Omega
Jack McDevitt
(Reviewer - D. H. BROWN)
2003 Ace Books
ISBN: 0441010466

The malignant Omega Clouds seem bent on destroying any civilization they come across. Earth is now in the line of fire.

It is calculated that an Omega will enter the solar system in 900 years, so everyone is lulled into a sense of non-urgency. Of course, research has continued into the origin of the Omegas & by various theorecties for destroying them have been posed.

Then a Space Academy ship, on a routine mission, sends word back to Earth that the Omega has diverted -- to a previously unexplored planetary system, & is now aimed at a planet where a pre-technological alien society thrives. There are only months before the Omega makes contact. Now the need to turn theory into practice becomes immediate, & a handful of brave scientists & military, undertake the task of saving an entire world without revealing their existence.

Sr. Staff Reviewer D. H. BROWN writes:

To me reading science fiction is much like entering an icecream parlor with 241 flavors on display (I really like my icecream!), & after years of tasting, the occasion arises when Jack McDevitt sets another bowl in front of me & I realize, once again, this is the flavor that is among my most favorite.

I think the first Jack McDevitt book I laid my hands on many years ago was The Engines of God, or it could have been Infinity Beach. I find myself revisiting his work from time to time & with as many as 300 books a year on my plate, I finally got around to reading his latest Omega. I savored every jot & tittle.

Jack McDevitt just doesn't serve you a meal, he serves you a spectacle, a fascination, characterization, thrills & spills, & always an irresistible storyline that makes you burn the midnight oil turning page after page after page until you finish, & you look up & realize that Dawn has broke & you haven't slept a wink: you're deliciously tired & you're still thrumming with the beat & the rhythm of what you've just read.

Now in case you didn't understand that huge mouthful I just wrote, let me boil it down. I love Jack McDevitt & everything he writes. So I naturally make a complete hog of myself whenever he writes a new book. I read until I'm bursting, & then read some more.

Among the masters of science fiction who write in our day, Jack McDevitt writes about grandeur in the Universe on a scale unmatched by anyone in the genre.

So if you want to take a thrilling ride into the future read Jack McDevitt's Omega. It will take you to a place you do not want to come back from, & when you do return, you will have made friends with the likes of Digger, Hutch, Kelly, David & Macao. & as you awaken from the spellbinding dream you'll know you'll only have to close your eyes to visit them again.

Read it! & maybe we'll meet there.

More from Jack McDevitt:
Chindi
Deepsix
Ancient Shores
Eternity Road
Moonfall & more!
(06/13/04)

D. H. BROWN
A RebeccasReads.Com Sr. Staff Reviewer

Reviewer's Bio:
D. H. BROWN is the author of the critically acclaimed HONOR DUE and the Citizens Warrior Series. The son of missionary parents and with the help his Uncle Sam, he has touched base in more than 40 countries.  In 1986 he produced the independent children's film Lessie's Rainbow.  During the late 80s and early 90s, he wrote the book Common Sense and delivered the seminars of the same name for the Community Action Network of Seattle (CAN).  While doing his early Vietnam recovery work, he counseled Veterans and spoke widely to men's groups in Washington state, and was a founder of The Lodge of the Wolf.

D. H. BROWN has worked as a Logistics and Weapons Specialist in Viet Nam; day laborer; Director of Security; Armored Car Driver; Police Officer; Professional Hunting Guide; Trapper; Dog Sledder; Homesteader; Truck Driver; General Contractor; Minister; Editor; Writer; Speaker; Restaurateur; Movie Producer; Antique Restoration Specialist; Personal Care Worker; PC Repair Specialist; Computer Instructor; Webmaster and Web Designer. "I write about what I know."

He lives deep in the Pacific Northwest rainforest with his wife, author and editor Rebecca and Buddy Dog, working on his next book.
Visit him at: www.dhbrownbooks.com