Deadly Intent

Dark Future, Book 2

By: Drew Avera

Narrated by: James Blackmore

You can’t always outrun your past.

More than a decade after becoming Pontiff of the World Council, Halem Scrimpshire’s vision for Mars is coming to fruition. With the expansion of other colonies outside of Archea, new challenges await following a violent attack on a council member. Obligated to visit the new colony of Clenist, Halem’s past comes back to haunt him. What awaits could be the end of his tenure as Pontiff, and his life.

For fans of Blade Runner and Total Recall, Deadly Intent is the second audiobook in the technothriller series. Dark Future is full of action, deception, and intrigue.

©2025 Drew Avera (P)2026 Drew Avera

A Fast-Paced Sci-Fi Thriller Full of Action

I really enjoyed Deadly Intent! This second book in the Dark Future series kept me interested with plenty of action, deception, and twists along the way. I liked how the story brought Halem’s past back into the picture and raised the stakes as he dealt with the growing challenges surrounding the colonies.

There’s a good mix of science fiction, mystery, and thriller elements, and the futuristic setting adds another layer to the story. It definitely has that Blade Runner and Total Recall feel that fans of those types of stories may enjoy.

James Blackmore did a great job with the narration and helped keep the story moving. For me, it was four stars all the way around, the story, pacing, and narration all worked well together. I’m looking forward to seeing where the Dark Future series goes next!

Major Political Intrigue

I was entertained by this second book as much as the first one. The political intrigue kept my attention glued to the story. I enjoyed this tale which depicted what was going on in Halem's life ten years later. I felt for Halem as he maneuvered through some of the consequences caused by some of his actions in the past. I thought James Blackmore's narration was entertaining as his performance nuanced the aura of the story. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.

Power corrupts, but does it corrupt absolutely

Timeskip a dozen years, and the political engine of Mars is still hard at work trying to make the planet into a thriving society. But crime, greed, and ulterior motives still run rampant. Can a former cop, now political lead, keep the peace or will he succumb to the same power hungry behaviors as his predecessors? Narrated with appropriate charisma and action by James Blackmore, the story continues to unfold and become more tightly wound simultaneously. [Disclosure: I received this title for free and listened at 2.3x.]