RIFT: The Sixth Extinction

2026 Hawthorne Prize Finalist!

Northern Africa, 2053: a groundbreaking paleontological discovery sparks hope for restoring the world’s collapsing bird populations as a “de-extinction” renaissance unfolds. Nearly a century later, deep under the Sahara, physicists explore the universe’s mysteries while massive surface domes test self-sustaining ecosystems filled with revived, genetically resurrected species. As these timelines converge, humanity finds itself entangled in a brutal creation of its own making. One that unleashes ancient life forms, once lost to extinction, into a denuded world. A hidden reality is unmasked—revealed by the RIFT—and it does not bend to us.

RIFT is a sci-fi horror thrill ride that blends the de-extinction themes of Jurassic Park with the mind-melting cosmic horror of Annihilation. A cautionary tale on the dangers of de-extinction, anthropic climate change, and the unforseen consequences of probing the mysteries of our reality. It’s perfect for those who love their science fiction with hot cup of cosmic horror. And dinosaurs.

If you’ve been waiting for the next big thing since Jurassic Park, try this.

THOMAS ASHER uses writing as a medium to explore big questions. Through his work, he takes a deep dive into the depths of scientific understanding to develop compelling, character-driven stories. As a former researcher in the fields of neuroscience and biochemistry, Tom's passion for science has a profound impact on his cautionary tales for humanity's future. He was born and raised in rural Maine and now lives in California.

Fred is well-known for his paleo-art, with his unique style and attention to detail that gives life to extinct beasts in a way that grips the imagination. He has been featured in the popular Mesozoic Art series, has done concept work for the popular dinosaur simulator, The Isle, and has published two children's coloring books, The Amazing Age of Dinosaurs and My Dinosaur Alphabet: Vol 1, available through Amazon. His artwork has also become a staple of Wikipedia dinosaur articles. He can be followed under his moniker, "Fred The Dinosaurman" on ArtStation and YouTube.

A renound paleontologist and paleo-artist, Mark is recognized for his work on pterosaurs, with a particular interest in azhdarchids. He is also well-known for his paleo-art, which challenges our perception of how dinosaurs lived, looked, and behaved. He has published multiple research articles and educational books, and has served as a consultant for museums and productions like Apple TV's Prehistoric Planet, the IMax documentary T. REX, and BBC's Walking With Dinosaurs. His artwork has become ubiquitous in the paleo world and can be seen in such works as Dinosaur Art II. Mark lives in the United Kingdom with his wife, Georgia, and their whippet, Kolby.