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Dark Diamond

Action-packed time travel space opera from sci-fi's most explosive author

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Dark Diamond

By: Neal Asher
Narrated by: Peter Noble
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Doomed to die. And die again.


Dark Diamond is the first in a high-octane space opera trilogy, Time’s Shadow. From Neal Asher, creator of the Polity universe.

‘Infinitely entertaining’ – Locus Magazine

Somebody is trying to kill Captain Blite, but each attempt ends in unexpected failure. All Blite knows is that a black diamond – left to him by the dark AI Penny Royal – is the cause of his unlikely survival.

Each failed attempt on Blite’s life generates temporal anomalies, drawing the scrutiny of the ruthless Mobius AI Straeger, who craves the power and possibilities the diamond holds. But they also draw the attention of the legendary Polity agent Ian Cormac, whose skills and destructive reputation may make him Blite’s only hope. Caught in the crossfire of galactic forces, Blite must uncover the true nature of the dark diamond before it causes his destruction . . .

Praise for Neal Asher

‘Neal Asher’s books are like an adrenaline shot targeted directly for the brain’ – John Scalzi, author of Old Man’s War

‘Non-stop action and unimaginable stakes’ – Yoon Ha Lee on The Soldier

‘Imaginative, energetic and insane’ – SFX on Brass Man

 Adventure Genetic Engineering Military Science Fiction Space Opera Time Travel
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Continue the series
Dark Agent cover art
Dark Agent By: Neal Asher

Critic reviews

Magnificently awesome . . . Asher turns it up to eleven (Peter F. Hamilton, author of Exodus: The Archimedes Engine, on The Soldier)
Asher rocks with XXX adrenaline while delivering a vivid future (David Brin, author of The Postman, on Dark Intelligence)
Nonstop action, and unimaginable stakes (Yoon Ha Lee, author of Ninefox Gambit, on The Soldier)
Gleeful but superbly controlled action-adventure (The Times on Weaponized)
A powerhouse cocktail of lurid violence, evocative world-building and typically grotesque monsters (SFX on Orbus)
Without a doubt the most entertaining science fiction author writing today (SFF World on Line War)
Asher’s work continues to combine the best of advanced cybertech and military SF
Asher is a modern master of sci-fi (Starburst Magazine on Dark Intelligence)
All stars
Most relevant
I really enjoyed the story. As always so carefully thought out. I can't wait for the next book!

Another great book in the series

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Fast paced, packed with action and kept me on the edge for countless hours. It's one of these rare books that you cannot put away once you start. One of the best Neal's books I've read.

Military hard sci-fi at its best

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Dark Diamond is a gripping sci-fi thriller set in the Polity universe, featuring time-rewinding tech, intense action, and rich world-building. Captain Blite’s and familiar faces like Ian Cormac make this a must-read for fans of Ashers space opera.

A Riveting Relentless Return to the Polity

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I would say that after ian banks this is as good as it gets when it comes to sci fi . Great story , gripping action and a thrilling ride !

Great action story

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Asher always delivers on the space opera and his descriptive science fiction is almost unique to his work.

Last chapter hasn't aged well in just 12 months!

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