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Dark Space Universe #1
Dark Space Universe
An alternate cover edition for this ASIN can be found here
A standalone sequel to the Dark Space series.
The univers is darker than we thought...
Lucien Ortane is a Paragon in the Etherian Empire. His job is to explore the universe and spread Etherian doctrines of peace, justice, and immortality to sentient beings everywhere. Like all Paragons, and most citizens, Lucien believes that Etherus, the benevolent ruler of the Empire, is exactly who he claims to be: the one true God and creator of the universe.
But not everyone is a believer.
The Academy of Science circulates a petition to send a mission to the cosmic horizon and learn the true nature of the universe. Over a billion people sign it, and Etherus grants their request, but with a dire warning: evil is lurking in the dark.
Undaunted by this warning, three hundred million scientists from the Academy prepare to leave the Empire on what will be the longest and most incredible journey in history.
A small group of Paragons also join the mission, each of them for their own reasons. Lucien Ortane tells himself that he’s going in order to settle other people’s doubts, and to keep a bunch of hapless scientists safe. After all, he’s a Paragon, one of Etherus’s most faithful servants.
Yet even the faithful have doubts. Is the universe infinite? Does it have an edge? Is it shaped like a sphere, or connected like a torus? Did it need a creator, or does it cycle endlessly, god unto itself? These are the questions that the Academy is trying to answer, but the answers they get could be their undoing. God or not, Etherus was telling the truth about one thing: evil is lurking in the dark....
A standalone sequel to the Dark Space series.
The univers is darker than we thought...
Lucien Ortane is a Paragon in the Etherian Empire. His job is to explore the universe and spread Etherian doctrines of peace, justice, and immortality to sentient beings everywhere. Like all Paragons, and most citizens, Lucien believes that Etherus, the benevolent ruler of the Empire, is exactly who he claims to be: the one true God and creator of the universe.
But not everyone is a believer.
The Academy of Science circulates a petition to send a mission to the cosmic horizon and learn the true nature of the universe. Over a billion people sign it, and Etherus grants their request, but with a dire warning: evil is lurking in the dark.
Undaunted by this warning, three hundred million scientists from the Academy prepare to leave the Empire on what will be the longest and most incredible journey in history.
A small group of Paragons also join the mission, each of them for their own reasons. Lucien Ortane tells himself that he’s going in order to settle other people’s doubts, and to keep a bunch of hapless scientists safe. After all, he’s a Paragon, one of Etherus’s most faithful servants.
Yet even the faithful have doubts. Is the universe infinite? Does it have an edge? Is it shaped like a sphere, or connected like a torus? Did it need a creator, or does it cycle endlessly, god unto itself? These are the questions that the Academy is trying to answer, but the answers they get could be their undoing. God or not, Etherus was telling the truth about one thing: evil is lurking in the dark....
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2017
444 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
About the author
Jasper T. Scott
103 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...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
September 2, 2018
2.5 stars
I can’t say that there is much in terms of depth to this story. The characters are all overpowered, and when you take death off the table (because they are cloned and their thoughts are transmitted to the ever-ready supply of bodies), with super body armour and amazing weaponry, with gizmos that make you fly, then where is the personal challenge?
Scott has done some research, but not only do we get an appendix referring to a bunch of websites which he has used to reference the work (quite helpful), but then we get it all explained again in the narrative and it comes across as preachy mansplainin’. And more time is spent on thinking about the nature of the universe than the plot, to be honest.
There are few women and they seem to attract the descriptions/names “Sexy” because she is physically appealing, and “tyrant” because she is more intelligent. And yet so intelligent they go exploring a strange planet when they are being chased by a superior race. Yeah, right.
If you like exploration, constant fights and nothing more to challenge the brain, then this is for you.
I can’t say that there is much in terms of depth to this story. The characters are all overpowered, and when you take death off the table (because they are cloned and their thoughts are transmitted to the ever-ready supply of bodies), with super body armour and amazing weaponry, with gizmos that make you fly, then where is the personal challenge?
Scott has done some research, but not only do we get an appendix referring to a bunch of websites which he has used to reference the work (quite helpful), but then we get it all explained again in the narrative and it comes across as preachy mansplainin’. And more time is spent on thinking about the nature of the universe than the plot, to be honest.
There are few women and they seem to attract the descriptions/names “Sexy” because she is physically appealing, and “tyrant” because she is more intelligent. And yet so intelligent they go exploring a strange planet when they are being chased by a superior race. Yeah, right.
If you like exploration, constant fights and nothing more to challenge the brain, then this is for you.
July 14, 2020
Lai arī tēli nav ļoti dziļi pārdomāti, grāmata tomēr izklaidei bija ļoti interesanta. Protams, kā jau lielākā daļa sērijveida izdevumu, šī apstājas vietā, kas kliedz pēc: "Dod vēl! Kas notika tālāk?". Tad nu nolēmums ir vismaz nākamo daļu izlasīt.
November 1, 2017
Interesting concept but the book doesn't seem to know what it wants to be. At times it feels like it wants to be a grand space opera, at other times it feels like it wants to be intimate space horror, and still other times it feels like it wants to be generic Sci-Fi with no voice of it's own.
That being said it was an enjoyable read, a good popcorn book if you will. Dark Space will never go down as one of the Sci-Fi greats but it is worth a read if you have a few hours to blow and don't want to dig into something deeper, a light snack of a book if you will.
That being said it was an enjoyable read, a good popcorn book if you will. Dark Space will never go down as one of the Sci-Fi greats but it is worth a read if you have a few hours to blow and don't want to dig into something deeper, a light snack of a book if you will.
May 8, 2017
This is the first book I've read where the author's explanation of the Science involved is almost as exciting as the book. The plot line of this book addresses something I've often pondered; how big is the Universe and, if it has a definable size there must be an end to it somewhere. If that is so, what's just beyond that end, or Edge as the author refers to it?
I usually find that I become overwhelmed by trying to comprehend something so vast, especially when trying to conceive of something infinite that just goes on and on forever (and ever).
Thanks to advances in technology in the universe where the characters live, especially in travel speeds way beyond light speed (think quantum Warp speed, almost as fast as teleportation), it has become possible to travel to the theoretical edge of the Known Universe...and beyond, way, way, beyond. If you think God fearing and Science Revering characters can have "interesting" experiences in the Known Universe, just wait until you cross that imagined line and get out there where God lives.
Whenever I wonder if there is life out there, I think of a great line from the movie "Contact" where Jodi Foster's character quotes her father's answer to that question, "If there's no life out there it would be a terrible waste of Space". Something else I often wonder about, Who's really driving the advances in Science, the Scientists or the Science Fiction writers? Books like this one help me to answer that question.
Review by THE HOLEY ONE
I usually find that I become overwhelmed by trying to comprehend something so vast, especially when trying to conceive of something infinite that just goes on and on forever (and ever).
Thanks to advances in technology in the universe where the characters live, especially in travel speeds way beyond light speed (think quantum Warp speed, almost as fast as teleportation), it has become possible to travel to the theoretical edge of the Known Universe...and beyond, way, way, beyond. If you think God fearing and Science Revering characters can have "interesting" experiences in the Known Universe, just wait until you cross that imagined line and get out there where God lives.
Whenever I wonder if there is life out there, I think of a great line from the movie "Contact" where Jodi Foster's character quotes her father's answer to that question, "If there's no life out there it would be a terrible waste of Space". Something else I often wonder about, Who's really driving the advances in Science, the Scientists or the Science Fiction writers? Books like this one help me to answer that question.
Review by THE HOLEY ONE
November 19, 2017
That was a thrilling ride!
This was the most fun I’ve had reading sci-fi in a long time. The characters were loads of fun; often a little snarky and sarcastic, but in a really good way. The story itself, as always from this author, was fast paced and there wasn’t any part that I found boring. I felt a connection to every character, some because they had been introduced previously in the Dark Space series, the rest because they had personality and attitude. That also includes the enemies.
*Potential Spoilers Below*
Even if you do take issue with that part of the story, it is entirely offset by everything else this story has to offer. There is so much more I’d like to mention here, but I don’t want to spoil the ride further.
If you are a fan of the rest of the Dark Space series, I highly recommend reading this title.
This was the most fun I’ve had reading sci-fi in a long time. The characters were loads of fun; often a little snarky and sarcastic, but in a really good way. The story itself, as always from this author, was fast paced and there wasn’t any part that I found boring. I felt a connection to every character, some because they had been introduced previously in the Dark Space series, the rest because they had personality and attitude. That also includes the enemies.
*Potential Spoilers Below*
Even if you do take issue with that part of the story, it is entirely offset by everything else this story has to offer. There is so much more I’d like to mention here, but I don’t want to spoil the ride further.
If you are a fan of the rest of the Dark Space series, I highly recommend reading this title.
November 10, 2024
Something unexpected happened as I read Dark Space Universe. At first, I was a bit taken aback by how flat and, honestly, juvenile the characters were. But then Jasper T. Scott hit the warp drive, and after that turning point, I was all in—despite the rocky start.
Characters
To put it bluntly, the characters aren’t the strongest aspect of this novel. When they’re not bickering (without much charm), they’re making questionable decisions, and they remain pretty forgettable throughout. So, how did this still end up being such a great read for me?
Lights, Camera, Action!
Scott’s writing may not excel in logic or world-building, and there are clear weaknesses in character depth, but he more than makes up for it with the action sequences. Some of this might just be the best action writing I’ve come across—suspenseful, immersive, and lengthy without ever dragging. The threats feel real and powerful, and Scott handles his villains with nuance, making them formidable yet never invincible. This kind of balance is rare and a big part of what kept me hooked.
Format
On top of the action, the format of my paperback edition added to the reading experience. The book has a large, easy-to-read font and a spacious layout, which made for a smooth flow and effortless reading.
Final Thoughts
While it’s not high literature and at times feels more like a low-budget adventure, the action and Scott’s sci-fi concepts won me over. Where his writing really shines is in the high-stakes scenes and in his exploration of cosmic themes. Yes, the characters and prose can be hit-or-miss, but somehow it all works.
By the time I turned the last page, I’d already ordered the next two books in the series—a rare move for me.
For a more in-depth review of Dark Space Universe you can find it in my podcast Paperback Friends.
Characters
To put it bluntly, the characters aren’t the strongest aspect of this novel. When they’re not bickering (without much charm), they’re making questionable decisions, and they remain pretty forgettable throughout. So, how did this still end up being such a great read for me?
Lights, Camera, Action!
Scott’s writing may not excel in logic or world-building, and there are clear weaknesses in character depth, but he more than makes up for it with the action sequences. Some of this might just be the best action writing I’ve come across—suspenseful, immersive, and lengthy without ever dragging. The threats feel real and powerful, and Scott handles his villains with nuance, making them formidable yet never invincible. This kind of balance is rare and a big part of what kept me hooked.
Format
On top of the action, the format of my paperback edition added to the reading experience. The book has a large, easy-to-read font and a spacious layout, which made for a smooth flow and effortless reading.
Final Thoughts
While it’s not high literature and at times feels more like a low-budget adventure, the action and Scott’s sci-fi concepts won me over. Where his writing really shines is in the high-stakes scenes and in his exploration of cosmic themes. Yes, the characters and prose can be hit-or-miss, but somehow it all works.
By the time I turned the last page, I’d already ordered the next two books in the series—a rare move for me.
For a more in-depth review of Dark Space Universe you can find it in my podcast Paperback Friends.
October 19, 2017
Dark Space Universe is the first book in a trilogy, yet at the same time the seventh book in the Dark Space Universe series, but still able to be read as a standalone, which is what I did.
The story follows Lucien Ortane, son of Ethan Ortane, who is featured in the earlier series. Lucien is a devout follower of Etherus, God of the known universe. Etherus has established a "cosmic horizon", beyond which no one should travel. Lucien signs a petition initiated by a group of scientists who wish to travel beyond the cosmic horizon, doubting Etherus' status as a deity. Lucien, believing nothing will come if it, jokingly signs the petition, only to find out that Etherus grants the request and he finds himself a part of the mission with a group of non-believers.
I most enjoyed the discussions between characters that focused on God and the nature of religion and spirituality. The conversations were few and brief. It was just enough that made me want more of it. The chapters are fairly short and fit well with the crisp, fast pace of the story. The actions scenes, had this been a movie, would have probably felt more like a choreographed dance routine, but entertaining nonetheless. The author injected a good amount of intriguing science fiction and mixed a splash of humor to make this an all around enjoyable reading experience.
The story follows Lucien Ortane, son of Ethan Ortane, who is featured in the earlier series. Lucien is a devout follower of Etherus, God of the known universe. Etherus has established a "cosmic horizon", beyond which no one should travel. Lucien signs a petition initiated by a group of scientists who wish to travel beyond the cosmic horizon, doubting Etherus' status as a deity. Lucien, believing nothing will come if it, jokingly signs the petition, only to find out that Etherus grants the request and he finds himself a part of the mission with a group of non-believers.
I most enjoyed the discussions between characters that focused on God and the nature of religion and spirituality. The conversations were few and brief. It was just enough that made me want more of it. The chapters are fairly short and fit well with the crisp, fast pace of the story. The actions scenes, had this been a movie, would have probably felt more like a choreographed dance routine, but entertaining nonetheless. The author injected a good amount of intriguing science fiction and mixed a splash of humor to make this an all around enjoyable reading experience.
June 7, 2017
I've been reading Jasper's books, well almost as long as he's been writing. And science fiction almost as long as I've been reading ... which makes me really old.
Dark Space Universe is one of Jasper's best.
And when we are living in a time when our only alternative, it-all-too-often-seems, to the waking nightmare we face on the news everyday, is covering our heads with a pillow and quaking under the covers in distress, opening the page to one of Jasper's Science Fiction novels transports us to a universe where we can deal with aliens less strange than we have in our own government.
I love Jasper's writing. It always gets better and tighter. And he is part of a network of writers that are a joy to take me on voyages that I may know are sadly not going to be in my reach, but just may be in the reach of my kids. Thanks. Jasper.
Dark Space Universe is one of Jasper's best.
And when we are living in a time when our only alternative, it-all-too-often-seems, to the waking nightmare we face on the news everyday, is covering our heads with a pillow and quaking under the covers in distress, opening the page to one of Jasper's Science Fiction novels transports us to a universe where we can deal with aliens less strange than we have in our own government.
I love Jasper's writing. It always gets better and tighter. And he is part of a network of writers that are a joy to take me on voyages that I may know are sadly not going to be in my reach, but just may be in the reach of my kids. Thanks. Jasper.
July 13, 2019
Interesting book. On one hand you have supposedly religious types behaving, more or less, common sensically and scientists behaving like religious zealots. In spite obvious proof that very nasty opponents have superior technology (God like powers) they make mistake after mistake due to arrogance on one side and loss of self-preservation instinct on the other side (as they are now technically immortal). For that part working within scientific community one can see that "scientific arrogance" unfortunately become norm of behavior of today scientist and we don't need some far future to experience it.
December 12, 2017
Dark Space 1
An interesting sci-fi book. What I like apart the action is the philosophical and scientific questions about God and evolution, about quantum worlds and dimensions and our place in the univers and about humanity future. Wish that answers to question more profound and elaborated and evasion from difficult situations more realistic. Yet suspense is well kept and action well maintained . Glad to read this new author to me and surely recommending him to all science fiction readers and those wondering about the future of mankind.
An interesting sci-fi book. What I like apart the action is the philosophical and scientific questions about God and evolution, about quantum worlds and dimensions and our place in the univers and about humanity future. Wish that answers to question more profound and elaborated and evasion from difficult situations more realistic. Yet suspense is well kept and action well maintained . Glad to read this new author to me and surely recommending him to all science fiction readers and those wondering about the future of mankind.
April 24, 2018
Mindboggling SciFi action for the Thinking Fan
I've had Jasper's book in my queue for a long time and finally read it. Incredible! In the vein of Larry Niven, I had to think besides being entertained. Very enjoyable all around. This book conjures up enough questions that ensure I'll be continuing the series. The characters are believable. The surprise twists are wonderful. Even when you KNOW what's going to happen you still get a shock.
If you like a thinking person's science fiction you will enjoy DARK SPACE UNIVERSE.
I've had Jasper's book in my queue for a long time and finally read it. Incredible! In the vein of Larry Niven, I had to think besides being entertained. Very enjoyable all around. This book conjures up enough questions that ensure I'll be continuing the series. The characters are believable. The surprise twists are wonderful. Even when you KNOW what's going to happen you still get a shock.
If you like a thinking person's science fiction you will enjoy DARK SPACE UNIVERSE.
May 24, 2017
The first in a new series from the Dark Space Universe. This book is set after the events of the previous Dark Space series and follows Lucien Ortane, son of Ethan from the original series. Paradise is not all it should be and Lucien joins a team venturing outside the protected zone to find answers about the larger universe. This is a good start to a new branch of the Dare Space universe, with some good new characters, reminiscent of the Star Trek world, as they set out to boldly explore!!
May 31, 2017
Not what I expected but really good
Had never heard of the author or the series prior to getting the book. Was wanting to start a series that is going to continue to grow.
Was a interesting read from page one until the end. It was a good read that had me turning the pages long after I should have put it down to get some rest. Looking forward to the next book, hope it doesn't take until the end of the year to start reading it.
Had never heard of the author or the series prior to getting the book. Was wanting to start a series that is going to continue to grow.
Was a interesting read from page one until the end. It was a good read that had me turning the pages long after I should have put it down to get some rest. Looking forward to the next book, hope it doesn't take until the end of the year to start reading it.
April 13, 2018
Brilliant Series Openner
I love these stories the continuation of the Dark Space series.With a new group of great characters and a new all powerful enemy. Ethan's son Lucien has joined a mission to the edge of the universe to discover what's there. Etherus warns the explorers that a great evil exists but they go anyway.
We follow Lucien as he encounters the great evil and fights to free his people
I love these stories the continuation of the Dark Space series.With a new group of great characters and a new all powerful enemy. Ethan's son Lucien has joined a mission to the edge of the universe to discover what's there. Etherus warns the explorers that a great evil exists but they go anyway.
We follow Lucien as he encounters the great evil and fights to free his people
September 20, 2018
Dark Space Universe is the first book in the Dark Space Universe series. This should not be read as a standalone, as it is clear from the end of this book that the story doesn't end here. There is violence. The storyline is a mix of exploration of unknown space, science, and religion. Each person on this voyage into the unknown is doing it for their own reasons. Are we alone in the universe? Is there a higher power (God?) controlling things? Can't wait to read the next book.
March 7, 2019
From Heaven to Hell…and Beyond!
Top-notch sci-fi with strong plot and creative concepts. The author reveals an imaginative view of the universe and the life forms that inhabit it. Lots of action and battles both planet-side and in space. I am not a fan of cliff-hangers and I definitely want to read the next book in the series. I started reading the book, couldn’t put it down, and finished it in one day.
Top-notch sci-fi with strong plot and creative concepts. The author reveals an imaginative view of the universe and the life forms that inhabit it. Lots of action and battles both planet-side and in space. I am not a fan of cliff-hangers and I definitely want to read the next book in the series. I started reading the book, couldn’t put it down, and finished it in one day.
May 26, 2017
Not quite a standalone
The story is well written and researched. Although you could read this without reading earlier books. It would be recommended to read his earlier work. There are spoilers in this book that casts a long shadow back to his earlier series. I enjoy the other species that are in the book but for me this is far to political/religious to be just a light read.
The story is well written and researched. Although you could read this without reading earlier books. It would be recommended to read his earlier work. There are spoilers in this book that casts a long shadow back to his earlier series. I enjoy the other species that are in the book but for me this is far to political/religious to be just a light read.
July 31, 2017
Hard Sci-Fi vs Religion. If I had wanted to read this much religion I would have chosen a book from the religious category. Plus, some of the decisions these "intelligent" scientists made no sense: going on an exploring expedition while you're being hunted by really, really bad guys. Not something even I would do.
August 9, 2017
His books always start out good, but towards the middle they seem to get absurd. I found myself skipping through the fight parts. For being "scientists", their choices are pretty dumb. For awhile I thought that this was just some engineered test to see how paragons would react (like a holodeck). That would explain some of the cheesiness. Nope.
August 9, 2017
This was a good space exploration starting book
Not the best I've ever read, but definitely worth the read. The pacing was a little fast for my taste, and the characters were not the main focus. Still the science was interesting, the questions posed were interesting, and the set up was engaging. Again, if you like scifi space exploration this is worth the read.
Not the best I've ever read, but definitely worth the read. The pacing was a little fast for my taste, and the characters were not the main focus. Still the science was interesting, the questions posed were interesting, and the set up was engaging. Again, if you like scifi space exploration this is worth the read.
March 14, 2021
A very engaging sci-fi novel. It kept me engaged throughout the entire book with no lags or boring pieces. In particular, I enjoyed the insights to the writing process in the afterword with an explanation of how the author came up with his explanation of the universe. Definitely will be reading book 2.
May 29, 2017
Good vs Evil in Space.
A good measure of science makes these characters real. Their doubts, strengths, and space weapons all add to the author's ability to tell a saga story. This book is fast and easy reading with enough new ideas to keep this reader wanting more.
A good measure of science makes these characters real. Their doubts, strengths, and space weapons all add to the author's ability to tell a saga story. This book is fast and easy reading with enough new ideas to keep this reader wanting more.
June 9, 2017
Another winner for Scott!
Mot only was this an action packed book but with many twists and turns that one would not expect. There is also spiritual overtones with the struggle of good and evil. Looking forward to reading the next book!
Mot only was this an action packed book but with many twists and turns that one would not expect. There is also spiritual overtones with the struggle of good and evil. Looking forward to reading the next book!
June 15, 2017
Dark Universe rocks!
Starting out in exploration, the Intrepid's crew soon realizes that what they were told is true. There is great evil beyond the red line. Can they overcome extreme obstacles to persevere?
Starting out in exploration, the Intrepid's crew soon realizes that what they were told is true. There is great evil beyond the red line. Can they overcome extreme obstacles to persevere?
August 10, 2017
Incredibly original
I'm blown away by this book. Great premise and an incredible universe. The characters were all very real in a way that's missing in a lot of today's sci-fi, and the universe built in this book is extremely complex. I read this in a day, I couldn't put it down.
I'm blown away by this book. Great premise and an incredible universe. The characters were all very real in a way that's missing in a lot of today's sci-fi, and the universe built in this book is extremely complex. I read this in a day, I couldn't put it down.
December 13, 2017
Really great read: engaging smart characters; immersive worlds. A nice mix of the theosophical as well as theoretical and hard science. The story paced really well and kept the pages turning by themselves...If you're into more hard-core, military sci-fi, I'd likely stay away from this one!
October 28, 2017
Hard core SciFi
This is a pretty good book for the first in to series.
It would have better with more common things included, like sleep.
That said, I would read it again and plan on buying book two.
This is a pretty good book for the first in to series.
It would have better with more common things included, like sleep.
That said, I would read it again and plan on buying book two.
November 28, 2017
Good read.
A good fast read. Plot moves fast but characters are not well developed. Some characters come and go quickly others last but with little change beyond basic introduction.
It was entertaining.
A good fast read. Plot moves fast but characters are not well developed. Some characters come and go quickly others last but with little change beyond basic introduction.
It was entertaining.
February 15, 2018
Jasper Scott has written a great sci-fi romp through an intriguing outer space reality. I couldn’t put it down! It kept me on the edge of my seat all the way through Really great characters and plot twists. I am looking forward to reading the next installment.
June 28, 2018
Great sci-fi book. Some cool concepts of a distant future. Really shows just how human the rest of the universe can be. That's not really a compliment. I need to read the subsequent books. Haven't made the time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews