CHARLES YNFANTE: SHORT STORY: "The Source"

The Source is a science fiction story set in a future where humanity lives in domed cities to protect themselves from deadly viroids in the atmosphere. The story follows Plex Clay and Deedly Clonnay, meteorological technicians, who are tasked with retrieving an object that could potentially save humanity. This object, referred to as the Anti-Body Source, is believed to have antibodies that can protect against the viroids. 

The story begins with a leak in their research dome, which is quickly sealed by an odorless and colorless gas called Sealant. The characters discuss the frequency of such leaks and the catastrophic event that occurred in the City of the Angels, where millions died due to a dome fracture. The narrative then shifts to their mission, which is initiated by Commander Lively. He informs them about the unusual data received from a distant quadrant, indicating the presence of an organic, living object. 

Plex and Deedly, along with Tim Circuitson, prepare for their mission. They travel in a Rover, a hermetically sealed vehicle, through the wasteland outside their dome.  

The Source is a science fiction and mystery adventure story.

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CHARLES YNFANTE: TWO SHORT STORIES: "The Village " and "The Question "

 These are two short stories. In "The Village," a young man returns home to his village. He finds that his family and friends are gone due to government decree. This decree is based on suspicion and discrimination. The young man takes matters into his own hands. In "The Question," an investigator is given an assignment by an old man to find the source and meaning of life.

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Charles Ynfante's books are available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, Apple Books, Kobo and other locations.

CHARLES YNFANTE'S NON-FICTION HISTORY: "GOD, NAZIS and GENOCIDE: THE HOLOCAUST. A HISTORY"

God, Nazis and Genocide: Reflections on the Holocaust from Auschwitz to the Atomic Bomb is a philosophical and theological exploration of the Holocaust, examining its meaning, implications, and enduring challenges for faith, morality, and history. Historian, Charles Ynfante, frames the Holocaust as both an idea and an experience — an unimaginable reality for survivors and a conceptual challenge for those who did not live through it. It is presented as a catastrophic event that tested the boundaries of good and evil, faith and doubt, and the relationship between humanity and God. 

Theological Dilemmas. The Holocaust raises profound questions about God's role in history. Was God present or absent during the suffering? The silence of God during the Holocaust is interpreted as both a message and a source of anguish. The event forces a rethinking of divine providence, human responsibility, and the nature of evil. The rebirth of Israel after the Holocaust is seen as both a sign of resurrection and a testament to survival, but it cannot erase the suffering endured. 

Faith, Scripture, and Redemption. Religious texts are scrutinized for their role in shaping attitudes toward Jews and the Holocaust. Charles Ynfante discusses the tension between the Old and New Testaments, the roots of anti-Semitism in Christian theology, and the need for a re-examination of religious traditions in light of the Holocaust. The possibility of adding new biblical texts to reflect the lessons of the twentieth century is proposed. 

Morality and Human Responsibility. The Holocaust is a moral benchmark for evaluating human behavior, ethics, and political policy. The failure of religious and ethical systems to prevent genocide is highlighted, as is the complicity of ordinary people — not just leaders — in perpetrating evil. The concept of the "banality of evil" is invoked to explain how bureaucratic routines enabled mass murder. 

Historical and Political Context. The rise of Nazism, the role of war, and the use of propaganda are analyzed as factors that facilitated genocide. The Holocaust is compared to other genocides, such as those in Rwanda and Armenia, to explore its uniqueness and universality. The author argues that genocide is a process, not just an event, and that technological and bureaucratic innovations made the Holocaust distinct. 

The Uniqueness and Universality of the Holocaust. While the Holocaust is unique in its intent, scale, and technological execution, it is also a universal warning against inhumanity. The document debates whether the Holocaust should be considered a singular event or as part of a broader pattern of human cruelty. The importance of humanity’s common memory and historical responsibility is emphasized to prevent future atrocities. 

Science, Technology, and Ethic. The intersection of scientific progress and moral failure is explored, particularly in the context of technological totalitarianism. The Holocaust and the atomic bomb are presented as icons of the twentieth century, symbolizing both the potential and peril of human innovation. 

Comparative Genocide. Genocides in Africa, especially Rwanda and Darfur, are examined as case studies to illustrate the ongoing relevance of the "Auschwitz Principle" — the systematic, state-sponsored destruction of groups. The role of propaganda, international inaction, and complicity are discussed. 

God, Nazis and Genocide: Reflections on the Holocaust from Auschwitz to the Atomic Bomb concludes that the Holocaust defies complete understanding and challenges every effort to unify its meaning. It calls for ongoing reflection, remembrance, and the adaptation of religious and ethical frameworks to confront the realities of genocide. The ultimate lesson is the necessity of human responsibility, vigilance against evil, and the preservation of humanity’s common memory as a safeguard for future generations.  

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CHARLES YNFANTE'S NON-FICTION: "WAR and MODERNIZATION"

War and Modernization examines how World War II catalyzed the transformation of Arizona from a primarily extractive, agricultural economy into a modern, diversified state. Historian, Charles Ynfante, emphasizes that WWII was a watershed moment for western economic and social development. 

Arizona’s leaders anticipated involvement in global affairs before Pearl Harbor, preparing the state for defense industries and federal investment. The war accelerated the shift from mining and agriculture to technological and service industries, with military installations and manufacturing becoming permanent fixtures. Federal money and defense contracts spurred economic independence, attracting veterans and workers, and fostering postwar optimism. 

Despite economic growth, the war did not immediately improve the status of minority groups. Native Americans, Japanese Americans, African Americans, and Mexican nationals faced entrenched racism and limited integration. Japanese Americans were interned, African American soldiers experienced segregation, and Mexican laborers encountered bureaucratic obstacles and discrimination. The influx of Italian and German POWs provided labor but did not alter long-term social dynamics. 

Military bases, airfields, and training centers proliferated, shaping Arizona’s infrastructure and economy for decades. The state’s National Guard and other military units played significant roles in the war, while civilian and military pilot training schools contributed to technological advancement. Federal agencies and local leaders coordinated defense efforts, often contending with public apathy and logistical challenges. 

Agriculture lagged behind mining in mobilizing for the war, hampered by severe labor shortages. Efforts to import Mexican labor (braceros) were delayed by federal red tape, forcing reliance on civilians, internees, convicts, POWs, and Jamaicans. Despite these challenges, Arizona’s agribusiness achieved record profits, mirroring national trends. 

The war’s legacy for minorities was mixed. Native Americans contributed significantly to the war effort, both militarily and industrially, but continued to face poverty, poor health, and limited civil rights. Japanese Americans endured internment and postwar exclusion. African Americans and Mexican Americans struggled for recognition and fair treatment. Economic gains did not translate into social equality. 

Arizona emerged from WWII with a diversified economy, increased population, and expanded infrastructure. The state’s leaders envisioned a future of industrial growth, international trade, and improved living standards. However, persistent social inequalities and dependence on federal largesse tempered the optimism. The war’s impact was profound but uneven, shaping Arizona’s trajectory while leaving unresolved issues of race, labor, and political autonomy. 

World War II was a turning point for Arizona’s modernization, driving economic diversification and institutional growth. Yet, the promise of integration and equality for minority groups remained largely unfulfilled, revealing the complex interplay between progress and persistent social barriers.

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CHARLES YNFANTE'S NON-FICTION: "GLOBALIZATION of the AMERICAN SOUTHWEST: A Five-Hundred Year Economic and Social History"

 In Globalization of the American Southwest, historian, Charles Ynfante, explores the profound and multifaceted impact of globalization on the American Southwest, arguing that while global forces have repeatedly swept across the region, much of its landscape and cultural identity remained remarkably resilient until the late 20th century.  Charles Ynfante, defines globalization broadly — not just as the movement of goods and services, but as the transfer and collision of ideas, religions, social constructs, technologies, diseases, and environmental changes. 

Globalization as Process and Place. The American West is both a physical region and a process shaped by waves of migration, conquest, and cultural exchange. Globalization brought not only material goods but also abstract notions — religion, race, and social hierarchies — that profoundly influenced the region’s development. 

Religion and Social Constructs. European colonization imposed Christianity and Eurocentric social constructs on Native populations, often relegating them to subordinate status. These constructs, rooted in centuries-old myths and perceptions, shaped interactions and policies, sometimes justifying conquest and marginalization. 

Migration and Demographic Change. The Southwest has been a crossroads for global migrations — from the earliest humans out of Africa, through Native American settlement, to European colonization and later waves of immigrants. Each migration altered the region’s demographic and cultural landscape, but Native groups often adapted and preserved their identities. 

Technology, Science, and Disease. Technological innovations — from Clovis spear points to the atomic bomb — transformed the region. The introduction of European diseases devastated Native populations, while later technological advances (railroads, highways, air travel, and military installations) integrated the Southwest into national and global systems. 

Capitalism and Imperialism. The arrival of European capitalism and imperial ambitions turned the Southwest into a pawn among competing powers (Spain, France, Britain, the U.S.), shaping its economic and political structures. Native economies were disrupted but not entirely erased; adaptation and resilience were common responses. 

War and Social Change. World War II and the Cold War brought military installations, economic growth, and new waves of migration, but did not erase racial and social divisions. Native Americans, Japanese Americans, and other minorities faced discrimination, even as they contributed significantly to the war effort. 

Environmental Challenges. The region’s aridity and vulnerability to drought have always shaped its history. Global warming and climate change now pose new threats, challenging the sustainability of urban growth and resource use. 

Despite centuries of global influence, the American Southwest retains much of its mystique and distinctiveness. The region’s history is one of both profound change and enduring continuity. Globalization has brought challenges and opportunities, but the resilience of its peoples and landscapes remains a defining feature. Charles Ynfante suggests that while globalization is an ongoing process, the fundamental traits of the Southwest — its openness, diversity, and adaptability — persist, even as new global trends continue to shape its future.

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Charles Ynfante’s books are available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, Apple Books, Kobo and other locations.

CHARLES YNFANTE'S NOVEL of HISTORICAL FICTION: "YORK"

 Charles Ynfante’s York is a biographical and historical fiction of the only black man on the Lewis and Clark Expedition (the Corps of Discovery). 

York, a personal servant of Captain William Clark, was involved to find a passage from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean. 

His personal odyssey is one of endurance, transformation, the search for dignity, and the meaning of home in a world defined by racial boundaries. 

His story begins in 1803, as he prepares for the journey, leaving behind his family and his love, Emma, with the hope of returning to them. On the expedition, he experiences the daily realities of slavery, but also camaraderie and respect, especially among the Native American tribes encountered along the way. This allows him the social freedom and dignity denied to him in white society. 

York’s relationships with Clark and the other men evolve: he is a servant and, at times, equal, especially as the expedition’s survival depends on the contributions of every member.

However, after the return journey, the other members receive rewards and recognition but York returns to a life of slavery. Clark finally grants York his freedom, but York finds that life as a free Black man is blocked by prejudice and economic hardship. 

York’s story concludes with him finding a home among the Indians, where he is respected and lives out the rest of his days. Charles Ynfante’s biographical and historical fiction blends American history and African American history with themes of exploration, race, freedom, and the meaning of home.

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Charles Ynfante's books are available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, Apple Books, Kobo and other locations.

CHARLES YNFANTE'S SHORT STORY: "VOYAGE at the END of TIME"

 Voyage at the End of Time is a science fiction story set in a universe on the brink of total collapse with all life throughout the universe ending in twenty years.  

The story is told from the perspective of an historian, the daughter of an astrophysicist, living on the planet Kio. 

She is experiencing the final years of the universe as it implodes into a Black Hole. The historian's father, an astrophysicist, embarks on a perilous journey to Earth, which is experiencing severe gravitational disturbances. 

The story is divided into two main parts: the daughter’s account and the father's narrative. The historian describes the efforts to evacuate populations from planets close to the Black Hole and the emotional turmoil of saying goodbye to her father. The father's narrative details his journey to Earth --- a final pilgrimage --- where he encounters a war-torn planet with desperate inhabitants fighting for survival. He witnesses the chaos and destruction caused by the impending total collapse of the universe and the struggles of the remaining people on Earth. 

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Charles Ynfante's books are available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, Apple Books, Kobo and other locations.

CHARLES YNFANTE'S NOVEL: "THE VESUVIAN PROPHECY"

 The Vesuvian Prophecy revolves around Pompeii shortly before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in the year 68 AD. The story follows several intertwined lives as they navigate personal loss, social upheaval, and the looming threat of natural disaster. 

Endeena is a young pregnant widow whose husband Althamus is unjustly killed by the ruthless General Vibius. Divinius is a small-time prophet haunted by the murder of his own father at the hands of the same General. Lucinda is Divinius's companion with her own troubled past. Julia is the strong-willed daughter of Senator Priscus, who resists being married off to Vibius. 

The story opens with Endeena's family honoring the memory of relatives lost in a previous earthquake. Divinius, reluctant farmer turned prophet, is summoned by General Vibius, who seeks to use him for his own ends. The General's brutality is further revealed when he executes Althamus under false pretenses, traumatizing Endeena and the community. Divinius receives a prophetic vision warning of impending doom from Vesuvius. He also struggles with his desire for revenge against Vibius, his feelings of love for Endeena, and his emotional relationship with Lucinda. 

Meanwhile, Julia, determined to escape her father's plans to marry her off, seeks out Divinius for guidance about her future. The story explores themes of fate, power, social class, and resilience. It weaves together personal and collective tragedy, the search for meaning, and the struggle in a world governed by human cruelty and the forces of nature.

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Charles Ynfante's books are available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, Apple Books, Kobo and other locations.

CHARLES YNFANTE'S SHORT STORY: "THE STRIKE"

In The Strike, Lieutenant Charles Ryker is stranded in a jungle after crash-landing his aircraft. The story explores his thoughts and emotions as he contemplates his survival and the end of the world due to a nuclear war. Ryker reflects on his past, including his military duties, his fiancée, and his family. He struggles with the reality of a nuclear apocalypse and the inevitability of death. The story captures his attempts to find meaning and leave a legacy, even as he faces the slow and painful end brought on by the fallout.

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Charles Ynfante's books are available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, Apple Books, Kobo and other locations.

CHARLES YNFANTE'S SHORT STORY: "SILER TWIGG and WILLY"

Siler Twig is a graduate student living in a remote, dilapidated house in West Virginia, haunted by the memory — and apparent ghost — of his best friend Willy. After a wild party, Siler experiences a series of supernatural encounters: he sees Willy’s ghost, is unnerved by strange noises and visions, and struggles to convince his skeptical girlfriend, Shirl, and friends that what he’s experiencing is real. 

The story escalates when Siler’s eccentric neighbor, Tom Tatterson, dies of fright after encountering the ghost of his own wife, Matilda, further deepening the surreal atmosphere. Eventually, Siler is led by Willy into a closet that serves as a portal to the “World of the Dead,” a vibrant, bustling afterlife. 

The story explores death, the blurred line between reality and the supernatural, It looks at grief and acceptance, The story is also about friendship and memory, and the search for meaning in life and death. The story balances dark humor, surreal horror, and heartfelt nostalgia. 

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Charles Ynfante's books are available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, Apple Books, Kobo and other locations.

CHARLES YNFANTE'S NOVEL: "PREDATOR"

Predator is a dark crime thriller. Brutal murders are linked by a common thread: all the victims are customers of an adult sexual products company called Pleasure World. The disturbed killer, homosexual Vester Grewg, detectives Gary Blake and Julie Nicks, and a cast of victims and others intersect in the wake of the crimes.

Vester Grewg, a former employee of Pleasure World, is fired for erratic behavior. He is consumed by a hatred for those he deems "sexual perverts," Grewg begins targeting customers whose personal information he stole from his old job.

 Detective Gary Blake is a seasoned officer struggling with the emotional toll of his work and a strained marriage. His partner, Julie Nicks, is ambitious, intelligent, and wrestling with her own personal  feelings for Blake. Together, they investigate the murders, gradually uncovering the connection between the victims and Pleasure World. 

As the body count rises, the city is gripped by fear, and the police come under intense public and media scrutiny. The investigation is complicated by internal department politics, personal rivalries, and the killer's ability to blend into the population. 

The novel is gritty, explicit, and unflinching in its depiction of violence, male and male fantasy, sexuality, and the psychological scars left by both.

 

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Charles Ynfante’s books are available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, Apple Books, Kobo and other locations.

CHARLES YNFANTE'S SHORT STORY: "DRACULA and the SHARK"

Dracula and the Shark blends horror, satire, and absurd comedy. Dray Cula, is a lifeguard with a secret — he’s a vampire and the great-grandson of the original Dracula. Dray’s attempts to live a normal life are complicated by his vampiric urges and the eccentric beach community around him. Dray keeps his vampire identity hidden while working as a lifeguard.  

After a drunken couple visits the beach at midnight, the girl is found dead — her blood drained, but with no obvious wounds. The authorities, led by the coroner Dr. Cornet and Chief of Police Brennley Brenmaster, mistakenly blame a shark for the killing. 

Fat Louie is a legendary, sarcastic Great White Shark with a penchant for mayhem. Fat Louie’s appetite leads to more deaths, including the entire university women’s swim team. 

 The authorities launch increasingly desperate measures — patrol boat armadas, atomic submarines, and reverse psychology campaigns — to stop the killings. Dray and his vampire friend, Willy, attempt to bait the killer shark. 

Characters like Nancy Naline Jr. (Dray’s social-climbing girlfriend) and Cap Hap (the eccentric submarine captain) add layers of farce. 

The novella parodies horror, and pokes fun at authority figures, media, and social ambition. Its dark humor is laced with irreverent jokes, slapstick, and witty dialogue.

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Charles Ynfante's books are available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, Apple Books, Kobo and other locations.

CHARLES YNFANTE'S SHORT STORY COLLECTION"

The Short Story Collection by Charles Ynfante is a diverse anthology of stories that probe the complexities of human nature, society, and existential struggle. The collection traverses a wide range of settings — from African villages to American suburbs, from mythic dialogues in ancient Greece to surreal, dystopian futures — using a blend of realism, satire, and philosophical inquiry. 

In "The Village," Ila Kontaba is a survivor of famine and violence who returns to his homeland after years abroad. The story explores generational trauma, the tension between tradition and progress, and the cyclical nature of suffering and hope. Ila’s journey is both literal and symbolic, reflecting the struggle to reconcile the past with the demands of the present. 

"The Question" features a private investigator, Neal Lowe, who is hired to answer the ultimate question: "What created Life?" The story becomes a meditation on loss, faith, and the limits of human understanding, as Lowe’s personal tragedies intertwine with his philosophical quest. 

"Last World" and "Mr. Ory and Family" use dark humor and exaggeration to critique consumerism, environmental destruction, and authoritarian family structures. "Last World" imagines a planet paved over by greed, while "Mr. Ory and Family" lampoons the dysfunctions of a family obsessed with order, status, and material comfort, ultimately leading to violence and tragedy. 

"Glass," "Murder in the Underground Parking Garage," and "A Moment in the Mind of Jack the Ripper," delve into the minds of isolated, troubled individuals. These narratives blur the line between reality and delusion, exposing the psychological roots of violence and the fragility of identity.

 

There is absurdity and irony in "The Christmas Intruder" and "The Door". These stories highlight the unpredictability of life and the often comical nature of fear and misunderstanding. 

"Aegan [Part One]" presents a Socratic dialogue questioning the nature of order, reason, and humanity’s place in the universe. The story challenges the reader to consider whether human reason is a force for good or a source of chaos. 

Stories like "The Dog" and "Checks" offer gritty, humorous portraits of small-town life, focusing on characters struggling with poverty, family dysfunction, and the search for dignity amid chaos. 

Charles Ynfante’s writing is marked by sharp dialogue, vivid imagery, and a willingness to shift between genres and tones. The stories are often interlaced with philosophical asides, dark humor, and moments of lyrical beauty. The collection does not shy away from uncomfortable truths, instead confronting issues of violence, alienation, and the absurdity of modern existence head-on. 

This collection is a tapestry of human experience — by turns tragic, comic, and profound. It asks difficult questions about progress, morality, and the meaning of life, while never losing sight of the flawed, yearning individuals at its heart. Whether through the eyes of a village elder, a failed detective, or a dysfunctional family, Ynfante’s stories challenge readers to reflect on the forces that shape our lives and the choices we make in the face of adversity.

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Charles Ynfante's books are available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, Apple Books, Kobo and other locations.

CHARLES YNFANTE'S "SCIENCE FICTION COLLECTION"

Charles Ynfante’s Science Fiction Collection presents a sweeping vision of humanity’s future, exploring existential threats, cosmic journeys, and the enduring resilience of life and hope. 

 The collection opens with “Voyage at the End of Time,” a novella chronicling the final days of the universe through the eyes of a historian and her astrophysicist father. As the universe collapses into a black hole, the narrative follows the father’s perilous pilgrimage to Earth, encountering war, chaos, and the struggle for survival amidst cosmic extinction. 

Other stories in the collection expand on these themes with imaginative scenarios. 

“The Sounds of Life”. Two alien beings, the last of their kind, seed life on a barren world, suggesting that creation and renewal are possible even after extinction. 

“Love”. A whimsical tale of Phineas, who traverses galaxies in search of the perfect gift for his beloved, ultimately choosing Earth itself as a token of affection, blending cosmic scale with personal emotion. 

“The Game”. A football coach is abducted by aliens who believe his tactical expertise can win intergalactic wars, humorously blurring the lines between sports and cosmic conflict. 

“Last World”. A dystopian vision where Earth is paved over by corporate greed, leaving only a single flower tended by the protagonist’s daughter — a symbol of hope and the tragic cost of environmental destruction. 

“CLO[w]N\[e]”. A darkly comic exploration of identity, loneliness, and self-confrontation, as a man creates a clone of himself, leading to existential and psychological chaos. 

“The Strike”. Amid nuclear apocalypse, a pilot reflects on duty, regret, and the meaning of survival, capturing the futility and tragedy of war. 

“The Source”. In a future where humanity is confined to domed cities to escape deadly viroids, a team sets out to retrieve a mysterious “Anti-Body Source” that could save humankind. Their journey through a sterile wasteland is both a quest for survival and a reflection on the consequences of environmental collapse and technological hubris. 

Throughout this collection, recurring motifs include the collapse of civilization, the search for meaning in the face of extinction, and the enduring power of love, memory, and hope. The stories blend speculative science, philosophical inquiry, and emotional depth, inviting readers to contemplate humanity’s place in the cosmos and the choices that shape our destiny.

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Charles Ynfante's books are available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, Apple Books, Kobo and other locations.

CHARLES YNFANTE'S COMPLETE "POETRY to POEMS"

Poetry to Poems is a vibrant tapestry of poetic and lyrical prose, traversing the landscapes of personal reflection, science, nature, social commentary, and existential musings. The work is organized into thematic sections, each exploring different facets of human experience. 

The poems on realizations and identity meditate on transformation, creativity, and the search for self. These pieces blend philosophical inquiry with playful language, questioning reality and the nature of existence. 

Poems on science and math use scientific concepts as metaphors for uncertainty, relationships, and the limits of human understanding. Math and physics become vehicles for exploring love, connection, and the mysteries of the universe. 

A significant portion of the poetry addresses environmental crisis and climate change. The tone is urgent and mournful, lamenting the loss of nature and calling for activism. The poems evoke images of melting ice caps, burning forests, and the consequences of human inaction. 

There are themes of friendship and love, of connection, longing, and vulnerability. The writing is intimate, sometimes playful, sometimes aching, capturing the joys and sorrows of relationships. 

Poems on death and disease confront mortality, loss, and the fragility of life. There is a recurring motif of children, innocence lost, and the inevitability of death, balanced by reflections on heaven and the hope for peace. 

There are reflections on the past, present and future contemplate time, memory, and hope. The poet urges living in the present, letting go of regret, and believing in possibility. 

Nature and beauty are celebrated. These works evoke the beauty and transience of the natural world, often as a metaphor for emotional states. 

The poems on social media and technology explore modern anxieties and ironies. These poems critique digital life, social isolation, and the search for authentic connection in a virtual age. 

Global issues — migration, democracy, injustice — are addressed in the section titled People, Politics, and the World. The poems contrast personal privilege with the struggles of refugees, calls for equality, and questions political systems. 

There are also multilingual poems. This section includes poems in French and Spanish, broadening its cultural scope and expressing universal themes of love, hope, and existential questioning. 

Finally, the closing section is a playful, self-deprecating meditation on poetry itself. The poet questions his own authenticity and the meaning of poetic creation. 

Poetry to Poems by Charles Ynfante is a wide-ranging, emotionally resonant collection that weaves together personal, scientific, environmental, and social threads. Its style is direct yet imaginative, blending rhyme, free verse, and prose to explore the complexities of life, love, loss, and the world we inhabit. 

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Charles Ynfante’s books are available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, Apple Books, Kobo and other locations.

CHARLES YNFANTE'S SHORT STORY: "MR. ORY and FAMILY"

The story centers on Mr. Ory, a wealthy, authoritarian patriarch living with his family in a mansion surrounded by urban decay and pollution. Despite their material comfort, the family is emotionally stifled and isolated, governed by Mr. Ory’s rigid rules and self-importance. 

Mr. Ory’s authority is maintained through fear, manipulation, and punishment. 

Each family member copes differently: the two sons escape into music and self-image, the wife is passive and perpetually smiling, the youngest daughter craves material possessions, and the eldest daughter seeks solace in nature and creativity — traits that make her an outcast in her father’s eyes. The eldest daughter’s spirit and curiosity are repeatedly crushed. 

 The arrival of Mr. Ory’s estranged brother introduces tension, as he attempts to reconnect and understand the family’s dysfunction. 

Alienation, corruption, the emptiness of material wealth, and the lack of purpose and genuine fulfillment sends the family into a spiraling horror.  

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Charles Ynfante's books are available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, Apple Books, Kobo and other locations.

CHARLES YNFANTE'S NOVEL of HISTORICAL FICTION: "THE OLD MAN, BEOWULF, and the KING"

 This is historical fiction. Blacks live in poverty in a run-down tenement building. Their modest livelihood and uncertain future are threatened by white supremacists, neo-Nazis, and the Ku Klux Klan. Their only hope is a 95-year-old man in a wheelchair.

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Charles Ynfante’s books are available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, Apple Books, Kobo and other locations.

CHARLES YNFANTE'S NOVEL of HISTORICAL FICTION: "THE DELERIA MOSAIC"

The Deleria Mosaic is a sweeping, character-driven historical novel set in postwar Europe, primarily Moscow and Naples, during the early 1950s.

Fyodor Dzhemal, a thirty-year-old Russian veteran, wanders the gray, somber streets of Moscow, haunted by memories of war against the Nazis and the constant threat of new conflict. He owns a small bookshop, inherited from a friend whose life he saved during the war. Fyodor's existence is marked by loneliness, paranoia about the Russian secret police --- the KGB --- and a longing for meaning in a society stifled by Stalinist repression.

Inga Egorov, a young Russian Jewish woman, lives with her father Gurin in a modest Moscow apartment. She was permanently disabled by a Nazi grenade as a child, and her mother died in the harsh Russian winter. Inga finds solace and fleeting beauty in her violin, a gift from her parents, and struggles with depression, isolation, and feelings of inadequacy. 

Meanwhile, Benigno, an aging widower in Naples, Italy, tends his garden and mourns the loss of his sons to the war. His story explores the lingering grief and the possibility of new love with Felisa, a fellow survivor. Their marriage is a testament to resilience, but also to the emotional wounds that persist long after physical rebuilding. 

The story delves into the pervasive atmosphere of suspicion and fear in Soviet Russia, as Fyodor is drawn to  dissidents like Dmitri, who plot against the regime. The KGB, personified by Volkov — a former Nazi SS agent turned Soviet secret police — serves as a constant threatr. As Fyodor and Inga's paths cross, a tentative romance blossoms, offering both a chance at healing.

The story explores generational trauma, the search for identity, and the struggle to find meaning in a world shaped by war, loss, and authoritarian control. The characters' personal journeys are set against the backdrop of historical upheaval — Stalin's impending death, the threat of atomic war, and the shifting tides of postwar Europe. The story is a meditation on endurance, the redemptive power of art and love, and the possibility of renewal. This reflects the resilience of ordinary people in extraordinary times. 

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Charles Ynfante's books are available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, Apple Books, Kobo and other locations.

CHARLES YNFANTE'S SHORT STORY: THE DEVIL’S INSURANCE MAN"

A seasoned insurance agent insures anyone, regardless of their background or risk. One day, a shabbily dressed man enters, claiming to be the Devil — Satan, Mephistopheles. The agent, unfazed by unusual clients, agrees to insuring him. 

The Devil explains his predicament: modern technology — computers, satellites, the internet — has made it impossible for him to hide or operate in secrecy. He seeks insurance against the dangers posed by these advancements, as well as protection from old fashion exorcisms, prayers, religious organizations, and the Church. The insurance agent is pragmatic and businesslike. 

As the conversation deepens, the agent questions the Devil’s power, suggesting that perhaps God is the true source of both good and evil in the world, and that Satan’s influence may be an illusion. The Devil, insecure and desperate, admits he has nowhere else to turn for protection. The agent demands that the Devil must pay dearly for coverage. The contract stipulates that all of the Devil’s earnings will go toward the insurance, leaving him perpetually enslaved to the agreement. Any attempt to cheat or circumvent the terms will void the protection, exposing him to all the dangers he fears. 

The Devil’s Insurance Man is satirical short story.

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Charles Ynfante's books are available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, Apple Books, Kobo and other locations.

CHARLES YNFANTE'S NOVEL: "THE IMPRISONED"

The Imprisoned is a dystopian novel set in a future society devastated by economic collapse and social fragmentation, known as the Holoconomic Era.

The story centers on the experiences of prisoners within the Correctional Decontamination Center (C.D.C.), a massive, windowless prison complex surrounded by a vast, walled Wilderness where the most dangerous or unwanted inmates are exiled for life.

The prison is dehumanizing, with strict surveillance, racial and social segregation, and a culture of fear and mistrust.

Inmates are identified by colored wristbands denoting their crimes and are constantly monitored by implanted trackers in the nape of the neck and followed by hover probes.

Rey Amin is arrested for treason and because of that is a "White bander" --- one who wears a white band around his wrist because of treason. Jasp Odle is a "Blue bander" (racial aggression), Jasp is a former drug czar who, after thirteen years in the C.D.C., is paroled and struggles to adapt to the ruined City outside. Turner is a "Green bander" (mass murderer). He is a hardened survivor with a violent past. Victoria Taylor & Norman Hanner are the Head of Security and the Warden, respectively, who are corrupt and self-serving authority figures who maintain control through surveillance, manipulation, and division.

The story follows Rey's harrowing journey through the C.D.C. and into the Wilderness, where he must navigate not only the dangers of nature but also the violence and treachery of other exiles. After being released into the Wilderness, Rey teams up with and later separates from other inmates, including the manipulative Reynolds (a spy for the authorities). He eventually meets Tori, a woman born in the Wilderness.

Meanwhile, Jasp is released and attempts to rebuild his life in The City marked by alienation and tragedy. The City beyond is bleak, overrun by poverty, pollution, and lawlessness.

 The novel explores how people retain or lose their humanity and hope under extreme oppression and isolation.

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Charles Ynfante's books are available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, Apple Books, Kobo and other locations.

CHARLES YNFANTE'S NOVEL: "HITLER’S TOMB"

Nazi vampires and zombies are on the loose and on a rampage. Hitler's Tomb is a thriller combining historical conspiracy, supernatural horror, and psychological drama. 

The story opens with a chilling note written by Hitler in his final moments at the end of World War 2. The United States army secretly captures Hitler and 300 elite Nazis at the end of World War 2 and quickly takes them to a hidden tomb beneath the Wasatch Mountains in Utah. They are mummified by technicians in 1945 who hope that future science will unlock the secrets of their minds to prevent future atrocities. In the following decades, the tomb is lost to history, buried under decades of secrecy, more wars, and forgotten by the government's bureaucracy. 

The story then shifts to the present day. A diverse group of vacationers — a scientist, a priest, students, families, retirees, and others — arrive at the Overlook Resort, a remote mountain hotel close to the forgotten tomb buried in the valley below. Their peaceful retreat is shattered by a series of bizarre and terrifying events: A custodian is found brutally murdered, sparking panic and confusion. Communication with the outside world is cut off by an earthquake and a mysterious, glowing fog. The only road in and out is blocked by fallen boulders, trapping everyone at the resort. Soon, there are attacks by the mummified Nazi vampires and zombies.

 Among those trapped is Gwendolyn Easton, a scientist and entrepreneur seeking answers to criminal behavior. Louise Joplin is a young and quiet artist who has a traumatic past. Sheriff Tig Johns and Officer Hanson deputize armed guests to defend against the vampire and zombie threat. Zeno of Elea and Kensit Jones are Government agents with secret agendas, racing to locate and reseal Hitler's tomb to stop the Nazi vampire and zombie horror.

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Charles Ynfante's books are available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, Apple Books, Kobo and other locations.

CHARLES YNFANTE'SNOVEL: "THE HIDDEN"

In The Hidden, Mike Stevens is burdened by the abduction of his daughter, Linda, by the devil who wants to use her for breeding. Mike is drawn into a web of supernatural horror, exposing a deep conspiracy to weaponize evil for its own ends.  

One night, Mike receives a mysterious phone call claiming his daughter is alive. This sets off a frantic, dangerous quest involving cryptic clues, shadowy figures,  and a conspiracy centered around Genet-Ag, a facility breeding devilish creatures through genetic engineering. Local authorities and federal officials are complicit or manipulated.

He is joined by Amy Liston, a determined reporter, and Lester Keegler, a resourceful computer expert and weapons enthusiast. Together they face the torment and horror of the devil, experiencing fear, dread, and psychological terror.

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Charles Ynfante's books are available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, Apple Books, Kobo and other locations.

CHARLES YNFANTE'S SHORT STORY: "THE DOG"

 Leroy Barnes is a blue-collar worker whose life is disrupted by the arrival of Mr. Brewster and his barking dog, a German Shepherd. Leroy’s routine walks to the Quick Stop Market become a source of anxiety as the dog repeatedly harasses him, both on the street and at night, disturbing his sleep and affecting his work performance at Fred’s Gas station. 

The escalating tension between Leroy and the dog leads to confrontations with Brewster, who is unyielding about his pet’s behavior. The situation worsens when the dog’s presence becomes mobile in the back of Brewster’ pickup truck. In this way, the dog now follows Leroy around town and making him feel unsafe everywhere. Leroy’s frustration and sleeplessness culminate in a drastic decision: he kidnaps Brewster to teach him a lesson. 

This is a short filled with delicious dark humor.

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Charles Ynfante’s books are available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, Apple Books, Kobo and other locations.

CHARLES YNFANTE'S NOVELLA: "THE COIN"

The Coin is literary fiction, a sweeping, time-spanning meditation on love, death, memory, and the eternal mysteries of existence. The narrative weaves together vignettes from ancient Sumeria, Egypt, Pompeii, and a speculative future (5000 AD), anchored by the recurring motif of a mysterious ancient coin and a prophetic papyrus. 

Characters across eras grapple with the pain of separation, the longing for reunion, and the hope that love might outlast death itself. 

The Coin explores how memory, artifacts, and written words preserve fragments of lives otherwise lost to time. It reveals love’s promise of eternity with the reality of loss and impermanence. 

The Coin is a poetic, philosophical story that uses the journey of a coin through millennia to explore the universal human experiences of love, loss, and the search for meaning. Its characters — ancient and modern — are united by their longing for connection and understanding in the face of mortality. The story ultimately suggests that while death is inevitable, love and memory can transcend time, offering hope and continuity across generations. 

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Charles Ynfante's books are available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, Apple Books, Kobo and other locations.

YNFANTE'S SHORT STORY: "CLO[w]N[e]"

 CLO[w]N[e] is a darkly humorous and introspective narrative about a Man who, driven by loneliness, depression, and curiosity, creates a “Clone/Clown” of himself. The Man, living in isolation after his wife and children have left him, becomes obsessed with the idea of meeting himself. He wonders if he would like, dislike, or even be attracted to his own personality and appearance. 

Using makeshift laboratory and beer-making equipment, he successfully grows a Clone from his own blood and flesh, nurturing it with the same food and drink he consumes, mainly beer and pizza. The Clone, once fully formed, is physically identical and shares all his memories and traits. Their initial interactions are awkward and surreal, filled with both fascination and discomfort as they confront the reality of being face-to-face with themselves. 

The relationship quickly turns complicated. The Man and his Clone experience moments of intimacy, confusion, and escalating tension. Their conversations reveal that, while they share everything — including flaws and secrets — their sameness makes genuine connection impossible. The Clone becomes a mirror, reflecting the Man’s worst qualities and insecurities back at him. 

As their interactions devolve into arguments and even physical altercations, the Man is forced to confront his own self-loathing and failures. The Clone’s presence becomes unbearable, highlighting the Man’s regrets, mistakes, and the reasons for his isolation.  

CLO[w]N[e] is a comic and tragic story of the existential crisis of identity.

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Charles Ynfante's books are available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, Apple Books, Kobo and other locations.

CHARLES YNFANTE'S NOVELLA: "CHECKS"

In Checks, a family’s dysfunction and trauma unfolds in a sweltering, isolated house in the Southwest desert, centering on the dysfunctional family of Big Daddy, an eighty-year-old man. The household is crowded: Big Daddy, his adult children Don (the narrator), Chuck (recently dishonorably discharged from the military), Jesse (with her four kids), Aunt Rachel (with three kids), and young Lou. The family’s daily life is marked by poverty, dependence on government welfare checks, and constant tension. 

The story begins with Big Daddy’s morning routine — drinking beer, watching TV, and using his walking cane — while Lou is sent to fetch a newspaper outside that never arrives. The family’s anticipation for their welfare, pension, and compensation checks is intense, as their cupboards are bare and the heat is oppressive. The lack of mail delivery, compounded by a sudden loss of electricity and phone service, isolates them further, heightening anxiety and frustration.  

As the day progresses, tempers flare. Big Daddy’s volatile behavior, fueled by alcohol and frustration, leads to violent outbursts. The children’s noise and racket, Jesse’s blaring radio, and the oppressive heat create a chaotic environment. The family’s attempts to cope — seeking refuge in the bathroom, pacing the rooms of the old house, drinking alcohol — only underscore their desperation. 

This is a horror story about violence and survival, poverty, isolation, and mental breakdown.

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Charles Ynfante's books are available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, Apple Books, Kobo and other locations.

CHARLES YNFANTE'S NOVEL: "BUTTERFLY of EDEN"

 The Butterfly of Eden  begins with the caterpillar's slow, deliberate journey — shedding its skin, entering a cocoon, dissolving, and finally emerging as a butterfly: "Fluttering. Fleeting. Free. A pollinator for life. A joy and wonder to behold." This metamorphosis sets the tone for Mariner Manchild's own journey through loss, self-discovery, and renewal. 

Mariner grapples with the death of a father he never knew, the unraveling of family secrets, and the search for meaning in a world marked by isolation and uncertainty. The butterfly's transformation mirrors Mariner's emotional evolution — from feeling trapped and imprisoned by his past, to seeking connection and hope in new relationships. 

Mariner encounters a dead butterfly in a parking lot, its vibrant wings crushed by a speeding car — a poignant image that evokes the randomness of fate and the vulnerability of life. He muses, "God is in the speeding car. We are the butterflies," suggesting that human lives are subject to forces beyond understanding, much like the butterfly's brief flight. Transformation is possible, beauty can emerge from pain, and even the most fleeting moments can hold meaning. A butterfly "as wonderfully colored as the eyes of my companion and as a rainbow, fluttering lazily on a soft breeze from the clouds."

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Charles Ynfante’s books are available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, Apple Books, Kobo and other locations.

CHARLES YNFANTE'S NOVEL: "THE BETRAYAL"

The story opens in November 1944, in war-torn Germany, where Karl and Greta Schmidt, members of the anti-Nazi Underground, hide with their infant son, Johann. Their trusted comrade, Ulrich Kreitz, is revealed to be a double agent who betrays them to the Gestapo. As Allied forces attack, Ulrich's duplicity leads to the deaths of Karl, Greta, and Johann's grandmother, but Johann survives and is sent to an orphanage, his identity erased. 

Decades later, in 1972 Los Angeles, Heinrich Traupman (renamed from Johann, his name when he was the baby in World War 2) is now a German immigrant and orphan, struggling to find his place after a troubled past in Germany, including time in a mental institution for killing Neo-Nazis. 

Heinrich becomes entangled with a group of American Neo-Nazis led by Ulrich (who betrayed Heinrich's parents and is now an old man). Wilford Tal (a wealthy financier), and Hans Frisch (the current leader of the Greater Neo-Nazi Association of America, GNAA). The group is rife with internal power struggles, betrayals, and criminal activity, including political assassinations orchestrated by Ulrich and his associates. Heinrich, seeking revenge for his parents' deaths at the hands of Ulrich Kreitz, infiltrates the group by proving his loyalty through violence. He becomes close to Ulrich, not realizing at first that Ulrich is the man responsible for his family's destruction. 

The story is a chilling tale of people traumatized and broken by the cycle of betrayal, violence, and the enduring legacy of Nazism.

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Charles Ynfante's books are available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, Apple Books, Kobo and other locations.

REFLECTIONS ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: ARISTOTLE

 

In the 21st century, people rely on a vast database --- the internet --- of so-called reliable information. People can make verbal or written queries to acquire answers.

Well over 3,300 years ago, in and around Athens, Greece, a man named Aristotle assembled a huge database of knowledge. He and his assistants recorded on papyri everything they could. This included topics such as logic, linguistics, botany, metaphysics, philosophy, among other subjects. For well over a thousand years after his death, Medieval and Renaissance scholars and students relied on Aristotle’s database to provide education and guidance. Such was the depth of the Ancient Greek’s database, which was encyclopedic.

The database of knowledge we are beginning to use today is based on information from the internet. Our new relationship with it is called Artificial Intelligence.

Aristotle’ database was natural, not artificial.

For centuries, people relied on his database. Today we rely on ours: the internet and Artificial Intelligence and its complex algorithms.

However, Aristotle was way ahead of his time.

REFLECTIONS ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: THE PRINTING PRESS

 

In the 21st century, people use the internet and Artificial Intelligence as a basis for learning about the world and interacting with it. This interaction uses hardware.

For centuries leading up to the end of the 20th century, widespread knowledge was based on books. Printed books came about because of the invention of the printing press in Europe in the 1400s. People interacted with books. These books were made with thick paper, animal skins, and heavy twine to hold them together. This “hardware” of books and the “software” of ideas within them were relatively portable. Such portability is similar with our phones, tablets and ultra-small computers.

Could these books be called Artificial Intelligence? That is, the books were produced by a kind of machine --- a printing press --- and people interacted with the books. The wide-spread use of manufactured books was the embryo of our internet. And Artificial Intelligence?

REFLECTIONS ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: ANCIENT EGYPT

 

In the early 21st century, Artificial Intelligence is still in its infancy --- its ultimate purpose and direction unknown. Nevertheless, people are grappling to interact with A.I. to provide guidance and insight. This is a complex relationship.

Well over 3,000 years ago, the Pharaohs of ancient Egypt had their own kind of “Artificial Intelligence,” but there was nothing artificial about it. The Pharaohs used their dreams to help them with answering questions, providing help with decisions, and showing guidance. Priests would help to interpret the dreams. In that long ago  era, the Egyptian elite kept “dream books.” We call these books but were actually rolls of papyri. The Pharaohs wanted and needed the dreams and priests to help the Pharaohs acquire the best foundation for their rule.

The human mind and subconscious are a powerful means, a secure gateway to creativity and intuitive understanding. There is nothing “artificial” about this.

In the early 21^st century, people use the power of complex algorithms of “artificial” intelligence.

From ancient Pharaohs to “modern” people, the search for answers and guidance is eerily similar.

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REFLECTIONS ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: THE ORACLE AT DELPHI

 

Artificial Intelligence in the 21^st century is a complex interaction among algorithms, hardware, and humans. People ask the computers about their situations and concerns and get some kind of answer. Their situations could be about the present or the future. Is this a science and technology basis for astrology and horoscopes? People exhort A.I. to provide false talents to provide a simple drawing or simple writing --- providing vague guidance.

Over 2,000 years ago, the Greeks had Artificial Intelligence: The Oracle at Delphi. The Greeks and others would pose questions to the Oracle, who was a kind of Articifial Intelligence, to get answers to important matters to the present and the future. Sometimes the answers were welcome, sometimes not. The Oracle at Delphi was a kind of ancient Artificial Intelligence.

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REFLECTIONS ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: THE BIBLE

 

In the 21st century, people use Artificial Intelligence without a full understanding of its ultimate power and direction. The evolution of A.I. is just beginning.

For over 2,000 years, however, there has been a kind of “artificial” intelligence --- but there is nothing “artificial” about it. This “intelligence” is the Bible. Ask the Bible a question and it will provide an answer. The answers illuminate the present human condition and, perhaps, even its future.

However, do some people believe that the Bible, like Artificial Intelligence of the 21^st century, to be an “existential threat” of some kind? Not to livelihood or wages but to someone’s idea of “being” or “meaning”? I leave that answer to others. The Bible is a kind of Natural or Generative  Intelligence --- not artificial. Afterall, the Bible has been in constant use for over 2,000 years, while the Artificial Intelligence of the 21^st century is just beginning.

The written word of God, the Bible, in direct contrast of the algorithms of computer Artificial Intelligence. What a difference!

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REFLECTIONS ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: ISSAC NEWTON

 

In the 21^st century, people are beginning to rely on Artificial Intelligence. To what extent eventually for logic and reasoning no one knows.

In the late 17^th century and early 20th century, Issac Newton lived. Through his mathematics, he made clear the past, present and future. Because of his calculations, humankind finally could know where a celestial object had been in the deep past, where it would in the present, and where it would be no matter how far in the future. Newton had unlocked knowledge that humankind since it began had lacked until him. Issac Newton’s mind was a kind of “artificial intelligence,” but there was nothing artificial about it. Yet, for his time, his way of thinking was what is now in the 21st century is called Artificial Intelligence.

People in the 21st century now take his intellectual accomplishments casually and for granted. Yet, in his time and for centuries thereafter, the results of his work were and are supremely powerful. There was nothing artificial about his thinking --- it was completely natural. His thinking was akin to a computer --- what we might describe today as “artificial” intelligence.

REFELCTIONS ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: THE LUDDITES

 

Artificial Intelligence in the 21^st century threatens people who feel their livelihoods will become extinct. This is because they fear that A.I. is “taking over” the creative and administrative tasks that people rely on for wages. They feel insecure that A.I. can do their jobs more efficiently and precisely.

In the early 19^th century, there were people in England and elsewhere who feared the same with regard to clothmaking (textiles). They believed that their livelihoods would be erased because of new machinery. The Luddites did not want this new machinery from “taking over.” To that end, they used threats and violence against the threat.

The feelings and thoughts of the Luddites are not so far removed, perhaps, from how people in the 21st century are reacting to how Artificial Intelligence is “taking over.”

Of course, the Luddites or anyone could not talk to the new machine inventions as 21st century people can talk to A.I. But, alas, this lack of talking machinery was the reality of “technology” of the early 19th century.

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