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The Darkworlds Saga #2
Dark Tides
Not yet published
Expected 25 Mar 26AFTER SOMEHOW SURVIVING THE LONG, DARK NIGHT, TARLO FELL TO A NEW WORLD.
Here on Alantia, things are different.
The colonists live in advanced skybases, the air is breathable, and the environment a far cry from the deadly sands of Cahros – in fact, Alantia is covered by a single, planet-spanning ocean.
Still clinging to dreams of discovering new life and hoping to prove himself once again, Tarlo volunteers to join a deep-sea expedition. Just as they reach the depths, a new discovery changes everything, setting into motion another desperate race for survival.
There’s something down there… in the deep…
DARK TIDES is the second book in the Thrilling Sci-Fi Adventure Series, THE DARKWORLDS SAGA, by J.S.Harman.
Here on Alantia, things are different.
The colonists live in advanced skybases, the air is breathable, and the environment a far cry from the deadly sands of Cahros – in fact, Alantia is covered by a single, planet-spanning ocean.
Still clinging to dreams of discovering new life and hoping to prove himself once again, Tarlo volunteers to join a deep-sea expedition. Just as they reach the depths, a new discovery changes everything, setting into motion another desperate race for survival.
There’s something down there… in the deep…
DARK TIDES is the second book in the Thrilling Sci-Fi Adventure Series, THE DARKWORLDS SAGA, by J.S.Harman.
310 pages, Paperback
Expected publication March 25, 2026
3 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
J.S. Harman
3 books30 followersJ.S.Harman is a new voice in the world of accessible Science Fiction. A finalist in the 2025 Aurealis Awards for Best Science Fiction Novel, Harman specialises in tales of survival, adventure and existentialism, melding classic science fiction tropes with explorations of the universal human experience. J.S.Harman’s accolades also include second in the 2025 Geelong Writers Competition, a finalist place in the 2025 Verandah E40 Journal, and a finalist place in the IGWriter Awards 2025.
Heralding from Melbourne, Australia, Harman has a background in Social Work and Community Services, having spent years working in acute mental health, homelessness and disability spaces, and has maintained a passion for contributing to his community. Harman has been a passionate reader and writer since his earliest years, completing his first story at age 10, and spends his spare time playing video games, completing puzzles, assembling LEGO, and wishing he lived somewhere up in the mountains by a lake.
Heralding from Melbourne, Australia, Harman has a background in Social Work and Community Services, having spent years working in acute mental health, homelessness and disability spaces, and has maintained a passion for contributing to his community. Harman has been a passionate reader and writer since his earliest years, completing his first story at age 10, and spends his spare time playing video games, completing puzzles, assembling LEGO, and wishing he lived somewhere up in the mountains by a lake.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Special thanks to the author for the ARC copy of this book, and apologies to my job for sneaking off for bits to read this since I could not put it down!
After a brief reintroduction to the world(s), we kick off right where we left off with Tarlo and crew now having to survive in the new, and just as hostile, environment of Alantia...a fully covered water world with a small beach near a copy of the mysterious obelisk that transported them off of Cahros.
The writing for the new world is just as descriptive and immersive; however, the strength of the story, just as in Dark Sands, is our characters. Tarlo and his small crew deal with grief, survivors guilt, imposter syndrome, and love in a way that's missing from a lot of novels, and, to me, that's where these books shine. There's complex expressions of sadness, feelings of abandonment, and jealousy, and the characters resolve these feelings and push through to survive.
I thought overall it's just as wonderful of a read as Dark Sands. I guessed where it was going and was happy when I was dead wrong. There's so much more left to unfold, and I can't wait to explore more of these worlds with our boy Tarlo and see where this goes next!
After a brief reintroduction to the world(s), we kick off right where we left off with Tarlo and crew now having to survive in the new, and just as hostile, environment of Alantia...a fully covered water world with a small beach near a copy of the mysterious obelisk that transported them off of Cahros.
The writing for the new world is just as descriptive and immersive; however, the strength of the story, just as in Dark Sands, is our characters. Tarlo and his small crew deal with grief, survivors guilt, imposter syndrome, and love in a way that's missing from a lot of novels, and, to me, that's where these books shine. There's complex expressions of sadness, feelings of abandonment, and jealousy, and the characters resolve these feelings and push through to survive.
I thought overall it's just as wonderful of a read as Dark Sands. I guessed where it was going and was happy when I was dead wrong. There's so much more left to unfold, and I can't wait to explore more of these worlds with our boy Tarlo and see where this goes next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you so much to J. S. Harman Firstly for writing this book. And secondly for being SO kind as to let me be one of the first to read and review it.
In this story Tarlo and a couple of other survivors from Cathos have gone through this strange portal to another planet. This time one that is all but covered entirely with endless sea.
I was very curious to see how Harman would handle an environment like this. How could we possibly survive underwater in just our spacesuits?
But what we find is that these black rocks they traveled through work as some kind of magnetic Bermuda triangle situation. So that the team who were stationed on this planet at the same time Tarlo and his crew were stationed on Cathos have set up a beacon device next to the cave entrance, and the crew are taken to Tuwia, a space station situation floating above the waters.
They are treated but still dealing with the emotional and mental repercussions as well as confusion of what they experienced on Cathos. But Tarlo chooses to venture into the sea with Tuwia's explorers. And the discoveries he makes while there are truly mind blowing....
This story sees our characters growing more in their relationships with one another. Exploring the idea of intimacy with one another and closeness. It's really nice to see this aspect being explored more within this book, as well as looking at the idea of rebellion and obedience to the original mission.
It is actual quite a political story looking back to those surviving on Cathos, and what has happened since Tarlo left. And also looks back at Earth and the repercussions of the families they left behind.
It looks at spin doctors, at the use of awards and honors within this spin doctoring and also at the idea of culture and race. One particularly interesting point looked at is how the original team from Tuwia are so cautious of those from Cathos. Both were from Earth only a couple years ago, but in that time they have developed their own experiences, knowledge systems, relationships, cultural type ideals that had me reflecting on the idea of racism and it's purpose in THIS world.
I absolutely loved this story. It had me even more on the edge of my seat than the first one, which was creepy with how hopeless the situation was, but this one we know the characters, they know each other, and Harman trusts his readers to remember whats in the first book. So he doesn't linger on reminders, but rather keeps the story moving.
The dangers in this book are INCREDIBLY different from those on Cathos, and it is ALMOST like you are reading a different genre with how different this story reads from dark sands.
The stories are so well connected though that they don't read as separate stories.
There IS a prologue and intro at the beginning which serves as reminders to what happened in the first book. But, refreshingly, reads as an entirely new part of this new story, rather than as annoying rehashing of old material. I loved how this was handled as it kept the books flowing one to the next.
Harman is an author who trusts his readers. Who loves his readers. And who shows deep respect for them. I've thoroughly enjoyed this series so far and CAN NOT wait to read book three. I'm on the edge of my seat already. But Harman assures me book three is in the pipeline and will be completed MUCH faster than these first two books. EEEEEEEEE I can't wait!
In this story Tarlo and a couple of other survivors from Cathos have gone through this strange portal to another planet. This time one that is all but covered entirely with endless sea.
I was very curious to see how Harman would handle an environment like this. How could we possibly survive underwater in just our spacesuits?
But what we find is that these black rocks they traveled through work as some kind of magnetic Bermuda triangle situation. So that the team who were stationed on this planet at the same time Tarlo and his crew were stationed on Cathos have set up a beacon device next to the cave entrance, and the crew are taken to Tuwia, a space station situation floating above the waters.
They are treated but still dealing with the emotional and mental repercussions as well as confusion of what they experienced on Cathos. But Tarlo chooses to venture into the sea with Tuwia's explorers. And the discoveries he makes while there are truly mind blowing....
This story sees our characters growing more in their relationships with one another. Exploring the idea of intimacy with one another and closeness. It's really nice to see this aspect being explored more within this book, as well as looking at the idea of rebellion and obedience to the original mission.
It is actual quite a political story looking back to those surviving on Cathos, and what has happened since Tarlo left. And also looks back at Earth and the repercussions of the families they left behind.
It looks at spin doctors, at the use of awards and honors within this spin doctoring and also at the idea of culture and race. One particularly interesting point looked at is how the original team from Tuwia are so cautious of those from Cathos. Both were from Earth only a couple years ago, but in that time they have developed their own experiences, knowledge systems, relationships, cultural type ideals that had me reflecting on the idea of racism and it's purpose in THIS world.
I absolutely loved this story. It had me even more on the edge of my seat than the first one, which was creepy with how hopeless the situation was, but this one we know the characters, they know each other, and Harman trusts his readers to remember whats in the first book. So he doesn't linger on reminders, but rather keeps the story moving.
The dangers in this book are INCREDIBLY different from those on Cathos, and it is ALMOST like you are reading a different genre with how different this story reads from dark sands.
The stories are so well connected though that they don't read as separate stories.
There IS a prologue and intro at the beginning which serves as reminders to what happened in the first book. But, refreshingly, reads as an entirely new part of this new story, rather than as annoying rehashing of old material. I loved how this was handled as it kept the books flowing one to the next.
Harman is an author who trusts his readers. Who loves his readers. And who shows deep respect for them. I've thoroughly enjoyed this series so far and CAN NOT wait to read book three. I'm on the edge of my seat already. But Harman assures me book three is in the pipeline and will be completed MUCH faster than these first two books. EEEEEEEEE I can't wait!
January 30, 2026
"Dark Tides" is a captivating sequel to "Dark Sands" that I simply couldn't put down… And I mean that! It’s the first book in years that I’ve stayed up late to read. J. S. Harman's writing is alluring and wonderfully descriptive, fully immersing you in these new worlds. The newly introduced characters are authentic and compelling, each bringing a unique perspective to the narrative.
The book is cleverly structured with smooth transitions between chapters, though the shifting perspectives can be frustratingly tantalizing, leaving you eagerly waiting to hear about different characters. The book masterfully explores the impacts of trauma and grief, evoking great sympathy for Tarlo and his friends.
Overall, "Dark Tides" is a truly wonderful read. It builds beautifully on the concepts established in the first book, leaving you on the edge of your seat, eagerly anticipating the final read of the trilogy. I honestly can't wait to get my hands on it!
The book is cleverly structured with smooth transitions between chapters, though the shifting perspectives can be frustratingly tantalizing, leaving you eagerly waiting to hear about different characters. The book masterfully explores the impacts of trauma and grief, evoking great sympathy for Tarlo and his friends.
Overall, "Dark Tides" is a truly wonderful read. It builds beautifully on the concepts established in the first book, leaving you on the edge of your seat, eagerly anticipating the final read of the trilogy. I honestly can't wait to get my hands on it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 star rating. ARC reader 📖
okay okay... but like Jesse you okay?
We pick right back up from where book 1 left us, some people at the original base and well... some people in a whole new... tide? 😆
It starts hard fast and even the characters are all pulled into another chaotic, heart pounding and insane encounter. Poor Tarlo, he just kinda wants to be a hero but ends up scared, hyperventilating and needing comfort. Its giving reluctant hero/chosen one with anxiety, but then ends up always surviving 🤣🤣
While this book allowed me to seriously consider Jesse's mental state it left me on edge wondering what on earth is going to happen next.
Dark Tides ended on another large cliffhanger, making me wonder where on earth two very interesting characters ended up and where Tarlo ended up too?
I enjoyed this book, easy to read, short, while had some maybe pacing where things happened too quick and some world building moments, where I kinda wanted more. But as it was quick I moved on quickly too!
A great sequel and I cannot wait for book 3!
okay okay... but like Jesse you okay?
We pick right back up from where book 1 left us, some people at the original base and well... some people in a whole new... tide? 😆
It starts hard fast and even the characters are all pulled into another chaotic, heart pounding and insane encounter. Poor Tarlo, he just kinda wants to be a hero but ends up scared, hyperventilating and needing comfort. Its giving reluctant hero/chosen one with anxiety, but then ends up always surviving 🤣🤣
While this book allowed me to seriously consider Jesse's mental state it left me on edge wondering what on earth is going to happen next.
Dark Tides ended on another large cliffhanger, making me wonder where on earth two very interesting characters ended up and where Tarlo ended up too?
I enjoyed this book, easy to read, short, while had some maybe pacing where things happened too quick and some world building moments, where I kinda wanted more. But as it was quick I moved on quickly too!
A great sequel and I cannot wait for book 3!
Review of advance copy received from Author
What point has suffering if there are none to bear witness? What can be seen if there are no eyes?
Just hours after the harrowing conclusion of Dark Sands, Tarlo and his fellow survivors of the Catal settlement find themselves on an entirely different planet--and, an entirely different time, discovering that a whole two years have passed since their disastrous escape from Cahros. They haven't a clue how they got there, and their own lack of explanation raises suspicions with the native Alantian colonists.
Alantia, a sister planet of Cahros but lightyears away, is comprised of nothing but an endless ocean. Like the desert hellscape from which they've escaped, it has two colonies: one, completely wiped out by an unknown force, and another with dwindling ranks that whittle down by the day. The Alantian colonists are growing antsy, waiting for their home to simply plunge into the depths beneath. In an effort to gain knowledge about the world and its hostility towards their presence, they deploy 3-man-crewed submersibles to scout and document everything they see--including the plethora of new species swimming in the dark waters. Tarlo volunteers to embark on one such dive, not only to satisfy his own thrills of new discovery, but to earn the trust of his hosts.
When a creature so massive that the submersible's navigation system mistakes it for the sea floor rears its ugly, invisible head--and one of Tarlo's unlucky crewmates is killed by blunt-force trauma of the thing merely bumping the vehicle--both the Cahran and Alantian colonists quickly learn that there is no room for animosity if they are going to survive.
Dark Sands set high expectations, and Dark Tides blew them out of the water (no pun intended). I was hooked from the very first sentence and the last left a gaping hole in my soul. For any horror, thriller, science fiction--or, any genre at all--lover who has not yet picked up this series, do yourself an immense favor and pick it up ASAP. I cannot wait for the next installment.
J.S. Harman, you have done it again.
Just hours after the harrowing conclusion of Dark Sands, Tarlo and his fellow survivors of the Catal settlement find themselves on an entirely different planet--and, an entirely different time, discovering that a whole two years have passed since their disastrous escape from Cahros. They haven't a clue how they got there, and their own lack of explanation raises suspicions with the native Alantian colonists.
Alantia, a sister planet of Cahros but lightyears away, is comprised of nothing but an endless ocean. Like the desert hellscape from which they've escaped, it has two colonies: one, completely wiped out by an unknown force, and another with dwindling ranks that whittle down by the day. The Alantian colonists are growing antsy, waiting for their home to simply plunge into the depths beneath. In an effort to gain knowledge about the world and its hostility towards their presence, they deploy 3-man-crewed submersibles to scout and document everything they see--including the plethora of new species swimming in the dark waters. Tarlo volunteers to embark on one such dive, not only to satisfy his own thrills of new discovery, but to earn the trust of his hosts.
When a creature so massive that the submersible's navigation system mistakes it for the sea floor rears its ugly, invisible head--and one of Tarlo's unlucky crewmates is killed by blunt-force trauma of the thing merely bumping the vehicle--both the Cahran and Alantian colonists quickly learn that there is no room for animosity if they are going to survive.
Dark Sands set high expectations, and Dark Tides blew them out of the water (no pun intended). I was hooked from the very first sentence and the last left a gaping hole in my soul. For any horror, thriller, science fiction--or, any genre at all--lover who has not yet picked up this series, do yourself an immense favor and pick it up ASAP. I cannot wait for the next installment.
J.S. Harman, you have done it again.
Review of advance copy received from Author
There might be something out there in the deep, but between these pages I know rests the excitement of an amazingly scary horror book.
Harman has done it again!
I went into Dark Tides with high expectations, following the attention-grabbing and heartbeat-raising first book. Now, with glee, may I say that Dark Tides does not disappoint! In short, I can most certainly recommend it. Get it if this is your thing. You'd be helping an amazing indie author out and getting an amazing and tense book.
From the first moment, Dark Tides picks up right where Dark Sands left off. No time is wasted getting back into the tension and hopelessness of the situation, as we are reunited with beloved old characters and introduced to a fun cast of new ones.
While in a different setting with new themes and plethoras of creepiness, there is a familiar pace to and structure to the book. That said, this time we are following characters in completely different settings and situations, increasing the tension and drama even further.
Now, I must admit this book might be a bit faced paced for some. This is a current industry standard and I think Harman toes the line perfectly, giving just enough moments to breathe and let events sink in, or follow a different plot line, before being stabbed through the heart again (seriously, this Author is ruthless to his characters!). Still, don't expect a calm read going into this. Once you start, you're in for something. And once you've finished, you won't have the patience to wait for the third book.
At least I know I won't... The ruthless waves of Dark Tides certainly have me anchored to the Darkworlds series.
Harman has done it again!
I went into Dark Tides with high expectations, following the attention-grabbing and heartbeat-raising first book. Now, with glee, may I say that Dark Tides does not disappoint! In short, I can most certainly recommend it. Get it if this is your thing. You'd be helping an amazing indie author out and getting an amazing and tense book.
From the first moment, Dark Tides picks up right where Dark Sands left off. No time is wasted getting back into the tension and hopelessness of the situation, as we are reunited with beloved old characters and introduced to a fun cast of new ones.
While in a different setting with new themes and plethoras of creepiness, there is a familiar pace to and structure to the book. That said, this time we are following characters in completely different settings and situations, increasing the tension and drama even further.
Now, I must admit this book might be a bit faced paced for some. This is a current industry standard and I think Harman toes the line perfectly, giving just enough moments to breathe and let events sink in, or follow a different plot line, before being stabbed through the heart again (seriously, this Author is ruthless to his characters!). Still, don't expect a calm read going into this. Once you start, you're in for something. And once you've finished, you won't have the patience to wait for the third book.
At least I know I won't... The ruthless waves of Dark Tides certainly have me anchored to the Darkworlds series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another incredible story from J.S. Harman - Dark Tides built upon everything Dark Sands promised, while heaping on further strife and suffering for characters you can’t help but care for.
I was absolutely enthralled with the watery world of Alantia and its mysterious depths. The story begins with a more tempered sense of adventure and discovery as the survivors of Cahros experience this new planet for the first time. Having read Dark Sands, I was on high alert for hints at the carnage that would come—and in this department the novel far exceeded my expectations.
Be prepared for a headlong rush in the second half, and some exciting throwbacks to beloved characters and their fates from book one. The ending hinted at so many more answers left to come about these worlds and their connections to each other, and I am on the edge of my seat waiting for book three!
I was absolutely enthralled with the watery world of Alantia and its mysterious depths. The story begins with a more tempered sense of adventure and discovery as the survivors of Cahros experience this new planet for the first time. Having read Dark Sands, I was on high alert for hints at the carnage that would come—and in this department the novel far exceeded my expectations.
Be prepared for a headlong rush in the second half, and some exciting throwbacks to beloved characters and their fates from book one. The ending hinted at so many more answers left to come about these worlds and their connections to each other, and I am on the edge of my seat waiting for book three!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I read Dark Sands in January of this year, and did so because I love Sci-Fi, and the book was brilliantly done. A fresh take on the horrors of interplanetary travel is exactly what the world needs. So when i got the chance to get an early copy of Dark Tides, I jumped at it, and as unbelievable as it may seem, i genuinely think this sequel is better than the first book. The visual descriptions of the ocean world, and the creatures found in its depths. Outstanding. I had four books on the go, picking up each when the mood struck, Dark Tides was the first one if finished, the others still have about half to go.
JSH is onto something with the Darkworlds Saga.
JSH is onto something with the Darkworlds Saga.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Absolutely loved this sequel!! We’ve got a new planet, new mysteries, new POVs and an even deeper dive (pun intended) into our characters, their insecurities, relationships and existentialism! Dark Tides was perfectly paced and spooky and kept me hooked!! Can’t wait for book 3!!!
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