Wormhole: The Rho Agenda, Book 3

For me the alien science/technology was extremely compelling and presented in a reasonable manner, making the evolution of the characters and story that much more plausible. The characters were very interesting and I loved the teens unbridled approach to solving problems (being young, you are not saddled with experience and wisdom that might hold you back).

Likely Heather, but Mark was a very close second. Although Heather started out as a typical teen, she grew into her new capabilities and basically owned it. I liked her approach to problem solving and her brutal resolve in carrying out actions once a decision was made. She still retained great humanity, though, and experienced sincere regret towards harming others.

I should add, that although not a character in the true sense, the second ship was extremely interesting and full of surprises. I could not wait for that next trip to the ship, or attachment with the headsets and learning more of what the ship had to offer. The scene where the teens interact and spar with the ships AI was fascinating! And the result can easily justify a spinoff book (I am hoping!!!).

This was my first listen to McLeod Andrews. Overall he did a great job performing this book. His development of the characters was believable and lent strongly to my personal view of each one. Well done!

I happened upon the first book, "The Second Ship", and quickly became deeply attached. As soon as book two, then finally three were released I was all over them. The trilogy absolutely did not disappoint. To me, everything was reasonable and believable, with the right mix of alien technology, advanced science, and clever storytelling to keep me wanting more. In fact that is my only gripe - that the book ended and I could easily see another book in the series, or perhaps a spin off. My favorite part (spanning all three books) was the way the alien technology "evolved" the human brains of the main characters but they were free to use their newfound capabilities as they saw fit. Tremendous processing power and the freedom to explore at will, unhindered. Additionally, the second ship itself is extremely interesting and compelling. And as it gives up details information of its origins, the battle that damaged it, and the back story on the species that created both ships I found myself in awe of the whole thing.

Very well presented. I loved it! Please add one more book on the future of everyone involved at the end (don't want to give anything away).

Excellent suspense and action, narrow escapes, but Phillips will keep us hanging as to what happens with our trio of teens!

Can't wait for more of this story from Richard Phillips

Have not read the book but the narrator does an amazing job this whole series. Very easy to listen to and was able to do multple voices.

I loved the way the characters developed. Starting out from high school kids without a care in the world to super powered immature kids to mature selfless heros. Each character had to learn to deal with their new abilities and each other.

My favorite character was probably Jack with Mark at a very close second.

I did not have any extreme reaction but it was definitely a touching story. I did laugh quite a bit at certain parts.

I would highly recommend this book and trilogy to almost anyone. The pace is just right for thrills and sci-fi adventure. Most of the characters were interesting and the teens (doing some growing up away from home I guess) arent as teen-y. I have been drawn into this story from the beginning and the second and this third book keep things going without letdown.

All I can say is WOW. After listening to hundreds of SciFi and espionage/political intrigue books, I finally decided to write a review. No, three reviews. After this one, maybe I won't write any more. If you read my reviews of the previous two books in the series, you know that I've fallen in love with this story, the characters, the author's writing style and the excellence of the narrations. This third in the series tops off the story perfectly. It not only gives a satisfying completion to the story, it still leaves openings for other story spins to be worked in the future. I don't expect everyone will have the reaction I've had but if you like this series enough to be checking out book three, I expect you are already hooked. You might as well give in to the pull. You will not be disappointed in this final entry...but you will be wishing it could go on and on...

I understand the Richard Phillips is working on a prequel about Jack Gregory (The Ripper) called "Once Dead" due to come out later this year. It's about how he came to have his special talents and powers. I can't wait! The author's plans, I think, are to write three books in "The Ripper" series and then start on a series about 20 years in the future that focuses on Robbie and the adventures of the Rho Agenda characters in the new world that all this alien encounter has created. I usually don't experience this thing of being a "Fan" but it looks like I'm captive now and I will be waiting anxiously for every book he produces.

What a series! Although all of the stories in this series are very well written and highly addictive, I must say that Wormhole was my favorite hands down. There were a lot of driveway moments with this one. Heck, this book was so good that I had driveway moments when I pulled in to a parking spot @ work!

I usually pride myself on my ability to foresee specific events in a book before they happen, but this storyline was so complex with so many potential possibilities that after a while I just gave up, and enjoyed the narration.

Although every book is all about perspective, the author really takes it to another level because even though you might despise a character, you always felt a deep connection with that character, and even resignation with whatever mischief and wrongdoing they were responsible for.

Overall, a great story told by a phenomenal narrator. I am patiently waiting on a part four, hopefully! Please keep this series going Mr. Richards, prove all of my crazy predictions wrong, and indulge your readers with your spectacular vision.

Start at the 2nd ship and then progress to end. It's REALLY worth the money. The story is very original, complex, and well thought out. The author creates situations that should only be presented to adults, without sinking into un-necessary details (one doesn't have to smell the excrement to know that it stinks). Why don't other authors do that?
I'll definitely look for other titles by this author.

Also, the Narrator does a great job. I hope the publisher doesn't do something stupid like using a different narrator to save money.

I already have. These three novels of The Rho Agenda trilogy are like a three act play. The Second Ship introduces the main characters and presents them with a life changing problem. Immune focuses the attention of the government conspiracy and a brutal international assassin on our three young heroes, robbing them of their once comfortable lives, and launching them on a run for survival. Wormhole sets the scene for the final battle for our planet and, in a climactic crescendo that seems to span a third of the book, the action is rapid fire and unrelenting. I don't believe anyone that enjoyed a movie like The Avengers could listen to this third book only once. When MacLeod Andrews reached the end, I could only say, Wow!

My favorite character is Heather McFarland. While this character begins the trilogy as a close approximation of one of the Walton daughters, as events shatter her life around her, she evolves into a leader, making tough decisions and viciously executing them, not without remorse. It's nice to see strong female characters that are central to the plot.

I think he's great and this one ranks among his best performances so far.

I tell you what boss, I wouldn't screw with her.

The climax is one of the most mind boggling action sequences you will find anywhere. You're going to have fun with this one.

Only do audio.

The Trio. They were interesting characters.

Almost a 3rd dimension. I do not read for entertainment; but I am a good listener.

No.

All three books were enjoyable. I was surprised that I was engrossed in what happened next. Everything tied together nicely.

Wormhole completes the Rho Agenda trilogy, while the characters may continue in additional installments, the "rho agenda" has been finished. Book 3 picks up essentially where Book 2 left off. All the main characters are back (including Tolbear and Freddy) with the kids down in South America with Jack. We learn a bit more of Donald Stephenson's master plan which eventually forms the crux of the tale and includes the potential destruction of Earth. Everything goes badly for our intrepid teenagers at first, but with Jack's training and their ever expanding abilities, they come through in the end. The story is fast paced with constant shifting among multiple parallel scenes.

The story remains true to its pre-teen / teen orientation in style and complexity. Portrayals of scientists, politicians, and spies are almost caricature-like with little nuance. At the same time Jack still retains almost mystical powers that defy explanation (I was hoping he would turn out to be a nonscientist Ultrian agent). Inconvenient messes generated along the way never seem to be resolved. The ending while bringing closure to the main plot line, still leaves many questions unanswered (what about: the 2nd ship? Jack's son? the NSA hacker?). In spite of these deficiencies, the tale is simply good, solid storytelling.

The narration is quite good with a great range of voices and a pace that invites one more chapter throughout.