"Tracting out Cthulhu" by James Wymore is a speculative fiction novel set in an alternate history where the Republic of Deseret, a Mormon state, exists alongside other global powers. The story begins in March 1903 at a diplomatic event in San Diego, where Hisato Nozaki, a Japanese trade delegate, meets with a mysterious man named Smith. They discuss the threat of an ancient entity, Cthulhu, whose influence is spreading through Tendrils that corrupt and control leaders worldwide. The narrative follows Smith, a member of Deseret's Correlation Department, as he collaborates with Nozaki to prevent the awakening of Cthulhu. The plot involves espionage, alchemy, and advanced technology, including airships and mechanical men. Smith and his team, including combat elders and Japanese shrine maidens, track the Tendril to Tokyo, where they confront a conspiracy led by Marxist revolutionaries and a rogue Japanese general. The story explores themes of cultural exchange, the clash between tradition and modernity, and the dangers of unchecked power. It combines elements of steampunk, Lovecraftian horror, and alternate history, culminating in a battle to prevent the resurrection of an ancient evil. The novel concludes with the protagonists averting disaster and strengthening ties between Deseret and Japan, setting the stage for future alliances against common threats.
By James Wymore · Genre: Horror, Cosmic Horror, Weird Fiction