Harbinger

The Janus Harbinger, Book 1

By: Olan Thorensen

Narrated by: 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

Great read. Good plot, great character development

I’ve listened to this book 3 times. After each read I search Audible for a sequel.
Arthur does not write enough books.

Another good story from Olan

Though this story has a bit of exciting action; this is speculative science fiction at its best - think Bova, Clark and Pournelle. Its a story of smart people who live regular lives, connecting and crossing paths in a realistic and plausible manner in an exceptional situation. Thorensen has a gentle slightly academic style that may be a bit slow for some people more used to the Hollywood inspire "death a minute" scifi. Though this is definitely a cautionary tale inspired by current global concerns, its a tale for the thinking person. No spoilers, but I think the author is going to take us to some interesting places.

My only critique is the editors need to up their game as the audio version still has quality assurance verbal notes and there is some duplication that should be edited out, e.g. we don't need to know how the Inuit spy was paid...three times...

Excellent

I really enjoyed this book. I didn't find it slow like some reviews stated. It was excellent story telling. I'm excited for the next in the series.

A thorough treatment of an exciting discovery.

Olan Thorensen has written a detailed story of an alien object in the arctic region of Canada. The first portion of this novel deals with the backgrounds of the major characters, slowly reveals what has been discovered and the significance of the discovery. In the latter part of the novel, the story is exciting, suspenseful, and difficult to put down. Without spoilers, it becomes clear at the end of the novel that additional books will be forthcoming to deal with this blockbuster discovery.

Worth the credit

I almost didn’t get the book because of the negative reviews. But it was actually quite good. Not heavy on the sci-fi, but then again neither of Olan thorenson’s books are heavy sci-fi’s. This book is more akin to an espionage thriller. With a lot of character development as is typical with his books. I really enjoyed it and look forward to the next in the series.