Step into the dusty, starlit streets of Darklanding, where the wild west meets the vast cosmos in a thrilling sci-fi adventure! The Darklanding series, co-authored by Craig Martelle and Scott Moon, is a vibrant blend of space opera and western grit, following Sheriff Thaddeus Fry as he enforces law on a chaotic frontier planet. With its fast-paced action, quirky characters, and themes of justice and survival, Darklanding invites readers to saddle up for a cosmic ride.
Picture a mining colony on the edge of known space, teeming with outlaws, aliens, and miners, all under the watchful eye of a battle-scarred sheriff. Darklanding’s unique charm lies in its ability to feel like a classic western while soaring through a futuristic galaxy, making it a must-read for fans of Firefly and Tombstone alike.
How Darklanding Began
Darklanding was born from the shared passion of Craig Martelle and Scott Moon, both avid fans of Firefly’s space-western vibe. Launched in 2017, the series was crafted to fill the void left by the beloved TV show’s cancellation. The authors envisioned a gritty, episodic saga, releasing a new 'episode' every 18 days to keep readers hooked. Their collaboration blended Martelle’s military-inspired discipline and Moon’s knack for vivid storytelling, creating a universe where lawmen and outlaws clash under alien skies.
The series’ inception drew inspiration from classic westerns like Bonanza, infused with sci-fi stakes. Martelle, a retired Marine, and Moon, a former police officer, poured their real-world experiences into Sheriff Fry’s struggles, grounding the fantastical setting with authentic grit and heart.
The Heart of Darklanding
The series kicks off with Assignment Darklanding, where Sheriff Thaddeus Fry arrives on the planet Ungwilook to find his predecessor’s office bombed and a mining collapse threatening lives. In Ike Shot the Sheriff, Fry faces unrest among miners and a mysterious runaway, testing his resolve. Outlaws ramps up the tension as a monorail heist disrupts the colony’s operations, while Empire, the season one finale, pits Fry against an alien menace threatening Darklanding’s future.
Darklanding’s themes of justice, community, and resilience shine through its episodic structure, with each book delivering self-contained thrills and overarching character arcs. The setting—a rugged spaceport filled with a French bartender, a pig-dog sidekick, and a savvy town madame—feels alive and unpredictable. The series’ style, with quick chapters and sharp dialogue, mirrors a TV show, making it perfect for readers craving action-packed, bite-sized adventures.
Fry, a war veteran haunted by Centauri Prime’s battlefields, embodies the underdog spirit, navigating corporate greed and alien cultures with grit and fairness. The interplay of human and alien perspectives, like the native Unglok deputy, adds depth, exploring how diverse communities forge bonds in a harsh frontier.
Why Darklanding Resonates
Darklanding has carved a niche among sci-fi and western fans, earning praise for its addictive pacing and lovable cast. Readers on Goodreads and Amazon rave about its Firefly-esque charm, with reviews highlighting the 'fun plot lines' and 'wonderful dialogue' that keep them coming back. Its episodic format, delivering 12 books in a single season, offers a binge-worthy experience that’s rare in traditional novels.
The series’ lasting appeal lies in its ability to balance high-stakes action with heartwarming moments, like Fry’s bond with his fart-prone pig-dog. By tackling universal themes through a sci-fi lens, Darklanding invites readers to reflect on leadership and unity, making it a hidden gem in the space-western genre.
- Publication Years: 2017–2018
- Number of Books: 12
- Genre: Science Fiction, Space Western
- Authors: Craig Martelle, Scott Moon
Dust off your space boots and grab Assignment Darklanding to dive into this wild, cosmic frontier! Whether you’re a sci-fi buff or a western enthusiast, Darklanding’s thrilling tales will keep you hooked under the stars.