Walnut Ridge

by Dan Scamell

Aliens in garish angelic form chose humankind as one of the races worthy of sharing an otherworldly paradise with them. Most people have already been "decanted." Leo Salmon has not, but he watched as billions around him were transformed into blue gelatinous fluid in preparation for the long trip to Caldo. Leo and the remaining few un-decanted who have been unable to truly receive the "Angel's Promise," a requirement to initiate the transformation, are housed in Walnut Ridge, a pre-decantation facility, awaiting their fates.The alien ships are leaving in a matter of days. If Leo and the other stragglers are unable to genuinely accept the alien offering in that time, while most of liquified humanity is transported to paradise, Leo and the rest of the abandoned will be left to build a new life on Earth. At least, that's the plan right after they get some Taco Bell.At face value, Walnut Ridge is an extraordinary account of our inability to transcend the mental trappings of our mortal frailty. However, beneath the stunning imagery and absurd humor of this distinctively unconventional story, you will find a unique allegory for the harrowing trials of mental illness, addiction, and recovery.

258 pages, Paperback

Published March 20, 2024

Reviews

[A Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh boy, this book was a trip: equal parts freaky, funny, and thoughtful. Using sci-fi to explore mental health and existentialism, Walnut Ridge contemplates the strangeness of life and being with memorable and strange characters and images. Dan is an American Douglas Adams with more irreverence and introspection. Now I'm craving french toast, despite everything.

[Heather Lama · Rating 5 out of 5]

A change in pace from the usual post-apocalyptic trope, Walnut Ridge and its characters feel more relatable and real. The struggles of accepting and "moving on" to a promised paradise. There's so much more I could say, but I don't want to give too much away. Overall, a great novel that everyone should give a read.

[Joseph D. Newcomer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has all of the thoughtfulness, quirkiness, and humor you'd expect from Vonnegut and Douglas Adams. I appreciated the underlying themes of the human condition and mental health in the modern world. Some people believe Sci-Fi can't be literary, but Walnut Ridge dismisses that notion entirely. After reading this and Scamell's shorter work in Dead Star Press's From the Dead Anthology, he is my new favorite writer.

[Benjamin Kardos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one! It's sureal dystopian sci-fi with a quirky sence of humor and a good dose if human spirit.
Space aliens have landed on earth in the form of angels with the mission of transporting humanity to a utopian paradise. The catch? Humans must be reduced to a blue liquid for transport.
Highly recommend!