Taron Egerton’s She Rides Shotgun will be released in 4K on August 18. Photo: Lionsgate
Digital Release Alert: She Rides Shotgun
Where can you run when there’s nowhere to hide?
Taron Egerton stars as Nate, an ex-con on the run, in the new gritty action-thriller She Rides Shotgun. Based on Jordan Harper’s acclaimed 2017 novel of the same name, the film follows Nate as he tries to protect his 11-year-old daughter, Polly (Ana Sophia Heger), while being pursued by unrelenting enemies—including a corrupt sheriff who double-deals as the brutal leader of a criminal gang. (EG PR, 2026)
Photo: Barnes & Noble
As Nate teaches Polly how to fight and survive, she teaches him what unconditional love truly means in an intense, moving story about loyalty, strength, and redemption.
‘Artemis’ by Andy Weir is a sci-fi crime story set on the Moon. Photo: Barnes & Noble
Book Review: Artemis by Andy Weir
Synopsis
Jasmine “Jazz” Bashara lives in humanity’s first lunar colony, Artemis. She never signed up to be a hero—she just wanted to get rich. Not crazy, eccentric-billionaire rich, like many of the visitors to Artemis, but rich enough to move out of her coffin-sized apartment and eat something better than flavored algae. Rich enough to pay off a debt she’s owed for a long time. (Barnes & Noble, 2026)
When a chance at a lucrative heist presents itself, Jazz can’t say no. But engineering the perfect crime is just the start of her problems, because that little heist is about to land her in the middle of a conspiracy that threatens the future of Artemis itself.
Trapped between competing forces, pursued by a killer and the law alike, she’ll have to hatch a truly spectacular scheme to have a chance at staying alive and saving her city. Jazz is no hero, but she is a very good criminal.
Review
Artemis begins with Jazz reeling from failing her EVA exam, which she needs to join the EVA Guild. Members of the guild lead groups of tourists across the lunar surface and earn a significantly better living. She tries to talk her way into passing, but Bob Lewis, former US Marine and head trainer, doesn’t budge. He tells her to try again and focus on the quality of her equipment.
The story centers around Jazz, a clever, sarcastic porter and small-time smuggler who dreams of escaping poverty. She’s an engaging protagonist whose intelligence, resilience, and moral ambiguity make her both flawed and relatable. Unlike the idealistic heroes often found in science fiction, she survives through quick thinking, technical expertise, and sheer determination. Her growth from a self-serving opportunist to someone willing to risk everything for others forms the emotional core of the story.
“How dare you call me lazy? I’d come up with a scathing retort but, meh, I’m just not motivated.”
Weir once again showcases his talent for making complex engineering and scientific concepts accessible without slowing down the narrative pace. Themes of survival, greed, class inequality, and redemption are woven throughout the novel, highlighting the real-world challenges of building a human society beyond Earth.
Lunar Economics: The realistic financial friction between tourists, workers, and corporations.
Life-Support Mechanics: Detailed systems keeping the dome breathable and safe.
Industrial Realism: Meticulously researched aluminum-smelting processes that anchor the plot.
The fast-paced plot keeps the tension high as Jazz relies on her sharp technical instincts and criminal ingenuity to pull off a spectacular multi-stage scheme.
However, Jazz’s dialogue and internal monologue can feel somewhat forced and juvenile at times, occasionally undermining the tension. While it doesn’t quite match the sheer survivalist charm of Mark Watney’s journey in The Martian, Artemis still delivers a fun, fast-moving sci-fi crime caper.
The Bottom Line
Artemis by Andy Weir is a fast-paced science fiction thriller that blends suspense, humor, and real-world science into an entertaining lunar adventure. If you enjoy hard science paired with high-stakes action, it is well worth the trip to the moon.
“People will trust a reliable criminal more readily than a shady businessman.”
Andy Weirbuilt a career as a software engineer until the success of his first published novel, The Martian, allowed him to live out his dream of writing full-time. He is a lifelong space nerd and a devoted hobbyist of subjects such as relativistic physics, orbital mechanics, and the history of manned spaceflight.
Bonus
If you enjoyed the fast-paced survival, witty problem-solving, and high-stakes criminal plots of Andy Weir’s Artemis, these sci-fi heist and mystery novels offer a similar blend of technical intrigue and fast-paced schemes.
High-Stakes Sci-Fi Heists
The Quantum Thief by Hannu Rajaniemi features post-human master criminal Jean le Flambeur breaking out of prison to pull off an impossible heist across a high-tech moving city on Mars. Chasm Cityby Alastair Reynolds follows a security operative hunting a ruthless killer through a bizarre, virus-corrupted sci-fi metropolis while navigating high-stakes crime networks.
Space-Bound Sci-Fi Mysteries
Six Wakes by Mur Lafferty combines a locked-room murder mystery with cloning technology as a spaceship crew wakes up to find their previous bodies murdered and their recent memories wiped. Leviathan Wakes by S.A. Corey pairs a hard-boiled detective on an asteroid belt with an ice-miner captain as they unravel a system-wide conspiracy triggered by a missing girl.
Which Should You Pick?
For an intricate, mind-bending criminal heist set in a futuristic solar system, go with The Quantum Thief. For a claustrophobic, locked-room whodunit packed with survival tension, start with Six Wakes. For a grounded space-noir investigation with vast geopolitical stakes, choose Leviathan Wakes.
Turning Point will be available On Demand and Digital on August 25. Photo: Lionsgate, used with permission.
Movie Premiere: DJ Qualls Stars in the High-Stakes Horror Thriller Turning Point
If you’re looking for a horror movie that refuses to play by the rules, Turning Point deserves an immediate spot on your watchlist. Fusing the nail-biting suspense of a home invasion thriller with the relentless chaos of a zombie outbreak, it delivers edge-of-your-seat tension from start to finish.
Every knock at the door and every shadow could spell disaster, creating a gripping atmosphere that never lets up. Packed with intense action, unexpected twists, and high-stakes survival, Turning Point offers horror fans a fresh, adrenaline-fueled experience that stands out in a crowded genre.
A Simple Heist Becomes an Absolute Nightmare
Directed and written by Joshua Wagner, Turning Point is a claustrophobic, high-tension thriller coming directly to Digital and On Demand courtesy of Lionsgate. (EG PR, 2026)
The story follows two thieves trapped inside a house with a mutating victim. To stay alive, they must rely on a bizarre neighbor in a race against time before they become the monster’s next meal.
“There is danger in the night, but the true terror is inside the house.”
Official Synopsis
Margot and her partner-in-crime break into a home, only to find themselves locked inside with the owner, who is in the middle of transitioning into a zombie. They must find a way out before they become the ghoul’s first victims. Their only hope for survival is a bizarre neighbor with expert knowledge of the undead and the lingering flicker of humanity in their mutating stalker.
Cast & Crew
DJ Qualls as “Casper” (Road Trip, Hustle & Flow, The Man in the High Castle)
Jillian Lee Garner
Mike Apple
Shane Brady (Ballers, Synchronic, Doctor Sleep)
Lydia Hearst (The Haunting of Sharon Tate, Z Nation, Slayers)
Sanchita Malik (Happy Anniversary, Love, Escape the Night)
Film Specifications
Detail
Information
Title
Turning Point
Street Date
August 25, 2026
Release Format
Video on Demand / Electronic Sell-Through (Lionsgate)
Genre
Thriller / Zombie Horror
Rating
R (Violent content, gore, language, and some drug use)
Robert Langdon, esteemed professor of symbology, travels to Prague to attend a groundbreaking lecture by Katherine Solomon, a prominent noetic scientist with whom he has recently begun a romantic relationship. She’s getting ready to publish a breakthrough book that contains explosive scientific discoveries about the nature of human consciousness, revelations that threaten to disrupt centuries of established belief. (Barnes & Noble, 2026)
When a brutal murder catapults the trip into chaos, Katherine suddenly goes missing and her manuscript disappears. Desperate to find the woman he loves, Langdon embarks on a thrilling race through the mystical landscape of Prague, ruthlessly hunted by a powerful organization and a chilling assailant sprung from the city’s ancient mythology.
As the action expands to London and New York, Langdon plunges into the dual worlds of futuristic science and historical lore, navigating a labyrinth of codes and symbols, and finally uncovering a shocking truth about a secret project that will forever change the way we think about the human mind.
📝The Review
Dan Brown returns with another intellectually charged thriller in The Secret of Secrets, a breathless, high-stakes story that seamlessly combines ancient lore with cutting-edge science. Set against the atmospheric backdrops of Prague, London, and New York, it delivers the classic, fast-paced puzzle-solving fans expect while raising provocative questions about human potential.
🔍Character Dynamics
The story centers around Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon, whose usual intellectual detachment is challenged by personal dangers. His romance with Katherine Solomon grounds the narrative, significantly raising the emotional tension. Langdon remains a compelling protagonist, balancing academic brilliance with humility and determination, and his personal tie to Katherine adds welcome depth to his character.
Katherine is equally engaging, portrayed as an intelligent and courageous scientist whose research into human consciousness challenges long-held religious and philosophical beliefs. She is far more than a simple damsel in distress; their partnership creates a refreshing dynamic, with both characters contributing equally to the unfolding mystery.
🧠Core Themes
Science vs. Belief: The narrative continuously pits revolutionary neuroscience against rigid, established dogmas.
The Nature of Human Consciousness: Solomon’s findings explore whether the human mind holds untapped power capable of altering reality itself.
Mythology as Historical Truth: The story weaves Prague’s rich lore—including dark mythological guardians like the Golem—into modern technological secrets, suggesting that ancient myths often mask advanced truths.
“Brown has written a thought-provoking ride that will leave readers questioning the untapped boundaries of their own minds.”
As expected, Brown fills the narrative with cryptic symbols, historical references, and unexpected twists that keep readers hooked. While some plot developments stretch credibility, the intricate puzzles and cinematic pacing make them easy to forgive. With relentless momentum and a haunting antagonist, it’s a deeply compelling read.
🎧Final Thoughts
Overall, The Secret of Secrets is an entertaining blend of history, philosophy, and speculative science that will satisfy longtime Dan Brown fans while offering newcomers an exciting introduction to Robert Langdon’s world.
At almost 700 pages (or nearly 23 hours on audiobook), it’s one of Brown’s longest books to date. The experience of reading the physical tome versus listening to the immersive narration will likely feel vastly different, but either way, it’s an adventure worth taking.
“Religions had learned long ago that a human mind facing the terrifying prospect of eternal nothingness would believe almost anything. Timor mortis est pater religionis, Langdon mused, recalling the ancient saying made famous by Upton Sinclair. Fear of death is the father of religion.”
DAN BROWN is the author of several #1 bestselling novels, including The Da Vinci Code, one of the bestselling books of all time, as well as Origin, Inferno, The Lost Symbol, and Angels & Demons. His thrillers have captivated readers worldwide and sparked global intellectual debate. He is also the author of the bestselling children’s book Wild Symphony. Brown’s novels are published in 56 languages internationally, with over 250 million copies in print.
Harlan Coben’s ‘I Will Find You.’ Photo: Barnes & Noble
From Page to Screen: Harlan Coben’s ‘I Will Find You’ Comes to Netflix
Few authors have mastered the art of suspense like Harlan Coben. His novels captivate readers with intricate plots, unexpected twists, and relatable characters whose ordinary lives are suddenly turned upside down. Each story keeps readers guessing until the final pages, making his books nearly impossible to put down.
That same storytelling brilliance has translated seamlessly to the screen, with numerous Netflix adaptations becoming massive international hits. Series like Fool Me Once, Stay Close, and The Stranger have introduced Coben’s gripping mysteries to an even wider audience. Whether on the page or on the screen, Harlan Coben consistently delivers edge-of-your-seat entertainment.
The latest adaptation to join this thriller lineup is I Will Find You, an eight-episode limited series that premiered on Netflix on June 18, 2026.
📺 The Series: ‘I Will Find You’
Based on Coben’s #1 New York Times bestselling novel, I Will Find Youfollows David Burroughs, an innocent father serving a life sentence in a maximum-security prison for the murder of his own son, Matthew.
Five years into his sentence, David receives shocking word from his sister-in-law, Rachel, that Matthew may actually be alive. To uncover the truth, he must embark on a high-stakes mission that leads him out of prison and into a dangerous world of deceit and despair.
🎭 Meet the Cast
Actor
Role
Sam Worthington
David Burroughs
Britt Lower
Rachel Mills
Milo Ventimiglia
Hayden Payne
Logan Browning
Sarah Greer
Chi McBride
Max Williams
Madeleine Stowe
Gertrude Payne
📖 The Book Synopsis
For those who want to dive into the source material, here is the official setup for this breathtaking thriller:
David Burroughs was once a devoted father to his three-year-old son, Matthew, living a dream life just a short drive away from the working-class suburb where he and his wife, Cheryl, first fell in love. Until one fateful night, David woke to discover Matthew had been murdered while David was asleep just down the hall. (Barnes & Noble, 2026)
Half a decade later, David’s been wrongly accused and convicted of the crime. Grieving and wracked with guilt, he didn’t have the will to fight the system, leaving the world to move on without him.
Then, Cheryl’s younger sister, Rachel, makes a surprise appearance during visiting hours. She brings a strange photograph, and in the background—just barely in frame—is a boy bearing an eerie resemblance to David’s son. David knows it instantly: Matthew is still alive.
Determined to achieve the impossible, David plans a harrowing prison escape to save his son, clear his own name, and discover the real story of what happened. But with his life on the line and the FBI following his every move, can he evade capture long enough to reveal the shocking truth?
✍️ About the Author
Harlan Coben is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of the world’s leading storytellers. His suspense novels are published in 46 languages and have topped bestseller lists in more than a dozen countries. His celebrated Myron Bolitar series has earned him the prestigious Edgar, Shamus, and Anthony Awards.
Coben is also the creator and executive producer of numerous television shows. Beyond Netflix hits like Missing You, Fool Me Once, The Innocent, and The Woods, he is the creative force behind Amazon Prime’s Shelter and Lazarus. With Run Away and I Will Find You anchoring his latest screen adaptations, Coben has plenty more thrilling projects in the works.
Have you started watching I Will Find You on Netflix yet, or are you planning to read the book first? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
Armie Hammer in Citizen Vigilante. Photo: Axel Stock, used with permission.
New Movie Alert: Uwe Boll’s Controversial Thriller Citizen Vigilante Hits Streaming
The wait is over for indie thriller fans. A man takes justice into his own hands, hunting down criminals. His vigilante crusade makes him a social media star but puts him right in the crosshairs of the law.
Explosive, provocative, and inspired by real events, Citizen Vigilante is the latest high-intensity thriller from internationally recognized filmmaker Uwe Boll. Starring Armie Hammer and Costas Mandylor (SAW franchise), the film is officially available in North America on all major digital and streaming platforms courtesy of Quiver Distribution. (High Roads PR, 2026)
The Controversy Behind the Release
Citizen Vigilantehas already sparked intense international debate. Director Uwe Boll publicly claimed the film was effectively blocked from release in Germany following heated disputes surrounding its classification by the country’s FSK ratings board. Because of this, the North American release has quickly become part of a broader conversation surrounding censorship, artistic freedom, and the film’s heavy themes of vigilantism, crime, and public outrage.
Heralded by Boll as “an action film inspired by real events, based on real cases and a commentary about injustice,” the story delivers a brutal, modern vigilante thriller. Produced by Event Film in association with Borvel Film, it blends large-scale action, gritty realism, and emotionally charged storytelling designed for fans of crime sagas, revenge thrillers, and politically charged cinema.
Movie Synopsis
The Story: Sanders (Armie Hammer) is a wealthy American businessman living in Zagreb who inherited a massive real estate empire from his late father. Intelligent, isolated, and emotionally scarred, Sanders transforms himself into a feared underground vigilante. His targets? Violent criminals, rapists, and corrupt judges who escaped meaningful punishment through the legal system.
As his brutal campaign gains traction online and across social media, Sanders becomes both a wanted criminal and an unlikely public hero. But not everyone sees him as a savior. Interpol Chief Henry (Costas Mandylor) believes Sanders represents a dangerous threat to society and launches an aggressive international pursuit to stop him before his influence spirals completely out of control.
Quick Facts & Where to Watch
Detail
Information
Genre
Action / Thriller
Runtime
1h 29min
Director
Uwe Boll
Starring
Armie Hammer, Costas Mandylor
Availability
Rent or Buy (As of June 19, 2026)
Where to Stream (Rent/Buy):
Amazon
Google Play Movies
Apple TV
Fandango at Home
About Director Uwe Boll
Known for his fiercely independent approach to filmmaking, Uwe Bollhas directed more than 35 films and produced over 50 features throughout an international career spanning decades.
Boll has worked with major Hollywood stars—including Jason Statham, Ben Kingsley, J.K. Simmons, Christian Slater, Ray Liotta, Ron Perlman, Michelle Rodriguez, Burt Reynolds, and Dominic Purcell—while building a reputation for unapologetically intense films that blend action, controversy, and social commentary. His cult filmography includes POSTAL, the RAMPAGE trilogy, ATTACK ON DARFUR, ASSAULT ON WALL STREET, ALONE IN THE DARK, and IN THE NAME OF THE KING.
Boll has described his filmmaking philosophy as continuing to “explore the new possibilities of innovative technology,” while creating films designed to confront audiences with difficult conversations surrounding violence, politics, injustice, and power. Throughout his career, Boll has frequently sparked international debate for tackling controversial subject matter drawn from real-world anxieties, social unrest, and political division.
Movie Review: Fathers (2026) – Blood is Thicker Than Water
If you’re looking for a psychological thriller that refuses to pull its punches, Harley Wallen’s latest feature deserves a spot on your watchlist. Fathers takes a harrowing, headline-inspired premise and morphs it into a deeply intimate, claustrophobic examination of trauma and survival.
Here is everything you need to know about this gripping new release.
Movie Info
Genre: Drama / Mystery / Thriller
Run Time: 1 hr. 34 mins.
Written & Directed By: Harley Wallen
Starring: Kaiti Wallen, Harley Wallen, Jerry Hayes
Where to Watch: Available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video
Synopsis
A young girl (Natalie) is kidnapped, but it’s not long until we realize things are much more complex as her captor presents a completely different picture. After years in captivity, Natalie escapes the man she believed was her father. But as her true father tries to bring her home, her loyalty, fear, and confusion spiral into violence, forcing them both to confront the devastating truth about her past.
The Review: A Bleak and Tragic Exploration of Trauma
Fathers is filled with psychological tension. The film begins with Natalie in the hospital following her escape; however, the true horror begins during the painful process of reintegration. Using a non-linear narrative, it slowly pieces together the tragic details of her experience.
When her biological father attempts to ease her into a new life, the movie brilliantly eschews typical Hollywood sentimentality. Instead, it dives headfirst into the fractured psyche of a survivor. Natalie is caught in a devastating limbo, torn between the Stockholm syndrome-induced loyalty to her captor and the alien warmth of a biological family she doesn’t remember. She struggles to distinguish truth from the lies that have shaped her entire life.
Raw Performances and Unpredictable Tension
The performances are raw and powerful, particularly in portraying the emotional conflict between a daughter desperate for stability and a father trying to reclaim a relationship stolen from him.
As Natalie’s fear and confusion spiral into erratic violence, that’s when the real tension begins. The film violently deconstructs the concept of paternal instinct, forcing both characters—and the audience—to confront the reality that some bonds are broken beyond repair. This makes her both a sympathetic and unpredictable protagonist.
The Bottom Line:Fathers doesn’t offer easy answers or cheap catharsis. Instead, it presents a heartbreaking examination of how deeply abuse can alter a person’s perception of love and trust.
While some scenes are difficult to watch, they serve the story’s emotional core and highlight the long-lasting consequences of trauma. Dark, gripping, and thought-provoking, it’s a bleak, yet tragically beautiful exploration of the devastating effects of manipulation and fractured identity.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
Have you watched Fathers yet? Let me know your thoughts on Natalie’s journey and that intense psychological tug-of-war in the comments below.
Edmond Kirsch is a billionaire philanthropist, computer scientist, futurist, and outspoken atheist. He sets up a meeting at the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey in Catalonia (Spain) with Roman Catholic Bishop Antonio Valdespino, Jewish Rabbi Yehuda Köves, and Muslim Imam Syed al-Fadl—all members of the Parliament of the World’s Religions. Kirsch informs them that he has made a revolutionary discovery that he plans to release to the public in a month.
This discovery would severely undermine the public’s religious beliefs. Despite his hatred of organized religion, which he blames for his mother’s death, Kirsch wanted to inform them out of respect. However, the three religious leaders soon learn that Kirsch actually intends to make his discovery public in just three days, prompting Valdespino to urge him to reconsider. Kirsch proceeds with his plan, hosting a lavish event at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao to reveal his findings. Among those in attendance are:
Robert Langdon: Kirsch’s former teacher and brilliant Harvard symbologist.
Ambra Vidal: The Guggenheim’s curator and fiancée to Prince Julián, the future King of Spain.
All guests receive a customized headset to communicate with Winston, a highly sophisticated, seemingly all-knowing artificial intelligence developed by Kirsch. During the presentation, Kirsch admits he fears he has put himself in grave danger due to the religious controversy surrounding his announcement. Suddenly, the carefully planned event erupts into chaos. With Kirsch’s precious discovery on the verge of being lost forever and facing an imminent threat, Langdon is forced to flee along with Ambra Vidal. Together, they travel to Barcelona on a dangerous quest to locate a cryptic password that will unlock Kirsch’s secret.
Navigating the dark corridors of hidden history and extreme religion, Langdon and Vidal must evade an enemy whose all-knowing power seems to emanate from Spain’s Royal Palace. They uncover clues that ultimately bring them face-to-face with Kirsch’s shocking discovery and the breathtaking truth that has long eluded us.
Review
Origin is a fast-paced thriller that combines cutting-edge science, art, religion, and mystery into an engaging adventure. Langdon and Vidal’s search for the cryptic password leads them through iconic landmarks, hidden histories, and powerful religious and political forces determined to suppress the truth.
Brown has always been an expert at creating suspense; the novel’s short chapters and constant twists keep the reader hooked. The vivid descriptions of Spain’s architecture and culture add incredible richness to the story, while the exploration of science versus faith gives the narrative real intellectual depth.
Character Dynamics
Robert Langdon: The brilliant Harvard symbologist remains the steady, intellectual anchor of the series.
Edmond Kirsch: The true standout character. As a charismatic futurist and billionaire, his hubris and genius drive the entire plot, acting as the spark for a fierce debate on existence.
Ambra Vidal: Brings strong emotional stakes and a sharp mind to their journey through Barcelona’s historic architecture.
Literary Themes
Brown weaves compelling, thought-provoking themes that focus squarely on the collision between faith and reason. By asking two fundamental human questions—“Where did we come from?” and “Where are we going?”—the book contrasts traditional religious dogmatism with the rapid, unchecked advancement of artificial intelligence and science.
The Ideal Reader
This book is a perfect match for readers who love:
Fast-paced, high-stakes thrillers.
Art history, architecture, and cryptology.
Philosophical debates regarding how technology might shape the future of human spirituality.
Final Thoughts
Origin by Dan Brown is an entertaining and intelligent novel. While some readers may find the ultimate philosophical resolution more thought-provoking than genuinely surprising, the shocking final twist makes it well worth the ride. Fans of Robert Langdon and readers who enjoy mysteries built around big ideas will find plenty to enjoy here.
“Historically, the most dangerous men on earth were men of God… especially when their gods became threatened.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
About The Author
Dan Brown is the author of nine #1 bestselling novels including The Da Vinci Code, which has become one of the bestselling books of all time. His Robert Langdon thrillers, including The Lost Symbol, Angels & Demons, Inferno, Origin, and The Secret of Secrets, have captivated readers world wide and continue to spark intellectual debate, dialogue, and conjecture. Brown’s novels are published in 56 languages around the world with over 250 million copies in print.
“She escaped the monster she knew… only to face the truth she feared.”
If you love a psychological thriller that keeps you guessing until the very last frame, mark your calendars. Coming to theaters and digital platforms this June 2, 2026, is Fathers, a gripping new dramatic mystery-thriller that proves blood isn’t always thicker than water. (One Tree Entertainment, 2026)
🎬 The Premise
After years held in captivity, Natalie finally escapes the man she believed was her father. But the nightmare doesn’t end there. As her true father steps in to bring her home, Natalie’s loyalty, fear, and confusion spiral into a web of violence. Trapped in a maze where every clue leads to another lie, she must figure out what is real before everything explodes, forcing both father and daughter to confront a devastating truth about her past.
🎭 Cast & Crew
Directed and written by Harley Wallen and distributed by One Tree Entertainment, Fathers boasts a stellar indie cast, including an award-winning lead performance.
Writer/Director: Harley Wallen
Starring:
Kaiti Wallen (Finding Nicole, Beneath Us All, Ash and Bone) – Winner of Best Actress honors at the Top Indie Film Awards for this role!
Harley Wallen (Ash and Bone, Finding Nicole)
Leslie Mechigian (Chasing Hope, Final Recovery)
Richard Tyson
Vida Ghaffari
Dennis Marin
📅 Release Date & How to Watch
Fathers hits theaters and digital platforms across the U.S. and Canada on June 2, 2026. Ready to dive into the mystery? You will be able to rent or buy the film on the following streaming platforms:
Prime Video
Fandango at Home / Vudu
Netflix
What are your thoughts? Will Natalie find peace, or is her real father hiding secrets of his own? Let me know in the comments below if you’ll be adding Fathers to your summer watchlist.
‘Volk’ by D. Werkmeister is a fresh reimagining of the werewolf mythos. Photo: Paste Creative Book Tours, used with permission.
Book Review: Volk by D. Werkmeister
Part of Paste Creative Book Tours
Photo: Paste Creative Book Tours
The Predator Meets the Procedural
FBI Agent Terri Watson is working the biggest case of her career. As she tracks the flow of dirty money around the world to take down a powerful Russian money launderer, her investigation collides with a series of horrific murders.
Something is out there, stalking the streets of Philadelphia. When Terri comes face-to-face with the beast, she discovers an explosive secret—one that powerful men will kill to keep hidden. Her investigation reveals there is more to this predator than meets the eye. Much more. (Amazon, 2026)
The Story
The journey begins in Siberia, 1994, where a team of archaeologists led by the young genetic biologist Peter Lavroski discovers a preserved wolf carcass.
Fast forward to Philadelphia, 2017, where an unknown creature is on the prowl. After witnessing a convenience store robbery, it tracks the criminal into the shadows, leaving a trail of blood in its wake.
The Agent: Special Agent Terri Watson is buried in records, hunting for evidence against a local money launderer.
The Partner: Marc Peterson, a Philly detective and FBI task force officer, is busy investigating the string of grisly alleyway murders.
The Wildcard: Dieter Schnoll moves “dark money” for the world’s shadiest characters. But when a client puts his life in the crosshairs of the creature, he is forced into an unlikely alliance with the FBI.
Together, they must track the beast and dismantle a Russian criminal organization before the body count rises.
Review
In Volk, D. Werkmeister delivers a gripping thriller that blends crime, horror, and conspiracy into a suspenseful masterpiece. The hunt for a Russian financier quickly descends into a fight for survival against a predator that defies conventional logic.
A Fresh Perspective on the Beast
Right from the beginning, the tension builds through the creature’s first-person point of view. Surprisingly, the beast is conflicted and nuanced:
“A wave of loneliness falls over me like a shadow.”
Compelling Characters
Terri Watson is a standout protagonist—intelligent, determined, and believable under pressure. As she uncovers the connections between organized crime and the supernatural, the narrative shifts seamlessly from the clinical world of “dirty money” to the blood-slicked streets of Philadelphia.
Atmospheric Writing
Werkmeister uses vivid, poetic language to ground the horror:
“The rain makes little popping sounds as it pelts the Gore-Tex hood. I pause, listening intently: no sound other than the rain. I sniff the air deeply invigorated by the fresh, damp smell.”
The Verdict
Without spoiling the twist, this is a fresh, modern reimagining of the werewolf mythos. It strips away tired tropes in favor of a grounded, conspiratorial plot. It’s an exciting, chilling read that proves the most dangerous monsters often hide behind fur and finance.
Most Unexpected Reaction: Feeling genuine sympathy for the creature and its tragic history.
Volk by D. Werkmeister is an exciting and chilling read that successfully mixes crime fiction with supernatural terror. While some scenes are graphic, they serve the story’s dark tone effectively. Fans of supernatural werewolf thrillers with dark twists will appreciate the layered mystery and explosive revelations.
“Death is as relentless and unconquerable as the tide of the ocean. You can’t control it; you just have to learn to live with it. It is the dark shape that hides in the shadows, always present but unnoticed – until it comes for you.”
D. Werkmeister is an award-winning author and a retired FBI Agent. He brings 21 years of street experience in Philadelphia to his writing, including eight years on the FBI SWAT team. A former Marine Corps officer, his supernatural thrillers have earned a Claymore Award and a bronze medal from Readers’ Favorite. When not writing, he enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time with his family.
Photo: Paste Creative Book Tours
** Thank you to Stephanie Caruso, Paste Creative Book Tours, and D. Werkmeister for the gifted copy for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
