Review: Dark Ocean

Dark Ocean by Patrick Carpenter

Title: Dark Ocean

Author: Patrick Carpenter

Genre: Science Fiction

Rating: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars

Available: Amazon

About the Book

In a galaxy far from and long since the existence of Earth, Addy Palmer and her brother, Alex, struggle to live amongst the corruption and post-war chaos of the Sarian empire. Every day seems like just another pessimistic drop in the bucket for Addy. 

Then, one day, everything changes when Alex inadvertently discovers that he has a super-human power. This phenomenal event is witnessed by a man named Zach Brine, an obsessive and meticulous soldier from a secretive organization called “Prism,” binding the three of them together on an epic quest to discover the origin of Alex’s power.  Along the way, Addy seeks to discover meaning in her life that was once defined by hopelessness and nihilism. 

Wondrous worlds, mystical creatures, and kindred spirits open her heart to all that is possible. Unfortunately, her journey also reveals a long repressed, tormented past involving a warlord who calls himself “the fox.” 

Now awakened, Addy cannot take back what she knows. Can she reconcile it all and find her true purpose? Will she be able to help Alex find his as well? Most importantly, can she do it without losing herself in the process?

Fans of young adult titles like The Hunger Games, Divergent, and Ender’s Game will enjoy this dystopian tale of cosmic powers, fated meetings, and faraway worlds.

Review

Dark Ocean is a science fiction novel.  Beginning on the planet Grantitan, the story follows Addy Palmer, whose anger and nihilistic worldview stems from the horrible conditions of the planet’s society, and her brother Alex.  An accident at a sports stadium reveals Alex to have incredible abilities and catches the attention of Zach Brine, a soldier in the mysterious organization known as Prism, who recruits them into the organization.  Seeking to unlock the secrets of Alex’s power, Zach whisks them off to Prism’s headquarters where the undergo rigorous and brutal training, competing with other cadets to become full members of Prism’s ranks.  

Dark Ocean is an engaging story filled with the fun and innovation that science fiction brings.  Addy’s character development is portrayed well, as she starts out with anger issues and a nihilistic view that she struggles to overcome.  Not very personable to start, she slowly allows herself to open up.  Alex is cheerful, friendly, and likable from the start.  The other characters are all well rounded and serve the story very well.

Overall, Dark Ocean is an enjoyable story.  Plenty of futuristic technology and scifi action abound among the personal stories of Addy, Alex, and Zach.  Fans of science fiction will be sure to enjoy this book and I’m sure everyone who reads it will be hoping for the next entry  .

About the Author

Patrick grew up in Sanford, Maine, where he spent the better part of his life. He has traveled to many places, but New England has a special place in his heart. It was here that he went to college at the University of Southern Maine and obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Leadership and Organizational Theory. Before that, he received a culinary arts degree from York County Community College. 

Though he spent years in restaurants and banking, writing has always been his true passion, and creating this book was the most passionate work he has ever performed. 

Besides writing, Patrick enjoys hiking, fitness, gaming, cooking, and spending weekends with his family.