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The Coming Dark #2
The Coming Dark 2
Ten months of total war have taken their toll on humanity.
The unrelenting pace of combat operations is whittling everyone down. Liam is fed up with always being on the defensive. Chi and Jericho’s relationship is beginning to fray at the edges. Even Whimsby is beginning to show signs of (heaven forbid it) insufficient bandwidth.
As the Deathbringers flit from one end of the Universe to the other, pushing back against constant probing attacks by the Ferox, Liam is required to be on nearly every operation. His ability to sense and locate Wraith Graves is integral to the war effort. And yet, Liam still feels like he’s not doing enough. Mainly because Command says he’s too valuable to risk, and therefore won’t let him fight.
No. He just has to sit there and watch everyone else die.
Amid those ever-rising casualties, new generations of Deathbringers are being pushed into combat with less and less training. Seres Champlain, reinstated and recently promoted to Chief, knows the perils of this strategy. Because while it might bolster their ranks in the short term, it’s really hard to keep a squad of barely-trained newbies alive. In fact, she’s failing pretty badly in that regard.
Humanity needs help, and they need it fast.
Following a particularly devastating loss, Liam learns that the All-Kind have found a suitable candidate species to become humanity’s a species called the Sulti. This might seem like a stroke of luck, except the Sulti have fought the Deathbringers before, and there is no love lost between them.
But they’re going to have to put all that behind them. Because the Sulti Empire, which spans thousands of populated worlds, is where the Ferox have chosen to mount a full-scale invasion.
As everything begins to unravel amid lies, betrayal, and intergalactic politics, Liam and his fellow Deathbringers–as well as one very old AI–must prove what they’re made of, or the very fabric of existence may be torn…and all hell will quite literally break loose.
The end isn’t coming. It’s already here.
The unrelenting pace of combat operations is whittling everyone down. Liam is fed up with always being on the defensive. Chi and Jericho’s relationship is beginning to fray at the edges. Even Whimsby is beginning to show signs of (heaven forbid it) insufficient bandwidth.
As the Deathbringers flit from one end of the Universe to the other, pushing back against constant probing attacks by the Ferox, Liam is required to be on nearly every operation. His ability to sense and locate Wraith Graves is integral to the war effort. And yet, Liam still feels like he’s not doing enough. Mainly because Command says he’s too valuable to risk, and therefore won’t let him fight.
No. He just has to sit there and watch everyone else die.
Amid those ever-rising casualties, new generations of Deathbringers are being pushed into combat with less and less training. Seres Champlain, reinstated and recently promoted to Chief, knows the perils of this strategy. Because while it might bolster their ranks in the short term, it’s really hard to keep a squad of barely-trained newbies alive. In fact, she’s failing pretty badly in that regard.
Humanity needs help, and they need it fast.
Following a particularly devastating loss, Liam learns that the All-Kind have found a suitable candidate species to become humanity’s a species called the Sulti. This might seem like a stroke of luck, except the Sulti have fought the Deathbringers before, and there is no love lost between them.
But they’re going to have to put all that behind them. Because the Sulti Empire, which spans thousands of populated worlds, is where the Ferox have chosen to mount a full-scale invasion.
As everything begins to unravel amid lies, betrayal, and intergalactic politics, Liam and his fellow Deathbringers–as well as one very old AI–must prove what they’re made of, or the very fabric of existence may be torn…and all hell will quite literally break loose.
The end isn’t coming. It’s already here.
- GenresScience Fiction
523 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2025
52 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
D.J. Molles
45 books1,436 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 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 15, 2025
I don't think DJ Molles knows how to write a bad book. Wherever this creativity is coming from, it's flowing like Confluence in a Deathbringer.
I really enjoyed the first book, and the second one does not disappoint! Lots of action, and so many moving parts that just fit well together. Many new characters that compliment the originals, and both combine to create a story that's so well-crafted you'll keep turning the pages with no regard to time or responsibilities. From the descriptions of the Warships to the battle sequences, you'll think you're right in the middle of it all!
I really enjoyed the first book, and the second one does not disappoint! Lots of action, and so many moving parts that just fit well together. Many new characters that compliment the originals, and both combine to create a story that's so well-crafted you'll keep turning the pages with no regard to time or responsibilities. From the descriptions of the Warships to the battle sequences, you'll think you're right in the middle of it all!
May 8, 2025
Well written and keeps the pages turning
May 25, 2025
As a devoted fan of D.J. Molles, I’ve always admired his knack for crafting inventive premises and unforgettable characters. His ability to weave gripping narratives has made him one of my favorite authors. However, this book in his series fell short of my expectations. While the series kicked off with promise, the characters—except for the standout Whimsby—felt increasingly interchangeable, lacking the distinct depth Molles typically delivers. The concept of the Otherwhere (or is it the Nowhere?) was too vague and ethereal, failing to ground the story in a relatable way. Additionally, the heavy focus on describing intricate technology and action sequences—endless jargon like “shift-loop,” “XYVRXY,” “missile,” “shell,” “shield”—overwhelmed me. These details, meant to enhance the scenes, instead left me disconnected, unable to visualize or care about the chaos. While Molles’ creativity still shines in moments, this installment felt bogged down by unrelatable tech-speak and a lack of character distinction, making it a rare misstep in an otherwise stellar series. I’m hopeful the next book recaptures his signature spark.
April 15, 2025
This review based on a ARC:
The Coming Dark 2 shows once again that DJ Molles is comfortable in a variety of genres. Effortlessly building a sci fi world beyond anything he has before, the scope of this entry is huge. New worlds in systems across the galaxy, new species and peoples, and a growing threat the likes of with the characters couldn’t have even imagined.
The more tangible terror of the previous book in this series is still present throughout, and alongside it comes a deeply existential enemy.
The pacing is classic Molles, with the action coming thick and fast, but interspersed with other worldly problems for the main character that we couldn’t have seen coming. The seeds sown in the first book start to bear fruit as we get answers as to why Liam is so unique, and many more questions are asked to be answered in the future.
The supporting cast are strong, with some amazing scenes featuring Liams friends, comrades and rivals.
The Coming Dark has proven to be an exciting series so far and I can’t wait for more. I absolutely recommend this entry!
The Coming Dark 2 shows once again that DJ Molles is comfortable in a variety of genres. Effortlessly building a sci fi world beyond anything he has before, the scope of this entry is huge. New worlds in systems across the galaxy, new species and peoples, and a growing threat the likes of with the characters couldn’t have even imagined.
The more tangible terror of the previous book in this series is still present throughout, and alongside it comes a deeply existential enemy.
The pacing is classic Molles, with the action coming thick and fast, but interspersed with other worldly problems for the main character that we couldn’t have seen coming. The seeds sown in the first book start to bear fruit as we get answers as to why Liam is so unique, and many more questions are asked to be answered in the future.
The supporting cast are strong, with some amazing scenes featuring Liams friends, comrades and rivals.
The Coming Dark has proven to be an exciting series so far and I can’t wait for more. I absolutely recommend this entry!
July 22, 2025
The first book was amazing. The second one just felt like it dragged the story on longer than necessary. The first book built up to revealing an intense mystery that led to necessary conflict. But, the continuation of the story in book 2 just got boring and I felt myself looking forward to it ending as soon as possible.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2025
Fast paced
It’s a ridiculous amiunt of fun to read and imagine. You got to love the action and psychological elements throughout the book. What is the dark? No one has ever returned after going into it. Who will be the first? Will Liam be the first?
It’s a ridiculous amiunt of fun to read and imagine. You got to love the action and psychological elements throughout the book. What is the dark? No one has ever returned after going into it. Who will be the first? Will Liam be the first?
April 25, 2025
your missing out
You should be reading everything d.j. Molles writes. If you’re not, you need to start. The remaining is where I would start. Just great writing and character development.
You should be reading everything d.j. Molles writes. If you’re not, you need to start. The remaining is where I would start. Just great writing and character development.
June 10, 2025
Awesome story
Thoroughly enjoyed this book, read both of them in days. Literally I could not put them down. Really good character development, not much back story of the death dealers, which I think would be really interesting. Overall a great choice
Thoroughly enjoyed this book, read both of them in days. Literally I could not put them down. Really good character development, not much back story of the death dealers, which I think would be really interesting. Overall a great choice
June 22, 2025
Another great series from D.J. Molles!
D.J. Molles is consistently an excellent story teller! I’ve read most of his books haven’t been disappointed once. Looking forward to the next! Ya cog!?
D.J. Molles is consistently an excellent story teller! I’ve read most of his books haven’t been disappointed once. Looking forward to the next! Ya cog!?
September 22, 2025
The Coming Dark Series
D J Moles is a prolific writer and his novels keep improving. This series has good and bad guys battling each other with adversaries becoming allies .
Moles goes into depth with AI characters with an amazing twist. Great reading !!
D J Moles is a prolific writer and his novels keep improving. This series has good and bad guys battling each other with adversaries becoming allies .
Moles goes into depth with AI characters with an amazing twist. Great reading !!
April 8, 2025
The fate of humanity is in the hands of Liam and Whimsby! With the help of the All Kind, this teenager and mechanical man face an evil with only one goal, kill everyone. DJ Molles never disappoints!
June 7, 2025
Action packed
Nobody writes action like DJ.
And, I didn't know there were all these universes! This book will keep you jumping
Nobody writes action like DJ.
And, I didn't know there were all these universes! This book will keep you jumping
April 15, 2025
I wish I could love this series like I do with Molles' other ones, but I just can't. It's good, but I can't seem to connect with any of the characters. If they survive or die, I just don't care. There's not as much action compared to his other stories, and I didn't experience that on-the-edge-of-your-seat feeling that I get with his other stuff. Maybe this series just isn't for me? Molles will always be one of my favorite authors, but like I've said before, they can't all be 5-star aces. 😊
December 29, 2025
This book is an absolute thrill—intense battles, great characters, and nonstop action. If you're into military sci-fi, you’re going to love every page. I have enjoyed this series very much, and I'm looking forward to what comes next.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews