Prisoners of Darkness

Galaxy's Edge #7

by Jason Anspach, Nick Cole

The Battle of Tarrago was just the beginning. Following Goth Sullus's ruthless onslaughts against the Republic, a desperate House of Reason searches for scapegoats—and finds one, deserving or not, in Commander Ellek Owens. His sentence is cruel, unjust—and final.

Unless Victory Squad has anything to say about it.

When Chhun undertakes a daring raid on the prison planet Herbeer to rescue his commander, Wraith's loyalties are put to the test, as he's forced to choose between his responsibilities to the Legion… and his responsibilities to his captured crew.

Meanwhile, in the Umnar system, the soulless menace known as the Cybar seeks to break Prisma Maydoon—and set the stage for the total annihilation of not only the Republic, but all life in the galaxy.

Genres: Science Fiction, Space Opera, Audiobook, Military Fiction, Fiction, Military Science Fiction, Adventure

304 pages, Paperback

First published December 19, 2017

About the author

JASON ANSPACH is the author of Galaxy's Edge, Wayward Galaxy, Forgotten Ruin. and more.

He lives in Puyallup, WA with his wife and their seven (not a typo) children.

Reviews

[Charles van Buren · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a rollercoaster of a read

If you expected PRISONERS OF DARKNESS to follow up and complete the story of Ford/Keel/Wraith's captured crew, you underestimated the deviousness and inventiveness of the authors. There are multiple story lines in this volume including some followup to the story of the captured crew but no resolution to that storyline. There is also the story of the House of Reason's chosen scapegoat for the destruction of the shipyard at Tarrago. The insane donkey race, the Zhee, make another appearance which looks as though it will tie in with the also insane machines of the Doomsday Fleet. I'm pretty sure that I'm leaving something out but I don't like spoilers anyway. Just hang on for another rollercoaster ride courtesy of Jason Anspach and Nick Cole.

[Benjamin Espen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite theme of Prisoners of Darkness is the contrast between Captains Chhun and Ford. Formerly teammates, and even friends, as the book progresses Chhun and Ford are revealed to have chosen different paths in life, even though they started in more or less the same place.

Either man could be called a hero, and in fact they both receive a commendation, the Order of the Centurion, normally awarded posthumously. Yet, they slowly realize that they no longer really know each other. Chhun has stayed on the well-trodden path, rising through the ranks of the Legion, doing his best to do his duty. Ford, as the deep-cover agent Aeson Keel, has spent so long playing the rogue that he has simply become one. Each one of them is a good man, yet they make each other extremely uncomfortable.

For the most part, they do both want the same things. Ford, as Keel, has developed quite a mercenary streak, but is still more loyal than the part he plays. Time and circumstances have created attachments to different things, which serve to pull the former comrades apart, but I'm guessing they will find they need each other again at some point.

Because the galaxy is falling apart. What looked like the Galactic Republic versus Goth Sullus' Empire is devolving into factions within each bloc jockeying for position, with a still unknown outside force manipulating events from a hidden redoubt. Two sides will rapidly become three or four simultaneously contesting for control of the galaxy.

And some damn fool gave the donkeys jetpacks. That's at least as bad of an idea as giving missiles AI.

[Mike Hull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prisoners of Darkness has one problem. It ended too soon. I've read all of the available books in the Galaxy's Edge series, and have been left eagerly awaiting Cole and Anspach's next installment in an exciting series. The book follows a group of spec ops warriors as they navigate a war, bad officers, evil spies, and worse government officials. All while being doing the right thing as best they can.

I've seen people write that this is what Star Wars could have been. Maybe, but I believe it has far surpassed Star Wars as the best futuristic war space opera available, and there are some really talented writers out there.

Read this book, this series, and then recommend it to someone else. Now.

[allan graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Please

Can't get enough of this series, sure it has its faults, sometimes to star warsish, but, who cares, love it and can't stop reading it. And I am definitely not a star wars fan, so 5 stars is a big one for me

[J.R. Handley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary:
First, let me say that none of what I’ll say in this section couldn’t be found on the back copy of the novel. Heck, I cribbed this summary from the back, and then I add my own twist! And not even much of one, since most of the books I read have kick butt descriptions (aka blurbs). If the blurb doesn’t catch my eye, then I tend to skip the book unless a friend recommends it. Generally speaking, my goal is to provide a spoiler-free review, so here goes nothing!

Things are in chaos since we left the galaxy at the edge of the universe. The bedlam has spread, and the End of the Republic begins now. The galaxy ignites as Goth Sullus and his fleet unleash a devastating surprise assault on the Republic. All that stands in his way are the 7th Fleet and the Legion. But with allies hidden in the very heart of the Republic, Sullus looks to reshape the galaxy in his own image. Fleets collide in a moment-by-moment account of tactics, heroism, sacrifice, and the start of the final war of the Republic. The stakes have never been higher, and it’s winner take all.

If you like epic space opera, with a side of military science fiction, you should read this series. Plenty of explosions, with authentically gritty combat. If this sounds like your flavor of badassery, then you’ve come to the right place! This novel is a brilliant continuation of the Galaxy’s Edge Universe, where they fix everything George Lucas broke in this Star-Wars-Not-Star-Wars adventure. I wish I could give you an easy comparison, if you enjoyed Book X, buy this book but I really feel like Nick and Jason broke new ground here. They’ve revived that sense of newness and fun that we loved as children, that brought most of us to the science fiction genre! There are other military sci-fi books out there, but none quite like this!


Characters:
In this novel, we didn’t follow a small group of characters like in the previous three novels. Instead, we meet a diverse group of Legionnaires, Black Fleet Shock Troopers, and sailors from both fleets. While there were a lot of characters, I liked that each of them had their own worldview and weren’t cardboard cut-outs of the cheap military clichés. They were all consummate professionals and skilled at their jobs. It made it hard to know whom to root for, and I loved it. These were hard men and women, in a dangerous universe, protecting the Republic from rebel scum! Or they were stone cold killers, set on destroying the corruption of the House of Reason. All of these fighters felt a bit rushed, but that was because of the decision to show the chaos of the first major naval battle the galaxy has seen in living memory. Artistically, I understood why this decision was made, but I was left wanting to know more about these characters. Maybe those that lived will get there own series someday? Regardless of how quick our look at these characters were, they all added to what is clearly a vast and expansive universe. All of the characters were a lot of fun to get to know, and made me what to know more so (hint, hint) start working on those side novels!

Overall, it seems like the overabundance of secondary characters are building something huge, and you end up hopeful that you’ll get to see big things from him in the future. I will give these characters 4 out of 5 Grenades and can’t wait to see where the author takes the survivors for the rest of this new series!


Plot:
The premise for this series was to take the kind of Star Wars stories we used to love, strip out all of the political messaging, and just tell fun tales. Escapism and enjoyment, under the banner of intergalactic science fiction. This book was like most of the military fiction I love to read, it was an action-packed novel. The story is set as the galaxy is in turmoil, reeling from the arrival of the instability caused by Goth Sullus’s arrival. We get to see the world through several characters, too many to count in this novel. It took some getting used to, but let you feel the chaos and confusion that combat brings. We see the world from the eyes of many of the lower level warriors and pilots who were doing the actual fighting. The conventional wisdom is that so many POVs would limit the novel, making it confusing but I was able to get used to it. Eventually, you won’t notice and will just ride the waves of awesomeness into the promised land of space combat. I never felt cheated, or like I should’ve seen bits that happened off-screen because they used this style of narration. It was a good set-up and well-executed premise that held my interest from the first sentence. The multiple character views did make it harder to read the book since I often had to backtrack a chapter or two to follow it again but I think it was a fair trade-off for showing the chaos of an epic space battle. This allowed the plot to grow and expanded, and I can only image bigger things coming from the Galaxy’s Edge world. I think that this is partly because I’ve become conditioned to these large expansive worlds because of the copious amounts of space opera that I read. Maybe your mileage will vary, but it’s definitely worth checking this book out. As you can tell by the gushing, despite the confusion of multiple POVs, I really got into this book. I couldn’t put it down, the plot was that compelling. I really loved the premise, and more importantly, I enjoyed how the execution. The pacing was excellent, and there was never a slow moment. I couldn’t ask for anything more; a unique premise, perfect execution, and incredible pacing! I again give Nick Cole and Jason Anspach 5 out of 5 Grenades!


World Building:
This is the fourth book in the Galaxy’s Edge Series, and I absolutely loved it. Can I say that enough? Okay, back to the nitty gritty of the review. This novel had a very fleshed out world that was consistent, made sense and sucked you in. I loved the way they handled inserting the back stories of the new characters in such a way that you didn’t even notice. They did it so well that you never felt like you were missing anything important about the larger world. There were parts that felt like they weren’t there because the characters were rushed. However, rather than detract from the world building, it made the universe feel that much larger. In the end, it gave us so many windows into the battle on the Tarrago moon, and of the space battle in the voids above. It definitely made me want to become part of the larger world. I liked reading about the technology used by the various services, and how they’ve evolved over the scope of this series. I especially loved the tri-fighters and the raptors. Seriously, when can I buy some Galaxy’s Edge battle armor? And I want to travel the galaxy in my own battleship. Who wouldn’t want an ion cannon to forge your own galactic empire? I was hooked, and now I want to know it all! I definitely see room for CosPlay and a fandom for this world, and can’t wait for my own Legionnaire armor! They described the world with plenty of details, and there wasn’t a scene where I couldn’t picture it. They didn’t reinvent the wheel and built on the existing tropes of science fiction. They just made it sexier! Overall, the world building was well done, and I was sold on the way it happened. It felt believable, and the characters fit within the universe Nick Cole and Jason Anspach created. It was a fun ride that made me wanna suit up…which is the goal of action/adventure authors! Like most of the stories I read, this one didn’t take itself too seriously, which allowed you to focus on the fun which is why I read in the first place. I give the world building 5 out of 5 Grenades.


Description:
I have to give it to the authors, this novel was chalk full of visualization, and you could definitely imagine yourself in this world. He described things across the sensory spectrum; sights, sounds, smells and even how the world felt. This is how it’s done, and I hope to get that good someday. While I could visualize all of the characters, I would still love it if the authors shared artists renderings for them. Also, some of the ships were harder to imagine in this book. It wasn’t too bad, but I had trouble visualizing them. Could be my head injury, I can be slow sometimes so your mileage may vary. I’ve said it before, but there is a trend to be lighter on the details so the imagination can fill in the rest and I’d prefer a little more. There has to be a happy medium somewhere, but I’m mentioning it so you know my own preferences and biases for my review. If that isn’t something you notice, you would be pleased with the level of detail here. This hasn’t been an issue before because the legionnaire armor covered the lack of physical details but there were so many sailors who weren’t in body armor that it stuck out this round. Luckily, the fast-paced action kept you from dwelling on it because you were quickly swept away in the chaos of the massive battle. One huge plus for me was Nick Cole and Jason Anspach’s descriptive use of language, a skill they’ve carried through the first three books as well. They balanced the explanation of this new world with the need to move a story along. This book didn’t have a single place where I couldn’t picture the scenery and the equipment, which added to the world that felt tangible and I enjoyed it. The only issue where I couldn’t imagine things was the spaceships, but everything else was crystal clear. The author’s description of their universe was evocative, and converted me into an uber fan! The only slight drawback of how descriptive they were, it was was a little bit distracting. Seriously, it made you wanna take a moment and explore every nook and cranny, but that’s a sign of an amazingly built universe. And a little birdy told me that they DO intend to explore those nooks and crannies! The proof of that was the release of the Goth Sullus origin story, Imperator. In summary, I didn’t find any issues with the descriptions and was impressed by the literary skills of the authors. The action was gripping, and the story was fun. If you want the action, the adventure, and the PEW PEW, then this is the book for you! Nick Cole and Jason Anspach brought it, they were definitely their A game. I give them 4 out of 5 grenades in this category. If I could’ve envisioned the fighters and more of the characters, it would’ve been a perfect score.


Overall:
I really loved this book, it was a lot of fun to read. It brought back the epic space romps I read and loved as a kid. This was definitely a lot closer to the fast-paced space combat full of explosions and the fog of war than the previous three novels, which was a fun change of pace. There were no deep messages, or political themes, just good clean fun. Like the previous novels, this story was compelling and made me want to know more. I would say it made me want to join the Legion, but it was hard to tell if they were the good guys in this one. There was good and evil to be found on both sides, and the waters were a tad murkier than in the previous books in this series. One change in this book was set that it was a third person view, which was a change from the first three books. One thing I’ve enjoyed about this series was that each novel was a slightly different style, watching as the authors experimented with this modern classic. From a craft point of view, that evolution has been fun to follow, but that could just be the writer in me geeking out.

Like the previous novels in this universe, the first thing that caught my eye was the fantastic cover. Seriously, they’re all amazingly compelling. If you want to learn more about them, the Galaxy’s Edge mailing list will show you how the covers evolved to their final version. This was one series where I wished I weren’t color blind, and art dumb. I’d add a section to the book review template on the covers because so many of them are kicking butt these days! I don’t know if the authors are setting that trend, or following it, but I don’t care because we the readers are winning on this front! The Galaxy’s Edge covers reminded me of the iconic science fiction covers I loved as a kid, or the movie posters from the action adventures I watched when I was supposed to be studying. When I finally have a dedicated office or man cave, I’m decorating it with these covers! And whenever they sell swag, that too!

Now onto the book itself! The military culture shown was spot on, just what I’d expect from an Army veteran. Nobody felt like cookie cutter clichés or parodies of the warrior, and the ethos was spot on. This deadly literary duo clearly understand the culture of the grunt! Nick and Jason made it clear that their world was flushed out, and didn’t fall into some of the traps most military sci fi did. The troops run out of ammo, dumb luck happens, and good soldiers still die. My god, lots of them! Rivers of blood ran throughout this novel, the action was intense and the characters responded as you’d expect in those circumstances. Moving right along, the ground combat described was primal, and immersive. It was everything you want from the genre. The battle scenes were believable, gripping and I never felt like the author missed a chance to get creative with the tactics. It was textbook KTF, the mantra of the Legionnaire! Kill them first! Such a detailed portrayal of the tactics is rare. Where the battle lacked were the space scenes, because as I’ve mentioned previously, I couldn’t visualize the fighters or the massive capital ships.

Seriously, I realize I’ve gone full fanboy, but the authors have definitely raised the bar for military science fiction authors everywhere. Even with the flaws of this novel, it was still leaps and bounds above most of what’s out there! I was hooked from the first page because they wove the action in such a compelling way that you wanted to jump into the page and join the party. Basically, they had me hooked from the beginning and kept it going throughout the whole novel. This is a book I would happily recommend, and an author I will definitely read again. Buy the novel! But hey, it’s easy to spend someone else’s money! I give this novel a 5 out of 5 grenades!

If this book sounds like it’s right up your alley, check it out, you won’t regret it! Well, unless it inspired you to serve the Legion. And you enlist, get kitted up, only to realize that your armor is made of shiny wax paper. Then you’re put on the front lines, getting to be on the tip of the spear. In your first fire fight, you’ll realize that the pretty uniforms won’t save you. And then the other shoe drops, you figure out that the weapons aren’t calibrated, and you can’t hit the broad side of a barn. But, alas, every Shock Trooper traitor’s a crack shot. Well yeah, I guess this could be bad for you. Or maybe you’ll be okay? I mean, you could be the first trooper to make it out alive? On second thought, be warned, fanboy/fangirl syndrome just MIGHT kill you. Be wary, you were warned and if you have to go out like that at least enjoy the view from the end times!

[Robert Defrank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goth Sullus has secured vital infrastructure in his last campaign, and though the heroism of Victory Company and their allies among the ragtag crew of the Indelible VI blunted that victory, the armada of this self-proclaimed emperor continues their assaults on Republic targets. Meanwhile, the corrupt politicians of the Republic, seeking a convenient scapegoat, decide Commander Owens as their sacrifice and cast him into the deepest, darkest, most brutal prison mine in the galaxy.

Victory Company must again step outside the law, to save their comrade and commander.

Meanwhile, more players are arising. In despiration, the Republic bearucrats have activated their secret weapon: a fully-automated fleet, operated by an experimental AI based on anicent alien technology. Unbeknownst to its creators, an AI that has gone insane and view all biological life as viable targets.

And to make matters worse, the fantatical Zhee see the opportunity to extend their claim on the fraying galaxy.

Prisoners of Darkness functions as a fine bridge or transition novel. While the main thrust of the plot is the raid on this hellish prison, the authors take the opportuntiy to lay the groundwork of several new subplots and advance others.

Finally, the book is worth reading for the chapter dealing with the Zhee alone. The authors do an amazing job fleshing out this ancient and virtuous culture, eager to share that culture with the wider galaxy, and I'm certain readers will enjoy seeing the leaders of the Republic partake in their ways.

[E W · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite part of this series is when we see Victory Squad do their thing, and this entry does not disappoint. I just want the Legion to topple the House of Reason already because I cannot stand the government's incompetence, including promising weapons to the zhee (that strikes me as a disaster waiting to happen). I wish I understood better where the plot involving the Cybar is going and what Ravi has to do with things, but I do love that unseen to almost everyone lurks an even bigger villain than Goth Sullus.

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Mil SciFi

The stories just keep getting more complex and characters keep re-appearing. Every book in this series is hard to put down.

[Arnis · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://poseidons99.wordpress.com/202...

[Benjamin Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

The problems are catching up with this series, in addition to its standard forgetting things that had happened in previous books. (This time we're treated to X who has a cat in one book, but then is thinking about getting one in the next and Chhun not knowing Leena was former MCR despite that being literally the second thing Keel said to him).

Now it's decided to go super hard on it's anti-sjw bent, diversity is bad, aliens are bad, people who are against the republic are as stupid as the republic. Only the all human all male legion is good and only some of them.

I thought this hyper ra ra nationalist bullshit was a parody of genre at first, but it's just not.

[Beau · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cast of characters here, good and bad, is just wonderful. I have been missing Rex for a couple of books. But the ones we have left keep me going.

Here's hoping that humanity (and the other alien species they hang out with) are saved from the threat of the Evil Empire.

The authors balance the expectation of the outcome nicely. It's not supposed to be a tap-in for eagle. You're supposed to have to struggle more for the final victory, right?

Please keep writing them. I'll keep reading them.

[msew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nonstop awesome!

An entire book to tell the tale of a rescue mission! Yesssss! Well the mission and some exciting details of the new enemy! Muahahahhah.

Great action. Great intrigue. Some amazing cliffhangers!

Great stuff yet again!

See you all for the next book!!!!!

[Jeff Duran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just buy it already

Its a great book in a great series. If you're reading this then just stop now and buy it. Buy them all. Now go. This is your destiny. Well. Maybe not Destiny *exactly* but it'll do for now until you find some.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series!

A lot of plots to keep track of but great action. Plenty of mystery to keep you hanging and wanting to read the next in the series!

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Battles among enemies, known and unknown, with enough action to stay glued to the Kindle.

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 6th in the Galaxy’s Edge series. Once again, you should really read each book in order. (It would be ‘possible’ to read this as a standalone – but why bother.) I’ve decided to read the entire series – book after book – as if I’m reading one L-O-N-G story. And, most importantly, it ain’t no “War and Peace”. It’s military science fiction. It’s pure entertainment. Escapism. … You don’t even have to pay close attention to the plot – whatever is happening in the story, if you loose track, you can easily pick it up again. All this being said, I’ve enjoyed the series – and made a commitment to its entirety.

In this ‘episode’, the ‘good guys’, Legionnaires, fight the vicious aliens, REALLY BAD, ‘bad guys’ (cannibals that view murder as an artform!). The ruling politicians (supposedly the ‘good guys’) strike a deal with the craven aliens to destroy the Legionnaires (the real ‘good guys’). … Oh boy! We’re talkin’ firefights, prisoners, interrogations, slavery – and, in this ever evolving story – a takeover by machines!! A number of plotlines collide and five or six factions/forces compete for control of the universe! Blah, blah, blah … The authors throw everything at the reader. (They’ve missed zombies but I wouldn’t put it past them in future episodes.) Still, I like it. It’s fun.

[xuskw · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As I've stated in my previous reviews of the Galaxy's Edge series, these novels are consistently on an uptrend with regard to my personal enjoyment. Reading about Major Owen's new situation and it's resolution was a great insight into the way the Republic really works. Through this medium, the authors extend the idea that the wonderful Republic isn't so wonderful.

To tie-back to my review of Book #1, Legionnaire, the Republic is first introduced as a seemingly good governing body. Disregarding the personal beliefs and actions of the first books characters, it appeared to be an emulation of what a red-blooded American envisions the USA to be. However, the authors have been steadfast in their efforts to continuously present the Republic in a darker and darker way.

When compared to the stories' obvious inspiration, Star Wars, you are first set up to expect the Republic to be similar to the Republic of Starts: a generally fair and honest place. Goth Sullus is obviously representative of the Sith Lords. However, that is becoming less and less clear, and I look forward to finding out what the Republic really is.

Overall, this was my second favorite book in the series so far (behind Book #2, Galactic Outlaws) and I heartily recommend it.

[John Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a little light on action, but continues the story quite well. If anything, this book feels like a fill-in for the next part of the story. it has to be there, because it sets things up to happen, but it's not a book full of action and daring deeds like the others have been (although the rescue of the Leejs on Herbeer kinda is)
The chess pieces are being moved around the board. Who knows just WHAT the next move is going to be??

[PJ Lea · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the House of Reason sends an innocent man to an inescapable prison planet, and Victory Squad become involved, you know it's going to be violent and action-packed. Add in the Cybar and Prisma, and it is a story that takes you prisoner!
I've read every book in this series and I've been hooked from the start. It had me glued to the pages.

[Mary Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot thickens!

Action! Intrigue! Crazy sci-fi stuff! Exactly what I was hoping for from this series. I think the lovey don't stuff is out of character for our hero, and wonder why authorsvseem to think every story has to have a love interest. But I'm willing to overlook that little issue. On to the next!

[Dan]

This is another great book in the series. I ended up reading it within 24 hours, and it was a great time.

Definitely pick this up if you're a fan of the series!

I also like how some of the characters who were on separate story lines are now starting to run together.

Can't wait for the next one!

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone is waiting

The Black Ops and Prisma have found the Fleet that the House of Reason thinks is going to save them. Wraith is looking for his crew after fighting with Chhun and his Legionnaires. Chhun is going after his Major who has been sent to a synth camp. Continue to follow.

Read and enjoy.

[Adam Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prisoners of Darkness forms the dark heart of the series. This book is Galaxy’s Edge’s ‘the Empire Strikes Back’ moment as characters face long-coming consequences and betray or fail one another. Get ready for the galaxy to change from the Edge.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lifers in the Syth prison mines are just too dangerous. Exactly the kind of talent the Legion needs to stave off the various impending dooms. In fact a lot of them are are actually ex-Legionnaires. Fancy that!

Since they plan to break one prisoner out ...

[Mr Geoffrey Bowlt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book review

Another cracking read (book 6) in the galaxy's edge series.Characters and plotlines are all developing and intertwining .Waiting for next in series!

[Kenneth Legnon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read love all the twist and turns.

[Charles Gabriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better and better

Classic space opera and combat realism the keeps you on the edge of your seat. Unpredictable action with real heroes. Meaning flawed and human.

[Ann Zdunczyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

More fighting

The Victory Company are at it again. Their boss has been set to prison for life and they are going to rescue him. Read to find out what happens!!

[Miriam Delasalle · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are so cool

If you like action and outerspace and politics and gunslingers and otherworldly stuff, you'll like this book - I love how the stories continue!

[Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

KTF