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Outage #1
Darkness Falls
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Where will you be when the lights go out?
Darkness Falls is a frame novel, a story within a story. Primarily, it tells the story of one man, Robert Hendricks. We first meet him in 2179 onboard an alien starship approaching Earth. It will be the first time he returns in over 150 years.
Through his recollections, we return to 2026 where we learn about the cataclysmic circumstances surrounding his departure. The end begins with a total blackout of North America. It doesn't take long for him to learn that the line between order and chaos is as thin as a stream of electrons flowing down a copper wire
Where will you be when the lights go out?
Darkness Falls is a frame novel, a story within a story. Primarily, it tells the story of one man, Robert Hendricks. We first meet him in 2179 onboard an alien starship approaching Earth. It will be the first time he returns in over 150 years.
Through his recollections, we return to 2026 where we learn about the cataclysmic circumstances surrounding his departure. The end begins with a total blackout of North America. It doesn't take long for him to learn that the line between order and chaos is as thin as a stream of electrons flowing down a copper wire
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 4, 2011
84 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 28, 2013
Revision after reading book 2:
The first thing to know when reading Darkness Falls is that getting book 2, When the Levee Breaks, is an absolute must. You will have lots of questions because things don't make total sense but it all comes together in the second book. It's too bad the publisher wanted the original book split into two separate books - had I not spoken to the author after finishing this book I would not have read the second, and I would have lost out.
The second thing to know is that I am from the same city this story takes place in. This never happens - it's not like I live in some major metropolis - so it was really different to have things described that I didn't have to imagine. I don't know if this makes me biased towards this book or more critical. I'll leave that for future readers to decide.
-------------------
Original review Before reading book 2:
We begin this story with Robert Henricks, a human from Earth, aboard an alien spaceship. Over 150 years has passed since he has been home, but that is where they are heading now. He seems to have some type of PTSD amnesia and cannot recall why he left but he is quite uneasy about returning. His friend Gorak, who is the High Arbitor (big boss man) decides he will help his friend by putting him under hypnosis to help him recall his past.
From this point on, the story takes place in 2026 narrated by Hendricks. He is a cab driver with a masters degree living in New Brunswick (as I live there, I can confirm that unemployment is high enough that this actually does happen). EMP devices have been detonated in various locations around North America wiping out power and communications. We follow a couple of story lines as Hedricks narrates, one is what happens to him and the other is what the US Gov't is doing. About four days into the blackout, the story stops. It continues on in book 2,
When the Levee Breaks.
Originally, I was annoyed that the story stopped with no ending. After speaking with the author, I learned that the publisher felt that the original book was too long and he was asked to cut it into two (damn publishers). I look forward to the next book and I hope to find out how Hedricks ended up in space.
The first thing to know when reading Darkness Falls is that getting book 2, When the Levee Breaks, is an absolute must. You will have lots of questions because things don't make total sense but it all comes together in the second book. It's too bad the publisher wanted the original book split into two separate books - had I not spoken to the author after finishing this book I would not have read the second, and I would have lost out.
The second thing to know is that I am from the same city this story takes place in. This never happens - it's not like I live in some major metropolis - so it was really different to have things described that I didn't have to imagine. I don't know if this makes me biased towards this book or more critical. I'll leave that for future readers to decide.
-------------------
Original review Before reading book 2:
We begin this story with Robert Henricks, a human from Earth, aboard an alien spaceship. Over 150 years has passed since he has been home, but that is where they are heading now. He seems to have some type of PTSD amnesia and cannot recall why he left but he is quite uneasy about returning. His friend Gorak, who is the High Arbitor (big boss man) decides he will help his friend by putting him under hypnosis to help him recall his past.
From this point on, the story takes place in 2026 narrated by Hendricks. He is a cab driver with a masters degree living in New Brunswick (as I live there, I can confirm that unemployment is high enough that this actually does happen). EMP devices have been detonated in various locations around North America wiping out power and communications. We follow a couple of story lines as Hedricks narrates, one is what happens to him and the other is what the US Gov't is doing. About four days into the blackout, the story stops. It continues on in book 2,
When the Levee Breaks.
Originally, I was annoyed that the story stopped with no ending. After speaking with the author, I learned that the publisher felt that the original book was too long and he was asked to cut it into two (damn publishers). I look forward to the next book and I hope to find out how Hedricks ended up in space.
November 25, 2012
3.5 Stars
Onboard a Gulran spacecraft approaching earth is one Human passenger who will, despite his own misgivings, be the ambassador for the aliens. Robert Hendricks has not set foot on his native planet in 153 years. When he last saw Earth in the year 2026, the entire North American continent had endured a massive power outage which crippled all communication and caused mass hysteria. Now in 2179 Earth is important to the Gulran’s, so they need Robert to tell them everything he knows. Unfortunately, Robert has no memories of his time on Earth and it’s up to the High Arbitor, Gorak, to hypnotize him to pull his memories from him. Skillfully, Gorak takes Robert back to the days before he left home and patiently listens as Robert tells his story.
Darkness Falls is a story within a story, we begin on the Gulran spacecraft and meet Robert and Gorak, who have become good friends, and travel back in time 153 years to Earth. Gorak guides Robert in his memories by having him picture a lobby in his mind, the lobby is where Gorak will occasionally bring Robert back to in order to ask him questions and check his mental status. The author skillfully uses the lobby to explain things to the reader that otherwise might be puzzling, and also as a method to give us peeks into the relationship between Robert and Gorak, thus not interrupting the flow of the story with explanations. The story alternates between Roberts’s days after the power outage and what was happening in the US Government while it was happening.
When Robert takes us back to just before the outage we learn he is a cab driver, a bit of a geek and not overly ambitious, so the occupation suits him well. He is pretty much a loner. Since the death of his parents, he has lived alone in an apartment in Saint John, New Brunswick, where he goes out of his way not to meet his neighbors. He pretty much drives his cab, plays games on his computer and the only human contact he has is his weed dealer, Malcolm and the owner of the cab company, Marv. Not exactly an upstanding citizen but he is smart and it’s obvious he means well, and while a little lazy, doesn’t hesitate to help others when needed. I wasn’t overly fond of him but he did eventually grow on me.
As Robert tells his story, we also meet the President of the United States and the people he surrounds himself with who advise him. Their part of the story gives the reader hints at super secret military installations and procedures that most people suspect exist but no one knows for sure. We get a pretty good look into the personalities of the key players and even get to play with a big robot/soldier. The transitions between the two (or I guess three of you count the lobby) stories is well done but I did have moments of having to do a double take to figure out which story I was in, but the moments didn’t happen often.
This is an interesting story that asks the reader to imagine what would happen if something as simple as electricity was lost for a significant amount of time. The author does occasionally wander off into preacher mode, and I got the feeling sometimes that he wasn’t overly fond of his neighbors to the south but for the most part the story held enough interest that those little tangents could be ignored. I’m not a big fan of science fiction but this book held my attention and I enjoyed it so kudos to the author.
A little bit of a spoiler alert here: this was a solid, well written, enjoyable story right up to the end. Then the author did the unthinkable, he gave us the dreaded cliff hanger that is not only a cliff hanger, but almost a cut off in mid-thought. One of those that you think you’ve missed some pages and go back and re-read the previous pages a number of times to make sure. I understand why he did it, I’m sure the book would have just been too long had he not, but what we got was more of an ending of a chapter instead of a book. I don’t like these endings, and it actually took away from my enjoyment of the story.
End of spoiler alert
For readers of speculative fiction or futuristic science fiction, this will be a good book to settle down with. Even for those of us who aren’t readers of this genre, it was an enjoyable trip into the future that is not only a good read but makes one think just a little bit.
Member of the Paranormal Romance Guild Review Team
Onboard a Gulran spacecraft approaching earth is one Human passenger who will, despite his own misgivings, be the ambassador for the aliens. Robert Hendricks has not set foot on his native planet in 153 years. When he last saw Earth in the year 2026, the entire North American continent had endured a massive power outage which crippled all communication and caused mass hysteria. Now in 2179 Earth is important to the Gulran’s, so they need Robert to tell them everything he knows. Unfortunately, Robert has no memories of his time on Earth and it’s up to the High Arbitor, Gorak, to hypnotize him to pull his memories from him. Skillfully, Gorak takes Robert back to the days before he left home and patiently listens as Robert tells his story.
Darkness Falls is a story within a story, we begin on the Gulran spacecraft and meet Robert and Gorak, who have become good friends, and travel back in time 153 years to Earth. Gorak guides Robert in his memories by having him picture a lobby in his mind, the lobby is where Gorak will occasionally bring Robert back to in order to ask him questions and check his mental status. The author skillfully uses the lobby to explain things to the reader that otherwise might be puzzling, and also as a method to give us peeks into the relationship between Robert and Gorak, thus not interrupting the flow of the story with explanations. The story alternates between Roberts’s days after the power outage and what was happening in the US Government while it was happening.
When Robert takes us back to just before the outage we learn he is a cab driver, a bit of a geek and not overly ambitious, so the occupation suits him well. He is pretty much a loner. Since the death of his parents, he has lived alone in an apartment in Saint John, New Brunswick, where he goes out of his way not to meet his neighbors. He pretty much drives his cab, plays games on his computer and the only human contact he has is his weed dealer, Malcolm and the owner of the cab company, Marv. Not exactly an upstanding citizen but he is smart and it’s obvious he means well, and while a little lazy, doesn’t hesitate to help others when needed. I wasn’t overly fond of him but he did eventually grow on me.
As Robert tells his story, we also meet the President of the United States and the people he surrounds himself with who advise him. Their part of the story gives the reader hints at super secret military installations and procedures that most people suspect exist but no one knows for sure. We get a pretty good look into the personalities of the key players and even get to play with a big robot/soldier. The transitions between the two (or I guess three of you count the lobby) stories is well done but I did have moments of having to do a double take to figure out which story I was in, but the moments didn’t happen often.
This is an interesting story that asks the reader to imagine what would happen if something as simple as electricity was lost for a significant amount of time. The author does occasionally wander off into preacher mode, and I got the feeling sometimes that he wasn’t overly fond of his neighbors to the south but for the most part the story held enough interest that those little tangents could be ignored. I’m not a big fan of science fiction but this book held my attention and I enjoyed it so kudos to the author.
A little bit of a spoiler alert here: this was a solid, well written, enjoyable story right up to the end. Then the author did the unthinkable, he gave us the dreaded cliff hanger that is not only a cliff hanger, but almost a cut off in mid-thought. One of those that you think you’ve missed some pages and go back and re-read the previous pages a number of times to make sure. I understand why he did it, I’m sure the book would have just been too long had he not, but what we got was more of an ending of a chapter instead of a book. I don’t like these endings, and it actually took away from my enjoyment of the story.
End of spoiler alert
For readers of speculative fiction or futuristic science fiction, this will be a good book to settle down with. Even for those of us who aren’t readers of this genre, it was an enjoyable trip into the future that is not only a good read but makes one think just a little bit.
Member of the Paranormal Romance Guild Review Team
March 31, 2012
If you like Tom Clancy, Ray Bradbury, and The Twilight Zone, then try Mathieu Gallant's debut novel Outage--a bold combination of the best of Zone's and Bradbury's insightful sci-fi and Clancy's geopolitical strategy and suspense.
Outage asks the chilling question: "Where will you be when the lights go out?" Robert Hendricks will be in the dark...but a different kind of dark--that of interstellar space. The unlikeliest Canadian astronaut (originally a computer whiz turned cab driver) Hendricks returns to Earth via alien starship. After more than 150 year away, it is a homecoming filled with nervous relief. Nervous because Hendricks's commanding officer (a Gurlan named Gorak) suddenly seeks to induce past memories from him for a reason not totally revealed. When some of the fog fades, Hendricks's less than stellar past shows: one punctuated by North America's sudden plunge into chaotic darkness, caused by the hasty actions of a deceitful D.C. cabal. What shadowy truths lie within Hendricks's painful past that could enlighten Gorak? And what kind of world now awaits both beings?
Author Gallant wields an uncanny gift for crafting imaginative, multi-faceted "Future Shock" style scenarios. What's impressive still is how he seamlessly maneuvers three separate, yet equally vital, timelines without losing coherence. Hendricks's life aboard the Gurlan starship; his past life regression; and the pre-emptive geopolitical power play that ushers in a new Dark Age are all well-explained and linked logically.
Gallant also does an excellent job of creating a very potent sense of post apocalyptic place for his characters to populate. It's noteworthy that most of the power outage's effects on the common man--realistic characters like Malcolm, "The Dolphin", and Marvin--are seen within the Canadian confines of St. John, New Brunswick. It's a nice change of scenery from the usual suspect cities that tend to hoard fictional holocausts.
Where Outage gradually loses its energy, unfortunately, is in its overuse of second person voice. Straight second person narrative is risky; though it could have paid off, if Gallant restricted it to where it worked best: namely, in the prologue and onboard the alien vessel. One could see and hear Rod Serling pulling off the second person voice in those introductory scenes. But the more earthly political and post disaster events--the critical moral and motivational essence of Outage--needed a more traditional third person underpinning to keep the reader riveted and sober-minded.
For the most part, Outage is a rapt read. It combines smart sci-fi and real world, international intrigue and leaves the door wide open for a sequel or two. But a serious overload of second person voice drains the novel of overall power, depriving it of the higher status it deserved. Hopefully, a more basic voice, punctuated by periods of second person perspective, will brighten Gallant's future and post-Outage odysseys.
Outage asks the chilling question: "Where will you be when the lights go out?" Robert Hendricks will be in the dark...but a different kind of dark--that of interstellar space. The unlikeliest Canadian astronaut (originally a computer whiz turned cab driver) Hendricks returns to Earth via alien starship. After more than 150 year away, it is a homecoming filled with nervous relief. Nervous because Hendricks's commanding officer (a Gurlan named Gorak) suddenly seeks to induce past memories from him for a reason not totally revealed. When some of the fog fades, Hendricks's less than stellar past shows: one punctuated by North America's sudden plunge into chaotic darkness, caused by the hasty actions of a deceitful D.C. cabal. What shadowy truths lie within Hendricks's painful past that could enlighten Gorak? And what kind of world now awaits both beings?
Author Gallant wields an uncanny gift for crafting imaginative, multi-faceted "Future Shock" style scenarios. What's impressive still is how he seamlessly maneuvers three separate, yet equally vital, timelines without losing coherence. Hendricks's life aboard the Gurlan starship; his past life regression; and the pre-emptive geopolitical power play that ushers in a new Dark Age are all well-explained and linked logically.
Gallant also does an excellent job of creating a very potent sense of post apocalyptic place for his characters to populate. It's noteworthy that most of the power outage's effects on the common man--realistic characters like Malcolm, "The Dolphin", and Marvin--are seen within the Canadian confines of St. John, New Brunswick. It's a nice change of scenery from the usual suspect cities that tend to hoard fictional holocausts.
Where Outage gradually loses its energy, unfortunately, is in its overuse of second person voice. Straight second person narrative is risky; though it could have paid off, if Gallant restricted it to where it worked best: namely, in the prologue and onboard the alien vessel. One could see and hear Rod Serling pulling off the second person voice in those introductory scenes. But the more earthly political and post disaster events--the critical moral and motivational essence of Outage--needed a more traditional third person underpinning to keep the reader riveted and sober-minded.
For the most part, Outage is a rapt read. It combines smart sci-fi and real world, international intrigue and leaves the door wide open for a sequel or two. But a serious overload of second person voice drains the novel of overall power, depriving it of the higher status it deserved. Hopefully, a more basic voice, punctuated by periods of second person perspective, will brighten Gallant's future and post-Outage odysseys.
January 4, 2013
The year is 2179 and Robert Hendricks faces one of the most difficult trials of his life – going home. He has not been to Earth for over 150 years and is now returning at the behest of Gorak, his long time friend and the Commander of the Gulran Emperor’s Prime Fleet. Robert has a mission to complete on his home planet, but first he must recall and deal with the events that led to his being in outer space to begin with. Robert remembers when Earth was thrown into darkness, the quick degeneration of society, and the international political moves that lead to the catastrophe.
When I first started this book, I had a difficult time settling in. The introduction to the “future” and its terminology seemed a bit slow and plodding. The author describes and explains each new concept which is good in its own way, but leads to a start and stop feeling that kept me from getting immersed in the story. I found the conversations between Robert and Gorak to be rather flat (an issue I had throughout the book whenever the characters spoke) and overall had to wonder what purpose the whole scene served in the overall novel.
When Robert began to remember – that is where I got hooked. Mr. Gallant does an incredible job of describing the setting of St. John, New Brunswick and introducing us to the Robert Hendricks of the past. The slide of society is real and tangible to the reader. I felt I was there and experienced it all along with Robert, and it created in me a real urge to see how Robert, and the world as a whole, fared. The side stories to the United States government and their actions added another dimension to the story, and I felt the political commentary between the lines (and some not so between the lines) was thought provoking. All that said, the past regression was the real gem of this book for me, and I think Mr. Gallant was incredible in his world building and description. I was completely immersed in the back story, and I found myself cursing slightly whenever it was interrupted by the “real time” story of Hendricks and Gulrag on the ship.
Overall I would say this is a decent read. Personally, I could have done without the whole far future/Gulran/spaceship aspect. It felt a bit forced at parts and seemed to exist solely to explain concepts or introduce ideas that the reader should have deduced on their own. At this point in the series (my ideas may change as I read on) I have to wonder what point it serves, and think the book would have been excellent without it. The post-catastrophe 2026 timeline and story were thoroughly engaging and unique and could have stood alone easily. This redeemed the book for me and would lead me to recommend it – so that others can experience the change and chaos that comes when Darkness Falls.
When I first started this book, I had a difficult time settling in. The introduction to the “future” and its terminology seemed a bit slow and plodding. The author describes and explains each new concept which is good in its own way, but leads to a start and stop feeling that kept me from getting immersed in the story. I found the conversations between Robert and Gorak to be rather flat (an issue I had throughout the book whenever the characters spoke) and overall had to wonder what purpose the whole scene served in the overall novel.
When Robert began to remember – that is where I got hooked. Mr. Gallant does an incredible job of describing the setting of St. John, New Brunswick and introducing us to the Robert Hendricks of the past. The slide of society is real and tangible to the reader. I felt I was there and experienced it all along with Robert, and it created in me a real urge to see how Robert, and the world as a whole, fared. The side stories to the United States government and their actions added another dimension to the story, and I felt the political commentary between the lines (and some not so between the lines) was thought provoking. All that said, the past regression was the real gem of this book for me, and I think Mr. Gallant was incredible in his world building and description. I was completely immersed in the back story, and I found myself cursing slightly whenever it was interrupted by the “real time” story of Hendricks and Gulrag on the ship.
Overall I would say this is a decent read. Personally, I could have done without the whole far future/Gulran/spaceship aspect. It felt a bit forced at parts and seemed to exist solely to explain concepts or introduce ideas that the reader should have deduced on their own. At this point in the series (my ideas may change as I read on) I have to wonder what point it serves, and think the book would have been excellent without it. The post-catastrophe 2026 timeline and story were thoroughly engaging and unique and could have stood alone easily. This redeemed the book for me and would lead me to recommend it – so that others can experience the change and chaos that comes when Darkness Falls.
September 10, 2013
The year is 2179 by Earth’s calendar. Robert Hendricks, a lone human on an alien star ship, is heading toward Earth at faster than light speeds. For the first time in over 150 years he will see his home again. Rather than the expected joy at returning home, Robert feels conflicted.
His captain, and long time friend, Gulrani High Arbitor Gorak has appointed Robert to the position of ambassador between their peoples, hoping to smooth communications between them and avoid any possible conflict. After all, their mission on board the Turuj is to save the Galactic Empire – and the Earth is a vital part of the plan.
In an effort to overcome Robert’s emotional confusions, Gorak hypnotises his friend, taking him on a mental journey back into his memories of Earth in 2026. Robert relives a life as a taxi driver, living a self imposed, secluded existence from society.
Following his memories, Robert’s conscious leaps between his life in New Brunswick and the happenings of the President and his cabinet. Events unfold, leading to the detonation of EMP warheads over the skies of North America, effectively turning off the entire country. Without electricity the country soon begins to fall apart.
After witnessing death first hand, Robert leaves his apartment in search of hope, of answers, grateful to be away from the crowds of uneasy people.
Journeying through his memories with Gorak listening to his every word, Robert learns of the events that lead up to the blackout. The causes were shocking, but even they could not brace him for what was to come.
They say things get worse before they get better – a sentiment that Robert would certainly agree with regarding the happenings on Earth.
Book One ends as Robert finds himself better equipped to survive his immediate situation, but still with more questions than answers.
Reading this book, I found myself wrapped into the lead character’s view of the world. The things he saw and felt had a direct effect on the way I was thinking and feeling, leaving a lasting impression on me that carried well into the second book. Although the subject matter is far from light, Darkness Falls was an easy and immensely enjoyable read and a fantastic opener to a very promising series, continuing with When the Levee Breaks.
His captain, and long time friend, Gulrani High Arbitor Gorak has appointed Robert to the position of ambassador between their peoples, hoping to smooth communications between them and avoid any possible conflict. After all, their mission on board the Turuj is to save the Galactic Empire – and the Earth is a vital part of the plan.
In an effort to overcome Robert’s emotional confusions, Gorak hypnotises his friend, taking him on a mental journey back into his memories of Earth in 2026. Robert relives a life as a taxi driver, living a self imposed, secluded existence from society.
Following his memories, Robert’s conscious leaps between his life in New Brunswick and the happenings of the President and his cabinet. Events unfold, leading to the detonation of EMP warheads over the skies of North America, effectively turning off the entire country. Without electricity the country soon begins to fall apart.
After witnessing death first hand, Robert leaves his apartment in search of hope, of answers, grateful to be away from the crowds of uneasy people.
Journeying through his memories with Gorak listening to his every word, Robert learns of the events that lead up to the blackout. The causes were shocking, but even they could not brace him for what was to come.
They say things get worse before they get better – a sentiment that Robert would certainly agree with regarding the happenings on Earth.
Book One ends as Robert finds himself better equipped to survive his immediate situation, but still with more questions than answers.
Reading this book, I found myself wrapped into the lead character’s view of the world. The things he saw and felt had a direct effect on the way I was thinking and feeling, leaving a lasting impression on me that carried well into the second book. Although the subject matter is far from light, Darkness Falls was an easy and immensely enjoyable read and a fantastic opener to a very promising series, continuing with When the Levee Breaks.
September 23, 2012
Mathieu Gallant's debut novel, Darkness Falls, is a thoroughly enjoyable read. This first book in the Outage Series begins in outer space where Robert Hendricks is the only human aboard a spacecraft heading back toward...Earth?
Immediately questions spring to mind. How did he get there? Why is he the only human on board? Most importantly, what happened to the Earth, and why doesn't he want to return? As Robert's friend, Gorak, listens to his story in an attempt to better understand this human, we also come to understand what it was like when the lights went out.
Gallant easily navigates the reader from spaceship to U.S. governmental headquarters to small town and back again. I especially liked the descriptions of Robert's hometown on Earth as well as the people who reside there. I was able to see everything clearly through Robert's eyes and experience the building chaos as he experienced it.
Gallant's novel brings up many serious topics from our dependence upon modern technology to governments run by corporations. The future he paints is entirely plausible. At one point Robert muses, “I think a lot of people down there couldn't figure out if they wanted to be part of a nation or a corporation.” And after the lights go out and people must learn to fend for themselves, I loved Robert's thoughts about a local homeless woman. “The truth is that, even though on many levels I'm undoubtedly more intelligent and more capable than this woman, when it comes to the really important things, she's a master while I'm a novice.”
The only challenge for me was that much of this book was written in the present tense even though it's what happened in the character's past. However, that wasn't enough to stop me from enjoying this book, and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Immediately questions spring to mind. How did he get there? Why is he the only human on board? Most importantly, what happened to the Earth, and why doesn't he want to return? As Robert's friend, Gorak, listens to his story in an attempt to better understand this human, we also come to understand what it was like when the lights went out.
Gallant easily navigates the reader from spaceship to U.S. governmental headquarters to small town and back again. I especially liked the descriptions of Robert's hometown on Earth as well as the people who reside there. I was able to see everything clearly through Robert's eyes and experience the building chaos as he experienced it.
Gallant's novel brings up many serious topics from our dependence upon modern technology to governments run by corporations. The future he paints is entirely plausible. At one point Robert muses, “I think a lot of people down there couldn't figure out if they wanted to be part of a nation or a corporation.” And after the lights go out and people must learn to fend for themselves, I loved Robert's thoughts about a local homeless woman. “The truth is that, even though on many levels I'm undoubtedly more intelligent and more capable than this woman, when it comes to the really important things, she's a master while I'm a novice.”
The only challenge for me was that much of this book was written in the present tense even though it's what happened in the character's past. However, that wasn't enough to stop me from enjoying this book, and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
February 18, 2013
Mathieu Gallant's debut novel, Darkness Falls, is a thoroughly enjoyable read. This first book in the Outage Series begins in outer space where Robert Hendricks is the only human aboard a spacecraft heading back toward...Earth?
Immediately questions spring to mind. How did he get there? Why is he the only human on board? Most importantly, what happened to the Earth, and why doesn't he want to return? As Robert's friend, Gorak, listens to his story in an attempt to better understand this human, we also come to understand what it was like when the lights went out.
Gallant easily navigates the reader from spaceship to U.S. governmental headquarters to small town and back again. I especially liked the descriptions of Robert's hometown on Earth as well as the people who reside there. I was able to see everything clearly through Robert's eyes and experience the building chaos as he experienced it.
Gallant's novel brings up many serious topics from our dependence upon modern technology to governments run by corporations. The future he paints is entirely plausible. At one point Robert muses, "I think a lot of people down there couldn't figure out if they wanted to be part of a nation or a corporation." And after the lights go out and people must learn to fend for themselves, I loved Robert's thoughts about a local homeless woman. "The truth is that, even though on many levels I'm undoubtedly more intelligent and more capable than this woman, when it comes to the really important things, she's a master while I'm a novice."
Immediately questions spring to mind. How did he get there? Why is he the only human on board? Most importantly, what happened to the Earth, and why doesn't he want to return? As Robert's friend, Gorak, listens to his story in an attempt to better understand this human, we also come to understand what it was like when the lights went out.
Gallant easily navigates the reader from spaceship to U.S. governmental headquarters to small town and back again. I especially liked the descriptions of Robert's hometown on Earth as well as the people who reside there. I was able to see everything clearly through Robert's eyes and experience the building chaos as he experienced it.
Gallant's novel brings up many serious topics from our dependence upon modern technology to governments run by corporations. The future he paints is entirely plausible. At one point Robert muses, "I think a lot of people down there couldn't figure out if they wanted to be part of a nation or a corporation." And after the lights go out and people must learn to fend for themselves, I loved Robert's thoughts about a local homeless woman. "The truth is that, even though on many levels I'm undoubtedly more intelligent and more capable than this woman, when it comes to the really important things, she's a master while I'm a novice."
March 28, 2012
In an effort to branch out my genre reading, I tried this book that a friend gave me solely on their recommendation. I’ll admit Sci-Fi is not my usual genre and I suspect this is what they call Speculative Fiction. So please bare this in mind as you read my review.
I understand the need for “world building”, even so the first few chapters seemed a bit slow to me. The action then kicked in and I was engrossed in what was happening to the main character as he tried to “survive” events going on around him. It is interesting to note that seeing both the thoughts and action of the character do play an integral part of understanding the final chapters. To me, a mystery-lover, the finale seemed somewhat predictable however, one could also foresee an alternate ending so it is best to read until the end to see if you reckoned right.
Finally, in my opinion this book should be read by mature adults and some parts may be disconcerting to some people without an open political/world view.
I understand the need for “world building”, even so the first few chapters seemed a bit slow to me. The action then kicked in and I was engrossed in what was happening to the main character as he tried to “survive” events going on around him. It is interesting to note that seeing both the thoughts and action of the character do play an integral part of understanding the final chapters. To me, a mystery-lover, the finale seemed somewhat predictable however, one could also foresee an alternate ending so it is best to read until the end to see if you reckoned right.
Finally, in my opinion this book should be read by mature adults and some parts may be disconcerting to some people without an open political/world view.
July 27, 2013
I was given a copy of “Darkness Falls” by the author, Mathieu Gallant in exchange for an honest review. Darkness Falls is a good mix of Sci Fi and Dystopian. The story is told in the first person as a remembrance of a space traveler on his way back to earth. This is the first book in a series and book number one does not fully explain the whole story, leading us on to the second book. SPOILER-I wasn’t thrilled with the ending. It seemed to just stop. I think I’d rather have the cliff hanger or at least some kind of semi big ending, so you could leave it as a standalone if you so chose. END OF SPOILER-Easy reading, fun main character (who is less than perfect) a good read. If you can’t abide swearing, be forewarned that there are a few chapters where it gets pretty heavy (really seedy people), but for the most part very little. I wouldn’t recommend this to teens under 16. I give this story 3.5 stars.
April 17, 2016
This book was okay. It was hard for me to get in the plot of the story but it may have been because it was outside the normal type book that I read. While I do believe that there is life outside of the Earth I find it hard to believe that it is as it is projected in this book. I understand this a book of fiction but this is one of my least favorite genre of reading. I would recommend this book to those that like syfi type reading.
February 5, 2013
One drawback to the futuristic setting are new words that aren't always easy to keep track of. This was a thought-provoking book, I certainly considered how things would be different with no electricity. Noticed a few spots that could be edited, but this did not detract from the story. I already have the second and am going to start reading it right away!
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