The Evan Gabriel Omnibus

By: Steve Umstead

Narrated by: Ray Chase

Length: 25 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's Summary

Books 1-3 of the Evan Gabriel trilogy. Follow North American Federation Navy Commander Evan Gabriel as he crosses the galaxy searching for redemption, returns to where it all began, then finally seeks revenge on those responsible. Military science-fiction adventure at its best.

©2011 Steve Umstead (P)2015 Podium Publishing

The first book is ok. The other two are weak.

The first book had a couple of plot twists that made the book. Unfortunately the lack of character development made for a long series. The main character was supposed to be this awesome guy who just can't catch a break. Yet everything goes easy for him and his crew and when it does not a piece of tech that he did not know about magically shows up to help him take over control of the "bad guys" brains and body's.

Throght the story the protagonist has it out for him yet is scarred of him. The reasons are a joke and make no sense because they continue put him in the exact situation they do not want. Even to the point of bringing him out of retirement from the army. He of course keeps breaking up all there evil plans yet they keep taking steps so he will be against them. It reminds me of Austin Powers when the son says "let's just shoot him, I have a gun we can do it together ". Of course they have to make an elaborate trap that puts him in the best possible position.

This does not even get into all the other characters. Good or bad there was no development. I had to rewind a few times just to even remember who died and I couldn't care less who got killed and who did not. The closest it came was for one character to mention that he used to be a fun practical joker before. Wow, super endearing.

Plot was weak, characters were no more than names on a page. Quite a let down.

4 people found this helpful

Terrible narration

Is there anything you would change about this book?

A fairly good book. I just couldn't get past the narration. Every sentence sounded regretful.

3 people found this helpful

Spaghetti Western meets solid sci-fi

The story is cliché and cheesy and all of those things that you love about a spaghetti western set in space. Yes the good guys win, yes the bad guys are just greedy and evil and have no real justification behind their motives, and yes the good guys come up with some unbelievable luck.

But it is entertaining and that's what these kind of stories are all about.

There are also some very solid sci-fi aspects of the series that I enjoyed.

7 people found this helpful

time filler

it was OK but more of a time filler while waiting for something better to be released

2 people found this helpful

A good space opera.

For the most part a good story and characters. Not great but worth listening to.

2 people found this helpful

A great sci-fi action story!

After listening to Zero Point, a prequel to the Evan Gabriel Trilogy I knew that I would listen to the entire series. The Omnibus is a great way to get all three books in one package! Ray Chase is a great narrator and does an excellent job with this series. very entertaining!

2 people found this helpful

Awesome trilogy

I couldn't stop listening to to this collection from the first book to the last. Steve Umstead is an extraordinarily talented author. His use of descriptive detailed words allowed me to envision each scene and character as if I were a part of the story. Ray Chase did a magnificent job narrating with his own unique style and use of distinct voices for each character. He made sure to add something to each so that the character's personality shined through.

1 person found this helpful

More like the deus ex machina trilogy.

The formula for this book:
1) Describe in great detail all the mundane tasks & ordinary steps that the hero & other soldiers in the story perform, only throw in futuristic, outer space, sci-fi junk to pretend that it's interesting.
2) Write the hero into some impossible to win situation.
3) Miraculously save the hero. Use lucky circumstances sometimes but more often invent a new technology for the hero to employ. Occasionally just transform the bad guy into an idiot & let his ineptitude save the heroes.
4) Kill minor characters to pretend that there are stakes.
5) Repeat

Also the narration is not good.

Exceptional story telling

I thought it was one of the best storytelling I've heard in years. Made me feel like I was there. I looked forward to hearing the next chapter. I only wish the storyline didn't end, but you also wished it did the way it did. You won't be disappointed.

ahh... middle of the road book.

the book was dry in some places. the biggest drawback for was the narrator. the was times where I had to turn the volume WAY up just to make out what he was saying.

Loved it

If you like a good futuristic story with a military background, this is for you.

had me hooked from start to finish

Great story with lots of twists and turns. I loved the reader and the characters. I was almost sad when it was done but was happy with the ending. I hope there is more to come.

Not bad not great

it's ok I didn't stop listening to it but it wasn't that compelling nor were the characters I found it hard to remember any names tbh. a lot of very convenient things happen to make the story work and it's nothing new but was still enjoyable

fantastic<br />

fantastic story I didn't want it to end there's something missing in my life now lol

Flawed but Fun.

SPOILER! ... sort of...
For being such a badass super space navy futuristic soldier dude, Evan Gabriel only really does one thing approaching 'badass' in the whole trilogy.
apart from that, pretty decent.
oh, and the reader was excellent.

Have to listen to

Three great books very good story I would recommend it to anyone 😁😁😁😁😁☕🍪 must listen

Awsomn book.

couldn't stop listening to it and was disappointed when it ended. Will read again. outstanding

Loved it

Easy listening, great story telling with a catchy storey line. If you like action movies/books then listen to this. Highly recommend.

Not bad a good read

A good collection did zone out in book 2. Books 1 and 3 are the better ones

A quick review

A enjoyable series. Ray Chess has done a great job narrating it.
Worth a go if your between books.
Book 1. 4 stars
Book 2. 3 stars
Book 3. 5 stars

Book 2 felt rushed to me. The walk in the jungle could of been so much more!!