Darkness Rising

Archangel Project #5

by C. Gockel

At the edge of the galaxy, a research station has gone dark...Volka, 6T9, and Carl Sagan are called to help in the rescue mission ... A mission that triggers telepathic nightmares in their starship so terrifying battle hardened Galactic Marines breakdown and weep.They're about to discover some nightmares are real.The Darkness is Rising.

Genres: Science Fiction

422 pages, Paperback

First published April 22, 2019

About the author

C. Gockel got her start writing fanfiction, and she is not ashamed! Much. She received emails, messages and reviews from her fans telling her she should 'do this professionally'. She didn't; because she is a coward and life as a digital designer, copywriter and coder is more dependable. But in the end, her husband's nagging wore her down: "You could be the next '50 Shades of Gray' and I could retire!" Unfortunately, the author isn't much for writing smut. She is sad about this; she'd love for her husband to be able to retire and just work for her so she could nag him.

At the moment, Ms. Gockel is working on the next installment of her Archangel Project series.

Ms. Gockel loves to hear from readers. She can be reached by email at: cgockel.publishing at gmail.com

Her Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/CGockelWrites

Reviews

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun, entertaining tale in the Archangel Project. Interesting conflicts among androids, humans, "bots", and different species in this Sci Fi tale. And how about a sentient spaceship that can travel faster than light? Why not? The speed of light is a constant. What makes it so? Answer that question and anything goes.

The 'sexbot' (6T9), the werfle (think a ten legged telepathic weasel) and the weere (mix a human with a wolf, but weere, not were....) join opposing forces with the classic phrase, "The enemy of my enemy is my friend." Thus a greater evil is defeated by those who typically cannot stand each other. Lots of innuendo in C. Cockel's tale. Good stuff.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had previously read the other books in this series (I would recommend reading them in order) and really enjoyed how C. Gockel brings the characters and the story to life, despite much of the content being things that couldn't possibly happen right now (but perhaps in the future). The author weaves science fiction with hints of romance, making plays on societal issues of today to bring together a compelling story with danger, drama, intrigue, betrayal, hope, determination... She adds in creatures that are similar to ones we know but unique with incredible powers (just love Carl Sagan), along with androids and hybrids to make things even more interesting. This book picked up where Starship Waking left off, and immediately pulled me in with POV from Alaric and Volka, and insights from 6T9 and Carl Sagan. We also got to see characters from previous books (James Sinclair, Noa's brother, among them). Darkness threatened both sides - and unless they can find a way to work together all will be lost. There were some poignant moments for me where the characters came to terms with issues they had been struggling with, losses, perceived deceptions as events changed perspectives. Looking forward to seeing what happens next for this unusual group of commrades - Volka, 6T9 and Carl Sagan.

[MJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this series! Could def see an adaption out if it.

04-1019

[Hannah Kollef · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book from C. Gockel. This series is great, gripping sci-fi. Loved the original archangel trilogy but like this arc starring Carl Sagan (werfle/hive mind alien), Volka (Were, theist) and Sixty-nine (sentient former sex robot) even more. Volka particularly is really coming into her own in this book. Darkness Rising was thrilling, a great page turner but also really original and genuinely scary at times. There is great character growth; Gockel's characters are always well plotted and she gives them meaty emotional plots as well as an exciting narrative. All the themes introduced in the first four books continue to evolve and are examined with intelligence and nuance, looking particularly at prejudice and how we are often forced to work with former enemies when new threats appear. And I love the properly epic threat of "the Darkness" - you'll never look at wild animals the same way again.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm quite annoyed by this book. I didn't like Alaric in the last one and it doesn't get better, I have no idea why I liked James in the first place, Kenji is unrecognizable a 180 degree turned character, 6T9's hardware malfunction gets old, I never met a Droid I didn't like as much as Trina, the One turn out to be a selfish wave-bending righteous species and I can't figure out Sundancer. Volka is the only one with an interesting character Arc but whenever she meets potential “mates”, they find their untimely end.
Then there are the Luddeccean, a tech refusing society, that suddenly has the most advanced technology and respecting the republic marines and droids easily... Talking of 180 degree turns. Only poor Volka is still mistreated.
And the whole “Darkness” concept? I don't know... A way to fill pages?

I still like Gockel's story telling but her former books were more scientifically and psychologically believable.

[Jan Niblock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story moved along at a fast pace. There were places that really made me very sad while others were humorous. I love how Volka, Sixty and Carl have developed into such full characters. Until now, I always thought I knew which characters were to be liked and which ones you should not like. But with this book of the series, I am truly beginning to dislike James and Alaric. What really surprised me was the role that Kenji Sato plays in this story (no spoilers, sorry).

The story made me sad at times when some characters left us but I was very happy to see some get what they deserved. The next story should be very interesting.

[K.T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the world this writer has created and am already champing at the bit for the next installment. I’m not generally a sci-fi reader and took a chance on the first book. I’m glad I did. This cruel, futuristic universe is well worth diving into. Love, love, love being reunited with James’ character. A gripping read. Happy to recommend it. I definitely want my own werfle if that could be arranged.

[Dr susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great sci fi adventure

The worldbuilding is intricate, the characters are fascinating, and the story is thrilling. But the body count is high, and several character deaths made me sad. 6T9 and Carl are often hilarious, but I feel bad for Sixty who is often ridiculed, has no one to talk to, and is left out of the telepathy group. Darkness Rising is more grim than Starship Waking, and the coming battles promise more grimness in the next books.

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t wait for more!

I love the characters and the storyline in the Archangel series. Each book just makes you eager for more. I love how 6T9 has evolved, and the Wheere are so intriguing. I hope we will see much more of them.

[Dawn Clemens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another stunning story in the Archangel /Carl Sagan series

I look forward to each new book and I haven't been disappointed yet. The sense of humor that runs through her work is complemented by the world-building of her unique universe.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting book. I coudn't put and it diwn. I loved Noa and James very much and I coudn't belive iI would love Wolka, SixT9 and Carl the same but it happend. I alredy bought the next book and can't wait to read it.

[Al_owl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Saga Continues

This is one fun science fiction adventure. Humans, humans wolf hybrids, cats occupied by aliens, cyborgs and androids, all against an amorphous black algae that intends upon galactic conquest.

[Dchamp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I still have to say, this is a really good read.
Strange as all heck, but it hooks you in a way you don't realize. It's a really long book too.
I think I'll read one more before veering off on something different.

Recommended for sure!

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

New technical and personal developments in the struggle between the Republic and a breakaway faction result in some cooperation against a third party. However, this is only a tiny portion of the original combatants.

[C CHRISTOFOROU · Rating 5 out of 5]

Weird a wondrous

Some strange but compelling adventures to weird and wonderful people/things/beings. Plenty to keep you occupied. Proper science fiction with great characters, real and android.

[Kathleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just a reprise of earlier books and ends up with what is clearly the start of a sequel. Tired of this.

[Lorrinda Estabrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a great series

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful instalment

This can be read as a pure adventure story or making choices between duty and memory and existence. this series is very enjoyable

[Randal Gritzner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read.

[Mark P. Downey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best yet in the series

The author has fleshed out her characters and has brought them fully to life in this novel. The action was great and the plot excellent.

[Marie C Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love all this series but would just like a little more of the 2 original characters

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is mostly just a set-up to introduce us to the enemy who will appear in the next books, and some of the long battles seem unlikely. The characters returning from previous books, however, are still likable as are some of the new ones. As in the previous book, there is a fair amount of humor mixed in amongst the darker parts. Over all this is an enjoyable read.

Note: This book is the fifth in the series. To follow this one, you will have to have read the previous book, and there is no conclusion so you will need to read the next books.