Darkness Visible

Earworms

by Arvind Ethan David, Kirsty Yates (Narrator), Christian McKay (Narrator)

It is June 1940. The war against Hitler’s forces is raging. And the tide is turning against the British. In this hour of despair, Prime Minister Winston Churchill receives a mysterious letter from an even more mysterious woman, offering a Faustian bargain and a promise of victory. But if Churchill accepts, will he be condemning his nation’s very soul?

Darkness Visible is based on the graphic novel of the same name, written by Mike Carey and Arvind Ethan David, and stars Christian McKay as Winston Churchill and Miranda Richardson as Lady Vivian.

Earworms is a series of short, speculative fiction dramas–tales of what might have been...or might yet be...or perhaps in fact are, if only you were paying attention...if only you were listening.

Genres: Audiobook, Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Short Stories, Horror, Fiction, Historical

1 pages, Audiobook

Published January 11, 2024

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the Audible Original short, “Darkness Visible”, which is part of the Earworms collection. It’s a series of speculative-fiction dramas, in other words, tales of what might have been.

The story is based on the graphic novel, “Darkness Visible” by Arvind Ethan David. I am not a graphic novel aficionado, so I believe there are most likely higher rated reviews than mine. I listened to it twice, attempting to visualize it. I don’t possess the “graphic reader” ingenuity.

The best part of the short, for me, was the audio enhancements. I do enjoy the “3-D” sound. The story takes place in 1940 with Winston Churchill puzzling over how the Allied Forces can win WWII. He receives a strange letter informing him that the writer can help him win the war.

This is speculative fiction/fantasy/SciFi with a graphic novel bent. It’s less than 40 minutes and is entertaining. Narrators, all of whom performed perfectly: Kirsty Yates, Christian McKay, Miranda Richardson, Samuel Barnett, Joe Spano, and Adam Campbell.

[PattyMacDotComma · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5★
This is a full-cast audio like a radio drama, with music, sound effects, and excellent actors.

We're in London in WWII, and Winston Churchill is fed up with celebrating Dunkirk - nobody celebrates a retreat - and he says he's prepared to do a deal with the Devil if it will beat the Nazis.

Enter a Baroness, or so she seems, with an offer he hurries to accept, as long as they can agree on terms.

It's another of the "Earworms" series from Audible, and a lot of fun it is, too. I enjoy a good reader/narrator, but this kind of performance is really next level.

[Paperback Journeys · Rating 3 out of 5]

Darkness Visible by Arvind Ethan David was a dark and speedy read that I thoroughly enjoyed. The book's atmosphere is immersive and captivating.

I listened to it on Audible, and it turns out it's based on a graphic novel. Now, I'm really curious to see the artwork, especially to visualize how the demons are depicted.

The story offers a critique of British imperialism, navigating the murky waters between good and evil. I was particularly impressed with the portrayal of Winston Churchill; the performance in the audio version was stellar. Despite its brevity, with just three or four scenes, the book manages to create a vivid and engaging world, and a look into an alternate universe.

Because it's so short, it's perfect for a quick listen. You could easily finish it while cooking a single meal, and driving to and from the grocery store.

3.5 / 5.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a very short read but I think it left me with more questions than answers.

[Nesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – A Haunting History Lesson Disguised as Supernatural Fiction

Darkly Visible by Arvind Ethan David is one of those rare stories that catches you off guard—in the best way. I didn’t know what to expect going in, but what I got was a gripping blend of historical fiction, supernatural suspense, and unflinching social commentary. It reads like an eerie gothic ghost story, but beneath the chilling atmosphere lies a deeply layered reckoning with colonialism, corruption, and legacy.

The story’s central idea? That some ghosts don’t haunt houses—they haunt history.

“There are many kinds of ghosts. Some haunt houses. Others haunt history.”
That line alone hooked me. It set the stage for a tale that doesn’t just dip into the mystical—it dives headfirst into the unresolved trauma of the past and the systemic rot of global power structures.

Lady Vivian, the avenging spirit at the center of it all, is the embodiment of justice long overdue. Regal, commanding, and unapologetically vengeful, she makes it clear that justice isn't always timely… but it's inevitable. I especially loved how the supernatural elements never felt gratuitous—they were poetic. Powerful. Purposeful.

The critique of empire, in particular, felt sharp and timely:

“The Empire never ended. It just rebranded.”
It’s that kind of biting truth that gives the book its edge. And Churchill’s arc? Don’t get me started. The betrayal, the secrets, the impending comeuppance from Lady Vivian? I was rooting for it. I only wish the story had been longer so we could see that confrontation play out in full. He had it coming.

And then this line?

“Power doesn’t corrupt. It reveals. And what’s revealed is almost never kind.”
Mic drop. That one stayed with me.

If I had one critique, it’s that the novella-length format left me wanting more time to sit with the characters and see certain plot threads through. But even so, Darkly Visible packs a remarkable punch. It's chilling, intelligent, and disturbingly relevant.

Highly recommend this to fans of Black Mirror, Jordan Peele, or anyone who enjoys their fiction with a side of historical reckoning.

[Panda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook (40 minutes) narrated by Kirsty Yates, Christian McKay, Miranda Richardson, Samuel Barnett, Joe Spano, Adam Campbell

Fantastic full cast narration, accompanied by high quality audio and editing with no distortions or erroneous noise.
I suggest listening from 1x to 2x speed, as preferred.

Darkness Visible is an interesting and curious story set in June 1940. I fully enjoyed the story and would welcome a more fleshed out version.

Recommend.

[Ashlee Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

this short audiobook was actually super cool😌 i’m such a history nerd and i love a good fantasy aspect with a bit of thrill so this was such a nice story to listen to✨

it follows Winston Churchill and the deal he makes with otherworldly powers to win the war against Hitler👀🦇

and the grave mistake he made in the end…😅

to top it off, the sound affects and background music gave it a really cool atmosphere🤌🏼✨

fun historical thriller short story🤩🇬🇧 give it a try!

~

✨✨✨✨✨/ 5 stars

[Daniela · Rating 2 out of 5]

Se plantea el tema de que todo depende de donde se lo mire y que las posturas pueden cambiar conociendo el trasfondo de las cosas, y que a veces uno se parece más a su enemigo de lo que le gustaría admitir.

En este caso no me gustó tanto como las otras historias que venía siguiendo de Arvind. No me atrapó lo suficiente, o puede ser porque la temática bélica no es lo mío.

[Ericka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite an interesting short story.
How about taking a peek at one of the key moments in history, when the British government is defending their territory against Germany, do you care to see what it will might have helped Churchill in the darkest hour? Even if it was supernatural? It's a funny and weird twist that the author gave to this piece of history but I really enjoyed it.
Narration was great and the sound effects were so cool. I liked it very much!

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book imagines that Churchill made a deal with demons to win WWII, which, while an interesting concept, disregards the Christian faith of Britain at that time, as well as the abilities of the Allied forces, among other things.

I thought it would be interesting, which is why I read it at all, expecting it to be a little like a Doctor Who plot, but it was just weird, and not in a good way.

[Krysta Angotti · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun little short story about Winston Churchill turning to darker powers to help take down Hitler. It was definitely an interesting read but one you need to give full attention to. I had to go back half way through and start over because I wanted to make sure I was getting all the correct information. I like Arvind Ethan David’s work because it makes you think.

[Anastasiya M · Rating 2 out of 5]

Initially, this short audiobook seemed promising, but it ultimately left me feeling disappointed. While the story had potential, it felt lacking in development due to its concise nature. A longer narrative with additional details could have enhanced the overall experience. Instead, I found myself with more questions than answers by the end.

https://annietheinkdrinker.wordpress.com

[Serena · Rating 3 out of 5]

A interesting audiobook based on the Darkness Visible comic, where Churchill makes a deal with demons and thinks to come out the winner of more than a war.

[Elin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed it, a fun short sci fi/ alt history story with of course, exceptional acting. Samuel Barnett was so good I didn't even know he was playing two of the characters until the credits, and I was listening out for him :)

[The Bauchler · Rating 2 out of 5]

An intriguing idea but unfortunately not carried out at all well.

If it had had been longer with more substance it possibly could have been much better.

The ending is confusing - not deliberately ambiguous, just confusing.

They refer to Gibraltar as an island – say what??

[Cory Hawksbury · Rating 3 out of 5]

Novella about how the countries involved in WWII turn to using demons and demonic possession of its soldiers to win the war by agreeing to let the creatures freely into our realm. Churchill must make the decision himself to become possessed first.

[Simon Says Hellooo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This follows Churchill fighting the war with any help he can get even if that means supernatural.

I really enjoyed the voice acting and the spookiness of this story. I plan to look up the graphic novel as well.

[Ericka · Rating 2 out of 5]

Audible plus quick listen. Quite a wild idea if you ask me, but hey, who knows.

[LeAnn L Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed short speculative fiction ear worm series even though I’m not usually a fan of this genre.

[Ashton · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting idea that is a quick listen with talented voice actors. I enjoyed the story, but it was nothing I would rave on and on about.

[Daniel Threlfall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quirky and cunning. Not the most brilliant piece of historical fiction, but there are some clever turns.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and fun for a short audiobook read

[Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really enjoyed listening to this one - great narration but the ending left a lot unsaid which I don’t particularly care for. 😈🇬🇧🦑

[Angel Chiou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a quaint short story and excellently narrated! I really like its criticism on English colonialism, specifically the part that the devil suggests that the volunteers were mostly people from British colonies. The fact that human are more cunning than the devil, what a dig!

[Andy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too short but cute

[Thomas Terence · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really interesting short story about an alternate view of what could have happened at the onset of World War II.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting concept leaving you wanting more.
Keeps the ambiguity of Churchill, good guy or bad guy, up to the reader depending on the angle.

Short audio dramatization, well-acted.

[Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was an interesting alternative history story and it was pretty good. I thought it cleaned up too neatly, but I had fun with it.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining.

[Erica Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one was just meh. Voice acting was great and the prose phenomenal, but the story was not that compelling for me.