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Crossing the Darkness
Alternate Cover Edition can be found here.
Faith Cadena hopes to make a new life for herself on a new world far from Earth. After doing hard time for a crime committed in her youth, all she wants now is a chance at a fresh start.
Booking passage on an interstellar colony barge, Faith expects an uneventful three-year voyage spent in cryogenic stasis. But her dream of a better life becomes a nightmare when she is prematurely awakened halfway through her journey and finds herself trapped aboard a ship of horrors: the vessel is adrift in the far reaches of space, its crew brutally murdered and a ruthless killer in command.
With the nearest outpost millions of miles away, it's up to Faith to face an inhuman adversary with terrifying plans for the ship’s 4000 sleeping passengers…
Faith Cadena hopes to make a new life for herself on a new world far from Earth. After doing hard time for a crime committed in her youth, all she wants now is a chance at a fresh start.
Booking passage on an interstellar colony barge, Faith expects an uneventful three-year voyage spent in cryogenic stasis. But her dream of a better life becomes a nightmare when she is prematurely awakened halfway through her journey and finds herself trapped aboard a ship of horrors: the vessel is adrift in the far reaches of space, its crew brutally murdered and a ruthless killer in command.
With the nearest outpost millions of miles away, it's up to Faith to face an inhuman adversary with terrifying plans for the ship’s 4000 sleeping passengers…
200 pages, Paperback
First published May 30, 2014
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459 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
June 1, 2014
This is my fourth William Massa book, and the second book I've had the pleasure of beta reading for the author. Crossing Darkness is an action packed thrill ride that doesn't sacrifice intelligence for entertainment. In this book, the reader gets both. This is probably the best part about William Massa's work. You get the action and entertainment from his screen writing experience, combined with his intelligent and descriptive novel writing. As a fellow author I really admire this about his work.
This story is, in my opinion, his best yet. Reminiscent of some of the great sci-fi movies and books of the 21st century the reader is pulled into the dark world of Faith and Harker as they awaken early from cryo induced sleep. After finding the crew brutally murdered they must pull together with other survivors to fight a horror that may seem both familiar and unfamiliar to the reader, which adds to the horror of the story.
As the book progresses a new type of monster emerges, and without giving anything away I will say I was surprised to learn what or who is really in control of this ship. But that's not the only monster the two are fighting. Both characters deal with demons from their past. Harker, a washed up ex-cop must find a way to save the other passengers, while Faith, an ex-con must find a way to escape her troubled past.
This is what makes Crossing Darkness an intelligent techno-thriller. Sure, there are awesome twists and turns, but what makes this superb reading rests within the journey Faith and Harker must face in order to survive. They, like the monster, must evolve as they cross the darkness...
Check this one out on Amazon... you won't be disappointed. http://www.amazon.com/Crossing-Darkne...
This story is, in my opinion, his best yet. Reminiscent of some of the great sci-fi movies and books of the 21st century the reader is pulled into the dark world of Faith and Harker as they awaken early from cryo induced sleep. After finding the crew brutally murdered they must pull together with other survivors to fight a horror that may seem both familiar and unfamiliar to the reader, which adds to the horror of the story.
As the book progresses a new type of monster emerges, and without giving anything away I will say I was surprised to learn what or who is really in control of this ship. But that's not the only monster the two are fighting. Both characters deal with demons from their past. Harker, a washed up ex-cop must find a way to save the other passengers, while Faith, an ex-con must find a way to escape her troubled past.
This is what makes Crossing Darkness an intelligent techno-thriller. Sure, there are awesome twists and turns, but what makes this superb reading rests within the journey Faith and Harker must face in order to survive. They, like the monster, must evolve as they cross the darkness...
Check this one out on Amazon... you won't be disappointed. http://www.amazon.com/Crossing-Darkne...
June 9, 2014
Crossing the Darkness is a pretty darn good suspenseful sci-fi horror story, in line with the likes of Alien and Event Horizon. One of those stories where the heroine is constantly on the run from some run amok horror creature. In this case Faith (ex-con) and Hacker (ex-cop) are on a spaceship on a 5 yr journey deep into space. They are awakened from a deep sleep and soon find themselves on the run from an inhuman killer "construct" (not exactly human, but not exactly a terminator).
Either way, this construct is almost impossible to stop. Plus, he can access all the security and life support functions. My only compliant, bump the length to add even more suspense. William should have no problems selling this story to Hollywood. If you like sci-fi and you like horror, then I have no doubt you will like this. This is the 2nd story from Massa that I have read and enjoyed (both 4 stars), with the other being:
Either way, this construct is almost impossible to stop. Plus, he can access all the security and life support functions. My only compliant, bump the length to add even more suspense. William should have no problems selling this story to Hollywood. If you like sci-fi and you like horror, then I have no doubt you will like this. This is the 2nd story from Massa that I have read and enjoyed (both 4 stars), with the other being:
June 4, 2014
Another great book from Massa. It's an action packed sci-fi thriller. I really enjoy Massa's writing style. He has a way of describing things that brings the story to life and allows you to get to know the characters without getting lost in the details.
The protagonist (Faith) awakens in the ship only to discover that the ship's crew is dead and she could be next. Faith and a fellow passenger enter into a life or death struggle for survival against a horrifying enemy. The story takes many twists and turns that keeps you guessing.
If you like sci-fi thrillers you will like this book.
The protagonist (Faith) awakens in the ship only to discover that the ship's crew is dead and she could be next. Faith and a fellow passenger enter into a life or death struggle for survival against a horrifying enemy. The story takes many twists and turns that keeps you guessing.
If you like sci-fi thrillers you will like this book.
March 10, 2018
3,5 Stars.
July 30, 2018
I rarely give less than 5 stars if I rate at all, so I feel that this special occasion warrants an explanation. I gave 2 stars, though I sincerely believe that the book deserves 1 (insomuch as goodreads does not allowa 0 star rating), as a thanks to William Massa. The author has sincerely opened my eyes with this book, which has garnered an additional star otherwise unearned by the quality of the writing or the components of the plot. William, if you're reading this, I appreciate you for writing this book. Thank you for giving me the inspiration to dub an entire genre. You have led directly to my discovery of redneck sci fi. Never, in my entire lifetime of reading, have I believed so thoroughly that an assortment of characters could act so frequently with "no hesitation". Never, in my lifelong love affair with sci fi, have I imagined that the first thing someone might consider while in the middle of a grizzly murder scene for which they are accused is about her prior conviction, jail time, and now far older prison-born daughter. Never have I seen a character gravitate so quickly to a guy she doesn't know and who, over the course of the story, first imprisons her and then later punches her in the face (under the duress of computer control... of course). And, most importantly, never before have I understood so intimately the connection between american anti-intellectualism and the trope of the neckbeard. This all cemented it into place for me very good. Genius scientists bad. AI bad. Ex-cop who literally makes the dumbest decision available and gets his brains blown out for it? Hero. Person who clearly knows the right thing to do but decides to screw it up anyway? Heroine. If you want a story that will make you question whether we'll be using duct tape on starliners and how the dulcet sounds of country music reverberate in the acoustics of a closed oxygenated environment, look no further than the genre this is the poster child for.
If I read a book like this again on my death bed, it will be too soon.
If I read a book like this again on my death bed, it will be too soon.
June 2, 2014
A thrill ride through space -not to to be read at night
Crossing the Darkness is William Massa’s fourth book. Though a separate story from his last book, “Silicon Man,” he takes the theme of the technologically enhanced human to the next terrifying level. But this book isn’t mired down in techno-speak. It’s fast-paced, electrifying, and will keep you looking over your shoulder at any little sound.
Imagine waking up after being cryogenically frozen to face an inhuman adversary who is always one step ahead with its own agenda for the human race, and you are an integral part of its plan.
The heroine, Fath Cadena, has been through a lot in her life, struggling to maintain her humanity, not letting life beat her down. She’s managed to endure it all using her wits and developing the inner strength to survive. Without the past, she won’t be able to survive the horrors awaiting her.
William Massa has done a wonderful job of developing his characters so that every thought, emotion and action is believable. Yet the pace never slows down. Like the characters, you don’t seem to get a moment to breathe…… and then….
There is something in Mr. Massa’s writing which lingers in the mind. Once you catch your breath, you find yourself thinking about the characters, then thinking about characters in his other novels. If you enjoy a good read and a well constructed plot, this is an author for you.
I received an advance copy of the book to read and review. I’ve read all of Mr. Massa’s books and they never disappoint.
Crossing the Darkness is William Massa’s fourth book. Though a separate story from his last book, “Silicon Man,” he takes the theme of the technologically enhanced human to the next terrifying level. But this book isn’t mired down in techno-speak. It’s fast-paced, electrifying, and will keep you looking over your shoulder at any little sound.
Imagine waking up after being cryogenically frozen to face an inhuman adversary who is always one step ahead with its own agenda for the human race, and you are an integral part of its plan.
The heroine, Fath Cadena, has been through a lot in her life, struggling to maintain her humanity, not letting life beat her down. She’s managed to endure it all using her wits and developing the inner strength to survive. Without the past, she won’t be able to survive the horrors awaiting her.
William Massa has done a wonderful job of developing his characters so that every thought, emotion and action is believable. Yet the pace never slows down. Like the characters, you don’t seem to get a moment to breathe…… and then….
There is something in Mr. Massa’s writing which lingers in the mind. Once you catch your breath, you find yourself thinking about the characters, then thinking about characters in his other novels. If you enjoy a good read and a well constructed plot, this is an author for you.
I received an advance copy of the book to read and review. I’ve read all of Mr. Massa’s books and they never disappoint.
November 12, 2016
A Horror Novel Inside of a Sci-Fi Story
Faith Cadena wanted to get away. She wanted to leave her old life behind her. One full of regrets and sadness. She decides to sign up for a mining operation that will put her into cryo-sleep until it reaches its destination. Suddenly, Faith is awoken to find out that things aren't at all what they seemed.
Joe Hempel narrates Crossing the Darkness and, as always, does a great job. When the action picked up, Joe's narration followed the mood. When things got deep you could feel the emotion from him. It's awesome to listen to an audiobook that has so much emotion built into the narration.
William Massa is a great writer. The way that this story weaves back and forth and the amount of emotion that Mass is able to interject into it is amazing. I love a book that makes me feel. And Crossing the Darkness made me feel a lot of things. Dread, sadness, and fear were just some of the emotions I felt while reading this. Teamed up with Hempel's narration make this perfect.
Honestly, I really enjoyed the length of this. It didn't need to be 400 pages. The amount of action and emotion that Massa crammed into the size of this book is impressive. Usually, with shorter books, you feel like you're missing something. That was not the case here. There were times where I felt completely helpless, which is exactly as I assumed that Faith felt like.
Overall, I thought that Crossing The Darkness was extremely enjoyable. It's definitely more horror than science fiction, but fans of either should rejoice and go buy this book.
Faith Cadena wanted to get away. She wanted to leave her old life behind her. One full of regrets and sadness. She decides to sign up for a mining operation that will put her into cryo-sleep until it reaches its destination. Suddenly, Faith is awoken to find out that things aren't at all what they seemed.
Joe Hempel narrates Crossing the Darkness and, as always, does a great job. When the action picked up, Joe's narration followed the mood. When things got deep you could feel the emotion from him. It's awesome to listen to an audiobook that has so much emotion built into the narration.
William Massa is a great writer. The way that this story weaves back and forth and the amount of emotion that Mass is able to interject into it is amazing. I love a book that makes me feel. And Crossing the Darkness made me feel a lot of things. Dread, sadness, and fear were just some of the emotions I felt while reading this. Teamed up with Hempel's narration make this perfect.
Honestly, I really enjoyed the length of this. It didn't need to be 400 pages. The amount of action and emotion that Massa crammed into the size of this book is impressive. Usually, with shorter books, you feel like you're missing something. That was not the case here. There were times where I felt completely helpless, which is exactly as I assumed that Faith felt like.
Overall, I thought that Crossing The Darkness was extremely enjoyable. It's definitely more horror than science fiction, but fans of either should rejoice and go buy this book.
June 7, 2014
5 stars
Gifted ecopy in exchange for an honest review
Awesome! This book surprised me. It was very interesting and kept me wondering what was going to happen next. It is very well written and I really liked the author's writing style. It is the first book I have read from this author and I will be reading more for sure. The story is different from what I normally read, this is sci fi with some suspense. There are deaths, gore and lots of blood but not to the point of you don't want to keep reading because it's gross. Like I said, this story is very well written. There were a few parts were you are on edge thinking something bad is going to happen. There is also a sad part in the story but I won't tell you what it was. I liked how the author finished the story but I have to admit that I wanted more, I kind of have questions about what it's going to happen to Faith and the surviving people aboard the ship. I also want to know what will come out of her. Book 2? I will definitely read if there is going to be one.
Gifted ecopy in exchange for an honest review
Awesome! This book surprised me. It was very interesting and kept me wondering what was going to happen next. It is very well written and I really liked the author's writing style. It is the first book I have read from this author and I will be reading more for sure. The story is different from what I normally read, this is sci fi with some suspense. There are deaths, gore and lots of blood but not to the point of you don't want to keep reading because it's gross. Like I said, this story is very well written. There were a few parts were you are on edge thinking something bad is going to happen. There is also a sad part in the story but I won't tell you what it was. I liked how the author finished the story but I have to admit that I wanted more, I kind of have questions about what it's going to happen to Faith and the surviving people aboard the ship. I also want to know what will come out of her. Book 2? I will definitely read if there is going to be one.
June 20, 2014
Another good Story from William Massa.
I was afraid at first that this book was going to be a re-hash of Fear the Light since they both have the same basic premise: Our characters are trapped inside a ship in this case (a castle in the other case)and someone or something is trying to kill them. Thankfully, this story took enough turns of its own to be different.
If you've read Massa novels before, you know that they are short compared to today's standard length novel, which I tend to find refreshing in that you don't get all the over explanations, drawn out dialog, and meticulous descriptions of irrelevant objects. That brevity can work against the book in some ways, however, where the emotional build up is not quite enough when the story climaxes which tends to be a slight let down. The good news is that this is probably because the characters are so well written and the story so good that I want it to go on.
Definitely worth the read.
I was afraid at first that this book was going to be a re-hash of Fear the Light since they both have the same basic premise: Our characters are trapped inside a ship in this case (a castle in the other case)and someone or something is trying to kill them. Thankfully, this story took enough turns of its own to be different.
If you've read Massa novels before, you know that they are short compared to today's standard length novel, which I tend to find refreshing in that you don't get all the over explanations, drawn out dialog, and meticulous descriptions of irrelevant objects. That brevity can work against the book in some ways, however, where the emotional build up is not quite enough when the story climaxes which tends to be a slight let down. The good news is that this is probably because the characters are so well written and the story so good that I want it to go on.
Definitely worth the read.
July 16, 2015
Crossing the Darkness for me was like a cross between Ascension and Pandorum with the added complex twists and action packed suspense. I really don't know how Massa does it because he really knows how to depict the scene as if you were really standing there and experiencing it for yourself. Crossing the Darkness is a book I had to read twice in a row because I enjoyed it so much. A fun twisted story for those craving some scifi excitement.
May 31, 2014
I really enjoyed this one! It's a fast read and hard to put down once you begin reading. I loved the story, the characters, and it had a great ending. I love the way it was written with how things are described and how you learn about the characters and their history.
June 6, 2014
Started well, ended a bit flat and clichéd.
September 20, 2017
While the underlying marketing of this novel is science fiction, and the story does take place in the future in space, I would characterize this one as a horror novel. The author does a great job of setting the stage for a series of events in the future and making you feel as if you are right there in the middle of the action. This one was a fairly quick read and took me about two hours – but I didn’t put it down after I started it.
The author leaves the ending in a rather neat place – you can either say the story is done, or did he set the stage for a continuation of the story? I’d be fine either way, but if there is a continuation of the story I would grab it and start reading it. If you like early Stephen King or modern day Scott Nicholson horror-type novels I believe you would like this one.
The author leaves the ending in a rather neat place – you can either say the story is done, or did he set the stage for a continuation of the story? I’d be fine either way, but if there is a continuation of the story I would grab it and start reading it. If you like early Stephen King or modern day Scott Nicholson horror-type novels I believe you would like this one.
December 30, 2025
VERDICT: ~ 1.45 bloody stars. Not without some merit as a quick SF/Horror "thriller." Maybe 2 stars and higher for teens or young adults into this sub-genre.
The story starts off with a common SF trope (a character awakens from some sort of suspended animation, on a spaceship*), but does diverge into horror fairly quickly.
*Not a spoiler; see book blurb / back cover.
SAY SOMETHING NICE:
+ The plot moves along quickly, with action and some gore (nothing stomach-churning).
+ Spelling and grammar was pretty good or better than average -- for self-pubs or smaller publishers.
The story starts off with a common SF trope (a character awakens from some sort of suspended animation, on a spaceship*), but does diverge into horror fairly quickly.
*Not a spoiler; see book blurb / back cover.
SAY SOMETHING NICE:
+ The plot moves along quickly, with action and some gore (nothing stomach-churning).
+ Spelling and grammar was pretty good or better than average -- for self-pubs or smaller publishers.
November 3, 2019
A high action deep space horror/sci-fi thriller
Faith wakes up to a ship of nightmares full of human experiments
Excellent narration from joe hempel he’s one of the best highly recommended
I received a free review audiobook and voluntarily left this review
Faith wakes up to a ship of nightmares full of human experiments
Excellent narration from joe hempel he’s one of the best highly recommended
I received a free review audiobook and voluntarily left this review
November 7, 2019
I received this book for free for a honest review. This book was amazing and very well written. The storyline held my interest. as did the heroine. The author was good and brought the characters to life. Could be considered a cliff hanger. Reccomend.
December 18, 2017
If only it was a longer story
January 2, 2020
Just a lame horror book
August 24, 2014
After the last three books by William Massa's I jumped at the chance to read his forth. They have just got better and better and I was slightly worried this wouldn't live up to his last....I needn't have worried at all!!!
Its 6.32 am and Ive just finished another fantastic rollercoaster of a read by William Massa. Most authors stick to similar genres but with Mr Massa you never quite know what subject your going to be reading from Dracula to Gargoyles coming to life to rogue robots and now this...!
Crossing the Darkness is his best novel yet!
I have to start by saying whatever Mr Massa writes he brings to life, every character and monster; right down to the surroundings which you can even smell in your head, feel the dust or water on your skin; his descriptive writing is just brilliant.
Set in the future Faith Cadina is a tough young woman who has suffered a hard life in a penal colony and now grabs her opportunity to start a new life. She is on a 5 year journey frozen in cryogenic stasis on the way to a mining colony where no one will know her. When she is awoken suddenly to find most of the crew dead and dying and is thrown into a life and death struggle for survival. Little does she know this working space colony isn't all what it seems.
This story reminds me of an Alien, Terminator style story with an onboard ship chase with twist...of course its a twist...its a William Massa book...der!
Ex con Faith joins ex cop Harker as the only 2 survivors as they fight to save the thousands of workers still frozen in chryostasis. I related to both main characters which are so likable and believable. Faith is a born survivor who refuses to give up and die and you find yourself rooting for her from page 1. The 2 of them fight to stay alive from an unstoppable killer stalker in the shadows who is being controlled by something else far more deadly. Horrific in places will please those of you that love your gore and its a truly terrifying nightmare.
The only downside for me was it was slightly too short as I didn't want the novel to end and I was so involved with the storyline. This is yet another brilliant read from the fascinating world of William Massa; what on earth or space will he produce for us next.
Its 6.32 am and Ive just finished another fantastic rollercoaster of a read by William Massa. Most authors stick to similar genres but with Mr Massa you never quite know what subject your going to be reading from Dracula to Gargoyles coming to life to rogue robots and now this...!
Crossing the Darkness is his best novel yet!
I have to start by saying whatever Mr Massa writes he brings to life, every character and monster; right down to the surroundings which you can even smell in your head, feel the dust or water on your skin; his descriptive writing is just brilliant.
Set in the future Faith Cadina is a tough young woman who has suffered a hard life in a penal colony and now grabs her opportunity to start a new life. She is on a 5 year journey frozen in cryogenic stasis on the way to a mining colony where no one will know her. When she is awoken suddenly to find most of the crew dead and dying and is thrown into a life and death struggle for survival. Little does she know this working space colony isn't all what it seems.
This story reminds me of an Alien, Terminator style story with an onboard ship chase with twist...of course its a twist...its a William Massa book...der!
Ex con Faith joins ex cop Harker as the only 2 survivors as they fight to save the thousands of workers still frozen in chryostasis. I related to both main characters which are so likable and believable. Faith is a born survivor who refuses to give up and die and you find yourself rooting for her from page 1. The 2 of them fight to stay alive from an unstoppable killer stalker in the shadows who is being controlled by something else far more deadly. Horrific in places will please those of you that love your gore and its a truly terrifying nightmare.
The only downside for me was it was slightly too short as I didn't want the novel to end and I was so involved with the storyline. This is yet another brilliant read from the fascinating world of William Massa; what on earth or space will he produce for us next.
August 17, 2014
The writing was mostly competent, but I found all of the characters to be unbelievably cliche. Sometimes the story seems to recognize this fact ("Broken cops were a dime a dozen"), but that doesn't make the reading any more pleasant. Sometimes it becomes downright cringe-worthy; For instance, the line "Two fragmented souls were drawn into each other's orbit, only feeling whole when they were together" is used completely unironically.
Some of the action scenes are clunky, with description that is either sterile or too on-the-nose ("It was almost as if she were prompted to leave the cell by an invisible host who wanted her to join the real festivities on the bridge.")
The whole thing feels rather unambitious as well. This story is just bits of other sci-fi stories smashed together, which would be fine if the author had any new insights into the subjects mentioned, but he doesn't. That being said, I would still consider reading more from this author, but only because they're available to me for free through Kindle Lending. I think Massa has potential, if only he would leave the stock characters and equally stock sci-fi plotting behind.
Some of the action scenes are clunky, with description that is either sterile or too on-the-nose ("It was almost as if she were prompted to leave the cell by an invisible host who wanted her to join the real festivities on the bridge.")
The whole thing feels rather unambitious as well. This story is just bits of other sci-fi stories smashed together, which would be fine if the author had any new insights into the subjects mentioned, but he doesn't. That being said, I would still consider reading more from this author, but only because they're available to me for free through Kindle Lending. I think Massa has potential, if only he would leave the stock characters and equally stock sci-fi plotting behind.
September 23, 2016
The edition I read was part of the Silicon World: Man vs. Machine collection.
This was fairly short and a standalone novel. Faith is an ex-con. After serving a ten year sentence, during which she gave birth to a daughter who was taken from her, she decides to make a fresh start and signs on to travel to a distant mining colony. The story begins when she awakes in her cryo tube. The ship seems to be deserted and is still on its journey, but when she starts to explore, she finds Harker, a former cop, and a few other colonists, along with a lot of dead crew. The circumstances of her first meeting with Harker leads him to believe that she's the killer, and she is locked up. But something far more dreadful is walking the decks of the ship, and survuval looks less and less likely.
I didn't like this as much as the two 'Silicon' novels. It was something of a mashup of 2001, Alien and Event Horizon, and was a bit too much on the horror side for my usual reading preferences. I didn't feel a particular connection with either Faith or Harker, and so wasn't overly invested in their survival (or not). The writing was very good, with lots of suspense and action, it just wasn't the sort of thing I'd usually read, and so it didn't really grab me. Purely a personal thing, no fault of the book.
This was fairly short and a standalone novel. Faith is an ex-con. After serving a ten year sentence, during which she gave birth to a daughter who was taken from her, she decides to make a fresh start and signs on to travel to a distant mining colony. The story begins when she awakes in her cryo tube. The ship seems to be deserted and is still on its journey, but when she starts to explore, she finds Harker, a former cop, and a few other colonists, along with a lot of dead crew. The circumstances of her first meeting with Harker leads him to believe that she's the killer, and she is locked up. But something far more dreadful is walking the decks of the ship, and survuval looks less and less likely.
I didn't like this as much as the two 'Silicon' novels. It was something of a mashup of 2001, Alien and Event Horizon, and was a bit too much on the horror side for my usual reading preferences. I didn't feel a particular connection with either Faith or Harker, and so wasn't overly invested in their survival (or not). The writing was very good, with lots of suspense and action, it just wasn't the sort of thing I'd usually read, and so it didn't really grab me. Purely a personal thing, no fault of the book.
July 27, 2014
Faith is trying to start over. With just a hologram as her hope, she’s traveling across space to start a brand new life. What Faith ends up with is a lot more than just a gentle ride. She’s met with utter chaos.
What I liked:
I am a huge fan of this author. I really loved Silicon man, so of course I said I’d review for this one as well. The descriptions in this book really set you right with Faith and what’s going on. It’s a fast paced story that will keep you on your toes! If you love sci-fi and weird out there stuff, this book is right up your ally.
What I didn’t like much:
This one was a bit over the top for me. It’s heavy on the sci-fi elements, which I’m not so into as a reader. Quite a bit of gore and swearing in this one, so that it turned me off a bit to read. I had to force myself to keep going at times. I never thought it was a ‘bad’ book, just made me a bit squeamish. There is quite a bit of oddball stuff. I’m also not a fan of “run, run, run” in a book. I get almost bored with that for some reason. I always feel like those “running” type of books lack in character stuff. I’m not saying this one did, but I didn’t really care a whole lot about Faith or what happened to her. Where his other books I felt a lot more connected to his characters.
Still a very well written, action-packed book that a sci-fi fan would enjoy.
What I liked:
I am a huge fan of this author. I really loved Silicon man, so of course I said I’d review for this one as well. The descriptions in this book really set you right with Faith and what’s going on. It’s a fast paced story that will keep you on your toes! If you love sci-fi and weird out there stuff, this book is right up your ally.
What I didn’t like much:
This one was a bit over the top for me. It’s heavy on the sci-fi elements, which I’m not so into as a reader. Quite a bit of gore and swearing in this one, so that it turned me off a bit to read. I had to force myself to keep going at times. I never thought it was a ‘bad’ book, just made me a bit squeamish. There is quite a bit of oddball stuff. I’m also not a fan of “run, run, run” in a book. I get almost bored with that for some reason. I always feel like those “running” type of books lack in character stuff. I’m not saying this one did, but I didn’t really care a whole lot about Faith or what happened to her. Where his other books I felt a lot more connected to his characters.
Still a very well written, action-packed book that a sci-fi fan would enjoy.
June 14, 2014
"FOR FANS OF ALIEN,PROMETHEUS AND DEADSPACE"
I'd say for fans of Event Horizon.
"This wasn't an operating room. It was an abattoir."
After being forced to give up her to-be born child due to a subsequent 10 year prison sentence, now 28 year old Faith is on a journey towards a new beginning aboard a massive interstellar colony barge. Awoken early from cryogenic stasis, she finds a dire situation as she discovers the slaughtered crew and missing passengers.
Something is stalking in the shadows, and the only thing deadlier than this unstopable behemoth is the intellect controlling it.
"Crossing the Darkness" is a quick, tense Sci-fi/ Horror read. A little to quick as I thought that some of the characters would have benefitted from some more development. Minor complaints though. What you, the reader, get is fun characters, plenty of gore, a great baddie and a couple of solid, heavy plot twists.
I really enjoyed this book and I'm fully invested in knowing how things turn out for certain plot developments. Things could get fun.
4.5
The Mouths of Madness
my link text
I'd say for fans of Event Horizon.
"This wasn't an operating room. It was an abattoir."
After being forced to give up her to-be born child due to a subsequent 10 year prison sentence, now 28 year old Faith is on a journey towards a new beginning aboard a massive interstellar colony barge. Awoken early from cryogenic stasis, she finds a dire situation as she discovers the slaughtered crew and missing passengers.
Something is stalking in the shadows, and the only thing deadlier than this unstopable behemoth is the intellect controlling it.
"Crossing the Darkness" is a quick, tense Sci-fi/ Horror read. A little to quick as I thought that some of the characters would have benefitted from some more development. Minor complaints though. What you, the reader, get is fun characters, plenty of gore, a great baddie and a couple of solid, heavy plot twists.
I really enjoyed this book and I'm fully invested in knowing how things turn out for certain plot developments. Things could get fun.
4.5
The Mouths of Madness
my link text
August 5, 2014
I very much enjoyed Mr. Massa's vampire noir mystery, "Fear the Light." This novella is a scifi thriller showing the author's ability to genre hop with grace.
I liked the plot and the main characters well enough, but the megalomaniac computer just doesn't work for me. Even HAL in 2001, although lethal, was suitably unfeeling about its logical conclusions. It stretched my credulity despite the computer's claims of helping mankind with its deadly experiments. Basically, the computer just had too much personality and came off as a comic book style super villain monologuing its way to eventual defeat.
I'm sorry not to have liked this book more. To tell the truth, if it wasn't as short, I would have not completed the book. Still, I'm ready and willing to read more of Mr. Massa's work. He's a damned good writer. The plot in this one was the killer for me.
I liked the plot and the main characters well enough, but the megalomaniac computer just doesn't work for me. Even HAL in 2001, although lethal, was suitably unfeeling about its logical conclusions. It stretched my credulity despite the computer's claims of helping mankind with its deadly experiments. Basically, the computer just had too much personality and came off as a comic book style super villain monologuing its way to eventual defeat.
I'm sorry not to have liked this book more. To tell the truth, if it wasn't as short, I would have not completed the book. Still, I'm ready and willing to read more of Mr. Massa's work. He's a damned good writer. The plot in this one was the killer for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2014
I was gifted this ebook by the author after reviewing another of his books, 'Fear the Light'.
It's another short, but fast-paced book that gets straight into the action. I have to say that I've not read many sci-fi books but i found this incredibly enjoyable. This could have been a much longer book in the hands of another author, but imo that would have ruined it. There were parts in the story that I thought "oh here we go. We're going to spend ages going through the motions of everyone being suspicious of each other". It's practically a requirement to padding out the story. However, it was /nothing/ like that. At no point did this story drag.
It was an exciting, action-packed story that made a refreshing change from the epic tomes I've read recently.
It's another short, but fast-paced book that gets straight into the action. I have to say that I've not read many sci-fi books but i found this incredibly enjoyable. This could have been a much longer book in the hands of another author, but imo that would have ruined it. There were parts in the story that I thought "oh here we go. We're going to spend ages going through the motions of everyone being suspicious of each other". It's practically a requirement to padding out the story. However, it was /nothing/ like that. At no point did this story drag.
It was an exciting, action-packed story that made a refreshing change from the epic tomes I've read recently.
March 10, 2017
Crossing the Darkness is a sci-fi/horror novel by William Massa and let's just say: it's a fast paced/high octane page turner if I ever read one!
From the moment we're introduced to the bad-ass character of Faith, the story steamrolls ahead, with barely a moment to catch your breath...which is only fitting, since she constantly finds herself jumping from one life and death situation to another! Faith is a gritty and intelligent (not to mention, well rounded) character. We learn about her sordid criminal past not all once but in tiny chunks spread throughout the novel and ultimately, her tale is one of redemption.
As for the story itself, it has just enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. If you're into horror or science fiction, I definitely recommend this novel to you!
From the moment we're introduced to the bad-ass character of Faith, the story steamrolls ahead, with barely a moment to catch your breath...which is only fitting, since she constantly finds herself jumping from one life and death situation to another! Faith is a gritty and intelligent (not to mention, well rounded) character. We learn about her sordid criminal past not all once but in tiny chunks spread throughout the novel and ultimately, her tale is one of redemption.
As for the story itself, it has just enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. If you're into horror or science fiction, I definitely recommend this novel to you!
June 26, 2014
This was an enjoyable scifi thriller. The fast pacing kept the story moving, the characters were well-developed, and I liked reading about their individual backstories. Initially, I was uncertain about whether or not I would enjoy this novel as much as I have enjoyed other stories from this author, but I was not disappointed. It begins with an Event Horizon sort of feel, but you quickly see that this tale isn't a knock off from a popular space horror movie. It's unique twist caught me off guard just when I thought I could predict the end.
August 12, 2014
I only read this book because of Nicholas Smith's review of it and because the author of the amazing book Orbs liked it. This book turned out to be the best gamble ive ever made. I loved it. I normally hate short books because i feel you cant tell a good story in such few pages. I love a long detailed book that keeps me busy for hours not one im able to read in no time but this book was so good it was worth the read and the ending really summed it all up though i think there should be a sequel to see what happens next.
July 15, 2014
Give me a book with a kick-ass female main character on a spaceship, and I will happily read it. Crossing the Darkness is a mix of science fiction and horror with vivid descriptions and white-knuckled "how is she going to survive?" situations.
But two things kept this from being a five star story: 1. telling instead of showing. Lots of it. 2. Some over-explaining that slowed the pace.
Despite those hang-ups, I liked it!
But two things kept this from being a five star story: 1. telling instead of showing. Lots of it. 2. Some over-explaining that slowed the pace.
Despite those hang-ups, I liked it!
August 20, 2014
This is an good read.It grabs you from the start makes you wonder just what did happen to the crew.As you meet Faith and the other six people who had just recently awakened from their cryogenic stasis tubes, prematurely only half way through their journey.You travel with them on the ship of horror,with no hopes of being recused.It was up to them to figure this out and try to survive and get back on coarse.You will enjoy the twist and turns til the very end of the book.
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