Technology, magic, and power converge in Silicon Valley's dark underbelly as three friends battle to reclaim the future from those who seek to control it.
For Spencer, Narina, and Rose—millennial women coming of age during the tech industry’s dizzying rise to power—the world is theirs. That is, until a mind-bending ayahuasca trip upends their lives, offering a glimpse into a dystopian nightmare.
The future? A world enslaved by the Apparatus, a shadowy coalition of venture capitalists, politicos, and business titans with a sinister plan to own everything.
When details from the vision start to come true, and elements of the Apparatus start infiltrating their daily lives, they realize it’s not just a hallucination—and they also discover their own burgeoning powers, powers they’ll need to fight back.
As the future unravels, an unexpected encounter forces Spencer to confront her past and sparks a journey into the heart of the conspiracy that threatens to consume them all.
Dark Days Ahead is a gripping thriller of technological intrigue and supernatural awakening into a future that feels all too real.
Ditched the corporate world in 2023. Dark Days Ahead is her first novel—inspired by her experiences living in San Francisco while working at a tech startup.
Absolute best read of 2024! THE perfect match for my fellow conspiracists. Dark Days Ahead is a page turning thriller, this story has me question the line between fun sci-fi and possible reality. How far is too far when it comes to integrating technology into life? How much of a “good thing” is too much? And who is in control? Spencer hasn’t always been the best at picking who she brings into her life, will things be different this time with Vik? Will light prevail or will darkness finally take over what’s left of the world in the Dark Days Ahead? Follow Spencer and her friends as they discover who they are and all they’re capable of. I cannot wait for a sequel, until then I’ll be out back trying to transition!
Dark Days Ahead by Natalie Docherty is a bold and exhilarating fusion of psychological thriller, romance, and fantasy, set against the backdrop of Silicon Valley’s high-tech world. In this gripping novel, Docherty masterfully blends technology, magic, and power as three millennial women—Spencer, Narina, and Rose—find themselves at the heart of a conspiracy that threatens to unravel everything they know.
Docherty’s writing is sharp, intelligent, and brimming with tension as the trio discovers they possess unique powers—powers they’ll need to survive the dark conspiracy closing in on them. The psychological layers of the narrative are woven intricately with elements of supernatural awakening, making for a truly thrilling read that keeps the reader on edge. The stakes are high, and the world-building is nothing short of brilliant, with technology and magic converging in ways that feel eerily plausible.
At its heart, Dark Days Ahead is also a story of self-discovery and friendship. As Spencer, Narina, and Rose navigate their growing powers and the escalating threats around them, their bond becomes an anchor in an increasingly unstable world. The romance, while simmering in the background, adds depth to their emotional journeys, particularly as Spencer is forced to confront her past in a series of unexpected twists that propel the plot forward. Truly an unforgettable page turner that will leave you begging for a sequel!
Dark Days Ahead ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 📚 Dystopian/Magical Realism 🎶 This Little Light of Mine - Sam Cooke
One sentence synopsis: Technology, magic, and power converge in Silicon Valley’s dark underbelly as three friends battle to reclaim the future from those who seek to control it.
Book Review: Yall, I have no idea what to really make of this strange book, but I do know it’s goooooood. It’s got a lot of stuff I love in it: dystopian setting, magical realism elements, bad ass heroine, impossible situations, a little bit of a “who dun it” going on, and so much more. This was a wild wild ride.
But I’d like to also add that this book is DENSE. There is so much information and plot development happening in these 390 that while I was reading I could have sworn the book must have been 700 pages, easily. I kind of feel like this book could’ve been fluffed up a bit and split into two books just to make it a little easier to digest. But regardless, this was fascinating.
I don’t think this book will be for everybody, but if you’re willing to sit through a pretty dense and maybe information overload dystopian novel with magical realism elements, I think you will be pleasantly surprised by how much you enjoy this one. Just be prepared that it ends on a cliffhanger and as of me writing this review, I don’t think the second book is out yet and it will make you mad because you’ll want to keep going.
This book was sooo hard to put down! Between the details of the characters, the setting and the reality of our current day, each page had me wanting more. I also thought it was an easy read, which makes me wish I can leave another 5 stars. Really hoping there is a sequel to this book!!
Highly recommend Dark Days Ahead by Natalie Docherty!
I received an advanced digital copy of this book through NetGalley.
This review has no major spoilers, but I do go over the premise of the book, and that might reveal a thing or two about the plot.
I’ll start by saying this book was not in my radar AT ALL. And after reading it, I still wish it wasn’t! And I don’t mean that in a bad way! (If there’s going to be a second book, I NEED IT NOW!) This book starts as, what seems like a sci-fi thriller, set in the not-so-distant future, and then morphs itself into a fantasy that takes place on earth, in cities that actually exist.
To sum it up, there’s a sinister organization that has been pulling the strings throughout history called the Apparatus. They are planning something BIG. Then along comes Spencer. She meets Vik, they date, get really serious, then he desires to take over the world, and we’re off!
Spencer has two really good friends. Rose and Narina. They enjoy experimenting with psychedelics. Narina goes to an ayahuasca retreat and has visions of the future…visions that actually seem to be coming true!
The story is completely gripping. The three main women are incredibly strong, and the story tells how they take their traumas, and turn them into something positive that could save the world!
Totally wasn’t expecting there to be magic and fantasy elements in this, but it fit the story perfectly!
There’s a little romance thrown in, but it totally serves the story, and it’s not there to extend the page count, or to be considered a spicy romance book. This book moves FAST, and, boy, are there are some twists!
Loved this! Need a sequel ASAP!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
For fans of N.K. Jemisin’s The City We Became and Naomi Alderman’s The Power, this novel is a prophetic, fast-paced read that will be hard to put down. The story revolves around Spencer and her friends Narina and Rose, three young women living in San Francisco who uncover a shadowy network of VCs, businessmen, and politicians on a mission to reshape the world for their personal gain. The story explores themes of resistance, power, and friendship - and it feels all too real for anyone living in San Francisco and working in tech!
As a debut novel, it’s impressive. Docherty does a great job of blending some magic and sci-fi elements in a story grounded squarely in the present-day. While some character arcs could use a bit more development and the plot sometimes moves at lightning speed, it’s an entertaining and unique read that really does stop and makes you think. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a fresh, thought-provoking escape!
After finishing “Dark Days Ahead,” I started questioning whether Natalie Docherty is an author… or a prophet. For anyone who has ever felt like there was shadowy, sinister undercurrent beneath what we perceive to be reality, this book is for you.
The book centers around Spencer and her two friends who step away from their routine, predictable tech bubble lives and into their magic as “liminals” — high frequency light workers that have the power to change the energy around them for the better. Meanwhile, Vik — Spencers love interest (and fellow tech drone) gets a taste of darkness after his initiation into the “Apparatus” — a secret society made up of industry titans and leaders who gain their power through dystopic (yet disturbingly possible) means.
The story alternates between Spencer and Vik’s perspectives and the plot twists kept me guessing the whole time. It’s the perfect combination of thought-provoking conspiracy thriller and beach read and has all the ingredients to be a millennial best-seller.
“Dark Days Ahead” is a book that I truly could not put down and has kept me pulled in, long after I finished. Future readers be warned that potential side effects of reading this book might include, deleting your social media accounts, signing up for a psychedelic retreat, thinking twice about why San Francisco cant solve its homelessness epidemic, and tapping into the hidden potential and source energy that lives inside us all.
This fun sci-fi-ish, conspiracy book was amazing to read. This book might not be everyone taste but I absolutely loved it! This book had an element of magic, mystery, love, sex and thrill. I haven’t read a book this good in a long time. The book for me wasn’t predictable. It kept me on my toes. Highly recommend giving this book a read for something new and exciting. Really hoping a second book is in the works!!
My friends and I read Dark Days Ahead as our November book club-book, and it did not disappoint! Fantasy/sci-fi is not the typical genre I gravitate towards, but I was very pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. It was an easy read, I finished it over a span of 2-3 days, and it made me really reflect on how much technology has influenced our society and what our future is going to look like. Overall I would highly recommend this book, and I am looking forward to a sequel!
An absolute page-turner, this novel explores the complexities of power dynamics in our modern world, seamlessly blending elements of magic and technology. The characters are deeply compelling, and I resonated with the challenges presented by the narrative. It’s been some time since I’ve encountered a dystopian story so well executed. I highly recommend this novel and am eager to see what comes next!
This book isn't quite fantasy or sci-fi, but it has some magic and dystopian themes. I normally gravitate towards beach reads, but was constantly intrigued with the twists and turns in Dark Days Ahead. It was very thoughtfully crafted where stories were interweaved and I was utterly surprised by some of them as they occurred. I really appreciated the short chapters making it easy to read when I had a few minutes throughout the day. For this being her first novel I was impressed. Looking forward to a sequel and unlike the title, I believe Docherty has bright days ahead.
To truly capture how incredible this book is: I was so deep in its grip that I showed up over an hour late to dinner with my friends because I physically couldn’t put it down. I needed to know how it would end… and my god - the ending absolutely floored me. “Twisty thriller” doesn’t even begin to cover the raw, masterful suspense that Docherty weaves into every page. It’s the kind of story that leaves you breathless, scanning every paragraph for the next reveal, and yet blindsides you again and again.
Docherty delivered that perfect balance of edge-of-your-seat tension and brilliantly complex characters that make a story pulse with life. It’s hard to believe this is her first novel.
I’ll add that this isn’t just a thriller; it’s a provocative exploration of the influence of VCs and Tech, that makes you question who really holds the power in society���and whether they’re shaping the world for better or worse.
I can already see the binge-worthy TV series this will no-doubt inspire.
This book completely drew me in. It’s such a great mix of deep ideas about humanity and technology and also so entertaining and relatable.
I highlighted so many parts because they really stayed with me. The characters, especially Spencer, felt so real, and I saw a lot of myself in them. It’s beautifully written, thought-provoking, and one of those books that stays with you long after you finish it.
This was such a fresh, thrilling page turner by first time author Natalie Docherty. The book explores the danger of power paired with the power of friendship as three friends fight to take down the Apparatus. Love that the book switches back and forth in time exploring the evolution of both the villain and the protagonists. Hope there is a sequel !!
I could not put this down. Think thriller, with amazing characters, tech, suspense and twists that make you gasp out loud. I enjoyed everything about this book from the likable characters, the element of suprise and the super creative storyline. Looking forward to a sequel!
This novel is as much a pulse-pounding thriller as it is a deeply emotional exploration of humanity’s resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity. Set in a chilling, near-future world ravaged by environmental disasters and political collapse, Docherty’s story captivates from the first page. The protagonist, Spencer, is a flawed yet inspiring figure whose personal journey of survival and self-discovery mirrors the crumbling world around them. The atmosphere she creates is both suffocating and thrilling, pulling the reader into the story with relentless intensity. Her ability to capture raw emotion and moral complexity in the face of catastrophe sets this book apart from other entries in the genre.The novel’s pacing is perfectly calibrated, balancing edge-of-your-seat action with moments of quiet introspection. At the heart of Dark Days Ahead is a poignant message about the power of hope and the importance of finding light, even in the darkest of times.
All encompassing existential dread mixed with humanity’s love affair with self-destruction. A dark horoscope for society, but there’s a strange comfort in realizing we’re all spiraling together.
10/10 would recommend to anyone who enjoys laughing nervously into the void.
The storyline is a thrilling blend of fast-paced tech intrigue and supernatural elements, creating an atmosphere that feels both futuristic and unsettlingly possible. The plot unfolds with careful suspense, as each new twist deepens the mystery, pushing Spencer and her friends further into a battle against forces that feel omnipotent. As they grapple with newfound powers, the stakes rise and the urgency becomes palpable, making it impossible not to root for them in their quest to reclaim control over their futures.
The writing style is particularly engaging, balancing detailed technological insights with lyrical descriptions of mystical experiences. The author’s concise yet evocative prose pulls readers in, creating vivid mental images without bogging down in technicalities. Each chapter is crafted to maintain suspense, pulling readers deeper into a plot that’s both haunting and exhilarating.
Overall, Dark Days Ahead is a must-read for anyone intrigued by the convergence of technology and mysticism. It’s an exciting commentary on the modern world’s rapid tech-driven changes, with a storyline that’s as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.
Dark Days Ahead is an outstanding debut novel from Docherty!
Docherty’s writing is reminiscent of a dystopian-fantasy Frieda McFadden. Her language is highly digestible while simultaneously creating a cinematic experience for the reader. The ongoing development of the main protagonists—both individually and within their budding relationship—propels the plot forward as the underlying story unfolds. Once the suspense heightened, the book became nearly impossible to put down. Docherty expertly wove subtle threads that perfectly tied together at the end, leaving the reader speechless.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book and am eagerly hoping for the sequel. However, I rated it 4/5 stars due to a few points in the plot that stretched my suspension of disbelief. While these moments were few and far between, I believe they did take away from the overall immersion of the story.
Captivating and Thrilling!!! Natalie Docherty’s Dark Days Ahead is a blend of suspense, emotion, and gripping storytelling. From the very first page, the tension is palpable, pulling you into a world where danger lurks in every shadow. Docherty’s characters are richly developed, relatable, and their struggles resonate deeply. I found myself questioning and tossing/turning over what would I do in that situation?
This novel had so many twists and turns that left me unable to put the book down. Every chapter builds on the last, leading to a climax that is both extremely shocking and satisfying. Docherty painted scenes so real that I felt like I was right there alongside the characters.
Dark Days Ahead is more than just a thriller—it’s a story about resilience, trust, and the lengths one will go to for survival. Natalie Docherty has delivered a novel that’s as thought-provoking as it is thrilling. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a smart, well-crafted page-turner.
Wow, Dark Days Ahead is hands down one of the best books I've read in a while! This gripping piece dives deep into the cutthroat world of tech and VC (could probably be any other industry manager) offering a stark, often unsettling look at how the pursuit of power and profits can strip people of their energy, both physically and emotionally and in this book quite „literally“.
The author does an incredible job of blending high-stakes drama with sharp social commentary, showing how power greedy men exploit not just resources, but human lives, in the race for dominance. The characters are so well-written that you find yourself both rooting for and dreading them. There’s a sense of urgency throughout, as the story moves at a fast pace.
It's a powerful, thought-provoking read that stays with you long after the last page. If you’re into fast-paced, intellectual writing that makes you think deeply about the world we live in, Dark Days Ahead is a must-read!
Highly recommend to anyone who loves stories that both entertain and make you reflect on our society's direction!
I really enjoyed this book. Thank you so much to the author for an advanced copy.
I am by nature a fantasy reader, and this book, while not exactly fantasy, held elements that kept me engaged and wanting to read more. The concept of this book was so refreshing! There are so many regurgitated tropes today, and I am glad to have taken the time to read this as it did not follow what everyone else is publishing. The idea of the architects hit close to home in today's political climate and yet still felt futuristic. I don't want to spoil anything, but the mystery component and rebellion kept the story moving and made this book easily a quick and enjoyable read.
I recommend this read to anyone looking to freshen up their fantasy/sci-fi tbr.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The character development is thoughtful and the story is well written. The author smoothly and cleverly weaves multiple theories into a believable and relatable storyline where I could imagine the details happening in real life. I enjoyed the opportunity to read an advanced copy as I have never had the chance before and was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the storyline as well as the writing style. It reminds me of apocalyptic and dystopian societies with a flavour of science fiction.
Such a fun read and very easy to finish quickly! I like how the book centered around one story from multiple perspectives, to show how different characters are experiencing the same thing from different points of view. This was a fun mix of fantasy and power dynamics in today's corporate world. I also liked the female main character(s) and how they represented a lot of common experiences.
Sometimes people say that fiction is silly because dragons don't exist, but the counter has always been that fiction is important because it teaches people dragons can be beaten. I think there is a similar learning/takeaway with this overall story line (even though there are no dragons!).
This was a fantastic, twisty, wild ride! I was legit scared at points when it paints of picture of how the world could be harboring a lot of secrets. I thought the characters were interesting and it kept me reading. Overall a great book.
I don’t read many books that make me say Wow!!!! But this book is one of those …this story is detailed, smart and makes you think! On the flip side, the magical fantasy aspects truly keep you interested and captivated! I want more!! 🤗