The New Scientist Book Club has completed its reading of Adam Roberts's *Lake of Darkness*, a far-future hard science fiction novel. Reviews among club members were mixed, with some praising Roberts's vision and scientific rigor, while others expressed reservations. The book's complex plot and demanding prose proved divisive, leading to a lively discussion about the merits of hard science fiction in contemporary literature. Ultimately, the book club's verdict is that *Lake of Darkness* offers a thought-provoking, albeit challenging, reading experience.