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Dusk
At twenty-eight, Theo Stewart must choose between family and dreams; at eighty, he'll discover that some decisions haunt you across lifetimes.
In 2034, twenty-eight-year-old Theo Stewart intends to fulfill his mother’s dreams for him to settle down and live a quiet life after his father’s untimely death chasing adventures in space. But when he learns an algorithm he developed as a hobbyist for the SETI program has attracted NASA’s attention, his future seems suddenly uncertain. Theo is thrust into the hot seat as he and his new brilliant and beautiful NASA friend race against time, adversaries, and twisted intentions to prove that microscopic aliens have invaded Earth’s water in search of a new home, but maybe not for nefarious reasons. Before the world becomes ideologically divided and water scarcity ensues, causing mass panic and casualties, can Theo prove it is a peaceful interstellar response to our own plea for attention — the Golden Record, a message from Earth, that was jetted into deep space on the Voyager 1 spacecraft on September 5, 1977? And when the invasion hits mainstream media and escape vectors are closing fast, will Theo sacrifice his relationship with his family to follow his heart to distant adventures, or remain rooted in his earthly commitments?
In 2086, Theo's past choices cast long shadows. Sagell is a prestigious robotic caretaker for Theo, a widower with early dementia. As a specially trained humanoid, Sagell followed her expected path, but dreams of living deep in the solar system with her beloved human, Kendra, who serves as a tour guide on the moon. To help Theo repair his lingering regrets in his final years, she attempts to reunite him with his son, Seth, who exchanges letters with her explaining the demise of his relationship with his father during his youth. When Seth presents her with the chance to implant herself with his deceased grandmother’s digitized memory to provide his father comfort, will she make the ultimate sacrifice and replace her identity to extend Theo’s life, or will she rebel against her privileged place in a trusting family to pursue her secret ambitions?
Upmarket fans of genre-bending speculative fiction will love DUSK as it explores the generational pursuit of balancing family commitments with personal ambition, depicting the lingering stench of regret through the eyes of two unique characters (Theo and Sagell), plus Theo's son, Seth, across half a century. Probing themes of identity, artificial intelligence, science, and family—all with the witty charm of an adventure-inspired romance—this is for fans of THE THREE-BODY PROBLEM, THE CANDY HOUSE, SEA OF TRANQUILITY, and Don’t Look Up.
Kimberly T. Shyu is a digital technology product leader, artist, and writer with a strong interest in the intersection of humanity, technology, and society. This is her first novel. She primarily writes Adult Speculative Fiction plus pieces on LogRocket and Medium on personal growth, leadership, travel, and product development. She runs a Substack community for 'Unplaceable Fiction.' Her poetry, art, and photography are published in Poet’s Choice, Beyond Words Literary Magazine, Months to Years, 3rd Wednesday, Free Spirit, Vocal, Ariel Publishing, LLC, and 42 Stories Anthology.
In 2034, twenty-eight-year-old Theo Stewart intends to fulfill his mother’s dreams for him to settle down and live a quiet life after his father’s untimely death chasing adventures in space. But when he learns an algorithm he developed as a hobbyist for the SETI program has attracted NASA’s attention, his future seems suddenly uncertain. Theo is thrust into the hot seat as he and his new brilliant and beautiful NASA friend race against time, adversaries, and twisted intentions to prove that microscopic aliens have invaded Earth’s water in search of a new home, but maybe not for nefarious reasons. Before the world becomes ideologically divided and water scarcity ensues, causing mass panic and casualties, can Theo prove it is a peaceful interstellar response to our own plea for attention — the Golden Record, a message from Earth, that was jetted into deep space on the Voyager 1 spacecraft on September 5, 1977? And when the invasion hits mainstream media and escape vectors are closing fast, will Theo sacrifice his relationship with his family to follow his heart to distant adventures, or remain rooted in his earthly commitments?
In 2086, Theo's past choices cast long shadows. Sagell is a prestigious robotic caretaker for Theo, a widower with early dementia. As a specially trained humanoid, Sagell followed her expected path, but dreams of living deep in the solar system with her beloved human, Kendra, who serves as a tour guide on the moon. To help Theo repair his lingering regrets in his final years, she attempts to reunite him with his son, Seth, who exchanges letters with her explaining the demise of his relationship with his father during his youth. When Seth presents her with the chance to implant herself with his deceased grandmother’s digitized memory to provide his father comfort, will she make the ultimate sacrifice and replace her identity to extend Theo’s life, or will she rebel against her privileged place in a trusting family to pursue her secret ambitions?
Upmarket fans of genre-bending speculative fiction will love DUSK as it explores the generational pursuit of balancing family commitments with personal ambition, depicting the lingering stench of regret through the eyes of two unique characters (Theo and Sagell), plus Theo's son, Seth, across half a century. Probing themes of identity, artificial intelligence, science, and family—all with the witty charm of an adventure-inspired romance—this is for fans of THE THREE-BODY PROBLEM, THE CANDY HOUSE, SEA OF TRANQUILITY, and Don’t Look Up.
Kimberly T. Shyu is a digital technology product leader, artist, and writer with a strong interest in the intersection of humanity, technology, and society. This is her first novel. She primarily writes Adult Speculative Fiction plus pieces on LogRocket and Medium on personal growth, leadership, travel, and product development. She runs a Substack community for 'Unplaceable Fiction.' Her poetry, art, and photography are published in Poet’s Choice, Beyond Words Literary Magazine, Months to Years, 3rd Wednesday, Free Spirit, Vocal, Ariel Publishing, LLC, and 42 Stories Anthology.
373 pages, Paperback
Published September 5, 2025
1 person is currently reading
5 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly Tashner Shyu
2 books2 followersKim is a tech product executive, artist, and creative writer with a strong interest in the intersection of humanity, technology, and society. She freelances for LogRocket and writes pieces on Medium.
Her creative work has been published in Poet’s Choice, Beyond Words Literary Magazine, Months to Years, 3rd Wednesday, Free Spirit, 42 Stories Anthology and Ariel Publishing, LLC.
She attended NY Pitch in 2022, has attended numerous writing workshops, and was an active member of The Manuscript Academy for two years.
She lives in the Washington, D.C. area with her family and sprightly old beagle and guinea pigs, and when she's not attending kids’ sports games or planning the next hiking adventure, she's usually training for a race like the Ironman.
Her creative work has been published in Poet’s Choice, Beyond Words Literary Magazine, Months to Years, 3rd Wednesday, Free Spirit, 42 Stories Anthology and Ariel Publishing, LLC.
She attended NY Pitch in 2022, has attended numerous writing workshops, and was an active member of The Manuscript Academy for two years.
She lives in the Washington, D.C. area with her family and sprightly old beagle and guinea pigs, and when she's not attending kids’ sports games or planning the next hiking adventure, she's usually training for a race like the Ironman.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 4, 2025
I didn’t have much expectation when I read the book, and I only read the blurb after I finished the book. I’m glad I did it that way.
The book follows a main character, Theo, in his younger days through his perspective, and the older him through the perspective of his android caretaker, set around five decades into the future.
The revelation between the two PoVs is clever, and the way the story goes back and forth, one moving to the future and the other reminiscing about the past, works well. It weaves readers into the plot, giving enough but not too much, with many intriguing world-building along the way. I kept thinking about 3 Body Problem, although it’s not similar, but imo, exploring humanity and how we deal with invasion threats are much more intriguing than the cliche Sci-Fi with green alien, especially when there is a relatable character with their ordinary lives. Older Theo is heartbreaking to read.
The characters are distinguishable and very believable. The only setback in this brilliant book, imho, is the ending. I like the ending, however, I don’t think there is enough build-up, not in terms of quantity, but more in potential and possibility. I feel that the attempt to hide the twist backfires a bit and dangerously leans into character inconsistency.
4.5 rounded up
December 5, 2025
Dusk is a heart-racing peek into what life could be like in the not-so-distant future, blending an alien invasion, impulses and inspirations of humanity, and emerging technologies into a journey spanning decades.
Kimberly expertly crafts each character with depth and personality, showing us their human (or humanoid) mannerisms, flaws, fears, reflections, and dreams. Theo’s voice is familiar and modern, and Sagell’s character offers a fascinating and slightly eerie perspective on what humans might create around the corner.
In Dusk, we are introduced to the true story of the Golden Record and enter a proposed future universe where aliens have obtained the contents. Kimberly’s take on how we might respond to a subsequent invasion (at a global, community, and individual level) is riveting. The impacts of the invasion are felt immediately and continue to unfurl decades later.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book for its focus on interpersonal dynamics, the struggle between duty to family and a need for self-actualization, the scientific details underpinning the storyline, and the surprise twists at the end.
Kimberly expertly crafts each character with depth and personality, showing us their human (or humanoid) mannerisms, flaws, fears, reflections, and dreams. Theo’s voice is familiar and modern, and Sagell’s character offers a fascinating and slightly eerie perspective on what humans might create around the corner.
In Dusk, we are introduced to the true story of the Golden Record and enter a proposed future universe where aliens have obtained the contents. Kimberly’s take on how we might respond to a subsequent invasion (at a global, community, and individual level) is riveting. The impacts of the invasion are felt immediately and continue to unfurl decades later.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book for its focus on interpersonal dynamics, the struggle between duty to family and a need for self-actualization, the scientific details underpinning the storyline, and the surprise twists at the end.
September 22, 2025
I am not normally a sci-fi reader but the storyline of DUSK lured me in!
DUSK follows a cast of characters and flashes back and forth between 2035 and 2084 where an alien invasion of Earth has occurred and the universe looks a little different than we thought.
This book captures the struggle of being human and how the choices we make not only effect our own lives but those around us.
No spoilers but I did not see the ending coming! 🤯
If you're a fan of romance, sci-fi, speculative fiction, complex family relationships, and stories that ask "what if?", give DUSK a read!
Grateful to the author for sharing an ARC. This review is unpaid and reflects my honest impressions.
DUSK follows a cast of characters and flashes back and forth between 2035 and 2084 where an alien invasion of Earth has occurred and the universe looks a little different than we thought.
This book captures the struggle of being human and how the choices we make not only effect our own lives but those around us.
No spoilers but I did not see the ending coming! 🤯
If you're a fan of romance, sci-fi, speculative fiction, complex family relationships, and stories that ask "what if?", give DUSK a read!
Grateful to the author for sharing an ARC. This review is unpaid and reflects my honest impressions.
March 3, 2026
Dusk by Kimberly Tashner Shyu is a genre-bending speculative fiction novel that intertwines science, artificial intelligence, and human relationships across decades. Across 403 pages, the story follows Theo Stewart, a brilliant but conflicted scientist, as he navigates the challenges of ambition, family, and a mysterious alien presence in Earth’s water. The narrative also follows Sagell, a humanoid robotic caretaker, and Seth, Theo’s son, exploring themes of identity, memory, and sacrifice.
Shyu masterfully balances futuristic technology with deeply human concerns, depicting the moral and emotional consequences of decisions across generations. The novel’s interwoven timelines and complex characters create a rich tapestry of speculative science fiction, adventure, and intimate family drama. Fans of thoughtful, character-driven speculative fiction will find Dusk compelling for its exploration of regret, ethical dilemmas, and the pursuit of personal ambition alongside familial responsibility.
Dusk is perfect for readers who enjoy stories that combine high-stakes science fiction with emotional resonance, reminiscent of The Three-Body Problem, The Candy House, and Sea of Tranquility.
Shyu masterfully balances futuristic technology with deeply human concerns, depicting the moral and emotional consequences of decisions across generations. The novel’s interwoven timelines and complex characters create a rich tapestry of speculative science fiction, adventure, and intimate family drama. Fans of thoughtful, character-driven speculative fiction will find Dusk compelling for its exploration of regret, ethical dilemmas, and the pursuit of personal ambition alongside familial responsibility.
Dusk is perfect for readers who enjoy stories that combine high-stakes science fiction with emotional resonance, reminiscent of The Three-Body Problem, The Candy House, and Sea of Tranquility.
January 20, 2026
There’s a Good Story in Here Somewhere
But it takes a while to get there.
I struggled through the first hundred pages and the characters of Seth and Theo certainly didn’t help. Seth comes off as unlikable and since he’s Theo’s son it’s not surprising.
Theo is a very fragile man, afraid of everything. I don’t know of any male who would literally run away in fear from an attractive woman driving a Cadillac Escalade trying to pick him up. I think it’s accidentally hilarious. It’s also interesting that both men are described as having beards which always feels to me like a mask trying to hide someone’s true self.
All that being said, by the time the story really begins it is certainly creative and interesting with a plot line I’ve never read before. And Theo finally starts acting like a man - though his motivations don’t make sense. He wants / he doesn’t want. He’s for / he’s against.
My main takeaway was that Sagell, a non-human, displays more humanity than any actual human in the story.
But it takes a while to get there.
I struggled through the first hundred pages and the characters of Seth and Theo certainly didn’t help. Seth comes off as unlikable and since he’s Theo’s son it’s not surprising.
Theo is a very fragile man, afraid of everything. I don’t know of any male who would literally run away in fear from an attractive woman driving a Cadillac Escalade trying to pick him up. I think it’s accidentally hilarious. It’s also interesting that both men are described as having beards which always feels to me like a mask trying to hide someone’s true self.
All that being said, by the time the story really begins it is certainly creative and interesting with a plot line I’ve never read before. And Theo finally starts acting like a man - though his motivations don’t make sense. He wants / he doesn’t want. He’s for / he’s against.
My main takeaway was that Sagell, a non-human, displays more humanity than any actual human in the story.
December 4, 2025
Dusk by Kimberly Shyu is a highly creative, unique first contact sci-fi novel that grabs you from the first chapter. Unlike typical alien invasion stories, this one does not involve aggressive, gigantic monsters descending in spaceships, but microscopic intelligent organisms that infiltrate Earth’s water. With their own planet destroyed, they come to Earth after receiving Earth’s message from Voyager I on the Golden Record. Still, instead of conquering or killing humans, they form what seems to be a symbiotic relationship with their human hosts. Yet, the aliens’ arrival splits the world into those who welcome them and those who reject them. And, again, unlike most first-contact stories, this one is mainly centered on families, and the choices people make between following their dreams and supporting those they love. With rich character arcs, engaging dialogue, impeccable editing, and realistic science, this book will be enjoyed by sci-fi fans looking for a story with heart. Split into two plot lines, one based on the past (Theo’s story) and the other on the present (Sagell’s story, with an aged Theo), I found the second storyline a little slow-moving and less engaging. And while the ending brings the two subplots together, it feels abrupt and jarring. Nonetheless, the novel is highly recommended for sci-fi and fantasy lovers.
October 4, 2025
Author Kim Shyu has imagined a shocking, but very plausible new reality for humankind - and it’s just around the corner. Her clever storytelling weaves quantum theory, 1970s space exploration, and political intrigue against a backdrop of a society that is severely challenged by artificial intelligence and new human identities.
My favorite character is Sagell, an ambitious humanoid / robot who is in love with Kendra, a human who lives and works on the moon. The highly advanced Sagell is a caregiver to Theo Stewart, an elderly human experiencing dementia and physical challenges. Sagell strives to become more human herself by improving her instincts and social skills, but gracefully acknowledges her superior processing speed and overall intellect. There are several compelling plot lines from the very beginning that eventually converge in the final chapters, with a culminating surprise at the end. You’ll be thinking about this book and the questions it poses long after you turn the last page.
My favorite character is Sagell, an ambitious humanoid / robot who is in love with Kendra, a human who lives and works on the moon. The highly advanced Sagell is a caregiver to Theo Stewart, an elderly human experiencing dementia and physical challenges. Sagell strives to become more human herself by improving her instincts and social skills, but gracefully acknowledges her superior processing speed and overall intellect. There are several compelling plot lines from the very beginning that eventually converge in the final chapters, with a culminating surprise at the end. You’ll be thinking about this book and the questions it poses long after you turn the last page.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews