Mark Laporta’s literary output has consistently impressed readers and critics alike, from his early triumph as the YA/SF author of The Changing Hearts of Ixdahan Daherek (the title was a mouthful, and the trilogy was a mind-ful!) and, more recently, with his Against the Glare of Darkness trilogy, an epic sci-fi adventure written for adults, and which broke amazing new ground in the genre. 

The Glare trilogy began with Probability Shadow, which introduced Har Ungent Draaf, a diplomat who must navigate a broiling, richly detailed universe of galaxy-spanning civilizations, and continued with Entropy Refraction, which deepened the stakes with the emergence of an ancient threat (a powerful force called the Quishiks, long thought extinct).

Both books received critical acclaim for their intricate world-building, engaging characters and exploration of moral and existential themes. Fanbase Press noted that this new trilogy “giv[es] readers an entertaining adventure that leaves something a little heavier to dwell on after the last enemy space ship has exploded into the vacuum.”

Now, with Infinity Afterglow, Laporta delivers a triumphant and thought-provoking finale that cements his reputation as a master of modern science fiction.

What’s more, there is every reason to believe that Laporta will finally get the recognition and book sales he has long deserved. A true renaissance man (he’s also an accomplished composer and music critic), Laporta’s consciousness-bending novels have been published by a small press, Chickadee Prince Books, for years. But now CPB has been purchased by CINN Global, the global conglomerate headed by renowned media entrepreneur Steve Acunto, and, suddenly, CPB is not a small press anymore. Laporta is suddenly playing in Acunto’s big league. 

Luckily, Laporta delivers the goods in this final novel, tying up loose ends with panache and style. It’s the perfect novel for Acunto to highlight as he relaunches CPB as a larger commercial publisher. More importantly, it’s a great thrill for SF readers. 

The story picks up with Har Ungent Draaf, the distinguished crustacean diplomat, trapped in the interstices — a mysterious dimension outside of time. As Ungent navigates this strange, ethereal realm in search of the ancient Ootray — a long-lost humanoid species renowned for their unparalleled scientific and technological achievements — humanity and its allies face the escalating menace of the Quishiks, a genetically engineered species whose ravenous hunger for mental energy has brought ruin to countless civilizations. 

Meanwhile, Shol, Ungent’s young Krezovic ward, wrestles with his mentor’s absence and the moral dilemmas of using advanced Ootray technology to fight a seemingly unstoppable foe. A parallel thread follows Lieutenant Cricket Andersen, a skilled Terran Protectorate pilot, who discovers a hidden fleet of Skryntali warships — massive, ancient vessels created by a mysterious race of shape-shifting traders known for their devious alliances and advanced technology — that could turn the tide of the conflict, but only if she can unlock their secrets.

Laporta weaves these complex and weighty narratives into a gripping exploration of survival, morality and the consequences of creation. The novel’s sprawling scope never detracts from its emotional core, as characters like Ungent and Shol grapple with personal loss, ethical dilemmas and the weight of responsibility. At the same time, the high-concept science fiction elements— such as interdimensional travel, probability manipulation and forgotten Skryntali technologies — are seamlessly integrated, offering both wonder and intellectual intrigue.

What makes Infinity Afterglow so compelling is Laporta’s ability to blend thrilling action sequences, such as battles against the Quishik menace, with moments of quiet introspection. The novel poses big questions about agency, power and the interconnectedness of all life, leaving readers with much to ponder long after the final page, while never skimping on thrills. 

For example, one of the most gripping moments in Infinity Afterglow occurs when Lieutenant Cricket Andersen stumbles upon the hidden fleet of Skryntali warships within a hollowed-out asteroid. As she cautiously explores the ancient hangar, her AI assistant deciphers the Skryntali’s outdated but formidable technology. This discovery not only unveils a potential game-changer in the fight against the Quishiks but also forces Cricket to confront the ethical implications of entrusting such advanced weaponry to her own morally challenged commander. The tension escalates as Cricket debates whether the risk of activating these ships is worth the chance to turn the tide of a seemingly hopeless war, blending the thrill of discovery with the moral complexities that define Laporta’s universe. Laporta rachets up the tension as he transports you to dazzling, amazing worlds, and, once you’re there, he makes you think. 

As a conclusion to the trilogy, Infinity Afterglow satisfies on every level, delivering an exhilarating yet poignant resolution to a saga of galactic proportions. Whether you are drawn to the imaginative world-building, the dynamic characters or the philosophical depth, this book is an essential read for fans of intelligent, character-driven science fiction. Laporta’s work stands as a testament to the genre’s ability to challenge and inspire, and this final chapter is a remarkable achievement.

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The first two novels in the Glare of Darkness trilogy (which are published by Steve Acunto’s Chickadee Prince Books) are available at your local bookstore or on Amazon, or all over the web. The new novel, Infinity Afterglow, is available for preorder from the publisher. 

Image design by Kalyee Srithnam.