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Evan Gabriel wasn’t always a feared and respected North American Federation Navy Commander. Before dangerous missions to the ice-bound planet of Poliahu, the deadly jungle world of Eden, and politically corrupt Mars, he was a simple recruit, fighting to make his mark in the elite Naval Special Forces…and was part of a top-secret military experiment that would change his life forever.
WELinde
Posted April 13, 2012
(Note: No spoilers).
I was thrilled when I heard a few weeks ago that Steve Umstead had a prequel in the making for his popular and captivating Evan Gabriel scifi adventure trilogy. There’s always that element of sadness when a series comes to an end, so when Zero Point popped up unexpectedly on the literary horizon, I was eager to get my hands on it.
I wasn’t disappointed. Gabriel: Zero Point, a novella, gives us the story of how a young Evan Gabriel came to be initiated into the dangerous and Machiavellian futuristic world of Naval Special Operations. (Keep in mind here that the Navy isn’t restricted to the Seven Seas. In Umstead’s world, the Navy is charged with projecting military power throughout the reaches of space). While in the Evan Gabriel Trilogy we were able to see the kind of brutal threats that thrive in the universe, in Zero Point we get to see what would make our protagonist embrace the harsh and often sacrificial life dedicated to combating them.
Just as important as the solid plot delivered here, this prequel installment of the Gabriel story is filled with Umstead’s signature elements that bring his characters and his universe alive. The protagonists are relatable, and the futuristic world is believable in a smart, entertaining sort of way. The technology in the story is cool, high tech, and somehow plausible. Combine this with the small unit tactical action that has become a hallmark of the series, and you get an immensely satisfying novella.
Great work on this. Now that a precedent has been set, I hope we can see other expansions on the Gabriel Universe.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Boston2
Posted May 12, 2013
This short story is a tease that doesn't quite fulfill its mission. It doesn't answer the question "Who is Evan Gabriel?" We jumpinto a point in his life with nothing to tell us how he reached the point where he is when the characters are introduced. Overall, well written with good action descriptions.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.runnetib
Posted July 13, 2012
Based on a sample, I knew I wanted to pick up the Gabriel books. By the time I found them, the prequel was already available, so I picked it up along with the collected trilogy. It's a great read, and does a nice job of setting up the main character and detailing the technology of the setting. Can't wait to continue the story of Evan Gabriel.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.DJC73
Posted June 29, 2012
I wish I had seen this frist before reading first & second book it fiills in sgaps.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.The_Nightguy
Posted May 7, 2012
I you've read Steve Umstead's Evan Gabriel trilogy and wanted to know where Gabriel's "spring" got wound this is it! You MUSt be curious about the what, where, why, or when behind Gabriel's always impressive "Who"... so grab this one and strap yourself in!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Woohoo! Just got finished reading Umstead's prequel to his amazing Evan Gabriel trilogy. As a scientist I was curious about the methods used to create the super soldiers of the future. Umstead didn't disappoint! I was hooked from the first page to the last. I kinda wish this technology was actually possible. As a person with zero athletic prowess, the enhancements surely would come in handy!
Hats off to Umstead for another winner! I highly recommend this to all fans of scifi. He even whets your appetite with the first chapters from the other books in the Evan Gabriel trilogy.
Anonymous
Posted May 16, 2013
No text was provided for this review.
Overview
Evan Gabriel wasn’t always a feared and respected North American Federation Navy Commander. Before dangerous missions to the ice-bound planet of Poliahu, the deadly jungle world of Eden, and politically corrupt Mars, he was a simple recruit, fighting to make his mark in the elite Naval Special Forces…and was part of a top-secret military experiment that would change his life forever.