Author Christopher Michael has released a new book series titled 'Danforth: Eldritch Tales of WWII,' merging elements of Indiana Jones with the cosmic horror of H.P. Lovecraft. The series is inspired by the character Danforth from Lovecraft's 'At the Mountains of Madness.' In this narrative, Danforth, after surviving terrifying experiences during an Antarctic expedition in the early 1930s, becomes an operative for the United States' intelligence service during World War II, working to thwart Nazis from obtaining dangerous supernatural artifacts.
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The first novel, 'Tomb of the Black Pharaoh,' is available from Crystal Lake Publishing. Michael explained that the concept originated from his own struggles with PTSD and depression following his time in the military and law enforcement. In the story, set in Egypt in 1941, Danforth battles against an SS archaeological expedition led by Heinrich Himmler, aiming to uncover an object capable of revealing Allied secrets and potentially altering the course of the war.
Michael emphasized the importance of historical accuracy, stating that everything in the books has been meticulously researched to reflect World War II events. He expressed his fascination with the era, noting that it was a time rife with mystery and exploration before the onset of the Cold War.
The narrative parallels that of 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' by exploring the Nazis' obsession with the occult and their real-life quests for ancient artifacts. Michael remarked on how the nefarious actions of the Nazi Party laid the groundwork for storytelling that intertwines with the Cthulhu Mythos.
Michael envisions a total of five books in the series, with the second installment, 'The Horror in the Lamplights,' set to release on October 30. This chapter finds Danforth plunged behind enemy lines to confront not only the Nazis but also remnants of an exiled Romanian order. As the series continues, Michael aims to delve deeper into the cosmic horrors that Danforth encountered, suggesting that these experiences have left him open to unsettling truths about the universe.
In addition to the main series, Michael plans a collection of spinoff books detailing Danforth's journey between Antarctica and his military commission, as well as a children's mystery series set in the 1920s, characterized as resembling 'The Goonies' or 'The Hardy Boys' infused with elements of eldritch horror.