Author Pens a ‘Kind of Possible’ Apocalypse with ‘Invasive Species’

Pleasantville resident and author Joseph Wallace got tired of seeing the world end at the hands – or rather mouths – of zombies and vampires.

So he wrote it an ending that “could possibly, maybe, kind of happen” with the sci-fi thriller “Invasive Species,” which hit real and virtual bookshelves on Tuesday, Dec. 3.

“I wanted to come up with an end of the world that was scientifically believable,” Wallace said. “I’ve always had a passion for science and natural history, and I think I came up with a monster that is not too far away from something that can actually happen.”

What or who that monster is, Wallace wants readers to discover for themselves. Although he admitted it will become readily apparent within minutes at his book signing at The Village Bookstore, located at 10 Washington Avenue in Pleasantville, on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

“My handouts give it away instantly,” he said. “But hopefully that will perk some interest in the story.”

Along with passing out notecards of his monster to create some “buzz,” Wallace released a trailer for his book, which can be found on YouTube. Though the two-minute clip doesn’t tell you what exactly the world is up against, the tone of footage lets you know it’s something to be scared of.

“Making that was a blast,” Wallace said. “I got to work with some friends and professionals who did a tremendous job. I just wanted to give readers a sense of the mood of the book without giving the story away.”

Wallace, 56, said writing an apocalyptic story – which took him about a year – had more to do with his fascination of how theoretically vulnerable the world is today, rather than him being a pessimist.

“I’m not a doomsayer,” he said.

“But the idea of how dependent we are on technology today is scary. You can have two people communicating – texting each other from a block away – but they need a satellite in outer space to make that possible. So what happens when whoever is responsible for making sure that satellite is working can’t do their job? All it took was creating a monster that was determined and dangerous enough to get people to change their habits, their daily routine,” he added.

Being a somewhat dark story, Wallace said he figures the main demographics for “Invasive Species” would be older teenagers and adults, with it being “too intense” for younger readers. But it would seem the story doesn’t end without a glimmer of hope.

“I do want everyone to know I already have an idea for a sequel,” Wallace said. “We’ll see how the first one does.”