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A review by madzsmiled
Dead Silence by S.A. Barnes
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Dead Silence was a unique take on the space ghost story, and one that was so gruesomely well done. It's reminiscent of Alien, but spins a unique tale of corporate greed and experimentation.
The characters are well fleshed out, even those we don't storms much time with. The DINA crew is entertaining together with just enough drama to keep it realistic. Claire has a lot going on, and though I wish her inclination towards the supernatural was explored a tad sooner, her trauma doesn't feel gratuitous on top of the horror within the timeline of the book. She's the next ghost hunter Ripley.
However, I did hope for a bit more science in my fiction. The introduction of technology crucial to the story feels a bit rushed and there is a lot of potential there to explore. But for the length, I understand wanting to prioritize the characters and the imagery.
And what vivid imagery!! This book was so cinematic and gross in the best way horror can offer. I never thought how horrifying anti-gravity murder scenes would be, but now I'm thoroughly disgusted and delighted.
All in all, a great space read! (And at the perfect time, during our Alien rewatch).
The characters are well fleshed out, even those we don't storms much time with. The DINA crew is entertaining together with just enough drama to keep it realistic. Claire has a lot going on, and though I wish her inclination towards the supernatural was explored a tad sooner, her trauma doesn't feel gratuitous on top of the horror within the timeline of the book. She's the next ghost hunter Ripley.
However, I did hope for a bit more science in my fiction. The introduction of technology crucial to the story feels a bit rushed and there is a lot of potential there to explore. But for the length, I understand wanting to prioritize the characters and the imagery.
And what vivid imagery!! This book was so cinematic and gross in the best way horror can offer. I never thought how horrifying anti-gravity murder scenes would be, but now I'm thoroughly disgusted and delighted.
All in all, a great space read! (And at the perfect time, during our Alien rewatch).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Suicide, Violence, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail