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Titan Chronicles #2
Deep Black
Two crews return to Titan. Who will survive?
Titan. Sixth moon of Saturn. A deadly enigma harboring the greatest secret in the history of humankind.
In the wake of the first mission, two companies with very different goals plot a return to that distant moon. Their ships are safer, their technology has improved…and they want answers. The competition triggers a new space race that will push the crews to the very edge of survival.
Yet Titan does not hold all the secrets.
On Earth, a startling ocean discovery reveals that whatever created the alien artifacts has been to our planet before…and it’s coming back.
Fans of adventurous science fiction will enjoy this near future space exploration odyssey, the sequel to the Amazon best selling Mission One.
Titan. Sixth moon of Saturn. A deadly enigma harboring the greatest secret in the history of humankind.
In the wake of the first mission, two companies with very different goals plot a return to that distant moon. Their ships are safer, their technology has improved…and they want answers. The competition triggers a new space race that will push the crews to the very edge of survival.
Yet Titan does not hold all the secrets.
On Earth, a startling ocean discovery reveals that whatever created the alien artifacts has been to our planet before…and it’s coming back.
Fans of adventurous science fiction will enjoy this near future space exploration odyssey, the sequel to the Amazon best selling Mission One.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2019
682 people are currently reading
297 people want to read
About the author
Samuel Best
14 books95 followersBorn in Cape Canaveral, Florida, Samuel grew up a mile from the gates of Kennedy Space Center. His grandmother built space shuttles, his father designed scientific equipment that flew on them, and Samuel watched the launches from his rattling front porch, dreaming of the stars.
His best-selling novel Mission One, a near-future first contact odyssey, is the book that launched his career as a science fiction writer.
He recently spent three years traveling the world with his wife. They welcomed their son near the end of that journey and are now spending their days exploring the United States while Samuel works on his next book.
Want FREE Sci-Fi stories? Head on over to http://sam-best.com for a free introduction to Samuel's work.
His best-selling novel Mission One, a near-future first contact odyssey, is the book that launched his career as a science fiction writer.
He recently spent three years traveling the world with his wife. They welcomed their son near the end of that journey and are now spending their days exploring the United States while Samuel works on his next book.
Want FREE Sci-Fi stories? Head on over to http://sam-best.com for a free introduction to Samuel's work.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
February 2, 2025
Tiekties pēc zvaigznēm, pēc Visuma plašākas izpētes ir ilgstoši bijis daudzu cilvēku sapnis. Kamēr vienmēr būs tādi, kuri ar pamatotību liks pretargumentus, ka noderīgāk izlietot līdzekļus un resursus dažādu problēmu risināšanai tepat uz Zemes, tad tiem pretim atkal var likt dažādus tehnoloģiju uzlabojumus un inovācijas, ko var sniegt vajadzība, tā teikt, izdomāt risinājumu, kas ļautu četru cilvēku komandai sasniegt, piemēram, Saturna pavadoni Titānu.
https://poseidons99.com/2025/02/02/sa...
https://poseidons99.com/2025/02/02/sa...
March 15, 2021
Picks up where Mission One left off and cranks it up a notch. Builds to new twists and revelations. By the end, I am saying "ohmygod" at the end of each chapter. Great concept, character developement, and working with all the various threads and themes.
June 12, 2021
I had liked book n.1 of this duology (Mission One), which I found mildly compelling and decently written. I especially liked the near earth/near future setting.
Book n.2, Deep Black, is nowhere near as good; the first part of the book is kind of repetitive and much less realistic. Towards the end, the story turn exoteric and then silly; with the intent of being mind-blowing, it ends up just being messy.
Going through the final 50 pages was painful even skimming wildly, the final scene on Titan is excruciatingly long and confused leading to an almost ridiculous end.
Book n.2, Deep Black, is nowhere near as good; the first part of the book is kind of repetitive and much less realistic. Towards the end, the story turn exoteric and then silly; with the intent of being mind-blowing, it ends up just being messy.
Going through the final 50 pages was painful even skimming wildly, the final scene on Titan is excruciatingly long and confused leading to an almost ridiculous end.
April 24, 2023
In my opinion, this was better than the first book. It just gets better and better with a second trip to Titan and aliens in the Gulf of Mexico. I loved the switching between perspectives.
Jonathan Davis was fantastic on audio.
Jonathan Davis was fantastic on audio.
June 21, 2021
A while back I read Mission One, and considered it to be a solid read, despite shaky scientific accuracy and a dry writing style. My hope was that Samuel Best would improve his writing style and produce a truly great second book. Unfortunately, Deep Black is not noticeably improved---in fact, the flaws of the first novel are even more grating here.
The prose itself remains fairly polished, with hardly any typos or grammatical errors to be seen. It is quite dry, though, and descriptions are generally quite pedestrian, with little of the sense of wonder that a space exploration novel ought to have. For example: “The vessel was battered, resting with its nose slightly in the air against a large boulder of ice, but it was still in one piece. One of the landing sleds had snapped off, and the remaining sled rested at a crooked angle. Several gleaming, dented scrapes marred the pitch-black exterior”(Best 258). I mean… it’s OK? I’m certainly not asking for an endless barrage of polysyllabic details, à la H.P. Lovecraft, but humanity’s first venture to such a fascinating world as Titan deserves a bit more fanfare. Minimalistic prose only works if the descriptions are still memorable or artfully crafted in some way, which these aren’t. And without gripping imagery, the plot thread on Titan devolves into repetitive wanderings across a wasteland strewn with inexplicable yet mundane objects, devoid of any strong sense of place. So in craft terms alone, Samuel Best doesn’t do a terrific job with this novel. I suspect he rushed it, particularly towards the end.
And the aliens are a big disappointment.
What about the science? It was my big problem with the first book, and it's even worse here. Saturn is described as a point of light when viewed from Titan---it's actually a large disk. Best is also under the impression that Titan's gravity is heavier than Earth's! Just a little more research would have really helped this book.
So I've been griping for a few hundred words---but what did I like? Well, for one thing, the author is great at cliffhangers. Most chapters end on notes of genuine tension and mystery, which helped me to keep reading at a rapid pace. And the banter between the characters is sometimes very well written. Dialogue comes through a lot better than prose descriptions. I think Samuel Best has real talent---he just needs to do more research and take more time writing.
Read the rest of this review, and others, on my sci-fi blog: https://letsgetoffthisrockalready.com...
The prose itself remains fairly polished, with hardly any typos or grammatical errors to be seen. It is quite dry, though, and descriptions are generally quite pedestrian, with little of the sense of wonder that a space exploration novel ought to have. For example: “The vessel was battered, resting with its nose slightly in the air against a large boulder of ice, but it was still in one piece. One of the landing sleds had snapped off, and the remaining sled rested at a crooked angle. Several gleaming, dented scrapes marred the pitch-black exterior”(Best 258). I mean… it’s OK? I’m certainly not asking for an endless barrage of polysyllabic details, à la H.P. Lovecraft, but humanity’s first venture to such a fascinating world as Titan deserves a bit more fanfare. Minimalistic prose only works if the descriptions are still memorable or artfully crafted in some way, which these aren’t. And without gripping imagery, the plot thread on Titan devolves into repetitive wanderings across a wasteland strewn with inexplicable yet mundane objects, devoid of any strong sense of place. So in craft terms alone, Samuel Best doesn’t do a terrific job with this novel. I suspect he rushed it, particularly towards the end.
And the aliens are a big disappointment.
What about the science? It was my big problem with the first book, and it's even worse here. Saturn is described as a point of light when viewed from Titan---it's actually a large disk. Best is also under the impression that Titan's gravity is heavier than Earth's! Just a little more research would have really helped this book.
So I've been griping for a few hundred words---but what did I like? Well, for one thing, the author is great at cliffhangers. Most chapters end on notes of genuine tension and mystery, which helped me to keep reading at a rapid pace. And the banter between the characters is sometimes very well written. Dialogue comes through a lot better than prose descriptions. I think Samuel Best has real talent---he just needs to do more research and take more time writing.
Read the rest of this review, and others, on my sci-fi blog: https://letsgetoffthisrockalready.com...
September 20, 2020
Amazing second book. So good that the first book got an extra star
This was an amazing second book, the pace was really good and the way the multiple story arcs intertwined without being too confusing was great.
I felt a lot closer to the characters of the book and they seem to be more well-rounded with their descriptions and actions.
I liked the first book but felt it was a little thin in character development and a little too linear in story content but it was interesting and made me read the second book which was so good I went back and gave the first book another star
I don't know what happened to the author between the first book and the second but whatever it was really shows in the second book in how it was constructed
I can't wait for the third book and see what happens with the characters and story and where it goes from here
This was an amazing second book, the pace was really good and the way the multiple story arcs intertwined without being too confusing was great.
I felt a lot closer to the characters of the book and they seem to be more well-rounded with their descriptions and actions.
I liked the first book but felt it was a little thin in character development and a little too linear in story content but it was interesting and made me read the second book which was so good I went back and gave the first book another star
I don't know what happened to the author between the first book and the second but whatever it was really shows in the second book in how it was constructed
I can't wait for the third book and see what happens with the characters and story and where it goes from here
October 12, 2020
Fair-to-Good; Hard to Describe it as Interesting ...
Like the 1st book, this was Space-based SciFi; that’s the good part.
But, it was hard to stay interested, and the book didn’t keep The Reader enthused, wanting more. Darn.
I also take exception with how The Author describes the atmospheric pressure on Titan ... I’ve not looked to see if his math or science is correct about it being 160% of Earth — but he makes a statement that someone standing on the surface of Titan would be under 60% more gravity, and that “it would feel like moving beneath 50 feet of water”
-- Well, I’ve got news for you!!!
— I’ve been down to nearly 120 feet underwater, and you can’t tell anything about gravity affecting you there!
— The only difference is in how your air supply and lungs are compressed — but, YOU don’t feel any additional pressure!
Like the 1st book, this was Space-based SciFi; that’s the good part.
But, it was hard to stay interested, and the book didn’t keep The Reader enthused, wanting more. Darn.
I also take exception with how The Author describes the atmospheric pressure on Titan ... I’ve not looked to see if his math or science is correct about it being 160% of Earth — but he makes a statement that someone standing on the surface of Titan would be under 60% more gravity, and that “it would feel like moving beneath 50 feet of water”
-- Well, I’ve got news for you!!!
— I’ve been down to nearly 120 feet underwater, and you can’t tell anything about gravity affecting you there!
— The only difference is in how your air supply and lungs are compressed — but, YOU don’t feel any additional pressure!
December 1, 2022
I liked book 2 better than book one. The short snippet of the book that was included on the Audible for book one got me to buy the second and third books to see what would happen to and with Jeff Dolan. Mr. Best did a good job of creating some characters that were easy to get interested in and care about as you read or listen to the book.
This one takes place several months after the first but continues on the same ideas as the first. To tell what happens would spoil the story for anyone who reads, so I will resist spoilers. Suffice to say, much is learned about the things on Titan and what they mean to people on earth. This is a very interesting idea for fans of sci fi to consider.
This one takes place several months after the first but continues on the same ideas as the first. To tell what happens would spoil the story for anyone who reads, so I will resist spoilers. Suffice to say, much is learned about the things on Titan and what they mean to people on earth. This is a very interesting idea for fans of sci fi to consider.
September 22, 2022
Most of the book I was trying to figure out what was going on. The story takes place in two locations, on Titan and somewhere in the Gulf of Mexico. There is no indication by title which facility the narrative is describing. You just figure it our based on the names of the characters. The book has a lot of dialogue that leads up to the finality when an alien appears in the Gulf. But the author does not really describe the alien. I am just glad that I am finished with this book. However, I do plan to read the third in the three-book series just to find out the ending of the mini-saga
December 27, 2020
Deep Black + it’s 1st book in A Near Earth Second Contact Colony
These were some of the best, most “ human”, & least “ high speculative” sci-fi gobbledygook, incomprehensible tech novels I’ve ever read. The suspense runs high, the characters are “ real “ people & the conclusions are extremely satisfying. Highly recommend, & personally , am eagerly awaiting the 3rd book in trilogy
These were some of the best, most “ human”, & least “ high speculative” sci-fi gobbledygook, incomprehensible tech novels I’ve ever read. The suspense runs high, the characters are “ real “ people & the conclusions are extremely satisfying. Highly recommend, & personally , am eagerly awaiting the 3rd book in trilogy
March 20, 2020
Deep Black (ebook) by Samuel Best
The second in this series, but stands alone quite well!
Not every second book can do as well as the first, but this one does! It can function s a stand alone novel, or a great follow up. Now I want the next one!! Wonderful ideas to explore, and great characters!!
The second in this series, but stands alone quite well!
Not every second book can do as well as the first, but this one does! It can function s a stand alone novel, or a great follow up. Now I want the next one!! Wonderful ideas to explore, and great characters!!
April 29, 2020
Nice Hard SF Alien Sequel To Alien Contact First Novel
Hey, I'm really liking Samuel Best, he is an excellent writer with a gift for hard science and and telling an engrossing story filled with memorable characters and hard-hitting action. Kind of checks all the boxes as far as I am concerned, a writer to watch.
Hey, I'm really liking Samuel Best, he is an excellent writer with a gift for hard science and and telling an engrossing story filled with memorable characters and hard-hitting action. Kind of checks all the boxes as far as I am concerned, a writer to watch.
January 12, 2022
Great adventure
The movement of the plot went at a pace that kept me entertained but gave me enough time to relish in the science fiction I enjoy most. The characters could have been a little more fleshed out to make me care a little more if they survived or not, but overall I enjoyed their journey.
The movement of the plot went at a pace that kept me entertained but gave me enough time to relish in the science fiction I enjoy most. The characters could have been a little more fleshed out to make me care a little more if they survived or not, but overall I enjoyed their journey.
November 8, 2022
A good sequel to Mission One. The astronauts from Earth return to Titan. Two companies with very different goals plot a return to Titan, one of the moons of Saturn. While the two ships race to Titan, another vehicle similar to what was found around Saturn. Many occurrences happen on both Titan and Earth that lead to a big happening.
January 25, 2023
Best, Samuel. Deep Black. E-book ed, Sky City, 2019. Titan Chronicles 2.
The hero of Mission One has been returned to earth by the alien artifact. Will he have to go back to Titan? Will there be more aliens? Will missing people be found? Yes. Will the writing be better than it was in Mission one? Will the science be more accurate? No. 3 stars.
The hero of Mission One has been returned to earth by the alien artifact. Will he have to go back to Titan? Will there be more aliens? Will missing people be found? Yes. Will the writing be better than it was in Mission one? Will the science be more accurate? No. 3 stars.
March 24, 2023
This is a must read
Fast pacd, good humor, good friends and conpassion. I would like to be part of a crew, who wasn't in a rush do something rash, but take time to really see the possibilities.
Predictable, in a hopeful way, and way more exciting than I would have expected.
If you like nonstop pace, this trilogy is it.
I'm onto book three. I've read the firstvtwo, back to back.
Fast pacd, good humor, good friends and conpassion. I would like to be part of a crew, who wasn't in a rush do something rash, but take time to really see the possibilities.
Predictable, in a hopeful way, and way more exciting than I would have expected.
If you like nonstop pace, this trilogy is it.
I'm onto book three. I've read the firstvtwo, back to back.
January 13, 2024
3.5* for continuing story. This sci-fi has interesting concepts about intelligent AI or Alien life forms. That is what makes this readable. I would have liked more science about the Saturn moon, with a diamond core and possibly rains diamonds in a dry landscape. The potential for exploration and exploitation are infinite.
February 1, 2020
Disappointed by the ending
Author has good imagination, but as I kept on reading I has the feeling that descriptions, repetitions, etc. drag on as though the point is to fill a minkmum size novel without much new really happening ...
Author has good imagination, but as I kept on reading I has the feeling that descriptions, repetitions, etc. drag on as though the point is to fill a minkmum size novel without much new really happening ...
May 27, 2020
Great sequel
Only just got back into reading again of late. Read both books in the space of a few days. Found it hard to put down, the story runs at a good pace with twists that keep it going.
Only just got back into reading again of late. Read both books in the space of a few days. Found it hard to put down, the story runs at a good pace with twists that keep it going.
July 1, 2020
Great Read
Terrific book. Plan to be up all night once you start reading. Everything you could want from a science fiction story. Lots of action, twists and turns. Very good characterization.
Terrific book. Plan to be up all night once you start reading. Everything you could want from a science fiction story. Lots of action, twists and turns. Very good characterization.
July 23, 2020
Good characters, interesting plot
The story was detailed and well developed, but 90% of the 'core' premise is explained in the last few pages. I would have preferred some inkling into the premise along the way.
The story was detailed and well developed, but 90% of the 'core' premise is explained in the last few pages. I would have preferred some inkling into the premise along the way.
August 20, 2020
Not satisfying.
I’m disappointed with the story and how it was told. There seemed to be to many totally unrelated pieces of a puzzle that never developed cohesion. Even in science fiction, things should be logical.
I’m disappointed with the story and how it was told. There seemed to be to many totally unrelated pieces of a puzzle that never developed cohesion. Even in science fiction, things should be logical.
February 13, 2021
Loved it
Truly an excellent read. This is a SciFi book brimming with new ideas. Lots of action and wonderful relatable characters. Can’t wait for the next installment. Highly recommended.
Truly an excellent read. This is a SciFi book brimming with new ideas. Lots of action and wonderful relatable characters. Can’t wait for the next installment. Highly recommended.
May 17, 2021
Good read, a lot of imagination by the author made this book very interesting.
Good read, a lot of imagination by the author made this book interesting along with knowledge of the planet Titan.
Good read, a lot of imagination by the author made this book interesting along with knowledge of the planet Titan.
January 13, 2022
Fascinating read!
Fantastic story. Who knows what life form if any could be found on TITAN or any other moon or planet. Science and space exploration has always been a great adventure even if we have hardships getting there.
Fantastic story. Who knows what life form if any could be found on TITAN or any other moon or planet. Science and space exploration has always been a great adventure even if we have hardships getting there.
March 11, 2022
Fantastic
I'm hooked! This guy can cook a story and pull you along for a fantastic ride. Space travel, first contact with other beings, and intrigue galore. Strap yourself in. It's going to be a fun trip!
I'm hooked! This guy can cook a story and pull you along for a fantastic ride. Space travel, first contact with other beings, and intrigue galore. Strap yourself in. It's going to be a fun trip!
September 3, 2025
Some of the descriptions are really good, some really bad. There are some parts of the book in not entirely sure what was supposed to happen, but that happens in sci-fi a lot. I expected a lot more from the story, but I think the author purposely wanted to make 3 books from one.
February 23, 2020
Disappointed
Spoiler ahead. I was hoping all the men who died would be given their life back. It was a good story but the ending made the book depressing.
Spoiler ahead. I was hoping all the men who died would be given their life back. It was a good story but the ending made the book depressing.
February 28, 2020
Deep Black
I was pretty well suspending my disbelief and zipping through this book when it was over. There were a few unanswered questions but why not a happily ever after?
I was pretty well suspending my disbelief and zipping through this book when it was over. There were a few unanswered questions but why not a happily ever after?
April 5, 2020
Ok
But I found myself speed reading.... When a book is really good I don't speed read. So much for that. I won't bother to say anything else.
But I found myself speed reading.... When a book is really good I don't speed read. So much for that. I won't bother to say anything else.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews