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Darkside
Xandria: A mega-metropolis on Bhast, humankind's newest home.
Calen: A young athlete and son of a top ranking senator.
Luka: A mysterious operative with an unorthodox method of investigation.
Yoshiro: A rising star in Xandria's exotic underworld.
Staciel: An enigmatic figure of political and social deterioration, a catalyst for change.
On the eve of an unprecedented political maneuver in Xandria, Calen Liese flees from his home, leaving a murder scene behind and setting into motion a chain of events that could decide the fate of humankind on Bhast, beginning with the planet's Fey population; a group seemingly handicapped by acute empathy and society's uncertain fears, drawn to the destructive and oppressive powers within the planet's largest slum. Are Fey the next evolution of humankind? Or were they created? Darkside is a sociological post-Earth thriller.
Contains violence, horror, thematic elements, language, sensuality, drug use, and depictions of alternative lifestyles.
Calen: A young athlete and son of a top ranking senator.
Luka: A mysterious operative with an unorthodox method of investigation.
Yoshiro: A rising star in Xandria's exotic underworld.
Staciel: An enigmatic figure of political and social deterioration, a catalyst for change.
On the eve of an unprecedented political maneuver in Xandria, Calen Liese flees from his home, leaving a murder scene behind and setting into motion a chain of events that could decide the fate of humankind on Bhast, beginning with the planet's Fey population; a group seemingly handicapped by acute empathy and society's uncertain fears, drawn to the destructive and oppressive powers within the planet's largest slum. Are Fey the next evolution of humankind? Or were they created? Darkside is a sociological post-Earth thriller.
Contains violence, horror, thematic elements, language, sensuality, drug use, and depictions of alternative lifestyles.
- GenresScience Fiction
Kindle Edition
First published November 22, 2012
1 person is currently reading
242 people want to read
About the author
T.A. Miles
23 books52 followersT.A. Miles is a being owned by curiosity and fueled by internal magic. She claims to have fallen down a rabbit hole as a child, but in reality seems to be living in a semi-permanent out-of-body experience where she meets fantastical people and magical creatures in lands unknown to earth. She believes her characters are real people, and she publishes for one reason only: to share these people and the experiences they relay in carefully constructed stories unmarred by common human perception. Which sounds very complicated. It's easier to say she prefers to write about exceptionally human experiences.
Let's not try to explain that, actually. It's simpler to read one of her books instead. Remember to read with your head and your soul.
Let's not try to explain that, actually. It's simpler to read one of her books instead. Remember to read with your head and your soul.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
July 2, 2013
One way to describe T. A. Miles’ brilliantly constructed Darkside: Children of Bhast is to look towards where the author has quite possibly drawn some of their inspiration- it’s Star Wars meets Farscape mixed with a little bit of TRON: Uprising. There’s even some possible likening to the computer game turned film franchise Resident Evil, but with a unique take on its themes.
Beginning in the future, which is later re-introduced to the reader as the present, this wonderfully sci-fi cross-genre novel is proof of outstanding work that could easily be transferred to the big screen- anyone know Danny Boyle’s or Michael Bay’s number? Although this structure can often be confusing in a novel, Miles carries it off with an authoritive tone which is not only commanding of the reader’s attention, but is also supportive in that it leans; in order to allow the reader to grasp the events as they unfold.
Miles has evidently put a lot of effort into this novel- the level of character development, although slow to begin with, is so high that as a reader; you’re consistently learning something new. But not only do you learn about those select few main characters, you also discover the pasts of loving and identifiable supporting characters such as Taj and Auguste.
Initially the heavy focus on the sport, which is not dissimilar to the pod-racing of Star Wars or the cycles of TRON, put me off a little. But as you continue to read the sport becomes part of the background, an anchor for location, time and date setting. With the anchor firmly set the reader can fully focus on the fast-paced emotional development, which rockets through the equally fast but well-paced events throughout the novel.
Miles’ work is fluent, consistent, well-written and overall an enjoyable read. Darkside: Children of Bhast is a startling and vivid exploration of a young man’s experiences of not only sport, but politics, drugs, sexual exploits and relationships too- making it a far more mature read than one would expect. There are several accurate parallels drawn between Calen’s world and the social and cultural issues of the reader’s own world. This isn’t off-putting but rather enlightening and even liberating, as Miles’ allows the reader to form their own opinions on Calen’s world (and subsequently their own), without fear of judgement or punishment.
The adopted style of gently shifting the novel’s perspective between several key characters, allows the reader to get comfortable with the events, in relation to the individual journey of each character. A word of caution to the reader- the detail in Darkside: Children of Bhast alternates between slow and progressive to thick and fast in the turn of a page. Although this makes the book more exciting to read and far less predictable a narrative, it is easy to miss some of the details; combined with the perspective changes this is a novel which requires the reader to pay close attention. That being said Miles’ leaves very little room for the reader to get bored or loose focus too often.
For those who prefer light reading this novel may present some issues, in that for some readers the blending of events featuring different characters may cause the reader to feel that the novel is too crowded and therefore confusing. But, it is in my opinion that if the reader gives every sentence and paragraph the focus and attention which it not only demands, but also deserves, then even an easily confused person or a person who usually prefers lighter reading, would be able to enjoy this brilliant piece of fiction.
Within Darkside there are some impeccable plot twists, my favourites being the mysterious Yoshiro’s true heritage and the revealing of Calen Liese’s evolved biology. These plot twists are heightened by the general structure and flow of the narrative, meaning that newly revealed information is always unforgettable. The characterisation throughout is mostly very strong, and the subtle but complete layering of all the elements and themes of the story make it over all a thoroughly intoxicating read.
Miles’ has given readers an interesting backdrop (Bhast), I suspect greater detail will follow in subsequent titles, but for now the reader is given enough to achieve context without being overly descriptive or running into tangents- key to maintaining the structure and flow of the novel. I certainly look forward to the next installment or even the next novel from T. A. Miles.
© Gemma Feltham 2nd July 2013
Beginning in the future, which is later re-introduced to the reader as the present, this wonderfully sci-fi cross-genre novel is proof of outstanding work that could easily be transferred to the big screen- anyone know Danny Boyle’s or Michael Bay’s number? Although this structure can often be confusing in a novel, Miles carries it off with an authoritive tone which is not only commanding of the reader’s attention, but is also supportive in that it leans; in order to allow the reader to grasp the events as they unfold.
Miles has evidently put a lot of effort into this novel- the level of character development, although slow to begin with, is so high that as a reader; you’re consistently learning something new. But not only do you learn about those select few main characters, you also discover the pasts of loving and identifiable supporting characters such as Taj and Auguste.
Initially the heavy focus on the sport, which is not dissimilar to the pod-racing of Star Wars or the cycles of TRON, put me off a little. But as you continue to read the sport becomes part of the background, an anchor for location, time and date setting. With the anchor firmly set the reader can fully focus on the fast-paced emotional development, which rockets through the equally fast but well-paced events throughout the novel.
Miles’ work is fluent, consistent, well-written and overall an enjoyable read. Darkside: Children of Bhast is a startling and vivid exploration of a young man’s experiences of not only sport, but politics, drugs, sexual exploits and relationships too- making it a far more mature read than one would expect. There are several accurate parallels drawn between Calen’s world and the social and cultural issues of the reader’s own world. This isn’t off-putting but rather enlightening and even liberating, as Miles’ allows the reader to form their own opinions on Calen’s world (and subsequently their own), without fear of judgement or punishment.
The adopted style of gently shifting the novel’s perspective between several key characters, allows the reader to get comfortable with the events, in relation to the individual journey of each character. A word of caution to the reader- the detail in Darkside: Children of Bhast alternates between slow and progressive to thick and fast in the turn of a page. Although this makes the book more exciting to read and far less predictable a narrative, it is easy to miss some of the details; combined with the perspective changes this is a novel which requires the reader to pay close attention. That being said Miles’ leaves very little room for the reader to get bored or loose focus too often.
For those who prefer light reading this novel may present some issues, in that for some readers the blending of events featuring different characters may cause the reader to feel that the novel is too crowded and therefore confusing. But, it is in my opinion that if the reader gives every sentence and paragraph the focus and attention which it not only demands, but also deserves, then even an easily confused person or a person who usually prefers lighter reading, would be able to enjoy this brilliant piece of fiction.
Within Darkside there are some impeccable plot twists, my favourites being the mysterious Yoshiro’s true heritage and the revealing of Calen Liese’s evolved biology. These plot twists are heightened by the general structure and flow of the narrative, meaning that newly revealed information is always unforgettable. The characterisation throughout is mostly very strong, and the subtle but complete layering of all the elements and themes of the story make it over all a thoroughly intoxicating read.
Miles’ has given readers an interesting backdrop (Bhast), I suspect greater detail will follow in subsequent titles, but for now the reader is given enough to achieve context without being overly descriptive or running into tangents- key to maintaining the structure and flow of the novel. I certainly look forward to the next installment or even the next novel from T. A. Miles.
© Gemma Feltham 2nd July 2013
June 6, 2013
I was expecting to like this book but I'm quite surprise how much I like it. I admit it has a slow start even with the entire "Fast & Furious" racing and the many names, especially Japanese, could be a tad overwhelming, but without realizing it I just couldn't put it down. This book has everything you expect and more: romance, drama, sci-fi, conspiracies, love, hope and much more.
Sometimes the best traits in humanity can survive even the worst conditions.
Many of the secondary characters have stories behind them which add depth to the main story; I was nicely surprised by Jossaryn and Auguste; by Taj and his personal quest and by a parent's admition.
I definitely will read the next book as soon as I can.
Sometimes the best traits in humanity can survive even the worst conditions.
Many of the secondary characters have stories behind them which add depth to the main story; I was nicely surprised by Jossaryn and Auguste; by Taj and his personal quest and by a parent's admition.
I definitely will read the next book as soon as I can.
September 3, 2022
It's hard to describe Darkside without making comparisons to other works. It is a story that immediately stuck me as having a Blade Runner type feel to it, but which ultimately put me in mind of a dark, sci-fi twist on something like The Fast and the Furious . . . complete with the alternative sensibilities of a Nicola Griffith and Melissa Scott.
T.A. Miles has done a superb job here, crafting a tale that stands on its own, despite drawing those comparisons. It's a cross-genre, cross-culture kind of read that plays entirely by its own rules. Don't expect it to head in any particular direction, and don't look for the usual genre cliches - unless its to discover how Miles avoids them.
The characterization is strong here, although it does take a while for some of the central characters - Calen and Luka, specifically - to begin showing any significant development. I had some early concerns regarding both, but once the other elements of the story began to be layered upon one another, their own inner layers began to be revealed. As for the setting, I suspect there's greater detail to be revealed in subsequent volumes, but what's established here makes for an interesting backdrop.The dual themes of alienation and occupation play well against one another, so well in fact that you tend to forget we're reading about human resettlement of an occupied alien world.
While there were a few scenes that felt oddly crafted for YA appeal, this is a far more mature novel than they would lead one to expect. Miles does not shy away from the darkness with her characters, telling a tale of their struggle for survival against increasing odds. Well-paced, with a nice scattering of action and horror, it's a great novel that establishes promise for the series to come.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
T.A. Miles has done a superb job here, crafting a tale that stands on its own, despite drawing those comparisons. It's a cross-genre, cross-culture kind of read that plays entirely by its own rules. Don't expect it to head in any particular direction, and don't look for the usual genre cliches - unless its to discover how Miles avoids them.
The characterization is strong here, although it does take a while for some of the central characters - Calen and Luka, specifically - to begin showing any significant development. I had some early concerns regarding both, but once the other elements of the story began to be layered upon one another, their own inner layers began to be revealed. As for the setting, I suspect there's greater detail to be revealed in subsequent volumes, but what's established here makes for an interesting backdrop.The dual themes of alienation and occupation play well against one another, so well in fact that you tend to forget we're reading about human resettlement of an occupied alien world.
While there were a few scenes that felt oddly crafted for YA appeal, this is a far more mature novel than they would lead one to expect. Miles does not shy away from the darkness with her characters, telling a tale of their struggle for survival against increasing odds. Well-paced, with a nice scattering of action and horror, it's a great novel that establishes promise for the series to come.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
November 16, 2014
It took me a long time to get through this novel. It is very long, so it was easier to pick up shorter books instead and get through them quicker.
Something I didn’t like was the amount of different characters and how they appear. This book could have probably been broken up into a few books that covered different storylines while integrating the main characters with the new ones. Instead, it was all thrown together and became a bit jumbled and confusing.
Many times, new characters will just be introduced by reading a new name. I didn’t have the slightest clue where some of them came from or what the points of their storylines were. I either figured it out after reading further, or I just never new and I forgot about them.
This book likes to jump from event to event with no real transitional phase. It is easier to get used to as you read more of it, but it is very confusing in the beginning.
I would say it is like a reading funnel. It starts our very broad with a lot of different things going on, and as it progresses, it all stars to come together and fit into one story line.
I felt like this was almost a never-ending book and it needed to be broken up to make it more interesting. I often found myself wondering how much longer it would take me to read it. It dragged on for a good portion of the book and just made it really, really difficult to get through.
The one bright spot in the book is that the characters were all pretty well developed even if some of them didn’t seem to have that big of a part in the story.
1/5 stars. I am sure there will be many readers who will get into this book, but I was not one of them.
Something I didn’t like was the amount of different characters and how they appear. This book could have probably been broken up into a few books that covered different storylines while integrating the main characters with the new ones. Instead, it was all thrown together and became a bit jumbled and confusing.
Many times, new characters will just be introduced by reading a new name. I didn’t have the slightest clue where some of them came from or what the points of their storylines were. I either figured it out after reading further, or I just never new and I forgot about them.
This book likes to jump from event to event with no real transitional phase. It is easier to get used to as you read more of it, but it is very confusing in the beginning.
I would say it is like a reading funnel. It starts our very broad with a lot of different things going on, and as it progresses, it all stars to come together and fit into one story line.
I felt like this was almost a never-ending book and it needed to be broken up to make it more interesting. I often found myself wondering how much longer it would take me to read it. It dragged on for a good portion of the book and just made it really, really difficult to get through.
The one bright spot in the book is that the characters were all pretty well developed even if some of them didn’t seem to have that big of a part in the story.
1/5 stars. I am sure there will be many readers who will get into this book, but I was not one of them.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews