In the Black

By: Patrick S. Tomlinson

Narrated by: Alyssa Bresnahan

In a demilitarized zone on the border of human space, long range spy satellites are mysteriously going quiet, and no one know why. Captain Susan Kamala and her crew are dispatched to figure out what's going on and solve the problem.

That problem, however, is a mysterious, bleeding-edge alien ship that no human vessel could hope to match in open conflict. But, it's not spoiling for a fight.

Now, the Captain and her crew must figure out how to navigate a complicated game of diplomacy, balancing the needs of their corporate overlords, and the honest desire for a lasting peace between the two races, all without letting a long-standing cold war turn hot.

©2020 Patrick S. Tomlinson (P)2020 Recorded Books

Better than most Milfic sci-fi

Really good aliens, good space navy particulars, interesting world setting. I’d love to read more of these adventures. Very satisfying.

Solid Sci-Fi - but with mystery cliffhanger and no followup book yet!

Like the other reviews have said, this is a solid Sci-Fi novel in the old-school model. Multiple complex characters and events happening in a truly fleshed out universe. Really enjoyed it until I got to the end and realized it's been 5 years and no followup. So expect to be left hanging.

Excellent

Hope the ending leads to a series! This author does great space and reader does the story justice. Anxious for more!

Tomlinson and Bresnahan nail it again

Patrick S Tomlinson has nailed it again. He creates alien cultures that are familiar enough, but actually has completely different. One of the things they got really right this time was they got Alyssa Bresnahan involved again. I'm still waiting for First Name Last Name to show up again but with each disappointment, we get a bounty of delight.

quality intrigue

the book has strong characters is let down a bit by making the aliens talk like babies, but i guess they would talk different. the battle scenes are well set-up, they have the same realistic use of physics that expanse did so well, the story ends a bit abrupt but all in all a good listen

Very good cliffhanger (spoiler alter)

Good example of the space opera genre because it is blended with a mystery and doesn't just focus on combat. Hopefully you will be able to erase the creepy robotic s*x k****n from your memory, because I think I've been scarred for life. Great story about peacemaking and cooperation to make the best under sinister circumstances.

I like this story in that it portrays both sides

Good story. It's not a simple good humans vs bad aliens. It's more of a people in the fray realizing they are being used as pawns and refusing to play that role. Looking forward to the next book in the series
5 out of 5. For some reason the Audible review page is not letting me actually Rate this Title.

Outstanding

Both the book and the performance were a lot of fun. Congrats to all. Scalziesque.

Fantastic Boog

This is a terrific novel. I was stuck to it like glue! Wonderful characters and the narrator was fantastic. I wish I could give it 7 stars. I can’t say enough about how good it is. I have about 600 audible books and this one is in the top of that list. Fast paste with never a dull moment.

Great Narration and Believable, with a plot twist

In the Black offers an engaging sci-fi narrative that will keep you hooked, although it falls just short of being exceptional. The story is packed with believable science that grounds the futuristic elements in a realistic framework, making it an enjoyable read for fans of hard science fiction.

The performance by Alyssa Bresnahan as the narrator is a definite highlight. Her delivery is compelling, and she brings the characters to life with a nuanced portrayal that adds depth to the story. Bresnahan's narration alone might be worth the listen, even if the plot itself leaves you wanting just a bit more.

The story's pacing is solid, but it ends on a cliffhanger that leaves you wondering if there's more to come. This unresolved ending might be frustrating if you're looking for a complete narrative arc, but it also sets the stage for a potential sequel though there's no indication yet if one is planned.

One area where the book stumbles is the twist near the end. While the twist is certainly unexpected, it left me more confused than intrigued. It feels somewhat disjointed from the rest of the narrative, pulling the reader out of an otherwise immersive experience.

Overall, In the Black is a solid read with strong narration and believable science, but it doesn't quite hit the mark as a standout in the genre. If you're in for a good, though not great, sci-fi adventure, this book is worth your time.