In a futuristic world where dark matter leads to the discovery of hell, ex-military Cleric20 must navigate a dystopian London2 ruled by President Razour and confront a battle between good and evil, all while grappling with superpowers and theological questions. This action-packed sci-fi novel blends cyberpunk elements with dark fantasy, offering a unique and immersive reading experience filled with humor, violence, and thought-provoking themes.

Reader Review Summary

Based on the marketing description and the numerous positive reader reviews, "Complete Darkness" by Matt Adcock is a remarkable and highly original work of science fiction that blends elements of cyberpunk, dystopia, fantasy, and dark fantasy into an action-packed, thought-provoking narrative. It's a book that truly stands out in the genre, offering readers an incredibly imaginative and richly detailed futuristic world.

One of the most striking aspects of the novel is the author's boundless creativity and imagination, which shines through in the intricate worldbuilding and the myriad of inventive concepts, technologies, and creatures that populate this grim, yet mesmerizing vision of the future. From the shattered remnants of London, now known as L2, to the ever-present acid rain, mutants, battle mages, and sentient robots, Adcock has crafted a vividly realized and immersive setting that feels both familiar and utterly alien.

At the heart of this compelling narrative is the complex and flawed protagonist, Cleric20, an ex-military loner who finds himself embroiled in a cosmic conflict between God and the Devil. Readers are drawn into his journey, rooting for this unlikely hero as he navigates the treacherous landscapes of L2 and confronts the devilish machinations of the sinister President Razour. Adcock's characterization is rich and nuanced, breathing life into Cleric20 and the diverse cast of supporting characters.

The book's unique blend of genres is another standout feature, seamlessly interweaving elements of science fiction, cyberpunk, fantasy, and horror into a cohesive and enthralling narrative. Adcock deftly balances the gritty, futuristic landscapes with supernatural forces and theological undertones, creating a thought-provoking exploration of good versus evil, faith, and the nature of existence.

Many readers commend the author's wit and humor, which pervade the story, providing moments of levity and comic relief amidst the intense action sequences and dark subject matter. The frequent footnotes are also widely praised, offering additional context and worldbuilding details that enhance the reading experience without disrupting the flow of the narrative.

While some readers initially found the narrative structure and shifting perspectives challenging, most agree that once they became immersed in the story, they were thoroughly captivated by Adcock's ambitious vision. The pacing is brisk, the action sequences are visceral and cinematic, and the overarching plot is both intellectually stimulating and deeply entertaining.

In conclusion, "Complete Darkness" is a tour de force of speculative fiction, a bold and audacious work that defies easy categorization and challenges readers to embrace its unconventional approach. With its rich tapestry of ideas, memorable characters, and unrelenting imagination, this novel is a must-read for fans of science fiction, cyberpunk, and genre-bending storytelling. Matt Adcock has crafted a remarkable debut that leaves an indelible mark on the reader's mind and whets the appetite for more adventures in the Dark Matters universe.