Dark Light (novel)

Dark Light is a science fiction novel from Scottish author Ken MacLeod, released in 2001. As the second installment of the Engines of Light Trilogy, it was nominated for the Campbell Award in 2002. The story picks up where Cosmonaut Keep left off, shifting its setting to the "Second Sphere"—a group of solar systems where intelligent life has been deliberately planted by an enigmatic, transcendent alien race. In this environment, protagonist Matt Cairns creates a method of interstellar travel and embarks on a quest to uncover the aliens' true intentions.

Publishers Weekly offered a mixed assessment, noting that the book does not function well as a standalone entry and recommending readers start with Cosmonaut Keep. The review acknowledged the novel's intriguing alien species, thoughtful exploration of sex and gender, and MacLeod’s characteristic blend of radical socialist and libertarian politics. While deeming both books worthwhile, the reviewer found them not quite reaching the standard set by MacLeod’s earlier Fall Revolution series.