Vertical Hold Press is proud to publish the "Fiveverse" series, starting with the first book in the series, "Five." There are five books in this series: Book 2, "FIVE: Quest for the Loovestones" was published in March, 2024. Book 3, "FIVE: The Hell Trials" was launched in June, 2004. Book 4, "The Other FIVE" published in November, 2024, and the fifth and final book, "FIVE: Invasion of the Ancients" was published in May, 2025 What are these books about you might ask?

"FIVE"

Wyatt Henderson, an overconfident strategist, thought he had his whole life planned out, but he never expected to suddenly be the savior of an entire planet. Then came the fateful day he woke up in a room with four strangers: Alice, a linguist with crippling anxiety; Chloe, a secretive musician/fighter who doesn’t play well with others; Jamar, a jocular scientist lacking social skills; and Chase, a thief bogged down by self-doubt.

Hosted by an advanced alien race, this motley crew will need to put aside their differences, overcome their issues, and somehow work together using each of their unique talents to win a dangerous Contest - against other alien teams - for the future of Earth. But their biggest obstacle in their endeavor is a mysterious serial killer who threatens not only their efforts but their very lives!

With numerous dangers, infighting, and a possible betrayal, will the humans overcome these obstacles, win the Contest, and save Earth? Or will they return home empty-handed? Or will they return home at all?

"FIVE: Quest for the Loovestones"

From alien gangsters to a four-armed queen and her riddle maze filled with cute but vicious little creatures, the Five are back with a new adventure on an epic quest to save a planet – only this time it isn’t their own.

Seeking the lost Loovestones, the legendary quintet from the gripping sci-fi series’ first book have returned for a thrill ride that will take them to the edges of the Galactic Union while they match wits with a cunning and dangerous new villain who wants the stones for herself.

Can Team Earth find these precious artifacts, defeat the perils that await them, and perhaps even find a lost loved one along the way?

Find out in the second book of this ground-breaking series.

"FIVE: The Hell Trials"

In the third installment of the “FIVE” series, Team Earth is back again! But they sure don’t want to be.

When Chloe Thompson stood trial on the Deelooveren homeworld for her crime of illegal enhancement serum possession, she had no idea that even worse trials were yet to come. After that trial’s conclusion, she and the other four members of the adventerous quintet are abducted once again - but this time by a mysterious, malevolent alien race. They, along with other teams of aliens, are forced to endure a twisted version of the Deelooveren’s Contest on a cold, dark, hellish world. They are indeed put through Hell as they suffer through new, malicious trials that force them to face their worst fears along with horrific new dangers.

Will they escape and return home? Will they all even survive? Find out in this exciting, thrilling new adventure for the FIVE!

"The Other FIVE"

In this penultimate installment of the “FIVE” series, Team Earth returns to the Arkenstar space station—not as contestants, but as staff assisting the Deelooveren in managing a new Contest. But, their mission takes a twist when a mysterious dimensional gateway opens, and five humans from a parallel universe arrive. Among them are alternate versions of Alice and Chloe, as well as three new faces: Rico, a cunning thief; Hoji, a master strategist; and Polly, a brilliant but unconfident scientist. These new arrivals, from a world with less kindness, bring their own motives and challenges.

To make matters worse, eight dangerous Jistari kids escape, causing chaos across the station. With the Contest in full swing, the Deelooveren hosting a high-stakes conference, and a dangerous villain from their past reappearing, The Five face threats on all sides. Can they find the Jistari children before they disrupt everything? Can they withstand the tensions of intergalactic politics, fend off an old enemy, and help one of their teammates heal from his trauma?

Will their friendship survive more alien turmoil—or will it be the final test of their bond?

"FIVE: Invasion of the Ancients"

The epic finale of the FIVE series is here!

As Team Earth looks forward to a rare moment of celebration, a shadow spreads across not only the Arkenstar station, but the entire Galactic Union! One by one, people are changing, their minds clouded by a mysterious affliction. No one knows where it came from or how to stop it, and soon, even trusted allies can be trusted no more.

Meanwhile, a strange human boy arrives on a tiny ship, unconscious and full of secrets. Who is he and where did he come from? As Jamar and Dr. Wikket race to find a cure, the infection spreads, and an even greater danger looms: the return of an ancient, all-powerful race with the ability to destroy everything!

Will Team Earth uncover the truth before the galaxy falls? Can the mysterious boy help stop the invasion? Or will this be the battle they finally lose?