Harbinger

The Janus Harbinger, Book 1

De: Olan Thorensen

Narrado por: Jonathan Davis

Unconnected lives intersect in a bleak setting. Nothing will ever be the same.

Harbinger (def.): Something that foreshadows or initiates a major change.

Humanity lurches into an uncertain future, dismissive of warning signs. Only the most naïve believe humanity will step back from the brink. Yet in a place that doesn’t exist, a riddle, a puzzle, hope, fear, danger, salvation - all come together.

Zach Marjek has faced death in the far corners of the Earth and survived where others have failed. Now, he's thrust into an unimaginable situation where jaded mercenaries, an Inuit wanderer, a murderous Yupik, a young mother, a video game designer, a retired general, a new president, a Chinese marine, and mathematics prodigies must come together. Their lives and fates intertwine to revolve around a mystery with consequences that could range from disaster to salvation.

As the mystery unravels, a danger unbeknownst to the players lurks and prepares to take what cannot be taken. The future - and life⁠ - hang by the thinnest of threads.

©2020 Olan Thorensen (P)2021 Podium Audio

good but difficult to get through

this one...was difficult to get through, however, primary means of telling the story was through the conversations everyone had, however, there was some action parts explained beyond conversational story telling, however the story progressed and I find I am satisfied when I finished it.

Waiting for the next one!

I can see how some readers might regard this book as overly detailed and boring (and in truth some more editing would be very helpful) but I believe the author was setting the foundation for a solid new series with interesting characters and a compelling storyline.

Couldn’t stop

I thought this was a different book when I got it. Decided to listen anyway… was pleasantly surprised! I usually only listen to audiobooks when I travel however I couldn’t stop I needed to know what happened. lol

Great Plot

Interesting and unique plot. The story has a lot more minutiae than most stories so it’s great for an audiobook.

good story

The story is a little slow to start but it's a good story. The characters are well developed and very likeable.

worth the time

I really enjoyed the story it is a bit long for an audiobook. would definitely recommend looking forward to seeing if the next one is out

somewhat of a slow start but worth it

I love most of Plan Thorensons work and this book was no different. I'm not sure why I thought it but for some reason I thought this would be book 2 after Justice. So that kind of threw me, but it's a good work.

Unresolved Ending, but great book!

I greatly prefer books which finish with a complete resolution, whether part of a series or not. This book ended with a bit of a clifthanger. Normally I would be angry, but this book was so entirely enjoyable that I still recommend it. I wish I could immediately start the next book, but it has yet to be released. Be aware of that frustration. One of the all-time best books otherwise.

Great mix of action, gov bureaucracy, and scifi

Reading some of the other reviews, clearly some thought this was going to be another destiny's crucible. It is not. This reads like a well informed modern science fiction novel with geopolitical elements, gov bureaucracy, and great character building. This is not a hero's journey novel (mostly), but it is all the better for it. The writing is good, and the plot is good. I read one review saying it is liberal propaganda about global warning (which I don't even recall being mentioned, and the author was literally SF in Vietnam...).... If your triggered about the littlest thing in a science fiction novel.. stay away I guess. If you like good writing.. read / listen to the book.

Harbinger’s harbinger...

Wow, it was interesting to see the bell curve on the feedback, but like everything in life, there’s no accounting for taste. Seems like a real love-hate relationship. Never fear, Olan, I loved it, oddly for many of the reasons others disliked it so. I so enjoy a good long read/listen, and this book filled that niche nicely - I am listening to it for the second time, and enjoying it just as much as the first, only for different reasons, savoring the discoveries as opposed to making them, if you catch my gist.
- Loved the character building. One really gets to know them.
- good science without getting too deep.
- good philosophical discussions throughout.
- not too much suspension of dis-belief is asked of the reader. While there may be a few weak points (which I won’t dwell on), it all works together for me, and after all, it is fiction...
Can’t wait to hear how Mr. T plans to tie this into the Anyar series - there were a couple hints in there...

All in all, good job, Olan, keep on writing!!! No rest for the wicked, or righteous. For those who didn’t quite get enthused, good luck on your next book, and keep on trying!!
Cheers!