A Dark Culling


Fiction - Science Fiction
205 Pages
Reviewed on 03/14/2025
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

In A Dark Culling by Jonathan Staten, readers are introduced to Rick Dawson, a ruthless killer convicted and facing a life sentence in the infamous Ceris Max prison. But when the Sentinel program extends a lifeline, he is drawn into a deadly game with a chance at freedom. All he has to do is track down a fugitive named Imogen Rivera—a mission leading him through a gauntlet of assassins, merciless law enforcement, and deadly secrets. When Rick finally meets his target, he discovers Imogen is not just another name on a wanted list. She has a world-altering secret that could destroy millions of lives and unravel the very fabric of society. Faced with a harrowing choice between his quest for freedom and the lives of millions, Rick's path becomes a crucible of loyalty, betrayal, and moral reckoning.

This science fiction novel has everything one wants in a good story — unrelenting action, elements of a well-crafted thriller, a futuristic and expertly drawn setting, and conflict that fuels the tension, making it grow from page to page. The world-building is impeccable, and the author thrusts readers into a world where different powers are pitted against each other. The corruption and shadowy deeds, especially from the Sovereign Estate, are brilliantly executed. A Dark Culling has a hero who will capture the interest of readers. Rick is no ordinary killer, and his character arc is executed in a way so that readers can’t stop rooting for him. It was intriguing for me to follow him in a pursuit where every ally could be an enemy and disaster could spring from around any corner. Jonathan Staten is a great storyteller with a unique gift for character; the prose is exquisite, and the author infuses the narrative with vivid imagery and a strong sense of place.

Jamie Michele

A Dark Culling by Jonathan Staten follows Rick Dawson, a prisoner in the Sentinel program, tasked with a mission to eliminate a woman named Imogen Rivera who has defected from the Sovereign Estate. As Rick hunts her, he learns that the Estate has secretly implanted nanomachines in his body to control him, making his supposed opportunity for freedom a lie. After tracking Imogen, Rick discovers that she is part of a group planning to thwart the Estate's nefarious plans to create a "perfect society" by manipulating people with nanomachines. Rick decides to ally with Imogen and her group, leading them through a host of dangers from gang negotiations to police confrontations. As they prepare for a final confrontation with the Estate, Rick is forced to address his own manipulation, past actions, his survival in a corrupted system, and his choice to fight back.

Jonathan Staten’s A Dark Culling is a fast-paced, thoughtful thriller. Staten flexes his writing bonafides with immersive scenes, the best among them being Rick and his team getting themselves out of the most precarious of situations with precision. These are balanced with some lighter moments, such as the mélange of junker buses and cars they often seem to end up in. Staten’s writing is sharp and uncluttered, with a focus on action that keeps the plot pressing forward. The characters are well-rounded, each one bringing unique perspectives to their mission, creating a perfect mix of different skills and backgrounds. Staten's world-building provides a wonderful platform for a series, and I'd read a prequel on Imogen and even Jagger. Overall, it’s an exhilarating read for fans of action-packed, beautifully rendered science fiction/dystopian suspense. Very highly recommended.

Stefan Vucak

Rick Dawson faced a simple choice. Continue executing near-impossible missions for the Sentinel program that incrementally reduced his sentence, or rot in prison. Neither choice held much appeal, but in doing missions, he at least had a chance to practice what he was good at: kill. According to the Warden, his next mission was simple: wipe out the faction that made their home near a mining facility. No survivors. The transport ship dropped him off at Planet Un, and his weapons pack activated. Blood, gore, and bullets flying, Rick survived. If he lived through his next mission, his sentence would be waived and his record expunged. The catch? He would probably get killed, but if he pulled it off … His target is Imogen Rivera. He wasn’t told why the Sovereign State wanted her dead, and he didn’t care. He never got involved in the why. It started like all other missions, but when Rick met Rivera, his bid for freedom collapsed.

From the first page, readers will not have much time to reflect on A Dark Culling by Jonathan Staten. This is an adrenalin-packed book that starts with shooting and mayhem and doesn’t stop. The author does not spend much time on characterization, letting action carry the story. It works for A Dark Culling, but some readers may find this lack of character connection off-putting. Set against an interesting world scenario, the story has an unusual premise—murder to gain freedom points—and Rick Dawson never loses focus on why he must kill Imogen Rivera…until he meets her, of course. The non-stop action definitely entertains and will appeal to readers of this genre. Not a cerebral novel, A Dark Culling is simply fun to read.