurt You...Or Can It?
Brainwashing or reality? Cults have been active since earliest history, ruining relationships and families in some cases, defrauding devotees of their fortunes in others, sometimes destroying the health of their adherents, or robbing them of their very lives. These negative effects are generally what differentiate cults from socially-accepted religions, as well as being what can lead to tragedy.
The central beliefs of cults are varied. Belief in UFOs and paranormal forces are sometimes present, as they are in this book. A good part of the story left this reader unsure of whether these beliefs are due to imagination or based on real phenomena. I'm not going to tell what I found, because that will spoil the satisfaction of reading it.
I'm enough of a rebel to have sided with the main character and rooted for him from the beginning, even before I learned of the really bad things. I've lost a few friends to cults, but never one like this.
I enthusiastically recommend this book, it was a good read. I was fortunate to receive a free advance reader's copy and this is my honest review.
Brainwashing or reality? Cults have been active since earliest history, ruining relationships and families in some cases, defrauding devotees of their fortunes in others, sometimes destroying the health of their adherents, or robbing them of their very lives. These negative effects are generally what differentiate cults from socially-accepted religions, as well as being what can lead to tragedy.
The central beliefs of cults are varied. Belief in UFOs and paranormal forces are sometimes present, as they are in this book. A good part of the story left this reader unsure of whether these beliefs are due to imagination or based on real phenomena. I'm not going to tell what I found, because that will spoil the satisfaction of reading it.
I'm enough of a rebel to have sided with the main character and rooted for him from the beginning, even before I learned of the really bad things. I've lost a few friends to cults, but never one like this.
I enthusiastically recommend this book, it was a good read. I was fortunate to receive a free advance reader's copy and this is my honest review.
October 21, 2020
This was a dark, fun read set over the course of about one day. It follows three interesting characters and poses several existential questions to the reader. It asks how we distinguish between religion from fanaticism, and what it means to search for truth in a world that demonizes the truth. The exploration of these themes is neither didactic nor overly drawn-out, and we come to think about them primarily through the narrator's thoughts and experiences with religious peers and an apparent doomsday/death cult. The text raises two new questions with each one that it answers about the narrator's backstory, and in doing so holds the reader's interest. There are several intense build-ups within the larger plot with outcomes that you don't see coming, and they will leave you on edge. The ending was a little bit hard to follow, but without spoiling anything I will say that that isn't necessarily a weakness here.
Thank you to BookSirens and Bad Dream Entertainment for the eARC.
Thank you to BookSirens and Bad Dream Entertainment for the eARC.
October 29, 2020
This for me was a perfect story. Not sure if it's a short story or a novella, but I raced through it in a few hours. Beginning - middle - end, enough intrigue to pull you in, nicely rounded off with a bit of mystery as well.
The premise, an End of the World cult getting together to locate the body of their Messiah is an unusual one for an apocalyptic story but this worked so well. The characters were believable, and were written in a way that you could see why they might be taken in by a cult. To say more would be to give away the storyline so I won't - but the tension built and the ending was brilliant.
I'd really like to read more from this author, thanks so much to Book Sirens for giving me the opportunity to review this copy for free. I leave this review completely voluntarily and it is my own opinion.
The premise, an End of the World cult getting together to locate the body of their Messiah is an unusual one for an apocalyptic story but this worked so well. The characters were believable, and were written in a way that you could see why they might be taken in by a cult. To say more would be to give away the storyline so I won't - but the tension built and the ending was brilliant.
I'd really like to read more from this author, thanks so much to Book Sirens for giving me the opportunity to review this copy for free. I leave this review completely voluntarily and it is my own opinion.
November 7, 2020
I received an advance review copy for free and am giving it an honest review.
From the first page I was hooked. I love the length as it allowed me to read it in a single sitting but also was perfectly paced so as to get in everything needed to make it a great story. Even though it is not outright horrifying, and doesn't try to be, it is psychologically disturbing. Personally, I enjoyed the main character, Ohm, but did wish his voice came through a little more distinctly. The times it did were some of the best parts of this novella. Many beginnings feel the same, even for traditionally published books, but I thoroughly enjoyed the vulgarity of how this one started. It felt uniquely intriguing. There really is something powerful in short literature. Vaughn not only recognized this but used it to his advantage.
Overall, this is perfect for someone looking for an unsettling science fiction story.
From the first page I was hooked. I love the length as it allowed me to read it in a single sitting but also was perfectly paced so as to get in everything needed to make it a great story. Even though it is not outright horrifying, and doesn't try to be, it is psychologically disturbing. Personally, I enjoyed the main character, Ohm, but did wish his voice came through a little more distinctly. The times it did were some of the best parts of this novella. Many beginnings feel the same, even for traditionally published books, but I thoroughly enjoyed the vulgarity of how this one started. It felt uniquely intriguing. There really is something powerful in short literature. Vaughn not only recognized this but used it to his advantage.
Overall, this is perfect for someone looking for an unsettling science fiction story.
November 20, 2020
The Ethereal Transit Society is a relatively short novella with a lot of content covered during this time. We get dropped straight into the story with little background story. We meet the three protagonists, who are all desperate to find their leaders grave in rural Arkansas.
The story itself is well developed and we learn a lot about the society itself. It’s not a complicated notion either, as the author does a good job explaining everything. Let’s face it, doomsday cults can be confusing, but Vaughn obviously knows what he’s talking about and he brings it in layman’s terms. There is a good amount of horror and gore, which is always a treat (I know I’m weird).
I just wish there was more to the novella. It felt like there were parts missing, and not only because it was so short. I felt myself craving more.
A big thanks to Bad Dream Entertainment for the review copy.
The story itself is well developed and we learn a lot about the society itself. It’s not a complicated notion either, as the author does a good job explaining everything. Let’s face it, doomsday cults can be confusing, but Vaughn obviously knows what he’s talking about and he brings it in layman’s terms. There is a good amount of horror and gore, which is always a treat (I know I’m weird).
I just wish there was more to the novella. It felt like there were parts missing, and not only because it was so short. I felt myself craving more.
A big thanks to Bad Dream Entertainment for the review copy.
November 28, 2020
The survivors of a doomsday alien cult is on their way to dig up their leader in the middle of no where Arkansas. The name of the cult is The Ethereal Transit Society “ET” for short. The group hear their “transit signal” and believe its their alien jesus calling amongst the grave. Events transgress quickly into cosmic horror when the group reach the resting grounds. Residents who live near the graveyard are of the less educated variety and are succumbing quickly to the madness from the signal. The cultists believe the end of the world is coming quickly Lovecraft style and they need to finish the ritual.
This was a quick read and not easily put down. Its violent and gory and everything you could ask for. I loved the graphic ending.
This was a quick read and not easily put down. Its violent and gory and everything you could ask for. I loved the graphic ending.
October 31, 2020
I received an ARC from Book Sirens in exchange for an honest review. More than a 3, not quite a 4. This was an entertaining novella of the apocalypse, the real one. The premise, as far as I could tell, was pretty original, and I am a sucker for any story lines that get you thinking of science, cosmic or earthbound and tie it with religion. The action was exciting, the characters interesting, but a couple a little undeveloped probably due to the length of the work. This was a nice diversion that made me want to race to the finish.
October 13, 2020
I chose to read this book because it looked like something different. And it was certainly unique. It seemed to be the most insane road trip story I had ever read. The journey was coloured with apocalyptic tones, because the protagonists hoped to escape an oncoming doom soon to engulf humanity.
It was all about the journey and the reading experience. I enjoyed it because I was in the mood for something different, although there was a bit of "tell" rather than show. I read a copy designed for early review by Book Sirens.
It was all about the journey and the reading experience. I enjoyed it because I was in the mood for something different, although there was a bit of "tell" rather than show. I read a copy designed for early review by Book Sirens.
October 26, 2020
A very trippy read. This novella had a vibe like Pulp Fiction with a hint of Jackie Brown. The story throws violence, quirky characters, philosophy and religion into a blender and hits purée. I can’t even begin to explain the plot let alone reveal any spoilers.
As much as I enjoyed the book, I wish it was longer. I never got to know the characters which would have made it a more satisfying read.
Thank you BookSirens!
As much as I enjoyed the book, I wish it was longer. I never got to know the characters which would have made it a more satisfying read.
Thank you BookSirens!
December 6, 2020
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Ethereal Transit Society by Vaughn is a bit science fiction and a bit horror. It's about a doomsday cult that's looking to find their late leader's body in Arkansas.
This is a fast-paced story that you kind of just get dropped into. It's well-written with a great plot and just the kind of quirkiness that I love in a book. The characters are likable and it's an inside look at the end of the world
The Ethereal Transit Society by Vaughn is a bit science fiction and a bit horror. It's about a doomsday cult that's looking to find their late leader's body in Arkansas.
This is a fast-paced story that you kind of just get dropped into. It's well-written with a great plot and just the kind of quirkiness that I love in a book. The characters are likable and it's an inside look at the end of the world
December 23, 2020
Outstanding doomsday cult tale. The protagonists are quickly engaging, with intelligent, witty and easily flowing dialogue. The first-person narration provides background, topical commentary and scenic description that strengthens the story, and moves it along at a good pace. Thomas Vaughn makes vivid use of topic knowledge, imagination and vocabulary, and packs a lot into this novella. This was a very interesting, entertaining and quick read; I highly recommend it.
August 29, 2021
A dead Doomsday cult leader calls to his flock from beyond the grave
This past year has seen some outstanding fiction dealing with the evergreen subject of cults, highlights range from the supernatural horror of Adam Nevill (The Reddening) and Todd Keisling (Devil’s Creek) to the thrillers of August Norman (Sins of the Mother). Also, lest not forget LC Barlow’s mind-blowing Pivot, which has just had its sequel Perish released, combined the pair are unmissable. And should you be hungry for even more cults, keep your eye out for James Brodgen’s amazing Bone Harvest, which is released before the end of the year, probably the only horror novel ever set around the village allotment scene.
With all this cool stuff already on the market could there possibly be space for yet more cult focused fiction? Hell, yes! Pulling in at a lean and slick 136-pages Thomas Vaughan’s trippy mindbender The Ethereal Transit Society wisely treads a slightly different path, throws the supernatural out the window and gives us a Doomsday cult which has more of a science fiction than demonic twang to it. Hell, if Mulder and Scully popped up, I would not have batted an eye! Admittedly, you might be scratching your head at the essence of what goes on, but it was still a well-constructed and beautifully crafted self-contained story which might make a cool episode of The Twilight Zone, other anthology show or short film.
Novella length fiction give writers the opportunity to be as wild and off-the-wall as possible and, in that regard, The Ethereal Transit Society ticks every box. It is strange, oddly hypnotic, and is all the better for it. The action opens in deepest/darkest Arkansas with a group of three Californians looking for what they refer to as “Mecca”, however, the Mecca they are searching for is the grave of the (relatively) recently deceased cult leader Quintessence (shortened to Quint) whom they all refer to as “the greatest man I’ve ever known”. Quint died in a mass suicide, which was partially botched by the narrator Simon who now has a metal plate on one half of his face where he shot himself. When asked by a checkout girl why he is wearing a mask, his matter of fact response is “Because last year I shot half my face off”.
Simon narrates the tale in the first person and since he is addicted to Oxycodone you might wonder whether he is the most reliable of storytellers, however, the reader quickly gets the vibe he is telling the truth, or at least believes it himself. As Simon was the most-high profile of the survivors he was hounded by both the police and media before dropping out of sight and hooking up with the other two travellers. However, we quickly find out that the Ethereal Transit Society (nicknamed ‘ETs’) was exceptionally well known, even if most people saw them as “just another bunch of dead, suicidal nuts” who preached about UFOs and the end of days, much of what is revealed in partial flashbacks.
Much of the story takes the form of a road trip with Simon, Astra and Xi driving to Boatwright Cemetery, the remote location where the cult leader wanted his corpse returned to, which is also the area where he grew up. The three cannot believe their ‘Saviour’ spent his childhood in this backwater hillbilly dump and it is presented as an unpleasant and semi-threatening dump disconnected from the rest of the world. The deadbeat narration really does no favours for the Arkansas tourist board! Along the way, Simon reveals the innerworkings of the cult through his self-reflection and flashbacks, from the point Quint took him on as a disciple, to the unexplained cosmic energy Quint seemingly wielded which was a key part of the story.
We quickly realise that the three are not following a traditional road map, instead they believe the dead body of Quint is radiating a ‘Transit Frequency’, a sound which is guiding them close to his grave. Why you may ask? This was a Doomsday cult, so you should not require too many guesses! This weird sound echoes throughout the local area and even unsettles the hillbilly non-believers, making them do irrational things such as drown newly born babies in buckets, with animals also going crazy. Although this was not a long read, you will be quickly pulled into the quest of the three to track down Quint’s final resting place and unlock the mysteries of the coming apocalypse before they become victims of it, throwing in a large dollop of undiagnosed cosmic horror. Some of it might not a lot of scene, but that does not matter, go with the flow, and follow the frequency!
Part of the charm of The Ethereal Transit Society is the fact that every character is completely messed up, but my favourite was Caleb Starnes whom helps the three with directions before tagging along, and also knew Quint as a kid, revealing he was originally called Cody and notes in discussion: “you know how it is with messiahs. It’s hard to work miracles in your hometown” which I thought was a particularly funny quote. I had a lot of fun with this quirky and off-the-wall novella and cults aside I am not what it might be compared to, perhaps the works of Kirk Jones, author of the equally weird Aetherchrist. If you are after ‘weird’, Thomas Vaughan, an author I had not previously read before, is worth closer investigation.
This past year has seen some outstanding fiction dealing with the evergreen subject of cults, highlights range from the supernatural horror of Adam Nevill (The Reddening) and Todd Keisling (Devil’s Creek) to the thrillers of August Norman (Sins of the Mother). Also, lest not forget LC Barlow’s mind-blowing Pivot, which has just had its sequel Perish released, combined the pair are unmissable. And should you be hungry for even more cults, keep your eye out for James Brodgen’s amazing Bone Harvest, which is released before the end of the year, probably the only horror novel ever set around the village allotment scene.
With all this cool stuff already on the market could there possibly be space for yet more cult focused fiction? Hell, yes! Pulling in at a lean and slick 136-pages Thomas Vaughan’s trippy mindbender The Ethereal Transit Society wisely treads a slightly different path, throws the supernatural out the window and gives us a Doomsday cult which has more of a science fiction than demonic twang to it. Hell, if Mulder and Scully popped up, I would not have batted an eye! Admittedly, you might be scratching your head at the essence of what goes on, but it was still a well-constructed and beautifully crafted self-contained story which might make a cool episode of The Twilight Zone, other anthology show or short film.
Novella length fiction give writers the opportunity to be as wild and off-the-wall as possible and, in that regard, The Ethereal Transit Society ticks every box. It is strange, oddly hypnotic, and is all the better for it. The action opens in deepest/darkest Arkansas with a group of three Californians looking for what they refer to as “Mecca”, however, the Mecca they are searching for is the grave of the (relatively) recently deceased cult leader Quintessence (shortened to Quint) whom they all refer to as “the greatest man I’ve ever known”. Quint died in a mass suicide, which was partially botched by the narrator Simon who now has a metal plate on one half of his face where he shot himself. When asked by a checkout girl why he is wearing a mask, his matter of fact response is “Because last year I shot half my face off”.
Simon narrates the tale in the first person and since he is addicted to Oxycodone you might wonder whether he is the most reliable of storytellers, however, the reader quickly gets the vibe he is telling the truth, or at least believes it himself. As Simon was the most-high profile of the survivors he was hounded by both the police and media before dropping out of sight and hooking up with the other two travellers. However, we quickly find out that the Ethereal Transit Society (nicknamed ‘ETs’) was exceptionally well known, even if most people saw them as “just another bunch of dead, suicidal nuts” who preached about UFOs and the end of days, much of what is revealed in partial flashbacks.
Much of the story takes the form of a road trip with Simon, Astra and Xi driving to Boatwright Cemetery, the remote location where the cult leader wanted his corpse returned to, which is also the area where he grew up. The three cannot believe their ‘Saviour’ spent his childhood in this backwater hillbilly dump and it is presented as an unpleasant and semi-threatening dump disconnected from the rest of the world. The deadbeat narration really does no favours for the Arkansas tourist board! Along the way, Simon reveals the innerworkings of the cult through his self-reflection and flashbacks, from the point Quint took him on as a disciple, to the unexplained cosmic energy Quint seemingly wielded which was a key part of the story.
We quickly realise that the three are not following a traditional road map, instead they believe the dead body of Quint is radiating a ‘Transit Frequency’, a sound which is guiding them close to his grave. Why you may ask? This was a Doomsday cult, so you should not require too many guesses! This weird sound echoes throughout the local area and even unsettles the hillbilly non-believers, making them do irrational things such as drown newly born babies in buckets, with animals also going crazy. Although this was not a long read, you will be quickly pulled into the quest of the three to track down Quint’s final resting place and unlock the mysteries of the coming apocalypse before they become victims of it, throwing in a large dollop of undiagnosed cosmic horror. Some of it might not a lot of scene, but that does not matter, go with the flow, and follow the frequency!
Part of the charm of The Ethereal Transit Society is the fact that every character is completely messed up, but my favourite was Caleb Starnes whom helps the three with directions before tagging along, and also knew Quint as a kid, revealing he was originally called Cody and notes in discussion: “you know how it is with messiahs. It’s hard to work miracles in your hometown” which I thought was a particularly funny quote. I had a lot of fun with this quirky and off-the-wall novella and cults aside I am not what it might be compared to, perhaps the works of Kirk Jones, author of the equally weird Aetherchrist. If you are after ‘weird’, Thomas Vaughan, an author I had not previously read before, is worth closer investigation.
September 28, 2022
This story follows the last three members of a doomsday cult on their road trip to find the body of their former leader. Their adventure leads them deep into the heart of rural Arkansas, following what they call the Transit Frequency in order to be in the right place for the end of the world. The Frequency has left its mark on the town and the remaining members are greeted by strangeness when they arrive. I hesitate to say more as this is such a quick read, but if cults and/or cosmic horror is your jam, you do not want to miss this little book.
May 25, 2021
I received a paperback copy of The Ethereal Transit Society, authored by Thomas Vaughn, published by Bad Dream Entertainment, for review consideration. Cover art by Victoria Lester, edits by Melissa Peitsch. What follows below is my honest review, freely given.
I rated this novella 5 stars. A debut novella (!!) that I read in a single sitting, by choice, because after starting, it felt like that would be the best way to experience the story. I had to lock myself away from the kids to finish the very last bit (with my husbands blessing) with minimal interruption, but I did it!
Cult stories will always grab my attention, they are a firm horror staple, sub-genre, what have you, and they are a real life horror and tragedy; no hot debates on if they exist, just on if what they follow does. The entire first page, I wish I could just post it here, but trust me, it smacks you, quick! A slap. You sit a little straighter in your seat, or move around and get a little more situated on the bed or couch; this started a bit odd. You will turn the page, as I did. The author trusts the reader to keep up and the story doesn’t so much unfold as it unsnaps, bursts free, simply arrives. Have you ever watched a scene where there has been a countdown, and they actually kept to the time constraint? Five minutes and no more? Felt more authentic didn’t it? This entire read I had this sensation that I was part of this... adventure? Event? It was happening in real time and I was alongside the characters while it was going down.
“Not all doomsday cults are wrong about the end of the world…”, the back says, and it really only takes one being right if you think about it. I have not read something that made me feel so heavy and light simultaneously. I have never known less where a story was headed and been more happy to follow along. This is a gorgeously, hauntingly written piece of the loss of the entire world, I’m not doing it justice with my words, I’m just not; one of my top reads hands down. I sincerely hope that Thomas Vaughn writes more, so that I can absorb it.
I rated this novella 5 stars. A debut novella (!!) that I read in a single sitting, by choice, because after starting, it felt like that would be the best way to experience the story. I had to lock myself away from the kids to finish the very last bit (with my husbands blessing) with minimal interruption, but I did it!
Cult stories will always grab my attention, they are a firm horror staple, sub-genre, what have you, and they are a real life horror and tragedy; no hot debates on if they exist, just on if what they follow does. The entire first page, I wish I could just post it here, but trust me, it smacks you, quick! A slap. You sit a little straighter in your seat, or move around and get a little more situated on the bed or couch; this started a bit odd. You will turn the page, as I did. The author trusts the reader to keep up and the story doesn’t so much unfold as it unsnaps, bursts free, simply arrives. Have you ever watched a scene where there has been a countdown, and they actually kept to the time constraint? Five minutes and no more? Felt more authentic didn’t it? This entire read I had this sensation that I was part of this... adventure? Event? It was happening in real time and I was alongside the characters while it was going down.
“Not all doomsday cults are wrong about the end of the world…”, the back says, and it really only takes one being right if you think about it. I have not read something that made me feel so heavy and light simultaneously. I have never known less where a story was headed and been more happy to follow along. This is a gorgeously, hauntingly written piece of the loss of the entire world, I’m not doing it justice with my words, I’m just not; one of my top reads hands down. I sincerely hope that Thomas Vaughn writes more, so that I can absorb it.
October 17, 2022
CW: suicide, doomsday cults, grief and loss, violence, drug use, an uncaring universe, a brief recounting of child abuse/neglect/bullying, and probably other things I'm forgetting!
I really enjoyed this short piece of apocalyptic cosmic horror. I'm fascinated by cults, especially when they're not used as a means for their leaders to sexually abuse vulnerable people. Here I appreciated that the narrator explicitly states, "Nobody gave a shit about sex because we were on the cusp of a new age in human history."
There is a bit of a road trip element to this story, but most of it takes place in an unsettling area in rural Arkansas where the locals are already freaked out by recent occurrences and are not too keen on doomsday cult followers showing up to dig up the body of their leader who grew up in the area. It's a really short book, but it sucked me in and messed me up. Would recommend!
I really enjoyed this short piece of apocalyptic cosmic horror. I'm fascinated by cults, especially when they're not used as a means for their leaders to sexually abuse vulnerable people. Here I appreciated that the narrator explicitly states, "Nobody gave a shit about sex because we were on the cusp of a new age in human history."
There is a bit of a road trip element to this story, but most of it takes place in an unsettling area in rural Arkansas where the locals are already freaked out by recent occurrences and are not too keen on doomsday cult followers showing up to dig up the body of their leader who grew up in the area. It's a really short book, but it sucked me in and messed me up. Would recommend!
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