Picture a Canadian storyteller who turned his nightmares into a chilling horror trilogy that gripped readers worldwide—meet Ezekiel Boone! Writing under a pseudonym, Boone, actually Alexi Zentner, crafts spine-tingling tales that tap into primal fears, like flesh-eating spiders taking over the planet. From his quiet home in upstate New York, Boone’s stories have skittered into the hearts of horror fans in over a dozen countries, proving that sometimes, the scariest ideas come from the simplest sparks.
Boone’s unique blend of apocalyptic thrills and page-turning suspense has made his work, especially The Hatching series, a must-read for anyone who loves a good scare. But how did this literary chameleon, who also writes introspective novels as Alexi Zentner, become a horror sensation? Let’s dive into his world.
The Making of Ezekiel Boone
Born in Canada, Ezekiel Boone—aka Alexi Zentner—grew up with a love for stories, devouring books across genres. After moving to the United States, he settled in Ithaca, New York, with his wife and children, where the dark, rural nights inspired his horror writing. A stay-at-home dad, Boone found time to write when a babysitter lightened his load, channeling his voracious reading into his own narratives. His literary career began under his real name with works like Touch, but a nightmare about spiders sparked his pivot to horror, birthing the Ezekiel Boone pseudonym.
Ezekiel Boone’s Unforgettable Stories
Boone’s signature work, The Hatching (2016), kicks off a trilogy that’s equal parts creepy and addictive. Set in a world where ancient, flesh-eating spiders awaken, the novel follows a global cast facing an apocalyptic swarm. Its sequel, Skitter (2017), ramps up the terror as larger, more cunning spiders emerge, while Zero Day (2018) delivers a heart-pounding finale, pitting humanity against spider queens and political chaos. Critics praised the series for its “globe-hopping, seriously creepy” vibe, with translations in nine languages and screen adaptations in the works.
Beyond the trilogy, Boone’s standalone novel The Mansion (2018) swaps spiders for tech terror. This thriller follows two estranged programmers haunted by a malevolent AI in a creepy upstate New York mansion, blending Stephen King’s atmosphere with modern sci-fi chills. Boone’s style—fast-paced, vivid, and unafraid to lean into fear—makes his stories feel like rollercoasters you can’t step off. His ability to weave human drama into horror, inspired by his children’s love for immersive stories, keeps readers hooked.
Why Ezekiel Boone Matters
Ezekiel Boone’s impact lies in his knack for turning universal fears into gripping narratives. The Hatching series tapped into a collective dread of nature gone wild, earning comparisons to Jaws for its ability to make readers second-guess their surroundings. By writing horror that’s both fun and terrifying, Boone has carved a niche in the genre, inspiring new fans and showing that pseudonyms can unleash bold creative shifts. His global reach, with books sold in over twelve countries, underscores his ability to connect across cultures.
Boone’s dual identity as Alexi Zentner adds depth to his legacy, proving that one writer can master both literary introspection and pulse-pounding thrills. His work invites readers to face their fears while savoring the ride, a rare balance in horror fiction.
- Born: Canada
- Key Works: The Hatching, Skitter, Zero Day, The Mansion
- Fun Fact: Boone’s dogs, one super friendly and one less so, are his writing companions!
Ready to get spooked? Snag The Hatching and dive into Ezekiel Boone’s thrilling world of horror!