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Black Heart #1
The Black Heart of the Station
ASIN moved from less recent edition here
Delinquent or Prophet? Whichever one he is, Josh Driscoll may be the Station's only hope for survival.
The Station is a city buried deep beneath the surface of a frozen, lifeless earth, its origins lost in the mists of time. Josh's frequent rule-breaking exploits are focused on a single question - how did we get here, and where are we going?
But Josh goes too far when he steals a space-suit and travels to the surface to explore.
As punishment, the governing Council forcibly enrolls him as a novice monk at Saint Carmine's, the Station's resident monastery. At first desperate to escape, Josh is drawn into the monastery's ancient texts.
Deciphering an encrypted journal hidden for centuries, Josh learns that a computer complex believed critically damaged in an ancient asteroid strike holds the answers he's been seeking, and is all that stands between the Station and certain destruction.
When the deranged head of the Council is determined to obliterate the complex and doom them all, Josh leads a desperate battle to stop him.
But can Josh and his tiny band of followers prevail in time to avert catastrophe?
Delinquent or Prophet? Whichever one he is, Josh Driscoll may be the Station's only hope for survival.
The Station is a city buried deep beneath the surface of a frozen, lifeless earth, its origins lost in the mists of time. Josh's frequent rule-breaking exploits are focused on a single question - how did we get here, and where are we going?
But Josh goes too far when he steals a space-suit and travels to the surface to explore.
As punishment, the governing Council forcibly enrolls him as a novice monk at Saint Carmine's, the Station's resident monastery. At first desperate to escape, Josh is drawn into the monastery's ancient texts.
Deciphering an encrypted journal hidden for centuries, Josh learns that a computer complex believed critically damaged in an ancient asteroid strike holds the answers he's been seeking, and is all that stands between the Station and certain destruction.
When the deranged head of the Council is determined to obliterate the complex and doom them all, Josh leads a desperate battle to stop him.
But can Josh and his tiny band of followers prevail in time to avert catastrophe?
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 17, 2017
231 people are currently reading
564 people want to read
About the author
Jay Allan Storey
13 books112 followersJay Allan Storey has traveled the world, passing through many places in the news today, including Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, and the Swat valley in Pakistan. He has worked at an amazing variety of jobs, from cab driver to land surveyor to accordion salesman to software developer.
Jay is the author of eight novels, two novellas, a number of short stories, and several screenplays. A new novel is set to be released in 2025. His stories always skirt close to the edge of believability (but hopefully never cross over). He is attracted to characters who are able to break out of their stereotypes and transform themselves.
He loves both reading and writing, both listening to and playing music, and working with animals. He's crazy for any activity relating to the water, including swimming, surfing, wind-surfing, sailing, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
Jay is married and lives in Vancouver, BC.
Jay is the author of eight novels, two novellas, a number of short stories, and several screenplays. A new novel is set to be released in 2025. His stories always skirt close to the edge of believability (but hopefully never cross over). He is attracted to characters who are able to break out of their stereotypes and transform themselves.
He loves both reading and writing, both listening to and playing music, and working with animals. He's crazy for any activity relating to the water, including swimming, surfing, wind-surfing, sailing, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
Jay is married and lives in Vancouver, BC.
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December 12, 2025
Reminiscent of Robert Heinlein’s ORPHANS OF THE SKY!
It’s also similar (disturbingly so, if I may digress slightly) to the dystopian world that Hugh Downey created in SILO, the first entry in his WOOL trilogy. And, while we’re on the topic of noting similarities to existing sci-fi novels, there is also more than a whiff of Walter Miller’s classic A CANTICLE FOR LIEBOWITZ.
Jay Storey’s “station” world, like Downey’s limited universe and unlike Heinlein’s multi-generational starship, is a dystopian world, buried underground beneath a toxic earth, in which the inhabitants have been confined and so limited for so long that their real history is now lost in the mists of time. Or perhaps I should say, in the little understood writings of historical figures now seen as clerics in the incipient development of the theocratic world’s “religion”.
Josh Driscoll is an intelligent and adventurous young man but his attempts (via unauthorized exploration of the surface with a “borrowed” space suit) to dig deeply into the history of the world which he is convinced is in danger of imminent self-destruction run seriously afoul of the authorities. Offered the choice of indefinite detention and complete loss of any personal freedoms or enrollment as a novitiate monk in a reclusive religious monastery, Josh opts for the lesser of, in his mind, two evils. During that monastic “confinement”, Josh’s increasingly scholarly investigations into historical writing has convinced him that the planned shutdown of some of the computers running in the background of the community’s infrastructure will be a calamitous decision resulting in the destruction of their world.
It cannot be denied that Storey has penned an exciting story that is interesting, convincing, exciting, indeed gripping and compelling. While the friendships, the loyalties, and the romantic relationships between the young protagonists of the tale are predictable, they are also uplifting and heartwarming.
FULL DISCLOSURE: I am a confirmed hard-core atheist convinced in my opinion that organized religion of any and every stripe has been and continues to be the single greatest cause of violence, division, and warfare that mankind has ever created.
So, I hope readers of this review will understand that, despite my positive comments about the quality of the underlying basic story, I found the constant background commentary about religion, monastic life, and the ultimate characterization of Josh as a full-bore monk and his portrayal as the saviour of his world (seriously reminiscent of the Christian vision of the second coming) disturbing and distasteful.
My conclusion is clear. If you’re a theist of any religious persuasion, you’re likely to think that Storey’s young adult novel is akin to the creation of sliced bread. If you’re an atheist like me, you’ve been warned!
Paul Weiss
It’s also similar (disturbingly so, if I may digress slightly) to the dystopian world that Hugh Downey created in SILO, the first entry in his WOOL trilogy. And, while we’re on the topic of noting similarities to existing sci-fi novels, there is also more than a whiff of Walter Miller’s classic A CANTICLE FOR LIEBOWITZ.
Jay Storey’s “station” world, like Downey’s limited universe and unlike Heinlein’s multi-generational starship, is a dystopian world, buried underground beneath a toxic earth, in which the inhabitants have been confined and so limited for so long that their real history is now lost in the mists of time. Or perhaps I should say, in the little understood writings of historical figures now seen as clerics in the incipient development of the theocratic world’s “religion”.
Josh Driscoll is an intelligent and adventurous young man but his attempts (via unauthorized exploration of the surface with a “borrowed” space suit) to dig deeply into the history of the world which he is convinced is in danger of imminent self-destruction run seriously afoul of the authorities. Offered the choice of indefinite detention and complete loss of any personal freedoms or enrollment as a novitiate monk in a reclusive religious monastery, Josh opts for the lesser of, in his mind, two evils. During that monastic “confinement”, Josh’s increasingly scholarly investigations into historical writing has convinced him that the planned shutdown of some of the computers running in the background of the community’s infrastructure will be a calamitous decision resulting in the destruction of their world.
It cannot be denied that Storey has penned an exciting story that is interesting, convincing, exciting, indeed gripping and compelling. While the friendships, the loyalties, and the romantic relationships between the young protagonists of the tale are predictable, they are also uplifting and heartwarming.
FULL DISCLOSURE: I am a confirmed hard-core atheist convinced in my opinion that organized religion of any and every stripe has been and continues to be the single greatest cause of violence, division, and warfare that mankind has ever created.
So, I hope readers of this review will understand that, despite my positive comments about the quality of the underlying basic story, I found the constant background commentary about religion, monastic life, and the ultimate characterization of Josh as a full-bore monk and his portrayal as the saviour of his world (seriously reminiscent of the Christian vision of the second coming) disturbing and distasteful.
My conclusion is clear. If you’re a theist of any religious persuasion, you’re likely to think that Storey’s young adult novel is akin to the creation of sliced bread. If you’re an atheist like me, you’ve been warned!
Paul Weiss
April 12, 2017
Author Jay Allan Storey writes about underdogs seeking redemption. In his novella Chopper Music, nightclub bouncer and biker Jackson Reilly finds his way out of a world of drugs and alcohol by returning to his love of jazz and classical music. In El Dorado, college professor Richard Hampton struggles to overcome his fears to search for his missing brother in a post-peak oil dystopian society. In The Arx, emotionally scarred police detective Frank Langer must confront his own demons in order to reveal to the world the true nature of the hidden threat that gives the book its name.
The Black Heart of the Station, Storey tells the story of a troubled teenager who finds his redemption in faith and, in the process, discovers salvation for the inhabitants in his dystopian world.
Josh Driscoll lives in a subterranean community called the Station that sits beneath the surface of an otherwise frozen, lifeless planet. Some three hundred years before, a great cataclysm destroyed much of the Station and its inhabitants. In the centuries since, life underground has been little more than a struggle for survival, overseen by an authoritarian governing board. None of the descendants of the few survivors remembers the reason the Station was originally built.
Due to his rebelliousness, Josh is forced become a novice monk at the Station's only monastery, Saint Carmine’s. The teenager initially rebels against the monastic life, but eventually begins to feel Saint Carmine's and its monks and novices are the only home and friends he's ever had.
Josh becomes an expert in the scripture and the history of his religion, including the Black Heart, an apparently unused portion of the station left from before the cataclysm, that he comes to believe is the Station's only route to salvation. When he learns the government plans to dismantle the Black Heart, Josh again rebels, risking his freedom and his life to convince the Station's residents they need to save the Black Heart to save themselves.
The Black Heart of the Station is a story of faith and belief. Like prophets of old, Josh—who gains a following of believers who call him "the Messenger"—endures harassment, imprisonment, and physical abuse at the hands of the governing officials. Nevertheless, Josh's enduring belief continues to guide him to the truth.
Though described as a young adult novel, The Black Heart of the Station is a book to be enjoyed by all ages.
The Black Heart of the Station, Storey tells the story of a troubled teenager who finds his redemption in faith and, in the process, discovers salvation for the inhabitants in his dystopian world.
Josh Driscoll lives in a subterranean community called the Station that sits beneath the surface of an otherwise frozen, lifeless planet. Some three hundred years before, a great cataclysm destroyed much of the Station and its inhabitants. In the centuries since, life underground has been little more than a struggle for survival, overseen by an authoritarian governing board. None of the descendants of the few survivors remembers the reason the Station was originally built.
Due to his rebelliousness, Josh is forced become a novice monk at the Station's only monastery, Saint Carmine’s. The teenager initially rebels against the monastic life, but eventually begins to feel Saint Carmine's and its monks and novices are the only home and friends he's ever had.
Josh becomes an expert in the scripture and the history of his religion, including the Black Heart, an apparently unused portion of the station left from before the cataclysm, that he comes to believe is the Station's only route to salvation. When he learns the government plans to dismantle the Black Heart, Josh again rebels, risking his freedom and his life to convince the Station's residents they need to save the Black Heart to save themselves.
The Black Heart of the Station is a story of faith and belief. Like prophets of old, Josh—who gains a following of believers who call him "the Messenger"—endures harassment, imprisonment, and physical abuse at the hands of the governing officials. Nevertheless, Josh's enduring belief continues to guide him to the truth.
Though described as a young adult novel, The Black Heart of the Station is a book to be enjoyed by all ages.
January 21, 2023
Could not put this book down! It was so intriguing and the writing style was incredible. The author gave you just enough to build your curiosity as to what was on the next page but not to much to give anything away. I loved Josh’s journey from angry and troubled to finding his purpose. Even his moment of doubt was so genuine, anyone reading would be able to relate to him in that moment.
Highly recommend this book to anyone who likes sci-fi books that could “almost be real”, dystopian stories or really anyone who loves a good plot that pulls you in and holds you there all the way to the end!
I received this book from the author through Voracious Readers Only.
Highly recommend this book to anyone who likes sci-fi books that could “almost be real”, dystopian stories or really anyone who loves a good plot that pulls you in and holds you there all the way to the end!
I received this book from the author through Voracious Readers Only.
December 18, 2023
I loved this!!! I was rooting for Josh to accomplish his lofty goals. I’m planning on picking up the second in the trilogy. This is an indie book, and the last couple I read had me despairing a bit on overall quality—this book restored my faith!
4.25 out of 5 stars.
In my opinion, if you like this book, you'll also like "The Limits of My World" by Gregory Coles. Go check it out!
Thank you to Voracious Readers Only for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Full disclosure: If you don’t want to read about religion, don’t read this book. It’s not wholly focused on that, but there are mentions of God throughout, and the main character *is* in a monastery, after all.
I also post on Instagram as books_the_magical_fruit.
#theblackheartofthestation #jayallanstorey #sciencefiction #mystery #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #books #mustread
4.25 out of 5 stars.
In my opinion, if you like this book, you'll also like "The Limits of My World" by Gregory Coles. Go check it out!
Thank you to Voracious Readers Only for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Full disclosure: If you don’t want to read about religion, don’t read this book. It’s not wholly focused on that, but there are mentions of God throughout, and the main character *is* in a monastery, after all.
I also post on Instagram as books_the_magical_fruit.
#theblackheartofthestation #jayallanstorey #sciencefiction #mystery #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #books #mustread
May 30, 2020
Skillfully written
One of the most creative and skillfully rendered stories I've read in a long time. I'll be looking for more from this author.
One of the most creative and skillfully rendered stories I've read in a long time. I'll be looking for more from this author.
December 1, 2024
Review
My thoughts echo several of the reviews I read after reading this book. This did read more like a YA novel and was quite predictable. Typical “high school bully”, “troubled teen sent to a reform program”, “strained parent relationship with at least one parent not present” clichés were noted. The characters were likable enough though with realistic behaviors and problems. I do have to say that I was not a fan of the formatting of the book. The excessive use of text dividers deprived the story of flow. It felt jerky and abrupt as it jumped from section to section. It was hard to keep up with the timeline of the story as “weeks and months flew by” several times as well.
Personally, this book wasn’t for me, but I think this is a suitable book for the YA genere, for those just getting into science fiction, or who don’t mind the tropes.
Thank you to Voracious Readers Only for an advance copy. All thoughts are my own.
My thoughts echo several of the reviews I read after reading this book. This did read more like a YA novel and was quite predictable. Typical “high school bully”, “troubled teen sent to a reform program”, “strained parent relationship with at least one parent not present” clichés were noted. The characters were likable enough though with realistic behaviors and problems. I do have to say that I was not a fan of the formatting of the book. The excessive use of text dividers deprived the story of flow. It felt jerky and abrupt as it jumped from section to section. It was hard to keep up with the timeline of the story as “weeks and months flew by” several times as well.
Personally, this book wasn’t for me, but I think this is a suitable book for the YA genere, for those just getting into science fiction, or who don’t mind the tropes.
Thank you to Voracious Readers Only for an advance copy. All thoughts are my own.
May 27, 2017
Impossible not to be drawn in by this young's man unstoppable faith and quest for answers
The Black Heart of the Station is a riveting young man's adventure about finding faith, fighting to unearth the answers, and not taking the world as presented to you. The main character, Josh Driscoll, relentlessly seeks the purpose of the black heart of the station, a massive complex of computers in a closed sector. I found myself drawn in by his quest and the mystery of the black heart, as the stakes mount -- until the future of his world hangs in the brink.
Josh Driscoll was born into a society entombed deep beneath the Earth's core, with a rebel's heart.
When he was a young boy, his dying grandfather told him the truth of his world: "All this was supposed to be temporary."
At 15, Josh breaks the cardinal rules of the station, unlawfully borrowing a protective suit to ride the elevator to the outside, supported by his tech genius friend Matt. He sees the stars for the first time, and begins to understand the reality of his world.
His crime is not without consequences.
His father, a powerful leader, arranges Josh to serve his punishment at Saint Carmine's monastery. There Josh evolves into a young man with a quest for knowledge, and a surprising faith.
But when your world has chosen to stay in the dark, knowledge is dangerous. The scriptures he read revolve around the black heart of the station. The more he learns, the more he speaks out. In a world on the brink, the wayward boy becomes the Messenger, pushing past the obstacles to unearth the secrets locked in the black heart of the station, at his own peril.
This extremely readable novel has a geek-factor that will appeal to anyone who loves technology, believes in the power of knowledge and likes to figure things out. A great read for adventurous young minds. Who wouldn't, like Josh, want to see the stars?
The Black Heart of the Station is a riveting young man's adventure about finding faith, fighting to unearth the answers, and not taking the world as presented to you. The main character, Josh Driscoll, relentlessly seeks the purpose of the black heart of the station, a massive complex of computers in a closed sector. I found myself drawn in by his quest and the mystery of the black heart, as the stakes mount -- until the future of his world hangs in the brink.
Josh Driscoll was born into a society entombed deep beneath the Earth's core, with a rebel's heart.
When he was a young boy, his dying grandfather told him the truth of his world: "All this was supposed to be temporary."
At 15, Josh breaks the cardinal rules of the station, unlawfully borrowing a protective suit to ride the elevator to the outside, supported by his tech genius friend Matt. He sees the stars for the first time, and begins to understand the reality of his world.
His crime is not without consequences.
His father, a powerful leader, arranges Josh to serve his punishment at Saint Carmine's monastery. There Josh evolves into a young man with a quest for knowledge, and a surprising faith.
But when your world has chosen to stay in the dark, knowledge is dangerous. The scriptures he read revolve around the black heart of the station. The more he learns, the more he speaks out. In a world on the brink, the wayward boy becomes the Messenger, pushing past the obstacles to unearth the secrets locked in the black heart of the station, at his own peril.
This extremely readable novel has a geek-factor that will appeal to anyone who loves technology, believes in the power of knowledge and likes to figure things out. A great read for adventurous young minds. Who wouldn't, like Josh, want to see the stars?
June 18, 2021
Echoes of the delightful City of Ember abound in this enthralling blend of science fiction, faith, prophecy, and YA adventure. In a giant subterranean refuge many centuries in the future, teenage rebel Josh is driven by an insatiable curiosity about the secrets of the ancients, why they built The Station, and what lies behind the layers of oxy-ice on the surface. Access to the upper level is prohibited, so when Josh and his friend Matt are caught there wearing stolen pressure suits, they’re in big trouble. Josh is sent to a monastery to serve out his sentence.
While he hates it there at first, he’s increasingly intrigued by references to mysterious machines in ancient scriptural texts, and the ubiquitous mentions of a priest, Father Salvatore, who was executed for murder long ago. Josh is convinced there’s more to the priest’s story than is commonly believed. He suspects it has something to do with the current governor’s push to dismantle the Black Heart, a huge device that’s somehow still draining power from the Station. As his quest to preserve the Black Heart gathers momentum, Josh clashes with the authorities. A struggle for the future of the Station and all its occupants ensues.
This is a real page-turner. Jay Allan Storey teases a number of fascinating mysteries here, the biggest being the catastrophe that prompted the ancients to build the Station in the first place. Josh is a fine YA hero who grows into his role as ‘The Messenger’ organically; he’s not a pre-packaged hero, so it doesn’t feel forced. I particularly enjoyed two unlikely friendships he strikes along the way, both linked to the church. And the big revelations at the end did not let me down. It’s well-written (the passages from religious texts are brilliant), with strong world-building and a pace that zips along. Highly recommended.
While he hates it there at first, he’s increasingly intrigued by references to mysterious machines in ancient scriptural texts, and the ubiquitous mentions of a priest, Father Salvatore, who was executed for murder long ago. Josh is convinced there’s more to the priest’s story than is commonly believed. He suspects it has something to do with the current governor’s push to dismantle the Black Heart, a huge device that’s somehow still draining power from the Station. As his quest to preserve the Black Heart gathers momentum, Josh clashes with the authorities. A struggle for the future of the Station and all its occupants ensues.
This is a real page-turner. Jay Allan Storey teases a number of fascinating mysteries here, the biggest being the catastrophe that prompted the ancients to build the Station in the first place. Josh is a fine YA hero who grows into his role as ‘The Messenger’ organically; he’s not a pre-packaged hero, so it doesn’t feel forced. I particularly enjoyed two unlikely friendships he strikes along the way, both linked to the church. And the big revelations at the end did not let me down. It’s well-written (the passages from religious texts are brilliant), with strong world-building and a pace that zips along. Highly recommended.
August 30, 2023
The book was an enjoyable, fast paced read that kept me hooked. The main and supporting characters were likeable and interesting and I was rooting for them to succeed. I found some of the characters and story progression could have been developed a little more in places; behaviours and motives weren't always an obvious progression making the story feel a little jarring or rushed on just a few occasions. The book kept me engaged though, despite it feeling like a somewhat familiar scenario, and had a satisfying enough ending that prompted me to look into the next book in the series. Overall a well-written YA book, but plenty for adults to enjoy also and worth a read if you enjoy this genre.
I received a free copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only.
I received a free copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only.
May 19, 2017
It’s a long time since I’ve stayed up until 2 o’clock in the morning to finish a book, but I honestly couldn’t put it down. The Black Heart of the Station kept me on my toes until the last page – One of the best books I’ve read this year!
I've read and loved all of Storey's books so far, but this is definitely my favorite. Josh Driscoll is a likable lad, but life keeps throwing him one problem after another. Unlike so many writers of YA dystopian novels, Storey is a master not only at spinning a great yarn, but also of characterization. People are not always what they seem!
An excellent, satisfying read. I look forward to reading more of Jay Allan Storey’s novels.
I've read and loved all of Storey's books so far, but this is definitely my favorite. Josh Driscoll is a likable lad, but life keeps throwing him one problem after another. Unlike so many writers of YA dystopian novels, Storey is a master not only at spinning a great yarn, but also of characterization. People are not always what they seem!
An excellent, satisfying read. I look forward to reading more of Jay Allan Storey’s novels.
September 1, 2018
A refreshing, well-though science-fiction novel. It reminded me of Monica Hughes' "Earthdark". You immediately relate to the main character and hope things will end well for him. There's plenty of mystery to go round all the way to the end. I find the author's idea of a people who live in total ignorance of their history extremely interesting. They live a normal day-to-day life, oblivious to the fact that their very survival is at stake, and the reason is that they have turned their backs on their past and on the books written by the ancients. Let us hope our civilization won't come to that. Highly recommended book!
May 13, 2020
Jay Allan Storey tells an excellent story filled with mystery and intrigue in The Black Heart of the Station! Teenager Josh Driscoll has always been fascinated with the origins of The Station, the underground city on a frozen planet all humanity resides in. But when he begins to dig into the truth, he discovers that not everyone is interested in uncovering the past. I absolutely love Storey’s world and the exciting unravelling of its mystery! This was one of those stories that forces you to keep flipping forward to see what Josh would uncover next! If you loved City of Ember, definitely check this one out too!
April 17, 2023
Good!
I wasn't sure about this one, at first, because of the monk thing. I despise religion, so I have no interest to read anything about it. I'm happy I gave it try, since the religion aspect isn't really that present. It's more a tool for the main character to reach his goal as it's the only way for him to learn about history, as they are the only ones that hold records. And he didn't even want to be a monk at all, so it's not a religious calling. It's a sci-fi mystery entwined with evil schemes and adventures.
I wasn't sure about this one, at first, because of the monk thing. I despise religion, so I have no interest to read anything about it. I'm happy I gave it try, since the religion aspect isn't really that present. It's more a tool for the main character to reach his goal as it's the only way for him to learn about history, as they are the only ones that hold records. And he didn't even want to be a monk at all, so it's not a religious calling. It's a sci-fi mystery entwined with evil schemes and adventures.
May 6, 2020
7/10: Good solid read, something to get your teeth into.
‘What was lost will be found, and what was dead will be alive once more.’
OK, so this was a very easy-to-read story with a great mystery. I was intrigued from the start. It reads a little like a YA book (I would have preferred a little more maturity). But I didn't figure the mystery out until the end, which is a good thing in my book.
I'll be reading on in the series...
‘What was lost will be found, and what was dead will be alive once more.’
OK, so this was a very easy-to-read story with a great mystery. I was intrigued from the start. It reads a little like a YA book (I would have preferred a little more maturity). But I didn't figure the mystery out until the end, which is a good thing in my book.
I'll be reading on in the series...
May 13, 2023
I received this book from the author through 'voracious readers only'. Having only just joined VRO this was the first book I chose and I'm so pleased with my choice. An amazing dystopian, mystery, science fiction adventure. Full of twists and turns and great personable characters
I tend to spread myself pretty thin reading numerous books at once, so it takes me a while to finish a book, but this one I flew through, a real page turner.
The second book beckons soon. Highly recommended
I tend to spread myself pretty thin reading numerous books at once, so it takes me a while to finish a book, but this one I flew through, a real page turner.
The second book beckons soon. Highly recommended
September 21, 2025
This was quite an exciting SF. It takes place in our future where Earth has frozen over and the remnants of humanity are living in an underground facility. They have lost much of their history and some important knowledge of what is going on and how they got to where they are. We gradually learn as we go and discover a terrible danger posed by what at first seems like ignorance… Looking forward to book 2 which occurs almost 60 years later.
November 16, 2025
The Black Heart of the Station is an adventurous YA sci-fi with a futuristic setting that shows creativity and potential. The plot has steady pacing and includes suspenseful moments that keep the story moving, though it didn’t fully grip me emotionally.
It’s not in the darker, morally grey, tension-filled lane I usually prefer, so it didn’t fully capture me. That said, it’s a solid, accessible read for fans of young adult sci-fi and adventurous futuristic stories.
It’s not in the darker, morally grey, tension-filled lane I usually prefer, so it didn’t fully capture me. That said, it’s a solid, accessible read for fans of young adult sci-fi and adventurous futuristic stories.
August 25, 2019
It’s been a while since I read a good well-written SF book. Very believable and I was drawn into this world immediately. Only went down to four stars because I thought the ending a bit disappointing - but probably because I wanted more! No spoilers in this review - never understood why people even put them in reviews. Just a really enjoyable read.
June 6, 2020
Underdog survives and thrives
This is a nice combination coming of age heroic underdog, save the world , and redemption story. The author telegraphs a number of the hidden mysteries making the reveal rather flat.
It is compelling and pulls you rapidly through the story. The teaser to book two appears to be a basic repeat of book one with female protagonist.
This is a nice combination coming of age heroic underdog, save the world , and redemption story. The author telegraphs a number of the hidden mysteries making the reveal rather flat.
It is compelling and pulls you rapidly through the story. The teaser to book two appears to be a basic repeat of book one with female protagonist.
April 13, 2023
This book was so engaging that as soon as I finished it, I tried to buy the next one! Sadly it is available only in print at the time of this review.
Follow Joshua's journey while he seeks answers about the purpose of the station he lives in deep under the frozen Earth. Then follow his fight to save it from a power hungry leader willing to sacrifice anything for his own ego.
Follow Joshua's journey while he seeks answers about the purpose of the station he lives in deep under the frozen Earth. Then follow his fight to save it from a power hungry leader willing to sacrifice anything for his own ego.
May 17, 2023
Good stuff
I read this in 2 days. The story moved forward with a steady drumbeat and realistic changes in mood, like the heart rate of a long distance runner. Not racing but urgent. I liked the main characters -Josh, Matt and Brother Sigmund. I will read more of Jay Allan Storey’s work.
And “Storey”, cool name for a writer.
I read this in 2 days. The story moved forward with a steady drumbeat and realistic changes in mood, like the heart rate of a long distance runner. Not racing but urgent. I liked the main characters -Josh, Matt and Brother Sigmund. I will read more of Jay Allan Storey’s work.
And “Storey”, cool name for a writer.
May 19, 2023
Josh Driscoll lives in a city below the earth. Things are different and a bit on the science fiction side, but some things never change. That includes the battle of good versus evil. Josh is in an epic battle to make things right for not only himself, but for those he cares about. This is a great adventure in a fight to survive. Thanks to the author for weaving a tale that is a page turner.
November 17, 2023
Enjoyable tense read!
The Black Heart of the Station (book 1) by Jay Allan Storey is listed as being for adolescents and young adults. I'm 73 years old, and I absolutely loved the thrill of this young adult book better than most "adult" Sci Fi! I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
The Black Heart of the Station (book 1) by Jay Allan Storey is listed as being for adolescents and young adults. I'm 73 years old, and I absolutely loved the thrill of this young adult book better than most "adult" Sci Fi! I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
August 18, 2017
More like 3.5 stars. This was an interesting and fairly quick read. A unique dystopia-ish setting with an admirable teen fighting against the man. And there are some interesting insights into religion. I think it would be appropriate as a ya or adult read.
April 8, 2018
wow
I haven't finished this yet, but I'm really caught up on the story. A 17 year old kid takes on the establishment, and, at this point, seems to be making a difference. I can't wait until my teenaged grandson reads it!
I haven't finished this yet, but I'm really caught up on the story. A 17 year old kid takes on the establishment, and, at this point, seems to be making a difference. I can't wait until my teenaged grandson reads it!
April 11, 2018
Excellent S/F, non-stop suspense with a great story line.
I rarely give 5 Star rating but this book and author demanded it. I read the book, start to finish in one day, couldn't put it down. I will definitely read Storey's other books. Enjoy the book
I rarely give 5 Star rating but this book and author demanded it. I read the book, start to finish in one day, couldn't put it down. I will definitely read Storey's other books. Enjoy the book
August 21, 2019
This was just great!
I didn't really think this was my kinda book. Boy! Was I wrong. Please, Please, start the next book in this series.
It was entrancing and keep me on the edge of my seat to reach the finish. Thank you.
I didn't really think this was my kinda book. Boy! Was I wrong. Please, Please, start the next book in this series.
It was entrancing and keep me on the edge of my seat to reach the finish. Thank you.
February 27, 2020
Brilliant book
Completely different take on the post apocalyptic genre - unique and very well written. I will definitely be reading more of Jay's work, especially the next in this series... .and hope Josh and Matt are still around to see the end to what they started!
Completely different take on the post apocalyptic genre - unique and very well written. I will definitely be reading more of Jay's work, especially the next in this series... .and hope Josh and Matt are still around to see the end to what they started!
March 5, 2020
Interesting read
I started off reading this book and thought I'll never finish it . I'm use to reading space type books, but the more I got in to this book the more I wanted to finish it. I've even bought the next book in this story. Give it a try, it is worth reading.
I started off reading this book and thought I'll never finish it . I'm use to reading space type books, but the more I got in to this book the more I wanted to finish it. I've even bought the next book in this story. Give it a try, it is worth reading.
March 13, 2020
Having enjoyed The Arx (5*), I was expecting great things of this book. I have to admit to being slightly disappointed.
The premise of a fallen civilisation discovering its forgotten past has been done to death, and there were a few too many cliches for my liking.
The premise of a fallen civilisation discovering its forgotten past has been done to death, and there were a few too many cliches for my liking.
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