The Dark Sun

by Cristine Keller

The planet Oxtaria is on the brink of a catastrophic event—and no one has any idea.

Military medic Pocky has been separated from her twin brother Thomas for eight years. But using him as bait for the military to trap a person of interest from their past without his knowledge wasn’t how she imagined them reuniting, and the lie weighs heavily on her conscience.

Lance was born a farmer, but he never felt a connection to the land he was supposed to love. When he sees an ad looking for agriculturists to work on a research project, he leaps at the opportunity to leave his farm life behind. Though he feels a sense of belonging with his team, he also senses that the military that’s supposed to be protecting them has another agenda.

When the military’s trap goes horribly wrong, the past lands on the twins’ doorstep
sooner than expected. As Lance’s team scrambles to make sense of it all, a cascade of deadly events reveals an evil determined to wipe out everything in its way.

Only the Dark Sun can save them all.

This scifi thriller is part one of a larger story.

Content note: This story contains violence, morally complex decisions, and antagonists whose actions are intentionally disturbing.

Genres: Science Fiction

319 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2025

About the author

Curious about The Dark Sun?
Read the first chapter free: https://bookhip.com/DCDJRLJ

Cristine Keller is the author of The Dark Sun, a dark science-fiction novel centered on loyalty, survival, and the cost of devotion in an unforgiving world.

Her work explores found family, moral gray areas, and characters forced to choose between loyalty and survival.

Reviews

[Sarah Kober · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow — what a shocker at the end! I did not see that coming. This story is a wild ride from start to finish. You begin wondering what’s happening, why it’s happening, and for what purpose, and by the end, every question is answered — with a plot twist no one will see coming.

It’s a dramatic, suspenseful story filled with emotional depth and complex relationships — some that feel familiar and others you’d never want to experience yourself. Without giving anything away, you’ll find yourself loving some characters and absolutely loving to hate others.

The author does an excellent job blending intense military sci-fi action with deeply personal moments. The pacing keeps you turning the pages, and the emotional undercurrents give the story real heart. The world-building feels vivid and believable, making you feel part of every mission and decision.

If you enjoy military sci-fi with a strong emotional core and unexpected twists, this one should definitely be on your radar. I can’t wait to see what this author writes next!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[KMart Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wild, intense ride and I was not prepared for how quickly it pulled me in!

The world building is incredible and honestly kind of disturbing (complimentary). This one starts off with a bang to set the tone and I was here for it even as I was recoiling in horror. This is a universe where power is corrupt and danger is constant, even in places that you don't expect. It has this quality of creeping dread underneath all the sci-fi action that tips into genuine horror territory at points and I was absolutely here for it.

All of the characters are carrying something (scars, secrets, motivations that only reveal themselves over time) and that depth makes the emotional stakes feel heavy, which is something I appreciated. The psychological elements add this whole extra layer of suspense that kept me hooked and kept me guessing, and the twist genuinely surprised me.

I don't want to spoil anything about where this goes, but things shift in a direction I genuinely was not expecting. The twist surprised me, the world disturbs me in the best possible way, and this sits in this fascinating space between sci-fi thriller and horror. Intense, surprising, and very well written. I will absolutely be continuing this one.

Thank you to Hidden Hollow and the author for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.

[Sara Seitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a sci-fi with epic world-building, deep character development, juicy backstories, and a last-minute twist, all with a dark edge, I think you'll like this one!

[Raquel Brasil · Rating 5 out of 5]

**A gripping, imaginative blend of sci-fi, mythology, and military suspense.**

This book hooked me from the very first chapters. It centers on a specialized team drawn together under a military project, each member carrying a complex past and abilities that don’t quite fit within the boundaries of the world around them. The author balances high-stakes action with emotional depth, creating a story that feels both intensely personal and incredibly expansive.

One of the things I loved most is how the whole plot unfolds like a cosmic chess game—strategic, layered, and full of quiet moves happening just out of sight. The sense of mystery is constant, with mythological echoes woven into a modern setting in a way that feels fresh and atmospheric without ever giving too much away.

The world-building is smooth and immersive, and the character dynamics give the story real weight. There’s always the feeling that something larger is orchestrating events, and the tension builds beautifully as more pieces slide into place.

And then the ending arrives with a *brutal* cliffhanger—especially surrounding the twins - and I absolutely need the next book right now.

If you enjoy speculative fiction with military grit, mythic undertones, strong character work, and a slow-burn sense of something huge unfolding, this is one you shouldn’t miss. I can’t wait for the follow-up.

Raquel (The Ink Addicts Reads)

[Judy Kosbob Burke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really 3.5 and I'm stingy with stars. I am not a sci-fi dystopia fan. That said this book really grabbed me in the second half and you will finish wanting more. And the author says there will be more! (I had the honor of having lunch with her.) The book has a rough start but don't be put off. It's the only truly gross part. Sex scenes were tastefully inferred rather than stupidly graphic. I would totally recommend it if you like this genre. No fantasy like The Fourth Wing, which was a positive in my book.

[Pedro Baeta · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dark Sun is a gripping sci-fi dark fantasy hybrid that blends world-building, tension, and psychological intrigue into an addictive, cinematic read. Cristine opens the novel with a bold, unsettling prologue that sets the tone: this is a universe where power is corrupt, danger is ever-present, and the shadows hide more than they reveal. From the first pages, the book promises intensity.

What stands out most is the novel’s world-building, which is dense, imaginative, and refreshingly. Every region feels like a fully realized individual culture with their own histories, sociopolitical systems, and faults. Cristine never dumps information, she layers it, allowing the reader to gradually absorb the complexities of a world on the brink of something catastrophic.

The character work is equally compelling. The cast is drawn with careful depth, each carrying their own scars, motivations, and mysteries. The psychological elements, especially those involving subconscious realms, memory, and hidden truths, add a captivating layer of metaphysical suspense. The interplay between science, the supernatural, and the unknown creates a sense of dread and wonder all at once.

Cristine’s pacing is measured but purposeful. Early chapters build tension, laying groundwork for the emotional and existential stakes. But once the story gains momentum, it becomes increasingly difficult to stop reading. Twists arise not just from plot turns but from revelations about identity, purpose, and the strange cosmic forces governing this world.

If you enjoy:

richly built sci-fi worlds
morally dark antagonists
slowly unwinding mysteries
stories that blend science fiction with metaphysical and psychological elements

…then The Dark Sun is a standout addition to your shelf.

A dark, atmospheric, and immersive novel that sets the stage for what feels like an epic series to come.

[Tea_Reading_and_Oz · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first I wasn't sure how this book was gonna go since the beginning was a bit off putting and took a while before it was explained but OMG this took a wild turn and now I need another or at least a short story to get an end to their final problem because that was a big cliff hanger that I NEED A RESOLUTION TO! But still I did actually really enjoy the book and the pacing, it kept me guessing as to how things would progress and what problems would be tackled first because more and more just kept going wrong. I also really enjoyed the slow burn that was one of the relationships and i was happy when it finally happened 😭. Really loved the whole groups dynamic besides one person but they honestly also didn't have enough time for me to really not like them so they get a pass lol. But loves it overall and need some kind of continuation!

[NinaInkdawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

When science fiction meets stories where every page is filled with military suspense. This book captivated me from the first pages with its kaleidoscope of characters that the writer outlines impeccably, each of them has a past they must deal with. This story is absolutely masterfully written and compelling and on every page you ask yourself: what will happen now? This book is worth reading for the sense of tension and mystery that permeates the entire book and keeps you constantly wanting to find out what will happen to our protagonists. I also loved Cristine because she never reveals too much... Like a game of poker. If you like complex but well-defined world building that makes you feel like you're inside the story and characters that fit together in a truly masterful way, you have to read The Dark Sun and after that ending I want the second book.

[Lizze · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars
Thank you to the author and Hidden Hollow for allowing me a chance to read and review this book.

This was a very intriguing story. I wasn't sure what to think after that prologue (it has a shocking event) and it took me a bit to get my bearings while reading but I quickly became engrossed in the characters, Pocky, Thomas and Lance. Each showing a different perspective of how they came to be where the main story takes place. Half way through, the story really picks up, as a reader, you learn more about the situation. I learned so much more then I was expecting. You learn that not everything is as it seems and everyone you know are not who they think they are. I was surprised how things progressed and look forward to seeing how the team proceeds from where things were left, especially with Pocky and Thomas.

This is a great sci-fi book and I highly recommend and can't wait for the next book.

[David Boevers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dark Sun is a masterclass in worldbuilding. Keller weaves together multiple technology worlds to produce one that reads as both fantasy and Scifi. The book also features an antagonist that will make your skin crawl. That said, this is a long haul read, so if you feel like you are getting stuck, keep reading. Keller will reward those who commit to the long read.

[Kate Brasington · Rating 4 out of 5]

This ending left me reeling with that cliffhanger 😩🤌
This book focuses on a specialized team brought together by a military experiment and we get to figure out how they all come together and how complex each one of these characters are from their background stories.
I really loved the world building and sci-fi elements in this book!

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dark Sun is a fascinating sci-fi thriller that builds a compelling and inventive world, delivering a very addictive read! The emotional depth of the characters and the high-stakes action make this a great addition to the genre.

The story unfolds on the planet Oxtaria, a fantastic setting that immediately captures the imagination. The plot centers on military medic Pocky, her long-separated brother, Thomas, and Lance, a farmer looking for purpose. All three soon become entangled in a high-stakes, sprawling conspiracy. The characters are impressively fleshed out, and their motivations lend real emotional depth to the intense action as they struggle against genuinely menacing villains. The villains in this book require special mention. They are written so well that you instantly understand the stakes. They are not mundane or pedestrian in their motivations; they are intensely, intelligently evil with a loathing for life that makes the whole story so gripping.

One other thing of particular note to me as a veteran is the IMF (Iarothian Military Force), which is depicted as a unique blend of forces akin to the French Foreign Legion mixed with some modern PMCs. The rigid structure of most military forces is somewhat relaxed with a powerful sense of fraternal loyalty and mutual dependence. This bond moves beyond simple professional duty, fostering a brotherly component where commitment to one's squadmates often overrides regulations.

For readers like me who often struggle with large, complex geographies (the kind with multiple countries, cultures, and languages that often require a reference manual), I especially appreciated how naturally the detail was presented here. There are no confusing info dumps; instead, the author weaves the complexities into the story gradually, making it incredibly easy to visualize and understand. Furthermore, the intricate backstory and reveals are super engaging. Without giving anything away, the plot twists are expertly handled and impossible to see coming, flawlessly blending personal stakes with the epic fate of an entire planet.

If you like deeply emotional characters, a plot packed with expertly handled twists, and genuinely menacing, well written villains, pick up The Dark Sun immediately.

[Stella Raven · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very interesting story. The plot weaves itself via 3 different POVs, those of Pocky, her twin brother Thomas, and a farmboy named Lance. The world itself is complex and diverse, with its history being explained very early in the book. I loved how to the point the prologue's narration was, no unnecessary details added. Regions around Oxtaria have their own distinct cultures and languages, and I hope we get to explore even more of them in the next book!

Our cast features people from all walks of life, looking for a place to belong and finding family in each other. I live for strong character dynamics, and the bonds between Lance and Bren truly made them stand out to me the most. I also hope we get to see more of Thomas and Kai -my girl needs more page time!

I didn't expect the plot twist, nor the cliffhanger at the end of the book, and yes, it is enough to make me want to pick it up upon release!

So far so good, but why 3*? Well, for two reasons. No.1 - the pacing. It felt like the story took too long to pick up. Although I loved seeing the characters getting to know each other, the main plot seemed to take off from the middle of the book. I wish it were balanced a little better.

No.2 - representation. There is only one gay character in the book (he is described as physically attracted to another of the same sex), and the representation is not the best. He is someone we definitely don't root for and -without going into too much detail- his behaviour is truly disturbing. I genuinely hope this is not a pattern in the author's writing and that this character behaved as such because of what he is (explained near the end of the book) and not who he is.

Important note: I am not familiar with the author and under no circumstances wish to jump to conclusions based on a single work of hers that I have read.

With the 2nd book still on track for release in September (based on the author's Goodreads update), I can't wait to see what this story has in store for our crew.

A big thank you to the author & Hidden Hollow Tours for the complimentary copy. This review was voluntary, and my opinions are my own.

[MJ | fortheloveofbooks01 · Rating 4 out of 5]

(I was given a copy of this book from the author, and all thoughts/opinions are my own and voluntarily provided)

“I am the destroyer of all that is evil. I silence my foes that end lives and lay ruin to the worlds they are unwelcome in. I am unmerciful and relentless in ending all that is unnatural and abnormal. I am the darkness you and your kind fear. I am the Dark Sun.”

The Dark Sun is a captivating sci-fi story that follows multiple characters on a ship-bound military operation gone awry. This book has amazing character development, fascinating twists and turns, complex world building/history that is not at all what it seems, and includes just the right amount of horror/thriller elements to make the story feel ominous.

Saying too much about this book would definitely spoil the experience, but I can say this: the writing is incredibly well done, and the pace starts off slow and easy until it shifts completely midway through and has you hanging on every word. I loved the visual descriptions of the world and the depth of the scientific complexities attached to the plot. The character development was spot on, with rich dialogue that strengthened the feel of each individual character as well as the depth of connection between the key players.

If you like immersive sci-fi novels that thrive on character development, suspense, unveiled secrets, and make you wonder "how is this even possible?" - this is the book for you.

Thank you for sharing a copy of this book with me, Cristine & Hidden Hollow Book Tours! ❤️ I am really interested to see where this story goes (and I need to know what Thomas is planning! 😉)

[Sudeshna Banerjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dark Sun by Cristine Keller is an exciting mix of science fiction, thriller, and dramatic emotions taking place in the backdrop of the impending destruction of the unknown planet called Oxtaria. This novel beautifully combines various narrative perspectives revolving around two characters Pocky and Lance who come together amidst chaos and secrets.

The internal struggle within Pocky enriches the story’s emotional foundation. The guilt she feels about using her twin brother, Thomas, who is estranged from her, for the sake of manipulation brings out an intense element of emotionality despite how grand the situation may become on a universal level.

The story of Lance presents an opposite but equally relevant point of view. The progression from an unattached farmer to becoming part of the research group discovering frightening information adds to the process of building the world. From Lance’s point of view, one can understand the feeling of gradually discovering that something is wrong.

As more secrets come out and the stakes rise, the tension escalates into a final showdown against an unknown entity associated with the "Dark Sun." Although some elements of the story seem somewhat predictable, the interesting interactions among characters and the rich setting make the story entertaining.

On the whole, The Dark Sun provides an engrossing science-fiction tale with emotional depth that should be worth reading.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is dark from the outset, and really sets the stage for the turmoil to come. Trust me when I say, you are going to *love* hating the antagonist in this. No hope for redemption, although I will caution that you should read the warnings before diving in if you've suffered any kind of abuse in your past. Even having read the warnings, I was still surprised by how easily Keller got my stomach turning as I read certain parts of this. I adored Ember from the moment they're introduced, and while I won't give spoilers, they're a bit of a breath of fresh air. The other protagonists, including Pocky, are also complex, and well-developed. I loved the world building, and if I had any complaints, it would be that cliffhanger at the end!!!

[Steven Halberd · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dark Sun hooked me fast with its immersive world-building and strong character development. Cristine Keller creates protagonists you root for and antagonists you love to hate. What really kept me reading was the mystery of the characters’ alternate lives — hinted at throughout the book but brilliantly revealed at the end. Trying to figure things out pulled me through The Dark Sun. The ending was fantastic and left me eager for the next installment. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Tayu · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review - Mind-blowing, amazing and emotional

Throughout my reading journey, I am alwaya looking for books that make me fall in love with not only the characters and the plot, but also the world and the magic within. It happens sometimes but not always. With this, despite it being the first in a series, I felt this.

I was hooked after just 5 chapters and had to continue reading to know all of the characters and the world they live in. The way the information you need to keep reading is woven into the story is just astounding. I never had such a way of figuring stuff out that it was natural for the universe of the book. The feeling of trying to connect all the dots as more pieces of information come out, was unmatched. Second only to the shock of being both right and wrong once the twist hits. It was just a phenomenal book to read.

And don't get me started on the characters... I adore Pocky. Her POV for the longest time was my favourite to read. I could connect to her the easiest but for the last 20% of the book, Lance changed this. He might be my second favourite character and favourite POV to read. Bren is just so amazing as a character that he quickly became my favourite.

I can't stress how much I look forward to the next part of this story and look forward to what happens to the team next. (The cliffhanger is so mean and I need to know what happens next asap)

I am thankful for being able to have read this as an ARC!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

thank you christine for letting me read this masterpiece i'm obsessed and i need to know what happens in the next book 🫣

[Glen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I won this book in a goodreads drawing.

DNF-The first page grossed me out too much to go further.

[Jazmin Lister · Rating 5 out of 5]

NOT A CLEAN (contains language, difficult and disturbing topics and scenes that are no for sensitive readers) BOOK
But wow, Cristine Keller’s imagination know no bounds. Every twist sent me for a loop, my stomached dropped out about a hundred times!!

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge scifi fan and I can honestly say I loved the book start to finish. It's based on a concept that I can't say as I've seen before. The story is compelling, the characters are lovingly crafted and feel very human.