The Venusians Among Us


Fiction - Short Story/Novela
103 Pages
Reviewed on 12/18/2019
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Author Biography

Steve Zimcosky is an award winning and international selling author. He was born in the Slavic Village area of Cleveland, Ohio and has wanted to be an author since elementary school while reading books like White Fang and Call of the Wild by Jack London. He spends his retirement time writing short stories on a variety of subjects he hopes his readers will enjoy. Some of his favorite authors include Stephen King, James Clavell and Vivien Chien.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite

In The Venusians Among Us by Steve Zimcosky, Ian Stanley is an aeronautical engineer at the NASA Glenn Research Center who loves to unwind with his co-workers at the bar every Friday night. One particular evening, they are comparing the DNA tests they had taken one and a half months ago, fun research that most people do these days to find out more about their ancestry. Ian’s test result, however, didn’t come back. There seems to be an anomaly with his DNA reading. From that moment on, Ian’s normal life drastically changes. Strange men are after him and his beautiful neighbor is not what she seems to be. He’s about to discover the truth about his real identity.

Are there aliens among us? This is a familiar question for conspiracy theorists and skeptics alike when it comes to the subject of UFOs and visitors from outer space. Steve Zimcosky deftly turns this debate into an exciting, fast-paced story that sci-fi readers will love. The writing is clear, the plot points are well-developed, and the characterization is solid; protagonists Ian, Kendra, and the descendants of Venusians in hiding are easy to root for. Their nemesis, Howard Gorse and his followers, are the perfect antagonists for Ian and his compatriots. Simply put, Zimcosky's The Venusians Among Us is a quick and fun read that is able to maintain a solid level of intrigue and adrenaline-pumping moments from start to finish. I look forward to reading more of his work in this particular genre.

Literary Titan

The Venusians Among Us by Steve Zimcosky is a breezy, adventurous ride that is just under a hundred pages. This is a story about Ian, an employee at NASA, who has been left in the dark about his past on another planet. Through a series of strange and dangerous incidents, he discovers that his past was kept from him in order to protect him. He is also left in charge of a tremendous mission: to prevent the despicable Howard Gorse from taking over control of the universe. Alongside his friends and a council of advisers, an elaborate plan is made to defeat his nemesis and ensure the survival of his own race on the planet.

I went in expecting heavy doses of scientific and technological terms, considering that this is a science fiction thriller, with our protagonist being an employee at NASA. However, the plot is entirely approachable and engaging. All the vocabulary and plot points are explained in layman’s language, without losing any intrigue. Although I would have appreciated more fully developed characters, I couldn’t help but be sucked into the story. I enjoyed the story because it was easy to follow, but that didn’t stop me from biting my nails while reading. This is an excellent example of simple language setting up a thrilling story; much like Stephen King novels.

The storytelling was particularly refreshing because it was so matter-of-fact. It was quick-paced action, providing no space for sentimental, poetic pondering. The Venusians Among Us could be described as the perfect blend between Ben 10 and Interstellar.

Greg T.

Good sci-fi story that incorporates elements from N.E. Ohio. I look forward to reading future stories in this saga as I am a big Sci-fi fan.

Mary Pelligrini

Now we have a science fantasy story set in Cleveland Ohio. Who knew we had such mysterious locations in town. Can these “venusians” continue to live with earthlings? What do they look like? What happens when their totally different DNA mix? More to be revealed soon.

Cat Dancer

Who are we, really? This latest story, while science fiction, has much deeper significance in our modern world. With so much interest in DNA, it is no wonder that the author uses this ever increasing self administered test to set his story. The main character, who works at NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland,Ohio, goes out Friday nights with several coworkers all of whom have submitted samples for DNA testing. The problem arises when all but his come back and he is told there was a problem and he needs to resubmit a sample. When he returns to his apartment, a neighbor who he is aware of but never really became friends with, insists that he come into her apartment where she tells him that not only is he not from the planet Earth, but his life is in danger. How he got here (along with many others thousands of years ago) and how they plan to escape provide a neat story. Those living in Cleveland will enjoy references to a number of local places which are beautifully woven into the plot. While this is a work of science fiction, the fact that we live in a world where people are hated and discriminated against just because they are different is real! It is a recurring nightmare how pervasive the fear and hate is. As a result, this book can be read and appreciated from several different perspectives.

Donna Rancosky

Wow!!! Again!!!! There has to be a sequel right??? Loved it!
Thanks for letting me enjoy the read!

milk lover

The story was exciting and I could not stop reading it. It was well crafted and I can only hope it will have many sequels.

Gisela

I did enjoy again all the references to places that I know can't wait to read the next book Great job Steve. I hope there will be more books to come.