What do you think?
Rate this book
Red Darkling
Red Darkling’s ship is a weevil-infested piece of junk. Her smuggling business barely brings in enough credits to buy cheap beer. Alien creeps think a blaster can get them favors when their charm fails. Her only company is a glitchy cat and the occasional hook-up.
Her life is dirty, dangerous, and just how she likes it.
It all takes a turn for the worse when things start going well. A little too well. Partying with movie stars, weekends in paradise, troublesome people turning up dead—it’s maddening.
Who is this anonymous benefactor, and why does he think she needs protecting?
Her life is dirty, dangerous, and just how she likes it.
It all takes a turn for the worse when things start going well. A little too well. Partying with movie stars, weekends in paradise, troublesome people turning up dead—it’s maddening.
Who is this anonymous benefactor, and why does he think she needs protecting?
- GenresScience Fiction
289 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 23, 2018
21 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Want to read
February 11, 2019You had me at “her ship is a weevil-infested piece of junk...”
January 21, 2024
[This review can also be found on my BLOG]
**I read this book as a judge for the third annual Self Published Science Fiction Competition (SPSFC), this review is solely my own and does not reflect the opinions of the whole team**
CW: violence, gun violence, blood, injury, murder, death, death of parents, kidnapping, confinement, alcohol, swearing
--
The book follows Red Darkling who hasn’t really got her shit together. She lives a life of petty crime and gets into way too many sticky situations as she’s always diving into things head first. When the close calls start to feel a bit too miraculous and even turn up a dead body at one point, Red sets out to find who her mysterious helper is and what else is in store for her.
Red is one of those messy characters that you can’t help but love despite the fact that she makes you want to facepalm at literally all of her antics. Part of this is bad luck and the other is bad decisions but I found her resourcefulness to be admirable. I also enjoyed her interactions with the various supporting characters, particularly her grandma, Woodman and Bonk the cat. Bonk was great.
It’s evident that there is an expansive universe outside of the places that are visited in the story but we only really get a snap shot as the focus is very much on personal stakes over galaxy spanning disputes. However, there was still a good balance between the adventure and mystery side of things versus all the life lessons and relationship drama.
In many ways the themes and Red’s journey had parallels to contemporary/romance storylines and I feel like if you enjoy those genres and want to give sci-fi a shot, this book could be a great way in.
The episodic nature of the narrative did make it seem as though following Red’s day to day interplanetary shenanigans was all there was to the plot at first especially as the mysterious benefactor thread started to drag out. I was intrigued enough to keep following along though and I liked how everything came together by the end.
I do wish the pacing had let up a little in the last chunk of the book as I feel like it all wrapped up too fast but overall this was a fun and entertaining read through and through.
**I read this book as a judge for the third annual Self Published Science Fiction Competition (SPSFC), this review is solely my own and does not reflect the opinions of the whole team**
CW: violence, gun violence, blood, injury, murder, death, death of parents, kidnapping, confinement, alcohol, swearing
--
The book follows Red Darkling who hasn’t really got her shit together. She lives a life of petty crime and gets into way too many sticky situations as she’s always diving into things head first. When the close calls start to feel a bit too miraculous and even turn up a dead body at one point, Red sets out to find who her mysterious helper is and what else is in store for her.
Red is one of those messy characters that you can’t help but love despite the fact that she makes you want to facepalm at literally all of her antics. Part of this is bad luck and the other is bad decisions but I found her resourcefulness to be admirable. I also enjoyed her interactions with the various supporting characters, particularly her grandma, Woodman and Bonk the cat. Bonk was great.
It’s evident that there is an expansive universe outside of the places that are visited in the story but we only really get a snap shot as the focus is very much on personal stakes over galaxy spanning disputes. However, there was still a good balance between the adventure and mystery side of things versus all the life lessons and relationship drama.
In many ways the themes and Red’s journey had parallels to contemporary/romance storylines and I feel like if you enjoy those genres and want to give sci-fi a shot, this book could be a great way in.
The episodic nature of the narrative did make it seem as though following Red’s day to day interplanetary shenanigans was all there was to the plot at first especially as the mysterious benefactor thread started to drag out. I was intrigued enough to keep following along though and I liked how everything came together by the end.
I do wish the pacing had let up a little in the last chunk of the book as I feel like it all wrapped up too fast but overall this was a fun and entertaining read through and through.
December 29, 2018
Red Darkling is a deeply flawed but lovable character, a woman just trying to get by with illegal transactions across this galaxy in her hunk of junk ship. When a series of bad decisions puts her in more danger than usual, she discovers that a mysterious benefactor has been looking out for her - and this person isn’t shy about killing. Will Red take the warning not to look a gift horse in the mouth, or will she do whatever it takes to uncover the truth?
Guettler does a lovely job of world-building as the reader is dropped into Red’s life (I was half-convinced I’d tried roast darna), and the supporting cast (especially Granny) rounds out the story nicely. The plot is unpredictable and fun, and Red handles the challenges that come her way in unexpected ways. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
Guettler does a lovely job of world-building as the reader is dropped into Red’s life (I was half-convinced I’d tried roast darna), and the supporting cast (especially Granny) rounds out the story nicely. The plot is unpredictable and fun, and Red handles the challenges that come her way in unexpected ways. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
January 8, 2025
Think Blade Runner meets the Cantina scene from Star Wars.
Red is a low-rent spaceship driver struggling to make ends meet in a universe populated by all sorts of weird aliens. And her ex, whom she can't seem to get out of her head.
Someone's trying to kill her, and someone else keeps protecting her.
What gives?
The answer to that is a roller-coaster ride of a book, with a bit of hetero romance, plenty of action, and some personal trauma in the mix.
A ton of fun. Check it!
Red is a low-rent spaceship driver struggling to make ends meet in a universe populated by all sorts of weird aliens. And her ex, whom she can't seem to get out of her head.
Someone's trying to kill her, and someone else keeps protecting her.
What gives?
The answer to that is a roller-coaster ride of a book, with a bit of hetero romance, plenty of action, and some personal trauma in the mix.
A ton of fun. Check it!
June 5, 2019
This is not the type of book I would normally pick up, but I'm glad I did. It was a fun read with memorable characters. Red Darkling is not afraid to go after what she needs or wants to survive. Her adventures, her unorthodox ways she handles challenges and her desire to uncover the truth about a mysterious patron keeps you turning the pages.
And I loved Bonk the cat.
And I loved Bonk the cat.
October 12, 2024
This was a fun read. Guettler introduces us to an iconic space criminal whose story is like the underside of a fairy tale. I'm looking forward to reading more about Red.
November 13, 2019
A fun romp of a sci-fi genre. Red is unapologetically rude, grungy, and foul mouthed, kinda like Han Solo’s kid sister.
You can’t help loving her even as she’s lying about casing your place.
You can’t help loving her even as she’s lying about casing your place.
Read
October 10, 2023The Blurb had me interested and though the opening didn't grab me, I was willing to stick with it, and I am glad I did. The books opens when Red is only a child which made me wonder if this was YA/MG, but nope. The opening is there for a reason, but Red is very much an adult in the rest of the book.
On the whole, I enjoyed this a lot more than many other books in my batch of seven. The voice is great and I loved it. The characters stayed with me, and though the stakes are very personal, I was very invested in the resolution.
The ending felt a bit rushed to me, like the big bad was taken care of too simplistically and too quickly, but for a plot with personal stakes, it's okay. It was no less satisfying an ending.
The trope of the MC searching for something and finding it only to realise she always had what she wanted is a common one, but it's done very well here. Red is a very real, and relatable character and I loved the world building which isn't very heavy handed.
This book would appeal to everyone who likes Sci Fi and light, easy reads with personal stakes and memorable characters.
On the whole, I enjoyed this a lot more than many other books in my batch of seven. The voice is great and I loved it. The characters stayed with me, and though the stakes are very personal, I was very invested in the resolution.
The ending felt a bit rushed to me, like the big bad was taken care of too simplistically and too quickly, but for a plot with personal stakes, it's okay. It was no less satisfying an ending.
The trope of the MC searching for something and finding it only to realise she always had what she wanted is a common one, but it's done very well here. Red is a very real, and relatable character and I loved the world building which isn't very heavy handed.
This book would appeal to everyone who likes Sci Fi and light, easy reads with personal stakes and memorable characters.
May 26, 2019
Wild sci-fi interplanetary ride that reminds me a little of Firefly in its portrayal of a future where paid-for-hire space jockeys travel the universe in beat-up ships trying to make enough money to keep themselves in business. Loved that it had a strong woman protagonist who was less than perfect. You often see women portrayed as either saints or sinners, and Red Darkling is a satisfyingly complex anti-hero. There is an overarching mystery in the plot, but the real fun is in some of the memorable adventures along the way. Plus there is a very original and ultimately adorable cat named Bonk! Cats get me every time. If you're a fan of well thought out world building, spaceship sci-fi, and independent women, this one may be right up your alley.
August 8, 2025
An excellent read and definitely something different. Red is endearing with her snarky attitude. Looking forward to reading more of her adventures.
July 29, 2022
An excellent book, fun to read, enjoyable characters and I really enjoyed the ongoing story. red is a character you can enjoy watching making mistakes and dealing with the ramifications.
Absolutely loved Bonk. Best cat ever.
My only quibble is I wanted more. More story, more description and more conversation. I liked the style of writing but I really wanted a little more please. Next book perhaps.
Buy it. Read it. Enjoy it.
Absolutely loved Bonk. Best cat ever.
My only quibble is I wanted more. More story, more description and more conversation. I liked the style of writing but I really wanted a little more please. Next book perhaps.
Buy it. Read it. Enjoy it.
November 23, 2018
Omg! Loved every minute of this book. Took me longer than it should have but I inherited but dads reading abilities!
I hate to say I was surprised but I was. Will definitely be reading it again and soon along with her short stories. Couldn't be halfway this novel finally came till be. Thanks to everyone who made it happen! Now everyone, buy and read this book NOW!!
I hate to say I was surprised but I was. Will definitely be reading it again and soon along with her short stories. Couldn't be halfway this novel finally came till be. Thanks to everyone who made it happen! Now everyone, buy and read this book NOW!!
June 24, 2019
This was a brilliant futuristic tale! Guettler's writing style is a breath of fresh air. I stumbled across a tweet about a creative writing piece that Guettler wrote, from those few words I had a feeling her novel would be just as amusing. She did not disappoint with Red Darkling, Red is a witty hot mess that sucks you into her world. I hope she plans to continue this series.
Read
March 19, 2020⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Five Stars for writing and idea! Kept me interested when I wouldn't have thought possible.
May 16, 2022
So, I don't want to say a whole lot about this book in the interest of not spoiling anything, though I *do* want to point out that I gave it four stars, which, you might be wondering "Why only four?" But if you look at my other ratings, you'll probably notice that most of the books that I like get 3 or 4 stars, which is not a reflection of their quality so much as what Goodreads said those stars mean. 3 stars = liked it, 4 stars = really liked it, and 5 = it was amazing. And because something in my head must be broken, there aren't a lot of books that cause me to say "it was amazing." But this debut sci-fi novella shares the 4-star rating with some of my favorite established authors like Jasper Fforde, Robert Asprin, and even some of Terry Pratchett.
With that perhaps needless clarifier out of the way, this was a "fun romp", as they say. It has quirky/snarky-but-fun characters, weird aliens, exotic (if sometimes filthy) locales, a bit of swearing and sex (not sure what the "rating" is, but this is not a children's book), and fun twists and reveals. And there is a second one on its way that I believe expands on some of the weirder aspects of the book, so that'll be fun.
Anyway, I'm a bit rusty on the reviews front, this was the first time I'd logged on here in quite some time, and it's rather late as I'm typing this, and I have a slight headache, so I'm probably not selling the appeal of this book as much as it warrants. I will say that it's not for everyone, but for people who like this sort of thing, it's the sort of thing they'll like. YMMV, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Okay, I'm off to bed.
With that perhaps needless clarifier out of the way, this was a "fun romp", as they say. It has quirky/snarky-but-fun characters, weird aliens, exotic (if sometimes filthy) locales, a bit of swearing and sex (not sure what the "rating" is, but this is not a children's book), and fun twists and reveals. And there is a second one on its way that I believe expands on some of the weirder aspects of the book, so that'll be fun.
Anyway, I'm a bit rusty on the reviews front, this was the first time I'd logged on here in quite some time, and it's rather late as I'm typing this, and I have a slight headache, so I'm probably not selling the appeal of this book as much as it warrants. I will say that it's not for everyone, but for people who like this sort of thing, it's the sort of thing they'll like. YMMV, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Okay, I'm off to bed.
December 10, 2023
I read Red Darkling as part of a judging team for the third annual Self-Published Science Fiction Competition (SPSFC3), where it is a quarterfinalist.
This could’ve easily been named “The Adventures of Red Darkling,” and it would’ve perhaps better set the expectations (though felt a bit more fantasy than sci-fi). Because it very much starts as an episodic journey through the life of the screw-up lead—short-sighted enough to get herself into scrape after scrape, resourceful enough to get herself out of most of them. The opening segment takes place in her youth and feels YA, and then we have a few one-off perils before settling in to what ultimately becomes the main plot.
There certainly *is* a main plot, but it feels something like a TV series with a unique villain each week and gentle hints at the overarching story that will be the focus of the last few episodes.
There are a few times where Red’s short-sightedness or inability to communicate was enough to pull me out of the story, but in general, the episodes are pretty fun and easy to read. The overarching plot isn’t jaw-dropping, and the TV series pacing feels a little bit strange in the novel format, but again, it’s entertaining enough. There are a few plot points you probably shouldn’t think too hard about, but this is not a “think too hard” book. It’s a lovable rogue book. And if you love the rogue, it’ll be a fun read.
First impression: 12/20. Full review and SPSFC score to come at www.tarvolon.com
This could’ve easily been named “The Adventures of Red Darkling,” and it would’ve perhaps better set the expectations (though felt a bit more fantasy than sci-fi). Because it very much starts as an episodic journey through the life of the screw-up lead—short-sighted enough to get herself into scrape after scrape, resourceful enough to get herself out of most of them. The opening segment takes place in her youth and feels YA, and then we have a few one-off perils before settling in to what ultimately becomes the main plot.
There certainly *is* a main plot, but it feels something like a TV series with a unique villain each week and gentle hints at the overarching story that will be the focus of the last few episodes.
There are a few times where Red’s short-sightedness or inability to communicate was enough to pull me out of the story, but in general, the episodes are pretty fun and easy to read. The overarching plot isn’t jaw-dropping, and the TV series pacing feels a little bit strange in the novel format, but again, it’s entertaining enough. There are a few plot points you probably shouldn’t think too hard about, but this is not a “think too hard” book. It’s a lovable rogue book. And if you love the rogue, it’ll be a fun read.
First impression: 12/20. Full review and SPSFC score to come at www.tarvolon.com
December 22, 2023
3 stars
This book was a bit meh. I couldn't get into the headspace of the character and I didn't find her particularly likeable. There were choices that she made that felt off, and I couldn't understand why she'd made the choices that she had. It was almost as though the character had been written as snarky but the author didn't know why she was so skeptical.
There were some scenes and chapters that didn't seem to link in well with the rest of the narrative and I struggled to understand why they had been there. I almost thought they were there as some sort of set up for later in the plot but they ended up being a bit pointless.
This book was a bit meh. I couldn't get into the headspace of the character and I didn't find her particularly likeable. There were choices that she made that felt off, and I couldn't understand why she'd made the choices that she had. It was almost as though the character had been written as snarky but the author didn't know why she was so skeptical.
There were some scenes and chapters that didn't seem to link in well with the rest of the narrative and I struggled to understand why they had been there. I almost thought they were there as some sort of set up for later in the plot but they ended up being a bit pointless.
December 14, 2023
I loved everything about Red Darkling. It was gripping, it had its moments of sorrow, of real pain, but it also had its moments of pure absurdity that can only be expressed as 'Space Florida'. Was so easy to fall in love with the characters as well, whether it be Red or Bonk, it was great to see how each played larger a role in the plot, and how the author balanced the gentle moments with the funny and absurd. It was also just really fun to read and watch Red grow as a person.
December 12, 2023
Down to earth Sci-Fi.
A lot of Sci-Fi has a tendency to be these massive space operas, or at the very least have a central plot that becomes about saving the universe.
This is a much more intimate story, and is very much the better for it, focusing on family, both by blood and circumstance.
A lot of Sci-Fi has a tendency to be these massive space operas, or at the very least have a central plot that becomes about saving the universe.
This is a much more intimate story, and is very much the better for it, focusing on family, both by blood and circumstance.
September 4, 2022
I really enjoyed this story about the adventures of Red Darkling. Set in Sci-Fi themed world, it has elements of adventure, crime, thriller and humor in it. A well written story that I finished quickly, hope there is a sequel:)
January 10, 2024
The more I read the more I like Red
Red Darkling is detailed layers of incredibleness. Visual detail flows like the liquidity of Red’s black dress from Guettler’s keyboard. The more I read, the more I want to know her and this whole Darkling universe.
Red Darkling is detailed layers of incredibleness. Visual detail flows like the liquidity of Red’s black dress from Guettler’s keyboard. The more I read, the more I want to know her and this whole Darkling universe.
January 22, 2023
Not my typical type of book. But I couldn’t put the book down! The writing was smooth and kept attention.
August 31, 2025
A great read. Guettler writes a very good story, and I found myself full liking Red, as well as most of the other cast – and it pulled me along through the end.
February 6, 2024
The Intergalactic Escapades of a Human Wrecking Ball
Red is a wrecking ball, tearing through life's challenges with the resilience of a determined demolition expert. As she stumbles from one tragic moment to the next, a mysterious stranger pulls her out of trouble. But who is this enigmatic figure? That mystery is the thread that weaves the story together.
The more I got to know Red, the more I rooted for her. Lots of laugh out loud moments as she bounces around the galaxy with her cat, Bonk. I loved the intergalactic bartender and the off and on romantic interplay with her childhood friend. The prose is top notch, keeping you engaged throughout.
On the flip side, I found the chapters episodic and there wasn’t much of an arc for the main character. She wants freedom and adventure, and that’s what she’s exactly what she has (thus, not really an antagonist, unless you count self-destructive behavior). The mystery wasn’t a surprise, but the author brought the book to a satisfying conclusion, nonetheless. The book is a joy to read and I highly recommend it. Given this is the author's debut work, I'm upgrading my initial rating from 4.5 to 5 stars!
Disclaimer: I read this book as a judge for SPSFC#3, as part of the Team Tar Vol On. Opinions are my own and don’t reflect the consensus of my fellow teammates.
Red is a wrecking ball, tearing through life's challenges with the resilience of a determined demolition expert. As she stumbles from one tragic moment to the next, a mysterious stranger pulls her out of trouble. But who is this enigmatic figure? That mystery is the thread that weaves the story together.
The more I got to know Red, the more I rooted for her. Lots of laugh out loud moments as she bounces around the galaxy with her cat, Bonk. I loved the intergalactic bartender and the off and on romantic interplay with her childhood friend. The prose is top notch, keeping you engaged throughout.
On the flip side, I found the chapters episodic and there wasn’t much of an arc for the main character. She wants freedom and adventure, and that’s what she’s exactly what she has (thus, not really an antagonist, unless you count self-destructive behavior). The mystery wasn’t a surprise, but the author brought the book to a satisfying conclusion, nonetheless. The book is a joy to read and I highly recommend it. Given this is the author's debut work, I'm upgrading my initial rating from 4.5 to 5 stars!
Disclaimer: I read this book as a judge for SPSFC#3, as part of the Team Tar Vol On. Opinions are my own and don’t reflect the consensus of my fellow teammates.
September 9, 2023
A darkly funny space opera
Red Darkling is a rollicking space opera adventure with a colorful, sometimes dark sense of humor. Red (short for Mildred, of all things) is a smuggler, petty thief and general delinquent with a banged-up spaceship. She battles giant bugs, human-eating monsters, and sinister gangsters.
Other characters include Chuck, a bartender who exists in multiple bars simultaneously; Bonk, a glitchy robo-cat; and Woodman, a narcissistic but very hot colleague, with whom Red has an on-and-off relationship.
There's one especially dark point where Red's juvenile-delinquent shenanigans lead to a deadly tragedy - which Red takes surprisingly well.
Red's down-on-her-luck life takes a strange twist years later, when a mysterious benefactor keeps rescuing her - and claims all he wants is her friendship. Who is he really, and what's he after? Red's determined to find out - but first, she needs another drink.
Red Darkling is a rollicking space opera adventure with a colorful, sometimes dark sense of humor. Red (short for Mildred, of all things) is a smuggler, petty thief and general delinquent with a banged-up spaceship. She battles giant bugs, human-eating monsters, and sinister gangsters.
Other characters include Chuck, a bartender who exists in multiple bars simultaneously; Bonk, a glitchy robo-cat; and Woodman, a narcissistic but very hot colleague, with whom Red has an on-and-off relationship.
There's one especially dark point where Red's juvenile-delinquent shenanigans lead to a deadly tragedy - which Red takes surprisingly well.
Red's down-on-her-luck life takes a strange twist years later, when a mysterious benefactor keeps rescuing her - and claims all he wants is her friendship. Who is he really, and what's he after? Red's determined to find out - but first, she needs another drink.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews