Publishers Weekly
★ 02/08/2021
With this marvelous series opener, sci-fi author Brooks (Dark Deeds) demonstrates that he’s as skillful at fantasy epics as he is at space capers. Saana Sattistutar, chief of the Brown Eagle clan, has sailed her people from their island nation of Tjakorsha to distant Narida, fleeing the draug, a beast akin to a demon that has conquered most of their archipelago. The Tjakorshi have only ever raided the Naridan shore but now hope to settle among its people. When Naridan Daimon Blackcreek, adopted son of the thane of Black Keep, sees the overwhelming numbers of the Brown Eagles, he helps to subdue and capture his vengeance-hungry father to prevent bloodshed. Meanwhile, Princess Tila departs Narida’s capital in the guise of her alter ego, criminal leader Livnya the Knife, travelling to Kiburu ce Alaba and seeing to it that the only other claimants to her brother’s throne are assassinated. Brooks richly imagines the cultures of Narida, Tjakorsha, and Kiburu ce Alaba, and peoples them with multifaceted characters—plus creatures suspiciously like dinosaurs. The many point of view characters create a tapestry of blood, honor, and survival. Any fan of epic fantasy will find something to love here, particularly readers of Raymond E. Feist or Victor Milán. Agent: Robert Dinsdale, Independent Literary (U.K.). (Feb.)
Publisher’s Weekly on Dark Deeds (starred review)
In Brooks’s fantastic third space adventure... the bonds among the crew continue to be a high point of the writing, as are Brooks’s terrific action sequences, particularly those highlighting Rourke’s fighting skills.
Barnes & Noble
This series is pure gonzo fun, and watching the Keiko crew pull off one improbable job after another never gets old.
Rob Dinsdale
From the very first pages, you just know that The Black Coast is something very special in fantasy – a novel that celebrates goodness in dark times, but that nevertheless never forgets the joy of a good brawl. Mike’s ambition and imagination in these novels is as epic as the world he creates. Readers are going to love this.”
SFF World on Dark Run
...if you’re looking for a Firefly-like tale, filled with characters like Damian Frey and the crew of the Ketty Jay, you won’t be disappointed with this one. A quick read, but an immensely entertaining one.”
Django Wexler
The Black Coast has excellent characters and wonderful world-building, with a wealth of interesting cultural collisions. I’m already excited for the next one!
io9 on Dark Run
Dark Run deserves to be this year’s breakout space opera.
SF and F Reviews on Dark Run
...a story which rockets from drama to drama, leaving the reader breathless. At the end of the day, it’s a lot of fun, and as such, worth reading.
Stephen Baxter on Dark Run
Great fun... Golden Age chic!
