Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Ashen Light by Ian Young is a gripping sci-fi noir thriller that thrusts readers into a world of corporate corruption, artificial intelligence, and buried secrets. John Allenbeck is a jaded HR Investigator at the all-powerful Synthetic Corporation, spending his days dealing with malfunctioning machines rather than high-stakes crime. But when a murder case unexpectedly falls into his lap, Beck sees a chance to prove himself—if he’s willing to betray those closest to him. As he delves deeper, he uncovers hidden truths about SynthCorp and his past, leading him into a tangled web of deception, interstellar intrigue, and the looming mystery of radio transmissions from Venus. Young expertly blends cyberpunk aesthetics with detective fiction, creating a fast-paced and thought-provoking narrative that questions the cost of progress and the true nature of humanity.

Author Ian Young has a clear enthusiasm for the atmosphere of this genre, and he makes every moment count in a razor-sharp blend of sci-fi and noir that’s packed with tension and intrigue. Whilst the exciting pace of the novel makes it feel like there’s never a moment to rest, the groundwork behind the narrative is solid. Young’s writing is both immersive and intelligent, inviting readers into a world that feels eerily plausible despite its sci-fi touches. The exploration of corporate power, artificial intelligence, and the mysteries of space is fascinating and especially timely for world-changing events happening around us right now, as well as the sinister side of these innovations that the novel highlights. Overall, Ashen Light is a must-read for fans of dystopian and cyberpunk thrillers, and I highly recommend it as a gritty, atmospheric, and unforgettable read.