Review
"Witty and touching paean to the glory days of horror movies . . . The sheer insanity of the premise only makes the eventual payoff even more powerful." —Publishers Weekly
"Sharp-edged, delightfully batty . . . skillfully mingling real and imaginary characters with genuinely hilarious moments." —Kirkus Reviews
"Morrow understands theology like a theologian and psychology like a psychologist, but he writes like an angel." —Richard Elliott Friedman, author, The Hidden Book in the Bible
"A ridiculously fun read. Pitch-perfect satire." —Fantasy & Science Fiction
Product Description
In the tradition of Godzilla as both a playful romp and a parable of the dawn of the nuclear era, this original satire blends the destruction of World War II with the halcyon pleasure of monster movies. In the summer of 1945 war is reigning in the Pacific Rim, while in the U.S., Syms Thorley continues his life as a B-movie actor. But the U.S. Navy would like to use Thorley in their top-secret Knickerbocker Project, putting the finishing touches on the ultimate biological weapon: a breed of gigantic, fire-breathing, mutant iguanas. Thorley is to don a rubber suit that will transform him into the merciless Gorgantis and star in a film that simulates the destruction of a miniature Japan—if the demonstration succeeds, the Japanese will surrender, sparing thousands of lives; if it fails, the mutant lizards will be unleashed. Godzilla devotees and history buffs alike will be fascinated by this conspiratorial secret history of a war, a weapon, and an unlikely hero who will have to give the most convincing performance of his life.
About the Author
James Morrow is a Nebula Award–winner and the author of Blameless in Abaddon, The Cat’s Pajamas, City of Truth, The Eternal Footman, The Last Witchfinder, Only Begotten Daughter, and Towing Jehovah. He lives in State College, Pennsylvania.
