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Dead Silence Kindle Edition

4.2 out of 5 stars 4,915 ratings

A Best Book of 2022 by the New York Public Library One of the Best SFF Books of 2022 (Gizmodo) • One of the Best SF Mysteries of 2022 (CrimeReads) • A GoodReads Choice Award finalist for Best Science Fiction!

Titanic meets Event Horizon in this SF horror novel in which a woman and her crew board a decades-lost luxury cruiser and find the wreckage of a nightmare that hasn't yet ended.

Claire Kovalik is days away from being unemployed—made obsolete—when her beacon repair crew picks up a strange distress signal. With nothing to lose and no desire to return to Earth, Claire and her team decide to investigate.

What they find is shocking: the
Aurora, a famous luxury spaceliner that vanished on its maiden tour of the solar system more than twenty years ago. A salvage claim like this could set Claire and her crew up for life. But a quick search of the ship reveals something isn’t right.

Whispers in the dark. Flickers of movement. Messages scrawled in blood. Claire must fight to hold on to her sanity and find out what really happened on the
Aurora before she and her crew meet the same ghastly fate.

"Truly un-put-downable in its purest sense.” Chloe Gong, #1 New York Times bestselling author of These Violent Delights

Also by S.A. Barnes:
Ghost Station
Cold Eternity

At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

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From the Publisher

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Editorial Reviews

Review

“I ate this book in one sitting because I was in the mood to be freaked out and it delivered tremendously. Truly un-put-downable in its purest sense.” ―Chloe Gong, #1 New York Times bestselling author of These Violent Delights

"Stomach-turning, sinister space horror perfect for fans of
Alien and Event Horizon." ―Kendare Blake, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"At the intersection of science fiction and horror,
Dead Silence is the ultimate haunted house story, in space." ―Alma Katsu, author of The Deep and The Hunger

“This is great, immersive, atmospheric space horror that shows Barnes is a talented storyteller and proves that, despite rumors to the contrary, horror belongs in space.” ―
Locus

Dead Silence mixes horror, mystery and sci-fi into a thrill ride sure to shock you out of your reading rut. This is one of those time-warp books―the ones where you look away from the clock, then look back and it’s suddenly way past your bedtime.” ―BookPage, Starred Review

“With a compelling haunted-house-in-space frame, excellent worldbuilding, vivid imagery, biting social commentary, sustained tension, and a storytelling style that seamlessly moves between the mortal danger of the present and Kovalik's unsettling past, this sf-horror blend will resonate loudly with readers.” ―Library Journal

“Barnes is giving you
Titanic but make it scary, she’s giving you Event Horizon, she’s giving you Ghost Ship; for real, this book will make your skin crawl.” ―BookRiot

"This story slides and slithers from creepy and atmospheric to skin-crawling, edge-of-your-seat terror." ―
T. Kingfisher, author of What Moves the Dead

"
Dead Silence is a proper ghost story, complete with a narrator who’s trying desperately to shake off her own unreliability."―Tor.com

“Dead Silence gives you the suffocating claustrophobia of 2001: A Space Odyssey mixed with the horrors of Alien. I couldn't stop reading.” ―Mur Lafferty, Hugo Award-Winning author of Six Wakes

"Barnes ably conjures the kind of haunting setting and atmosphere required for this
Event Horizon-esque novel... Recommended for fans of claustrophobic space horror." Booklist

“Barnes plays nicely on human fears of both madness and of ghosts, carefully blurring the line between science fiction and horror... Those with a taste for blending genres will enjoy this combo.” ―
Publishers Weekly

"Creepy and satisfying; I'll be checking under my bed tonight." ―
Sarah Pinsker, author of the Nebula Award winning A Song For A New Day

"I've always considered
Alien the high mark of sci-fi horror. No longer. Dead Silence leaves it in the dust." ―Lisa Shearin, New York Times bestselling author

"
Dead Silence will keep you awake at night....Expertly paced, this novel is full of old ghosts in every way possible, and will haunt you long after the last page." ―Laurie Faria Stolarz, author of Jane Anonymous

"I was turning pages long into the night, and the bags under my eyes are well worth it!" ―
Rachel Vincent, New York Times bestselling author of Red Wolf

"Compulsive reading at its best. A sci-fi horror so expertly delivered you'll be peeking through your fingers until the last page!" ―
Melissa Landers, author of the Alienated and Starflight series

"The richly realized world that S.A. Barnes creates draws us in, and the relatable characters charm us. The dread mounts to a powerful conclusion." ―
David Wellington, author of The Last Astronaut

“The book strikes a good balance hitting different kinds of horror without overstaying any, be it gore, claustrophobia, or body horror. From the moment the crew sets foot on the ship, the slow-burning dread keeps building through the climax.... A story as much about survivor’s guilt as it is survival, and about overcoming trauma as it is about facing horrors lurking in the dark. Toss in a chilling mystery set aboard a haunted starship guaranteed to set you on edge, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.”
Analog

About the Author

S.A. BARNES works in a high school library by day, recommending reads, talking with students, and removing the occasional forgotten cheese-stick-as-bookmark. The author has published numerous novels across different genres, but Dead Silence is the first published as S. A. Barnes. Barnes lives in Illinois with more dogs and books than is advisable and a very patient spouse.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0951SCZRK
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Tor Nightfire
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 8, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 5.3 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 345 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1250778550
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 4,915 ratings

About the author

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S.A. Barnes
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S.A. BARNES works in a high school library by day, recommending reads, talking with students, and removing the occasional forgotten cheese stick as bookmark. Barnes has published numerous novels across different genres under the pen name Stacey Kade. She lives in Illinois with more dogs and books than is advisable and a very patient husband.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
4,915 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's story engaging with twists that keep them hooked, and they appreciate its immersive reading experience. The writing is well-crafted with good detail, and the atmosphere is gloriously atmospheric. The character development and pacing receive mixed reactions - while some find the characters richly developed, others consider them cliched, and while some say the execution is better than average, others find it not well-paced.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

181 customers mention "Suspenseful story"134 positive47 negative

Customers find the book's story compelling with plot twists that keep them engaged, and one customer particularly appreciates the supernatural and psychological elements.

"...for a gripping journey filled with suspense, tension, and chilling revelations—a journey that will linger in your mind and leave you reflecting on..." Read more

"...I have to be candid with this one. Reading this hit me at the perfect time in many ways. My fiancé Priscilla was traveling for work at a new job...." Read more

"...There were moments of scares and suspense, moments of great mystery wonderfully written detailed moments and solid character development except for..." Read more

"...The writing is excellent, the story is well paced, and I'm excited to see what Barnes comes out with next." Read more

86 customers mention "Readability"83 positive3 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as an immersive and quick fun read that had them hooked.

"...the haunting echoes of the ship's empty corridors create an immersive reading experience...." Read more

"...that being said, the second half of the novel is certainly still quite enjoyable!" Read more

"...and even with the threat of not finishing it, I still felt the book was a solid read, even with it's flaws...." Read more

"Really enjoyable, really scratches that "sci-fi horror itch" that I've been having. I loved the characters and how the story unfolds...." Read more

66 customers mention "Writing quality"55 positive11 negative

Customers praise the book's writing quality, noting its descriptive style and good detail, with one customer highlighting how the narrative builds anticipation effectively.

"...Barnes’s writing shines in its vivid imagery and sensory detail...." Read more

"...of scares and suspense, moments of great mystery wonderfully written detailed moments and solid character development except for what I mentioned..." Read more

"...The plot might be a bit formulaic, but the book is well written and it answers all the mysteries at the end without over explaining...." Read more

"...I loved the characters and how the story unfolds. The writing is excellent, the story is well paced, and I'm excited to see what Barnes comes out..." Read more

11 customers mention "Atmosphere"11 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the atmosphere of the book, describing it as great and gloriously atmospheric, with one customer comparing it to a fever dream on a boat.

"...S.A. Barnes has crafted an atmospheric and deeply unsettling story that defies expectations and explores the fragility of the human psyche in the..." Read more

"...This certainly adds to the cabin fever-y, “is anything real” side of the story, but I do firmly believe that some of it was a little too repetitive...." Read more

"...Atmospheric, claustrophobic and thrilling, this book played out the stuff of nightmares...." Read more

"...I think I was expecting more for the horror aspect. It was chilling(don’t get me wrong) but it lacked surprise and I guess I thought we would be..." Read more

52 customers mention "Character development"36 positive16 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the character development in the book, with some finding them richly developed while others describe them as cliched.

"...The characters are richly developed, each with their own backstories and motivations that drive their actions...." Read more

"...of great mystery wonderfully written detailed moments and solid character development except for what I mentioned before...." Read more

"...The main character is one of the most unlikable character I’ve encounter...." Read more

"...I loved the characters and how the story unfolds...." Read more

21 customers mention "Pacing"13 positive8 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book, with some finding the execution better than average while others say it's not well-paced.

"...The claustrophobic settings, the flickering lights, and the haunting echoes of the ship's empty corridors create an immersive reading experience...." Read more

"I don't read a lot of sci fi and this one started out slow for me. After 2 chapters I was ready to designate this to my soft dnf pile...." Read more

"...It all just worked really well for me. I think this’ll be my new creepy suggestion from now on for people...." Read more

"First day f all, performance was great. The narration is what kept me to finish this book, but the story was a huge let down...." Read more

10 customers mention "Space content"6 positive4 negative

Customers have mixed reactions to the book's space content, with some appreciating the space horror elements and one noting the vast backdrop of space, while another expresses disinterest in the space aspects.

"...that draws you deep into a chilling narrative set against the vast backdrop of space...." Read more

"...To be honest I was absolutely uninterested in the space part. I thoroughly enjoyed the supernatural/psychological part...." Read more

"...It doesn't hurt that it also contains several of my favorite tropes: space, a ghost ship, a mystery, a tiny touch of romance, and a story that..." Read more

"This read like stupid dumb TV programs. But no space boogins! Just a sci-fi brown note that makes you have space madness to death...." Read more

More like 3.5 stars...
3 out of 5 stars
More like 3.5 stars...
Okay, there are many good elements included with this story that make it an excellent horror story based in space. What took away from my love for this story overall was a couple things. One, I didn't love the female heroine. I could not connect with her, she seemed like a whiny wimp at times. Two, there was predictability in certain aspects that had me feeling impatient to move on with things. That is never a good feeling. So, yeah, mixed feelings with this story but it was not boring and that is something 🙃.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2024
    Dead Silence is a remarkable blend of horror, psychological tension, and science fiction that draws you deep into a chilling narrative set against the vast backdrop of space. S.A. Barnes has crafted an atmospheric and deeply unsettling story that defies expectations and explores the fragility of the human psyche in the face of the unknown.

    From the beginning, the novel sets a tone of dread and enigma as we follow the crew of the space salvage ship, the *Aurora*. The story opens with the mysterious distress signal that lures them to an abandoned spacecraft, hinting at something sinister lurking within the dark void. The initial chapters unfold slowly, allowing readers to absorb the eerie silence of the derelict ship and the growing unease among the crew. This deliberate pacing serves to build tension effectively, making the moments of horror that follow all the more impactful.

    The characters are richly developed, each with their own backstories and motivations that drive their actions. As the crew delves deeper into the mysterious ship, their individual fears and insecurities surface, adding complexity to their interactions. The strain of isolation in space amplifies their tensions, leading to a palpable mix of camaraderie and distrust that keeps readers engaged and guessing about who might crack first.

    Barnes’s writing shines in its vivid imagery and sensory detail. The claustrophobic settings, the flickering lights, and the haunting echoes of the ship's empty corridors create an immersive reading experience. You can almost feel the cold metal of the spacecraft and hear the unsettling sounds that signal something is not right. This eerie backdrop enhances the sense of impending doom as the crew uncovers secrets that should have remained buried.

    One of the novel's most impressive aspects is its ability to subvert genre expectations. While readers may anticipate typical tropes of science fiction or horror, Barnes skillfully navigates through and cleverly twists these elements, leading to a series of unexpected developments. Just when you think you have a handle on the narrative, the plot takes sharp turns that leave you breathless and questioning everything.

    Moreover, the themes explored in Dead Silence resonate on multiple levels, touching on the fragility of human relationships, the impact of trauma, and the struggle for survival against all odds. It reflects on how fear can warp a person's judgment and the lengths individuals will go to protect themselves and their loved ones, making the stakes feel intensely personal.

    For those who typically shy away from science fiction or horror, I would urge you to give Dead Silence a chance. It offers a fresh perspective within the genre, combining the thrill of the unknown with deep psychological insights. This book is a page-turner that will keep you up late into the night, eager to uncover what awaits in the pitch-black depths of space.

    In conclusion, S.A. Barnes has masterfully crafted a haunting tale in Dead Silence that resonates long after you’ve turned the final page. Prepare yourself for a gripping journey filled with suspense, tension, and chilling revelations—a journey that will linger in your mind and leave you reflecting on the nature of fear and isolation long after you’ve left the spaceship behind.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2022
    I had been seeing this book all over the place and I just absolutely loved the cover. I was on a book buying ban though (still am) so I waited months of being “good” before finally caving for me.

    I have to be candid with this one. Reading this hit me at the perfect time in many ways. My fiancé Priscilla was traveling for work at a new job. I went to bed at midnight and she woke me up at 4:30AM to bring her to the airport. I thought I’d get to go back to sleep but then the puppy was whining so I didn’t. I then preceded to do 7 hours of house and yard work, so exhaustion doesn’t really begin to explain it. I did the majority of my reading after that and the following day. I think because of the prior lack of sleep I worked myself up into a migraine for the next day. Didn’t stop me though, I just continued reading with it.

    The first 160ish pages nothing happens. I kept thinking like why is this so boring? Is it just written poorly? Why can’t I seem to sit still and get through it? Then I realized that I had been kind of sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for something to happen since page one. So it wasn’t poor writing, it was purposeful. It was building suspense. That cabin-fever feeling, that paranoia. What I noticed around this point was that I was actually feeling genuine paranoia while reading. I’ve only ever felt this way while reading a single time before. It was while reading Dracula, a Signet classic version with font so small I legitimately wished for a magnifying glass. Same thing though, I was sick with a migraine while reading it, and I felt heightened paranoia while reading it the entire time. Now, much older, I was feeling the same again with Dead Silence. Just a very continuous, creeping suspicion that someone was watching. I felt like I kept seeing things out of the corner of my eye or if I’d turn around too quickly I’d catch a glimpse of something. I mean, the kind of have-to-force-yourself-to-go-to-the-basement-laundry-room creepy.

    This may not work for everyone, this might not hit at all for some. For me though, this was just a perfect storm of things. Priscilla and I haven’t really been apart at all in the last two+ years due to Covid. The over-tiredness, the migraine, the being alone. It all just worked really well for me. I think this’ll be my new creepy suggestion from now on for people.

    With all that being said, there are still some things I didn’t particularly like. The story is first person and the main character says a great amount of things over and over and over. This certainly adds to the cabin fever-y, “is anything real” side of the story, but I do firmly believe that some of it was a little too repetitive. The story also has a ‘now’ and ‘then’ where the character is being interviewed about what happened (kind of Annihilation style) and they just straight up talk about deaths before they happen. That’s kind of overdone for me and it didn’t work as well here as it was intended. I also didn’t particularly like any of the characters. That doesn’t make the story less spooky or horrifying, it just would have hit home more if I cared about them each personally.

    The second half of the book breaks away from the ultimate horror side and becomes more of an action-y climax. This includes an explanation of what’s causing the events on the ship. For me, a nice and neat ending, with explanation included, kind of kills the overall feel of the novel. I don’t mind when horror is ambiguous, I kind of prefer it. With that being said, the second half of the novel is certainly still quite enjoyable!
    13 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2022
    My Review and Thoughts

    I had a hard time with this book. To be honest I almost did not finish IT. It took to about the 40% mark until I started getting into it. I think my main problem was the main character Claire a.k.a. the captain. I wanted a strong willed woman character. I wanted a woman to stand her ground, but Claire was no Ripley from Alien.

    She always second guest yourself and also swooned over Kane, a male member of her crew in overdramatic cliched female role type scenarios. Plus the males basically walked all over her for the majority of the book.

    She played the weakling and it just soured the reality of the book, but with that negative said. There were moments of scares and suspense, moments of great mystery wonderfully written detailed moments and solid character development except for what I mentioned before.

    Loved the mysterious dark and morbid atmosphere of the story.

    The background playing throughout Claire's past was a solid reality. I love characters with baggage. This has a paranormal vibe to it, seeing ghost, the mystery is thick and balanced with a forbidden reality.

    It has many parts that flowed with ease and there are moments when the dread plays out perfectly.

    Space, spaceships, ghosts, a haunting in space. It has all that wonderful appeal of a fun spooky time.

    In the end even though it took me a while, and even with the threat of not finishing it, I still felt the book was a solid read, even with it's flaws.

    Would I Return to It Again: No, once was enough.

    Would I Recommend: To basic sci-fi horror lovers that are looking for cliche style characters.

    My Rating: 3 out of 5

    Four Final Words: Spooky Sci-fi Fun. Entertaining.
    4 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Polly Morgan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Eerie and sinister - I loved it!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 26, 2023
    This book starts with a shock and continues to grab the reader’s attention until the very last page. I was instantly hooked and was holding my breath waiting for the next reveal. The atmosphere is eerie and sinister, amplified by the tension between the crew. There is an unsolved space mystery, a sole survivor, and hints of the paranormal. This was an incredible read, with a cast of characters focused on their survival. The writing is brilliant and immersive. This will be a hard book to beat for my favourite read of the year!
  • Kindle Reader
    5.0 out of 5 stars Could not put it down!
    Reviewed in Australia on July 23, 2024
    A supurb on-the-edge-of-your-seat sci-fi horror/thriller. A small maintainence ship with 5 crew happens upon a space passenger liner that disappeared twenty years ago. Reminded me of two episodes of Star Trek (Original and NG) in which a ship was found drifting with the crew all having died, violent, brutal deaths. The question is what caused this catastrophe in this instance?
  • Dan Saulnier
    5.0 out of 5 stars TERRIFIC HORROR SCENES, BLAND PROTAGONIST
    Reviewed in Canada on March 17, 2022
    It was 90% brilliant! The other 10% is likely just me - I found the times that Claire was self-absorbed in her thoughts about her troubled past, guilt, tragedies, self-loathing, etc., a bit much sometimes. But that didn't detract from this being such a fantastic novel. The book's prose was quite good, and the way the horrific scenes were described were absolutely the best. To be clear, when the horrific occurrences popped up, you were just drawn in, relishing every word and sentence, sucked in and eager to know what happens next. And next after that! And after that! The resolution was well-handled; it could have been a significant let-down, but not in her hands. So, overall I was quite pleased to have read this book. It was all there as promised, and I hope to see a new title soon.
  • Amazon Kunde
    5.0 out of 5 stars Genial gut
    Reviewed in Germany on April 2, 2024
    Bestes Buch was ich seit langem gelesen habe.
    Report
  • Terry and dog
    4.0 out of 5 stars I see dead people.
    Reviewed in Canada on February 11, 2022
    There is not enough space horror. This book helps fill that void. The setting is perfection and description of the space "ship" is wonderful. The main character is very damaged and sometimes you want to shake her. There are a variety of supporting characters that fill the bill. I thought the story was good. I was a tad disappointed at the reason the ship was doing it's "thing" mainly because I was expecting supernatural or monsters (my fave), but once I realized what it was, I was okay with it.. There is mystery, excitement, dread, wonder and plenty of gore for those that like that. I am very happy with this book and I could definitely see it as a movie as well.

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