Dark Eden

by Chris Beckett
Dark Eden cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
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  • ID: 4542
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780857896711
  • Publisher: Atlantic Books Ltd
  • Published: 2012-01-01
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

Dark Eden is a gripping tale of survival and rebellion set on an alien world where a small human colony struggles to survive. The descendants of two marooned explorers live under the lantern trees, confined to a single valley, and bound by strict laws. John Redlantern, a young man, breaks these laws and ventures into the unknown, challenging the Family's way of life and uncovering secrets that will change history. The novel explores themes of isolation, power, and the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity. It has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Arthur C. Clarke Award and nominations for the British Science Fiction Association Best Novel and BSFA Awards.

Reviews
The Middle Shelf · 2016-11-01
gripping 4.00

Beckett's writing is fluid, gripping, and sometimes poetic, with chapters alternating between first-person narrators.

The reviewer praises Beckett's writing as fluid, gripping, and sometimes poetic. They appreciate the use of alternating first-person narrators, which adds depth and complexity to the storytelling. The reviewer finds the book to be engaging and well-crafted, highlighting the author's skill in creating a compelling narrative. They seem to believe that the book is a notable addition to the science fiction genre.

Quick quotes

    Beckett's writing is fluid, gripping, sometimes poetic.

    The chapters alternate the first person narrators, except in Daughter of Eden which...

    A notable addition to the science fiction genre.

SFBook · Ant · 2014-04-14
incredible 5.00

This novel is an incredible literary tour-de-force that succeeds on every level and is highly recommended.

Ant describes Dark Eden as an incredible novel, a literary tour-de-force that succeeds on every level. They highly recommend it, indicating that the book is a standout piece of literature. The reviewer's praise is unwavering, and they seem to believe that the novel is a must-read for anyone interested in high-quality writing and storytelling.

Quick quotes

    Dark Eden is an incredible novel, a literary tour-de-force that succeeds on every level.

    Highly recommended.

    A standout piece of literature.

The Guardian · 2012-01-13
brilliant 4.50

This is a brilliant read and a great progression from The Holy Machine. It is recommended to anyone with even a passing interest in science fiction.

The reviewer found this book to be an absolutely brilliant read, highlighting its great progression from The Holy Machine. They recommend it to anyone with even a passing interest in science fiction, suggesting that it is a must-read for fans of the genre. The reviewer's enthusiasm for the book is evident, and they seem to believe that it stands out as a remarkable piece of science fiction.

Quick quotes

    An absolutely brilliant read, and a great progression from The Holy Machine.

    Would recommend to anyone with even a passing interest in science fiction.

    A remarkable piece of science fiction.

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