An author has released a dark sci-fi thriller debut novel inspired by his upbringing in Weston-super-Mare.

James Stephen's The RIFT depicts a world marred by monstrous rifts which act as a stage for a desperate struggle against a terrifying transformation.

The narrative unfolds around Task Force Athena, who are transformed into monstrous beings in order to survive.

This force becomes humanity's last hope, and possibly the bringers of an unsettling new age.

They must face corruption from Dr Vance, endure the chilling remnants of his experiments, and resist their own transformation in a world evolving into an unrecognizable nightmare.

This intriguing fiction entices its readers with themes of monstrous transformation, the destructive appeal of power, and the desperate fight for survival.

The author, Mr Stephen, a former student of the Wyvern Community School, channels his passion for storytelling and his ties to Weston-super-Mare into his debut novel.

Inspired by his 11-year-old son, with whom he often collaborates, Mr Stephen plans to further explore this horrifying universe in his future works.

The RIFT is available in both paperback and ebook formats, now purchasable on Amazon Prime.