How Dark the Void

by Jason Sallee

He lives on the edge of civilization – in a place they call the Void. But as the Corporations invade what was once a refuge, will he escape or lose everything he’s ever fought for?

Interstellar smuggler Jlaeal enjoys the freedoms of the Void. A survivor of the lawless space between civilized systems, his hard-won existence is shattered when the corporations invade and conquer outlaw stations one by one. As chaos reigns across the ungoverned expanse, Jlaeal unexpectedly falls for a beautiful woman. And when he and his allies are finally confronted head on with the invading corporate forces, he’ll risk everything to save all that he’s come to love...

How Dark the Void is an exhilarating science fiction space opera where pirates, smugglers and outlaws fight intense battles for the ultimate prize – freedom.

Genres: Space Opera

332 pages, Paperback

First published September 25, 2020

About the author

Jason Sallee is author of How Dark the Void.

He is also a screenwriter and a producer on over sixteen feature length films.

Reviews

[Christie Santo · Rating 5 out of 5]

How Dark the Void is an emotion-evoking tale of survival. I laughed, grit my teeth with anxious excitement, cried, and sighed in relief. Jlaeal’s goodness is the light that shines in this dark dark void. You cheer for him, and for life to continue on peacefully in the void. Much like life today. Jason Sallee builds this world, or universe, with a moviemaker’s paintbrush, creating new words and new species with ease and comfort. Catchphrases and How Dark the Void slang words are now a part of my vocabulary. My takeaway is that no matter how dark the void is, the adventure is worth living. Hope for a changed future is the carrot that keeps us all going. And love is the only light that shines through the darkness of the void, whether friendship or infatuation, never give up. When the darkness gets to be too much, there is always gru. Drink it down and forget the day, so you can continue on to fight another day.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a high energy, intense sci-fi story with the vibe of the Star Wars series. It moves fast, has interesting and complex characters, a romance and an ending that promises so much more. In fact, this book really serves to set the stage for what I suspect will be some great adventures ahead. If you're a fan of this genre, you may want to pick up this book.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.

[Eric Maier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written and well edited novel.

The author created a very rich and full world. Honestly, and this is high praise, the world reminded me strongly of Firefly (the TV Series). I felt the scope and depth of the Void and it's peoples, and of their varied cultures. I fully expect there to be more books based on Jason Sallee's Void.

Why only 4 stars then? Well, parts of it were too slow for me and I worked out the main plot well before the end. Speaking of the end, while there was nothing wrong with it, I felt I wanted a little more.

[David Olsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't often read science fiction, but this book was enjoyable from beginning to end. Crisp characters, deft world-building, and an interstellar adventure into the void that keeps the pages turning. Highly recommended.

[Howard Brodsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tightly told story set inside an expansively thought out world. Memorable characters and fun technologies add to the enjoyment. A fine addition to the realm of sci-fi.