We Once Were Giants

Is Drop Duncan too nice, too soft to assume control of the teetering agriculture syndicate he stands to inherit?

In a future world where environmental disaster, wars and disease have reduced humans to wisps of their former selves—in numbers, in size, in vigor—crop failures in the remnants of New York may soon destroy the powerful syndicates that rule walled-in Manhattan.

Tasked with undertaking a quest to discover a seed bank in Antarctica, where descendants of banished scientists now reside, Drop leads an expedition of rivals and misfits on a land journey to the end of the Earth, facing unimaginable dangers in scarred regions to which no New Yorker has traveled in generations.

His friends are along for the ride, but so are his enemies—including ones he doesn’t suspect. A handful of others—an intersex pipeline rider, a budding boy scientist, and their unpredictable companions—may make the difference between success and failure, between life and death.

Grounded in science, this page-turning fantasy quest novel, set in a future dystopia that’s all too possible, thrills with nonstop high-stakes action while evoking deep dread at the plausibility of it all. There is no magic in this world but the magic of the human heart. Will that suffice for Drop to triumph and save humanity?

Why am I independently publishing this book?

Although written as entertainment, this novel addresses a grave problem that humanity must face with urgency. Although I've published at times with mainstream publishers, their wheels just turn too slowly to support the gravity of this moment.

J.E. Fishman is an Amazon bestselling author in several genres, including mystery, thriller, police procedural, and, under the pen name Dana I. Wolff, horror. He conceived We Once Were Giants as the capstone of his recent Master of Environmental Studies degree at the University of Pennsylvania. Fishman also writes a Substack newsletter on the subject of Backyard Stewardship.

Praise for We Once Were Giants:

"Good dystopian novel filled with exciting writing. I am getting tired of dystopian novels, but this stands out." --William Falo

"This book was compelling, interesting, disturbing and a really great read.... Highly recommend." --Sharon Weiss

"I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was fast-paced and thought provoking." --Nite Owl Media

"Gritty and hard, yet hopeful in a world that could still be our future." --Caroline Palmer

"An enthralling and thought-provoking dystopian adventure that delves into the human spirit's strength and resourcefulness. J.E. Fishman's powerful narrative highlights the importance of stewardship for our environment while taking readers on an unforgettable journey filled with danger, hope, and the potential for humanity's redemption." --Markie B.

Praise for other novels by J.E. Fishman (and under his Dana I. Wolff pen name)

"Fishman is a deft, fluent writer who's great at turning out intricate action scenes." - Kirkus

"Appealing debut thriller." - Publishers Weekly

"Strong bet for thriller fans." - Library Journal

"A strong, quick, and perfectly upsetting little shocker." - Booklist

"The eerie hypnotic mood here is perfect as are the frights, the startling climax, and the amazing blend of history and fiction." - David Morrell, New York Times bestselling author of Rambo: First Blood

"A pulls-no-punches page turner that you'll devour in one sitting." - Vincent Zandri, New York Times, USA Today and Amazon bestselling author

"J.E. Fishman has created a gripping story with great characters and a stirring dilemma at its core. A top-notch read for suspense fans." - Lou Aronica, New York Times bestselling author