Piercing the Darkness: A Space Opera Military Science Fiction Thriller

by Charles Hack

“Charles Hack writes well-developed, relatable characters and puts them in a setting that enthralls readers while leaving them to want more!” - Eric P. Bishop, Author of The Body Man Series

The adventure continues in Piercing the Darkness, the highly anticipated third book in the series.

Part space opera and part military-political thriller, Charles Hack is carving out an exciting new sub-genre in science fiction with the Space Warfare Group books.


Darkness has come with a vengeance, and it’s called the Noct.

The mysterious aliens attacked the Galactic Coalition Summit on Okuta, sending the Coalition into a tailspin. Hidden in the shadows during the attack, the Noct secretly won the race to find their ancient artifact with devastating star-killing power. And after being lost for a millennium, they plan to use it.

Following the events of Shrouded in Darkness, Major Malcolm “Mac” Lambert returns to the Battlecruiser McDaniels, having apprehended the man who kidnapped the Okutan Princess. New intel takes Mac to a rendezvous with an unexpected informant and an invasion of a secret compound promising to uncover the conspirators.

Meanwhile, the Space Warfare Group, now led by Major Dan Jameson, is sent on a risky mission to sneak behind enemy lines and capture two of the powerful Noct for testing. But before they can complete their mission, they witness an additional horror.

With humanity’s military forces stretched thin and politics creating a distraction, the venerable Battlecruiser McDaniels comes under attack…from the inside.

Buckle up as the epic story blasts forward with unrelenting action and plenty of intrigue.

490 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 25, 2025

About the author

Charles Hack is the author of the Space Warfare Group Sci-Fi/Space Opera books and the Hank Lin Mysteries. After writing for nearly twenty years, his first published novel is Into the Darkness. He studied electrical engineering in college and is still a licensed professional engineer with over twenty years of experience before retiring and entering full time Christian ministry. He currently serves as a pastor in his hometown and has a master’s degree in systematic theology.

Writing is one of his passions along with reading, woodworking, and coffee. Charles is married with two children and three noisy dogs. They live on a small ranch, known as the Ranchini, in the Great Basin of Northern Nevada.

Reviews

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charles writing gets better and better with each book! This, his 3rd in the Space Warfare Group series of books, was an exciting adventure with lots of laughs along the way. He balances his POVs well and keeps the reader engaged. By the time the story moved back to a different set of characters I was excited to continue their story.
This ends in a way that makes you want more, and I just can’t wait!

[Corinne Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not the usual genre I read but from the first book, IntoThe Darkness, I have become a huge fan. Piercing The Darkness had me holding my breath the whole way through. I felt like I was a true part of the world. It was gripping, thrilling and plenty of action. Well done Mr Hack, you have me wanting many more books to read in this series.

[Visionary Impart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Final Jeopardy is a fast-paced, hard-boiled mystery that delivers classic private-eye grit with a fresh, modern edge. Jake “The Hammer” Sledge is a compelling lead—tough, flawed, and deeply human—and his tangled history with the Dupree family adds real emotional weight to an already gripping case. The plot is layered with twists, rising danger, and morally complex characters that keep the pages turning, while the partnership with Bobo Johnson brings both heart and humor. With sharp dialogue, relentless suspense, and a noir atmosphere that feels authentic and alive, this second installment in the Jake Sledge Mysteries proves B.D. Lawrence knows exactly how to keep readers guessing until the very end.

[David McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story! Awesome characters! Humans, aliens, allies fantastic space battles. Perfect. Charles hack again has made a great novel!! Can’t wait for next one…