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Dark Side of the Moon
Are You Afraid of the Dark?Take a Suspense filled Action packed journey to the Dark Side of the Moon. The brand new Sci-fi/Suspense/Thriller by Ahmad Taylor.Government agent Derrick Thomas awakens from a disturbing dream to find a message from his father asking for help. As he sets out to lend his assistance he quickly discovers that not only has his father gone missing, but that a clandestine government agency is out to derail his search before it can begin. After the murders of two of his father's colleagues and the further disappearances of his mother and sister, Derrick is thrust into a battle for the lives of his family while attempting to uncover details of a secret government program which may hold the key to his family's whereabouts. Will he be able to save them and uncover the truth before he becomes the next victim of a government bent on keeping him silent?
205 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 24, 2012
4 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Ahmad Taylor
3 books31 followersAhmad is a 36 year old writer currently residing and writing in the heat of south Florida. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, his debut best selling Sci-fi/Suspense/Thriller: Dark Side of the Moon incorporates knowledge from his prior law enforcement career, and a vivid imagination for the intense and suspenseful.
After being a semi-finalist for The Kindle Book Review: Best Indie Book of 2012, Ahmad has begun the sequel to Dark Side of the Moon, which will be released in early 2013. http://amazon.com/dp/B00716M0YU
Book 1 & 2 of the Sea of Tranquility series: a History of DSOM compilation prequel series was published in early February 2013, with books 3-5 soon to follow. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BF9XSVI
He is also working on a shocking Crime/Thriller: Collapse, which will be out mid-2013.
He spends most of his time writing, blogging about the literary world, and reading to gain more knowledge (you never know where the next book idea will come from).
After being a semi-finalist for The Kindle Book Review: Best Indie Book of 2012, Ahmad has begun the sequel to Dark Side of the Moon, which will be released in early 2013. http://amazon.com/dp/B00716M0YU
Book 1 & 2 of the Sea of Tranquility series: a History of DSOM compilation prequel series was published in early February 2013, with books 3-5 soon to follow. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BF9XSVI
He is also working on a shocking Crime/Thriller: Collapse, which will be out mid-2013.
He spends most of his time writing, blogging about the literary world, and reading to gain more knowledge (you never know where the next book idea will come from).
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 1, 2013
The book, dark side of the Moon is filled with suspense, thriller with will keep you guessing till the end what's going to be happening next.
The book is a journey of a guy Derrick Thomas who has always wanted to make his father proud and his relationship with him and his mom. As the book goes by there is lot of c development in the character of Derrick and his sister . It seems the book is divided into two where in one part it explains the training what Derrick and his sister got from his father. This part simple and easy read .
The main suspense starts from from the second half where he gets a message from his father to deliver the information to him and when he goes to find his dad. He finds out during his search that one knows where his father is or doesn't want to reveal anything . During the search he comes to know many truth that had been kept hidden from him. He goes on mission to search his family questioning each and every people related to his father's work.
I liked the book . The pace was really slow at the beginning but slowly it picked up .
This book is highly recommended to those who loves Science, mystery , crime . They are not going to be disappointed. I had only one complain that the action begins very late in the book but overall it was a good book.
The book is a journey of a guy Derrick Thomas who has always wanted to make his father proud and his relationship with him and his mom. As the book goes by there is lot of c development in the character of Derrick and his sister . It seems the book is divided into two where in one part it explains the training what Derrick and his sister got from his father. This part simple and easy read .
The main suspense starts from from the second half where he gets a message from his father to deliver the information to him and when he goes to find his dad. He finds out during his search that one knows where his father is or doesn't want to reveal anything . During the search he comes to know many truth that had been kept hidden from him. He goes on mission to search his family questioning each and every people related to his father's work.
I liked the book . The pace was really slow at the beginning but slowly it picked up .
This book is highly recommended to those who loves Science, mystery , crime . They are not going to be disappointed. I had only one complain that the action begins very late in the book but overall it was a good book.
July 9, 2012
Dark Side of the Moon by Ahmad Taylor is a suspenseful novel packed with action, deception, and a search for answers. Government Agent Derrick Thomas finds a message from his father, a fellow agent, seeking an information drop. However, as Derrick tries to deliver the message a mission goes south and his father has been transferred along with his sister. Derrick is on the hunt for his family, and the truth. Death follows in Derrick's wake as his hunt spirals out of control and everything comes into question.
Dark Side of the Moon sets the mood quickly; with disturbing dreams and a suspicion that not all is as it seems. The story jumps the timeline and voices a few times, giving a bit more detail and depth to the story and characters, although some readers might find this style distracting or confusing. I will also admit to having suspected some of the final twist along the way, but that did not lessen my enjoyment of the journey. There were a few significant surprises along the way, and many questions that I still want answered. I feel like readers are left craving more in order to strengthen the mystery of Derrick's current state and future. For instance, I would love to know what happened with Derrick's mother. Could she have been part of a larger plot, dream fodder, victim to violence, or something else completely. The questions left unanswered have stuck with me and deepened my appreciation for the story.
Dark Side of the Moon is a solid, suspenseful read that will appeal to those that enjoy action packed mystery. Readers that enjoy novels heavy on spies, government conspiracies, moral quandaries, and scientific possibilities will find themselves deep in Derrick's world as soon as they start reading.
Dark Side of the Moon sets the mood quickly; with disturbing dreams and a suspicion that not all is as it seems. The story jumps the timeline and voices a few times, giving a bit more detail and depth to the story and characters, although some readers might find this style distracting or confusing. I will also admit to having suspected some of the final twist along the way, but that did not lessen my enjoyment of the journey. There were a few significant surprises along the way, and many questions that I still want answered. I feel like readers are left craving more in order to strengthen the mystery of Derrick's current state and future. For instance, I would love to know what happened with Derrick's mother. Could she have been part of a larger plot, dream fodder, victim to violence, or something else completely. The questions left unanswered have stuck with me and deepened my appreciation for the story.
Dark Side of the Moon is a solid, suspenseful read that will appeal to those that enjoy action packed mystery. Readers that enjoy novels heavy on spies, government conspiracies, moral quandaries, and scientific possibilities will find themselves deep in Derrick's world as soon as they start reading.
March 15, 2013
Dark Side of the Moon by Ahmad Taylor
Rating – Good
This is definitely a page turner science fiction novel that makes one want to keep turning to the next page to see what happens next all the way up to the twist ending. It made me want to read it all the way to the end.
I love the fact that Ahmad Taylor asks the ‘What if’ questions most sci-fi writers are supposed to ask when coming up with novel ideas about science fiction and Ahmad definitely embraces this fully with the future thinking of what if we had no more room to grow crops or food for the booming population of the Earth and what would we do to fix this. These are very definite questions that we especially need to ask ourselves today before we even reach this plateau. This is a book that one will find oneself immerse in all the way to the ending. The main character is one that you want to root for all the way to the ending even with his faults, especially with the odds against him.
The only small thing that jarred me out of the book was the back stories told to where I did not know if they were the actual part of the story or the history of the characters to where I had to flip back and forth to figure out if it was part of the actual story.
Overall, this is a novel one needs to pick up and enjoy.
Rating – Good
This is definitely a page turner science fiction novel that makes one want to keep turning to the next page to see what happens next all the way up to the twist ending. It made me want to read it all the way to the end.
I love the fact that Ahmad Taylor asks the ‘What if’ questions most sci-fi writers are supposed to ask when coming up with novel ideas about science fiction and Ahmad definitely embraces this fully with the future thinking of what if we had no more room to grow crops or food for the booming population of the Earth and what would we do to fix this. These are very definite questions that we especially need to ask ourselves today before we even reach this plateau. This is a book that one will find oneself immerse in all the way to the ending. The main character is one that you want to root for all the way to the ending even with his faults, especially with the odds against him.
The only small thing that jarred me out of the book was the back stories told to where I did not know if they were the actual part of the story or the history of the characters to where I had to flip back and forth to figure out if it was part of the actual story.
Overall, this is a novel one needs to pick up and enjoy.
June 5, 2012
The book opens with a man waking up from a dream unable to move. We don't know who he is or where he is but when his eyes close the statement he hears in his head is Why is it so dark in here? Soon after government agent Derrick Thomas awakes from a dream to find his researcher father left him a message asking him for help. When Derrick goes to his father's office to give him what he asks for he finds his father hasn't been there in 5 months.
Soon Derrick is hunting for friends of his father's to help him. Each person gives him a little more information but soon after he leaves them they are killed. Derrick also learns that his sister, Jeanie, is missing as well. He struggles to find out what the government could have done with them and where they can be. When he returns home late after searching for them he finds his mother gone as well. He wants to look for him but his eyes close and all he hears is the reoccurring theme of Why is it so dark in here?
Derrick is in a race against time to find out where his family is and what the new project is the government is working on. Everyone he has spoken to has ended up dead...will he be next?
The beginning of the book had me confused. I wasn't sure who the man in the opening was or why the book suddenly shifted to Derrick. About a third of the way through several chapters were dedicated to Jeanie's early life. While they were interesting they didn't seem to fit in at that point in the book.
I will say that I was intrigued by the book and it was a quick and easy read. After reading about two thirds of the way through I knew what was going to happen at the end but I wanted to make sure. The ending turned out similar to what I thought but there were so many unanswered questions. I felt as though I read the entire book and then many things went unanswered. The writing was just ok and there was a lot of excess punctuation throughout the book.
I give this book 2 out of 5 stars.
Soon Derrick is hunting for friends of his father's to help him. Each person gives him a little more information but soon after he leaves them they are killed. Derrick also learns that his sister, Jeanie, is missing as well. He struggles to find out what the government could have done with them and where they can be. When he returns home late after searching for them he finds his mother gone as well. He wants to look for him but his eyes close and all he hears is the reoccurring theme of Why is it so dark in here?
Derrick is in a race against time to find out where his family is and what the new project is the government is working on. Everyone he has spoken to has ended up dead...will he be next?
The beginning of the book had me confused. I wasn't sure who the man in the opening was or why the book suddenly shifted to Derrick. About a third of the way through several chapters were dedicated to Jeanie's early life. While they were interesting they didn't seem to fit in at that point in the book.
I will say that I was intrigued by the book and it was a quick and easy read. After reading about two thirds of the way through I knew what was going to happen at the end but I wanted to make sure. The ending turned out similar to what I thought but there were so many unanswered questions. I felt as though I read the entire book and then many things went unanswered. The writing was just ok and there was a lot of excess punctuation throughout the book.
I give this book 2 out of 5 stars.
March 27, 2012
I had high hopes for this novel based on the multiple five-star reviews. Right now, I'm 44% into the book. Usually if I get past the 25% point, I have to finish it. But this book -- sorry. Life is too short and this book is too long.
So far, I can't figure out who or what this book is about: boy, girl, or dad? The plot is so choppy it calls for a diagram to keep track of not only who, but when. Chapter about our boy's woes because he dropped a victim, then goes to see someone who can tell him nothing. Starting to get marginally interesting then, WTF? Extreme details about girl's early training and extremely unbelievable dedication to learning how to go ninja and solve math problems at the expense of her life. Boring stuff too. Are we going to have to review boy's training as well? It's worse than watching golf.
It is more than I can "bare" (did this book get edited? If so, it needs a decent editor to do it again -- or at least a copy editor, sheesh!)
There might be a good yarn in there. I don't have the patience to tease it out if there is.
So far, I can't figure out who or what this book is about: boy, girl, or dad? The plot is so choppy it calls for a diagram to keep track of not only who, but when. Chapter about our boy's woes because he dropped a victim, then goes to see someone who can tell him nothing. Starting to get marginally interesting then, WTF? Extreme details about girl's early training and extremely unbelievable dedication to learning how to go ninja and solve math problems at the expense of her life. Boring stuff too. Are we going to have to review boy's training as well? It's worse than watching golf.
It is more than I can "bare" (did this book get edited? If so, it needs a decent editor to do it again -- or at least a copy editor, sheesh!)
There might be a good yarn in there. I don't have the patience to tease it out if there is.
March 3, 2013
I was intrigued by Dark Side of the Moon by Ahmad Taylor from the very beginning and quite honestly, couldn't put it down.
The story of Government Agent Derrick Thomas on a desperate search to figure out what has happened to his father and sister while they were both working on a top-secret government project starts when he receives an encoded message from his father asking for help.
The author does a great job of tying the main character’s past in with the present with just enough flashbacks to pull us deeper into the current story without boredom. It also helped that I had previously read the prequel books, Martin Thomas and Jeanie Thomas: a History of Dark Side of the Moon.
As most of my readers know, I’m not one for spoilers but this science fiction novel has a very futuristic feel that will keep you on edge in regards to what may happen next until the very end and it definitely left me wanting more.
So until the sequel…
Kudos to this first time author for a story well done and with hopefully more to come!
The story of Government Agent Derrick Thomas on a desperate search to figure out what has happened to his father and sister while they were both working on a top-secret government project starts when he receives an encoded message from his father asking for help.
The author does a great job of tying the main character’s past in with the present with just enough flashbacks to pull us deeper into the current story without boredom. It also helped that I had previously read the prequel books, Martin Thomas and Jeanie Thomas: a History of Dark Side of the Moon.
As most of my readers know, I’m not one for spoilers but this science fiction novel has a very futuristic feel that will keep you on edge in regards to what may happen next until the very end and it definitely left me wanting more.
So until the sequel…
Kudos to this first time author for a story well done and with hopefully more to come!
January 14, 2013
When Ahmad Taylor contacted me about his book, I was immediately interested. After all, I love science fiction, and I’m a space junkie. In fact, just before reading it, I’d finished yet another re-watch of the HBO series From the Earth to the Moon.
Dark Side of the Moon is everything it’s title implies. Good science fiction mixed with gripping suspense and really believable action sequences. I loved the futuristic touches that showed us how much this was not present day – specifying glucose, for example, instead of merely candy.
If some of the dialogue had unusual phrasing (it didn’t quite flow the way normal speech should in a few passages), it didn’t adversely affect the story at all, and I loved the characters, especially protagonist Derrick.
Taylor is a talented storyteller, and the world he created for Dark Side of the Moon felt plausible and even highly possible.
If you like science fiction, you simply MUST read this book.
Goes well with Junior Mints and Popcorn.
Dark Side of the Moon is everything it’s title implies. Good science fiction mixed with gripping suspense and really believable action sequences. I loved the futuristic touches that showed us how much this was not present day – specifying glucose, for example, instead of merely candy.
If some of the dialogue had unusual phrasing (it didn’t quite flow the way normal speech should in a few passages), it didn’t adversely affect the story at all, and I loved the characters, especially protagonist Derrick.
Taylor is a talented storyteller, and the world he created for Dark Side of the Moon felt plausible and even highly possible.
If you like science fiction, you simply MUST read this book.
Goes well with Junior Mints and Popcorn.
September 17, 2012
This book starts off a bit slow but it quickly picks up the pace as our hero Derrick is sucked into a never ending search for his father and eventually his sister. This first installment had me pinned to my seat. I could not wait to get to the next chapter to find out what befalls Derrick. As a huge fan of espionage and crime novels (Stuart Woods) being my favorite I am happy to say that I can now add new author Ahmad Taylor to that list. This is the sort of creativity and twists and turns true fans of this genre need. I am especially pleased with the use of futuristic space travel and government. Very smart choices are used in the depth and diversity of characters. My thirst for reading has been reignited and I eagerly wait Part 2. Hurry already!
February 1, 2013
I’m usually more a rockem’ sockem’ romance kind of chick when it comes to my reading and writing preferences, but I also enjoy a good Sci-fi/Suspense/Thriller from time to time and I’m really glad I was introduced to Dark Side of the Moon. Ahmad is a talented writer, and DSOM sucked me in from pg 1. Reading Derrick reminded me of home, being a Jersey girl myself, the dialogue was quick-witted, yet sincere (as in believable). Highly well written, engaging and intriguing, DSOM is a definite must read. The ending was great, and I so wasn’t expecting it to play out the way it did. I can’t wait to read the sequel.
February 22, 2013
title - Dark Side of the Moon
author - Ahmad Taylor
stars - 4
This is a sci-fi mystery/thriller that is set in the "future" . "why is it so dark in here" seems to be the main phrase of the book. Government agent Derrick Thomas is looking for his father, sister and mother who he soon discovers is working on a new secret project with the Government. Everyone he questions ends up dead and he soon is fighting for his own life. Its an action packed, suspense-filled short read that kept me guessing of "why is it so dark in here . . "
Wende Sheets
juliesbookreview.blogspot.com
author - Ahmad Taylor
stars - 4
This is a sci-fi mystery/thriller that is set in the "future" . "why is it so dark in here" seems to be the main phrase of the book. Government agent Derrick Thomas is looking for his father, sister and mother who he soon discovers is working on a new secret project with the Government. Everyone he questions ends up dead and he soon is fighting for his own life. Its an action packed, suspense-filled short read that kept me guessing of "why is it so dark in here . . "
Wende Sheets
juliesbookreview.blogspot.com
February 23, 2013
An interesting and engaging story. It took a moment or two for me to get the rhythm of the story, but once I did it was riveting and compelling. I was on the edge of my seat with the suspense and action as it unfolded. This is definitely a must read and I’m glad I got a chance to read it. Can’t wait to see more from this author.
February 20, 2013
Good book.
May 24, 2013
I have not read a lot of science fiction, but I really thought this was great story! Taylor's suspenseful writing, and thought provoking plot, make this a great read. Can't wait for the next book!
July 4, 2018
Poor grammar
July 1, 2013
Glad I got It free.
The story centers around Martin, Jeanie and Derrick Thomas. Martin is a genius working for the government. His children Jeanie and Derrick have also been employed by the government in the police force. Sound intriguing to a point.
I understand this is a YA book, but till. It has some serious gaps. Multiple punctuation issues, missing words, sentences that don’t add up and much, too much rambling about Jeanie and her relationship with her father. The character development of Derrick is really bad. One chapter he’s a blubbering child while the next time he’s blowing a guys head off. I never felt any connection to him.
The sections that were discussing the experiments Martin was working on were long, boring and cumbersome. Appeared to be more filler than informative. This could be shortened up considerably and still drive home the results over the chosen time periods.
The continual us of the term “Why is it so dark in here,” is inserted all through the work. I believe the purpose was to build suspense. In the end, I really didn’t care why it was dark.
Overall, this book needs to be rethought and rehashed.
The story centers around Martin, Jeanie and Derrick Thomas. Martin is a genius working for the government. His children Jeanie and Derrick have also been employed by the government in the police force. Sound intriguing to a point.
I understand this is a YA book, but till. It has some serious gaps. Multiple punctuation issues, missing words, sentences that don’t add up and much, too much rambling about Jeanie and her relationship with her father. The character development of Derrick is really bad. One chapter he’s a blubbering child while the next time he’s blowing a guys head off. I never felt any connection to him.
The sections that were discussing the experiments Martin was working on were long, boring and cumbersome. Appeared to be more filler than informative. This could be shortened up considerably and still drive home the results over the chosen time periods.
The continual us of the term “Why is it so dark in here,” is inserted all through the work. I believe the purpose was to build suspense. In the end, I really didn’t care why it was dark.
Overall, this book needs to be rethought and rehashed.
August 5, 2022
Interesting story idea. I'm not a big fan of the stream of consciousness writing style. There were numeral grammatical errors that were bothersome (wrong words being used). My copy had major formatting problems that interfered with the reading of the story. Read my full review at Girl Who Reads .
November 22, 2013
I had a hard time getting into this book at the beginning. just when I thought ok this is getting interesting it ends. I hated the ending.......we never fir really find out why it is so dark.
September 19, 2012
Review to come Oct 17.
April 18, 2017
Interesting. In fact strange. The main problem with this book is it needs a better proofreader. The are so many errors, possibly typos, but major errors causing constant distraction from the story.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews