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In the Heart of the Void
The crew of an interstellar cargo ship on a routine mission find themselves stranded in the middle of nowhere. As if that's not enough of a disaster, strange things start to happen on board. What follows is a series of events none of them could have possibly prepared for...In the Heart of the Void is a nerve shredding sci-fi horror story set in space.You'll never look at the stars the same way again.
126 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 20, 2021
3 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Tanweer Dar
22 books53 followersI was born in Birmingham, in the United Kingdom. I studied Ancient & Medieval History at university and am a qualified teacher.
I love nature, walking, gardening, house plants, history, art, poetry, and books and films of all kinds (especially horror).
I have written and published science fiction, horror, poetry, fantasy and children’s books. Alongside my writing, I am also an enthusiastic and experienced pencil and digital artist.
I love nature, walking, gardening, house plants, history, art, poetry, and books and films of all kinds (especially horror).
I have written and published science fiction, horror, poetry, fantasy and children’s books. Alongside my writing, I am also an enthusiastic and experienced pencil and digital artist.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 15, 2021
The book starts off with giving you details about the crew members and their ranking, it becomes clear that this is a tight knit crew and that they mainly operated as a group of friends, instead of the Captain issuing strict orders. It quite quickly becomes clear that all is not right on board, the crew members have been awaken from stasis early without any known reason. This book doesn't give you a chance to put it down, it immediately throws you into the panic of the cargo ship as they realise one of the crew members have disappeared. It becomes clear that Captain Johansen may know more than what he is telling and I found myself very eager to know whether he is playing a part with what is going on with the ship. Captain Johansen finally relents and admits that the 'Omega protocol' has been activated, no one bar Johansen knows about this protocol and he quickly explains that it is activated to prevent biological threats and contaminants from reaching the earth and therefore, sends the ship on a different course away from Earth until the threat has been dealt with. The crew are very forgiving, although a few members still believe that the Captain is withholding further details but they are soon forced to face the reality of the situation when one of the newest crew members 'Minh' discovers the missing crew members mangled body. I absolutely loved that this book didn't give you a chance to get bored as you were always in suspense of what is going to happen next, it is very fast paced and quickly appears that the crew members are dealing with some kind of alien. The tension on board builds until Captain Johansen admits that he may know something more about what is happening on board and that it may be linked to corporation called 'TerraTech'. Personally, I felt that the other crew members were too forgiving of Captain Johansen and I know I certainly would be angry at the betrayal but the crew quickly move on and try to deal with the ongoing threat. The ending absolutely crushed me and I felt so strongly for each of the crew members, Tanweer did a brilliant job of fleshing out his characters and really making them feel like people.
My only wish would have been to know more about 'TerraTech' and why such a project would be allowed. It would have been great to know exactly what 'TerraTech' were planning and exactly how they were going to clean up the mess they had made.
For any sci-fi fans, this book is a must read!
My only wish would have been to know more about 'TerraTech' and why such a project would be allowed. It would have been great to know exactly what 'TerraTech' were planning and exactly how they were going to clean up the mess they had made.
For any sci-fi fans, this book is a must read!
August 22, 2021
Firstly, fair warning. This book is sci-fi horror, and contains gorey details. This fits within the story and is typical of the genre, but if it's something that would upset you, be aware.
On to the review! The Heart of the Void follows a spaceship crew who awake from stasis mid flight to find their ship floating in the middle of nowhere (in the biggest sense of the word nowhere). The autopilot AI is no longer functioning. If that's not bad enough, they begin to hear strange sounds coming from the ship's vents…
An entertaining cast of characters, who you can't help but root for, amplify the horror. You want these people to make it out alive! The combination of the feeling of being hunted, alongside the overwhelming emptiness of space will send chills down your spine.
Alongside the horror, mystery is what drives the plot forwards. The captain's secrets, why the AI is malfunctioning, the exact nature of the crew's hunter… all these threads will keep you guessing. Importantly, they are also satisfactorily resolved, in a way that you'll still be thinking about after finishing the book.
If you like your sci-fi dark, if fear draws you in… this is one for you!
On to the review! The Heart of the Void follows a spaceship crew who awake from stasis mid flight to find their ship floating in the middle of nowhere (in the biggest sense of the word nowhere). The autopilot AI is no longer functioning. If that's not bad enough, they begin to hear strange sounds coming from the ship's vents…
An entertaining cast of characters, who you can't help but root for, amplify the horror. You want these people to make it out alive! The combination of the feeling of being hunted, alongside the overwhelming emptiness of space will send chills down your spine.
Alongside the horror, mystery is what drives the plot forwards. The captain's secrets, why the AI is malfunctioning, the exact nature of the crew's hunter… all these threads will keep you guessing. Importantly, they are also satisfactorily resolved, in a way that you'll still be thinking about after finishing the book.
If you like your sci-fi dark, if fear draws you in… this is one for you!
December 16, 2021
We need more books like this
With shades of Alien, In the Heart of the void takes you to space where a ship is under assault from within by biomechanical creatures. As you read, you're kept on the edge of your seat, wondering when the things will pop up next and who will be their victim. Dar creates a claustrophobic atmosphere where even as a reader, you're scared to breathe. Very well done!
With shades of Alien, In the Heart of the void takes you to space where a ship is under assault from within by biomechanical creatures. As you read, you're kept on the edge of your seat, wondering when the things will pop up next and who will be their victim. Dar creates a claustrophobic atmosphere where even as a reader, you're scared to breathe. Very well done!
September 29, 2021
"Ensign Pham Thi Minh found herself more alone than she could ever remember being in her short life."
Phenomenal. In The Heart of The Void is a fantastically tense sci-fi horror, a story that keeps you guessing and hoping until the very last page. An absolutely terrifying concept; one that makes you glad you're somewhat safe on Earth!
I definitely recommend if you're a fan of 2001: A Space Odyssey, the story oozes that sense of hopelessness, especially towards the end.
Phenomenal. In The Heart of The Void is a fantastically tense sci-fi horror, a story that keeps you guessing and hoping until the very last page. An absolutely terrifying concept; one that makes you glad you're somewhat safe on Earth!
I definitely recommend if you're a fan of 2001: A Space Odyssey, the story oozes that sense of hopelessness, especially towards the end.
September 7, 2021
Delivered on its promises. Kept enough hope alive until the the end.
March 30, 2023
I’m a big fan of the author’s cyberpunk stories, and appreciate the diversity of tales he writes under that genre. In the Heart of the Void offers something different again. While its world (or universe) touches upon cyberpunk themes, this book instead tells a claustrophobic story set in deep space.
While the author's The Demon owes a debt to Batman, In the Heart of the Void has a debt to pay to Alien. This novella has a filmic sensibility to it, feeling like it belongs in the echelons of late 1970s space horror. Should the author ever sell the film rights to this book, it would be a great thing for cinema. While this book’s concept is familiar, the author presents an original story that works brilliantly on its own merits. The book features familiar tropes (not just to Alien, but any story focused on a nigh-unstoppable enemy) that readers will find comfort in, but unveils them in a unique way. And without spoiling anything, the author closes this story on a more satisfying note than Alien ever could.
The author’s choice of words adds to the tension. The writing is infused with mystery, and as important as the words the author uses are, the words he doesn’t use are equally so. The threat is unveiled slowly, with very little to describe it throughout the book's majority. The prose conveys the sense of isolation its characters feel in space, and further, the claustrophobia that comes with being captive in a confined space with others as an unknown threat looms.
The author writes in an engaging style that is easy to follow. It’s clean and crisp, and provides all the information the reader needs without ever feeling over or underwritten. Given its horror elements, the pacing is often slow, taking a deliberate approach to building suspense. Where its pace increases , it flows wonderfully, ensuring the action sings. At no point do the changes of pace feel jarring; they fit together in service of the novella.
The author doesn't cram too much into a book of this length, nor does he stretch too little story out. This is not a particularly long story but there is enough space to tell an intriguing story and fill it with the requisite thrilling moments, while also exploring its cast of characters.
In the Heart of the Void presents a large cast of characters for a book of this size. The story’s ship, the “Alice Springs” features a crew of eight. The book handily opens with a profile of the Alice Springs and each of these characters. Not only is this a handy reference and shorthand for telling the reader who these characters are, it also serves as a fun introduction to them. While some characters are explored more than others, they each add to the story.
As great as these characters are on their own merits, their interactions elevate them. The chemistry is palpable, with the group feeling like they know each other well. As snappy as the dialogue is, it rings true. The characters bounce off one another with a level of comfort, with conversations flowing freely and engaging the reader.
If you’re a fan of Alien or stories that build suspense around a physical and psychological threat, In the Heart of the Void delivers. Featuring familiar tropes, it delivers them in a constantly entertaining fashion. While not a cyberpunk novel, fans of the genre will enjoy its themes. With wonderful characters and engaging style, this is a brilliant package.
My full review will be available on my website from 7 April 2023. To read it, and a host of other reviews, click here.
While the author's The Demon owes a debt to Batman, In the Heart of the Void has a debt to pay to Alien. This novella has a filmic sensibility to it, feeling like it belongs in the echelons of late 1970s space horror. Should the author ever sell the film rights to this book, it would be a great thing for cinema. While this book’s concept is familiar, the author presents an original story that works brilliantly on its own merits. The book features familiar tropes (not just to Alien, but any story focused on a nigh-unstoppable enemy) that readers will find comfort in, but unveils them in a unique way. And without spoiling anything, the author closes this story on a more satisfying note than Alien ever could.
The author’s choice of words adds to the tension. The writing is infused with mystery, and as important as the words the author uses are, the words he doesn’t use are equally so. The threat is unveiled slowly, with very little to describe it throughout the book's majority. The prose conveys the sense of isolation its characters feel in space, and further, the claustrophobia that comes with being captive in a confined space with others as an unknown threat looms.
The author writes in an engaging style that is easy to follow. It’s clean and crisp, and provides all the information the reader needs without ever feeling over or underwritten. Given its horror elements, the pacing is often slow, taking a deliberate approach to building suspense. Where its pace increases , it flows wonderfully, ensuring the action sings. At no point do the changes of pace feel jarring; they fit together in service of the novella.
The author doesn't cram too much into a book of this length, nor does he stretch too little story out. This is not a particularly long story but there is enough space to tell an intriguing story and fill it with the requisite thrilling moments, while also exploring its cast of characters.
In the Heart of the Void presents a large cast of characters for a book of this size. The story’s ship, the “Alice Springs” features a crew of eight. The book handily opens with a profile of the Alice Springs and each of these characters. Not only is this a handy reference and shorthand for telling the reader who these characters are, it also serves as a fun introduction to them. While some characters are explored more than others, they each add to the story.
As great as these characters are on their own merits, their interactions elevate them. The chemistry is palpable, with the group feeling like they know each other well. As snappy as the dialogue is, it rings true. The characters bounce off one another with a level of comfort, with conversations flowing freely and engaging the reader.
If you’re a fan of Alien or stories that build suspense around a physical and psychological threat, In the Heart of the Void delivers. Featuring familiar tropes, it delivers them in a constantly entertaining fashion. While not a cyberpunk novel, fans of the genre will enjoy its themes. With wonderful characters and engaging style, this is a brilliant package.
My full review will be available on my website from 7 April 2023. To read it, and a host of other reviews, click here.
January 3, 2022
Action horror at a breakneck pace
Tanweer Dar takes us to deep space for a fast-paced action horror with elements that are familiar and elements that are very fresh. This book does exactly what it sets out to do. I read it in one sitting as it's a real page-turner and the kind of length that actually made it feel like a sci-fi action film. Without giving away any spoilers one sequence genuinely made my skin crawl. I liked the ending a lot and felt it had scope to move into a wider story. Great book!
Tanweer Dar takes us to deep space for a fast-paced action horror with elements that are familiar and elements that are very fresh. This book does exactly what it sets out to do. I read it in one sitting as it's a real page-turner and the kind of length that actually made it feel like a sci-fi action film. Without giving away any spoilers one sequence genuinely made my skin crawl. I liked the ending a lot and felt it had scope to move into a wider story. Great book!
June 28, 2022
We need more books like this. I was skeptical going into this one, but I was glad to be wrong. It's a slow burn, Alienesque affair that has many twists and turns that keep you reading. The author did so well here.
May 7, 2025
I read through Tanweer’s entertaining and fast-paced scifi-horror in one sitting! Definitely some creatively unexpected takes on a popular genre. Well done!
Just the book I needed to get back in the swing of reading again 😊
Just the book I needed to get back in the swing of reading again 😊
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews