What do you think?
Rate this book
Dark Space #5
Avilon
The Sythians Invaded Again
Dark Space, the last refuge of humanity, is overrun; its citizens are either enslaved or dead. The relentless Sythians have slaughtered humanity wherever they could find them, and now only a few hundred survivors remain. Desperate to escape, these few chase rumors of a lost sector of humanity and end up on Avilon, a planet covered with a vast, kilometers-high city that lies hidden and shielded from the rest of the galaxy by its impossibly advanced technology and its benevolent ruler--Omnius, the Artificial Intelligence who would be god to his human creators.
Humanity Found Refuge on Avilon
Omnius reveals that no one really died in the war--he couldn't save them from the Sythians, but he did find a way to record the contents of their brains and resurrect them all in the bodies of immortal clones. Omnius keeps a record of everyone’s mind in order to make predictions about the future and prevent people from making mistakes. The result is a perfect paradise where you can be assured of a happy, successful life for the rest of eternity--just so long as you are willing to give up your freedom and submit to Omnius's will. If you refuse, you can live in the Null Zone, a city that lies cloaked in shadows below the immortal paradise where Omnius reigns supreme. In the Null Zone humanity has its freedom, but the result is chaos, death, and forced separation from everyone living in the Upper Cities of Avilon.
Paradise for Some is a Prison for Others
To Ethan Ortane, who spent years exiled on a prison world in Dark Space, Avilon and its utter lack of freedom is the Netherworld incarnate, and Omnius the Devlin himself. His son, Atton, is not so sure--it's hard to argue with Omnius's governance when death and suffering have become just a distant memory. Even better, it looks like Avilon with all of its advanced technology might finally be able to put an end to the Sythians. Omnius is sending his Peacekeepers to Dark Space to rescue the human slaves and take the fight to the invaders. . . .
The Road to the Netherworld is Paved with Good Intentions . . .
Despite the Sythian apocalypse, Omnius knows that humanity's worst enemy has always been itself. Darkness lies in the human heart and if paradise is to be maintained, that darkness must be contained. For Omnius the rightness or wrongness of an action is determined by a mathematical equation: the choice with maximal benefit for humanity and minimal detriment is always the right one. And with his ability to predict the future, who could be better suited to making those judgments? But when the looming detriment defies the very purpose of Omnius's existence, the benefit that outweighs it depends very much on one's point of view. . . .
Dark Space, the last refuge of humanity, is overrun; its citizens are either enslaved or dead. The relentless Sythians have slaughtered humanity wherever they could find them, and now only a few hundred survivors remain. Desperate to escape, these few chase rumors of a lost sector of humanity and end up on Avilon, a planet covered with a vast, kilometers-high city that lies hidden and shielded from the rest of the galaxy by its impossibly advanced technology and its benevolent ruler--Omnius, the Artificial Intelligence who would be god to his human creators.
Humanity Found Refuge on Avilon
Omnius reveals that no one really died in the war--he couldn't save them from the Sythians, but he did find a way to record the contents of their brains and resurrect them all in the bodies of immortal clones. Omnius keeps a record of everyone’s mind in order to make predictions about the future and prevent people from making mistakes. The result is a perfect paradise where you can be assured of a happy, successful life for the rest of eternity--just so long as you are willing to give up your freedom and submit to Omnius's will. If you refuse, you can live in the Null Zone, a city that lies cloaked in shadows below the immortal paradise where Omnius reigns supreme. In the Null Zone humanity has its freedom, but the result is chaos, death, and forced separation from everyone living in the Upper Cities of Avilon.
Paradise for Some is a Prison for Others
To Ethan Ortane, who spent years exiled on a prison world in Dark Space, Avilon and its utter lack of freedom is the Netherworld incarnate, and Omnius the Devlin himself. His son, Atton, is not so sure--it's hard to argue with Omnius's governance when death and suffering have become just a distant memory. Even better, it looks like Avilon with all of its advanced technology might finally be able to put an end to the Sythians. Omnius is sending his Peacekeepers to Dark Space to rescue the human slaves and take the fight to the invaders. . . .
The Road to the Netherworld is Paved with Good Intentions . . .
Despite the Sythian apocalypse, Omnius knows that humanity's worst enemy has always been itself. Darkness lies in the human heart and if paradise is to be maintained, that darkness must be contained. For Omnius the rightness or wrongness of an action is determined by a mathematical equation: the choice with maximal benefit for humanity and minimal detriment is always the right one. And with his ability to predict the future, who could be better suited to making those judgments? But when the looming detriment defies the very purpose of Omnius's existence, the benefit that outweighs it depends very much on one's point of view. . . .
620 pages, Paperback
First published December 21, 2014
116 people are currently reading
223 people want to read
About the author
Jasper T. Scott
102 books512 followersJasper Scott is a USA Today bestselling author of more than 20 sci-fi novels. With over a million books sold, Jasper's work has been translated into various languages and published around the world.
Jasper writes fast-paced books with unexpected twists and flawed characters. Join the author's mailing list to get two FREE books: https://files.jaspertscott.com/mailin...
Jasper writes fast-paced books with unexpected twists and flawed characters. Join the author's mailing list to get two FREE books: https://files.jaspertscott.com/mailin...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
October 9, 2015
This book is different from the others of the series as there are less fights at least until the second part of the book.
It's a different background, a different rythm and at first, I needed a little time to adjust... but finally, I did it nicely and I find this book as great as the others.
Here we discover Avilon, Omnius and as the story goes, we start to discover who this "god" is and what it's hidding...
The only think I can say is : what an incredible mind and imagination Mr Scott has! Such an amazing plot!
The book is tense like the others because there is so much at stake but as always, there's got a touch of humour and a touch of love and tenderness. The moments between Atta and Torv, aka Bones as the child calls him, are so sweet!
As soon as I finished this volume, I couldn't help myself but start reading the last book... and I can't believe it... because I don't want this serie to finish... :(
Thanks again Mr Scott for your wonderful books and the great worlds and characters you created!
It's a different background, a different rythm and at first, I needed a little time to adjust... but finally, I did it nicely and I find this book as great as the others.
Here we discover Avilon, Omnius and as the story goes, we start to discover who this "god" is and what it's hidding...
The only think I can say is : what an incredible mind and imagination Mr Scott has! Such an amazing plot!
The book is tense like the others because there is so much at stake but as always, there's got a touch of humour and a touch of love and tenderness. The moments between Atta and Torv, aka Bones as the child calls him, are so sweet!
As soon as I finished this volume, I couldn't help myself but start reading the last book... and I can't believe it... because I don't want this serie to finish... :(
Thanks again Mr Scott for your wonderful books and the great worlds and characters you created!
August 6, 2017
What the hell!!!
I knew that this series had to do something special to keep the books going but after the revelations I this one I don't want them to end! Slowly, but surely all the mysteries that have been presented in the first four books start to fall into place in this one.
There wasn't as many epic battles or action as in the previous books however that didn't affect the story one bit. There was actually a few times where I found myself gasping I shock (in real life) at this book. A brilliant read that adds critical information to the series, the penultimate book of six which I do not want to end!
On to the final book!
I knew that this series had to do something special to keep the books going but after the revelations I this one I don't want them to end! Slowly, but surely all the mysteries that have been presented in the first four books start to fall into place in this one.
There wasn't as many epic battles or action as in the previous books however that didn't affect the story one bit. There was actually a few times where I found myself gasping I shock (in real life) at this book. A brilliant read that adds critical information to the series, the penultimate book of six which I do not want to end!
On to the final book!
March 12, 2018
This one starts off, just where it left off, with everyone on Avilon being reunited with passed loved ones that were reincarnated on Avilon. Ethane, Alara and Atton along with a crew from the ISSF had reached Avilon but not by resurection and were able to meet with all their loved ones that chose to pick the higher of the three levels of life on Avilon. The bottom level, is where humanity exists and people have the choice to be "free" and make their own decisions. The second level of Etheria is for those who choose to love and obey the human created AI god of humanity. The third level is for those who have ascended to be the most worthy of Omnius.
The humans living in the third level are ruled and governed by themselves and have had their Lifelink transmitter (which allows your conscience to be transferred to a clone) "deactivated" remain in their human form and are subject to being oppressed by government and organized crime which essentially leads those to choose to "love" Omnius and ask for his help to be by his side. Ethan has his choice made up as well as Alara to not stay above and to descend and become a Null and keep their human forms and raise their Daughter there. Atton on the other hand decides to remain as one of Omnius's Peacekeepers and is immediately jettisoned into his new life form which resembles him but is not him at, so much so that his own father does not recognize him when the run into each other in the Null Zone.
But lets not forget that Destra, a small fleet and the Gors are still trapped in Dark Space hiding from the Sythians, awaiting Atton or anyone's return for assistance. They did not know but were not alone as the Avilonians as well as the Resistance had sent fleets in Dark Space to help. But the help they receive, still leaves them trapped in space but then they opt to search a planet that the Gors used to live on, only to witness their ship being destroyed and almost their lives as they are now stranded on an inhabitable ancient human civilization.
The end of this chapter in Dark Space brings the biggest twist in the story and it all becomes to clear what Omnius's plan is, and how he will execute it to ensure that there is no more war in the Universe. A constant quote thrown around that isn't better to kill one to preserve the whole of humanity (something to that matter). It's not easy to wrap your head around the grip that Omnius holds on humanity and what his ultimate goal for humanity is.
The humans living in the third level are ruled and governed by themselves and have had their Lifelink transmitter (which allows your conscience to be transferred to a clone) "deactivated" remain in their human form and are subject to being oppressed by government and organized crime which essentially leads those to choose to "love" Omnius and ask for his help to be by his side. Ethan has his choice made up as well as Alara to not stay above and to descend and become a Null and keep their human forms and raise their Daughter there. Atton on the other hand decides to remain as one of Omnius's Peacekeepers and is immediately jettisoned into his new life form which resembles him but is not him at, so much so that his own father does not recognize him when the run into each other in the Null Zone.
But lets not forget that Destra, a small fleet and the Gors are still trapped in Dark Space hiding from the Sythians, awaiting Atton or anyone's return for assistance. They did not know but were not alone as the Avilonians as well as the Resistance had sent fleets in Dark Space to help. But the help they receive, still leaves them trapped in space but then they opt to search a planet that the Gors used to live on, only to witness their ship being destroyed and almost their lives as they are now stranded on an inhabitable ancient human civilization.
The end of this chapter in Dark Space brings the biggest twist in the story and it all becomes to clear what Omnius's plan is, and how he will execute it to ensure that there is no more war in the Universe. A constant quote thrown around that isn't better to kill one to preserve the whole of humanity (something to that matter). It's not easy to wrap your head around the grip that Omnius holds on humanity and what his ultimate goal for humanity is.
July 24, 2021
The fifth installment of author Jasper T. Scott’s Dark Space series opens in the year zero After Exodus (AE), with Captain Bretton Hale at the helm of the Arkadian, with the world of Roka IV his last stop along the way to Dark Space, when he battles the Sythians and meets the godly Omnius. In the present, ten years AE, Ethan Ortane reminisces about his mother whom he thought was long dead, although he reunites with her on the world of Avilon, with his father Preston oddly missing. Four hours before, Commander Lenon Donali’s escape pod falls towards Avilon, with the city he lands in ablaze, and he’s mobbed once he emerges.
Ethan and his new wife Alara prepare for life on Avilon, whilst the Sythians plot to replace their former Gor slaves with humans crewing their vessels. The newlyweds ultimately move to the Null Zone on the world of Avilon, sort of a netherworld that contrasts with the “heavenly” surface of the planet. The humans’ alliance with the Gors is still incredibly shaky, with some important backstory regarding them revealed throughout the text. In the Null Zone, Ethan deals with various negative facets of life such as a drug called Bliss, with his child pregnant through Alara imminent in birth, and the ending focusing on a resistance seeking to alter the structure of life on Avilon.
All in all, this entry of the Dark Space series definitely has plenty things going for it, although in this installment the franchise is beyond its moment of jumping the shark, given some trite elements such as the use of cloning to achieve immortality, and the hackneyed religious overtones. It does raise some good philosophical points such as freedom potentially being dangerous, although the constant alternation between viewpoints within each chapter can make the narrative feel fairly convoluted, and dividing the main chapters into subchapters would have alleviated this issue. It’s not a bad book, but I’ve definitely read better within and without the science-fiction genre.
Ethan and his new wife Alara prepare for life on Avilon, whilst the Sythians plot to replace their former Gor slaves with humans crewing their vessels. The newlyweds ultimately move to the Null Zone on the world of Avilon, sort of a netherworld that contrasts with the “heavenly” surface of the planet. The humans’ alliance with the Gors is still incredibly shaky, with some important backstory regarding them revealed throughout the text. In the Null Zone, Ethan deals with various negative facets of life such as a drug called Bliss, with his child pregnant through Alara imminent in birth, and the ending focusing on a resistance seeking to alter the structure of life on Avilon.
All in all, this entry of the Dark Space series definitely has plenty things going for it, although in this installment the franchise is beyond its moment of jumping the shark, given some trite elements such as the use of cloning to achieve immortality, and the hackneyed religious overtones. It does raise some good philosophical points such as freedom potentially being dangerous, although the constant alternation between viewpoints within each chapter can make the narrative feel fairly convoluted, and dividing the main chapters into subchapters would have alleviated this issue. It’s not a bad book, but I’ve definitely read better within and without the science-fiction genre.
October 14, 2021
OMG! Things are really moving along at a very swift pace. My mind has finally wrapped itself around the real versus the cloned person. The idea that we are related to the Gors and the Sythians is another matter. I feel quite sorry for the Gors and the remaining few of them and their need to get back to Noctune to their babies (crechlings). And who in the crew is working for you and who is working for the Sythians is always something that keeps you guessing. Then there's the Epilogue. Be prepared for some shocking turns. Definitely keeping me interested.
September 18, 2017
Another enjoyable entry from the Dark Space series. This one takes a bit of a break from the pew-pew-pew space combat and spends some time exploring life on Avilon. There are some philosophic detours about free will, etc., but it's not heavy-handed. I really enjoy this series and find myself engrossed as I go to the last installment. Part of th description of Avilon reminds me of David Wingrove's (resurrected) Chung Kuo series, with the idea of a poor, violent world below the city.
February 22, 2022
Once again it’s amazingly better !
I don’t know where the Author Jasper T. Scott imagination starts but it never ending and totally awesome.
His books are written so good, so clearly with amazing characters and twists within twists which come out of nowhere.
William Dufris does an amazing job narrating complaining the job turning the books into a beautiful audio series.
Absolutely without a doubt,
I fully recommend this series !
Oded Ostfeld.
I don’t know where the Author Jasper T. Scott imagination starts but it never ending and totally awesome.
His books are written so good, so clearly with amazing characters and twists within twists which come out of nowhere.
William Dufris does an amazing job narrating complaining the job turning the books into a beautiful audio series.
Absolutely without a doubt,
I fully recommend this series !
Oded Ostfeld.
March 12, 2018
I did have to read this twice, as who was flying what to where in order to rescue whom took some keeping up with on my first run through. Probably my fault because I was so keen to find out where the story was going that my first reading was too fast! Absolutely love this series, I don't think I have been so desperate to read the next book each time since I discovered the Chanur series.
August 24, 2024
Avilon has a different feel from the first four books of the series. It took me a while to adjust my thinking to really get into the story but, adjusted I became. The characters are very well described except the slippery Omnius! I’m excited to discover exactly what he plans because, this book does reveal some wild thoughts. I highly recommend this entire series, enjoy!
Kindle Unlimited
Kindle Unlimited
December 22, 2017
I have enjoyed the entire Dark Space series, but this one was especially exciting. The journey is coming to an end, and yet some are finding out that paradise was not all they expected. I can't wait to find out how it ends.
March 8, 2018
A great story full of suspense and misdirection. There are plenty of space battles and slowly the truth is starting to emerge about Avilon and Ominus. Will Ethan and Alarm survive will Atton realise the truth before its to late
Another great read
Another great read
August 2, 2018
Love the plot. I hope you have more. To reveal, not to leave a cliff hangar.
It's all good. Started very slow. It picked up speed and became a book that you want to get more and more
It's all good. Started very slow. It picked up speed and became a book that you want to get more and more
April 13, 2020
The mortal refuges began to understand everything may not be what it seems on Avilon. Omnius the AI that runs the planet has more planned than simply keeping humanity safe. Great sci-fi series with plenty of action and a rich highly developed setting. I recommend this for fans of the genre.
May 5, 2020
Unexpected turn of events!!
Wow! This series has been phenomenal, but this book has topped them. I cannot wait to read the next one to see where these new twists take it.
READ THIS SERIES! It gets better with every book.
Wow! This series has been phenomenal, but this book has topped them. I cannot wait to read the next one to see where these new twists take it.
READ THIS SERIES! It gets better with every book.
May 15, 2020
Head long into a knot of "you got to be kidding"
Good continuation from previous books in the series. Several threads will be carried on to future books, I hope. Freewill is a sacred tenient in several religions. Interesting twist
Good continuation from previous books in the series. Several threads will be carried on to future books, I hope. Freewill is a sacred tenient in several religions. Interesting twist
March 16, 2023
Mind blowing
This book was amazing... so detailed in how the story was spun, and how each character was laid out. I really enjoyed this book. I liked the pulling in of the links to religion, very intriguing and thought provoking. Can't wait to get the finale!
This book was amazing... so detailed in how the story was spun, and how each character was laid out. I really enjoyed this book. I liked the pulling in of the links to religion, very intriguing and thought provoking. Can't wait to get the finale!
December 24, 2023
For a bridge to the last book this is very exciting and moves the plot along wonderfully. The Gor plot line was very interesting while the Ominus story took some time to heat up. Nice development of Ethan in this book.
October 19, 2017
Entertaining read, I would read more by this author.
October 22, 2017
Worth the price
Well written and developed a good story that holds your interest and will keep you reading with some surprises nvm to boot
Well written and developed a good story that holds your interest and will keep you reading with some surprises nvm to boot
May 12, 2018
A very good read.
This book keeps you guessing and being surprised. There are many twists and turns. Love the characters and how they interact.
This book keeps you guessing and being surprised. There are many twists and turns. Love the characters and how they interact.
March 13, 2025
Did not finish book. Stopped at 25%.
Way too much info on Avilon which was making it boring.
Way too much info on Avilon which was making it boring.
January 26, 2015
What's Wrong With Paradise?
1/26/2015
5 out of 5 Stars
Whoa! Feels like I've just read about thirty volumes of a grand mind-twisting book. I cannot believe where this series has gone. If you thought this was just a good-guys versus bad-guys sci-fi book, then you haven't read this episode.
It was bad enough that the humans all died or were captured in the battle for Dark Space, but then they all got resurrected on Avilon through their Life-links they didn't even know they had. All except Admiral Hoff. Turns out he was an Avilonian from way back. What seemed like a wonderful idea, to die in battle only to live again on Avilon in a new and better clone body was a lot to comprehend in the last book, but now we have to really figure out if that's a good thing or not.
I would not want to discuss this book In a book club. There would be so many different views on what Ominus is doing that people would probably be throwing things at each other! Ethan has an attitude problem! His Dad had an attitude problem. They both do not like authority nor do they like to be controlled by someone. But, is Ominus really "controlling" everyone. Is it wrong to have someone tell you when you might be making a mistake? Is it wrong for something to let you make mistakes as long as they don't hurt you or anyone else? I'm glad I'm not answering any of those questions.
Ethan and his wife, Alara have to choose between remaining in Etheria or going to the Null Zone. Now, here is a difficult decision: stay in Paradise or go to some place resembling Hell! It's a difficult decision if you're someone that's always been on their own and always believe you've been making your own decisions. I don't know why Ethan things he's been doing such a great job of doing for himself because he really hasn't. I believe he sent some time in prison because of his past mistakes so why is he fighting the opportunity to take it easy in Paradise. I guess some people just couldn't face being bored all the time.
Now, Atton, Ethan's son has shown up and he also has to make a choice. You need to read the book to see what he does. It also impacts his girlfriend.
Ok, let's get back to the Sythanian problem. They now control Dark Space and have a lot of humans captured and turned into slaves. As you know, Sythanians don't fight in wars. They let their slaves do it for them although there are a lot of Sythanians on the ships in Dark Space. Omnius is going to send his Peacekeepers out to wipe out the Sythanians once and for all. Or can he? He believes the Sythanians don't have the capability to see through his ships cloak, but is that true?
It's interesting how authors can write an argument into their stories and then explain both sides to logical perfection! I don't know how they do it. I guess my mind isn't that open. I know when something isn't right, but that doesn't mean it's really bad, does it?
If my last statement confuses you, read this book. You'll find a lot more statements just like it. I can't wait for the final episode.
1/26/2015
5 out of 5 Stars
Whoa! Feels like I've just read about thirty volumes of a grand mind-twisting book. I cannot believe where this series has gone. If you thought this was just a good-guys versus bad-guys sci-fi book, then you haven't read this episode.
It was bad enough that the humans all died or were captured in the battle for Dark Space, but then they all got resurrected on Avilon through their Life-links they didn't even know they had. All except Admiral Hoff. Turns out he was an Avilonian from way back. What seemed like a wonderful idea, to die in battle only to live again on Avilon in a new and better clone body was a lot to comprehend in the last book, but now we have to really figure out if that's a good thing or not.
I would not want to discuss this book In a book club. There would be so many different views on what Ominus is doing that people would probably be throwing things at each other! Ethan has an attitude problem! His Dad had an attitude problem. They both do not like authority nor do they like to be controlled by someone. But, is Ominus really "controlling" everyone. Is it wrong to have someone tell you when you might be making a mistake? Is it wrong for something to let you make mistakes as long as they don't hurt you or anyone else? I'm glad I'm not answering any of those questions.
Ethan and his wife, Alara have to choose between remaining in Etheria or going to the Null Zone. Now, here is a difficult decision: stay in Paradise or go to some place resembling Hell! It's a difficult decision if you're someone that's always been on their own and always believe you've been making your own decisions. I don't know why Ethan things he's been doing such a great job of doing for himself because he really hasn't. I believe he sent some time in prison because of his past mistakes so why is he fighting the opportunity to take it easy in Paradise. I guess some people just couldn't face being bored all the time.
Now, Atton, Ethan's son has shown up and he also has to make a choice. You need to read the book to see what he does. It also impacts his girlfriend.
Ok, let's get back to the Sythanian problem. They now control Dark Space and have a lot of humans captured and turned into slaves. As you know, Sythanians don't fight in wars. They let their slaves do it for them although there are a lot of Sythanians on the ships in Dark Space. Omnius is going to send his Peacekeepers out to wipe out the Sythanians once and for all. Or can he? He believes the Sythanians don't have the capability to see through his ships cloak, but is that true?
It's interesting how authors can write an argument into their stories and then explain both sides to logical perfection! I don't know how they do it. I guess my mind isn't that open. I know when something isn't right, but that doesn't mean it's really bad, does it?
If my last statement confuses you, read this book. You'll find a lot more statements just like it. I can't wait for the final episode.
August 12, 2015
So, I first got into this series about a year or so ago when I saw the Kindle edition of book one for ~£0.70. I didn't start reading fiction until recently and I give this series credit for getting me into sci-fi.
Book four. Wow. Sadly no Brondi in this, but I'm hoping he'll be back. Anyway, this book is another very good installment. The world building of Avilon is very good and Omnius is an extremely interesting new character. There is also further exploration of the Sythians and the Gors, and a little backstory - quite refreshing given that the series started after the Sythians had invaded most of the galaxy.
The first 50% of the book is devoted primarily to the Imperials on Avilon, their perception of the planet and the run-up to The Choosing ceremony, which will decide their future on Avilon. This was a little drawn out, but a certain amount of fleshing out was needed to give the world substance (it is the title of the book after all).
The second half of the book was excellent and of the same high quality as the rest of the series. I was pleased to see the return of Gina, albeit her appearance was only brief.
My major gripe with this book came in the form of one character: Ethan. A colossal asshat. His own personal prejudices condemn his wife and unborn child to a life of deprivation, debt and poverty. All totally avoidable of course, but the high-and-mighty Ethan had to have his precious freedom! I spent a lot of time in the first 50% of the book getting furious with this guy.
His biggest jackass moment comes when he tries to punch one of Avilon's guardian "drones". It then caught his hand and he is utterly stunned by this "violent response"! No shit!
In summary, very good book. Some characters are quite tedious e.g. Ethan, Destra, whilst others more than make up the shortfall (Atton, Omnius). I am looking forward to the next one. 4/5
Book four. Wow. Sadly no Brondi in this, but I'm hoping he'll be back. Anyway, this book is another very good installment. The world building of Avilon is very good and Omnius is an extremely interesting new character. There is also further exploration of the Sythians and the Gors, and a little backstory - quite refreshing given that the series started after the Sythians had invaded most of the galaxy.
The first 50% of the book is devoted primarily to the Imperials on Avilon, their perception of the planet and the run-up to The Choosing ceremony, which will decide their future on Avilon. This was a little drawn out, but a certain amount of fleshing out was needed to give the world substance (it is the title of the book after all).
The second half of the book was excellent and of the same high quality as the rest of the series. I was pleased to see the return of Gina, albeit her appearance was only brief.
My major gripe with this book came in the form of one character: Ethan. A colossal asshat. His own personal prejudices condemn his wife and unborn child to a life of deprivation, debt and poverty. All totally avoidable of course, but the high-and-mighty Ethan had to have his precious freedom! I spent a lot of time in the first 50% of the book getting furious with this guy.
His biggest jackass moment comes when he tries to punch one of Avilon's guardian "drones". It then caught his hand and he is utterly stunned by this "violent response"! No shit!
In summary, very good book. Some characters are quite tedious e.g. Ethan, Destra, whilst others more than make up the shortfall (Atton, Omnius). I am looking forward to the next one. 4/5
December 15, 2015
In this book, Destra and crew must flee Dark Space and find a place to live while the Sythians and Avilonians battle for control. Meanwhile, Ethan and crew must adjust to live in Avilon and live under the rule of Omnios.
For the most part, the action here is non-stop. It quickly becomes apparent that Avilon is no utopia and we spend much of the book trying to find out the motives and true nature of Avilon. By the end of the book we have a much clearer picture of who Omnios is, what is wrong with Avilon, where the Sythians came from, and what part the resistance plays. Meanwhile, Destra and the Gores end up on somewhat of a cliffhanger, with their fate to be determined in the next book.
Overall, I enjoyed the action and the novel. The author even comes up with a nice way to explain the constant convenient coincidences that happen through the series. I continue to dislike most of the characters...they continue to be quite dumb, which I suppose adds to the realism, though I typically enjoy a very strong protagonist. And yet there really isn't one in this series... Ethan certain isn't it and Hoth mostly has a back seat in this book. Aton and Ethan make some incredibly dumb decisions through the whole novel, and Destra is just coasting. Hoth and Ilara don't have a lot going on. But the book sets up well for the next one and everything is falling into place.
For the audiobook, the narration continues to be great with no misses, but yet I cannot decide if it is the narrator or the author who makes Atta such an annoying character.
Looking forward to seeing how this all ends.
NOTE: I received the audiobook for free in exchange for an honest review.This review was originally posted on MichaelSciFan
For the most part, the action here is non-stop. It quickly becomes apparent that Avilon is no utopia and we spend much of the book trying to find out the motives and true nature of Avilon. By the end of the book we have a much clearer picture of who Omnios is, what is wrong with Avilon, where the Sythians came from, and what part the resistance plays. Meanwhile, Destra and the Gores end up on somewhat of a cliffhanger, with their fate to be determined in the next book.
Overall, I enjoyed the action and the novel. The author even comes up with a nice way to explain the constant convenient coincidences that happen through the series. I continue to dislike most of the characters...they continue to be quite dumb, which I suppose adds to the realism, though I typically enjoy a very strong protagonist. And yet there really isn't one in this series... Ethan certain isn't it and Hoth mostly has a back seat in this book. Aton and Ethan make some incredibly dumb decisions through the whole novel, and Destra is just coasting. Hoth and Ilara don't have a lot going on. But the book sets up well for the next one and everything is falling into place.
For the audiobook, the narration continues to be great with no misses, but yet I cannot decide if it is the narrator or the author who makes Atta such an annoying character.
Looking forward to seeing how this all ends.
NOTE: I received the audiobook for free in exchange for an honest review.This review was originally posted on MichaelSciFan
December 16, 2016
I felt slightly disappointed with this fifth book as part of the continuing saga. The battle sequences were all well described, but the story had taken a more 'religious' twist on arrival at Avilon which I found slightly uncomfortable (as did the characters). Additionally, the plot seemed to become a little confusing in the middle with numerous strands running in parallel, some minutes apart, but others months apart. Nevertheless, once those strands started to gel together the story resumed its normal enjoyable progress, and I'm looking forward to the final book in the series.
April 8, 2015
All through human culture humanity's hope for a higher purpose had lead them to create religions, gods and all sorts of supernaturally attributed phenomena. How would it be to find out that we indeed created God and then in turn god created us and our sworn enemies alike. What's even worse that we are not only made in his image but have been made in his nature too. This instalment is an attest to the adagio that power corrupts and that absolute power corrupts absolutely and apparently that goes for god and human alike. How frightening would that be an all-knowing, all-seeing and omnipotent god who is as wicked as humanity's worst.
June 9, 2016
Very Satisfying ending to this pentaology (is that a thing?) Anyhow... cool way to end everything and I didn't see it coming until it was quite close. Amazing how fast the author makes you change allegiances throughout the series. I'm sure some will complain about the ending, but this series deals with some pretty broad concepts and manages to leave a gratifying end point while leaving you with that feeling of looking into a mirror with another mirror behind you where you see copies of copies stretching into infinity. Looking forward to Jasper's next book... out this month... already pre-ordered.
January 14, 2015
Dark Space 5 continues straight after the events of Dark Space 4, with Ethan and the stranded survivors having to choose between immortality or life as a null. The first part of the book is all about this choice and introducing new characters and has numerous threads. The action is all contained in parts two and three, as the battle for Avilon begins and the truth behind Omnius and the Sythians is revealed. Very good book from Jasper, the first part was a bit slow, but made up for in parts two and three, with the epilogue setting up the final book nicely.
March 24, 2015
I am very happy with book 5 of the Dark Space series. The series continues to grow and this book was by far the best in the series. You can actually feel the writer improving with each book throughout the series, Strong story line with well developed if somewhat closed minded characters(Ethan I'm talking about you). I would like to see more of the characters soul in some of these exchanges. I love the twists in this book especially. Highly recommended series for any fan of Space adventure
January 1, 2015
Awesome cliffhanger!
I have read all 5 Dark Space books, and each one gets progressively better. If you want a mix of Star Wars and Battlestar Galactica, then read the whole series from the beginning. Each one ends with some sort of cliffhanger, and I will not spoil it, i'll just say this, you won't see it coming in Avilon.
I have read all 5 Dark Space books, and each one gets progressively better. If you want a mix of Star Wars and Battlestar Galactica, then read the whole series from the beginning. Each one ends with some sort of cliffhanger, and I will not spoil it, i'll just say this, you won't see it coming in Avilon.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews