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Dark Stars #2
A Light in the Dark
A Space Fantasy Sci-Fi Adventure
The real invasion is about to begin.
An alien fleet is coming. Elle and her friends are the Hegemony's best chance for fighting back, but they'll need to head straight into enemy territory in order to identify the Darkness' origin.
The Hegemony is out of time... and the war may already be lost before it even starts. The only chance for salvation is the mysterious shard of the Master Crystal, supposedly capable of initiating a universal-scale reset. Except, no one knows what a reset of that magnitude might entail, or if it's possible.
Despite the risks, no step is too extreme in the frantic fight for survival. Elle and her friends must stop the insidious alien menace before every world is consumed.
The Dark Stars trilogy combines high-tech sci-fi with traditional fantasy magic, perfect for fans of Final Fantasy, Star Ocean, and Xenosaga. Continue the adventure today!
The real invasion is about to begin.
An alien fleet is coming. Elle and her friends are the Hegemony's best chance for fighting back, but they'll need to head straight into enemy territory in order to identify the Darkness' origin.
The Hegemony is out of time... and the war may already be lost before it even starts. The only chance for salvation is the mysterious shard of the Master Crystal, supposedly capable of initiating a universal-scale reset. Except, no one knows what a reset of that magnitude might entail, or if it's possible.
Despite the risks, no step is too extreme in the frantic fight for survival. Elle and her friends must stop the insidious alien menace before every world is consumed.
The Dark Stars trilogy combines high-tech sci-fi with traditional fantasy magic, perfect for fans of Final Fantasy, Star Ocean, and Xenosaga. Continue the adventure today!
285 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 9, 2018
67 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
A.K. DuBoff
80 books125 followersA.K. (Amy) DuBoff has always loved science fiction in all its forms, including books, movies, shows, and games. If it involves outer space, even better!
She is an award-winning and USA Today bestselling indie author specializing in space-based science fiction and fantasy. Dubbed the modern “Queen of Space Opera” by her readers, she is most known for her acclaimed Cadicle Universe. Amy’s short fiction has been published by NewCon Press, Seventh Seal Press, and in numerous indie publications.
When she's not writing, she enjoys travel, wine tasting, binge-watching TV series, and playing epic strategy board games.
She is an award-winning and USA Today bestselling indie author specializing in space-based science fiction and fantasy. Dubbed the modern “Queen of Space Opera” by her readers, she is most known for her acclaimed Cadicle Universe. Amy’s short fiction has been published by NewCon Press, Seventh Seal Press, and in numerous indie publications.
When she's not writing, she enjoys travel, wine tasting, binge-watching TV series, and playing epic strategy board games.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 2, 2019
Continuing from 'Crystalline Space' I started reading 'A Light in the Dark' with high expectations.
I was not disappointed.
Things continued to take unexpected turns, and I was sucked further into a fantastic Universe where Fantasy and Science Fiction blended seamlessly into a coherent and exciting story!
I was mesmerized.
I was unable to put the Novel down, as was the case with the first book, and after I had finished it some hours later, I felt an uncontrollable desire and need to get hold of the next book.
'A Light in the Dark' is in my professional opinion (I write SF exclusively) the best SFF, Science Fiction Fantasy, I have read. Mrs DuBoff has the unusual talent of writing an easily read language that has complex concepts dealt with, but without the 'look-at-me-and-my-fancy-words' plague that some Authors suffer from. She also has a good grasp of Science, with concepts like eleven dimensional space, a scientifically plausible scenario that Scientists have all but confirmed.
In fact, I haven't come across such enticing writing since I devoured Isaac Asimov's books, and that's no small feat!
This second book easily deserves five stars! Well done, Mrs DuBoff.
(Remember that name!)
I was not disappointed.
Things continued to take unexpected turns, and I was sucked further into a fantastic Universe where Fantasy and Science Fiction blended seamlessly into a coherent and exciting story!
I was mesmerized.
I was unable to put the Novel down, as was the case with the first book, and after I had finished it some hours later, I felt an uncontrollable desire and need to get hold of the next book.
'A Light in the Dark' is in my professional opinion (I write SF exclusively) the best SFF, Science Fiction Fantasy, I have read. Mrs DuBoff has the unusual talent of writing an easily read language that has complex concepts dealt with, but without the 'look-at-me-and-my-fancy-words' plague that some Authors suffer from. She also has a good grasp of Science, with concepts like eleven dimensional space, a scientifically plausible scenario that Scientists have all but confirmed.
In fact, I haven't come across such enticing writing since I devoured Isaac Asimov's books, and that's no small feat!
This second book easily deserves five stars! Well done, Mrs DuBoff.
(Remember that name!)
March 22, 2024
**MINOR SPOILERS**
This was the second book of a three book series. I decided to buy the next book in the series.
The story is on the unbelievable side but it is still a good story. The premise is that crystals will allow you to ‘reset’ your life or that of others for a period of time. It depends on the range of the crystals. The reset happens more than once in the book. I think this is something that many people would like to do though the reset is less for personal issues and more for the good of the world.
A group of unprepared characters are asked to save the universe. I think this is meant to be a YA book because 3 of the 4 main characters are young. They have miraculously good instincts and solve problems very quickly. In this world, they have greater technology and history with the crystals, but still their ability to figure things out quickly is improbable.
I do like the four main characters. They are heroes. Each has a skill they bring to the table. The point of view character, Elle, is the youngest but usually leads the group. She has more skills than the others or at least has developed them the most.
The book raises a few philosophical questions which I enjoyed.
This was the second book of a three book series. I decided to buy the next book in the series.
The story is on the unbelievable side but it is still a good story. The premise is that crystals will allow you to ‘reset’ your life or that of others for a period of time. It depends on the range of the crystals. The reset happens more than once in the book. I think this is something that many people would like to do though the reset is less for personal issues and more for the good of the world.
A group of unprepared characters are asked to save the universe. I think this is meant to be a YA book because 3 of the 4 main characters are young. They have miraculously good instincts and solve problems very quickly. In this world, they have greater technology and history with the crystals, but still their ability to figure things out quickly is improbable.
I do like the four main characters. They are heroes. Each has a skill they bring to the table. The point of view character, Elle, is the youngest but usually leads the group. She has more skills than the others or at least has developed them the most.
The book raises a few philosophical questions which I enjoyed.
January 24, 2019
Absolutely Awesome Space Opera Part II!
Loved it so much! AK has come through with yet another winner! Her World building in Space Opera is her biggest strength. She builds worlds of such awe and beauty it boggles the mind, She backed this one up with some real world theoretical physics and matched it with Sci-Fi and through in a dash of Fantasy and magic for a perfect recipe of adventure, the fantasies I love that include outings and treks to find ancient and powerful artifacts to give the heroes an advantage over the baddies! At times an edge of the seat thriller, at times adventurous, a perfect dash of young developing romance, to build a world of wonder, to build strong characters. Then develop those characters into a cohesive unit whose skills complement each other. Spirit, Strength, Will and constitution to see the mission through, no matter the consequences. It's perfect for YA but all will enjoy if you like to immerse yourself in yet another new world by the incomparable Amy DuBoff...Hats off to you for taking me away for a short while to walk in another wondrous universe...
Loved it so much! AK has come through with yet another winner! Her World building in Space Opera is her biggest strength. She builds worlds of such awe and beauty it boggles the mind, She backed this one up with some real world theoretical physics and matched it with Sci-Fi and through in a dash of Fantasy and magic for a perfect recipe of adventure, the fantasies I love that include outings and treks to find ancient and powerful artifacts to give the heroes an advantage over the baddies! At times an edge of the seat thriller, at times adventurous, a perfect dash of young developing romance, to build a world of wonder, to build strong characters. Then develop those characters into a cohesive unit whose skills complement each other. Spirit, Strength, Will and constitution to see the mission through, no matter the consequences. It's perfect for YA but all will enjoy if you like to immerse yourself in yet another new world by the incomparable Amy DuBoff...Hats off to you for taking me away for a short while to walk in another wondrous universe...
August 18, 2018
The second of the Dark Stars Trilogy, A Light in the Dark is an action packed read with characters you can identify with. Elle continues to grow as the main leader for the team. Along the way she begins to experiment with her additional abilities while exploring her budding romance. The Hegemon learn more about their mysterious adversary and barely escape the encounter with their lives. The members of the Dark Sentinel team continue to grow and learn to trust each other as their abilities evolve.
Pros:
• It was a page turner. During the second half I had had a difficult time putting the book down.
• Love the concept of resetting specific periods in life. It has caused a lot of conversation between my spouse and I.
• Not overly technical for Sci-Fi while merging in some romance and awkward situations to keep the human aspect to the story.
Cons:
• Could use more character development for the secondary characters.
• This is really geared as a continuation of the first book, Crystalline Space. Not too sure how much the book will grab a reader who has not first read Crystalline Space.
Pros:
• It was a page turner. During the second half I had had a difficult time putting the book down.
• Love the concept of resetting specific periods in life. It has caused a lot of conversation between my spouse and I.
• Not overly technical for Sci-Fi while merging in some romance and awkward situations to keep the human aspect to the story.
Cons:
• Could use more character development for the secondary characters.
• This is really geared as a continuation of the first book, Crystalline Space. Not too sure how much the book will grab a reader who has not first read Crystalline Space.
June 22, 2019
Another in a long line of winners
I've now read around ten of the author's books. So it's fair to say I'm a fan.
This book, like the first in the series, is entertaining. I enjoy the cast of characters. They're not all that believable: they're dropped in an impossible situation; four people from very modest backgrounds. And there of them turn into steely eyes veteran's with a wide worldview. The fourth is more realistic,whining and reluctant. (As a result, less likeable).
That having been said, it probably wouldn't be much of a story of it was about four whining people who you don't like.
The story itself is a pretty easy read. It flows nicely. I don't know what to make of the technology at the core of the story; it doesn't make any sense to me. But sci-fi doesn't have to be believable, just enjoyable. This book fills the bill.
I've now read around ten of the author's books. So it's fair to say I'm a fan.
This book, like the first in the series, is entertaining. I enjoy the cast of characters. They're not all that believable: they're dropped in an impossible situation; four people from very modest backgrounds. And there of them turn into steely eyes veteran's with a wide worldview. The fourth is more realistic,whining and reluctant. (As a result, less likeable).
That having been said, it probably wouldn't be much of a story of it was about four whining people who you don't like.
The story itself is a pretty easy read. It flows nicely. I don't know what to make of the technology at the core of the story; it doesn't make any sense to me. But sci-fi doesn't have to be believable, just enjoyable. This book fills the bill.
November 21, 2018
If you liked book 1, you will really like book 2. Sometimes the pace slows down in the middle of a series (be in a book series or a TV series) but in the Dark Stars series, A Light in the Dark kept me reading, saying to myself one more page. It is exciting, puzzle solving, and for you older readers - a touch of groundhog day (hint but don't want to spoil it). The characters grow in their abilities and their relationships. Our knowledge of the crystalline network expands.
For fans of A. DuBoff - this is another hit. For new readers, read book 1 first and grab this one so you don't have to stop. The series is especially recommended for young adults.
For fans of A. DuBoff - this is another hit. For new readers, read book 1 first and grab this one so you don't have to stop. The series is especially recommended for young adults.
May 11, 2020
I'm 100% invested in this series. I love the characters and their relationships along with the trouble of the darkness in the world. It still have a video game feel to what the crew does, but not as much as it did in the first book. I don't mind though because the group have grown as individuals and as a team and I love it.
With the ending of this book, I'm diving right into the third audiobook because I want to know what happens with the Darkness!
****FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW****
With the ending of this book, I'm diving right into the third audiobook because I want to know what happens with the Darkness!
****FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW****
October 20, 2018
Excellent continuation of book 1
The characters are easy to visualize and encourage the reader to "step into their shoes" so they can feel what the characters are experiencing. Very good book as part of a series. I've already bought book 3 and will start reading in the next few day.
The characters are easy to visualize and encourage the reader to "step into their shoes" so they can feel what the characters are experiencing. Very good book as part of a series. I've already bought book 3 and will start reading in the next few day.
May 12, 2019
Fast paced Action with great plot twists!
Fantastic series!! I honestly felt like I was teenager again playing the Phantasy Star games. The story was fantastic and characters were wonderful. Such vivid descriptions about the universe and world settings. I can only hope the adventure continues. Thank you Amy for such a great series.
Fantastic series!! I honestly felt like I was teenager again playing the Phantasy Star games. The story was fantastic and characters were wonderful. Such vivid descriptions about the universe and world settings. I can only hope the adventure continues. Thank you Amy for such a great series.
September 30, 2018
A Light in the Dark
2nd book in series and this one really brings it! Crystalline Space was a good read definitely ,leaving questions and wanting to know more of characters. This one is a cant put down, what’s going to happen next, and WHEN’S THE NEXT BOOK!
2nd book in series and this one really brings it! Crystalline Space was a good read definitely ,leaving questions and wanting to know more of characters. This one is a cant put down, what’s going to happen next, and WHEN’S THE NEXT BOOK!
October 12, 2018
Now the story comes together
Although you need to read the first book to give you the basis for the second book, this second in the series was very enjoyable. I am now going to sample the third one to see if it is equally as intriguing.
Although you need to read the first book to give you the basis for the second book, this second in the series was very enjoyable. I am now going to sample the third one to see if it is equally as intriguing.
October 16, 2021
I’ve found this trilogy so far slightly underwhelming. There are too many things that are just… too weird for me to find them plausible.
Since there’s only one more book in the trilogy, I may still read it, though
Since there’s only one more book in the trilogy, I may still read it, though
October 3, 2018
Let's kill the aliens
An exciting read. Saving the universe? What's not to like? Hoping the next book answers the questions. We shall see.
An exciting read. Saving the universe? What's not to like? Hoping the next book answers the questions. We shall see.
December 5, 2019
A fun space fantasy YA. I read the whole trilogy. Amy Duboff should have won that Nebula.
July 23, 2023
Top Notch Science Fiction!
October 14, 2025
With an alien presence, magical powers and a technical legacy that is not understood by contemporary society, there are many credibility issues.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews