The title of Cody Ray George’s fantasy/fiction novel, “The Mothmen of Gehenna, Wisconsin,” is sure to grab the attention of readers who enjoy science fiction and mystery. This strange and intriguing tale centers around an alien race known as the "mothmen," who seek help from humans to protect a special young female mothman. This young female possesses extraordinary powers that could one day save humanity from a looming, catastrophic threat. The mothmen have a unique ability: with a single touch, they can establish a telepathic connection with humans, creating a bond that transcends words.
The story begins with Nurse Miranda Dane receiving a chilling, incomprehensible telepathic warning, setting the stage for the unfolding mystery. An unexplained earthquake strikes the small, remote community of Gehenna, Wisconsin, causing widespread destruction, uncovering deaths, and leaving the townspeople shaken. As the plot thickens, vivid descriptions bring the eerie landscape to life, immersing readers in the strange and unsettling events. Amid the chaos, Miranda’s husband, Mark, and teenage daughter, Lizzie, are pulled into an otherworldly realm, a world between worlds where they come face-to-face with the mysterious mothmen.
These creatures are unlike anything they’ve ever seen—massive, bird-like beings with four long, skinny legs, fur-covered bodies, and wings. They subsist on rotten fruit and seem to live on the edge of human comprehension. As Miranda, Mark, and Lizzie delve deeper into the mystery, they must confront both the alien and the unknown, grappling with the possibility that these bizarre creatures may hold the key to humanity’s survival. Through vivid imagery, gripping suspense, and layers of mystery, Cody Ray George weaves a tale that explores the boundaries between human and alien, fear and trust, and destruction and hope. Their quiet community hangs in the balance.
Throughout her harrowing journey, Lizzie discovers that protecting the young moth girl is more than just a responsibility—it is her destiny, intricately tied to a series of events she could never have foreseen. As she battles threats both human and otherworldly, Lizzie embarks on a path of self-discovery, learning the true meaning of bravery, sacrifice, and the profound interconnectedness of her actions. Each decision she makes could determine the future of her family, her town, and perhaps even the world itself.
The story begins in rural Wisconsin in the early 70s, in a small town called Gehenna. Quiet on the surface, Gehenna is steeped in history and mystery, known for its rich tapestry of American burial grounds, abandoned silver mines, and other peculiarities that locals often whisper about but rarely question. Against this eerie backdrop, the reader is introduced to Duffy, a grizzled and neurotic figure who roams the edges of town life, seemingly inconsequential but far more knowledgeable than anyone gives him credit for. Duffy’s paranoid mutterings about the supernatural may seem like ramblings to others, but underneath his rugged exterior lies a man who holds critical knowledge about the forces threatening Gehenna.
Duffy becomes a key figure in the unfolding story, playing a pivotal role in shielding the young moth girl from a terrifying and ancient entity known as the Child of Flame. This fearsome beast, shrouded in legend, is said to rise from the depths of one of the town's abandoned silver mines—an ominous place many locals dare not approach. The Child of Flame, with its fiery, otherworldly presence, is not merely a threat to the moth girl but to the entire community of Gehenna and more. It is said that if the creature emerges fully, it could bring destruction, unleashing legions of chaos and unimaginable terror.
As the story unfolds, Lizzie and Duffy, an unlikely duo, find themselves thrust into the heart of the town’s dark secrets. Together, they must decipher cryptic warnings, confront the haunting past of Gehenna, and prepare for an epic showdown against the Child of Flame. The stakes are nothing short of apocalyptic, with the fate of their quiet community and more hanging in the balance. In the process, Lizzie is forced to confront her own fears and limitations, discovering depths of courage she never knew she possessed. This journey is not just about saving the moth girl—it’s about understanding her place in a larger, mysterious tapestry of destiny, where every choice carries the weight of an entire world’s future.
Reviewed by: Carol W
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