Dark Space, Book 1 By Jasper T. Scott

[Istiak_Ahmed]

Dark Space is the second in a series of classic 'westerns set in space' style of science fiction books, and one that's good fun to read. It follows a highly skilled but discredited space pilot, Ethan Ortane, on a high octane, action-packed, and fast-paced adventure through the lawless, post-apocalypse hidden refuge of Dark Space, to which the vestiges of humankind have retreated. It's a place of lawlessness, where crime lords are at loggerheads with what remains of authority. The reader joins Ethan, and his co-pilot Gina, as their debt to the criminal warlord Brondi is about to be called in.

A generally well-structured plot, with plenty of twists, turns and surprises, it is on occasions let down a bit by poor detail, although it doesn't overly detract from the enjoyment. Likewise, there are a few coincidences that stretch credibility, but again these tend to be overlooked in the reader's wish to find out what's going to happen next.

The story's weakest feature is its characters, none of whom were found to be at all sympathetic. Had Ethan not been so shallow, lacking in the basics of common-sense and anything more than a functioning outline of a role, then the tale would have been totally gripping. It therefore kept this reader's interest but not his emotions.

Although grammatically well-written, there's a bit of 'clunkiness' to the prose that mars what is otherwise an excellently fast-flowing, well described and engaging series of combat scenes. The various battles, dog-fights and other conflicts are competently, cleanly and lucidly described, carrying the reader along with the action. This is, with no doubt, the real strength of the book, and where Mr Scott clearly has his forte.

Had the characters been more believable, a little more credibility lent to the plot and the writing more fluid, then this book would certainly have earned a solid four stars. As it is, although certainly well-worth buying and reading, this reader didn't feel it sufficiently rounded and polished for more than the three.

For readers who love action stories full of technological wizardry, and 'shoot `em up' space opera style SF, then this book will certainly appeal.