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Triangle
Travel back in time. In a world without cell phones, there's no way to call for help when THEY come.
Set in 1990s suburbia, Triangle takes the shape of a classic horror story where fun-loving teens get dropped into a fight for their lives against outer space monsters that possess their friends and neighbors.
Lucky the loner; Jack his lifeline; Latasha the convenience store clerk; and Keith the secret Ufologist. These unlikely young people may be humanity's only hope of stopping the invasion happening inside their own Northside High School.
Can a ragtag group of oddballs find a way to save their neighborhood, or will they fall to the Triangle?
Find out in- Triangle.
Set in 1990s suburbia, Triangle takes the shape of a classic horror story where fun-loving teens get dropped into a fight for their lives against outer space monsters that possess their friends and neighbors.
Lucky the loner; Jack his lifeline; Latasha the convenience store clerk; and Keith the secret Ufologist. These unlikely young people may be humanity's only hope of stopping the invasion happening inside their own Northside High School.
Can a ragtag group of oddballs find a way to save their neighborhood, or will they fall to the Triangle?
Find out in- Triangle.
- GenresScience FictionHorror
301 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 27, 2022
7 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 18, 2024
First of all, thank you, David, for sending me a copy to review 🙏
Haven't read something like this for a while, and I really enjoyed it. A bit of horror and science fiction. Sometimes, there are a bit of Stranger Things vibes. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this, but as characters wise, I enjoyed Keith the most.
How the aliens looked wasn't what I expected, but I was really happy that it wasn't your typical grey aliens and reminded me of Doctor Who.
The chapters aren't too long, so it was very pleasant to read. The writing is easy to follow and could be read young and old, but not too young cause there are some trigger warnings like : rape, murder, blood, gore, and drug abuse.
I would recommend this book to any horror/science fiction reader, and if you're in the mood for a not too long book.
Again, thank you so much, David, for giving me a great time reading this book.
Haven't read something like this for a while, and I really enjoyed it. A bit of horror and science fiction. Sometimes, there are a bit of Stranger Things vibes. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this, but as characters wise, I enjoyed Keith the most.
How the aliens looked wasn't what I expected, but I was really happy that it wasn't your typical grey aliens and reminded me of Doctor Who.
The chapters aren't too long, so it was very pleasant to read. The writing is easy to follow and could be read young and old, but not too young cause there are some trigger warnings like : rape, murder, blood, gore, and drug abuse.
I would recommend this book to any horror/science fiction reader, and if you're in the mood for a not too long book.
Again, thank you so much, David, for giving me a great time reading this book.
December 1, 2023
I never get tired of sci-fi horror/thrillers! This one had a little bit of a Stranger Things feel to it amidst a strange alien invasion. So definitely a little X-Files vibe in the mix as well!! 👽🛸
I do wish a few of the characters were developed a little more, and I was so bummed about what happens to one of my favorite characters! 🥺
I do feel like the ending left me with lots of questions. Especially regarding one character’s ties to the Triangle…🤔
All in all, it was a good sci-fi horror/thriller read!
Thank you to @david_nance_writes for this book in exchange for my honest review! ❤️
TW: rape, abuse, drugs
I do wish a few of the characters were developed a little more, and I was so bummed about what happens to one of my favorite characters! 🥺
I do feel like the ending left me with lots of questions. Especially regarding one character’s ties to the Triangle…🤔
All in all, it was a good sci-fi horror/thriller read!
Thank you to @david_nance_writes for this book in exchange for my honest review! ❤️
TW: rape, abuse, drugs
January 6, 2024
If you’re a fan of classic horror films and speculative fiction, Triangle is a book for you. Though it’s set in the ‘90s, it gave me vibes of some of my favorite ‘80s horror movies. It’s gory, suspenseful, comical at times, and accurately captures aspects of high school life.
The characters are what made me really fall in love with the story. Nance has developed characters that are impressively real, relatable, and authentic in their dialogue. They’ll make you laugh, probably bring you back to moments from your own school days, and break your heart.
I have to say, I’m disappointed by some reviews claiming that this book contains “toxic masculinity” and sexism simply for including male points of view in which the male characters express attraction to female characters. I wasn’t offended by the way it was handled. And it begs the question—if the way the male characters in this book think about and talk to the female characters makes them toxic, what does that make the male characters in “smut” books? Other behaviors I suppose some readers may view as toxic, such as smoking, doing drugs, and liking fast cars, were clearly not written about for glorification, but as observations of what was common for teen boys in the ‘90s, and, like it or not, are still common today for both teen boys and girls.
Claims like these are part of a larger trend I’ve noticed within the literary community, where it’s becoming increasingly difficult for authors to write honestly about their experiences or their perspectives on our culture without facing harsh criticism. Books are meant to help us escape from the world we live in, but they’re also meant to help us better understand the realities of it so that we can grow. Triangle does both of these things.
It seems this book was set up for a sequel. I’m eagerly awaiting its release.
The characters are what made me really fall in love with the story. Nance has developed characters that are impressively real, relatable, and authentic in their dialogue. They’ll make you laugh, probably bring you back to moments from your own school days, and break your heart.
I have to say, I’m disappointed by some reviews claiming that this book contains “toxic masculinity” and sexism simply for including male points of view in which the male characters express attraction to female characters. I wasn’t offended by the way it was handled. And it begs the question—if the way the male characters in this book think about and talk to the female characters makes them toxic, what does that make the male characters in “smut” books? Other behaviors I suppose some readers may view as toxic, such as smoking, doing drugs, and liking fast cars, were clearly not written about for glorification, but as observations of what was common for teen boys in the ‘90s, and, like it or not, are still common today for both teen boys and girls.
Claims like these are part of a larger trend I’ve noticed within the literary community, where it’s becoming increasingly difficult for authors to write honestly about their experiences or their perspectives on our culture without facing harsh criticism. Books are meant to help us escape from the world we live in, but they’re also meant to help us better understand the realities of it so that we can grow. Triangle does both of these things.
It seems this book was set up for a sequel. I’m eagerly awaiting its release.
December 13, 2023
The two toking besties get in on an alien invasion plot, are they high or is this real? The body snatchers have taken over the local student bodies, and either it's the drugs talking or there really are tentacle monsters puppetting their classmates. At least the cute goth chick believes them. Genre wise, this book is a mix of 90s contemporary, with science fiction body horror and a bit of paranormal thrown in for extra spice.
Things I liked: The cast. None of the main players were unlikable, and there isn't a flurry of non-essential side characters to keep track of. Everyone had their vices, but were rather genuine human beings; The manner in which the aliens alter the environment around them and how people perceive it. The aliens begin their invasion right when the guys start having nightmares and taking really trippy stuff, so for the first bit the reader isn't 100% sure they're high or the environment really is cold with an unnerving pall; Gather the team plot and how they handle the impending doom, it was really smooth.
Things that didn't thrill me: The book is a bit of a slow pace, but again, very smooth, not jarring, just kind takes a bit more time than necessary until the last two chapters; The paranormal plot, unless there's a book two or something, it's just kind of there and technically a B plot with no impactful connection to the overall aspects of the narrative. Basically, if you swapped paranormal plot out for the "new kid in town" trope (and possibly the family is just weird enough to justify having a kid with some ninja skills) it would make no negative impact to the story, increase the pace, and get rid of the oddly long backstory that while sad can again be swapped with "new kid in town" and whatever "we're a military family" or "Dad is a spy" which also comes with the fact no one likes/trusts the said new kid and thus they become isolated and relatable. I like the character, just not the manner in which they must exist in the story of which there's no pay off for.
I have to give a lot of credit to Author Nance for how they ended this story. I didn't realize how invested I was in this cast until the last act. There is utter fearlessness and daring in their writing, and they make such believable characters that that same capacity to test readers' limits is an absolute win.
Things I liked: The cast. None of the main players were unlikable, and there isn't a flurry of non-essential side characters to keep track of. Everyone had their vices, but were rather genuine human beings; The manner in which the aliens alter the environment around them and how people perceive it. The aliens begin their invasion right when the guys start having nightmares and taking really trippy stuff, so for the first bit the reader isn't 100% sure they're high or the environment really is cold with an unnerving pall; Gather the team plot and how they handle the impending doom, it was really smooth.
Things that didn't thrill me: The book is a bit of a slow pace, but again, very smooth, not jarring, just kind takes a bit more time than necessary until the last two chapters; The paranormal plot, unless there's a book two or something, it's just kind of there and technically a B plot with no impactful connection to the overall aspects of the narrative. Basically, if you swapped paranormal plot out for the "new kid in town" trope (and possibly the family is just weird enough to justify having a kid with some ninja skills) it would make no negative impact to the story, increase the pace, and get rid of the oddly long backstory that while sad can again be swapped with "new kid in town" and whatever "we're a military family" or "Dad is a spy" which also comes with the fact no one likes/trusts the said new kid and thus they become isolated and relatable. I like the character, just not the manner in which they must exist in the story of which there's no pay off for.
I have to give a lot of credit to Author Nance for how they ended this story. I didn't realize how invested I was in this cast until the last act. There is utter fearlessness and daring in their writing, and they make such believable characters that that same capacity to test readers' limits is an absolute win.
January 21, 2024
I recently finished "Triangle" by David Nance, graciously sent to me by the author himself - thank you, David! This book is a fascinating blend of sci-fi horror and thriller that transports its readers back to the 1990s. It's imbued with a distinct Stranger Things vibe, making it a nostalgic yet fresh experience.
The story revolves around an alien invasion in a suburban neighborhood, told through the lives of diverse characters like Lucky, Jack, Latasha, and Keith. Nance brilliantly captures the essence of each character, adding depth to this otherworldly ordeal. The alien theme is well-executed, keeping you guessing about the next move in this intergalactic chess game.
What I particularly enjoyed was the book's ability to intertwine everyday suburban life with the extraordinary. It's a story where convenience store clerks and secret Ufologists become unlikely heroes against a backdrop of cosmic terror. This unique blend of the ordinary and the extraordinary adds a layer of relatability to the narrative.
However, I felt the horror elements could benefit from a more fast-paced approach. While the suspense is well-maintained, a quicker pace in certain sections could have heightened the sense of urgency and fear associated with the alien threat.
I recommend "Triangle" to fans of sci-fi horror/thrillers and anyone who enjoys a good Stranger Things-style adventure. It’s a solid read that effectively captures the imagination and takes you on an unexpected journey through a world where the threat is as mysterious as it is terrifying.
The story revolves around an alien invasion in a suburban neighborhood, told through the lives of diverse characters like Lucky, Jack, Latasha, and Keith. Nance brilliantly captures the essence of each character, adding depth to this otherworldly ordeal. The alien theme is well-executed, keeping you guessing about the next move in this intergalactic chess game.
What I particularly enjoyed was the book's ability to intertwine everyday suburban life with the extraordinary. It's a story where convenience store clerks and secret Ufologists become unlikely heroes against a backdrop of cosmic terror. This unique blend of the ordinary and the extraordinary adds a layer of relatability to the narrative.
However, I felt the horror elements could benefit from a more fast-paced approach. While the suspense is well-maintained, a quicker pace in certain sections could have heightened the sense of urgency and fear associated with the alien threat.
I recommend "Triangle" to fans of sci-fi horror/thrillers and anyone who enjoys a good Stranger Things-style adventure. It’s a solid read that effectively captures the imagination and takes you on an unexpected journey through a world where the threat is as mysterious as it is terrifying.
July 11, 2023
Fantastic Characters And Great Storytelling
The cover photo of the book is really simple but interesting. The story starts a bit slow but as soon as you start understanding the characters you are going to love it. This is one of the best Sci-fi books I have read till now and people of all ages can enjoy the story because the plot has been written in such a way that you are going to feel more intrigued into reading it and finishing it.
The writing skills of the author are really good. I really enjoyed the storytelling and the world building. The character developments were the best part. As soon as I started understanding each character's POV I started enjoying them. This book will take you back to the 90s because it has been written in such a way it will bring back nostalgia.
I will definitely recommend this book to all the Sci-fi lovers. Grab your copy today guys. It is available on Kindle Unlimited too.
The cover photo of the book is really simple but interesting. The story starts a bit slow but as soon as you start understanding the characters you are going to love it. This is one of the best Sci-fi books I have read till now and people of all ages can enjoy the story because the plot has been written in such a way that you are going to feel more intrigued into reading it and finishing it.
The writing skills of the author are really good. I really enjoyed the storytelling and the world building. The character developments were the best part. As soon as I started understanding each character's POV I started enjoying them. This book will take you back to the 90s because it has been written in such a way it will bring back nostalgia.
I will definitely recommend this book to all the Sci-fi lovers. Grab your copy today guys. It is available on Kindle Unlimited too.
October 25, 2023
SUBSTANCE AND STYLE
Written with an unforgiving realism and grit that really puts you into the kids world without feeling forced or hacky. The setting feels very lived in from the get go and is described in flourishingly detail and enough humor to make you feel like you’ve been there. And thank god the writer uses nostalgia as a garnish and not the main course! Nothing is telegraphed to the reader which is great because too many times reading a book you can see the next chapter from a mile away. Great characters each having their own idiosyncrasies and personalities, great rhythm and pacing. A pleasant read while still being raw with no sugar added. If you like digestible thrillers this one is a must read because it takes some risks that you rarely see these days and they really pay off.
Written with an unforgiving realism and grit that really puts you into the kids world without feeling forced or hacky. The setting feels very lived in from the get go and is described in flourishingly detail and enough humor to make you feel like you’ve been there. And thank god the writer uses nostalgia as a garnish and not the main course! Nothing is telegraphed to the reader which is great because too many times reading a book you can see the next chapter from a mile away. Great characters each having their own idiosyncrasies and personalities, great rhythm and pacing. A pleasant read while still being raw with no sugar added. If you like digestible thrillers this one is a must read because it takes some risks that you rarely see these days and they really pay off.
October 24, 2023
Thank you to David Nance for sending me a copy of your work in exchange for an honest review.
Plot: Two misfit high school boys skip school, get high, wander around town until they find a strange girl at an oak tree. This girl happens to be the same one from one of the boy's dreams, which prompted their psychedelic exploration in the first place. Meanwhile, their school is under attack by squid-like aliens who are infiltrating their peers, and using their bodies as hosts while they invade. Lucky and Jack seemed to have skipped school on the best day possible, but this leaves them with the heavy responsibility of saving their town.
Pros: This book is set in the 90's, giving it a nostalgic undertone, which is something I appreciated. I think the author captures the essence of what it was like to be a kid in a lame town, with nothing better to do than hangout at a tiny convenience store. I was a kid in the 90s. I was from a small town, and our local druggy hot spot was the parking lot outside the local pool. Kids congregated at our small market, and ditched school to get breakfast burritos. I wasn't in the drug scene like Lucky and Jack, because I was too busy writing, and watching Star Trek, much like Persephone… (Seriously, I found Trek when I was about their age.)
Keith also gave me "Spooky" Fox Mulder vibes (Yes, I was also into The X-Files), with all his tech and stakeouts. I found myself wanting more Kieth throughout this book, and always looked forward to his chapters. Maybe him being a bit older made him more interesting to me. A lot of times in the media, adults don't believe the kids, but Kieth does, and I liked that. Him crushing on Latasha was a bit weird to me, but I think it's because age differences when young are much larger gaps to fill. When you're older 3-4 years apart is nothing, but as a teen that's worlds apart.
I think it's also fun that the author hands over the responsibility to the fuck ups. The story is made more interesting than if it came from Ross-something and Rodger-something. They are star athletes and popular, making them the obvious choice, but the stoners…? Definitely less obvious. When I was a teacher, I was always trying to bring kids like Lucky and Jack into the conversation. Their voices mattered too.
Cons: The suspension of disbelief is large, but the reader isn't rewarded much for this. I get that the Triangle is made from alien tech, but what is the purpose? It blocks out life, sound, light – why? I wish this was explained or explored more. I sort of expected Kieth or Libby to know more since they monitored stuff for years. Maybe that's still to come, but I felt disappointed not being "let in on" this.
Also Persephone. She's there in her ghostly gothic ways, but how? Lucky sees her like a premonition, kicking this entire adventure off, but this isn't explained. Did she pick him? Why him? How is she tied to the Triangle? She drifts in and out of the narrative, showing up when it's convenient or when Lucky lacks information. I was frustrated by this. It's too easy and convenient to use her to explain away gaps. I want to know why she's hanging around when she's not from this time. Also the whole chapter about her father felt like it came out of left field. The tone had been fun romp and scifi, then suddenly: Rape. Abuse. Death. It was jarring.
I wasn't a fan of the undertones of sexism or toxic masculinity. I know it's the 90s in this universe, but ugh. The smokes, the cars, the drugs. All of it was pumping with testosterone. I wish the girls were a bit more developed as characters instead of objects of the male gaze. I liked Latasha a lot, but of course the strong female and minority gets killed. I wish the author subverted these dated tropes to connect with current readers. It feels much like a "boy" book, which I feel limits its potential.
Also the ending was a bit vague. So much build up that it actually started to drag, but so little in results. It's like the VCR tape gets caught, and the movie ends before the last scene. Like the fuck is Libby doing there? Why did Kieth leave the school and how the hell could he get to the pool that fast, unharmed and on foot? What the fuck is in the bottom of the pool? What did Kieth do to it? Did that impact the gate? Why is there a gate? Is it a Star Gate like in SG1? Is Libby more Scully or more Sam Carter? Did anyone survive?
I just wanted more answers than the ending left, which is frustrating instead of "cliff hanger-y" to me. Because of these observations, it dropped my rating to 3 stars. In my mind a 3 star rating is still a good book, but not a great one. I think with more explanation around the aliens and ghost's origins and motives, along with deeper developed side characters would easily bump this up to a 4 or 5 in my eyes.
Plot: Two misfit high school boys skip school, get high, wander around town until they find a strange girl at an oak tree. This girl happens to be the same one from one of the boy's dreams, which prompted their psychedelic exploration in the first place. Meanwhile, their school is under attack by squid-like aliens who are infiltrating their peers, and using their bodies as hosts while they invade. Lucky and Jack seemed to have skipped school on the best day possible, but this leaves them with the heavy responsibility of saving their town.
Pros: This book is set in the 90's, giving it a nostalgic undertone, which is something I appreciated. I think the author captures the essence of what it was like to be a kid in a lame town, with nothing better to do than hangout at a tiny convenience store. I was a kid in the 90s. I was from a small town, and our local druggy hot spot was the parking lot outside the local pool. Kids congregated at our small market, and ditched school to get breakfast burritos. I wasn't in the drug scene like Lucky and Jack, because I was too busy writing, and watching Star Trek, much like Persephone… (Seriously, I found Trek when I was about their age.)
Keith also gave me "Spooky" Fox Mulder vibes (Yes, I was also into The X-Files), with all his tech and stakeouts. I found myself wanting more Kieth throughout this book, and always looked forward to his chapters. Maybe him being a bit older made him more interesting to me. A lot of times in the media, adults don't believe the kids, but Kieth does, and I liked that. Him crushing on Latasha was a bit weird to me, but I think it's because age differences when young are much larger gaps to fill. When you're older 3-4 years apart is nothing, but as a teen that's worlds apart.
I think it's also fun that the author hands over the responsibility to the fuck ups. The story is made more interesting than if it came from Ross-something and Rodger-something. They are star athletes and popular, making them the obvious choice, but the stoners…? Definitely less obvious. When I was a teacher, I was always trying to bring kids like Lucky and Jack into the conversation. Their voices mattered too.
Cons: The suspension of disbelief is large, but the reader isn't rewarded much for this. I get that the Triangle is made from alien tech, but what is the purpose? It blocks out life, sound, light – why? I wish this was explained or explored more. I sort of expected Kieth or Libby to know more since they monitored stuff for years. Maybe that's still to come, but I felt disappointed not being "let in on" this.
Also Persephone. She's there in her ghostly gothic ways, but how? Lucky sees her like a premonition, kicking this entire adventure off, but this isn't explained. Did she pick him? Why him? How is she tied to the Triangle? She drifts in and out of the narrative, showing up when it's convenient or when Lucky lacks information. I was frustrated by this. It's too easy and convenient to use her to explain away gaps. I want to know why she's hanging around when she's not from this time. Also the whole chapter about her father felt like it came out of left field. The tone had been fun romp and scifi, then suddenly: Rape. Abuse. Death. It was jarring.
I wasn't a fan of the undertones of sexism or toxic masculinity. I know it's the 90s in this universe, but ugh. The smokes, the cars, the drugs. All of it was pumping with testosterone. I wish the girls were a bit more developed as characters instead of objects of the male gaze. I liked Latasha a lot, but of course the strong female and minority gets killed. I wish the author subverted these dated tropes to connect with current readers. It feels much like a "boy" book, which I feel limits its potential.
Also the ending was a bit vague. So much build up that it actually started to drag, but so little in results. It's like the VCR tape gets caught, and the movie ends before the last scene. Like the fuck is Libby doing there? Why did Kieth leave the school and how the hell could he get to the pool that fast, unharmed and on foot? What the fuck is in the bottom of the pool? What did Kieth do to it? Did that impact the gate? Why is there a gate? Is it a Star Gate like in SG1? Is Libby more Scully or more Sam Carter? Did anyone survive?
I just wanted more answers than the ending left, which is frustrating instead of "cliff hanger-y" to me. Because of these observations, it dropped my rating to 3 stars. In my mind a 3 star rating is still a good book, but not a great one. I think with more explanation around the aliens and ghost's origins and motives, along with deeper developed side characters would easily bump this up to a 4 or 5 in my eyes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2024
As I started, I wasn't sure how well I would related to the main characters - dope smoking, misfit, slacker teens - essentially, the opposite of me, but David Nance's story and engaging writing won me over. After a few chapters I was rooting for the characters in their struggle against an existential threat to their friends, families, neighborhood, and perhaps, all of humanity.
The plot moved along well and interspersed humor with suspense, grit, science fiction, and horror on a visceral level. The story ended with loads of potential for continued adventures, which I would look forward to reading.
The plot moved along well and interspersed humor with suspense, grit, science fiction, and horror on a visceral level. The story ended with loads of potential for continued adventures, which I would look forward to reading.
June 4, 2023
The story starts off a little slow as you get to know the characters but once you keep reading it becomes really interesting and and I couldn’t put it down
December 23, 2023
This book surprised the heck out of me. I’m not usually a sci-fi girl, but this one had me laughing, jaw dropping, gasping, shocked, and completely invested.
There were a few times where I just had to stop my read and message the author about it immediately. Some because of the funnies and others because I was angry. 😂
The characters are very well developed, and I felt like I could see them easily. The descriptions were perfect. I loved the diversity of the group, both physically and personality wise.
The cliffhanger ending makes me ready to read the next book. 😭 I have so many questions I need answers to.
There were a few times where I just had to stop my read and message the author about it immediately. Some because of the funnies and others because I was angry. 😂
The characters are very well developed, and I felt like I could see them easily. The descriptions were perfect. I loved the diversity of the group, both physically and personality wise.
The cliffhanger ending makes me ready to read the next book. 😭 I have so many questions I need answers to.
October 28, 2023
I’ve been thinking about this book for a while. So often I’m sold on “Stephen king’s horror choice” and those titles fall so flat. Here is a writer with unique and engaging world building that jumps off from the 1990’s. I’m right back in high school and with Lucky and Jack. The relationships are present on the page, the interactions are genuine to the age, and the challenges are met how teenagers would act, all while the writing keeps a steady flow. The author delivers the story with good prose and tells an original tale in a familiar space in character driven plot. Great story. Looking forward to the next piece from this author.
October 25, 2023
David reached out to ask me to read his ya sci-fi thriller and I'm so glad I did, it felt like a great October-y read! Set in a 90s suburb, this felt a bit the same way Stranger Things made me feel - a bit nostalgic and rooting for a band of teenaged misfits!
Lucky & Jack are teenage misfits, who are looking for good times and ways to beat their boring days. Latasha is the same, although she spends most of her free time watching her parents' convenience store. Kenneth - an adult, but honestly barely - is an alien hunter who often camps outside of the AM/PM - Latasha's store. While this may seem like any other week, something has descended in a triangle over their suburban town. A triangle with their high school smack dab in the middle. This unlikely band of strangers-turned sort of friends has to solve the mystery, stop the invasion, and do so without accidentally murdering their classmates.
Once it was clear something had invaded the town, this book was super fast paced, with the gang of misfits having to think quickly to try to protect each other and their town. Their band felt like a Breakfast Club of characters - and later includes one of the cheerleaders to round out the group. Along with some sort of out of this world invasion, there is also a supernatural aspect to Triangle, with a surprising love interest. Again, if you dig Stranger Things vibes (especially season 1!), then Triangle is absolutely up your alley. I did feel like the first 20% or so moved a bit slowly, but once they had the even it picked up. It also used some sexual assault (in the past, but discussed at length on page) of teenaged girls as plot points in a way I felt was unnecessary to the plot which I didn't love. However, overall I had a good time reading this book. It did end on a bit of a cliffhanger, so I'm interested in seeing what follows! Check it out for science fictiony-teenagers saving us all!
Lucky & Jack are teenage misfits, who are looking for good times and ways to beat their boring days. Latasha is the same, although she spends most of her free time watching her parents' convenience store. Kenneth - an adult, but honestly barely - is an alien hunter who often camps outside of the AM/PM - Latasha's store. While this may seem like any other week, something has descended in a triangle over their suburban town. A triangle with their high school smack dab in the middle. This unlikely band of strangers-turned sort of friends has to solve the mystery, stop the invasion, and do so without accidentally murdering their classmates.
Once it was clear something had invaded the town, this book was super fast paced, with the gang of misfits having to think quickly to try to protect each other and their town. Their band felt like a Breakfast Club of characters - and later includes one of the cheerleaders to round out the group. Along with some sort of out of this world invasion, there is also a supernatural aspect to Triangle, with a surprising love interest. Again, if you dig Stranger Things vibes (especially season 1!), then Triangle is absolutely up your alley. I did feel like the first 20% or so moved a bit slowly, but once they had the even it picked up. It also used some sexual assault (in the past, but discussed at length on page) of teenaged girls as plot points in a way I felt was unnecessary to the plot which I didn't love. However, overall I had a good time reading this book. It did end on a bit of a cliffhanger, so I'm interested in seeing what follows! Check it out for science fictiony-teenagers saving us all!
December 22, 2023
This is absolutely a unique sci-fi horror story!
The writing is clear and has an easy flow, combined with the language style this is a great easy sci-fi horror thread (and I didn't know there was such a thing).
Being set in the 1990s I was super excited for the hit of nostalgia. And like the 90s some of the references and language choices very much hang over from the 80s. So if you're reading and go 'wait, that's not something a 90s kid would say', just remember the 90s was an 80s hangover and depending on who your parents were your slang was probably a mix of both!
For such a short book there were quite a few chapters which was great to see because it added some dynamic layers to the story telling.
I would have loved to see the female characters written with some more depth, and strength though. I get that it was the 90s and the outward perception of women was still quite backwards but it would have been nice to see them, at least internally, as stronger and less susceptible. And a simply personal note, not a huge fan of big age gap relationships or flirting especially at such a young age. But that's just me!
The writing is clear and has an easy flow, combined with the language style this is a great easy sci-fi horror thread (and I didn't know there was such a thing).
Being set in the 1990s I was super excited for the hit of nostalgia. And like the 90s some of the references and language choices very much hang over from the 80s. So if you're reading and go 'wait, that's not something a 90s kid would say', just remember the 90s was an 80s hangover and depending on who your parents were your slang was probably a mix of both!
For such a short book there were quite a few chapters which was great to see because it added some dynamic layers to the story telling.
I would have loved to see the female characters written with some more depth, and strength though. I get that it was the 90s and the outward perception of women was still quite backwards but it would have been nice to see them, at least internally, as stronger and less susceptible. And a simply personal note, not a huge fan of big age gap relationships or flirting especially at such a young age. But that's just me!
February 8, 2023
Nance thrills
This work left me wanting more. A sci-fi book for the ages. Any fan of Stephen king books that feature a young cast of heroes would love the style of this book it really transports you to the 90's to experience this story right alongside jack , lucky and assorted others.
This work left me wanting more. A sci-fi book for the ages. Any fan of Stephen king books that feature a young cast of heroes would love the style of this book it really transports you to the 90's to experience this story right alongside jack , lucky and assorted others.
September 29, 2025
Normally, I start reviews with positives, but this book puts all its negatives up front, and then it gets good. Chapter one was a song/poem that didn't do it for me. As characters were introduced, they got blocks of background that could have been trickled in slower, shortened or even cut.
That being said, David managed to pay off an infodump. I don't know HOW, but I remember reading a section and groaning, questioning why I should care, only to get to the end of it and go: 'OOH OOH... I guess I DO care'. That bought trust from me, and after that, it paid off.
The characters were interesting and felt original. I became attached to the characters without even realizing. I don't typically like books with drugs, but I loved the premise of the high school loser being the one to save the day.
I thought this book had really great sensory description, especially for sound and touch, which he used as both foreshadowing and establishing a horror vibe.
I'm not typically a horror/thriller/dark reader, because while I can appreciate any story, I tend not to want to linger in fear or nihilism. Horror-wise, this story was the perfect amount for me. It maintained an overall creepiness and doomsday vibe, while not prioritizing fear, gore, or relying on shock-value events. This allowed a horror atmosphere to add to the tension of the story while maintaining a generally positive outlook and feel.
With the protagonist being a teen, I thought this was intended to be YA, then got hit with a bit of a shock. However, you won't have that problem, because I'm telling you it's adult. The story is filled with nostalgia of growing up in the 90's, woven in effortlessly.
I felt the end was a little abrupt -- though not in a threads-were-left-open way -- because I wanted to see more fallout from the story. But I suppose that's a good thing. After all, stories get rated low if they overstay their welcome, but if the reader wants more, they buy the next book.
That being said, David managed to pay off an infodump. I don't know HOW, but I remember reading a section and groaning, questioning why I should care, only to get to the end of it and go: 'OOH OOH... I guess I DO care'. That bought trust from me, and after that, it paid off.
The characters were interesting and felt original. I became attached to the characters without even realizing. I don't typically like books with drugs, but I loved the premise of the high school loser being the one to save the day.
I thought this book had really great sensory description, especially for sound and touch, which he used as both foreshadowing and establishing a horror vibe.
I'm not typically a horror/thriller/dark reader, because while I can appreciate any story, I tend not to want to linger in fear or nihilism. Horror-wise, this story was the perfect amount for me. It maintained an overall creepiness and doomsday vibe, while not prioritizing fear, gore, or relying on shock-value events. This allowed a horror atmosphere to add to the tension of the story while maintaining a generally positive outlook and feel.
With the protagonist being a teen, I thought this was intended to be YA, then got hit with a bit of a shock. However, you won't have that problem, because I'm telling you it's adult. The story is filled with nostalgia of growing up in the 90's, woven in effortlessly.
I felt the end was a little abrupt -- though not in a threads-were-left-open way -- because I wanted to see more fallout from the story. But I suppose that's a good thing. After all, stories get rated low if they overstay their welcome, but if the reader wants more, they buy the next book.
October 28, 2023
Tried to give as spoiler-free review as possible here.
I think any review of this story is going to focus on the characters. From what I can see, the hook of this entire book is in its characters, their wide array of flaws and the how they react to the crisis as it unfolds. It’s because the druggy kids are not the usual protagonists and just by adding a bit of depth, they become really quite original and interesting to follow.
I also found it interesting and quite refreshing that Jack was revealed to be black a few chapters in. It wasn’t a defining trait, it was just a fact about him and there was no further modern politics in his viewpoints or story beats. Similar to Latasha, who although we get a bit more about her heritage, it doesn’t wildly impact story or interrupt the flow of events.
Basically it managed to add some diversity but in a 90s way, where it didn’t need to prove a point or make a political stand about current issues. It just let the audience enjoy the story.
The story also really didn’t go where I expected it to and I found the surprise to be quite welcome. As weirder stuff started happening I was fully expecting it to lean into a more comedic ‘is it real or not’ vibe with the drugs involved. But instead it took a more direct horror/sci-fi route which after getting to know the messed up characters involved was really intriguing.
The ending didn’t give all the answers but for a sort of sci-fi romp like this, I was fine with that. It hinted more was to come and made a great holiday read. If the writer were to follow up with a second that answers some of the questions then I’d happily pick that up and carry on.
I think any review of this story is going to focus on the characters. From what I can see, the hook of this entire book is in its characters, their wide array of flaws and the how they react to the crisis as it unfolds. It’s because the druggy kids are not the usual protagonists and just by adding a bit of depth, they become really quite original and interesting to follow.
I also found it interesting and quite refreshing that Jack was revealed to be black a few chapters in. It wasn’t a defining trait, it was just a fact about him and there was no further modern politics in his viewpoints or story beats. Similar to Latasha, who although we get a bit more about her heritage, it doesn’t wildly impact story or interrupt the flow of events.
Basically it managed to add some diversity but in a 90s way, where it didn’t need to prove a point or make a political stand about current issues. It just let the audience enjoy the story.
The story also really didn’t go where I expected it to and I found the surprise to be quite welcome. As weirder stuff started happening I was fully expecting it to lean into a more comedic ‘is it real or not’ vibe with the drugs involved. But instead it took a more direct horror/sci-fi route which after getting to know the messed up characters involved was really intriguing.
The ending didn’t give all the answers but for a sort of sci-fi romp like this, I was fine with that. It hinted more was to come and made a great holiday read. If the writer were to follow up with a second that answers some of the questions then I’d happily pick that up and carry on.
January 17, 2024
This book was a roller coaster of emotions for me. I was curious, scared, confused, sad, shocked, I was even laughing at some points. This story reminded me a lot of Stranger Things which I’m sure has been said many times in regard to this book, but it really is so similar yet SO different at the same time. You got the group of teens, and not your typical group either, a 24 year old introvert that hunts aliens for a living, squid like aliens trying to take over the world and starting at a highschool looking for hosts, a mystery girl with a tragic back story (my personal fav character) and a boy that is falling in love with her.
This isn’t my typical genre but it was nice to dabble in something different, and thank you again @david_nance_writes for being so kind and sending me a copy of your book! Sorry it took me so long to read it 🥴 I’m really hoping there is a sequel because I still have so many questions. Like, what happened to Lucky? Is he alive?? And Jack? And where is Percy?? Do her and Lucky stay together? Is that even possible? I need to know!
If you enjoy YA, highschool setting but with a hint of aliens and mystery, be sure to check this one out!
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#bookstagram #readingcommunity #smutlover #bookworm #readingchallenge #alwaysreading #nonfiction #bookish #bookreviews #bookboyfriends #bookgirlfriends #readingaddict #readwithme #endlessTBR #bookreels #witchywednesday#darkmagic #ilovewitches #witches #skeletons #skulls #meetthebookstagrammer #hibestie #ghoststories
This isn’t my typical genre but it was nice to dabble in something different, and thank you again @david_nance_writes for being so kind and sending me a copy of your book! Sorry it took me so long to read it 🥴 I’m really hoping there is a sequel because I still have so many questions. Like, what happened to Lucky? Is he alive?? And Jack? And where is Percy?? Do her and Lucky stay together? Is that even possible? I need to know!
If you enjoy YA, highschool setting but with a hint of aliens and mystery, be sure to check this one out!
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.
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#bookstagram #readingcommunity #smutlover #bookworm #readingchallenge #alwaysreading #nonfiction #bookish #bookreviews #bookboyfriends #bookgirlfriends #readingaddict #readwithme #endlessTBR #bookreels #witchywednesday#darkmagic #ilovewitches #witches #skeletons #skulls #meetthebookstagrammer #hibestie #ghoststories
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2023
Set in the 1990s, the story delves into the lives of high schoolers who found themselves in a relentless battle against the invasion of menacing space monsters.
How Nance has intertwined love, friendship, and horror beautifully in a single story is proof of his literary mastery. His vivid descriptions breathe life into the characters, objects, and the surrounding environment, creating a rich and real reading experience. The character development is excellent, with each character having a distinct personality gives diversity to the story. The flirtation, jokes, and horror completely draw you into the story and don't let you stray.
It made me forget that I was reading a story. It made me laugh, feel happy, and afraid as I was reading it at midnight. Persephone was my favorite character because of her cute personality and sad past. It left me craving for more. Eagerly waiting for the sequel.
It was my first time reading something sci-fi and horror, and I loved it. A great book that can be read in a couple of days. Highly recommended.
How Nance has intertwined love, friendship, and horror beautifully in a single story is proof of his literary mastery. His vivid descriptions breathe life into the characters, objects, and the surrounding environment, creating a rich and real reading experience. The character development is excellent, with each character having a distinct personality gives diversity to the story. The flirtation, jokes, and horror completely draw you into the story and don't let you stray.
It made me forget that I was reading a story. It made me laugh, feel happy, and afraid as I was reading it at midnight. Persephone was my favorite character because of her cute personality and sad past. It left me craving for more. Eagerly waiting for the sequel.
It was my first time reading something sci-fi and horror, and I loved it. A great book that can be read in a couple of days. Highly recommended.
November 6, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed this fresh take on monster sci-fi, replete with 90's alternative culture easter eggs and Greek mythology references. I was glad I happened upon this book and had trouble putting it down.
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