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The Coming Dark #1
The Coming Dark
Trained from ten years old to deal violence to the violent, the Deathbringers take their oaths extremely Protect the weak, and foster the evolution of good.
All Liam Avione ever wanted was to be a Deathbringer. Almost twenty years old now, he’s approaching the last six months of the decade-long training program, hopeful for his future as a protector of the Universe.
One, slight he’s got a genetic defect that he’s been keeping a secret. But as the training intensifies, so do his symptoms. Which are really hard to hide when they cause him to puke, pass out, and have a seizure in front of the training cadre.
Before he knows it, he is dismissed from the Deathbringers and sent back to live with the civilian “Lifebringers.” Struggling to fit in, or even find a job, Liam is relegated to working in a kitchen and repeatedly trying to convince himself, This is your life now. So when Liam gets a slim chance at redemption, he knows he has to take it, genetic defect be damned.
His second chance comes in the form of a Trial–an extremely rare occasion where Lifebringers are given an opportunity to test their mettle against Deathbringers in a seven-day contest. If Liam survives, he’ll get an opportunity to train as a Deathbringer again. The Trial is supposed to be non-lethal, but within hours of being dropped on an abandoned jungle planet, Liam and a handful of other volunteers start to find the terribly-mutilated bodies of their friends.
It becomes obvious that the Deathbringers aren’t the only things hunting them. An ancient evil is pushing its way through the fabric of space and time, intent on bringing death and destruction to the Universe. And the only thing standing in its way are some untrained Lifebringers, and a former almost-Deathbringer. And he’s feeling just a little bit pukey at the moment.
What could go wrong?
Everything. And it does.
_______________
The Coming Dark is a fast-paced space marine sci-fi adventure of heroism, survival, and the fight to hold back a malevolent force invading reality.
The Coming Dark 2 : Coming April 2025!
All Liam Avione ever wanted was to be a Deathbringer. Almost twenty years old now, he’s approaching the last six months of the decade-long training program, hopeful for his future as a protector of the Universe.
One, slight he’s got a genetic defect that he’s been keeping a secret. But as the training intensifies, so do his symptoms. Which are really hard to hide when they cause him to puke, pass out, and have a seizure in front of the training cadre.
Before he knows it, he is dismissed from the Deathbringers and sent back to live with the civilian “Lifebringers.” Struggling to fit in, or even find a job, Liam is relegated to working in a kitchen and repeatedly trying to convince himself, This is your life now. So when Liam gets a slim chance at redemption, he knows he has to take it, genetic defect be damned.
His second chance comes in the form of a Trial–an extremely rare occasion where Lifebringers are given an opportunity to test their mettle against Deathbringers in a seven-day contest. If Liam survives, he’ll get an opportunity to train as a Deathbringer again. The Trial is supposed to be non-lethal, but within hours of being dropped on an abandoned jungle planet, Liam and a handful of other volunteers start to find the terribly-mutilated bodies of their friends.
It becomes obvious that the Deathbringers aren’t the only things hunting them. An ancient evil is pushing its way through the fabric of space and time, intent on bringing death and destruction to the Universe. And the only thing standing in its way are some untrained Lifebringers, and a former almost-Deathbringer. And he’s feeling just a little bit pukey at the moment.
What could go wrong?
Everything. And it does.
_______________
The Coming Dark is a fast-paced space marine sci-fi adventure of heroism, survival, and the fight to hold back a malevolent force invading reality.
The Coming Dark 2 : Coming April 2025!
- GenresScience FictionAudiobook
593 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 7, 2025
157 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
D.J. Molles
45 books1,435 followersD.J. Molles became a New York Times and USA today bestselling author while working full time as a police officer. He's since traded his badge for a keyboard to produce over 20 titles. When he's not writing, he's taking steps to make his North Carolina property self-sustainable, and training to be at least half as hard to kill as Lee Harden (his most popular protagonist).
Molles also enjoys playing his guitar and drums, drawing, cooking, and “shredding that green pow” on his Onewheel.
Most nights you can find him sitting on the couch surrounded by his dogs and family, trying to stream an hour of Netflix with his really sketchy satellite internet connection.
Are you interested in becoming a writer? I've started a video series called "Lessons in Writing" which you can find on all my socials.
Follow on IG & FB @djmolles
TikTok @djmollesauthor
Molles also enjoys playing his guitar and drums, drawing, cooking, and “shredding that green pow” on his Onewheel.
Most nights you can find him sitting on the couch surrounded by his dogs and family, trying to stream an hour of Netflix with his really sketchy satellite internet connection.
Are you interested in becoming a writer? I've started a video series called "Lessons in Writing" which you can find on all my socials.
Follow on IG & FB @djmolles
TikTok @djmollesauthor
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 6, 2025
This book has a familiar character (if you have read other Molles books you will recognize him) but it’s set in a different time period. This world has a group of people called Deathbringers. The Deathbringers stick up for the downtrodden, the helpless and the weak. They stand up to evil when people can’t. Liam is almost through with his training when he finds out he has a fault in his DNA and is kicked out of the program. He heads home and soon discovers he isn’t made to be a civilian but resigns himself to it. When the next round of children are going to be gathered for training there is a change of plans, the All-Kind decides to let there be a trial to be a Deathbringer and all can volunteer. This is Liam’s last chance.
This one took me a little bit to get into. I think because of the amount of information that you need to be able to understand this world. The world building is solid as is the language that goes along with it. DJ excels at this. There is tons of sci-fi tech in this from guns to space suits! Again DJ is a master at creating new fun futuristic gadgets.
I feel the pacing could have been a bit different as the story shifts and sometimes that took me out of the world. There is a lot of info with The Coming Dark and I wish it had been given differently at times but honestly I don’t know how that could have been done. I loved the world (s) that were introduced, and the action was intense.
Overall I liked it and would definitely recommend. The last 20% totally rocked! It came together and the last bit (I can’t say what) made me what to stand up and shout!
D.J Molles books are always fast paced and full of action and this one follows suit! If you like sci-fi action you will like this!
I received an ARC for my honest review.
This one took me a little bit to get into. I think because of the amount of information that you need to be able to understand this world. The world building is solid as is the language that goes along with it. DJ excels at this. There is tons of sci-fi tech in this from guns to space suits! Again DJ is a master at creating new fun futuristic gadgets.
I feel the pacing could have been a bit different as the story shifts and sometimes that took me out of the world. There is a lot of info with The Coming Dark and I wish it had been given differently at times but honestly I don’t know how that could have been done. I loved the world (s) that were introduced, and the action was intense.
Overall I liked it and would definitely recommend. The last 20% totally rocked! It came together and the last bit (I can’t say what) made me what to stand up and shout!
D.J Molles books are always fast paced and full of action and this one follows suit! If you like sci-fi action you will like this!
I received an ARC for my honest review.
February 11, 2025
Intriguing concept. Humanity nurtured as the Universe's gunslingers.
Humanity lives divided between Lifebringers on one huge station on the edge of the Universe and Deathbringers living and training on another gigantic dome shaped station a distance away. The Deathbringers are the combat troops, the law enforcers, the militant arm of the role of Humanity in this distant future. The Lifebringers are the caretakers and families, educators and physicians, searching for the ultimate aspect of advancement of humanity to perfection, free from violence. A cosmic reward of evolution. While all needs were met for the Lifebringers, the agreement with the Universe meant the Deathbringers were 'on-call' to settle the disputes of the residents of the universe. There would always be a need for the 'cop on the block' to prevent an aggressive race from preying on milder or more progressive cultures. Humanity seems to be singularly suited to this role.
The main character is a student, in training to be a Deathbringer. His training is learning to control his armor, a nearly sentient shell protecting his body while he uses his mind to move and fight. Training is nearly complete when a medical problem is detected that will end his plans, change his future and prevent him from completing becoming a Deathbringer when the Universe needs him most! This storyline is compelling and inviting as we meet the characters and adjust to the lifestyles they live. Then the second half of the book had me hooked, drawn to the action in one long session! I just couldn't put it down until the end! This is an awesome read!
Humanity lives divided between Lifebringers on one huge station on the edge of the Universe and Deathbringers living and training on another gigantic dome shaped station a distance away. The Deathbringers are the combat troops, the law enforcers, the militant arm of the role of Humanity in this distant future. The Lifebringers are the caretakers and families, educators and physicians, searching for the ultimate aspect of advancement of humanity to perfection, free from violence. A cosmic reward of evolution. While all needs were met for the Lifebringers, the agreement with the Universe meant the Deathbringers were 'on-call' to settle the disputes of the residents of the universe. There would always be a need for the 'cop on the block' to prevent an aggressive race from preying on milder or more progressive cultures. Humanity seems to be singularly suited to this role.
The main character is a student, in training to be a Deathbringer. His training is learning to control his armor, a nearly sentient shell protecting his body while he uses his mind to move and fight. Training is nearly complete when a medical problem is detected that will end his plans, change his future and prevent him from completing becoming a Deathbringer when the Universe needs him most! This storyline is compelling and inviting as we meet the characters and adjust to the lifestyles they live. Then the second half of the book had me hooked, drawn to the action in one long session! I just couldn't put it down until the end! This is an awesome read!
October 29, 2025
The Coming Dark is set 5,000 years after the Godbreaker series, which I didn't read and didn't know it was, though it seems to have minimal connection. In that, humanity is in miserable enslavement by alien species. In this, humanity is in enthusiastic servitude to an alien species. The story keeps faking out the reader into thinking it's going to be about one thing, then pivots to another idea, then another, then another and so on, until it finally reveals what it's really about. All of this is undercut by the title, the synopsis, the Goodreads description, the promotional material, and everything else. So, I don't really know what the point of it all was. Is it better to be go in blind and be surprised by being jerked around or know what to expect and go along with it? The unfortunate part is that once it got to the main part, it wasn't what I cared about.
Humanity has been designated as the galactic police by the most advanced species, who claim to be literally unable to engage in violence. Thus, humanity is sent wherever they're needed to protect the weak and pacifistic against the aggressive. The advanced societies of the galactic civilization only admit species that have completely forsworn violence, so humanity doesn't get to be part of that. There are only around a million humans remaining, because if there were too many, they may become a threat.
This isn't a book where humanity realizes that living in servitude is bad and they overthrow their masters. Instead, there's various metaphors regarding the military and its relationship to the rest of society. All thematic material and anything of depth is pushed aside when the aliens arrive. When you're fighting for survival, should anything else matter other than survival? That's about the only question that remains.
There were a lot of good combat scenes, death everywhere, and all sorts of exciting things happening, but I came to realize that in this context I didn't care. War against aliens who won't or can't communicate and only want to destroy, destroy, destroy isn't enjoyable. I find it boring and don't feel emotionally involved or engaged in any way. I enjoyed all the lead up much more than the main event, which isn't how it's supposed to be, or at least not how I want it to be.
The next book seems to be much more of the same, and I assume third book would be as well, so I'm stopping here rather than continuing on. If an author only has a single series I like from them, then that's how it is.
Rating: 2.5/5
Humanity has been designated as the galactic police by the most advanced species, who claim to be literally unable to engage in violence. Thus, humanity is sent wherever they're needed to protect the weak and pacifistic against the aggressive. The advanced societies of the galactic civilization only admit species that have completely forsworn violence, so humanity doesn't get to be part of that. There are only around a million humans remaining, because if there were too many, they may become a threat.
This isn't a book where humanity realizes that living in servitude is bad and they overthrow their masters. Instead, there's various metaphors regarding the military and its relationship to the rest of society. All thematic material and anything of depth is pushed aside when the aliens arrive. When you're fighting for survival, should anything else matter other than survival? That's about the only question that remains.
There were a lot of good combat scenes, death everywhere, and all sorts of exciting things happening, but I came to realize that in this context I didn't care. War against aliens who won't or can't communicate and only want to destroy, destroy, destroy isn't enjoyable. I find it boring and don't feel emotionally involved or engaged in any way. I enjoyed all the lead up much more than the main event, which isn't how it's supposed to be, or at least not how I want it to be.
The next book seems to be much more of the same, and I assume third book would be as well, so I'm stopping here rather than continuing on. If an author only has a single series I like from them, then that's how it is.
Rating: 2.5/5
January 6, 2026
Scifi Action with Depth
I tore through this book unable to stop until finishing it at 2AM last night. It's got it all; great characters, interesting setting and universe, and seriously awesome action. I absolutely loved it!
I tore through this book unable to stop until finishing it at 2AM last night. It's got it all; great characters, interesting setting and universe, and seriously awesome action. I absolutely loved it!
January 7, 2025
I really enjoyed this read. As far as Sci Fi goes, this book is more story oriented than technology oriented. Once the story was going I was sucked in. I kept wanting to read it in the middle of my workday, while heating up food in the microwave, while pumping gas, etc.. I found the story a bit slow to get started. The character development and dialogue in the early was just a touch drier than Molles' typical novels. Once it got rolling, however, the plot carried it and the character development smoothed out. The story gave me a reason to care about the characters and then they began to develop, whereas some of his other newer novels have characters that more instantly bond with my imagination.
Overall, the story and action in this book was great. Tense and gritty. Themes of self sacrifice, determination, and perseverance in the face of no hope abound. Molles wrestles with the tension between the end goal of peace and the apparent need for violence as a central theme. Content wise- intense action, graphic battle scenes, little to no cussing or sexual content. This book is a tie-in to his God Breaker series, but separated by thousands of years. I would say it works as a standalone. It does appear that it's the beginning of a series, which I'm looking forward to continuing.
Overall, the story and action in this book was great. Tense and gritty. Themes of self sacrifice, determination, and perseverance in the face of no hope abound. Molles wrestles with the tension between the end goal of peace and the apparent need for violence as a central theme. Content wise- intense action, graphic battle scenes, little to no cussing or sexual content. This book is a tie-in to his God Breaker series, but separated by thousands of years. I would say it works as a standalone. It does appear that it's the beginning of a series, which I'm looking forward to continuing.
May 28, 2025
Good read from DJ it dovetails nicely with the Godbreakers series. This is a must read if you are a fan of DJ which I am. This takes place in a place where humanity is off the old earth and into two giant ships names Mother and Father. The Mother ship is populated by Lifebringers who are nonviolent and are working trades that support the population of Mother and Father. Father is chosen individuals by the All Kind to protect the Universe from aggressive, warlike populations who fight with others. They are called Deathbringers and have been imparted Confluence which is like a pschic ability to project their power in their weapons and battle suits. Anyway, Darkness is always lurking and a species called Wraths from outer darkness are discovered. They are not from this Universe they are from a place called the outer dark and extremely violent and hard to kill. They bring with them a being even more dangerous and harder to kill. Liam is the one former Deathbringer that stands in their way. It's on and it is a battle royal. Don't miss this one.
January 7, 2025
Everyone who knows me, knows that I'm a huge Molles fan. This new science fiction thriller is good, but for me, it is not as good as his other stuff. They can't all be 4/5-star reads. 😉 The pacing was much slower in this one which took me a bit to get invested in the characters. Thankfully, it does eventually pick up and has the typical Molles action and gore, which I love, and it also has a beloved character - Whimsby - from his Godbreaker series, which kept me reading to see what would happen. Molles' creativity is off the charts in this one in the world that he creates and the different creatures that inhabit the planets, so that was great. Yes, some readers might have to suspend disbelief a lot in this one with things that went on and character behavior, but 'to each their own' on that one. Everyone handles that differently. It didn't affect my reading experience too much. Overall, another fine story from Molles.
January 7, 2025
The Coming Dark is a thrilling journey through another post-apocalyptic world imagined and incredibly written by DJ Molles. With deep character arcs and relentless tension, it explores the fragility of humanity amidst chaos and despair.
From the age of 10 at the Choosing, our hero has trained to be a warrior for any peaceful race facing evil. The Deathbringers are the protectors of the helpless. Still no one understands the depth of Liam’s sense of duty until evil comes for humanity. He will turn what he considered a curse into creating battle strategies only he is capable of, he will use all his skill against the invading evil and he will give past his human endurance.
There just has to be a sequel to The Coming Dark! I am so ready for more!
From the age of 10 at the Choosing, our hero has trained to be a warrior for any peaceful race facing evil. The Deathbringers are the protectors of the helpless. Still no one understands the depth of Liam’s sense of duty until evil comes for humanity. He will turn what he considered a curse into creating battle strategies only he is capable of, he will use all his skill against the invading evil and he will give past his human endurance.
There just has to be a sequel to The Coming Dark! I am so ready for more!
January 7, 2025
In a futuristic world, there are Lifebringers and Deathbringers. The Deathbringers are trained for a full decade from ten years old how to fight. Six months shy of his teen years, Liam Avione is rejected from his training for a genetic defect he knew nothing of, nor could do anything about. But fate intervenes and gives him a second chance to prove he's worthy of being a Deathbringer.
I'm not a regular reader of Sci-Fi, but this book was so much fun! DJ Molles does such a phenomenal job describing everything from the Deathbringer suits to the far-away planets to the battle sequences. Definitely give this book a read, you won't be disappointed!
I'm not a regular reader of Sci-Fi, but this book was so much fun! DJ Molles does such a phenomenal job describing everything from the Deathbringer suits to the far-away planets to the battle sequences. Definitely give this book a read, you won't be disappointed!
June 11, 2025
The set up of the story is well done and a bit innovative. A divide trough the human race while it became the race protecting the universe. They end up facing a foe that is higly above their power. All good till then, but thenwe come into the easy and recycled “chosen one” the only one who can do something. The main character ends up being the hero not by virtue or wisdom or wits or even skills … just because he has a special power that no one else has. Its a bit cheap after all the rest of the book.
January 26, 2025
Another great read from D.J. Molles
D.J. Molles has become one of my favorite authors over the
last few years with action packed stories that move at lightning speed. I'm not usually a big fan of futuristic Syfi, but I made the exception for this book when I saw who had written it, and it did not disappoint. Great story at a great pace, and engaging characters. Highly recommend!
D.J. Molles has become one of my favorite authors over the
last few years with action packed stories that move at lightning speed. I'm not usually a big fan of futuristic Syfi, but I made the exception for this book when I saw who had written it, and it did not disappoint. Great story at a great pace, and engaging characters. Highly recommend!
January 30, 2025
Another fine mess
What has society become when parents allow their 9 year olf children to be taken and raised by, by what. The state. To learn to kill.
Yes it happened. Now we deal withit.
A lot of characters to attempt to keep track of. Some I likeand some just kinda rub you the wrong way.
Good book for a lazy afternnon to stimulate that grey matter.
Hey DJ when do we get book 2?
What has society become when parents allow their 9 year olf children to be taken and raised by, by what. The state. To learn to kill.
Yes it happened. Now we deal withit.
A lot of characters to attempt to keep track of. Some I likeand some just kinda rub you the wrong way.
Good book for a lazy afternnon to stimulate that grey matter.
Hey DJ when do we get book 2?
August 11, 2025
It's extremely rare for me to come across a science fiction book that I love and am obsessed with. This book had me in a death grip and did not loosen its hold at any point in time. An amazing fast paced chaotic race to save humanity and the universe. I could not put the book down. Loved the characters, the story, and tension that built up as the story progressed.
April 22, 2025
Pretty good
I do like the main character. And the AI is pretty cool. The monsters are pretty intimidating.
It was a bit longer than I prefer. But then again, IMHO, I feel most books could always be shorter.
I recommend this.
I do like the main character. And the AI is pretty cool. The monsters are pretty intimidating.
It was a bit longer than I prefer. But then again, IMHO, I feel most books could always be shorter.
I recommend this.
April 23, 2025
If you like Predator, Warhammer, Starship Troopers, or Galaxy’s Edge you’ll love this book. Mechs, aliens, shift looping, chapters that keep you on the edge of every page wondering if the next chapter will be the end for your favorite character or the end of humanity.
May 14, 2025
The Mindful few
A very riveting action packed book. So tense and gripping as the human soldiers of Deathbringers fight to the death to defend the Universe and all human lifebringers against the dark evil enemies from the dark past.
A very riveting action packed book. So tense and gripping as the human soldiers of Deathbringers fight to the death to defend the Universe and all human lifebringers against the dark evil enemies from the dark past.
May 21, 2025
Excellent.again
Once again Molles hits the mark with an original work of.science fiction. Well developed
Characters, solid and easy to follow plot, and great action. I have yet to read a DJ Molles book that disappoints on any level
Once again Molles hits the mark with an original work of.science fiction. Well developed
Characters, solid and easy to follow plot, and great action. I have yet to read a DJ Molles book that disappoints on any level
July 7, 2025
I would rate this a 4.6 so I rounded up to 5 because it deserves a 5 more than a 4. It was a solid start, and the action contained in the second half of the book was steady, constant, and satisfying. I think the 2nd book will be worth reading to continue the story.
January 14, 2026
Reviting
The book caught you from the very beginning to the last page. It was so well written that you were always captivated page to page. I found it a very good read that was never boring, or dull.
The book caught you from the very beginning to the last page. It was so well written that you were always captivated page to page. I found it a very good read that was never boring, or dull.
January 8, 2025
Very excited about this series. Loved the first book and really hoping this turns into a full universe just like The Remaining.
January 17, 2025
He does it again. Another mind bending sci-fi action packed story from the God Breaker universe that pushes the limit. I can't wait for the next installment.
February 13, 2025
This series has potential. I look forward to book 2
March 27, 2025
Always Good
I was skeptical about Molles getting into this space style of writing, but it was a really good read, and I look forward to the next book in the series.
I was skeptical about Molles getting into this space style of writing, but it was a really good read, and I look forward to the next book in the series.
July 20, 2025
Excellent start to a new series. First half was more of a set up for the series and latter half is where action REALLY picked up. I am loving it!
August 18, 2025
While there are a few things that didn't make sense (if Earth still exists and people live there, how is Mother the hub of humanity?) the entire story was terrific. Great page-turner
August 25, 2025
Audiobook
April 20, 2025
Humanity depends upon a failed soldier.
They are felling a little pukey.
What a grand read.
They are felling a little pukey.
What a grand read.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews