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Contact: Echoes in the Dark: Hard Science Fiction
Alone in deep space, she wakes to find her crew dead, her ship failing, and a mysterious signal pulsing from a distant planet. Is she truly alone?
In the unforgiving silence of deep space, a lone astronaut awakens—disoriented, alone, and haunted by fractured memories. The cryostasis pod that saved her life now feels like a coffin. The rest of the crew? Gone—victims of mysterious malfunctions that ravaged the ship. Only a glitchy, well-meaning robot remains to keep her company.
Stranded 25 light-years from home in an alien solar system, the spaceship is falling apart. Doors hiss open without command, shadows flicker in the failing lights, and something in the ship’s stern—a colossal, energy-draining cargo hold—remains sealed, defying her attempts to uncover its secrets.
But isolation might be the least of her fears. As sensors detect a pulsing signal from the rings of a distant gas giant, the question becomes chillingly What—or who—is out there?
A tense, atmospheric journey through the void, Echoes in the Dark is gripping hard science fiction from million-selling author Joshua T. Calvert. Fans of Andy Weir, Arthur C. Clarke, and Peter Cawdron will be captivated by this tale of survival, mystery, and the eerie possibilities lurking in the dark reaches of space.
In the unforgiving silence of deep space, a lone astronaut awakens—disoriented, alone, and haunted by fractured memories. The cryostasis pod that saved her life now feels like a coffin. The rest of the crew? Gone—victims of mysterious malfunctions that ravaged the ship. Only a glitchy, well-meaning robot remains to keep her company.
Stranded 25 light-years from home in an alien solar system, the spaceship is falling apart. Doors hiss open without command, shadows flicker in the failing lights, and something in the ship’s stern—a colossal, energy-draining cargo hold—remains sealed, defying her attempts to uncover its secrets.
But isolation might be the least of her fears. As sensors detect a pulsing signal from the rings of a distant gas giant, the question becomes chillingly What—or who—is out there?
A tense, atmospheric journey through the void, Echoes in the Dark is gripping hard science fiction from million-selling author Joshua T. Calvert. Fans of Andy Weir, Arthur C. Clarke, and Peter Cawdron will be captivated by this tale of survival, mystery, and the eerie possibilities lurking in the dark reaches of space.
- GenresScience FictionSpace
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 29, 2025
453 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Joshua T. Calvert
56 books258 followersJoshua T. Calvert has traveled the world--on foot, by Jeep, by bicycle, by motorcycle, and lots of other ways besides. As you might imagine, he's seen many things most people never see - including an Iranian prison cell, from the inside! In Kyrgyzstan, he fared slightly better, narrowly avoiding being kidnapped for ransom. Skydiver, scuba diver, martial artist, adventurer - his goal is to experience everything possible, and then make it real to you in his books. And he's made a good run of it so far: in the Philippines, he did police training on multiple types of firearms (despite being no fan of guns himself); dove in Asian waters among sharks and shipwrecks; and patrolled with Sumatran jungle rangers.
That's what defines Calvert's approach to method writing: pushing himself beyond his own limits, to experience first-hand what his characters experience, to make your immersion in his stories as deep as it can be.
For Ganymede Rises, after a slight detour with some smugglers in the deserts of Uzbekistan and the steppes of Mongolia, he traveled by dogsled and snowshoe to the Arctic Circle to experience first-hand what it's like to be utterly isolated in the coldest place on Earth. For his book The Fossil, he sat with professional pilots in flight simulators for Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft to learn what it's like to fly a passenger jet. His latest adventure: a parabolic flight with European Space Agency astronauts, to experience zero-gravity. All so he can describe it to you, in his own words.
That's what defines Calvert's approach to method writing: pushing himself beyond his own limits, to experience first-hand what his characters experience, to make your immersion in his stories as deep as it can be.
For Ganymede Rises, after a slight detour with some smugglers in the deserts of Uzbekistan and the steppes of Mongolia, he traveled by dogsled and snowshoe to the Arctic Circle to experience first-hand what it's like to be utterly isolated in the coldest place on Earth. For his book The Fossil, he sat with professional pilots in flight simulators for Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft to learn what it's like to fly a passenger jet. His latest adventure: a parabolic flight with European Space Agency astronauts, to experience zero-gravity. All so he can describe it to you, in his own words.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
April 30, 2025
Enthralling from first page to last!
Contact: Echoes In The Dark is a superb hard sci-fi novel that tells the story of one woman's experience trying to get through the pitfalls of a first-contact scenario after waking up with no memory of who she is or why she is there, and only an anthropomorphic robot for company. The 1st person perspective really makes for an almost intimate experience, shared with the main character. She faces unbelievable struggles and hardship on her way to an ending that's quite the surprise, to say the least. Given the lack of explicit content, I feel this would be an exceptional way to introduce younger audiences to the joys of hard sci-fi, but that's not to say it won't appeal to more mature audiences. I'm A huge reader of hard sci-fi and couldn't have enjoyed the book more. This is a rare book I can confidently recommend to anyone older than about 12, even if kids might have to look up a few words. The themes of empathy, kindness and self sacrifice come through strong! 5/5 stars, for both adult and young adult audiences!
Contact: Echoes In The Dark is a superb hard sci-fi novel that tells the story of one woman's experience trying to get through the pitfalls of a first-contact scenario after waking up with no memory of who she is or why she is there, and only an anthropomorphic robot for company. The 1st person perspective really makes for an almost intimate experience, shared with the main character. She faces unbelievable struggles and hardship on her way to an ending that's quite the surprise, to say the least. Given the lack of explicit content, I feel this would be an exceptional way to introduce younger audiences to the joys of hard sci-fi, but that's not to say it won't appeal to more mature audiences. I'm A huge reader of hard sci-fi and couldn't have enjoyed the book more. This is a rare book I can confidently recommend to anyone older than about 12, even if kids might have to look up a few words. The themes of empathy, kindness and self sacrifice come through strong! 5/5 stars, for both adult and young adult audiences!
September 9, 2025
Definitely not an action -adventure story.
The science is sound. However, the pace was so slow, I jumped ahead a page or two and skimmed the top lines in each paragraph. It did have an absolutely surprise ending.
My mother would have loved this book. But I've never cared about stories about a single human surviving alone with only computers for company.
The science is sound. However, the pace was so slow, I jumped ahead a page or two and skimmed the top lines in each paragraph. It did have an absolutely surprise ending.
My mother would have loved this book. But I've never cared about stories about a single human surviving alone with only computers for company.
December 15, 2025
Abandoned at 20% and I only got to 20% by skimming after I got to about 15% and it just never grabbed me.
I'm not sure what the "Hard Science Fiction" in this book was meant to be but it wasn't real. She's 150,000 km from a point she's just decided to go to, and while being careful to not waste energy, she covers this 150,000 km in 2 hours
By 20% (and the rest of the book by the looks of other reviews) there is only the one human character plus 2 robots - one a loyal but mute friend, one sassy and cynical. This person has literally dropped or been born from an incubation tank into existence for the first time, yet she just cries a bit, dries herself off and gets on with it.
I've come to notice books or films that are "all plot, no character" and this is one of them. Like "And then this happened, then I decided to be good, then the robot helped out and I was surprised." the writing had no elegance and this hour old person who doesn't even know her own name just goes about the mission, no questions asked - other than "wow, how did I know that! So spooky"
I could maybe have given it 2 stars - there were elements I like in SciFi - spaceships, space, robots, aliens (as I believe happen later) but no, I can't say "It was ok" because it wasn't.
I'm not sure what the "Hard Science Fiction" in this book was meant to be but it wasn't real. She's 150,000 km from a point she's just decided to go to, and while being careful to not waste energy, she covers this 150,000 km in 2 hours
By 20% (and the rest of the book by the looks of other reviews) there is only the one human character plus 2 robots - one a loyal but mute friend, one sassy and cynical. This person has literally dropped or been born from an incubation tank into existence for the first time, yet she just cries a bit, dries herself off and gets on with it.
I've come to notice books or films that are "all plot, no character" and this is one of them. Like "And then this happened, then I decided to be good, then the robot helped out and I was surprised." the writing had no elegance and this hour old person who doesn't even know her own name just goes about the mission, no questions asked - other than "wow, how did I know that! So spooky"
I could maybe have given it 2 stars - there were elements I like in SciFi - spaceships, space, robots, aliens (as I believe happen later) but no, I can't say "It was ok" because it wasn't.
May 6, 2025
Best of Calvert
Of all the contact stories J T Calvert has imagined, I like this one the best. I want to see the movie. Descriptions of physical and emotional trauma are gripping. The characterization of the lone survivor of a ship traveling 80 years across the Milky Way to make first contact with humans on earth is absolutely endearing. I was pulling for a successful ending against all odds. And the odds are nearly imposssible. The mystery of alien artifacts hidden on board hints at ominous intent. As do opposing twin service robots. One is empathetic, and one is condescending. How the lone survivor navigates both is a true character lesson. A surprise reveal of the ships' true mission and the astronaut's back story was a huge moment. The epilogue of what results from first contact (or actually after a tragic error ruins all hope of first attempts) is as surprising as it is emotional. The storytelling is as techy as it is touching. If you enjoy both sides of your brain challenged, you gotta read this latest Calvert masterpiece.
Of all the contact stories J T Calvert has imagined, I like this one the best. I want to see the movie. Descriptions of physical and emotional trauma are gripping. The characterization of the lone survivor of a ship traveling 80 years across the Milky Way to make first contact with humans on earth is absolutely endearing. I was pulling for a successful ending against all odds. And the odds are nearly imposssible. The mystery of alien artifacts hidden on board hints at ominous intent. As do opposing twin service robots. One is empathetic, and one is condescending. How the lone survivor navigates both is a true character lesson. A surprise reveal of the ships' true mission and the astronaut's back story was a huge moment. The epilogue of what results from first contact (or actually after a tragic error ruins all hope of first attempts) is as surprising as it is emotional. The storytelling is as techy as it is touching. If you enjoy both sides of your brain challenged, you gotta read this latest Calvert masterpiece.
May 9, 2025
Fascinating - Insightful
Hard science fiction captivates readers with its intricate narratives and scientifically grounded storytelling. This particular story exemplifies the genre's hallmarks by introducing a compelling mystery that rapidly evolves into a profound exploration of mission origins. The narrative skillfully weaves complex questions that challenge readers' understanding, leaving them intrigued and eager to unravel the underlying enigma. By deliberately avoiding explicit revelations, the author invites readers to engage deeply with the text, forming their own interpretations and drawing personal conclusions about the unfolding events. The approach respects the reader's intelligence and encourages active participation in deciphering the story's intricate layers of meaning.
Hard science fiction captivates readers with its intricate narratives and scientifically grounded storytelling. This particular story exemplifies the genre's hallmarks by introducing a compelling mystery that rapidly evolves into a profound exploration of mission origins. The narrative skillfully weaves complex questions that challenge readers' understanding, leaving them intrigued and eager to unravel the underlying enigma. By deliberately avoiding explicit revelations, the author invites readers to engage deeply with the text, forming their own interpretations and drawing personal conclusions about the unfolding events. The approach respects the reader's intelligence and encourages active participation in deciphering the story's intricate layers of meaning.
December 16, 2025
3.5
A fun story especially at the end (the reveal itself added at least one additional star from me), but I have some gripes:
- Flowery writing at the beginning. When the MC is almost dying after waking up, her extremely poetic description of her emotions and feelings were too much for me. Girl, you're barely conscious, what's with extravagant comparisons?
- The story became quite boring and repetitive before the reveal that saved everything.
- The audiobook narrator was good, but sometimes she would start talking in HEAVY indian and slavic accent. And before the reveal, I could come up with some ideas why, but after the reveal, it makes absolutely ZERO freaking sense. I honestly started to suspect that the book wad narrated by AI, because why the F it was happening??? I have no answers and no ideas.
- The ending ending part.
A fun story especially at the end (the reveal itself added at least one additional star from me), but I have some gripes:
- Flowery writing at the beginning. When the MC is almost dying after waking up, her extremely poetic description of her emotions and feelings were too much for me. Girl, you're barely conscious, what's with extravagant comparisons?
- The story became quite boring and repetitive before the reveal that saved everything.
- The audiobook narrator was good, but sometimes she would start talking in HEAVY indian and slavic accent. And before the reveal, I could come up with some ideas why, but after the reveal, it makes absolutely ZERO freaking sense. I honestly started to suspect that the book wad narrated by AI, because why the F it was happening??? I have no answers and no ideas.
- The ending ending part.
August 27, 2025
CONTACT: Echoes in the Dark - excellent
This is an interesting story that raises many questions about space travel. Until we master 'warp speed', the reality is that the lifespan of earthlings is not conducive to traveling much beyond our on moon. There are a number of theories on how best to achieve this. One is cryogenics, meaning freezing an individual(s) to be later revived when the spacecraft has reached its destination. 'CONTACT: Echoes in the Dark: Hard Science Fiction' will explore this process and the challenges astronauts may face.
I really enjoyed this book by an excellent writer, Joshua T. Calvert. -Mr.Bill
This is an interesting story that raises many questions about space travel. Until we master 'warp speed', the reality is that the lifespan of earthlings is not conducive to traveling much beyond our on moon. There are a number of theories on how best to achieve this. One is cryogenics, meaning freezing an individual(s) to be later revived when the spacecraft has reached its destination. 'CONTACT: Echoes in the Dark: Hard Science Fiction' will explore this process and the challenges astronauts may face.
I really enjoyed this book by an excellent writer, Joshua T. Calvert. -Mr.Bill
September 10, 2025
Very well thought out. Stuck to real science without boring me.
Waking on an interstellar space ship with no memories. Coming to the conclusion that you must be a clone. Similar start as in Hail Mary. What is the person who knows too little going to do?
I could see the general ending from mid-story and the details of how to pull that off went well. Very good buildup to a logical ending. Short on action, but heavy with personal growth as our protagonist struggles with making the right decisions with zero experience to fall back on.
This was a GoodReads and I need to move Calvert up on to my list of authors to follow.
Waking on an interstellar space ship with no memories. Coming to the conclusion that you must be a clone. Similar start as in Hail Mary. What is the person who knows too little going to do?
I could see the general ending from mid-story and the details of how to pull that off went well. Very good buildup to a logical ending. Short on action, but heavy with personal growth as our protagonist struggles with making the right decisions with zero experience to fall back on.
This was a GoodReads and I need to move Calvert up on to my list of authors to follow.
May 21, 2025
Great story
I loved this book. A complete opposite of what Mr Calvert usually writes. I couldn't put it down. A great story with a great cast of characters. I laughed and I cried. The main character is so funny he reminds me of Tim Conway playing the old man. I recommend reading this to all that love fiction.
I loved this book. A complete opposite of what Mr Calvert usually writes. I couldn't put it down. A great story with a great cast of characters. I laughed and I cried. The main character is so funny he reminds me of Tim Conway playing the old man. I recommend reading this to all that love fiction.
May 31, 2025
contact
Cute book.
Excessive dialog thar does not add to the story line.
Main theme could have been developed more.
Egyptian as the language of the visiting ship seems to far fetched. It’s understandable given earth was visited 5000 years earlier. This prequel could have been more developed.
The book has potential that was never realized.
Cute book.
Excessive dialog thar does not add to the story line.
Main theme could have been developed more.
Egyptian as the language of the visiting ship seems to far fetched. It’s understandable given earth was visited 5000 years earlier. This prequel could have been more developed.
The book has potential that was never realized.
September 5, 2025
Journey of Wonder
Like you are there. Emotions and personal thought processes brought out beautifully in a book from out of a dream. Science is real and not make believe (in the future, of course). Humorous and so likable astronaut/scientist on the most important mission of all time.
Like you are there. Emotions and personal thought processes brought out beautifully in a book from out of a dream. Science is real and not make believe (in the future, of course). Humorous and so likable astronaut/scientist on the most important mission of all time.
October 15, 2025
Good sci fi novel 4.5 stars
The isolation of deep space adventure, one crew member and two ai robots on a mission to find life on a selected planet.
Part of it dragged in the middle, I pushed through it and was pleased with the intrigue of first contact. Ending could have been better with deeper insight of the alien culture.
The isolation of deep space adventure, one crew member and two ai robots on a mission to find life on a selected planet.
Part of it dragged in the middle, I pushed through it and was pleased with the intrigue of first contact. Ending could have been better with deeper insight of the alien culture.
May 19, 2025
great read!
Great character development, one of those writers whose style is visual and ties the reader into the outcome. Somewhat predictable end had a fun twist. I hope Joshua keeps writing!more
Great character development, one of those writers whose style is visual and ties the reader into the outcome. Somewhat predictable end had a fun twist. I hope Joshua keeps writing!more
May 28, 2025
Always surprised
Calvert covers such a diverse set of topics and plots that I am always surprised that his books always seem to turn out so well. I really enjoyed this one, as well as all the others I have read.
Calvert covers such a diverse set of topics and plots that I am always surprised that his books always seem to turn out so well. I really enjoyed this one, as well as all the others I have read.
June 8, 2025
Great book!
This book was one of the most entertaining sci-fi stories I've read in quite some time. I don't want to give away even a tiny bit of it, so just trust me that you'll love it!
This book was one of the most entertaining sci-fi stories I've read in quite some time. I don't want to give away even a tiny bit of it, so just trust me that you'll love it!
June 16, 2025
A quick paced and surprising first contact novel
This took an unusual path to explore first contact. It was unique and fun as our protagonist finds herself on the journey.
DO NOT read the reviews too closely. One almost gives away the biggest twist.
This took an unusual path to explore first contact. It was unique and fun as our protagonist finds herself on the journey.
DO NOT read the reviews too closely. One almost gives away the biggest twist.
June 19, 2025
Great Character for a Great Story
Calvert draws us into the inner workings of a brand new adult woman whose journey finally allows her to realize the one she is. Sometimes a little slowly, just like real life.
Calvert draws us into the inner workings of a brand new adult woman whose journey finally allows her to realize the one she is. Sometimes a little slowly, just like real life.
July 1, 2025
I enjoyed the writing style And I enjoyed the characters It was very interesting
I love the characters And you did a very good job of Masking The truth about everything the robots were excellent and I really love the book
I love the characters And you did a very good job of Masking The truth about everything the robots were excellent and I really love the book
July 2, 2025
A woman wakes up in the cryochamber of the spaceship Ankh. Of course, she is alone. Of course, there are dead bodies and robots. We have seen it all before. In fact, every plot device that makes sense—and not all of them do—is one we have seen before.
July 7, 2025
Disneyland Ending
A fun read, if a bit Pollyanna. Everybody’s happy. Everybody loves everybody. Even the “bad” robot turns out to be a good guy! A pleasant enough diversion, if overly optimistic.
A fun read, if a bit Pollyanna. Everybody’s happy. Everybody loves everybody. Even the “bad” robot turns out to be a good guy! A pleasant enough diversion, if overly optimistic.
July 19, 2025
This is a very different sci-fi tale!
Amt first I thought that I would stop reading this story as it was not my usual type of sci-fi. I decided to continue reading and found I did did enjoy it, even though I suspected the ending but that is where the twist fought me unaware!
Amt first I thought that I would stop reading this story as it was not my usual type of sci-fi. I decided to continue reading and found I did did enjoy it, even though I suspected the ending but that is where the twist fought me unaware!
August 4, 2025
Contact: Echo in the Dark
Loved the story. Going through everything and finding her home away from home. A strong and inspiring person. She worked through all her problems and will be able to go back
Loved the story. Going through everything and finding her home away from home. A strong and inspiring person. She worked through all her problems and will be able to go back
November 28, 2025
Fascinating Read
I particularly enjoyed the first person dialog by the protagonist. The major focus of the book was the time leading up to the arrival, with a building suspense leading to a surprise ending.
I particularly enjoyed the first person dialog by the protagonist. The major focus of the book was the time leading up to the arrival, with a building suspense leading to a surprise ending.
December 4, 2025
First person tale with low tech robots
Roti was not believable. Why would one robot have language capability and the other not? Robots can't learn cynicism or emotion when they are simple maintenance bots. Tiring read.
Roti was not believable. Why would one robot have language capability and the other not? Robots can't learn cynicism or emotion when they are simple maintenance bots. Tiring read.
April 30, 2025
Contact: Echoes In Awesomeness!
What an absolutely optimistic book! Loved every word and two finger upturned hand! I did not see the twists twist twist coming!
What an absolutely optimistic book! Loved every word and two finger upturned hand! I did not see the twists twist twist coming!
May 3, 2025
Enjoyable but flawed
Generally good yarn that kept me engaged but with some (for me) very annoying flaws in basic science (e.g. saying that a vacuum blocks thermal radiation)
Generally good yarn that kept me engaged but with some (for me) very annoying flaws in basic science (e.g. saying that a vacuum blocks thermal radiation)
May 17, 2025
Great Read
This book is worth the read and I would recommend. There was an interesting twist at the end and was enjoyable.
This book is worth the read and I would recommend. There was an interesting twist at the end and was enjoyable.
May 26, 2025
Very creative
This book was a very creative way of doing contact between civilizations. Loved the characters and the science. You will, too.
This book was a very creative way of doing contact between civilizations. Loved the characters and the science. You will, too.
June 2, 2025
Review
Just a damm good book. Well developed characters. With a great ending. Highly recommended. Looking forward to reading more by the author.. Good job!
Just a damm good book. Well developed characters. With a great ending. Highly recommended. Looking forward to reading more by the author.. Good job!
June 5, 2025
An excellent book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews