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DARK ENERGY: A Brad Willis Adventure
Brad Willis is an unlikely investigator, and an even less likely spy.
He is a scientist, not a hero, but when it comes to finding technical solutions, there is none better. That’s how MI6 uses him; that’s how he lands himself in trouble.
Members of the scientific community around the world are being systematically murdered, and for no obvious reason. Who is killing them and why?
That is until Willis uncovers a mystery. The largest research facility in the world has made a huge discovery but not reported it. Why not? Why would someone want it hidden?
His travels take him across four nations where he forms liaisons with a Russian General and an oligarch. Can he trust either? If he chooses badly, he is as good as dead. He suspects everyone, so can trust no one…
And will need to risk his life to find out …
Enjoy Langdon, Reacher, Wick, Pitt, Bourne or Bond? Then Brad Willis is for you.
He is a scientist, not a hero, but when it comes to finding technical solutions, there is none better. That’s how MI6 uses him; that’s how he lands himself in trouble.
Members of the scientific community around the world are being systematically murdered, and for no obvious reason. Who is killing them and why?
That is until Willis uncovers a mystery. The largest research facility in the world has made a huge discovery but not reported it. Why not? Why would someone want it hidden?
His travels take him across four nations where he forms liaisons with a Russian General and an oligarch. Can he trust either? If he chooses badly, he is as good as dead. He suspects everyone, so can trust no one…
And will need to risk his life to find out …
Enjoy Langdon, Reacher, Wick, Pitt, Bourne or Bond? Then Brad Willis is for you.
339 pages, Paperback
Published June 5, 2021
About the author
Tom Boles
6 books10 followersBorn in Scotland a long time ago. Too long to consider. Became an astronomer after looking through a friend's telescope at school. I saw the Seven Sisters (the Pleiades), Saturn and Jupiter all in the same night. I was hooked I went on to search for supernovae, exploding stars. I have now discovered more supernovae than any person in history. These were used to discover the acceleration of the universe and propose the existence of dark energy. Yes, It's a real thing. This influenced me to write the story.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 9, 2021
Finished this 2 days into my summer holiday and I was hooked! With its gripping story line, and science was made easy to understand; I was fully drawn in until the end! Brilliant read, throughly recommend it! Can’t wait for Book 2!
January 11, 2022
Grisham, Cussler, Patterson, Flynn, none can beat the thrilling, colorful, interesting writing of Tom Boles.
If you love a thriller, love technical writing, love being challenged by great writing, read this book.
I was so involved that i couldn't put it down. i am on Tom's second book and so hoping there is a third!! Thank you, Tom, for giving your best to this book! You are amazing!
Dark Energy by Tom Boles. A must read.
If you love a thriller, love technical writing, love being challenged by great writing, read this book.
I was so involved that i couldn't put it down. i am on Tom's second book and so hoping there is a third!! Thank you, Tom, for giving your best to this book! You are amazing!
Dark Energy by Tom Boles. A must read.
December 14, 2021
Never before have I read a book that shows an author’s passion as much as Dark Energy does. There is no doubt how much Tom Boles enjoys Astronomy. The knowledge and experience fly off the pages as you are caught up in a James Bond kind of action-adventure. Be prepared for a story that will keep you guessing as the details and action drip off the pages.
Tom Boles reached out and asked that I review Dark Energy. I remember him saying that the story is about an astronomer that saves the day. While my knowledge of astronomy is limited I quickly found myself engrossed. The author tells an intriguing story filled with knowledge on various subjects. The author includes details on various interesting locations across the world, ammunition descriptions and brilliant aviation facts. On top of all of that, you are sure to learn a thing or two about astronomy and physics. While there are a few parts of the story where the physics facts were a little intense, and slightly beyond my understanding, the author managed to keep me interested and reading.
Dr Willis is more than an astronomer. He is also an agent for British intelligence – MI6. When strange accidents at the various astronomical sites around the world seem to be linked, no one is better suited to solving the mystery than Dr Willis. As he puts his team together, he finds himself reunited with an old girlfriend from his university days and soon the spark between Dr Willis and Dr Fenwick is back in full swing. However, when their lives are in danger and Dr Willis is doubting the people, he has chosen to confide in, it becomes very clear that he is running out of time. If he wants to save Sophie and himself, he will have to undercover the truth and put his past behind him.
Dark Energy is an intense read full of facts that are guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat as you flip the pages. The author managed to create a good balance between adventure, action, mystery and just a touch of romance. I both enjoyed and hated the detail included in this story. At times I found myself battling to focus, but ultimately, I blame that on my circumstances while reading this book rather than on anything else.
Dr Willis is the lead character in this book and a lot of focus has been placed on him. To the extent that the other characters seemed to disappear into the background at times. This man has many levels and manages to come across as a geeky astronomer at one moment and a James Bond wanna be the next. He is intelligent and a little pushy, but he does save the day and wins the lady. You are left liking this strange choice of spy and enjoying the adventure he takes you on throughout the story.
I gave this book a four-star rating, while it is not exactly my genre of choice, I enjoyed the story and found myself eager to return to it. I am disappointed that I read this book during the week that I was moving house. I was exhausted when I managed to find the time to read and I feel I did not focus as much as I would have liked to. Overall, I loved this unique spy, mystery. James Bond watch out, here comes Dr Willis.
If you are a spy, adventure or technothriller fan you will find yourself quickly engrossed in this intriguing story that has you zipping between the UK, the USA, Geneva and Kazakhstan among others. You can expect a read that is full of details and descriptions including aviation, ammunition, various destinations and of course astronomy and the life of an astronomer.
Tom Boles reached out and asked that I review Dark Energy. I remember him saying that the story is about an astronomer that saves the day. While my knowledge of astronomy is limited I quickly found myself engrossed. The author tells an intriguing story filled with knowledge on various subjects. The author includes details on various interesting locations across the world, ammunition descriptions and brilliant aviation facts. On top of all of that, you are sure to learn a thing or two about astronomy and physics. While there are a few parts of the story where the physics facts were a little intense, and slightly beyond my understanding, the author managed to keep me interested and reading.
Dr Willis is more than an astronomer. He is also an agent for British intelligence – MI6. When strange accidents at the various astronomical sites around the world seem to be linked, no one is better suited to solving the mystery than Dr Willis. As he puts his team together, he finds himself reunited with an old girlfriend from his university days and soon the spark between Dr Willis and Dr Fenwick is back in full swing. However, when their lives are in danger and Dr Willis is doubting the people, he has chosen to confide in, it becomes very clear that he is running out of time. If he wants to save Sophie and himself, he will have to undercover the truth and put his past behind him.
Dark Energy is an intense read full of facts that are guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat as you flip the pages. The author managed to create a good balance between adventure, action, mystery and just a touch of romance. I both enjoyed and hated the detail included in this story. At times I found myself battling to focus, but ultimately, I blame that on my circumstances while reading this book rather than on anything else.
Dr Willis is the lead character in this book and a lot of focus has been placed on him. To the extent that the other characters seemed to disappear into the background at times. This man has many levels and manages to come across as a geeky astronomer at one moment and a James Bond wanna be the next. He is intelligent and a little pushy, but he does save the day and wins the lady. You are left liking this strange choice of spy and enjoying the adventure he takes you on throughout the story.
I gave this book a four-star rating, while it is not exactly my genre of choice, I enjoyed the story and found myself eager to return to it. I am disappointed that I read this book during the week that I was moving house. I was exhausted when I managed to find the time to read and I feel I did not focus as much as I would have liked to. Overall, I loved this unique spy, mystery. James Bond watch out, here comes Dr Willis.
If you are a spy, adventure or technothriller fan you will find yourself quickly engrossed in this intriguing story that has you zipping between the UK, the USA, Geneva and Kazakhstan among others. You can expect a read that is full of details and descriptions including aviation, ammunition, various destinations and of course astronomy and the life of an astronomer.
April 22, 2022
This is a great book. I did not know what to expect, but it peaked my interest with the scientific nature of it. Who knew that a scientist would turn out to be an international spy, keeping the world safe when someone wants to pull it down. Someone who wants to bring the world to a grinding halt and they have found the perfect way to do it. You will meet many characters within these pages, from Brad Willis to MI6 allies, to Russian spies and an Ex-Girlfriend and many more. Tom Boles has written this at a pace where it sucks you into the pages and you need to know more. Leaves it hanging just enough for you to keep reading. From the very first chapter you know the proverbial is going to hit the fan and someone needs to step in to sort it out. Enter Brad Willis. The story flows well from country to country, London, Cambridge, Berkley, Kazakhstan and CERN Switzerland, where the Large Hadron Collider is situated. Tom Boles also weaves factual scientific information into the story, which made it even more interesting, plus you learn a little bit of science along the way. And even though it is a work of fiction, it is also very believable. It could happen. I really enjoyed my journey with Brad Willis and his colleagues, I really enjoyed the science behind the story.
In summary, if Indiana Jones was a scientist and not an archaeologist, then this would be one of his adventures. I don't normally read adventure novels, but I will now.
In summary, if Indiana Jones was a scientist and not an archaeologist, then this would be one of his adventures. I don't normally read adventure novels, but I will now.
November 11, 2021
Dark Energy is a simply brilliant new novel and looks to be a promising series. The thrilling story takes on the classic espionage genre but rises above where the author has infused it with detailed, intimate knowledge of authentic astronomy expertise we see in the main character - making the story and perspective truly one of a kind. It's packed with memorable scenes that feel realistic yet punchy, pacy, captivating and provocative. The cast is diverse and engaging that just adds to the ingeniously plotted moments making them endlessly suspenseful. You can tell that time and love went into every part. Dark Energy is a fantastic read for an action-packed ride. I'm eagerly awaiting the second novel Shades of White! Keep up the great work!
July 13, 2021
Great Action Intrigue Mystery
I noticed this book because of its title and my curiosity regarding Dark Energy. Buckle your seat belts and get ready for an action-packed international intrigue where astronomy and particle physics merge and collide. This modern-day sci-space/government/spy adventure will captivate you until the very end. Whether an astronomer, scientist, stargazer, or just plain mystery enthusiast; you’ll enjoy what only a true astronomer/scientist can write about in his authentic and easy style with attention to detail. I highly recommend this fascinating read.
I noticed this book because of its title and my curiosity regarding Dark Energy. Buckle your seat belts and get ready for an action-packed international intrigue where astronomy and particle physics merge and collide. This modern-day sci-space/government/spy adventure will captivate you until the very end. Whether an astronomer, scientist, stargazer, or just plain mystery enthusiast; you’ll enjoy what only a true astronomer/scientist can write about in his authentic and easy style with attention to detail. I highly recommend this fascinating read.
June 19, 2021
Having had this book recommended to me, I intended to read it at my leisure. However, I was unable to put it down such was the writing. The character’Brad Willis’ comes across as very real together with a gripping storyline. Absolutely a must read! Looking forward to the next adventure ‘Shades of White’.
June 21, 2021
I was drawn into the adventure very quickly and couldn't put the book down. Dark Energy is well written and the story line choreographed around an interesting and varied background, making it an immensely enjoyable read.
Roll on Brad's next adventure.
Roll on Brad's next adventure.
June 22, 2021
Dark energy is well written, excellent content with a great story line that keeps you guessing right to the end. Brad Willis is a excellent character and very believable. A great read. Look forward to the next Brad Willis adventure.
Ann Ross
Ann Ross
October 28, 2022
Dark Energy is a fast-paced action thriller that draws you in from the first page and keeps you on the edge of your seat. There is mystery, intrigue, international spies, and romance, just to name a few of the elements that make this an entertaining read.
Brad Willis is an unlikely but loveable hero. He’s not a guy with perfectly styled hair in a slick designer suit who can fight off ten men with a nail clipper. He’s a doctor of astronomy, a bit of a nerd, who loves researching his projects by spending his allotted time on telescopes in observatories all over the world. In his spare time, Brad is an asset to the British Secret Intelligence Service on special investigations that require his unique knowledge, and this case is right up his alley. Someone is killing scientist in the field of astronomy and particle physic and blowing up their facilities around the world. With no common thread or apparent reason for the attacks, M16 invites Brad and his colleagues to investigate.
Brad begins his search in Geneva at CERN, the largest particle physics laboratory in the world. There he meets Sophia, a scientist and ex-girlfriend, who becomes part of his team. The closer the team gets to figuring out what’s the motivation for the attacks are, the more the danger escalates. Someone always seems to be one step ahead of them and they no longer know who to trust. Mr. Boles keeps us guessing.
Mr. Boles takes the very complicated subjects of dark matter and particle physics and makes it easy to understand and extremely interesting. His characters were authentic, flawed, and engaging. I liked that the relationships developed organically and were not forced. The plot is fascinating and well timed. I look forward to reading more adventures with Brad Willis.
Brad Willis is an unlikely but loveable hero. He’s not a guy with perfectly styled hair in a slick designer suit who can fight off ten men with a nail clipper. He’s a doctor of astronomy, a bit of a nerd, who loves researching his projects by spending his allotted time on telescopes in observatories all over the world. In his spare time, Brad is an asset to the British Secret Intelligence Service on special investigations that require his unique knowledge, and this case is right up his alley. Someone is killing scientist in the field of astronomy and particle physic and blowing up their facilities around the world. With no common thread or apparent reason for the attacks, M16 invites Brad and his colleagues to investigate.
Brad begins his search in Geneva at CERN, the largest particle physics laboratory in the world. There he meets Sophia, a scientist and ex-girlfriend, who becomes part of his team. The closer the team gets to figuring out what’s the motivation for the attacks are, the more the danger escalates. Someone always seems to be one step ahead of them and they no longer know who to trust. Mr. Boles keeps us guessing.
Mr. Boles takes the very complicated subjects of dark matter and particle physics and makes it easy to understand and extremely interesting. His characters were authentic, flawed, and engaging. I liked that the relationships developed organically and were not forced. The plot is fascinating and well timed. I look forward to reading more adventures with Brad Willis.
September 20, 2022
Yesterday was my spot on ZooloosBookTours for Dark Energy by Tom Boles. I didn’t post any reviews yesterday as it was Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral. I read this thriller as an ebook for this tour and I’m glad I did take part on this blog tour as I liked this thrilling and exciting novel. It was fast-paced, intelligently written, informative about science, space, universe and action-packed.
I found myself enjoying the novel even though I don’t know much about black holes, dark matter or energy. It held my attention and interest throughout as I really wanted to know who the culprits were and what happened in the end. I loved the author’s writing style. This was a very clever and insightful thriller. I liked the character development, and finding out more about the main characters as the story unfolded. I liked all the exotic locations in this novel; travelling to Berkeley, London, Geneva and so on via this novel was a thrill.
Thrillers and psychological thrillers are my favourite genres to read, and this one came with a twist. It was a thriller about scientists and I really liked the subject matter - astronomy, space, and energy. This thriller has so many plot twists and made very entertaining reading. I’m giving Dark Energy 4 stars as I liked it, and I think that other readers will enjoy it too.
I found myself enjoying the novel even though I don’t know much about black holes, dark matter or energy. It held my attention and interest throughout as I really wanted to know who the culprits were and what happened in the end. I loved the author’s writing style. This was a very clever and insightful thriller. I liked the character development, and finding out more about the main characters as the story unfolded. I liked all the exotic locations in this novel; travelling to Berkeley, London, Geneva and so on via this novel was a thrill.
Thrillers and psychological thrillers are my favourite genres to read, and this one came with a twist. It was a thriller about scientists and I really liked the subject matter - astronomy, space, and energy. This thriller has so many plot twists and made very entertaining reading. I’m giving Dark Energy 4 stars as I liked it, and I think that other readers will enjoy it too.
September 19, 2022
Brad is an Astronomer with a secret – he’s an asset of MI6. He gets pulled into a dangerous mission to find out why a group of scientists are being targeted and killed one by one, and he could be next!
I enjoyed getting lost in this fast-paced, tense read that cleverly weaves the science elements through the story in an easy to follow way. The author’s own knowledge and experience shine through creating a genuine, satisfying read.
We get to travel through the pages to intriguing locations, and see the story unfolding from different angles as the bigger picture slowly emerges. Brad is the main character we follow – he’s clever, shows courage and is dealing with past trauma. I loved his can do attitude and affable nature as he works out who he can trust, hidden motives in play, and how everything is connected. The end game is to find out the truth but as he starts to see the patterns and realises what’s going on he faces a desperate fight for survival!
This is an explosive read that’s action-packed and the writing keeps you pulled into the story. The urgency towards the end had me turning the pages as fast as I could to see how it would end. There’s a good mix of characters as bonds are forged in these extreme circumstances. It’s also a story about second chances, letting go of the past and taking a risk. A great start to the series.
With thanks to @ZooloosBT and @boles_tom for a place on the tour and the opportunity to read and share my thoughts on this book.
I enjoyed getting lost in this fast-paced, tense read that cleverly weaves the science elements through the story in an easy to follow way. The author’s own knowledge and experience shine through creating a genuine, satisfying read.
We get to travel through the pages to intriguing locations, and see the story unfolding from different angles as the bigger picture slowly emerges. Brad is the main character we follow – he’s clever, shows courage and is dealing with past trauma. I loved his can do attitude and affable nature as he works out who he can trust, hidden motives in play, and how everything is connected. The end game is to find out the truth but as he starts to see the patterns and realises what’s going on he faces a desperate fight for survival!
This is an explosive read that’s action-packed and the writing keeps you pulled into the story. The urgency towards the end had me turning the pages as fast as I could to see how it would end. There’s a good mix of characters as bonds are forged in these extreme circumstances. It’s also a story about second chances, letting go of the past and taking a risk. A great start to the series.
With thanks to @ZooloosBT and @boles_tom for a place on the tour and the opportunity to read and share my thoughts on this book.
September 17, 2022
Brad Willis is definitely the reluctant hero, a scientist but also employed by MI6. This began as a slow burner but when more questions are raised as the death rate increases, the tension built to became a real pager turner. Brad is a very relatable character, with his own flaws but also an indomitable strength and determination to discover the truth. With the introduction of a Russian general and an oligarch, along with Brad, I didn’t know who could be trusted either. I did find the subject matter very interesting and even though I didn’t quite understand some of the explanations of the energy the book references, it didn’t detract from the story and the last third of the book had me racing through the pages.
I really enjoyed Dark Energy and I’ll be looking forward to finding out what the government has in store for him next.
I really enjoyed Dark Energy and I’ll be looking forward to finding out what the government has in store for him next.
November 8, 2022
This book starts off with a bang (literally!) and doesn’t stop. A fantastic spy thriller, with lots of action and bad guys, a smidge of romance, and some very interesting science.
Yes, it involves CERN and the Hadron Collider which I have zero understanding of, but the science in the book is presented in a way that makes it easy for a non-scientific person to understand. And it turns out it’s all very interesting science!
I thought the pacing was really good throughout the book - I was hooked, and the sections I was concerned about (the science) were very organically explained by the characters on page, so it didn’t take me out of the story or slow the flow of the action down.
We also learn a bit of the main character’s back story, and I am ENTHRALLED by the blurbs for book two and especially for book 3 (the red car!!) and I’ll be reading on for sure.
Yes, it involves CERN and the Hadron Collider which I have zero understanding of, but the science in the book is presented in a way that makes it easy for a non-scientific person to understand. And it turns out it’s all very interesting science!
I thought the pacing was really good throughout the book - I was hooked, and the sections I was concerned about (the science) were very organically explained by the characters on page, so it didn’t take me out of the story or slow the flow of the action down.
We also learn a bit of the main character’s back story, and I am ENTHRALLED by the blurbs for book two and especially for book 3 (the red car!!) and I’ll be reading on for sure.
September 17, 2022
A Solid 5 star read
Amalgamation of science and action, this is a power packed work by the author. I am adding the author to my auto buy/read list. Beautiful action thriller, protagonist is an astronomer + private investigator who works for British Intelligence. This book has all the great things a thriller enthusiast wants: action, adventure, science facts, hint of romance, which will keep reader on the edge and will make it hard to put it down. I read it last night at one go, I usually takes breaks while reading but this one kept me going till I flip the pages.
Amalgamation of science and action, this is a power packed work by the author. I am adding the author to my auto buy/read list. Beautiful action thriller, protagonist is an astronomer + private investigator who works for British Intelligence. This book has all the great things a thriller enthusiast wants: action, adventure, science facts, hint of romance, which will keep reader on the edge and will make it hard to put it down. I read it last night at one go, I usually takes breaks while reading but this one kept me going till I flip the pages.
March 9, 2023
The world needs an astronomer action hero and secret agent. That special astronomer is Brad Willis and he is going to save our little corner of a fascinating universe from the murderous bad guys.
The globe-trotting tale is well paced and action-packed. Tom Boles brings a subtle but strong humour and sense of fun but this is definitely a thriller, not a comedy!
I got my paperback copy on the recommendation of the wonderful people at The Book Dragon shop in Stockton-on-Tees. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series
The globe-trotting tale is well paced and action-packed. Tom Boles brings a subtle but strong humour and sense of fun but this is definitely a thriller, not a comedy!
I got my paperback copy on the recommendation of the wonderful people at The Book Dragon shop in Stockton-on-Tees. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series
July 13, 2022
Astronomer Turns Into Action Hero
Brad Willis is an astronomer who seems to be very capable in a fight. When he receives a mysterious phone call alerting him to a danger at another science lab he soon unravels an international conspiracy where fellow astronomers like Brad are being murdered. What links the dead astronomers, a possible new energy source and the Russian mafia? Sit down and find out as you get immersed in one hell of ride that would test even James Bond.
Brad Willis is an astronomer who seems to be very capable in a fight. When he receives a mysterious phone call alerting him to a danger at another science lab he soon unravels an international conspiracy where fellow astronomers like Brad are being murdered. What links the dead astronomers, a possible new energy source and the Russian mafia? Sit down and find out as you get immersed in one hell of ride that would test even James Bond.
September 13, 2022
I wasn't sure what my thoughts on this one would be as it's a little different to some of my regular reads, but I actually really enjoyed it!
If you like spy thrillers or are a fan of James Bond I think this series opener will really appeal to you.the author has written a really intriguing and exciting story which makes you eager to continue, and now I've read this I definitely am interested in reading more adventures with Brad Willis in the future.
If you like spy thrillers or are a fan of James Bond I think this series opener will really appeal to you.the author has written a really intriguing and exciting story which makes you eager to continue, and now I've read this I definitely am interested in reading more adventures with Brad Willis in the future.
August 17, 2023
Astronomer Turns Into Action Hero
Brad Willis is an astronomer who seems to be very capable in a fight. When he receives a mysterious phone call alerting him to a danger at another science lab he soon unravels an international conspiracy where fellow astronomers like Brad are being murdered. What links the dead astronomers, a possible new energy source and the Russian mafia? Sit down and find out as you get immersed in one hell of ride that would test even James Bond.
Brad Willis is an astronomer who seems to be very capable in a fight. When he receives a mysterious phone call alerting him to a danger at another science lab he soon unravels an international conspiracy where fellow astronomers like Brad are being murdered. What links the dead astronomers, a possible new energy source and the Russian mafia? Sit down and find out as you get immersed in one hell of ride that would test even James Bond.
September 30, 2023
It's pretty clear that the author is involved in astronomy and his passion for science is clear throughout this book. I enjoyed the story as it's mainly an action type thriller with some science thrown in. I must admit the science part was over my head and I found it a bit too mind-boggling to fully enjoy the book as much as I wanted.
The action parts were great though and I will read the next book to see if I can get into this series more.
The action parts were great though and I will read the next book to see if I can get into this series more.
August 1, 2022
A very technical and exciting adventure
At the beginning there is catch up for the average reàder to understand the complexity of the story but further into the book it becomes a great read.
At the beginning there is catch up for the average reàder to understand the complexity of the story but further into the book it becomes a great read.
September 29, 2022
DARK ENERGY - true adventure!
Dark Energy - fast paced and full of adventure is an exciting book to read. Throw in foreign secret agents and a mysterious lover and you have a terrific novel! Perhaps a bit too much technology for some of us, but still enjoyable.
Dark Energy - fast paced and full of adventure is an exciting book to read. Throw in foreign secret agents and a mysterious lover and you have a terrific novel! Perhaps a bit too much technology for some of us, but still enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews