Omega

Academy Series

By: Jack McDevitt

Narrated by: Oliver Wyman, Khristine Hvam, Jack McDevitt

A civilization-destroying omega cloud has switched direction, heading straight for a previously unexplored planetary system--and its alien society. And suddenly, a handful of brave humans must try to save an entire world--without revealing their existence.

BONUS AUDIO: Includes an exclusive introduction written and read by author Jack McDevitt

©2004 Jack McDevitt (P)2009 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

• John W. Campbell Memorial Award, Best Novel, 2004

Sound editor needs help

I enjoy Jack Mc Devitt and The Narrator does a great job. But The sound editor blows the entire thing by editing out the natural pauses of the book. Thus one scene runs in to the next without break.

Dunno!

I have a problem with McDevitt. I'm not sure whether I appreciate his work or not. His books loop back and forth through the same territory, both literally and figuratively. His future universe is tired. His characters' centuries-long lives are not easy to fill. Is McDevitt creating something profound, something worthy of our attention... or is he a skilled counterfeiter?
His characters have depth; his stories are not an Nth rehashing of an old standard... but I have trouble caring...
I don't know whether I recommend this or not...

engaging narration

A fascinating alien world is created by the author, with some originally rendered classic sci-fi situations.

It's just okay. 2.5 Stars.

This is not his best novel by a long shot. His Alex Bennedict Novels are much better, (Check out Firebird, I think it's his best.). The premise of the novel is interesting, but the excecution of the story is just marginally above average, and he, (Jack) can do better, and has done better. There are just too many other good books out there, I'd suggest spending your money and time on one of his other books (Not a "Talent for War" that's another one of his marginal works in my opinion.) I give it 2.5 stars.

Engrossing

Good narration, interesting characters. Great story couldn't stop listening. Digger is my favorite character. Fascinating look at the potential perils of first contact.

I'm Such A Nerd!

Having read, and loved, the previous three books in this series, I was initially disappointed by, Omega. It became clear; early on, that this installment couldn't be considered 'space archeology'...

Once I got over myself and the lack of, Hutch, this novel, quite possibly, turned into the most compelling 'first contact' story I've ever experienced.

Jack McDevitt, once again, bridges the gaps between hardcore science-fiction, fun and adventure!

Revisting the cloud

What did you love best about Omega?

I appreciated revisiting the clouds, their nature, and possible explanations of their existence.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

To me, the clouds are the focus, hence the most interesting part of the book. The working with a native population in the path of the clouds was hit an miss for my liking.

Which scene was your favorite?

Any scene with Hutch in it. Her realizations towards the end were fun.

loved it.

Wish P.H. could also had flown the rescue mission.
i really like this entire series.
I feel like I'm present during the story.
Really lets my mind picture the scene s.