WARNING: THIS SHORT STORY’S MISSIVE CONTAINS TOP-SECRET INTEL
Your Mission: Follow the Ultimate Agent and Specialist as they investigate a disturbance in Point Pleasant, West Virginia.
The Target – The Mothman First Claimed Sighting: November 12, 1966. Valid or Myth Status: Unconfirmed
Mission Data – Confidential Those who have claimed to have witnessed the Mothman portray it as an inexplicable yet deadly being. Some even call it a harbinger of doom. Can our heroes keep their cool and verify its existence—all before the shadowy “men in black” appear?
Hey hey! Derek Borne here, and I'm a Canadian author of Sci-Fi novels. When I'm not writing, I spend time with my lovely wife and moody bearded dragon Ziggy (She's always looking at me like I'm an idiot). Other times, I'm eating pizza, belting out Broadway showtunes, playing guitar, eating pizza, watching anything to do with Marvel superheroes, and making movie references daily. Oh, and eating pizza.
This book is like an episode of the UA series. It focuses on one case. This time it is the mothman. We learn how the mothman came to be, what powers he has and read along as the boys attempt to get it under control. I like these little short stories that are delving into some of the more unusual legends of the paranormal world. The backstory is well thought out, despite it not being a full length book. I'm not huge on shorter stories because usually I feel as though things are missing, but here that is not the case. As I said the backstory is both interesting and well explained and that gives me the feeling of a longer novel. The plot line is clear and well done. Of course, there's always a bit of a twist with this author and this one is no exception. Still it remains easy to understand what is happening and you don't feel frustrated by it. The characters remain the same as in the series, with a few new additions. Obviously the mothman is new along with some bad guys and side characters. The ones we have read before remain consistent with their previous behaviors and personalities. The mothman himself is cool. I'm a sucker for anything unusual and this is the first time I've read a book with the mothman in it. I appreciate the creativity and decision to not stick with the same old vamp/shifter/fae theme. Although I do still love those, it does take some courage and ingenuity to step outside the box. Overall I would recommend this novella. While you don't have to read the series to enjoy the novel, the background story of the two main heroes is mostly left out here, which is the norm for novellas of existing series. Either way it is a fun book.
Another quick read by Derek Borne. The Mothman Files has some interesting conjecture about the origins of Mothman. All-in-all, the book is worth the read. The reader gets a little closer look at The Specialist, always a plus. There were parts of this novella I didn't enjoy, though. The most glaring of them: Some naming schemes felt underdeveloped. At points in the story, the characters didn't seem true to self, or at least, true to how a reader would remember them from the main Ultimate Agency Series. There were other places where the superpowers felt overpowered, which is mostly forgivable in a world of superheroes, but it felt to be for the sake of convenience to the plot instead of development of the characters. Additionally, a lot of this power expansion had to be assumed on the part of the reader. Aside from that, missing commas and improper possessive form made for pages and paragraphs that had to be read and re-read to be understood.
Overall, The Mothman Files were fine. It furthered the development of a new villainy, Helios, and also continued to expand on the characters we know and love from The Ultimate Agency series. Props to Borne for using a myth often overlooked and developing an origin story for Mothman believable and approachable by a younger audience. Spotlighting an under-used setting like Point Pleasant, WV is a bold move, and he did it well. Always clean, always humorous, and well done mostly. As a standalone, it's pretty good. As compared to his other works like The Bigfoot Files or The Ultimate Agency series itself, it's just okay. No regrets about reading it, though. It's definitely worth the hour it took to finish it, and I'm still excited to see what else Derek Borne has in store. It gets a solid three stars.
I just can’t get enough of these short stories. The topics have been on legends which I find very intriguing. I don’t know much about the legendary Mothman but after I finished reading this, I went down a interesting google rabbit hole. I will have the courage to say is I believe. Anyway back to the story besides being perfectly paced the boys had me giggling so hard I cried. There was two points which were hilarious and it involved a high pitch scream and lasagna. The author really knows how to capture my attention and hold it. It is a perfect read if you want something with legends, hilarious banter, superpowers and a great escape. I can’t read more to find out what these boys are up to next. I’m sure hoping we get to meet Nessie.
“So, we’re about to try and actually seek out a humanoid doom bug...on purpose?”
*****5 action packed stars*****
The Specialist and Ultimate Agent are once again on the case! This mission has them searching for a creature known as the Mothman, but don’t “look directly at its face. According to lore, you get radiation burns on your skin.” This face paced, action packed short story will quickly explain how “Mr. Freaky Bug-eyes” came to be and how the infamous Helios is involved. You’ll also learn what Gallaxitium is and why everyone wants it. This is an entertaining and humorous read. All in all, The Mothman Files is another five stars addition to the Ultimate Agent series!
Of the UA mini series books I've read so far, The Mothman Files is my favorite! I really enjoyed the pace of this book. It was a quick read, but information regarding this 'case' was released slowly enough that it reads like a longer novel. The character development, as far as Mothman is concerned, was really interesting, and I found myself hoping for everything to be okay. I'm loving these mini series books so far, and the fun and creative spin Derek is putting on these creatures. Can't wait to see what comes out next!
When two siblings go to investigate the TNT building and end up with radiation burns. Devon and Brett are dispatched to Point Pleasant, West Virginia to capture the culprit, the Mothman. During their encounter with the creature, the duo uncovers that the nefarious Helios organization is actually controlling and experimenting on the beast. Derek is able to create a nice backstory for the Mothman, tying in historical events nicely. This makes for a wonderful addition to the U.S. Classified series. I highly recommend this one!
I am loving these little novella's so much, that I can't even right now!
This one was just, I kind of want to call it sweet, but for some reason darling popped into my head. (I think that was because of the ending, nice twist there,) but damn, for such a short read it had depth, action, feels, and I like totally got some mad sympathy for the Mothman. To provoke a strong reaction like that, wow, just freaking wow.
This book gets my super high recommendation and my golden stamp of approval! I can't wait to read the next book in this series!
This one is a short mini mission. Before starting reading this one I quickly googled Mothman and read a little bit about the lore of him then jumped into reading this story. Ultimate Agent and Specialist are off to investigate a possible Mothman incident. I loved the interaction between Ultimate Agent and Specialist, the more I read of them the more I like them. There was a part the had me laughing and there's a twist on the Mothman legend. I really enjoyed this one and can't wait for the next mini mission.
I love these short stories from Derek! This one takes to the Mothman myth/legend. It makes you really think about all the sightings and stories. Are they true, or is there something else behind it? This one is outside our realm, but I still love the fact that the guys try to find the right way to handle everything that gets thrown at them. They give all creatures respect until they can't anymore. Seriously, if you haven't grabbed this by now, what are you waiting for?
I’m from Point Pleasant, WV where the Mothman reigns supreme. We have a Mothman Festival every year. I love this take on the legendary monster. Borne incorporated local lore and still made the story completely his own. Devon and Brett were hilarious and heartwarming as always and the twist at the end just blew my mind. I recommend it for everyone.
Being aware of the Mothman legend, but not knowing what to expect, I bought this story for the title alone. It was not what I expected but instead not disappointing. A high fantasy tale that reads like a superhero comic it is creative and action packed. A quick and entertaining read that I recommend to those with an open mind and a love of the unusual.
After reading this book, I wanted to write and post this review to share my honest experiences toward the story.
This is another quick read from the author of the Ultimate Agent, and our favourite superheroes are at it again, after reports of the mythical mothman being sighted. I personally am not familiar with the Mothman legend, but the author has really spun an intricate and detailed tale and not only makes for an exciting story, but also explains the legend itself for those unaware. I am really enjoying this mini-series, and love the banter between Devon and Brett. I think it’s amazing how a sci-fi superhero story immerses with the fantasy world, with just the right amount of suspense, action and intrigue.
Omg such a great book. In a way I wish this was a longer book. The characters are so great. I love the friendship that they have. I also love the action and all the humor in this book. I totally loved it. Great job
Borne's second mini-mission in the UA world keeps you on the edge of your seat. And I yes, I have to admit there's a twist at the end that he got me with. He kept me focused on other parts of the story and slid it right past me. Reminded me that you've got to watch this author closely.
I really enjoyed The Mothman Files. This was an intriguing, suspenseful, and action-filled story on the myth about the Mothman. This was another book that my son and I read together and he enjoyed it as much as I did.
My favorite quote from the book was,” It’s more like a …harbinger of doom.”
Investigating the creepy Mothman is always cooler when you’re a super spy. As always I loved the super spy fights and all the gadgets. I also love getting peeks into the Ultimate Agency. I like Derek’s take on this rather...misunderstood monster. He always writes his stories well.
The Ultimate Agent and the Specialist head out to West Virginia for this adventure. One of the best things about this series is the conversations that Devon and Brett have. So how exactly does one go about capturing a Mothman? Read on to find out! There are also bits that continue to tie directly in from book 1.
I find happiness in seeing kindness be most powerful tool used. Sadly there are those without ethical boundaries. The creative use of defense by UA such fun.