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Falling Dark
It’s the find of a lifetime – an ancient alien spaceship hanging in a forgotten corner of space. For Song this could change everything. She’s got as many problems with her finances as she does in her marriage, but maybe at last her passion for wreck-diving will pay off. One piece of unknown tech could set her whole crew up for life.
The ship conforms to nothing in their records and dwarfs the largest human vessels. Battle-scarred and old before humanity ever reached the stars, it’s a mausoleum of an unknown, long-dead species.
And it’s just winked at her.
The ship conforms to nothing in their records and dwarfs the largest human vessels. Battle-scarred and old before humanity ever reached the stars, it’s a mausoleum of an unknown, long-dead species.
And it’s just winked at her.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2021
116 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Tom Lloyd
47 books444 followersTom Lloyd was born in 1979 and showed almost no interest in writing until the age of eighteen. I blame the teachers myself.
Nevertheless he did eventually find himself with a long summer to spare before university, and decided to start a novel when it was suggested he get a job to pass the time. This tells you much of what there is to know about him. The rest can be derived from the fact that he first had the idea of writing a book to annoy a schoolfriend by getting published before him.
No, honestly; he's actually that shallow.
It was swiftly apparent that this was not the quick route to fame and fortune that he’d hoped for. The first sign of this was the realisation that being good at writing was required, but he managed to surprise everyone by not giving up on something he didn’t show immediate promise in.
Studying Politics and International Relations at Southampton University had very little appreciable effect on him, beyond giving him a couple of ideas for future novels, but that was largely due to spending most of those three years in London shacked up with the god-daughter of an Asian dictator. Upon leaving university he decided – along with what seemed like half of all other graduates, some of whom had had the temerity to study English – that doing “book stuff” sounded like a fun alternative to working out what sort of job he wanted to do. There was also the intriguing suggestion of literary talent being passed on by some osmosis-like process. As a result of a little work experience at Simon and Schuster - combined with some shameless flirting with the HR manager - he got a job as an editorial assistant on the Scribner list, which allowed him to mistype letters to a whole host of talented writers.
Certain luminary examples there made it clear that before he became a fantasy editor he was going to have to spend several years iron-cladding his liver. Towards this goal, he decamped to the A M Heath Literary Agency by way of Random House, which was silly because walking down Longacre would have been a lot quicker, to work in foreign rights while also freelancing for writersservices.com and constantly revising what was slowly becoming The Stormcaller.
A three year litany of madcap adventures in the crazy world of agenting ensued, but it would be far too time-consuming to detail any of that so suffice to say that his hangover cleared sufficiently one morning in 2004 for him to realise that he wasn’t quite so bad at writing now. Maybe there was something to this osmosis thing after all - although if that’s true Katie Fforde and Dave Hill might get a surprise at the effect they’d had.
Securing the services of John Richard Parker at MBA Literary Agents proved a surprisingly painless experience – despite being previously rejected by one of John’s colleagues, which just goes to show how persistent one has to be – and soon he was sat in the office of Jo Fletcher at Gollancz trying to persuade her how much of a geek he was. After four years as contracts manager at Blake Friedmann Literary Agency he decided he didn't like other authors that much so he swapped his dark corner of Camden for one at Atlantic Books where it quickly became apparent that he prefers winning arguments to scruples.
Writing part-time, also known as watching loads more TV, he also manages to play a little sport in between trips to the pub and battering his next book - into a semblance of shape.
http://tomlloyd.livejournal.com/ http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?...
Nevertheless he did eventually find himself with a long summer to spare before university, and decided to start a novel when it was suggested he get a job to pass the time. This tells you much of what there is to know about him. The rest can be derived from the fact that he first had the idea of writing a book to annoy a schoolfriend by getting published before him.
No, honestly; he's actually that shallow.
It was swiftly apparent that this was not the quick route to fame and fortune that he’d hoped for. The first sign of this was the realisation that being good at writing was required, but he managed to surprise everyone by not giving up on something he didn’t show immediate promise in.
Studying Politics and International Relations at Southampton University had very little appreciable effect on him, beyond giving him a couple of ideas for future novels, but that was largely due to spending most of those three years in London shacked up with the god-daughter of an Asian dictator. Upon leaving university he decided – along with what seemed like half of all other graduates, some of whom had had the temerity to study English – that doing “book stuff” sounded like a fun alternative to working out what sort of job he wanted to do. There was also the intriguing suggestion of literary talent being passed on by some osmosis-like process. As a result of a little work experience at Simon and Schuster - combined with some shameless flirting with the HR manager - he got a job as an editorial assistant on the Scribner list, which allowed him to mistype letters to a whole host of talented writers.
Certain luminary examples there made it clear that before he became a fantasy editor he was going to have to spend several years iron-cladding his liver. Towards this goal, he decamped to the A M Heath Literary Agency by way of Random House, which was silly because walking down Longacre would have been a lot quicker, to work in foreign rights while also freelancing for writersservices.com and constantly revising what was slowly becoming The Stormcaller.
A three year litany of madcap adventures in the crazy world of agenting ensued, but it would be far too time-consuming to detail any of that so suffice to say that his hangover cleared sufficiently one morning in 2004 for him to realise that he wasn’t quite so bad at writing now. Maybe there was something to this osmosis thing after all - although if that’s true Katie Fforde and Dave Hill might get a surprise at the effect they’d had.
Securing the services of John Richard Parker at MBA Literary Agents proved a surprisingly painless experience – despite being previously rejected by one of John’s colleagues, which just goes to show how persistent one has to be – and soon he was sat in the office of Jo Fletcher at Gollancz trying to persuade her how much of a geek he was. After four years as contracts manager at Blake Friedmann Literary Agency he decided he didn't like other authors that much so he swapped his dark corner of Camden for one at Atlantic Books where it quickly became apparent that he prefers winning arguments to scruples.
Writing part-time, also known as watching loads more TV, he also manages to play a little sport in between trips to the pub and battering his next book - into a semblance of shape.
http://tomlloyd.livejournal.com/ http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?...
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 14, 2024
A very well written spaceship first contact novella blending space opera and horror, very atmospheric and chilly. I enjoyed it very much and I'd like to see how the rest of the authors' books compare. Recommended.
December 6, 2021
I will admit to being a bit of a Tom Lloyd fan, I have loved everything he has written since the fantastic The Stormcaller many years ago introduced me to his writing and it still remains one of my all time favourite fantasy books, but I will admit to having been nervous when I heard he was bringing out a sci-fi book... I have never really been a huge sci-fi fan when it comes to reading (watch it on TV alot but rarely read it), very glad to say that I have been converted to sci-fi. This is another excellent book, the ideas are New and bold, incorporating certain technology we know so it's not all New makes it easier to associate with and he doesn't go in assuming you are a tech head so the terms and descriptions suit the likes of me whilst at the same time bringing alot of new concepts to the table.
If you are a fan of Tom Lloyds previous books, or of sci-fi in general, you could do alot worse than give this a try.
If you are a fan of Tom Lloyds previous books, or of sci-fi in general, you could do alot worse than give this a try.
March 4, 2023
Wonderfully envisioned Drama, too strung out
In all tespects a well written sci fi adventure but following typical storylines and inevitable movie like finale. Oprning srquenced great fun, end sequence just as much fun. BUT, OH BUT, the whole middle section once onboard the other ship is the most long drawn out Tedious, repetitive bit of wriing I have ever endured. Why oh why was the prolonged sequence even allowed to get past ARC state? There is a thing as too much tedium and dadly the middle of the nivel is just that. Enough is enough.
In all tespects a well written sci fi adventure but following typical storylines and inevitable movie like finale. Oprning srquenced great fun, end sequence just as much fun. BUT, OH BUT, the whole middle section once onboard the other ship is the most long drawn out Tedious, repetitive bit of wriing I have ever endured. Why oh why was the prolonged sequence even allowed to get past ARC state? There is a thing as too much tedium and dadly the middle of the nivel is just that. Enough is enough.
December 31, 2021
Having read all of Tom Lloyd's excellent fantasy series, I was very keen to see what he would come up with in a sci-fi setting. As always Tom writes great characters that instantly pull you in. Combine this with the creepy setting and a tense claustrophobic feel to the story and you will blast right through this story in one go, not wanting to put it down!
May 21, 2022
I liked the Falling Dark for what it is - minimalistic on the characters, maximalistic on the atmosphere. And the atmosphere is very-well crafted - it's creepy, it's mysterious, it's great.
The books being as short as it is, obviously we don't get much in terms of comprehensive world building. What we do get is descriptive and details enough to service the story, yet vague enough to be little frustrating.
Sogn and Ulu are well written and likable, even if the way Ulu's speech is written is a little confusing - hence the constant need for Song to mentally translate what is being said. The side characters, from what very little we get of them, are enjoyable.
Overall, this is a fine little book - engaging and well-crafted. I would read Tom Lloyd again.
The books being as short as it is, obviously we don't get much in terms of comprehensive world building. What we do get is descriptive and details enough to service the story, yet vague enough to be little frustrating.
Sogn and Ulu are well written and likable, even if the way Ulu's speech is written is a little confusing - hence the constant need for Song to mentally translate what is being said. The side characters, from what very little we get of them, are enjoyable.
Overall, this is a fine little book - engaging and well-crafted. I would read Tom Lloyd again.
April 6, 2024
A generally entertaining sci-fi novel narrated by its protagonist, a female captain of a salvage ship in search of alien technology. The author goes to great lengths to provide readers with details of the setting--a derelict, kilometers-long alien spaceship. Despite this, I could never form a clear mental picture of the wreck or its dangers--animate and inanimate. Maybe it's just a failure of my imagination that all the details didn't form a clearer picture for me. The plot and action are solid. Quick, easy read, if you don't constantly pause, as I did, reading over all the generous details, and puzzling them into a coherent mental image.
March 28, 2024
5 / 10 ✪
https://arefugefromlife.wordpress.com...
When Song and her ragtag salvage crew stumble on a wreck at the far reaches of the galaxy, she realizes it could be her big break, that miracle that saves her and her family from a life in the poor house. But procedure must be followed.
First, she scans the tech to make sure it’s not human. Little chance of that—it’s a behemoth: kilometer upon kilometer of hulking metal, in a design that no human could ever imagine. By her own estimate thousands of years old. Tens, hundreds of thousands, maybe. Before humanity learned to walk, or even crawl. Next, she must set foot on the thing and claim it for the company, and then the exploration can begin. Even now, company ships are covering upon her location, summoned by her claim. Her mission now—insure that she gets first claim to anything truly priceless, and make them pry it from her cold, dead fingers.
Instead, the mission turns sour almost instantly, as Song and her crewmate, Kall, are sealed within the wreck, at the mercy of whatever lurks inside. Which, at first, appears to be patches of flickering lights and widespread gloom, but quickly escalates.
Soon, Song is against the clock to escape before her air runs out, or be swallowed forever by the absolute darkness.
—
’Come on, Song. You know contact theory well enough. Better than most of us I'm guessing. Mathematics is the most likely basis of first con-tact, of establishing any common principle or just demonstrating sentience.’
'Building a gigantic spaceship probably has that last bit covered already,' Kall mutters in the background.
—
First off, Tom Lloyd makes it clear that he’s not a science fiction author. Dude writes fantasy, pretty much exclusively. Falling Dark is new for him; a thought he had during COVID. It’s an attempt at something new—nothing more. Which… shows. Straight in, and messages are delivered instantaneously, with no explanation as to how. Dilation is a thing, after all. Second, no mention to anything about the universe at all. This is your basic starfaring universe; no questions? Good.
So it’s science light, fiction heavy. I’m the type that often complains when a sci-fi novel skimps on the science, and this is no different, because it’s practically nonexistent. Song alternates between walking and floating on her journey within the hulk, seemingly at the whim of an author that kept forgetting that there was no gravity, and what that entailed.
Otherwise… I mean, it’s not terrible. An interesting concept, one that’s not even remotely new, but manages to be entertaining all the same. There’s very little characterization, or world-building. It’s all about the atmosphere—which I assume was supposed to be creepy, or horror-y, but I’m somewhat bad at noticing these thing, because horror often just bores me. As tense atmospheres go… it was alright, I guess. A decent enough story, and a decent enough atmosphere. Entertaining through to the end. Short enough to excuse not being too in-depth, but long enough to tell a complete story, and keep and hold even a wavering attention span such as mine.
Song isn’t the best character, though I couldn’t tell whether this was due to a lack of insight, or just the mimicry of emotions. She spends most of the story in a borderline panic attack, but it seemed to be written by someone that had only ever had the concept described to them and didn’t fully understand what it entailed. Further character development—or like, any—might’ve gone a ways toward remedying this, but, as I said before, there really is none.
Still, as it’s the first book I’ve managed to complete in a month, I suppose credit should be given. It wasn’t great, but also wasn’t bad either. $3 for the ebook in the US (£2 in the UK)—or free, if you have kindle unlimited.
https://arefugefromlife.wordpress.com...
When Song and her ragtag salvage crew stumble on a wreck at the far reaches of the galaxy, she realizes it could be her big break, that miracle that saves her and her family from a life in the poor house. But procedure must be followed.
First, she scans the tech to make sure it’s not human. Little chance of that—it’s a behemoth: kilometer upon kilometer of hulking metal, in a design that no human could ever imagine. By her own estimate thousands of years old. Tens, hundreds of thousands, maybe. Before humanity learned to walk, or even crawl. Next, she must set foot on the thing and claim it for the company, and then the exploration can begin. Even now, company ships are covering upon her location, summoned by her claim. Her mission now—insure that she gets first claim to anything truly priceless, and make them pry it from her cold, dead fingers.
Instead, the mission turns sour almost instantly, as Song and her crewmate, Kall, are sealed within the wreck, at the mercy of whatever lurks inside. Which, at first, appears to be patches of flickering lights and widespread gloom, but quickly escalates.
Soon, Song is against the clock to escape before her air runs out, or be swallowed forever by the absolute darkness.
—
’Come on, Song. You know contact theory well enough. Better than most of us I'm guessing. Mathematics is the most likely basis of first con-tact, of establishing any common principle or just demonstrating sentience.’
'Building a gigantic spaceship probably has that last bit covered already,' Kall mutters in the background.
—
First off, Tom Lloyd makes it clear that he’s not a science fiction author. Dude writes fantasy, pretty much exclusively. Falling Dark is new for him; a thought he had during COVID. It’s an attempt at something new—nothing more. Which… shows. Straight in, and messages are delivered instantaneously, with no explanation as to how. Dilation is a thing, after all. Second, no mention to anything about the universe at all. This is your basic starfaring universe; no questions? Good.
So it’s science light, fiction heavy. I’m the type that often complains when a sci-fi novel skimps on the science, and this is no different, because it’s practically nonexistent. Song alternates between walking and floating on her journey within the hulk, seemingly at the whim of an author that kept forgetting that there was no gravity, and what that entailed.
Otherwise… I mean, it’s not terrible. An interesting concept, one that’s not even remotely new, but manages to be entertaining all the same. There’s very little characterization, or world-building. It’s all about the atmosphere—which I assume was supposed to be creepy, or horror-y, but I’m somewhat bad at noticing these thing, because horror often just bores me. As tense atmospheres go… it was alright, I guess. A decent enough story, and a decent enough atmosphere. Entertaining through to the end. Short enough to excuse not being too in-depth, but long enough to tell a complete story, and keep and hold even a wavering attention span such as mine.
Song isn’t the best character, though I couldn’t tell whether this was due to a lack of insight, or just the mimicry of emotions. She spends most of the story in a borderline panic attack, but it seemed to be written by someone that had only ever had the concept described to them and didn’t fully understand what it entailed. Further character development—or like, any—might’ve gone a ways toward remedying this, but, as I said before, there really is none.
Still, as it’s the first book I’ve managed to complete in a month, I suppose credit should be given. It wasn’t great, but also wasn’t bad either. $3 for the ebook in the US (£2 in the UK)—or free, if you have kindle unlimited.
March 9, 2024
The story is set several centuries into the future. Humanity has settled several worlds, and the search continues for worlds to colonize. Though no alien species have been found, ancient alien tech is dotted through the star systems.
Returning home from a fruitless survey mission, the main character and her crew pick up an unknown signal from a system around a fading brown dwarf. They discover a massive alien starship, apparently scarred from a massive battle.
The crew is now rich beyond their dreams and set out to stake a salvage claim on the ship. When the captain and her crew member shuttle to the ship, things begin happening, the shuttle is trapped inside, and the captain begins her desperate attempt to find a way out before she runs out of oxygen.
The bulk of the book is her wandering through this multi-kilometer ship, seeing the remnants of a truly alien civilization, and fleeing the "ghosts" that are chasing her.
The author communicates a picture of the alien ship that is well thought out and does not require the reader to suspend logical thought. It does get long and confusing as the captain has to describe the alien environment and then avoid large sections of destruction and blocked passageways.
The book is a good read, the ending is satisfying, and the concepts of this discovery do not take us out of science fiction and force us into a fantasy genre.
Returning home from a fruitless survey mission, the main character and her crew pick up an unknown signal from a system around a fading brown dwarf. They discover a massive alien starship, apparently scarred from a massive battle.
The crew is now rich beyond their dreams and set out to stake a salvage claim on the ship. When the captain and her crew member shuttle to the ship, things begin happening, the shuttle is trapped inside, and the captain begins her desperate attempt to find a way out before she runs out of oxygen.
The bulk of the book is her wandering through this multi-kilometer ship, seeing the remnants of a truly alien civilization, and fleeing the "ghosts" that are chasing her.
The author communicates a picture of the alien ship that is well thought out and does not require the reader to suspend logical thought. It does get long and confusing as the captain has to describe the alien environment and then avoid large sections of destruction and blocked passageways.
The book is a good read, the ending is satisfying, and the concepts of this discovery do not take us out of science fiction and force us into a fantasy genre.
August 28, 2022
This is a short, gripping read. Chapter cliffhangers abound, and I had to fight the urge to flick my eyes across the page to the final sentence each time!
As a story, this tapped right into a very specific niche genre that I adore: that of Xenoarcheaology. Give me some wrecked alien spaceships, planets, or installations to explore and I am quite simply all in. This tale riffs on Mass Effect, Alien and System Shock, and kept me hooked from the very beginning. So much so in fact, that I finished it in just over a day.
As a story, this tapped right into a very specific niche genre that I adore: that of Xenoarcheaology. Give me some wrecked alien spaceships, planets, or installations to explore and I am quite simply all in. This tale riffs on Mass Effect, Alien and System Shock, and kept me hooked from the very beginning. So much so in fact, that I finished it in just over a day.
May 18, 2023
Really enjoyed eventually.....
It's like playing a game. You're shouting "no" but in reality Song makes the best decision for her. Trust or not to trust....read it and stick with it.
Almost reminiscent of books I used to read when you turned to the relevant chapter on the roll of the dice (but you can't. You're stuck with Songs rolls).
I enjoyed. Thousands won't but I'm old school.
Best seat in your pants novel for a while. I'm hopeless at gaming but think gamers might enjoy.
Sxx
It's like playing a game. You're shouting "no" but in reality Song makes the best decision for her. Trust or not to trust....read it and stick with it.
Almost reminiscent of books I used to read when you turned to the relevant chapter on the roll of the dice (but you can't. You're stuck with Songs rolls).
I enjoyed. Thousands won't but I'm old school.
Best seat in your pants novel for a while. I'm hopeless at gaming but think gamers might enjoy.
Sxx
May 2, 2024
A good story almost ruined by author's woke affectations.
A prominent character is an android found on a derelict ship. The main character begins to refer to the a droid via woke pronouns, they/them/their. If the author didn't want to gender the bot, why not just say "it"? In that these pronouns also suggest plural, the reader is often left scratching their head asking themself if there are more than one robot. Really annoying for those of us that don't buy unto that liberal nonsense.
A prominent character is an android found on a derelict ship. The main character begins to refer to the a droid via woke pronouns, they/them/their. If the author didn't want to gender the bot, why not just say "it"? In that these pronouns also suggest plural, the reader is often left scratching their head asking themself if there are more than one robot. Really annoying for those of us that don't buy unto that liberal nonsense.
February 25, 2024
Fun
The story in this novel is not something that I've read about before. Quick read, lots of action and puzzles for the mind. I liked the book I just wish the ending wasn't such a cliff hanger. I recommend people read this novel.
The story in this novel is not something that I've read about before. Quick read, lots of action and puzzles for the mind. I liked the book I just wish the ending wasn't such a cliff hanger. I recommend people read this novel.
March 31, 2024
Very enjoyable read
Atmospheric and thrilling sci-fi tale. Plenty of twists along the way. Realistic and relatable main character whose fate it was easy to care about. A great, fun way to pass a few hours in your favorite reading spot.
Atmospheric and thrilling sci-fi tale. Plenty of twists along the way. Realistic and relatable main character whose fate it was easy to care about. A great, fun way to pass a few hours in your favorite reading spot.
January 19, 2022
This is very much a "haunted house in space" story, but it's a good one, with the character's well drawn and the excitement / tension pulling you in. I really enjoyed it.
December 31, 2023
2.5 stars
February 15, 2024
Good story
Good story I will say that it was a great way to spend a winter day. It makes me want to see more of this author😁
Good story I will say that it was a great way to spend a winter day. It makes me want to see more of this author😁
March 5, 2024
Quite the Tale
Well written with good storyline and character development, new concepts and old favorites. Ending is as anticipated, but leaves the potential for a sequel.
Well written with good storyline and character development, new concepts and old favorites. Ending is as anticipated, but leaves the potential for a sequel.
March 11, 2024
Excellent
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! If you enjoy wreck diving on ancient alien ships ethics book is for you! Action packed and slightly spooky!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! If you enjoy wreck diving on ancient alien ships ethics book is for you! Action packed and slightly spooky!
March 1, 2025
Fun sci-fi adventure with a touch of horror
June 15, 2024
I absolutely loved this! It was weird and spooky and I spent a lot of the book as confused as Song about what the heck was going on but Lloyd pulled it all together and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
February 10, 2025
Nice story, hard SF, quite short.
Unfortunately, there were many times the descriptions felt too complicated and I didnt quite know what was happening. The very limited number of characters helped getting over that, but it was like I didnt know what I had to imagine.
Also, the conflict is solved with the apparition of "ghosts" whatever those were. Well, I know who the "ghosts" were, but making them battle the bad guys out of the blue, when all was lost, seemed like an easy solution for the author. The way the main character is saved seemed also out of the blue with what I would call a childish explanation.
Apart from those issues, I really loved the idea. Too bad about the execution, for me, at least.
Unfortunately, there were many times the descriptions felt too complicated and I didnt quite know what was happening. The very limited number of characters helped getting over that, but it was like I didnt know what I had to imagine.
Also, the conflict is solved with the apparition of "ghosts" whatever those were. Well, I know who the "ghosts" were, but making them battle the bad guys out of the blue, when all was lost, seemed like an easy solution for the author. The way the main character is saved seemed also out of the blue with what I would call a childish explanation.
Apart from those issues, I really loved the idea. Too bad about the execution, for me, at least.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews