Reviews

The Dark Side by Greig Beck

jacqueshol's review against another edition

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4.0

In "The Dark Side" by Greig Beck, readers are treated to an enjoyable and distinct entry in the Alex Hunter series. One of the most striking aspects of this book is its lunar setting, which marks a departure from the usual terrestrial landscapes of the series. This unique backdrop adds an element of novelty, offering a refreshing change of scenery.

A notable departure from the previous book is the reduced emphasis on "The Other," the alternate persona of Alex Hunter. This shift allows the primary storyline to take centre stage, resulting in a more focused and engaging storyline. "The Dark Side" carries a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of classic 80s sci-fi TV series and the "Species" film series from the 90s and 2000s. This nostalgic quality elevates the story with a sense of familiarity and charm, creating a memorable and fun reading experience.

While the book's pacing may initially test some readers' patience, it's akin to the traditional introductory scenes in James Bond movies before the main storyline starts. This slow build-up ultimately contributes to a rewarding and thrilling narrative.

Additionally, while satisfying in many respects, the book's ending leaves a sense of unfinished business regarding the ultimate fate of the module headed for Earth. This conclusion hints at the possibility of future storylines. In summary, "The Dark Side" is an enjoyable addition to the Alex Hunter series. Its lunar setting, reduced focus on "The Other", and nostalgic elements make it a unique and memorable read. Beck strikes a nice balance between originality and familiarity, ensuring that readers are entertained and left eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the series.

hlm24's review

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adventurous dark tense medium-paced

4.5

renila's review

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adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

betherly's review

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4.0

What a great finale to the series so far! I loved the combination of some of the best elements of Beneath the Dark Ice as well as the sci-if space aspects of The Void. The only weird part of that was the minimal and barely there references to those two books despite the similarities. Casey at one point says a vague “this seems familiar” as I guess a nod to that, but beyond that Greig chose not to align the books any further which just felt a bit…well, odd. The continuation from the cliff hanger ending to From Hell was done really well and Sophia had an interesting character arc that I am intrigued to see if any of the unanswered questions around her get any conclusion in future books. Nevertheless I still enjoyed Alex’s continued journey and his son’s development as well which I am certain is staged to become the main focus of future books. I will follow future releases with great interest.
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