Free – Dark Space by Jasper Scott

Science Fiction is a wonderful genre, full of a variety of distinctive sub-genres, each with their own readers. I’m just thrilled to have had the opportunity to earn the respect and support of readers in some of the biggest SF sub-genres, namely Space Marine and Space Fleet.

That’s right, wonderful readers, I’m talking about you. Thank you for the support you have shown me by taking a risk with an unknown author and buying my books, ATLAS and The Forever Gate. Thank you for the reviews, the supportive emails, the Facebook messages.

I want to give back to you, in some small way. I’ll be giving away the Audiobook of Forever Gate – Part One to my loyal “New Release” newsletter subscribers when it comes out in a few weeks. That’s one way of giving back.

But there’s another way, too. Because of you, I’m now in the position to support another talented writer. His name is Jasper Scott, and his book is Dark Space. It fits nicely under the Space Fleet sub-genre.

I wrote a review of the book on Amazon back when it came out last year April, but I never got around to publishing the review on my blog. I’d like to rectify that, given that Dark Space is currently free on Amazon until Feb. 11 at midnight.

First I should mention how rare it is to find Dark Space available for free: Jasper has sold 50,000 copies since the novel came out last year. When you’re moving that many books, you don’t give away free copies very often. But it is solid marketing, especially when the book is number one in a series (which Dark Space is), and that book is good (again, guilty as charged), if only because it makes readers want to buy the rest -)

Anyway, without further ado, here is my review:

Dark Space is a thrilling action-adventure set in the far future. It reminds me a little of an exciting episode of BattleStar Galatica. The story revolves around Ethan Ortane, who lives in Dark Space. Formerly a cluster of black holes, Dark Space holds all that is left of humanity.

In classical “Dude with a problem” style, Jasper Scott starts off with Ethan on the run from crime lord Alec Brondi, who catches Ethan and forces him to sabotage the ship that guards the entrance to Dark Space. Ethan accepts, though he eventually discovers the real plan is far more sinister.

I really liked the characters in this story, and the dialogue was engaging and real, especially the playful banter between Ethan and Alara, the love interest.

I enjoyed the twist at the end involving the Supreme Overlord.

The kindle version has some nice touches, such as graphical headers for each chapter, and is laid out gorgeously. Jasper has spent a lot of work on this puppy, sending it out to droves of beta readers before release, and the polish definitely shows. I’m on board!

Does the book sound up your alley? Not sure? Download it for free from Amazon until Feb. 11 and decide for yourself.

And thanks again for supporting me, and other indie authors!

Let me know if you like the book in the comments, and if you want me to continue recommending the work of other indies -)