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Pax Britannia #6
Dark Side
START A NEW LIFE ON THE MOON!Ulysses Quicksilver visits the British lunar colonies, searching for his missing brother, Barty, believed to be on the run from gambling debts on Earth. The clues lead our detective and his faithful butler into the path of unsolved murders, battling robots, shady millionaires and stolen uncanny inventions. Used to working inside the law, Ulysses is stalled when his pursuit puts him on the wrong side of the Luna Prime Police Force.But why is Ulysses’ ex-fiancée Emilia also in the colonies? Who is the strange eye-patched man following Ulysses? And what is really happening in a secret base on the dark side of the moon?Used to meeting every adventure with a devil-may-care attitude and a snappy one-liner, Ulysses will be forever changed by the revelations he discovers on this most deadly of trips.
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
3 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Green
269 books159 followersJonathan Green is a writer of speculative fiction, with more than seventy books to his name. Well known for his contributions to the Fighting Fantasy range of adventure gamebooks, he has also written fiction for such diverse properties as Doctor Who, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Warhammer, Warhammer 40,000, Sonic the Hedgehog, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Moshi Monsters, LEGO, Judge Dredd and Robin of Sherwood.
He is the creator of the Pax Britannia series for Abaddon Books and has written eight novels, and numerous short stories, set within this steampunk universe, featuring the debonair dandy adventurer Ulysses Quicksilver. He is also the author of an increasing number of non-fiction titles, including the award-winning YOU ARE THE HERO – A History of Fighting Fantasy Gamebooks.
He has recently taken to editing and compiling short story anthologies, including the critically-acclaimed GAME OVER and SHARKPUNK, published by Snowbooks, and the forthcoming Shakespeare Vs Cthulhu.
To find out more about his current projects visit www.JonathanGreenAuthor.com and follow him on Twitter @jonathangreen.
He is the creator of the Pax Britannia series for Abaddon Books and has written eight novels, and numerous short stories, set within this steampunk universe, featuring the debonair dandy adventurer Ulysses Quicksilver. He is also the author of an increasing number of non-fiction titles, including the award-winning YOU ARE THE HERO – A History of Fighting Fantasy Gamebooks.
He has recently taken to editing and compiling short story anthologies, including the critically-acclaimed GAME OVER and SHARKPUNK, published by Snowbooks, and the forthcoming Shakespeare Vs Cthulhu.
To find out more about his current projects visit www.JonathanGreenAuthor.com and follow him on Twitter @jonathangreen.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 16, 2013
I hate the ending. Hate it.
I am weak and I love Ulysses Quicksilver against my better judgement (I am aware of his many flaws, but I can't help it) and I simply can't rate this book lower than three stars.
Even with outrageously crazy and fast-paced Pax Britannia stories it seems there is such a thing as too much. Too much of everything. It's not the first time Quicksilver has to deal with craziness on epic scale, but this time the story is close to being over the top.
This story starts in Vanishing Point (The Ulysses Quicksilver Short Story Collection). You don't have to read the story from that anthology since the most important points from Vanishing Point are in the prologue. Still, you'll understand better the parts with Emilia if you do.
Dark Side is the first book that takes place somewhere other than Earth. Quicksilver and Nimrod come to the Moon to find his brother. It is supposed to be a vacation, but after the unsuccessful try before (Leviathan Rising), Ulysses Quicksilver should know better.
It is the most personal Quicksilver's book so far. Until now, he has been protecting the Queen, his country, some unknown people and so on. This time the enemy has made it very personal.
Each chapter has a subtitle with some sort of a countdown which increases the approaching sense of doom.
Now, I can't believe I will write this but I wish there was no romance in this book. Quicksilver had women before and he is wonderful with them, but nothing seriously distracting from the story. Since I love romances and this character, I find it distracting when instead of paying attention to the real issues of the story, I was constantly waiting for another scene with Emilia. I love this series and I got used to Ulysses Quicksilver the famous adventurer and dandy. With Emilia he is tongue tied and blushing, always making mistakes even though he loves her. Now I love him even more. He never acts as if she isn't the most important woman in his life even when she misunderstands some events.
At least there wasn't some other character to take the spotlight as in Evolution Expects.
I am weak and I love Ulysses Quicksilver against my better judgement (I am aware of his many flaws, but I can't help it) and I simply can't rate this book lower than three stars.
Even with outrageously crazy and fast-paced Pax Britannia stories it seems there is such a thing as too much. Too much of everything. It's not the first time Quicksilver has to deal with craziness on epic scale, but this time the story is close to being over the top.
This story starts in Vanishing Point (The Ulysses Quicksilver Short Story Collection). You don't have to read the story from that anthology since the most important points from Vanishing Point are in the prologue. Still, you'll understand better the parts with Emilia if you do.
Dark Side is the first book that takes place somewhere other than Earth. Quicksilver and Nimrod come to the Moon to find his brother. It is supposed to be a vacation, but after the unsuccessful try before (Leviathan Rising), Ulysses Quicksilver should know better.
It is the most personal Quicksilver's book so far. Until now, he has been protecting the Queen, his country, some unknown people and so on. This time the enemy has made it very personal.
Each chapter has a subtitle with some sort of a countdown which increases the approaching sense of doom.
Now, I can't believe I will write this but I wish there was no romance in this book. Quicksilver had women before and he is wonderful with them, but nothing seriously distracting from the story. Since I love romances and this character, I find it distracting when instead of paying attention to the real issues of the story, I was constantly waiting for another scene with Emilia. I love this series and I got used to Ulysses Quicksilver the famous adventurer and dandy. With Emilia he is tongue tied and blushing, always making mistakes even though he loves her. Now I love him even more. He never acts as if she isn't the most important woman in his life even when she misunderstands some events.
At least there wasn't some other character to take the spotlight as in Evolution Expects.
December 14, 2010
"Start a new life on the Moon!"
I have been a huge fan of the Pax Britannia novels since I discovered the first novel Unnatural History back in 2007. I was quickly in thrall to the universe of gentleman adventurer and dandy, Ulysees Quicksilver and his ever loyal man servant, Nimrod. Set in an alternate Britain where the Victorian era never ended, the British Empire, now known as Magna Britannia, is still going strong. The industrial revolution continues unchecked and with the help of steam technology Victoria has retained her throne for over one hundred and sixty years.
In Dark Side, the sixth Pax Britiannia novel that Green has written, the author takes Ulysees Quicksilver from the now familiar streets of London Maximus, off world to the British colonial moon base Luna Prime. Our erstwhile hero's brother, Barty, always the black sheep of the family, has left London unexpectedly and Ulysees is determined to track him down.
Upon his arrival in the moon Quicksilver begins to uncover a massive conspiracy that will affect not only him and his family but the whole of the British Empire. The reader is then drawn into a rollercoaster of a story involving time travel, giant robots, politics and industrial intrigue.
This novel kept me hooked from page one. It struck me that the title works on two levels. It doesn’t just refer to the dark side of the moon but the reader also gets to experience the darker side of Ulysees character due to the events that unfold.
The thing I like most about Green’s writing, and it’s in evidence here, is that he pays attention to the little details. This is what makes the world(s) of Pax Britannia feel so well realised. Each chapter title is named after a movie, album, play or even episode of The X Files, that deal with matters cosmic or robotic. I think I managed to spot all the references but I might be wrong. The character names as ever are wonderfully evocative from Wilberforce Bainbridge to Alexander Oddfellow. Mention also has to be made of the splendid cover design for this book. I like the reworking of the image from the 1902 sci-fi epic Le Voyage dans la lune (A Trip to the Moon).
Prior to Dark Side, each Quicksilver adventure in the series has essentially been a standalone affair, previous books are mentioned but only in passing. The scope of Dark Side is much larger. The novel ends on a cliff hanger, there is much more to this tale than can be covered in a single book. If I have ever had a criticism of the previous novels it has been that I wanted larger more involved story arcs and based on the ending of Dark Side my wish has been granted.
A new Pax Britannia novel is always a cause for excitement here at The Eloquent Page. Dark Side joins the existing novels as a worthy addition. Green has crafted yet another action packed rip-snorter. Each new release fleshes out the Ulysees Quicksilver universe and is a guaranteed must read. Long may the adventures of Ulysees Quicksilver continue.
As if all this weren’t enough, an added bonus after the main feature, the novel also contains an additional Ulysees Quicksilver novella Proteus Unbound.
The next Ulysees Quicksilver adventure, Anno Frankenstein, is due for release in 2011. I look forward to reading it when it is available.
I have been a huge fan of the Pax Britannia novels since I discovered the first novel Unnatural History back in 2007. I was quickly in thrall to the universe of gentleman adventurer and dandy, Ulysees Quicksilver and his ever loyal man servant, Nimrod. Set in an alternate Britain where the Victorian era never ended, the British Empire, now known as Magna Britannia, is still going strong. The industrial revolution continues unchecked and with the help of steam technology Victoria has retained her throne for over one hundred and sixty years.
In Dark Side, the sixth Pax Britiannia novel that Green has written, the author takes Ulysees Quicksilver from the now familiar streets of London Maximus, off world to the British colonial moon base Luna Prime. Our erstwhile hero's brother, Barty, always the black sheep of the family, has left London unexpectedly and Ulysees is determined to track him down.
Upon his arrival in the moon Quicksilver begins to uncover a massive conspiracy that will affect not only him and his family but the whole of the British Empire. The reader is then drawn into a rollercoaster of a story involving time travel, giant robots, politics and industrial intrigue.
This novel kept me hooked from page one. It struck me that the title works on two levels. It doesn’t just refer to the dark side of the moon but the reader also gets to experience the darker side of Ulysees character due to the events that unfold.
The thing I like most about Green’s writing, and it’s in evidence here, is that he pays attention to the little details. This is what makes the world(s) of Pax Britannia feel so well realised. Each chapter title is named after a movie, album, play or even episode of The X Files, that deal with matters cosmic or robotic. I think I managed to spot all the references but I might be wrong. The character names as ever are wonderfully evocative from Wilberforce Bainbridge to Alexander Oddfellow. Mention also has to be made of the splendid cover design for this book. I like the reworking of the image from the 1902 sci-fi epic Le Voyage dans la lune (A Trip to the Moon).
Prior to Dark Side, each Quicksilver adventure in the series has essentially been a standalone affair, previous books are mentioned but only in passing. The scope of Dark Side is much larger. The novel ends on a cliff hanger, there is much more to this tale than can be covered in a single book. If I have ever had a criticism of the previous novels it has been that I wanted larger more involved story arcs and based on the ending of Dark Side my wish has been granted.
A new Pax Britannia novel is always a cause for excitement here at The Eloquent Page. Dark Side joins the existing novels as a worthy addition. Green has crafted yet another action packed rip-snorter. Each new release fleshes out the Ulysees Quicksilver universe and is a guaranteed must read. Long may the adventures of Ulysees Quicksilver continue.
As if all this weren’t enough, an added bonus after the main feature, the novel also contains an additional Ulysees Quicksilver novella Proteus Unbound.
The next Ulysees Quicksilver adventure, Anno Frankenstein, is due for release in 2011. I look forward to reading it when it is available.
March 12, 2011
I'm a big fan of the PAX Britannia series.
Dark Side marks a new step in the world of PAX BRITANNIA. For the first time we leave planet earth.
Jonathan Green delivers a roaring adventure full of action and twists and turns.
Can't wait to read the next book ANNO FRANKENSTEIN.
Read my full review over at Edi's Book Lighthouse.
Dark Side marks a new step in the world of PAX BRITANNIA. For the first time we leave planet earth.
Jonathan Green delivers a roaring adventure full of action and twists and turns.
Can't wait to read the next book ANNO FRANKENSTEIN.
Read my full review over at Edi's Book Lighthouse.
November 13, 2019
OK, I admit that i am warming up to these rip roaring, sometimes slightly cheesy adventures of Ulysses Quicksilver now I'm 6 books in.
I am still reading 'em and have endured uber-victoriana settings of an earth ruled/ruined by the empire of Magna Brittanica.
Austin Powers type super spy & dandy U.Q goes to the moon with his trusty manservant (Nimrod) in search of his brother Barty.
(Most if not all chapter titles are films or songs I think?)
He is soon up to his neck in trouble with an old foe rearing his ugly head again.
I am still reading 'em and have endured uber-victoriana settings of an earth ruled/ruined by the empire of Magna Brittanica.
Austin Powers type super spy & dandy U.Q goes to the moon with his trusty manservant (Nimrod) in search of his brother Barty.
(Most if not all chapter titles are films or songs I think?)
He is soon up to his neck in trouble with an old foe rearing his ugly head again.
October 7, 2012
Just... why? Why, Jonathan Green? You were doing so well, too. And then... random nazis? Time travel? More random Nazis? Bringing up plot threads from previous books and then not explaining them at all except for the purpose of killing Ulysses' brother? Why would you even do that? I know you're a better writer than this.
January 27, 2015
perhaps unintentionally hilarious, or maybe it is closer to satire of steam punk. or maybe I have not read enough steam punk books to be familiar with the genre, but this book is entertaining and ridiculous. i will have to read some of the other books in the series.
fun drinking game: drink every time you read "dandy" or "loyal manservant." you will not survive 20 pages.
fun drinking game: drink every time you read "dandy" or "loyal manservant." you will not survive 20 pages.
April 10, 2013
Can't say enough about how much I enjoy this series. Not sure everyone would be as enamored of it but it rings my happy bells. It's like sitting down to a favorite TV show and watching an episode. Entertains me in exactly the way I want.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews