Going Dark

Silo 49 #1

by Ann Christy

Book one of the Silo 49 series, a thrilling journey back into the silo, set in Hugh Howey's world of "WOOL." Silo 49 has never had it easy and things have just gotten a whole lot worse. Graham, the head of IT, has done many unsavory things in his life but everyone has a line they won't cross. He just found his. With only his best friend, Wallis and a dying electrician, Grace, to stand by him, he is left with one clear and final choice. Does he do what is right or what the rules say he should? It is a race against time for the trio against the impersonal might of Silo One. Their only choice? Going Dark.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Post Apocalyptic, Dystopia, Apocalyptic, Ebooks, Fantasy

178 pages, Paperback

First published July 15, 2013

About the author

Ann lives by the sea under the benevolent rule of her canine overlord and an incredibly foul-mouthed cat. A scientist and Navy officer by profession, the writing bug somehow got inside her during her travels. She's now stuck with it and can't stop writing.

She writes fully immersive works of science fiction and apocalyptic fiction. Ann is also a voracious reader, and adores a well-done audiobook. If she's not writing, then she's reading or listening.

Reviews

[Panic!_at_the_Library · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m rating this book a bit higher than I would if this had been written by a professional author. Where this book really falls down is in its editing, constant comma splice issues, and cumbersome writing. The author has never met an Oxford Comma that she likes, apparently. But I digress.

Solo 49 is fan fiction written in the Wool Universe. While the lack of editing was extremely challenging, causing me to have to re-read approximately 100% of her sentences that were more than 7-10 words, the story was intriguing enough. It’s not similar to how Hugh Howey writes; rather, this series is written and published by someone who has a full-time day job outside of the writing and publishing sphere.

I’m not going to mention what the book is about since that could lead to major spoilers, especially to readers who haven’t finished out the entire Wool series. However, this series does delve deeper into the lives of people who lived in a silo. If you enjoyed reading about day-to-day silo problems (and sometimes, bigger problems), you might enjoy this novella.

Reading the Wool series before is almost certainly a prerequisite; the author doesn’t explain any background of the world. You will be expected to know the entire Wool lore to follow the story without confusion.

[Will Swardstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why hadn't I read this book before?
I have no stinking clue! For some reason Ann Christy's Silo 49 series just fell through the cracks with me, but once I got a few pages into this well-written story, I just couldn't stop. I loved her older and at times, geriatric, protagonists and the desperate fight to stay alive under uncertain conditions.
I loved the story and the style in which it was written and look forward to diving into the second book.

[Amie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Silo 49 is a fan-fiction series set in the world of Hugh Howey's WOOL series. If you have not read the WOOL series then you really should do that first in order to fully understand many of the dynamics in this story. It is a pretty strong start and a series that fits in well with the WOOL universe IMO.

This story's main characters are Graham (head of IT), Wallis (the mayor) and Grace (a dying electrician - but also great in her field). They are all considered quite elderly - being in your 60s in the silo is not a norm. Their silo is dying and it seems that Silo 1 wants to do something about that. Graham is faced with a choice - does he follow the rules and play along as though he doesn't know their intentions? Or does he rebel and hopefully save his silo?

[Logan Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silo 49 is failing. This is no secret to Graham, its head of IT, or his friend and confidant, Wallis, the mayor. Compounding the problem is Graham's suspicion that his silo has been set up to fail from the very beginning. With time running out and the aid of a resouceful electrician named Grace, Graham and Wallis make a bold decision--one that will either free them, or end them. The only thing they know for certain is that once they begin, there's no going back.

Simply put, Silo 49: Going Dark is among the finest additions to Hugh Howey's World of WOOL. The story is rich with a level of detail sure to bring readers into parts of the silos previously unseen. Even during the technical bits, the story continues to move seamlessly. There are no massive info dumps that slow the narrative to a crawl, no head-scratching jargon requiring a technical manual always be within easy reach. Ann's prose is crisp and confident at all times, easily bringing the reader along with Graham, Wallis, and Grace as they navigate the treacherous politics and dehumanizing protocols underpinning life in the silo. It's a fascinating journey, one that had this reader captivated from the opening passage to the final turn of the page.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a regular reader to my blog you will know that one of my favourite series, and I think I can say it would be up there in my top ten, is Wool by Hugh Howey.

This series has given birth to an amazing Wooliverse of stories following on from the original books, stories based in the the other silos. There are 50 silos so I am giddy to say it but think how many more stories could still be out there ready to be written.

Silo 49: Going Dark is the first book in the Silo 49 series (can I just note that it helps if you have read the original Hugh Howey books so you at least know the layout etc) written by the lovely Ann Christy, she has provided us with a picture of what happens when a silo starts to go wrong.

Silo 49 is run by Graham the Head of IT, he has seen a lot of things over the years, the death of his wife and daughter, friends passing away and he has seen the silo's population decline.

The decline has been caused by polluted water, people are dying from cancer, babies are born but do not survive long, the whole silo is just dying out slowly.

As part of his job as Head of IT, Graham is in touch with the powers that be at Silo 1 and during a routine call regarding the illnesses in his silo he overhears a conversation at the other silo that worries him, he hears them mention terminating his silo.

Silo 1 can remotely terminate Graham's silo and what happens next is the monumental task the Graham takes upon himself with two close friends of preventing that from happening, risking their lives and the lives of others to make it happen.

This is a gripping story, I am still totally in love with the whole Wooliverse and I never tire of hearing these amazing stories, Ann has done such a good job of setting the scene, the characters are well written but the main star has to be the enormous silo, dark and deep.

It is also a little eerie, whole floors are deserted including floor 1 which is where the airlock to outside is along with the cafeteria and viewing screens, there is something really spooky about it, a building (can I call it a building?) so large but so empty.

I loved the story and I am looking forward to read what happens next in Silo 49: Deep Dark.

5 out of 5 - Brilliant Read

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was glad that I had taken a break from the end of Dust (Hugh Howey) before venturing in the this story. It made the experience of reading Silo 49 Going Dark stand more on its own, and also gave me a break from Silo world for awhile so I was keen to get back into it with this book. Some of the writing was a bit clumsy, and needed heavier editing but overall, I enjoyed it enough to finish it. The more positive reviews for the second book in this series also encouraged me to read this first one, and I was glad I did because the second book is definitely better. At the time of writing, the third book is being written and I look forward to reading that too.

[Erik Arthur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in the Wool universe by Hugh Howley. This is a an excellent little book. I'm definitely going to read the next 2 in the series.

[Mike Hartley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taking Hugh Howey's Silo Universe and possibly even improving on it, Ms Christy has delivered an enjoyable read with well developed characters, good plotting and a pace that leaves you unable to put the book down (or in my case, put the kindle down) I will be reading more of her work and I applaud her for remaining so true to the tenants of the silo universe!
I haven't been a big Sci-Fi fan for many years, but I have come to a new appreciation of it largely as a result of Hugh Howey and now Ann Christy. I think electronic publishing, while it does open the door to some mediocre authors, is also a way for truly talented writers to get their work before a large audience.

[Lynette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book that's done the Wool books justice!

Any fan of the Wool series,like myself,would find that this is a well written spinoff from author Hugh Howey's excellent series.As in her writing this book,she did a wonderful job into branching the world Hugh created,and she did so very well.Id found she did great in keeping the elements of the world,to where in which she created a piece for I hope you also enjoy reading as she'd made it into her own story within the world settings of the Wool books series written by Hugh!

[Tabata · Rating 1 out of 5]

The story has potential, but I didn't like the writing, thought it was quite amateur and didn't flow well at all. I kept getting stuck on the words instead of picturing the story, like I was able to with the original series. I also found it boring that the first 20% of the book is mostly just the character's thoughts and ramblings, nearly no action at all. I will not be reading the rest of this series!

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't ready for the Wool books to end when I finished Dust (Wool, #9), and now it doesn't have to. I was leery to try a fan fiction continuation, but tried it based on the reviews. I'm glad I did!

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent addition to the series. I enjoy reading about the other silos and think this blended well with the world that Hugh Howey created. I am still deciding on continuing this series...primarily because I don't like to really get into a series that isn't complete. I'm looking forward to more from the WOOL world.

[Martin Kalfatovic · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable entry in the Silo Saga. Christy gives a new perspective on the relationship of the silos to Silo 1 with an interesting twist. Looking forward to see how the story progresses.

[Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Howey's Silo books left me wanting more. There are obviously so many stories left untold. So it's a joy to read one of them. a good story, well told. looking forward to the next chapter.

[Lyndaa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short but enjoyable story set in Hugh Howey's world of Wool. The population of Silo 49 is diminishing and when their Leader looks to Silo 1 for advice he hears more than he should.

[Deborah Kosnett]

Well-written Silo Series fan fiction. I am delighted that so many authors want to explore the Silo universe . . . keep 'em coming!

[Candice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great addition to the WOOL phenom...

Love the positivity in this one!! Many tears were shed throughout... I loved the characters, pacing and structure.
Definitely worth a read.

[Seamus · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 1st non Hugh Howey Silo story! It is excellent, with three very wonderful main characters...


I would highly recommend this book & I have already started the 2nd part.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

So very happy that there is more going on in the WOOL universe. This was a quick read as I didn't put it down once from start to finish. Looking forward to the next book.....today.

[Earl lynn Brashear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

Fantastic

a great read from start to finish. good story line and characters. I would request others to read this story

[Jon Hester · Rating 2 out of 5]

Painful to read. This book needs some major editing. In fact, I doubt that it was even proofread.

[Teresa Crawford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite interesting play on Hugh Howey's Wool series

[Ray (user2637) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love Hugh Howey's Wool/Silo/Dust/etc. The idea of other authors writing in that would is intriguing. Unfortunately, this one needs editing. I'll likely still read more of Ann Christy's series, though; probably only due to my love for Howey's and my hope the next books are edited a bit better.

Also, what's "144" mean? As in "The 144 of this situation was that Graham had saved the life of every person who lived in this silo." I've never seen "144" used before; I even Googled it, with unhelpful results.

Some examples from the book that pulled my focus from the story to the grammar:
"Inside, he felt like all his insides were having a party and dancing about inside his chest." (Underlining is mine.)

"So far they haven't recorded a signal for the remote destruct in their silo coming through the lines they cut, so they are stepping up their game to higher levels to try to get it done." Ambiguous. In a Silo, 'to higher levels' might mean toward the up-top; or this could just mean upping their game. Either way, there's no prior mention of this, nor indication of what else Silo 40 would be doing.

"[I]t went on to an infinity of locations." I really don't think it did. Perhaps it seemed to be infinite, but that is different.

"[W]hen he was sure he was alone and in a place unlikely to be observed, like the shower or here, playing cards all alone." So he's alone when he's playing cards alone? Okay.

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first "fan fiction" set in the world of Wool and I really enjoyed it. After reading the initial Hugh Howie books I knew that he had built a setting which could foster a lot of different stories and I am glad to see that come to fruition.

While a shorter work Going Dark packed in a lot of story. I really felt invested in Graham and Wallis (Grace as well but not quite as much) which really kept me engaged in the story. I really liked how the author was definitely writing in the same world but the story was very different than the original source material. While I am not a writer myself I feel like it must take real talent to write an new story that stays true to the feel of the original work.

It has been a while since I read the original so I don't remember if Silo One was called out by name or not. In any case Silo One was really brought to life here which really added depth to the story.  I am really looking forward to reading more from Ann Christy.

[R. E. Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a novella set in the world of Hugh Howey's Wool stories, the first in a series of four about Silo 49.

Silo 49 is in trouble, with water contamination causing cancers and stillbirths, leading to a steady decline in the population. Silo 1 is ready to terminate them. Graham, the head of IT, recruits his best friend Wallis, the Mayor, and a dying electrician, in a desperate bid to save their silo.

I really enjoyed this book. It didn't quite grab me the way Howey's stories did, but I didn't find anything specifically wrong with it. I guess it's just the indefinable difference between a good author and a great one.

If you've enjoyed the Wool books, I think you'll enjoy this one too.

[Lyle Nicholson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book, as it is in the same genre of Hugh Howey's incredible book Wool. I was somewhat disappointed. I do think the writing is good, this is in indeed a good author, but it took so long to get moving in the first several chapters.

By the time I'd finished this short book, I thought what was the point of writing it except to try to ride on the success of Howey's book.

I know that many authors and readers are wowed by the success of the book Wool, but perhaps they should pick their own genre, and leave the Silo's to Hugh Howey.

[Annie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ich breche das Buch bei ca. 50% ab, denn ich habe immer noch nicht die geringste Ahnung worum es hier eigentlich geht. Die Story steht von Anfang an an einer völlig uninteressanten Stelle und bewegt sich kein bisschen.
Edit. Ich sollte vielleicht auch erwähnen, dass ich die Silo Trilogie natürlich gelesen habe - trotzdem finde ich hier null Zugang - obwohl es keine schlechte Fan-Fiction ist.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, quick read

This was very well written. I went in dubious as it is a framework but the quality is great. and for people like me who just weren't quite ready to leave the Silo series behind it fills the void perfectly.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this booked. Soo fun to explore this world of silos from another perspective.

[Jams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this fan fiction version of Howey's Silo 'Verse.