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The Dark Side of Angels
An amazing action-packed thriller about family, the pursuit of truth, and the life-changing breakthrough lurking in our future. "With an amazing cast of characters, non-stop action/intrigue and an extremely well written story line you won't be able to put this one down ! Well worth your time !"-Martin Pingree
Kayla Covington has been called the most dangerous woman on earth. Ten years after her experimental treatment failed to save her twelve-year-old son, she's on the brink of the world's first human gene-editing trial. Her discovery, that unlocks the genetic code of the only immortal animal in the world, will reverse aging, save millions of people, and cure her ailing father, salvaging what's left of her broken family.
But when a fiery explosion rips through her lab, she watches masked intruders execute her team. Scrambling into the night with the only surviving sample, she knows the prefilled syringe containing the age-reversing serum can't make it through the night. In desperation, Kayla does the unthinkable to preserve her life's work.
Now, wanted by the FBI for the killings and hunted by the deadliest contract killer the CIA has ever known, Kayla must rely on her jilted lover and a young reporter hellbent on the truth to find her attackers and recover her discovery, and in the process prevent the weaponization of the greatest breakthrough in the history of medicine-or die from her own creation in five days.
The Dark Side of Angels is a captivating fast-paced action thriller with some bombshell twists that will have fans of Dan Brown, David Baldacci, and Dean Koontz raving.
Kayla Covington has been called the most dangerous woman on earth. Ten years after her experimental treatment failed to save her twelve-year-old son, she's on the brink of the world's first human gene-editing trial. Her discovery, that unlocks the genetic code of the only immortal animal in the world, will reverse aging, save millions of people, and cure her ailing father, salvaging what's left of her broken family.
But when a fiery explosion rips through her lab, she watches masked intruders execute her team. Scrambling into the night with the only surviving sample, she knows the prefilled syringe containing the age-reversing serum can't make it through the night. In desperation, Kayla does the unthinkable to preserve her life's work.
Now, wanted by the FBI for the killings and hunted by the deadliest contract killer the CIA has ever known, Kayla must rely on her jilted lover and a young reporter hellbent on the truth to find her attackers and recover her discovery, and in the process prevent the weaponization of the greatest breakthrough in the history of medicine-or die from her own creation in five days.
The Dark Side of Angels is a captivating fast-paced action thriller with some bombshell twists that will have fans of Dan Brown, David Baldacci, and Dean Koontz raving.
318 pages, Hardcover
Published July 29, 2021
141 people are currently reading
841 people want to read
About the author
Steve Hadden
10 books134 followersAbout Steve
Steve Hadden is the author of the thrillers, The Sunset Conspiracy, Genetic Imperfections, The Swimming Monkeys Trilogy, The Victim of the System, The Dark Side of Angels, and The Secret That Killed You. A pre-med student turned chemical engineer who’s worked at the top of some of the largest companies in the world, Steve believes powerful thrillers lie at the intersection of intriguing stories and intelligent characters in search of dramatic revelations with global human impact.
He attended Penn State, where he studied pre-med and graduated with a degree in chemical engineering. He began a career in the oil and gas business and traveled to intriguing places around the world and met some fascinating characters. An early fan of authors like Michael Crichton and Clive Cussler, he pursued his dream of becoming a thriller author.
His experience in the oil and gas business ultimately led to the idea for his first thriller, The Sunset Conspiracy. His interest in biology and science formed the foundation for his next four thrillers in the tradition of Michael Crichton, Genetic Imperfections and The Swimming Monkeys Trilogy. He returned to his hometown of Pittsburgh with his thriller, The Victim of the System, inspired by the true story of a ten-year-old on trial for murder. The Dark Side of Angels is based on one of the most remarkable discoveries in the history of medicine.
His latest thriller, The Secret That Killed You, was sparked by his interest in the emotional challenges faced by RPA (Drone) pilots and children of alcoholics, along with one of the most heinous crimes of the twentieth century.
Steve and his wife live in South Carolina.
Visit his website at http://www.stevehadden.com
Steve Hadden is the author of the thrillers, The Sunset Conspiracy, Genetic Imperfections, The Swimming Monkeys Trilogy, The Victim of the System, The Dark Side of Angels, and The Secret That Killed You. A pre-med student turned chemical engineer who’s worked at the top of some of the largest companies in the world, Steve believes powerful thrillers lie at the intersection of intriguing stories and intelligent characters in search of dramatic revelations with global human impact.
He attended Penn State, where he studied pre-med and graduated with a degree in chemical engineering. He began a career in the oil and gas business and traveled to intriguing places around the world and met some fascinating characters. An early fan of authors like Michael Crichton and Clive Cussler, he pursued his dream of becoming a thriller author.
His experience in the oil and gas business ultimately led to the idea for his first thriller, The Sunset Conspiracy. His interest in biology and science formed the foundation for his next four thrillers in the tradition of Michael Crichton, Genetic Imperfections and The Swimming Monkeys Trilogy. He returned to his hometown of Pittsburgh with his thriller, The Victim of the System, inspired by the true story of a ten-year-old on trial for murder. The Dark Side of Angels is based on one of the most remarkable discoveries in the history of medicine.
His latest thriller, The Secret That Killed You, was sparked by his interest in the emotional challenges faced by RPA (Drone) pilots and children of alcoholics, along with one of the most heinous crimes of the twentieth century.
Steve and his wife live in South Carolina.
Visit his website at http://www.stevehadden.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 5, 2021
I couldn’t help it, my finger just slipped onto that fifth star! I really loved this book - action with sci-fi although very light on the fi part because the science is pretty close to what the book was about. I know that the CRISPR gene editing tool is already being used. Human trials can’t be that far off.
Kayla Covington is a brilliant molecular/genetic scientist. She has devoted her life to finding ways to eradicate some of humanity’s worst diseases, especially those that affect the ageing and cancers. Her first trials some ten years ago resulted in the death of her 12 year old son who had an inoperable glioblastoma (brain tumour) but 38 other people were successfully treated. She has fixed all the problems with the treatment and now has a wonder drug that will reverse ageing. She is ready to start new trials when her lab is attacked and all the scientists are killed. Kayla herself, who was in her office at the time, manages to escape through a window with one pre-loaded syringe of the treatment.
Not knowing who is behind the attack she is on the run and, since the treatment will not survive unrefrigerated she has no choice but to inject it into herself. This sets the clock ticking as the process must be halted after 5 days with a different injection or death is the likely result.
The race is on! She is being pursued by the FBI and a bunch of other law enforcement as they suspect her of the attack on the lab. But there are other forces at work and she fears that if her treatment gets into the wrong hands it could become the basis of a terrible bio weapon. Kayla seeks help from a number of sources but I won’t go into that. The forces arrayed against and her helpers are very well informed and powerful. It seems there is nowhere she can turn.
The tension is unbelievable and unrelenting. Kayla is a very driven character who was portrayed really well. The rest of the cast of characters were also really good but this book was more about the action. The pace was full speed at all times and I flew through this book very quickly. The scary thing is though that I can see this sort of thing actually happening and not too far into the future. There are big questions to be answered by scientists and ethicists and many safeguards to be put in place. This book is a timely reminder of what may lie ahead and I applaud the author for such a plausible story. Thanks to Netgalley and Steve Hadden for the free review copy. My review is given voluntarily and honestly.
Kayla Covington is a brilliant molecular/genetic scientist. She has devoted her life to finding ways to eradicate some of humanity’s worst diseases, especially those that affect the ageing and cancers. Her first trials some ten years ago resulted in the death of her 12 year old son who had an inoperable glioblastoma (brain tumour) but 38 other people were successfully treated. She has fixed all the problems with the treatment and now has a wonder drug that will reverse ageing. She is ready to start new trials when her lab is attacked and all the scientists are killed. Kayla herself, who was in her office at the time, manages to escape through a window with one pre-loaded syringe of the treatment.
Not knowing who is behind the attack she is on the run and, since the treatment will not survive unrefrigerated she has no choice but to inject it into herself. This sets the clock ticking as the process must be halted after 5 days with a different injection or death is the likely result.
The race is on! She is being pursued by the FBI and a bunch of other law enforcement as they suspect her of the attack on the lab. But there are other forces at work and she fears that if her treatment gets into the wrong hands it could become the basis of a terrible bio weapon. Kayla seeks help from a number of sources but I won’t go into that. The forces arrayed against and her helpers are very well informed and powerful. It seems there is nowhere she can turn.
The tension is unbelievable and unrelenting. Kayla is a very driven character who was portrayed really well. The rest of the cast of characters were also really good but this book was more about the action. The pace was full speed at all times and I flew through this book very quickly. The scary thing is though that I can see this sort of thing actually happening and not too far into the future. There are big questions to be answered by scientists and ethicists and many safeguards to be put in place. This book is a timely reminder of what may lie ahead and I applaud the author for such a plausible story. Thanks to Netgalley and Steve Hadden for the free review copy. My review is given voluntarily and honestly.
September 4, 2021
of Michael Crichton, Dan Brown and David Baldacci raving. Mr Madden believes powerful thrillers lie at the intersection of intriguing stories and intelligent characters in search of dramatic revelations with global human impact. This is clearly demonstrated here as this is a brilliant read ... well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start. Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable. Great suspense and action with and wonderful world building. Mr Hadden is a talented and gifted writer. I highly recommend this novel. I gave this honest, voluntary review after being given a free copy of the book with no monetary compensation.
July 28, 2021
A biologist figures out how to make changes to the human body to cure disease and aging. Her government approved human trials were about to begin when her lab and coworkers were destroyed by a bomb blast which she barely survived. Now the the FBI is after her as well the Chinese wanting to get this breakthrough. Her and her ex boyfriend are on the run trying to get to top her daughter in hopes of saving her life. With an amazing cast of characters, non stop action/intrigue and an extremely well written story line you won’t be able to put this one down ! Well worth your time !
July 30, 2021
What an awesome story that had me gripped from the start. A supposedly dangerous biologist, action and more to keep you hooked I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait to read more by this author.
September 9, 2021
My first novel by this author and all I can think of saying is WOW. Hey, that's even too small a description. I'll definitely be looking out for this author in the future.
It literally starts with a bang. Then it gets better from there. I couldn't put it down. I tried and went to bed but I couldn't stop thinking about it. In the end I got up made a coffee and finished it. I'm not over emphasising here, it is awesome.
It's a modern day scientific thriller that could be happening now. It's about a molecular biologist who may have found a way to extend lives and exterminate diseases such as cancer. But as all new things it can also be made into something that is destructive., So many people want this.
Lots of twists and turns a long the way. But one epic read.
Enjoy!
It literally starts with a bang. Then it gets better from there. I couldn't put it down. I tried and went to bed but I couldn't stop thinking about it. In the end I got up made a coffee and finished it. I'm not over emphasising here, it is awesome.
It's a modern day scientific thriller that could be happening now. It's about a molecular biologist who may have found a way to extend lives and exterminate diseases such as cancer. But as all new things it can also be made into something that is destructive., So many people want this.
Lots of twists and turns a long the way. But one epic read.
Enjoy!
September 5, 2021
This book really captured my attention. It makes you really think about the possibility of this technology being developed and used today. The threat of the technology being used as a weapon is also a strong possibility and makes you wonder if it would be worth supporting this technological advancement given the fact that in the worng hands it could be disastrous!
I rooted for Kayla the entire time, both in hopes that she would get the second injection and also that she would be able fix things with her daughter.
I rooted for Kayla the entire time, both in hopes that she would get the second injection and also that she would be able fix things with her daughter.
August 24, 2021
A Thriller with a capital "T."
Did you know there is one animal that can live forever? I didn't until I read "The Dark Side of Angels,"then did a little research on my own. It's a small, transparent jellyfish called the Turritopsis dohrnii and is the only species termed "biologically immortal." These jellyfish seem to be able to turn back time by reverting to an earlier stage of their life cycle. Eternal life. What could be better? And what are the consequences of trying to capture its genetic secrets to prolong -- or even restore -- human lives? This is at the root of this book, which is likely to keep you up at night. All night.
It explodes -- literally -- in a hail of gunfire destroying the lab where scientists are preparing human trials for a life-altering application of a process that just might extend human life indefinitely. Everyone in the lab is murdered, the lab and its work product destroyed. (Well, almost everyone or there wouldn't be a book here.) The lead scientist escapes, and the author leads us on a rapid chase involving a driven heroine, the villains, an FBI officer with a cross to bear, and a young reporter out to make a name for herself.
The book is dedicated to "all the scientists who keep their work on the side of angels." But the reader might ask, when it comes to determining which is the dark side, who really gets to judge?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Did you know there is one animal that can live forever? I didn't until I read "The Dark Side of Angels,"then did a little research on my own. It's a small, transparent jellyfish called the Turritopsis dohrnii and is the only species termed "biologically immortal." These jellyfish seem to be able to turn back time by reverting to an earlier stage of their life cycle. Eternal life. What could be better? And what are the consequences of trying to capture its genetic secrets to prolong -- or even restore -- human lives? This is at the root of this book, which is likely to keep you up at night. All night.
It explodes -- literally -- in a hail of gunfire destroying the lab where scientists are preparing human trials for a life-altering application of a process that just might extend human life indefinitely. Everyone in the lab is murdered, the lab and its work product destroyed. (Well, almost everyone or there wouldn't be a book here.) The lead scientist escapes, and the author leads us on a rapid chase involving a driven heroine, the villains, an FBI officer with a cross to bear, and a young reporter out to make a name for herself.
The book is dedicated to "all the scientists who keep their work on the side of angels." But the reader might ask, when it comes to determining which is the dark side, who really gets to judge?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 27, 2021
A Thriller with a capital "T."
Did you know there is one animal that can live forever? I didn't until I read "The Dark Side of Angels,"then did a little research on my own. It's a small, transparent jellyfish called the Turritopsis dohrnii and is the only species termed "biologically immortal." These jellyfish seem to be able to turn back time by reverting to an earlier stage of their life cycle. Eternal life. What could be better? And what are the consequences of trying to capture its genetic secrets to prolong -- or even restore -- human lives? This is at the root of this book, which is likely to keep you up at night. All night.
It explodes -- literally -- in a hail of gunfire destroying the lab where scientists are preparing human trials for a life-altering application of a process that just might extend human life indefinitely. Everyone in the lab is murdered, the lab and its work product destroyed. (Well, almost everyone or there wouldn't be a book here.) The lead scientist escapes, and the author leads us on a rapid chase involving a driven heroine, the villains, an FBI officer with a cross to bear, and a young reporter out to make a name for herself.
The book is dedicated to "all the scientists who keep their work on the side of angels." But the reader might ask, when it comes to determining which is the dark side, who really gets to judge?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Did you know there is one animal that can live forever? I didn't until I read "The Dark Side of Angels,"then did a little research on my own. It's a small, transparent jellyfish called the Turritopsis dohrnii and is the only species termed "biologically immortal." These jellyfish seem to be able to turn back time by reverting to an earlier stage of their life cycle. Eternal life. What could be better? And what are the consequences of trying to capture its genetic secrets to prolong -- or even restore -- human lives? This is at the root of this book, which is likely to keep you up at night. All night.
It explodes -- literally -- in a hail of gunfire destroying the lab where scientists are preparing human trials for a life-altering application of a process that just might extend human life indefinitely. Everyone in the lab is murdered, the lab and its work product destroyed. (Well, almost everyone or there wouldn't be a book here.) The lead scientist escapes, and the author leads us on a rapid chase involving a driven heroine, the villains, an FBI officer with a cross to bear, and a young reporter out to make a name for herself.
The book is dedicated to "all the scientists who keep their work on the side of angels." But the reader might ask, when it comes to determining which is the dark side, who really gets to judge?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 30, 2021
A fast paced thriller. An attack on a lab has Kayla Covington running for her life. She has developed a new gene editing serum that will reverse aging and illness but someone wants it and is out to get her. She injects herself with the only vial left but needs the second injection to stop the process before it kills her and now is in a race against time to get somewhere to make the second serum and outwit the killers. She doesn't trust anyone as some of the attackers wore FBI jackets. She turns to a former lover for help and a young journalist.
The story is told from several points of view, Kayla's, the assassin's, the journalist's, the lead FBI agent, and a rich man. The story progresses from southern California to Washington State including scenes in all kinds of bad weather in a short time. Kayla faces lots of personal issues including estrangement from her daughter, reuniting with Harrison her former lover, confronting issues from the past and facing up to her life's work possibly being lost and her own death. She believes her work will help millions but it also has the potential to be weaponized and kill millions. Each character has their own agenda and pressures to deal with.
The story brings up a lot of emotionally charged questions about should we be tampering with the human genes. There is potential for good and bad.
Enjoyed the book. Received it from the author for an honest review.
The story is told from several points of view, Kayla's, the assassin's, the journalist's, the lead FBI agent, and a rich man. The story progresses from southern California to Washington State including scenes in all kinds of bad weather in a short time. Kayla faces lots of personal issues including estrangement from her daughter, reuniting with Harrison her former lover, confronting issues from the past and facing up to her life's work possibly being lost and her own death. She believes her work will help millions but it also has the potential to be weaponized and kill millions. Each character has their own agenda and pressures to deal with.
The story brings up a lot of emotionally charged questions about should we be tampering with the human genes. There is potential for good and bad.
Enjoyed the book. Received it from the author for an honest review.
July 12, 2021
A fast paced action thriller with some bombshell twists.
This novel starts off with a bang, literally. Kayla Covington's lab is blown to bits, killing her entire research team as she escapes with only her life and the last vial of the newly developed treatment she was working on. In order to save the treatment, she injects herself, the catch is, she needs the second dose in order to live.
The race begins as Kayla seeks help from her ex to get to her daughter, a research scientist as well, in Washington State to make the second dose. On the run from the FBI, who believes she is responsible for the bombing, as well as a highly skilled assassin, Kayla's time is ticking in a race against her body and the authorities who want answers.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, the characters and the plot lines. The multiple narrators give you look into the whole action packed race. From Artemis, the assassin, to Reed, the FBI agent eager to prove himself, the whole thing is one wild ride, with some great surprises.
As a Washingtonian myself, I really enjoyed seeing the local known and lesser known towns of WA serve as backgrounds for all the action packed scenes as well.
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy.
#thriller #actionpacked
#sciencegonewrong #netgally
This novel starts off with a bang, literally. Kayla Covington's lab is blown to bits, killing her entire research team as she escapes with only her life and the last vial of the newly developed treatment she was working on. In order to save the treatment, she injects herself, the catch is, she needs the second dose in order to live.
The race begins as Kayla seeks help from her ex to get to her daughter, a research scientist as well, in Washington State to make the second dose. On the run from the FBI, who believes she is responsible for the bombing, as well as a highly skilled assassin, Kayla's time is ticking in a race against her body and the authorities who want answers.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, the characters and the plot lines. The multiple narrators give you look into the whole action packed race. From Artemis, the assassin, to Reed, the FBI agent eager to prove himself, the whole thing is one wild ride, with some great surprises.
As a Washingtonian myself, I really enjoyed seeing the local known and lesser known towns of WA serve as backgrounds for all the action packed scenes as well.
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy.
#thriller #actionpacked
#sciencegonewrong #netgally
July 27, 2021
In The Dark Side of Angels, Kayla has developed a serum that will make a person immortal using jellyfish DNA. However, it must be followed up within five days with a different serum to stop the DNA from going too far.
One evening, Kayla’s lab is attacked. All of the other workers are killed by a bullet point blank to the head. Kayla escapes by jumping through her office window. Luckily, she gets a prefilled syringe of the first serum. Since it will spoil soon, she injects herself.
I am all for suspending disbelief when reading. But Kayla’s actions defy logic. She injects herself “to save her life’s work” even though she has no idea where she will get the second serum? Dumb. She doesn’t call the FBI after the attack, even though they are charged with lab security, because she sees her pursuers wearing FBI jackets? If you were the FBI, would you wear jackets with your logo on the back to an event meant to look like a terrorist attack? Of course not, that’s stupid. The plot just continues on this stupidity spiral.
While The Dark Side of Angels was a miss for me, you may like it. It is an exciting chase if you can overlook the underlying ridiculousness. 3 stars.
Thanks to the author and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
One evening, Kayla’s lab is attacked. All of the other workers are killed by a bullet point blank to the head. Kayla escapes by jumping through her office window. Luckily, she gets a prefilled syringe of the first serum. Since it will spoil soon, she injects herself.
I am all for suspending disbelief when reading. But Kayla’s actions defy logic. She injects herself “to save her life’s work” even though she has no idea where she will get the second serum? Dumb. She doesn’t call the FBI after the attack, even though they are charged with lab security, because she sees her pursuers wearing FBI jackets? If you were the FBI, would you wear jackets with your logo on the back to an event meant to look like a terrorist attack? Of course not, that’s stupid. The plot just continues on this stupidity spiral.
While The Dark Side of Angels was a miss for me, you may like it. It is an exciting chase if you can overlook the underlying ridiculousness. 3 stars.
Thanks to the author and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
July 30, 2021
Kayla is a very successful molecular biologist who couldn’t save her son but hopes to save others in similar situations with her research. While celebrating a remarkable breakthrough in gene editing therapy her lab is attacked and her team murdered. She goes on the run taking the last syringe of her treatment and in doing so makes herself a suspect in the case.
There are some great characters in this story including Harrison the man she ran from when things got too much, Sienna the young journalist out to make a name for herself and FBI agent Reed with a personal interest in tracking down Kayla.
My favourite section was when the assassin turns up at the remote cabin. The atmosphere got a little tense and I was holding my breath with nervous anticipation.
I really enjoy books where it’s not hard to imagine the discovery of a new cure in real life. Advances in medical research and treatments may bring this therapy into the real world. Also the author’s background in medicine and chemical engineering is an asset as it really shows through and compliments his writing.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a free digital copy of the book in return for an honest review.
There are some great characters in this story including Harrison the man she ran from when things got too much, Sienna the young journalist out to make a name for herself and FBI agent Reed with a personal interest in tracking down Kayla.
My favourite section was when the assassin turns up at the remote cabin. The atmosphere got a little tense and I was holding my breath with nervous anticipation.
I really enjoy books where it’s not hard to imagine the discovery of a new cure in real life. Advances in medical research and treatments may bring this therapy into the real world. Also the author’s background in medicine and chemical engineering is an asset as it really shows through and compliments his writing.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a free digital copy of the book in return for an honest review.
July 30, 2021
I really enjoyed this interesting, science-based fiction book that incorporates the very real CRISPR gene-editing technique. Molecular biologist Kayla Covington has discovered a way to improve and prolong life, almost to the point of immortality, and wants to use her discovery for the good of mankind. Others have different plans, and when her lab is destroyed by a mysterious explosion, she finds herself on the run, blamed by the FBI for the destruction and pursued by those who are actually guilty. Nice combination of human drama and cutting edge science. Very good! Thanks to NetGalley and Telemachus Press, LLC, for providing an ARC.
July 25, 2021
I received an ARC for an honest review.
This story will keep your interest and keep you reading until the end. The story starts with Kayla in her lab office and her staff in the lab celebrating the start of human trials when an explosion occurs and the lab is attacked with all of the individuals killed. Kayla watches in horror and then escapes as the intruders starting coming for her. When she runs away, she grabs her backpack and as she is climbing over the fence, the backpack gets entangled so she has to leave it. First responders quickly arrive at the scene and draw the conclusion that Kayla is behind the destruction.
The story continues with her doing the only thing that she can to salvage her work and by doing so will only be alive for a short time unless she gets help. The FBI is on her trail and another group is also trying to clean up their mistake. The action following her disappearance will keep you wondering what will come next. The ending will bring all of the pieces together.
To find out who is responsible for the attack of her lab, what she need help for, and how she was able to evade her pursuers, then you need to read this book. You won't be disappointed.
This story will keep your interest and keep you reading until the end. The story starts with Kayla in her lab office and her staff in the lab celebrating the start of human trials when an explosion occurs and the lab is attacked with all of the individuals killed. Kayla watches in horror and then escapes as the intruders starting coming for her. When she runs away, she grabs her backpack and as she is climbing over the fence, the backpack gets entangled so she has to leave it. First responders quickly arrive at the scene and draw the conclusion that Kayla is behind the destruction.
The story continues with her doing the only thing that she can to salvage her work and by doing so will only be alive for a short time unless she gets help. The FBI is on her trail and another group is also trying to clean up their mistake. The action following her disappearance will keep you wondering what will come next. The ending will bring all of the pieces together.
To find out who is responsible for the attack of her lab, what she need help for, and how she was able to evade her pursuers, then you need to read this book. You won't be disappointed.
March 28, 2023
This book literally starts with a bang when Kayla's lab is bombed and her coworkers are executed one by one. She escapes out a window with the only surviving sample of a gene editing serum that can reverse aging and save millions of lives. The only way to save her life's work is to inject herself with the serum, but the antidote to stop the process has been stolen and Kayla has under a week to get it back before she dies from the effects. And the only ones she can trust to help her are her military vet ex-loverand a young journalist determined to learn the truth. With both the FBI and a contract killer on her tail, time is running out.
I absolutely loved this sci-fi thriller! It's fast paced and full of action plus a lot of sciencey facts. Mirroring scientific breakthroughs in genetic research and technology in real life, the plot is terrifyingly real. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I absolutely loved this sci-fi thriller! It's fast paced and full of action plus a lot of sciencey facts. Mirroring scientific breakthroughs in genetic research and technology in real life, the plot is terrifyingly real. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 3, 2024
An Absolutely Gripping Thriller
This brilliant thriller will grab you from the very first page, and it won’t let go until the very end. It is one of the best thrillers I have ever read, and I have read many.
Kayla’s lab is destroyed, and her staff is brutally murdered. She barely escapes with her life, and with her, she has one small sample of what she spent her life creating. It is a syringe of a serum that can save lives or a weapon that can kill millions. She injects herself, and if she does not receive the antidote, she will die in five days. Kayla’s odds for survival are not particularly good. In five days, death will knock on her door. The FBI thinks she is the one who destroyed her lab, and they are looking for her. Then, there are the ruthless killers who executed her staff, stole her work, and demolished her lab. They are pursuing her, and they are amazingly resourceful and relentless. Does Kayla stand a chance? Will anyone else die before it is all over? Who is after Kayla, and why? I highly recommend this unputdownable thriller. Someone should turn it into a movie.
This brilliant thriller will grab you from the very first page, and it won’t let go until the very end. It is one of the best thrillers I have ever read, and I have read many.
Kayla’s lab is destroyed, and her staff is brutally murdered. She barely escapes with her life, and with her, she has one small sample of what she spent her life creating. It is a syringe of a serum that can save lives or a weapon that can kill millions. She injects herself, and if she does not receive the antidote, she will die in five days. Kayla’s odds for survival are not particularly good. In five days, death will knock on her door. The FBI thinks she is the one who destroyed her lab, and they are looking for her. Then, there are the ruthless killers who executed her staff, stole her work, and demolished her lab. They are pursuing her, and they are amazingly resourceful and relentless. Does Kayla stand a chance? Will anyone else die before it is all over? Who is after Kayla, and why? I highly recommend this unputdownable thriller. Someone should turn it into a movie.
July 30, 2021
This book started off with intense action and kept that level throughout the entire story. Along with the action, Mr. Hadden wove in enough intrigue and deception to make it near impossible to predict where the story was headed next. Even when I just knew how things were going to turn out, he threw in a twist and left me saying well played Mr. Hadden. While this is my first book by Steve Hadden, it most certainly won’t be the last. I I received a review copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 26, 2021
i am new to Steve's writing. i won this on Goodreads. i see it is out the 29th of July. lucky me. thriller. will be in KU if you have that service. now like i always said ... love mysteries best. but i will go to different genres often ... and in my opinion .. i know to some that might not mean much but to me .. lol it mean a lot. so i think it has a bit of a mysterious side. great book cover. i would and will read more from Steve soon enough. great read .. i enjoyed it ...
July 30, 2021
I enjoyed this science based story. It is not my usual genre to read but I enjoyed this thought provoking story. The action started from the first page and didn't stop. I was shocked by some of the twists but realized as I read that this could happen in the not so distant future. Scientists are always working on new ideas so this is likely. I would recommend it. I received an advance copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving my review.
July 30, 2021
What an amazing read that was. I had troubles putting it down. A science thriller with lots of action based on a reality that soon might come true. Kayla Covington, a molecular scientist makes a discovery that could prolong life and help to extinct cancer and other diseases. Or could become a WMD. And lots of forces are after it. The book starts with a bang and presents some unexpected twists along the way. Simply awesome!
August 1, 2021
Kayla Covington is a molecular scientist who discovers a cure for aging but the lab has been attacked and other scientist were killed but Kayla escapes. She injects the serum into herself to hide from the FBI and a killer trying to kill her. She receives help from a former lover and a reporter to help her locate the antidote and clear her name of the killings. I really enjoyed reading this sci-fi thriller. I received this free copy of this e-book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 13, 2022
Dark Side of Angels is a sci-fi thriller, packed with action, twists, and turns, that got me hooked from the first page. It also deals with a deep desire of the human race to attain the cure for cancer and other illnesses, but as always, medicines may be good for something and awfully bad for others that the scientists did not even think about when putting together a new formula. I loved reading this story!
August 2, 2021
This was my first book by Steve Hadden and it was great!! It captivated you from the beginning all the way through to end with a bang. When you think you have it all figured out there’s a twist. Definitely worth reading. Suspenseful with deception and you learn some things along the way about an immortal jellyfish.
I received this as an arc and this is my honest and voluntary review.
I received this as an arc and this is my honest and voluntary review.
September 1, 2021
A Really Terrific Thriller!
Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2021
I loved this thriller. Very well written edge of your seat story. Tells you a lot about CRISPER and the pros and cons of its possible use.
I was given a copy of The Dark Side of Angels by the author and was really thrilled to read it!
Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2021
I loved this thriller. Very well written edge of your seat story. Tells you a lot about CRISPER and the pros and cons of its possible use.
I was given a copy of The Dark Side of Angels by the author and was really thrilled to read it!
September 15, 2021
I received a free book and the views and opinions are my own. This book was a page turner with so much happening. It was a very exciting read and you never knew what was going to happen next - bombings, fire, shooting and kidnapping. This is the first time I’ve read a book by this author, I really enjoy his style of writing and would read more of his books. I would recommend this book to all.
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October 6, 2022Really Outstanding!
This was a great story and extremely well told. I didn't particularly like the abrupt bringing in of new characters (I avoided the word introduce as sometimes they weren't). Once the story got tense , it really rolled. Absolutely loved the book. I'll remember it for a lo g time.
This was a great story and extremely well told. I didn't particularly like the abrupt bringing in of new characters (I avoided the word introduce as sometimes they weren't). Once the story got tense , it really rolled. Absolutely loved the book. I'll remember it for a lo g time.
January 3, 2025
Kayla is an amazing scientist that has discovered how to turn back time. As she is ready for human trials her lab is bombed by persons unknown. So she injects herself. The story is following her changes from the injection and also figuring out who damaged the lab. Who wants her knowledge? I liked the story. So much action and figuring out who can be trusted.
August 17, 2021
This book was absolutely great. I don't normally love when there is shifting narration between a lot of characters but the way Hadden did it was seamless. Great read if you're looking for a thriller with strong female characters.
September 6, 2021
Kayle Covington develops a gene to reverse aging and fight diseases. Someone breaks into her lab to steal the serum. Kayle is now on the run to stay alive. A fast paced thriller with twists and turns.
March 15, 2022
Fascinating take on what might be possible with gene manipulation. As someone living with MS and struggling to assist someone with Alzheimer's, I'm intrigued by the premise if "correcting" a body fighting itself. Well written believable characters, great ending!
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