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CassaDark
His world is unravelling... Bassan's father is stepping down from command. His best friend almost dies when Bassan freezes. Now, he's being sent across the galaxy to speak at an important conference. Despite saving the eleven races years ago, he's paralyzed by doubt. Could things get any worse? Once there, new acquaintance Zendar convinces Bassan to visit his planet for a humanitarian mission. Bassan's special connection to ancient technology is the key to saving Zendar's people. One problem though-it's a prisoner planet. On Ugar, he discovers things aren't so straightforward. As each truth reveals itself, the situation grows more desperate. If he can't find the right answers, he might die along with Zendar's people. Can Bassan summon the courage to be a hero again?
226 pages, Paperback
Published March 31, 2022
1 person is currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Alex J. Cavanaugh
12 books288 followersI'm a science fiction writer on a journey of discovery...
I work in web design, graphics and technical editing. I'm also the guitarist in a Christian rock band. A fan of all things science fiction, my interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online I'm the Ninja Captain and founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. I'm the author of the Amazon bestsellers, CassaStar, CassaFire, CassaStorm, CassaDark, and Dragon of the Stars.
I work in web design, graphics and technical editing. I'm also the guitarist in a Christian rock band. A fan of all things science fiction, my interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online I'm the Ninja Captain and founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. I'm the author of the Amazon bestsellers, CassaStar, CassaFire, CassaStorm, CassaDark, and Dragon of the Stars.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 28, 2022
Actual rating 4.5
I have been so excited to read this book since I heard it was in development and it did not let me down. The main reason I'm not considering this a true 5-star read is that I felt the pacing was a bit off a few times. It wasn't anything that took away from the enjoyment of the overall story.
Seeing how far this story and characters have come has been an incredible ride. After reading this book, I could definitely see there being more to the story but would be satisfied if this were the end.
Bassan, the son of two special heroes who've done their own part to save their worlds is now all grown up and wondering if there is anything special about him, beyond the fact that he too saved the world, the 11 races, as a young child.
This story is a different kind of hero's journey. Bassan has already been a "savior" and is now faced with whether that's all that he was meant to do. In this book, he faces a personal crisis, self-doubt, and is forced into dangerous situations that test his abilities and his own self-worth; plus, many people's lives are on the line.
Disclaimer: I read a free digital ARC of this book which has in no way affected my review.
I enjoyed reading this book in the evening. It was an exciting, yet relaxed, way to wind down. It was like hanging out and catching up with old friends who'd been on some wild adventures.
Highly recommended to fans of space opera and military-type fiction.
I have been so excited to read this book since I heard it was in development and it did not let me down. The main reason I'm not considering this a true 5-star read is that I felt the pacing was a bit off a few times. It wasn't anything that took away from the enjoyment of the overall story.
Seeing how far this story and characters have come has been an incredible ride. After reading this book, I could definitely see there being more to the story but would be satisfied if this were the end.
Bassan, the son of two special heroes who've done their own part to save their worlds is now all grown up and wondering if there is anything special about him, beyond the fact that he too saved the world, the 11 races, as a young child.
This story is a different kind of hero's journey. Bassan has already been a "savior" and is now faced with whether that's all that he was meant to do. In this book, he faces a personal crisis, self-doubt, and is forced into dangerous situations that test his abilities and his own self-worth; plus, many people's lives are on the line.
Disclaimer: I read a free digital ARC of this book which has in no way affected my review.
I enjoyed reading this book in the evening. It was an exciting, yet relaxed, way to wind down. It was like hanging out and catching up with old friends who'd been on some wild adventures.
Highly recommended to fans of space opera and military-type fiction.
April 14, 2022
"Bassan's father is stepping down from command. His best friend almost dies when Bassan freezes. Now, he's being sent across the galaxy to speak at an important conference. Despite saving the eleven races years ago, he's paralyzed by doubt. Could things get any worse?"
One of my fondest memories from childhood was reading my brother's favorite science fiction books on the sly. He refused to share.
So, when Alex announced this latest book's release in the space opera adventure series, I just had to read it. CassaDark does not disappoint. The journey, the excitement, and the mystery that is the universe were all there, and I was transported again.
A young man, Basson, trying to figure out his future, is thrust into an untenable position. Already doubting his abilities, can he muster the courage to do what has to be done?
It's an adventure from beginning to end and a great addition to Alex's Cassa series. I highly recommend CassaDark.
One of my fondest memories from childhood was reading my brother's favorite science fiction books on the sly. He refused to share.
So, when Alex announced this latest book's release in the space opera adventure series, I just had to read it. CassaDark does not disappoint. The journey, the excitement, and the mystery that is the universe were all there, and I was transported again.
A young man, Basson, trying to figure out his future, is thrust into an untenable position. Already doubting his abilities, can he muster the courage to do what has to be done?
It's an adventure from beginning to end and a great addition to Alex's Cassa series. I highly recommend CassaDark.
February 17, 2022
In book four of the Cassa Series, Bassan, a nerdy young man with incredible talents, must navigate a plethora of mine fields on and off planet. For someone who is a legend in the galaxy, Bassan has no confidence in himself or his abilities. When his friend nearly loses his life, Bassan blames himself and his self-doubts increase. An unplanned trip to a prison planet will put his capabilities to the test and make him prove his mettle to the people relying on him to save them and to himself. The journey into the stars sends him hurtling into the adventure of a lifetime.
While genre is important it takes second place to a well-told tale. Sci-Fi isn’t my go-to genre, but I thoroughly enjoyed CASSADARK. The characters are well-developed, the world-building phenomenal and the action never stops. I highly recommend it.
While genre is important it takes second place to a well-told tale. Sci-Fi isn’t my go-to genre, but I thoroughly enjoyed CASSADARK. The characters are well-developed, the world-building phenomenal and the action never stops. I highly recommend it.
August 19, 2021
Another great adventure!!
Alex has done it again! CassaDark is an epic story that spans planets and cultures with ease. Bassan (son of Byron) is the focus of this story and he's a great main character. Tormented by a sense of not-quite-good-enough and unable-to-act-in-time, Bassan struggles to find his place in the shadow of the great things his parents have accomplished. Who could imagine the son of two talented pilots would be afraid to fly?
To make up for what he views as a mistake, Bassan agrees to travel to another world to present at a conference. And that's where his life changes forever.
New worlds. New friends. New enemies. New challenges.
If Bassan can't find the confidence and the will to act, it won't be only him who won't survive. Can he find the strength to do things he's never done? Things he's never imagined?
You'll have to read to find out! A fabulous story!
Alex has done it again! CassaDark is an epic story that spans planets and cultures with ease. Bassan (son of Byron) is the focus of this story and he's a great main character. Tormented by a sense of not-quite-good-enough and unable-to-act-in-time, Bassan struggles to find his place in the shadow of the great things his parents have accomplished. Who could imagine the son of two talented pilots would be afraid to fly?
To make up for what he views as a mistake, Bassan agrees to travel to another world to present at a conference. And that's where his life changes forever.
New worlds. New friends. New enemies. New challenges.
If Bassan can't find the confidence and the will to act, it won't be only him who won't survive. Can he find the strength to do things he's never done? Things he's never imagined?
You'll have to read to find out! A fabulous story!
April 6, 2022
Bassen is a classic reluctant hero—afraid to fly, slow to act when a friend is in trouble, and doubtful of his own abilities. How can someone like him save an entire race of people?
Filled with pulsating action, CassaDark is a sci-fi adventure that explores the inner world of the reluctant hero. With excellent world-building, non-stop action, and intimate character moments, it will appeal to a wide range of readers.
Filled with pulsating action, CassaDark is a sci-fi adventure that explores the inner world of the reluctant hero. With excellent world-building, non-stop action, and intimate character moments, it will appeal to a wide range of readers.
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July 7, 2022Alex keeps delivering with his militaristic space opera Cassa series!
His latest book CassaDark, the fourth in the series, does not disappoint.
Bassan, son of two heroic and storied pilots Athee and Byron,
is a hero in his own right for saving the galaxy as a child.
But now he is an adult trying to find his place
on his planet Tgren or off-world somewhere else.
Has he already accomplished the best he is capable of as a child?
Should he follow the course his legendary father Byron is pushing him to take,
or should he follow his own and remain on Tgren as he desires.
As Bassan struggles with his self-esteem,
he is paralyzed by doubt following the near death of his best friend.
He froze during a crisis, failed to help his friend, and blames himself for what happened.
Now, reluctantly, he must step in at the last moment as a replacement speaker
at an important conference at Procura Space Station far across the galaxy.
While there, Bassan meets Zendar who persuades him to travel
to his home on Ugar, a dangerous prison planet.
Zendar is convinced that Bassan's unique connection to ancient Kintal ship technology
will help him save his people who are the descendants of criminals abandoned on Ugar.
On Ugar Bassan discovers that the situation is not as clear-cut as it was presented to him.
As the situation deteriorates, Bassan realizes he could die along with Zendar's people
if he can't evacuate them from Ugar.
Soon the stakes become much higher as the galaxy is threatened once again.
Can Bassan summon the courage to become a hero again,
or will his doubt and paralysis result in terrible death and destruction?
You'll have to read this adventurous book to find out!
As someone who has read all four of the books in this series,
it's been great fun to follow the continuing storyline of Byron and Bassan, father and son:
from young Byron's Cosbolt fighter pilot training and his combat in the Vindicarn War,
to his service as a senior officer on the exploration vessel Rennather
and its mission to delve into alien ruins on the desert planet Tgren,
to his command of the Cassan base on Tgren,
to his coming retirement...
...from Bassan's terrifying childhood nightmares as war breaks out among all the races,
to his rescuing the galaxy from an alien probe that threatens all life,
to his struggle to overcome his personal crisis and failures,
to his struggle to save Zendar's people and the galaxy once again.
Is Alex finished with exploring the galaxy containing
Cassa, Tgren, Ugar, and other fascinating worlds?
I'd love to know!
He cleverly left an opening or maybe it was a tease.
I, for one, hope there is a fifth book in the series!
His latest book CassaDark, the fourth in the series, does not disappoint.
Bassan, son of two heroic and storied pilots Athee and Byron,
is a hero in his own right for saving the galaxy as a child.
But now he is an adult trying to find his place
on his planet Tgren or off-world somewhere else.
Has he already accomplished the best he is capable of as a child?
Should he follow the course his legendary father Byron is pushing him to take,
or should he follow his own and remain on Tgren as he desires.
As Bassan struggles with his self-esteem,
he is paralyzed by doubt following the near death of his best friend.
He froze during a crisis, failed to help his friend, and blames himself for what happened.
Now, reluctantly, he must step in at the last moment as a replacement speaker
at an important conference at Procura Space Station far across the galaxy.
While there, Bassan meets Zendar who persuades him to travel
to his home on Ugar, a dangerous prison planet.
Zendar is convinced that Bassan's unique connection to ancient Kintal ship technology
will help him save his people who are the descendants of criminals abandoned on Ugar.
On Ugar Bassan discovers that the situation is not as clear-cut as it was presented to him.
As the situation deteriorates, Bassan realizes he could die along with Zendar's people
if he can't evacuate them from Ugar.
Soon the stakes become much higher as the galaxy is threatened once again.
Can Bassan summon the courage to become a hero again,
or will his doubt and paralysis result in terrible death and destruction?
You'll have to read this adventurous book to find out!
As someone who has read all four of the books in this series,
it's been great fun to follow the continuing storyline of Byron and Bassan, father and son:
from young Byron's Cosbolt fighter pilot training and his combat in the Vindicarn War,
to his service as a senior officer on the exploration vessel Rennather
and its mission to delve into alien ruins on the desert planet Tgren,
to his command of the Cassan base on Tgren,
to his coming retirement...
...from Bassan's terrifying childhood nightmares as war breaks out among all the races,
to his rescuing the galaxy from an alien probe that threatens all life,
to his struggle to overcome his personal crisis and failures,
to his struggle to save Zendar's people and the galaxy once again.
Is Alex finished with exploring the galaxy containing
Cassa, Tgren, Ugar, and other fascinating worlds?
I'd love to know!
He cleverly left an opening or maybe it was a tease.
I, for one, hope there is a fifth book in the series!
January 25, 2022
This is the fourth in the Cassa series, and I read the first some time ago. The series is not really important to this book, though, since the story stands on its own merit, and the complex societal arrangements sort themselves out enough during the adventure. Maybe the first part places it most firmly in the series, which is why I was less than enthusiastic about the insecurities of the young man (why I don’t read much YA, really). But once Bassan reaches the conference, things pick up rapidly.
And this is where Alex J Cavanaugh’s superb world-building comes into its own–not only with the planets, but also the tech inventions and experiencing Cassan technology. I did find it somewhat confusing to have the Cassan world and Bassan the person, but I got hold of my brain and made it work. There are desert-like chases, assaults on the peace-loving Ugar stronghold, and some very tense moments of whether they’ll succeed or not. Bassan’s point of view when dealing with the tech was particularly well shown. The secondary characters are very strong, although Bassan’s father (military) seems incredibly stilted until he retires. Maybe I’m just not right for military models.
I really enjoyed it (after a lukewarm start) and got close to not wanting to put it down! Sure to please the Cassa fans, and many others who enjoy a good space crisis!
And this is where Alex J Cavanaugh’s superb world-building comes into its own–not only with the planets, but also the tech inventions and experiencing Cassan technology. I did find it somewhat confusing to have the Cassan world and Bassan the person, but I got hold of my brain and made it work. There are desert-like chases, assaults on the peace-loving Ugar stronghold, and some very tense moments of whether they’ll succeed or not. Bassan’s point of view when dealing with the tech was particularly well shown. The secondary characters are very strong, although Bassan’s father (military) seems incredibly stilted until he retires. Maybe I’m just not right for military models.
I really enjoyed it (after a lukewarm start) and got close to not wanting to put it down! Sure to please the Cassa fans, and many others who enjoy a good space crisis!
August 20, 2021
CassaDark is a fast-paced, action-packed space adventure continuing author Alex J. Cavanagh’s impressive Cassa series. This time we follow Byron’s son, Bassan, as he gets caught up in an unintended journey to a distant planet in turmoil. Separated from those he loves and unsure about whether he will ever make it back to his home on Tgren, we get to see Bassan really grow. An entire race of people is depending on him and his unique ability to connect with their ship’s computer.
But can he overcome his own self-doubt?
In order to get them all off the prison colony of Ugar alive, Bassan has to learn to trust himself as well as those around him, and to see people as individuals instead of relying on past prejudices. In the process, he discovers he has previously unknown talents and uncovers a secret that was hidden from history.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading CassaDark, it has everything I look for in a sci-fi; fantastic world building, action, adventure, and plenty of humor sprinkled in. I also loved how Bassan, as a more introverted character, was sort of forced into his adventure of self-discovery and found a strength in himself that he never knew he had.
But can he overcome his own self-doubt?
In order to get them all off the prison colony of Ugar alive, Bassan has to learn to trust himself as well as those around him, and to see people as individuals instead of relying on past prejudices. In the process, he discovers he has previously unknown talents and uncovers a secret that was hidden from history.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading CassaDark, it has everything I look for in a sci-fi; fantastic world building, action, adventure, and plenty of humor sprinkled in. I also loved how Bassan, as a more introverted character, was sort of forced into his adventure of self-discovery and found a strength in himself that he never knew he had.
February 16, 2022
CassaDark is an enjoyable follow up in Alex Cavanaugh's bestselling SF series.
This story follows Bassan, son of the war hero and living legend Byron. Struggling to find his place in the world, he embarks on a journey to give a presentation to fellow scientists when things rapidly spiral out of control. He risks everything to free a captive alien race and prevent the fragile peace from shattering.
I find Alex's books to have very retro vibes, giving nods to classic SF stories while also applying his own unique spin. The characters are well thought out and lifelike and the world building is breath-taking.
If you enjoy classic SF novels with interesting, new ideas and plenty of twists and turns, then grab a copy of CassaDark!
This story follows Bassan, son of the war hero and living legend Byron. Struggling to find his place in the world, he embarks on a journey to give a presentation to fellow scientists when things rapidly spiral out of control. He risks everything to free a captive alien race and prevent the fragile peace from shattering.
I find Alex's books to have very retro vibes, giving nods to classic SF stories while also applying his own unique spin. The characters are well thought out and lifelike and the world building is breath-taking.
If you enjoy classic SF novels with interesting, new ideas and plenty of twists and turns, then grab a copy of CassaDark!
May 7, 2022
Having read the other books in the Cassa series, I was excited to learn of this new addition to Cavanaugh's work.
Reading CassaDark was like spending time with an old friend, because though the book works well as a standalone, having read the previous books in the series gives some perspective.
Cavanaugh's writing is classic scifi, with lovely worldbuilding, and characters you care about. I found myself rooting for Bassan. His self-doubt resonated with me, and I enjoyed watching him gain strength as he embarked on new adventures, coming out of the shadow of the legend of his parents.
The pacing and action are excellent, especially in the latter part of the book. Pick up this entire series if you're craving escape into a world of mystery and epic adventures.
Reading CassaDark was like spending time with an old friend, because though the book works well as a standalone, having read the previous books in the series gives some perspective.
Cavanaugh's writing is classic scifi, with lovely worldbuilding, and characters you care about. I found myself rooting for Bassan. His self-doubt resonated with me, and I enjoyed watching him gain strength as he embarked on new adventures, coming out of the shadow of the legend of his parents.
The pacing and action are excellent, especially in the latter part of the book. Pick up this entire series if you're craving escape into a world of mystery and epic adventures.
August 28, 2024
CassaDark by Alex J. Cavanaugh plunges readers into a gripping sci-fi adventure where Bassan, once a hero, now grapples with self-doubt and fear. As his father steps down from command and his best friend nearly dies due to Bassan’s hesitation, he’s sent across the galaxy to speak at a conference, only to be drawn into a more dangerous mission. Persuaded by Zendar, a new acquaintance, Bassan travels to a prison planet where his unique abilities might be the key to saving an entire race. But as the truth unfolds, the stakes grow higher, and Bassan must confront his fears or risk perishing along with Zendar's people. This fast-paced novel explores themes of courage, redemption, and the burden of past heroism.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews