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  • Dark Agent

Dark Agent

Time's Shadow #2 / 3
by Neal Asher
Dark Agent (Time's Shadow #2) by Neal Asher
⧗ 8.00 / 1
123456718910

‘Balls-to-the-walls levels of exuberance and inventiveness’

Locus Magazine on Dark Diamond

FORGE A NEW FUTURE. OR BE CONSUMED BY THE PAST.

Captain Blite and Agent Cormac thought they had defeated the malevolent AI Straeger. But Straeger’s mission to plunge the galaxy into a devastating war is far from over. With a twisted p-prador army bred from the Spatterjay virus, Straeger sets his plans in motion.

Meanwhile, on the war-struck world of Yossander’s Hold, Blite and Cormac are trapped in a maelstrom of betrayal and violence. They must fight their way through the chaos as they seek to repair Blite’s damaged ship. But their escape requires resources from the Bracken, and aboard that ship, a terrifying transformation is underway . . .

Recognizing the threat posed by the p-prador, the Prador Kingdom and the human Polity’s ruling AI form an uneasy alliance. But with Straeger’s plans unfolding and reality itself under threat, the galaxy is poised on the brink of destruction. Can Blite and Cormac survive the escalating war and the collapse of time itself?

From Neal Asher, Dark Agent is the second entry in the Time's Shadow trilogy, following Dark Diamond. Set in Asher's expansive Polity universe, this is unmissable military space opera from a master of the genre.

* * *

Praise for the series

‘The stakes are high, the pacing relentless, and the scale immense . . . Asher delivers again’ – 5* Goodreads Review

‘Filled with action, suspense, and mind-wrenching twists. You’ll love it!’ – 5* Goodreads Review

‘What the cosmos really needs is more megalomaniac artificial intelligences, belligerent alien crustaceans, and protagonists who treat death like a minor inconvenience’ – 5* Goodreads Review

Also known as Dark Diamond Book 2.
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Science Fiction
Release date: May 14, 2026

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Neal Asher

Neal Asher

Neal Asher is a name that rings out in the world of science fiction, particularly for those who crave gripping, high-concept stories filled with complex characters, advanced technology, and an exploration of the darker side of human nature. Asher’s writing has cemented his reputation as one of the most innovative voices in contemporary sci-fi, especially with his Polity series, a sweeping narrative that spans galaxies, alien races, and an ever-expanding vision of what humanity might become. His works are often a blend of hard science fiction, political intrigue, and the kind of action that makes readers’ hearts race.

Read more ...

Born in the UK, Neal’s childhood was marked by a fascination with science, technology, and the far-reaching potential of space exploration. His early interests in these subjects were only amplified by his love of speculative fiction, which led him to a career as a writer who could imagine both the wonders and dangers of a future shaped by technology. What makes Asher's writing stand out in the crowded realm of sci-fi is his ability to weave complex, often morally ambiguous characters into mind-bending futuristic landscapes. His books aren't just about the technology or the aliens; they’re about the people who interact with these elements—and the consequences of those interactions.

Asher’s Polity universe, a vast, interconnected series of novels and short stories, showcases his signature style: fast-paced action, intricate world-building, and philosophical undercurrents that touch on themes of artificial intelligence, corporate power, and the relentless pursuit of progress. The series spans multiple books, including Gridlinked, The Line of Polity, and The Cowl Chronicles, and has earned a dedicated following thanks to its dynamic characters and gripping plots.

But Asher’s world-building doesn't stop with the Polity series. His Transformation series is another example of his talent for creating immersive universes. Whether exploring the consequences of merging human consciousness with machines or pondering the future of space travel, Asher’s works are deeply thought-provoking, yet never forget to entertain. His stories aren't just about speculative ideas—they’re about how those ideas can shape our understanding of humanity, technology, and the universe itself.

Though he has received widespread acclaim for his contributions to the sci-fi genre, Asher remains an author who continues to evolve, challenging the boundaries of what science fiction can explore. His ability to infuse his narratives with thrilling plots, layered characters, and a deep sense of wonder about the future keeps readers coming back for more.

In his own words, “I write to make people think—and to entertain them while doing so,” a sentiment that perfectly encapsulates the essence of Neal Asher’s work. Through his books, Asher invites us to journey beyond our world, to see what could lie ahead—and to consider how far we might be willing to go to shape that future.

Time's Shadow

Time's Shadow consists of one book and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of two more books. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.

Dark Diamond (Time's Shadow #1)
⧗ 8.00 / 1
Dark Agent (Time's Shadow #2)
⧗ 8.00 / 1
Time's Shadow Book 3 (Time's Shadow #3)
Unrated


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