The Mortality Experiment: A Grimdark Science-Fiction Novel

by Halo Scot

Secrets are sentient. In the far, foreign future, a deep-space mission turns catastrophic when the crew’s personal demons become literal demons and seek revenge.

The Ward gathers broken souls for doomed missions. RJ, Kaj, Mazha, and Jace fit the bill perfectly…perhaps too perfectly. A criminal past, a dangerous dream, a tragic accident, and an unbearable shame comprise the secrets that haunt and consume them. They run from their pasts, escape toward their futures, and when the Ward opens a door, they all barrel through, leaving the Protectorate’s interstellar sanctuary for a paycheck and adrenaline.

Once in deep space, however, the secrets they buried burst free from their graves and gain a murderous sentience intent on revenge. The four crewmates must fight to overcome their deepest regrets, or their secrets will destroy them.

But secrets are mortal wounds. They don’t heal easily…and they don’t like to heal, either.


CONTENT WARNING: THE MORTALITY EXPERIMENT is a highly graphic novel intended for mature audiences, including on-page murder, death, torture, mutilation, abuse, child abuse, substance abuse, violence, sex, rape, incest, and mental illnesses. This list is not comprehensive. Please read at your own risk.

436 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2022

About the author

Halo Scot is a dark fiction author of book monsters, many of which bite. Reviews and press are available on HaloScot.com. Halo has been featured in Publishers Weekly and BookLife. Also, as a founding member of QueerIndie.com, Scot has appeared at Brooklyn Book Festival, TBRCon, and Pop Pride Week, an event hosted by ReedPop, BookCon, and New York Comic Con.

Halo pretends to be cool, dark, and mysterious, when in reality, Scot is a clumsy and awkward creature who eats shadows and harbors a severe distrust of ladybugs. Prone to chaos, this nightmare-dwelling beast aims to achieve galactic domination through a void-screaming expertise, dormant telekinesis, and aggressive cackling. To summon this obscure and skittish writer, one must align the following items in a circle as an offering: three shots of whiskey, two bowls of jelly beans, something shiny or lit on fire, and a printed photo of Nicolas Cage as a duck.

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WEBSITE: haloscot.com
SOCIAL: @halo_scot (Twitter + Instagram)

NEWSLETTER: haloscot.com/news
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Reviews

[A.C. Merkel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grim-Dark Space Opera Masterpiece!

My first love is space opera. I have wanted to read this books since long before it was released. Life however got in the way. It’s DARK. it also has moments of clear goodness and exceptional love.
Be sure to read the content warnings first.

Fantastic read if you like darker TV space operas. Definitely has the “good guys might be bad” feels of my personal favorite “Dark Matter” (the Joseph Mallozi/Paul Mullie creation) with a plot in the vein of NIGHTFLIERS (George RR Martin) I’m not always a fan of direct comparisons like that because it can be reductive. Halo’s work stands above so much work to me. The characters are real, nuanced and GREY AF.

Love the CORE FOUR. (Scream reference by me. lol) but all four narrators are a terrible delights that I fully fell in love with.
Also quite liked the barkeep! He’s no Whoopi Goldberg but still fun.

[Emily Perkovich · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was highly entertaining, but a bit too flowery. Adjectives for the sake of adjectives. I hated the “award winning” poem that ran through the book. And I am not fond of all’s well here, quick wrap up, happy ending. This is coming from a writer who can occasionally not know when to cut back—with an editor to reign the author in, I am positive this would be five stars. Thank you to BookSirens and the author for the ARC.

[Christina Frøkjær · Rating 4 out of 5]

A haunted character study in trauma, grief, and resiliency, The Mortality Experiment doesn’t pull any punches.

It starts at full speed and never slows down. It has tags such as queer, grimdark, and sci-fi, and it doesn’t disappoint on any of those fronts.

Each character in this story is masterfully written. With such a large cast and the differing POVs, I was worried I would become easily confused, but everyone has their unique voice and I felt like I had known them for years instead of days.

Everyone is dealing with their own secret demons that come to life in horrific ways. But despite the terror threatening the life of everyone on the space station, our heroes also find solace in the other broken souls, ending with a much happier conclusion than I was expecting.

I loved this book and think any fan of horror or sci-fi will too. Scot is an incredible author, and this is another masterpiece to add to their collection.

THE MORTALITY EXPERIMENT is a highly graphic novel intended for mature audiences, including on-page murder, death, torture, mutilation, abuse, child abuse, substance abuse, violence, sex, rape, incest, and mental illnesses. This list is not comprehensive. Please read at your own risk.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Margaret Hamnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really struggled to put into words how everything this story is. The writing is poetic, the rhythm is beautiful and yet there is still viscera and violence.
There are fourth wall breaks, jibes at the author’s audience and at the writing itself.
There are some of the most beautiful sentences I have ever read contained in this story and yet it still is about people from other worlds going on a mission in space and encountering monsters.

[Gyalten Lekden · Rating 4 out of 5]

A haunted character study in trauma, grief, and resiliency, The Mortality Experiment doesn’t pull any of its punches. It starts at full-speed and doesn’t slow down. It sells itself as a queer, grimdark sci-fi novel, replete with content/trigger warnings, and it doesn’t disappoint on any of those fronts. The story follows four main characters, with the POV jumping back and forth among them, as well as back and forth between the present day and the pasts. All four all well-rounded, though largely defined by the specific traumas they have experienced in a way that could feel like it was writing to character archetypes, but gives them enough complexity to circumvent it, for the most part. There was enough in each character to latch on to, if not to side with them, necessarily, at least to understand them, and be invested in exploring where they came from and where they were going. This is important because the story itself, in terms of plot, isn’t especially elaborate or ground-breaking: A group is recruited for a deep space mission, things go wrong, they need to deal with it. The plot is just used as a device to explore the characters, though, and so it works. It is interesting enough to keep you invested.

The writing is really frenetic… My epub version was 390 pages, and there are almost 100 separate chapters, so that is a slight indication of the pacing. This makes the book incredibly read-able, if that makes sense. It is easy to think just one chapter, no just one more, and find you have read the book in two days… Plus the atemporality is enough to keep you interested. Without a heavy or complicated main plot, we are able to take breaks to fill in backstory in just the right ways to build anticipation about the main story without feeling like a distraction or gimmick. This style may not work for everyone, but it definitely works for this book. I did feel like the plot wrapped up a little too quickly and neatly, there was a little deus ex machina feeling in the speed in which the action, both emotional/traumatic as well as visceral, resolved, and I would have appreciated if we hung out in that dangerous, messy space for a little longer, and it took more work to clean everything up, but overall I was happy with how each character took a journey and ended up somewhere.

The writing is highly stylized, flirting with a grimdark meets beat-poet vibe at times, and at times it was too much for my taste. I really, really like poetic prose, especially in genre work, refusing to be limited by small minds’ interpretation of expectations… but here it sometimes felt like it was trying too hard, and I was more aware of the poetic flourishes than I was swept away by them. Your mileage may vary. There was also a lot of fourth-wall breaking that wasn’t just an omniscient narrator addressing the audience but the characters addressing the audience, naming the author, recognizing this is just a book, and even referencing other books by the author. For me it was too much. None of those breaks offered information we as the reader couldn’t get through characters’ action and decisions, and it took me out of the book and didn’t feel like it justified itself. Again, your mileage may vary. It wasn’t enough for me to want to stop reading the book, but it was enough that I noticed it and wasn’t ever really charmed by it. The writing was enough to stop me from giving it five stars, but I can’t knock a book too much just for embracing a style that I didn’t find particularly compelling, especially when it was clearly intentional. Scot knows this kind of writing, not just content but also this style, isn’t for everyone, as they clearly say in their book, using the voice of an influential teacher guiding one of the main characters, an aspiring writer, during a flashback scene:

“There’s an arrhythmia in the heartbeat, an irregular pulse, an abnormal charm. There’s a beauty in the asymmetry. Embrace the dissonance."
"I do," I say. "But most cringe."
"Then let them cringe. It’s not for them. You’re writing for resonant souls, not disparate critics. If you compromise yourself for your audience, you’ll attract the wrong audience.”

This book is confidently itself. It finds glory in all its dark places, it dissonant cadences, and its messy entrails. For that reason alone it was a fun experience, and I am glad I went for the ride.

I want to thank the author and BookSirens, who provided a complimentary eARC, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[N.T. Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when you take a group of broken people and put them on a diabolical Enterprise in the barren depths of outer space? Star Trek v. Alien. On crack. Halo Scot has once again outdone herself with The Mortality Experiment.

You’ll follow the lives of four people – RJ, Jace, Kaj, and Mazha – through their formative years and into adulthood as they accept a mission to the outer fringes of space. A mission that history tells us is going to be doomed from the start.

All four are broken in their own way, hiding personal demons and atrocities that most people couldn’t fathom. Living in a universe that sees two different authoritarian factions overlook the real needs of their people. By the time they board the ship that will launch them into a distant and isolated realm, they have only one thing left to lose. And lose it they might when a mysterious illness attacks them at their very core, where they hide their darkness, secreted away as they suffer alone with their memories.

Throughout The Mortality Experiment, Scot flips between present day and past for all four main characters. The sequence of current events along with the sprinkling of history works well as the story comes together and the relevance of their past lives lends understanding to who we’re seeing today.

This is a fast-paced book that continues to gain momentum with each chapter until the very end when Scot allows you to breathe a sigh of relief. However, with that relief comes a lesson that parallels modern day Earth. Or is it a warning? You decide.

[Lali Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mortality Experiment, penned by the talented Halo Scot, embodies the very essence of what I admire about this author. It seamlessly weaves together elements of emotional turmoil and trauma, while simultaneously infusing glimmers of hope and love.

One of the notable strengths of this book lies in its impeccably crafted characters, each possessing a distinct and compelling voice. Within the narrative, every individual grapples with their own dark secrets and shadows, which gradually manifest in a terrifying reality. The sense of impending horror looms over the space station, endangering the lives of all its occupants.

However, amidst this pervasive terror, our valiant heroes discover solace and camaraderie among the shattered souls surrounding them. I am in awe of the author’s ability to shed light on the dark subject matter, illuminating it with awareness, poetic promise, and a glimmer of hope.

This book is emotionally gripping and captivating, and I firmly believe that fans of horror and science fiction will consume this story, clinging to the edge of the breach. Scot’s prowess as an author shines brilliantly once again, presenting yet another masterpiece to augment her impressive collection. I can’t wait to devour her next monster creation. 5 cosmic stars!

[M.E. Aster · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw that Scot was releasing three books I told myself I’d only read one for now because of my huge TBR backlog but once I finished Girl of Dust and Smoke I couldn’t resist diving into another.

The Mortality Experiment is exactly the sort of book I expect from Scot. It’s unique, creepy, traumatizing, and also tinged through with hope and love.

Each character in this story was masterfully written. With such a large cast and the differing POVs, I was worried I would become easily confused but everyone has their own unique voice and I felt like I had know them for years instead of days.

Everyone is dealing with their own secret demons that begin to come to life in horrific ways. But despite the terror that is threatening the life of everyone on the space station, our heroes also find solace in the other broken souls, ending with a much happier conclusion than I was anticipating.

I loved this book and I think any fans of horror or sci-fi will too. Scot is an incredible author and this is another masterpiece to add to their collection!

*I received an ARC of this book from BookSirens and this is my honest, voluntary review.*

[FaceBehindABook · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC for an honest review.

PLEASE READ TWs, this book deals with some very traumatic events including rape, beatings which hinge on torture, self harm and murder.

The premise of this story is amazing yet so confronting it is also terrifying. What happens when you let secrets, grief, and shame fester? What happens when you think you've hidden these secret shames so deep, no one could possibly know? Eventually they eat you from the inside out turning you into a husk or a monster!! The author has done an amazing job in portraying this in literal form causing the characters to either spill all their gory details in painful clarity or become on the outside what they are on the inside. There is no holding back in this book, there is no sugar coating as secrets come out, yet there is support for the aftermath.

I do want to say thank you to the author for showing some very authentic ways in what trauma does to people even if it is done in the world of scifi

[Steve · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is one weirdly written book …

This is one weirdly written book… and in the first few pages The Author gives you “In the bowels of deep space, secrets become sentient” … well, OK, I can try to grasp that … then “Secrets that poisoned us in the dead of space, till the only souls left were purest gold.” … huh? … WHAT? … how does the word “gold” even get into that sentence?!? … “Because secrets are sentient, are mortal wounds.” … ??? Seriously ??? What does any of that sentence mean???

The character introductions then follow, going back to everyone’s childhood traumas, … and — at only 5% of the way thru the pages — I then abandoned any hope of finishing this book at that point. This story may very well be OK, but I just don’t think I can manage much more of The Author’s writing style — so, unfortunately, I cannot tell any of you if this book gets better or worse (though, getting worse is hard to imagine).

[Eric David Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warning: The subtitle - A Grimdark Science Fiction Novel - should be taken seriously. This is a violent, nihilistic exploration of four very broken characters who have to face their fears and traumas in deep space. The novel is told in first person by the four main characters in alternating chapters, and the violent, pessimistic tone can make the beginning a challenge to get through, but the short chapters keep the pace moving fast and before you know it you’re caring about the characters (yes, even the often unpleasant RJ). The book has its problems - the nature of the threat could have been better explained and developed, there’s a bit of “handwavium” going on. But ultimately, the novel succeeds on the raw power of its emotional core of overcoming despair and seeking redemption.
I reviewed an ARC provided by the author.

[TAILA STONER · Rating 4 out of 5]

HOLY CRAP - this was disgusting and I loved it.

--- READ AT YOUR OWN RISK // THIS IS YOUR WARNING ---

This book is "traumatically dramatic" - which is the only phrase I can think of that is even close to appropriate. I have never read a book this quickly specifically through harrowed enjoyment.

It was like a bad car accident, you just could not put this book down even if you wanted to. Its thrilling, brain-melting, and all around a wild ride.

If the trigger warnings don't sway your interest, please pick this up and give it a read!

**Thank you BookSirens for an eARC in exchanged for an honest review**

[Escape Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know how I've gotten here, where I'm about to describe this brutal and horror filled book as beautiful. But it was, and so wonderfully written. Horrifying, & heartbreaking with a few dashes of hope. Halo Scot was able to write something like I've never read before.

I could absolutely see this as a limited series TV show! When I read Halo's characters and world I was hooked. It felt like "Squid Game's" craziness in "The Silent Sea's" setting (space).

The fact that people's worst secrets become sentient and start killing is brilliant and I loved it so much!

I cannot wait to devour this authors other books!
Please check TW!!

[Kelly Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Mortality Experiment: A Grimdark Science-Fiction Novel” by Halo Scot is, like most of the author’s work, brilliant, grisly, and not for the squeamish. If you have any triggers, don’t read this!
In the distant future, RJ, Kaj, Mazha, and Jace are sent on a space mission that is complicated by the ghosts of the crew’s past. Kaj had been tasked by The Ward with recruiting RJ, a brilliant holosurgeon whose name is a secret, to the mission. We are given a window into the crew members’ torturous pasts filled with trauma, horror, and shame…humanity at its worst. A compelling and devastating read elevated by Scot’s unique and fascinating prose.

[TaurReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very intense story. Halo Scot did a wonderful job blending the sci-fi, psychological thriller, with a bit of horror genres. There are four main characters the book follows. Each character having their own demons as they take on a job for a powerful and feared group. The book jumps from past to present, giving you insight into each character and how their past experiences have made them who they are today.

The characters were well developed and complex. The plot was very engaging. I definitely recommend giving this book a read.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a very well done horror novel, it dealt with adult topics really well and kept the story interesting and not overdone. I enjoyed the way this was written and thought the author had a great writing style.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Alvin Narsey · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hmmmm...maybe I'm missing the spider gene. I found this hard to read , the changes in time line a little too incoherent.
I just wasn't engaged throughout the book.
The writing style was ok, but I struggled with the overall story.
Usually, this subject matter has my name all over it - science fiction it is, horror for me it was not .
Probably just me.

[Kelli Riffle]

This book is well written and is so disturbing on so many levels. I had moments for me that were just hard to read they were so intense. Characters deeply flawed but you are constantly wanting more and more with each page turned. If you like this genre mix of fantasy, Sci-fi and horror I highly recommend giving this a read. It is indeed impressive.

[MM Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mortality Experiment is quite a wild ride, psychological horror sci-fi, space opera ride. I was scared and mesmerized at the same time. I can feel the tremors behind each character. Amazing writing.

[Jasmine Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely a fantastic read, I was scared and mesmerized at the same time. I've read several of Halo Scot's books and they just keep getting better and better, absolutely amazing writing.

*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*

[Fussl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Deep space scifi horror combined with queer characters who have really fucked up backgrounds and regularly break the 4th wall. I enjoyed reading it a lot! The trigger warnings should definitely be taken serious though.

I received an ARC for free and am leaving this review voluntarily

[Phil V · Rating 4 out of 5]

not sure if i'm that into science fiction but this was pretty fun regardless