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Dark Space #1–3
Dark Space Universe
A STANDALONE FOLLOW-UP TRILOGY TO THE USA TODAY BEST-SELLING DARK SPACE SERIES
THE UNIVERSE IS DARKER THAN WE THOUGHT...
Lucien Ortane is a Paragon in the Etherian Empire. His job is to explore the universe and spread Etherian doctrines of peace, justice, and immortality to sentient beings everywhere. Like all Paragons, and most citizens, Lucien believes that Etherus, the benevolent ruler of the Empire, is exactly who he claims to be: the one true God and creator of the universe.
But not everyone is a believer.
The Academy of Science circulates a petition to send a mission to the cosmic horizon and learn the true nature of the universe. Over a billion people sign it, and Etherus grants their request, but with a dire warning: evil is lurking in the dark.
Undaunted by this warning, three hundred million scientists from the Academy prepare to leave the Empire on what will be the longest and most incredible journey in history.
A small group of Paragons also join the mission, each of them for their own reasons. Lucien Ortane tells himself that he’s going in order to settle other people’s doubts, and to keep a bunch of hapless scientists safe. After all, he’s a Paragon, one of Etherus’s most faithful servants.
Yet even the faithful have doubts. Is the universe infinite? Does it have an edge? Is it shaped like a sphere, or connected like a torus? Did it need a creator, or does it cycle endlessly, god unto itself? These are the questions that the Academy is trying to answer, but the answers they get could be their undoing. God or not, Etherus was telling the truth about one thing: evil is lurking in the dark....
Also included in this set:
Dark Space Universe (Book 2): The Enemy Within
Synopsis omitted due to spoilers.
Dark Space Universe (Book 3): The Last Stand
Synopsis omitted due to spoilers.
1081 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
1054 people are currently reading
843 people want to read
About the author
Jasper T. Scott
102 books513 followersJasper Scott is a USA Today bestselling author of more than 20 sci-fi novels. With over a million books sold, Jasper's work has been translated into various languages and published around the world.
Jasper writes fast-paced books with unexpected twists and flawed characters. Join the author's mailing list to get two FREE books: https://files.jaspertscott.com/mailin...
Jasper writes fast-paced books with unexpected twists and flawed characters. Join the author's mailing list to get two FREE books: https://files.jaspertscott.com/mailin...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
January 10, 2025
Holy smokin' MOLY, this ewas good! I love a long series/story, to read all at once, & immerse myself for thousands of pges of good writing.
This one qualified -- I actually read the "Complete Series 1-3" as purchased on Amazon, but Amazon won't let me post a review, as I'm not a big credit card spender there, so I'll backdoor review this excellent example of sci-fi literature.
Right from the beginning, the story and the future universe Scott has created takes hold of you; you easily learn of your new future environment; a world where nobody permanently dies; you pick up on the nuanced language that casually includes you in this world of triangular pyramids containing billions of people, al living quite comfortably without 21st century crowding. Clearly, as you immerse yourself, your people are descendants of the world/human species we see all around us today in 2025.
If you're not afraid of religious elements told from the characters' points of view, and not afraid of a story long enough to include three full cresending climaxes, then I highly recommend you get this ful series at once -- if you get the e-book, as I did, you'll be able to seamlessly flip through all three novels, from book 1 to the final climactic resolution at the end of novel no. 3, with no need to close one & start the next as we you read a book and two sequels. This is one long three-book novel, as a trilogy SHOULD be.
Ask me non-spoiler questions & I'll answer; if you want spoilers, ask me in PM.
This one qualified -- I actually read the "Complete Series 1-3" as purchased on Amazon, but Amazon won't let me post a review, as I'm not a big credit card spender there, so I'll backdoor review this excellent example of sci-fi literature.
Right from the beginning, the story and the future universe Scott has created takes hold of you; you easily learn of your new future environment; a world where nobody permanently dies; you pick up on the nuanced language that casually includes you in this world of triangular pyramids containing billions of people, al living quite comfortably without 21st century crowding. Clearly, as you immerse yourself, your people are descendants of the world/human species we see all around us today in 2025.
If you're not afraid of religious elements told from the characters' points of view, and not afraid of a story long enough to include three full cresending climaxes, then I highly recommend you get this ful series at once -- if you get the e-book, as I did, you'll be able to seamlessly flip through all three novels, from book 1 to the final climactic resolution at the end of novel no. 3, with no need to close one & start the next as we you read a book and two sequels. This is one long three-book novel, as a trilogy SHOULD be.
Ask me non-spoiler questions & I'll answer; if you want spoilers, ask me in PM.
May 24, 2022
If there is one book that would deserve the title "soap opera in space", this would be the one. Including revelations such as "I am your son" and "It was always me".
Dark Space is set in a distant future when humanity has colonized several galaxies and is now on the brink of becoming extinct by an unknown alien species. Humans wouldn't be humans if there wasn't also a big internal struggle to make things even worse.
And of course, every one has their own secret, waiting for the right time to come out.
Dark Space is an enjoyable read. It's an interesting mix of many SF ideas that come together to make a good story that never bores. A good "in between" book, if you want something to relax with.
Dark Space is set in a distant future when humanity has colonized several galaxies and is now on the brink of becoming extinct by an unknown alien species. Humans wouldn't be humans if there wasn't also a big internal struggle to make things even worse.
And of course, every one has their own secret, waiting for the right time to come out.
Dark Space is an enjoyable read. It's an interesting mix of many SF ideas that come together to make a good story that never bores. A good "in between" book, if you want something to relax with.
January 25, 2018
The entire trilogy was pure entertainment. "Space Opera" at its finest...in other words... Junk food for the brain. As such, they were well-written, with interesting characters and plot lines. The interplay between the various characters and the different factions in this sector of space was sometimes confusing. I am an avid reader, but I still had to pay attention to what I was reading. The technical details and the warfare scenes were interesting. No spoilers, but the last section of this book was totally unexpected. A great series of books for a week's worth of reading.
December 25, 2018
Nice sci-fi
There was a lot going on in the beginning so I didn't quite understand what was happening. Ethan faces a criminal cartel on one side and an evil space empire on the other. Seems like a loss-lose situation. Fortunately, he wasn't in it alone. The series really grew on me over the course of the three books to the point where I had a hard time putting it down.
This series is complete on its own but left plenty of room for more in this setting. Worth the read.
There was a lot going on in the beginning so I didn't quite understand what was happening. Ethan faces a criminal cartel on one side and an evil space empire on the other. Seems like a loss-lose situation. Fortunately, he wasn't in it alone. The series really grew on me over the course of the three books to the point where I had a hard time putting it down.
This series is complete on its own but left plenty of room for more in this setting. Worth the read.
February 25, 2018
Superb Space Opera
This is a superb space opera full to the brim with action spanning across galaxies. With humanity facing complete destruction fighting against an unstoppable enemy.
A reluctant hero must fight to save the people he cares about against almost impossible odds
Would definitely recommend this
This is a superb space opera full to the brim with action spanning across galaxies. With humanity facing complete destruction fighting against an unstoppable enemy.
A reluctant hero must fight to save the people he cares about against almost impossible odds
Would definitely recommend this
May 29, 2020
Good enough.
At the beginning of this trilogy I wasn't sure I would be able to finish it. The first few chapters pretty much turned me off. But it got better... Or I got used to the story. The third book is where things came together and the story got stronger. Overall, these books were OK.
At the beginning of this trilogy I wasn't sure I would be able to finish it. The first few chapters pretty much turned me off. But it got better... Or I got used to the story. The third book is where things came together and the story got stronger. Overall, these books were OK.
August 2, 2021
Kopējā triloģija bija tīri forša, ja vien nebūtu to ļoti atkārtojošo kaujas skatu, kas praktiski vienmēr ir vienādi, tad būtu pat super laba... Beigas, protams, atstāj uz pauzes un prasa pēc turpinājuma... Nu gan jau turpināšu arī.
Pats stāsts par cilvēkiem, citplanētiešiem, klonētiem cilvēkiem, cilvēku manipulāciju un, protams, izdzīvošanu... Un tas viss visuma operā :D
Pats stāsts par cilvēkiem, citplanētiešiem, klonētiem cilvēkiem, cilvēku manipulāciju un, protams, izdzīvošanu... Un tas viss visuma operā :D
June 14, 2024
solid 2 months of sci-fi reading!
Like Divergent—matter-vs-anti-matter universe,
Parallel stories. A good read, lots of action. I kind of got lost in the last 1/3- couldn’t track all the clones, copies, resurrected humans, original humans, good guys in one world, but traitors in another. Some sex scenes.
Like Divergent—matter-vs-anti-matter universe,
Parallel stories. A good read, lots of action. I kind of got lost in the last 1/3- couldn’t track all the clones, copies, resurrected humans, original humans, good guys in one world, but traitors in another. Some sex scenes.
July 18, 2017
These were interesting to read. However, with the technical details and the twists in the different character plots, it was challenging to read and follow at times. I felt like there were almost too many different twists to the characters.
December 21, 2018
Dark Space 1-3
This story was just about everything you want in a really good action adventure. The author has put together three stories which have been more than one should be allowed to ask for.
This story was just about everything you want in a really good action adventure. The author has put together three stories which have been more than one should be allowed to ask for.
February 17, 2019
Space opera at its best
Though the plot alternates between rambling and hyperspace, overall the trilogy is a good sci-fi romp. There are areas that are over explained and others barely glossed. Still it was A good series introduction for a new author in my library
Though the plot alternates between rambling and hyperspace, overall the trilogy is a good sci-fi romp. There are areas that are over explained and others barely glossed. Still it was A good series introduction for a new author in my library
June 15, 2022
absolutely amazing!
Wow. It just gets better and better. The characters are so rich. The plot is fantastic with constant twists. The action is easy to visualize due to the detailed worry telling. What a great saga!
Wow. It just gets better and better. The characters are so rich. The plot is fantastic with constant twists. The action is easy to visualize due to the detailed worry telling. What a great saga!
April 29, 2018
very good series. Kept me interested and reading for a long time.
March 2, 2021
A good read but it tends to get bogged down with details at time. My view may be colored by my background as a pilot and science teacher. I do think fans of science fiction will enjoy this book.
December 18, 2021
I got carried away
I can't believe how quickly I breezed through this trilogy. I got carried away with the characters and the plot. Every page pulled me on to the next.
I can't believe how quickly I breezed through this trilogy. I got carried away with the characters and the plot. Every page pulled me on to the next.
September 16, 2024
a book for those that grew up on wing commander games
This trilogy brought me back to playing games like wing commander on PC. It is a very well written story, and enjoyable.
This trilogy brought me back to playing games like wing commander on PC. It is a very well written story, and enjoyable.
February 26, 2017
It's been a long time since I read a science fiction novel and I wasn't sure I would last the course, particularly when I saw the illustrations of the various space ship at the start of each chapter - I felt it would be too technical for me. However I found it a really engrossing story and happily continued reading through each book in the trilogy to find out what happened to each of the characters. I look forward to reading the 4th book later this year!
December 29, 2016
I downloaded this (free) ebook was because I needed a break from my usual historical fiction and because it seemed to have some decent reviews. Seems I was mistaken.
Starting with some positives, I'll give this trilogy the benefit of the doubt: somewhere in there are the elements of a decent story, with some surprising twists and consistent action. Unfortunately, that all lies beneath a mess that is in desperate need of more editing.
The flow was disrupted by long, technical descriptions which weren't always necessary - there's only so much I want to know about a spaceship other than the fact that it's big and has a lot of guns. There's a lot of telling (over and over again), and too little of simply showing. It's frequently excessively wordy (don't get me started on those 'frekking' neologisms) and ultimately left me thinking 'filler'.
The dialogue was so stilted that I couldn't picture the conversations actually happening. Characters are repeatedly described/introduced, often using the same words, even if they were present just a scene or two ago - trust your reader to remember who is related to who, and what they vaguely look like, even if they are minor characters! Speaking of relatives, there were fair too many coincidences given the unfathomable size of space. The main hero's long-lost wife just so happens to be married to the Admiral and his co-pilot is the daughter of a famous professor the crime lord blackmailed into service? Hmm yes, do continue whilst I struggle to sustain my disbelief.
And sustain your disbelief you must, otherwise you won't make it through this trilogy without clawing your eyes out. One quote towards the end of the third book that I couldn't help but smirk at:
Starting with some positives, I'll give this trilogy the benefit of the doubt: somewhere in there are the elements of a decent story, with some surprising twists and consistent action. Unfortunately, that all lies beneath a mess that is in desperate need of more editing.
The flow was disrupted by long, technical descriptions which weren't always necessary - there's only so much I want to know about a spaceship other than the fact that it's big and has a lot of guns. There's a lot of telling (over and over again), and too little of simply showing. It's frequently excessively wordy (don't get me started on those 'frekking' neologisms) and ultimately left me thinking 'filler'.
The dialogue was so stilted that I couldn't picture the conversations actually happening. Characters are repeatedly described/introduced, often using the same words, even if they were present just a scene or two ago - trust your reader to remember who is related to who, and what they vaguely look like, even if they are minor characters! Speaking of relatives, there were fair too many coincidences given the unfathomable size of space. The main hero's long-lost wife just so happens to be married to the Admiral and his co-pilot is the daughter of a famous professor the crime lord blackmailed into service? Hmm yes, do continue whilst I struggle to sustain my disbelief.
And sustain your disbelief you must, otherwise you won't make it through this trilogy without clawing your eyes out. One quote towards the end of the third book that I couldn't help but smirk at:
"The explanation which followed went past the point of credulity and challenged everything Ethan thought he knew about human history" (emphasis added)Sounds about right.
February 20, 2017
Good read
Entertaining and military science fiction at its best. I would recommend this book for the sci fi fan . It keeps your interest up while reading it.
Entertaining and military science fiction at its best. I would recommend this book for the sci fi fan . It keeps your interest up while reading it.
August 18, 2015
depends on what your looking for
I find that science fiction comes in two categories, the scientifically accurate and the storyteller. This is mainly a storyteller novel. and a darn fine one too. I actually got sad when i finished it because i wanted more. While i did not find the science behind everything to be totally accurate but it was accurate enough to be able to make up the rest. Mr. Scott obviously put a lot of thought into the book. Even coming up with a full glossary of terms, ships, and technology that would be foreign knowledge to the reader. I found myself totally engrossed in the story line and the characters. Another talent that Mr. Scott seemed to have is the ability to keep me guessing. That is a rare talent. More that once i would think to myself, "he's a holoskinner too" or "She's going to die before she finds out the truth". I think that is the real reason i enjoyed these books so much. If i can continually guess what is going to happen next then the story becomes blaise and more than a little boring. Yes, this was more of a story teller book, not a technical marvel.
I find that science fiction comes in two categories, the scientifically accurate and the storyteller. This is mainly a storyteller novel. and a darn fine one too. I actually got sad when i finished it because i wanted more. While i did not find the science behind everything to be totally accurate but it was accurate enough to be able to make up the rest. Mr. Scott obviously put a lot of thought into the book. Even coming up with a full glossary of terms, ships, and technology that would be foreign knowledge to the reader. I found myself totally engrossed in the story line and the characters. Another talent that Mr. Scott seemed to have is the ability to keep me guessing. That is a rare talent. More that once i would think to myself, "he's a holoskinner too" or "She's going to die before she finds out the truth". I think that is the real reason i enjoyed these books so much. If i can continually guess what is going to happen next then the story becomes blaise and more than a little boring. Yes, this was more of a story teller book, not a technical marvel.
April 24, 2020
Hurry, don't miss your spaceship to Dark Space: The Original Trilogy!
This series is extremely well written, with strong characters, inventive technologies, and powerfully imagined environments aplenty. The plots are well woven and the action keeps you awake late at night through three solid volumes Not only did I enjoy Dark Space: The Original Trilogy, but I am looking forward to reading any and all sequels! Jasper T. Scott's work gets a strong, "Must Read" from me!
This series is extremely well written, with strong characters, inventive technologies, and powerfully imagined environments aplenty. The plots are well woven and the action keeps you awake late at night through three solid volumes Not only did I enjoy Dark Space: The Original Trilogy, but I am looking forward to reading any and all sequels! Jasper T. Scott's work gets a strong, "Must Read" from me!
September 3, 2016
Interesting but overly technical
I enjoyed the plot and all of the side plots and different characters but felt the human element with the relationships between the main characters was unbelievable in that amount of vast distance and significant events that the characters would tie up so neatly. I found that more unbelievable than the theoretical space and science adventure aspects, which were entertaining and thought provoking. Parts of the trilogy were overly technical in description and took away from the flow of the books. I'm a well educated nerd and still had trouble understanding parts of the space flight and spacecraft descriptions, and didn't find the detailed descriptions helpful, so I eventually skipped paragraphs at a time when I came to them. I enjoyed the trilogy but eventually tired of it and just wanted to see it to the end.
I enjoyed the plot and all of the side plots and different characters but felt the human element with the relationships between the main characters was unbelievable in that amount of vast distance and significant events that the characters would tie up so neatly. I found that more unbelievable than the theoretical space and science adventure aspects, which were entertaining and thought provoking. Parts of the trilogy were overly technical in description and took away from the flow of the books. I'm a well educated nerd and still had trouble understanding parts of the space flight and spacecraft descriptions, and didn't find the detailed descriptions helpful, so I eventually skipped paragraphs at a time when I came to them. I enjoyed the trilogy but eventually tired of it and just wanted to see it to the end.
September 17, 2018
The first two books are amusing space opera/military sci-fi. The third FINALLY introduces the main plot point. which he will hopefully pursue in later books. The author has a habit of setting out the plot line/goal for the story and then totally obliterating any possibility of attaining it. This could be an entertaining tack, if it wasn't overused.
The "search and replace" of all the swear words with fake ones was very transparent. If he wanted to use neologisms, he should have done this more carefully, with more of a contextual shift from modern day swears.
I might read the next ones. It was an average read, with some interesting moments.
The "search and replace" of all the swear words with fake ones was very transparent. If he wanted to use neologisms, he should have done this more carefully, with more of a contextual shift from modern day swears.
I might read the next ones. It was an average read, with some interesting moments.
January 31, 2017
I really like the story line. Humans trying to survive after near catastrophic war with the Sythians. The character development was very good. You got to know the characters pretty well, although there were a few surprises. A few times the story lost my interest maybe due to a lot of technobabble. I think if I had read the books as they had come out instead of all at once I wouldn't have felt this way. There was a big twist at the end which I wasn't expecting. All and all it was a very good trilogy.
October 15, 2018
Is evil right ?
I was torn between giving this collection a 3 or a 4. As you can see the 4 won. There are many battle between space fleets belonging to humans and those that belong to the alien varies. The faroes as seen by the humans are evil slavers and control most of the known universe, as by themselves not so. Thus the two sides join battle for the right to control the entire universe. Who is right, who is wrong, and is there a difference between good and evil in the end ?
I was torn between giving this collection a 3 or a 4. As you can see the 4 won. There are many battle between space fleets belonging to humans and those that belong to the alien varies. The faroes as seen by the humans are evil slavers and control most of the known universe, as by themselves not so. Thus the two sides join battle for the right to control the entire universe. Who is right, who is wrong, and is there a difference between good and evil in the end ?
September 9, 2024
A fantastic Series that is well worth the read
This series will keep you up all night. Well written with a full story line that keeps you interested. This is one I will definitely reread in the future as it is one of my favorite SF series to date.
This series will keep you up all night. Well written with a full story line that keeps you interested. This is one I will definitely reread in the future as it is one of my favorite SF series to date.
December 18, 2016
Since I had many books queued up to read, my original plan was just to read book one, but I found that I had to find out what happened, so I ended up reading the trilogy. Even though I could see some parallels to Star Trek, I loved the imagination of the author with all the new terminology and places. Well written; definitely a must read
December 1, 2019
Another brilliant read by Jasper
What an awesome trilogy! Great storyline, every detail thought of and explained..
I stumbled across Jason just browsing. Read his other Dark Force books,so it was an easy choice to read this series.
Will find and read any of his books in the future.
You will not be disappointed!😁
What an awesome trilogy! Great storyline, every detail thought of and explained..
I stumbled across Jason just browsing. Read his other Dark Force books,so it was an easy choice to read this series.
Will find and read any of his books in the future.
You will not be disappointed!😁
December 26, 2019
Great stories, multiple mixed stories running parallel
Etherus, Abaddon, Ethan Ortane, Tyra Forster, and others come together in various stories to keep the reader in mystery as to the outcome. Two gods one good (?) and one evil (with many self made duplicates), and the two, more or less, main characters with two small children, keep us guessing about the outcome.
Etherus, Abaddon, Ethan Ortane, Tyra Forster, and others come together in various stories to keep the reader in mystery as to the outcome. Two gods one good (?) and one evil (with many self made duplicates), and the two, more or less, main characters with two small children, keep us guessing about the outcome.
June 9, 2020
Free or. Predetermined?
Interesting take on a question argued over for decades, are we free willed or is everything predetermined. While these stories never came close to change g my thoughts on the subject it actually helped me see the other side of the argument. Add a God & Satan figure into a far future war against innumerable evils in a well told tale. Very entertaining!
Interesting take on a question argued over for decades, are we free willed or is everything predetermined. While these stories never came close to change g my thoughts on the subject it actually helped me see the other side of the argument. Add a God & Satan figure into a far future war against innumerable evils in a well told tale. Very entertaining!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews