What do you think?
Rate this book
The Depths of Darkness #1
In the Depths of Darkness
The galaxy's deadliest soldiers are now its most wanted criminals . . .
The year is 2119. Earth is a crowded, ugly shell of its former self, surrounded by numerous alien races and protected by the oppressive Earth Alliance.
When Alyx Starburn is arrested for stealing food, he's given a choice: join a new branch of the Earth Alliance, created to rehab convicts like him into the service, or rot in a quarry on a backwater planet a thousand light-years away. It isn't a hard decision, and he quickly finds himself in basic training with three other outcasts, each with secrets that put his life in danger.
But Alyx discovers they've been chosen as the unsuspecting test subjects of an advanced neural Chip; a Chip capable of turning them into elite soldiers. If they survive the implantation process. Those who do will spearhead the EA's conquest for galactic domination. Alyx and his team have barely come out of the procedure before they're blamed for murders they didn't commit and find themselves on the run, searching for somewhere—anywhere—safe.
Pursued by armies, bounty hunters, and a relentless squad of mysterious soldiers, the group must figure out who they can trust and who they can't, as they come to realize their own kind may be the most dangerous enemy of all.
The year is 2119. Earth is a crowded, ugly shell of its former self, surrounded by numerous alien races and protected by the oppressive Earth Alliance.
When Alyx Starburn is arrested for stealing food, he's given a choice: join a new branch of the Earth Alliance, created to rehab convicts like him into the service, or rot in a quarry on a backwater planet a thousand light-years away. It isn't a hard decision, and he quickly finds himself in basic training with three other outcasts, each with secrets that put his life in danger.
But Alyx discovers they've been chosen as the unsuspecting test subjects of an advanced neural Chip; a Chip capable of turning them into elite soldiers. If they survive the implantation process. Those who do will spearhead the EA's conquest for galactic domination. Alyx and his team have barely come out of the procedure before they're blamed for murders they didn't commit and find themselves on the run, searching for somewhere—anywhere—safe.
Pursued by armies, bounty hunters, and a relentless squad of mysterious soldiers, the group must figure out who they can trust and who they can't, as they come to realize their own kind may be the most dangerous enemy of all.
- GenresScience Fiction
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2016
31 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Sean Fletcher
36 books385 followersSean Fletcher was born in the broiling, arid state some people lovingly refer to as Texas. He is the Amazon bestselling author of YA fantasy, in addition to other forthcoming books whose characters will not give him a moment's peace until they get their turn in the spotlight. When not making things up and putting them on paper, he can be found hiking, biking, or traveling, sometimes all at the same time.
Get two free YA fantasy books from Sean's Heir of Dragons and Mage's Apprentice series when you sign up for his author newsletter ➜ https://www.subscribepage.com/seanfle...
Visit Sean's website ➜ https://seanfletcherauthor.com
Join the Fantasy Fiends Reader Group on Facebook ➜
https://www.facebook.com/groups/18944...
Instagram ➜ seanfletcherauthor
Get two free YA fantasy books from Sean's Heir of Dragons and Mage's Apprentice series when you sign up for his author newsletter ➜ https://www.subscribepage.com/seanfle...
Visit Sean's website ➜ https://seanfletcherauthor.com
Join the Fantasy Fiends Reader Group on Facebook ➜
https://www.facebook.com/groups/18944...
Instagram ➜ seanfletcherauthor
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 20, 2017
“Get to know all the players on the field before you cast your net of judgment” was the advice from a famous space pirate. Alyx Starburn and his companions aren’t exactly sure of their plans, and thus proceed cautiously toward what Alyx describes as an “…unknown future, awash in the glow of the space around us, while the ship cruised ever forward and galaxies pin wheeled overhead.” The dilemma of what to do and which path to take surrounds Alyx and his three other companions of Nova Squad, and is the essential element of author Sean Fletcher’s plot.
This book is billed as a YA and my personal take was that it easily could fall into a middle school age bracket, although there are older readers who will also enjoy this story (similar to adults who enjoyed “The Hunger Games,” or the Harry Potter or Narnia books). Personally, I prefer my sci-fi more realistic; however, one can never fault a well-written book, and in this genre Mr. Fletcher excels. Although some of the plot details and relationships between characters are hard to believe, within the younger YA market they work well.
The author concentrates mainly on the characters and the interaction between them rather than the science aspect. Each character has flaws and secrets buried deep within their psyches. Unfortunately for them, there are many factions within the universe who either want them dead, desire the tech imbedded inside their brains, or both. The story races toward the end, and even though this is the first in a series, the author provides us with a definite conclusion. Four stars.
This book is billed as a YA and my personal take was that it easily could fall into a middle school age bracket, although there are older readers who will also enjoy this story (similar to adults who enjoyed “The Hunger Games,” or the Harry Potter or Narnia books). Personally, I prefer my sci-fi more realistic; however, one can never fault a well-written book, and in this genre Mr. Fletcher excels. Although some of the plot details and relationships between characters are hard to believe, within the younger YA market they work well.
The author concentrates mainly on the characters and the interaction between them rather than the science aspect. Each character has flaws and secrets buried deep within their psyches. Unfortunately for them, there are many factions within the universe who either want them dead, desire the tech imbedded inside their brains, or both. The story races toward the end, and even though this is the first in a series, the author provides us with a definite conclusion. Four stars.
June 14, 2017
It was like a cross between Star Wars and Firefly, I loved it. Good pace, excellent space fighting, loved the pirate ship concept. The characters were believable and unique enough to not feel like every other space opera story & not too much whining about their predicament which is good, whiny characters are such a turn off. I felt that the EA could be a little more sinister, perhaps that will show up in the next book when they retaliate. The rogue soldiers was a nice touch if not a little predictable. All in all a fun read.
May 3, 2018
In the Depths of Darkness - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Alyx is a street urchin whose mother struggles to feed him and his 4 orphaned friends on a future Earth, ruled by President Osmond. In the absence of his long missing space-pirate father Raz Defan, Alyx is the 'man' of the family and runs foul of the tyrannical regime when he helps one of the others escape arrest for stealing food in the marketplace.
What happens after Alyx is caught? Who does he team up with in the rebel group? What is the group called? Who is Jess - and who is her father? What are the CHIP implants forced on the youngsters?
When does Jess' brother Orson meet up with the Screamers? Who rescues them from imprisonment?
Why do the group fight - and who are their opponents? Who is the Screamers' new leader?
This superb space opera is small but perfectly formed and is a tribute to the vast imagination of Fantasy Master, Sean Fletcher. The scale of the background and the quickly-engaging characters take one's breath away. I can highly recommend this amazing YA book to fans of Star Wars and sci-fi fantasy adventure-thrillers. Waste no time - fly to the nearest seller for your copy, then tell all your friends...they'll love it too!
Alyx is a street urchin whose mother struggles to feed him and his 4 orphaned friends on a future Earth, ruled by President Osmond. In the absence of his long missing space-pirate father Raz Defan, Alyx is the 'man' of the family and runs foul of the tyrannical regime when he helps one of the others escape arrest for stealing food in the marketplace.
What happens after Alyx is caught? Who does he team up with in the rebel group? What is the group called? Who is Jess - and who is her father? What are the CHIP implants forced on the youngsters?
When does Jess' brother Orson meet up with the Screamers? Who rescues them from imprisonment?
Why do the group fight - and who are their opponents? Who is the Screamers' new leader?
This superb space opera is small but perfectly formed and is a tribute to the vast imagination of Fantasy Master, Sean Fletcher. The scale of the background and the quickly-engaging characters take one's breath away. I can highly recommend this amazing YA book to fans of Star Wars and sci-fi fantasy adventure-thrillers. Waste no time - fly to the nearest seller for your copy, then tell all your friends...they'll love it too!
May 23, 2017
A great book about a dystopian future where the world decays and many suffer as the world government extends their power across known space including human colonies and aliens. A group of young people, mostly pressed into military service to avoid being sent to a fatal prison labor colony, are enhanced in a test program to make super soldiers in the government's search for new weapons to extend it's power.
September 20, 2022
Good story!
Kind of a combo superhero/space opera as "upgraded" kids with nanotech fight against overwhelming odds. Started almost like a Heinlein space juvenile as Alyx Starborn--cheesy name, what's the matter, was Starkiller and Skywalker taken?--is pulled from the ghetto and sent to training, but then takes a bit of a superhero twist with the introduction of the "Chip". A good story, good enough that I bought the sequel. I enjoyed this author's other books as well.
Kind of a combo superhero/space opera as "upgraded" kids with nanotech fight against overwhelming odds. Started almost like a Heinlein space juvenile as Alyx Starborn--cheesy name, what's the matter, was Starkiller and Skywalker taken?--is pulled from the ghetto and sent to training, but then takes a bit of a superhero twist with the introduction of the "Chip". A good story, good enough that I bought the sequel. I enjoyed this author's other books as well.
March 16, 2017
Great read! Fast paced, real page turner. The characters were fun and easy to connect with. There were some good twists, I may have shouted at the characters a couple times. Looking forward to the sequel!
March 21, 2017
I was blessed with a free copy of this book, and have chosen of my own volition to share this review.
This is a truly great read, a break from reality! The characters are well-developed. The story line is complete. There are numerous twists and turns in the plot, which I was not expecting. The language is for the most part clean. There is no sexuality.
The main character Alyx is caught stealing on Earth, and has received a harsh sentencing. At the last moment he is offered a position in the EA in lieu of his prison sentence. He chooses to join EA, and this book details his experiences with them. From training to forced chip implementation...where will this story go? Read to find out...you won't be disappointed!
This is a truly great read, a break from reality! The characters are well-developed. The story line is complete. There are numerous twists and turns in the plot, which I was not expecting. The language is for the most part clean. There is no sexuality.
The main character Alyx is caught stealing on Earth, and has received a harsh sentencing. At the last moment he is offered a position in the EA in lieu of his prison sentence. He chooses to join EA, and this book details his experiences with them. From training to forced chip implementation...where will this story go? Read to find out...you won't be disappointed!
May 3, 2020
A story with more than all I could hope for from a story: humor, action, adventure, romance, fictional elements, realistic & relatable characters, and a few surprises all packed in one! Higley reccomend reading the story!!! Worth your time.
September 1, 2018
This is an intense beginning to a very exciting series. I highly recommend.
January 2, 2017
Action packed, great character development, truly a great read for 2017!
March 13, 2017
Not bad, but not great
It's an interesting concept, but the execution was a bit confusing. The insert chapters from the Others were strange and seemed unnecessary.
It's an interesting concept, but the execution was a bit confusing. The insert chapters from the Others were strange and seemed unnecessary.
February 14, 2017
Exceptional. Far exceeded my expectations.
March 6, 2017
Available Kindle Unlimited Space Opera type would guess, darker than used to, but that does not mean worse just different. Seemed to be just a few more characters than could keep up with, but that is not because of the story but because of me. Enough somewhat unexpected happenings, perhaps would have been more but again, I read, a LOT, so nothing to do with writer. Read his I Am Phantom book already as well, well got them free to read even without KU because writers hope for possible reviews of course, and free books are nice for me even with ku.
I Am Phantom
We Who Remain (I Am Phantom Book 2)
Subject Number One: An I Am Phantom Novella
In the Depths of Darkness
I Am Phantom
We Who Remain (I Am Phantom Book 2)
Subject Number One: An I Am Phantom Novella
In the Depths of Darkness
January 9, 2017
I received this book for free and voluntarily chose to review it.
That said, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I am a big fan of space opera and this book did not disappoint. There is a lot going on in this universe as well as several others. There are aliens, pirates, rebels and assorted other interesting groups. I was entertained by the thought of making criminals into super soldiers and then loosing control of them. I certainly hope there is another book in the series.
That said, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I am a big fan of space opera and this book did not disappoint. There is a lot going on in this universe as well as several others. There are aliens, pirates, rebels and assorted other interesting groups. I was entertained by the thought of making criminals into super soldiers and then loosing control of them. I certainly hope there is another book in the series.
February 1, 2017
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review.
This was a great sci-fi adventure set in the future. It had great character development and a wonderful story. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end and recommend.
This was a great sci-fi adventure set in the future. It had great character development and a wonderful story. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end and recommend.
December 14, 2016
Good book
Took me awhile to get into the book but it turned out to be a book worth reading. Hurdy up with the sequel!
Took me awhile to get into the book but it turned out to be a book worth reading. Hurdy up with the sequel!
March 29, 2017
This is one for lovers of dystopian fiction and the sci-fi addicts alike.
Initially set on a future Earth, where life is difficult for many living under the oppressive ‘Earth Alliance’ rule, In the Depths of Darkness follows the story of Alyx as he is blackmailed into joining the Alliance and heading out into battle off-planet.
Alyx is a fascinating character. He’s a bit of a ‘bad boy’ on Earth – not liking the regime. But in addition to his feisty, rebellious side, he has a more gentle and caring outlook noticeable in his relationships with both family and friends. The depth of his character is something that has the power to really draw a reader into the story on an emotional level.
There are a lot of elements to this book. If you like reading about developing relationships, then watch out for the connections building right from the beginning to the end. There’s also plenty of (pretty cool) hardware in the form of advanced weapons and technology. And they’re not just ‘pulled from nowhere’ creations. It seems that Sean Fletcher has thought through the science of his ideas. Although there are plenty of flights of imagination, the detail has you thinking it might just be possible. If it’s battle scenes you’re after then you definitely won’t be disappointed. The descriptions of the fighting are so well written that you can really feel part of the scene and find yourself turning the page compulsively in your desire to find out who triumphs. There are plenty of ‘heart-in-your-mouth’ moments where you can’t be certain whether your favourite character is going to survive. And maybe they won’t…
There’s nothing gentle or forgiving about this storyline, or the great writing that creates it. There’s no fairy-tale ‘happy ever after’. Instead, the book is gritty and somehow ‘real’. You never feel cheated by escapes or coincidences that just don’t ring true. People don’t always say ‘yes’ or behave in a particular way just because it would make the story easier.
There are also some impressive twists in the tale as the allegiance of characters is not as straightforward as it might first appear. In this way, the characters gain great dimension and complexity that mirrors the true nature of human emotions, decisions, and relationships.
I’m not going to give you the storyline – read the blurb, buy the book, and find out for yourself. What I will say is that this is a book that really caught my attention. I looked forward to reading it in every spare moment and it certainly wasn’t easy to put down when I actually needed to get some work done! I can’t wait for the sequel.
Initially set on a future Earth, where life is difficult for many living under the oppressive ‘Earth Alliance’ rule, In the Depths of Darkness follows the story of Alyx as he is blackmailed into joining the Alliance and heading out into battle off-planet.
Alyx is a fascinating character. He’s a bit of a ‘bad boy’ on Earth – not liking the regime. But in addition to his feisty, rebellious side, he has a more gentle and caring outlook noticeable in his relationships with both family and friends. The depth of his character is something that has the power to really draw a reader into the story on an emotional level.
There are a lot of elements to this book. If you like reading about developing relationships, then watch out for the connections building right from the beginning to the end. There’s also plenty of (pretty cool) hardware in the form of advanced weapons and technology. And they’re not just ‘pulled from nowhere’ creations. It seems that Sean Fletcher has thought through the science of his ideas. Although there are plenty of flights of imagination, the detail has you thinking it might just be possible. If it’s battle scenes you’re after then you definitely won’t be disappointed. The descriptions of the fighting are so well written that you can really feel part of the scene and find yourself turning the page compulsively in your desire to find out who triumphs. There are plenty of ‘heart-in-your-mouth’ moments where you can’t be certain whether your favourite character is going to survive. And maybe they won’t…
There’s nothing gentle or forgiving about this storyline, or the great writing that creates it. There’s no fairy-tale ‘happy ever after’. Instead, the book is gritty and somehow ‘real’. You never feel cheated by escapes or coincidences that just don’t ring true. People don’t always say ‘yes’ or behave in a particular way just because it would make the story easier.
There are also some impressive twists in the tale as the allegiance of characters is not as straightforward as it might first appear. In this way, the characters gain great dimension and complexity that mirrors the true nature of human emotions, decisions, and relationships.
I’m not going to give you the storyline – read the blurb, buy the book, and find out for yourself. What I will say is that this is a book that really caught my attention. I looked forward to reading it in every spare moment and it certainly wasn’t easy to put down when I actually needed to get some work done! I can’t wait for the sequel.
April 1, 2017
Wow, great story....
I was blown away by this book. It is a great story but it was the characters that grabbed me and wouldn't let me go. Their interactions with one another and with the people around them will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you like space fantasy with lots of action you will love this book. I am going to get book two right now.
I was blown away by this book. It is a great story but it was the characters that grabbed me and wouldn't let me go. Their interactions with one another and with the people around them will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you like space fantasy with lots of action you will love this book. I am going to get book two right now.
May 13, 2017
A fairly fast paced story where earth is overcrowded, the Alliance is protecting earth (or themselves) and our initial character is a young man who enjoys the adrenaline rush of stealing food, although admittedly it is a necessity. The result - he is conscripted. He meets several other young men and women in their early 20s who are also forced into the Alliance space army so as to avoid the mines and a miserable life for their families. Some experimentation by the Alliance takes their training into a new direction. Four of our characters become a group working together, all with secrets, yet all with good hearts underneath. But something has gone wrong and as everyone starts chasing them for the chips in their heads, the story expands further into a full blown space opera, including a space pirate (that made me thing Pirates of the Caribbean), a rescue, and fight for the side of good.
There were two reasons I didn't give this 5 stars. The first is the The Other. Their "comments" interrupted the story, confused me, and didn't add to the story. Secondly, the layout. I obtained it in mobi format for the Kindle and, especially when the Others were speaking, but also in a few other instances, it appear someone used right and center justification or something because the text was all over the page and difficult to read. I downloaded another copy on my tablet and the same problems. I do want to read the next book in this series.
There were two reasons I didn't give this 5 stars. The first is the The Other. Their "comments" interrupted the story, confused me, and didn't add to the story. Secondly, the layout. I obtained it in mobi format for the Kindle and, especially when the Others were speaking, but also in a few other instances, it appear someone used right and center justification or something because the text was all over the page and difficult to read. I downloaded another copy on my tablet and the same problems. I do want to read the next book in this series.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews