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Since this is a sequel to Gabriel's Redemption, I already knew Steve was a great writer with imagination and spunk and a killer grip of the tech-geeky-cool stuff that makes sci-fi like this so much fun.
There was no let-down with Gabriel's Return. In fact, it's better in my opinion. Wow, did he deliver pace, plot, and intrigue. One of the best parts is that Return takes us back, not only physically to the planet that started Gabriel's fall into disgrace and haunting nightmares, but it brings it to an exciting and very satisfying resolution of that life-changing event in his life. (At least until the bad guys raise the stakes just in time for the final book.)
The action in this book rocks, complete with super-cool weapons and technology. (I want a set of neuretics, please.) Steve takes a complex cast and gives them each a distinct personality that makes the team dynamic just great. It propels you right along with them, and you feel it with the team when something happens to one of their own. And even the bad guys are likable in their twisted ways.
I'm being purposely vague; I hate spoilers. (Sometimes I won't even read the back cover copy, just in case it gives away more than I want to know.) But trust me when I say, this one pays off in a big way. You'll love it.
Kardaen
Posted October 13, 2011
Do you like Science Fiction? If you do, you will love the new series by Steve Umstead. I read a review comparing Evan Gabriel with Snake Plissken and it is on the mark. Think Snake Plissken on Mars, subtract the cheese, add a dollop of interstellar intrigue and pulse rifles and you have the world of Commander Evan Gabriel.
I met Steve on twitter about a year ago and he was still working on his first release, Gabriel's Redemption, and I immediately liked him. When his book was published I bought it knowing full-well that it was self-published and wanted to throw him a bone, but it was extremely well-crafted, WITHOUT a lot of the pitfalls you hear about in the DIY format. But that wasn't all, the story moved fast and even though the protagonist is a grim man, it captured my attention from the word go. I absolutely love his "Neuretics", they are one of the cooler concepts I've read in quite awhile. Frankly, I'd love to steal this concept for my novel. His near future world is extremely believable and his projected technology works like a charm. Neuretics are a form of integrated brain-slash-nervous system-slash-secure internet-slash-radio tech that thoroughly rocks my world! In Gabriel's Return we find Commander Evan Gabriel in a happier place, and with a love interest. I have to say the new life suits him well, even if he's not entirely comfortable with it. The second book is so often a letdown, but in this case it is an upgrade to the original. Steve is getting better as a writer and it shows. This Clancyesque story line takes us across the galaxy, but the stakes are more personal and more meaningful, ultimately creating a much more satisfying story. I honestly can't wait for the third book!
There is a great deal of discussion on the interwebs about traditional publishing vs. self-publishing and I for one haven't decided which way I'm going to go, but Mr. Umstead is showing us how it's done on the self-publishing side. These books do not have typos or grammatical issues or discontinuities. He has done his research and obviously has a very good editor. I think Steve could go traditional with this series and I haven't asked him why he didn't, but I can tell you he is pumping them out very quickly now -- all three in this trilogy within the same calendar year. I'm guessing that has something to do with it.
Stop by #pubwrite on twitter and say hello to the mayor, Steve Umstead himself. I put my money where my mouth is, and it was well-spent.
Well done, sir!
hamsammich
Posted October 10, 2011
In short, Steve Umstead hits it out of the park yet again! I am a huge fan of well-written science fiction, and the Evan Gabriel series hasn't disappointed. This second book continues the saga of Evan Gabriel, Lieutenant Commander in the North American Federation Navy during the period 2176. Gabriel is a special forces officer leading his team of elite commandos to unknown dangers on far-off planets and they have to endure their fair share of political wrangling, angry bad guys and unknown hazards around every corner.
Both books start quickly and lead up to the meat of the plot without lollygagging. You'll be kept guessing along the way, but there's never a break in the action and adventure. This is no hokey, cookie-cutter book, but is layered with dimension and feeling unlike quite a few other sci-fi titles out there.
Definitely a "must-read!"
As with all of my reviews, I'm not going to talk about the plot here. That's for you to enjoy when you curl up with your Kindle (or other eReader) and a cup of tea or coffee. But I will bring out a number of things about the book I enjoyed. Gabriel's Return starts off fast, forcing you to dive into the story. I really appreciated this. As you might recall, my major complaint with Gabriel's Redemption was that it took a long time, nearly half the book, before I felt like the pace of the story was moving at full steam. Gabriel's Return is nothing like that. Hats off to the author, too, for making the planet of Eden so believable. As the characters traverse the planet, it feels alive and real. It's definitely the most enjoyable part of the entire book, and in some ways, I wish the author would have expanded on the planet. I mean that in a positive way. That's a sign of a believable story and world: When the reader can't get enough and wants to know more. Umstead does a fantastic job of this. Overall, I really liked Gabriel's Return and I have to say I'm looking forward to the next story (which this book sets up nicely). If you haven't read the first book, don't fret. I think you can get along just fine with this one. But don't let that statement stop you. Both books are good and worthy of your time for recreation. Pros + +Story picks up in the first pages, getting you right into the action +Very believable planet of Eden +Fantastic twist near the end of the story (I didn't see it coming!) Cons - -The second quarter of the story is a little slow, but picks up again halfway through -It might be me, but the politics stuff was a little confusing. Without telling you why (don't want to ruin the story), I `ll just say I had trouble making sense of it -Evan Gabriel, the main character. I feel distant from him. Knowing more about him through the narrative would be nice
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.EricSwett
Posted October 4, 2011
Action without purpose isn't worth much in my mind. Sure, it's flashy and interesting to watch or read about, but it's a lot like eating candy; it tastes good, but it still leaves you needing more. Steve Umstead does a great job in his latest book, Gabriel's Return, paring action with purpose. In this follow up to Umstead's Gabriel's Redemption we watch Lieutenant Commander Evan Gabriel return to the site of his disgrace from five years earlier. Still haunted by nightmares of the world called Eden (which is anything but what its namesake implies) he must lead his squad of elite soldiers on a mission to rescue hostages from the same terrorists that had killed his entire squad the last time he had stepped foot on the planet.
I enjoyed Gabriel's redemption when I read it earlier this year, so getting a chance to read and review Gabriel's Return was more than welcome. The novel is written every bit as well as the first in the series and I found myself finishing it almost as soon as I started it. The book flows and draws the reader along, moving from event to a event with an ease that more authors, myself included, should strive to duplicate. The action scenes are quick and realistic, not overly filled with gore but conveying the violence that is inherent in combat. You root for the heroes and hate the villains, but the world is never so simple as black the white of most action movies. Political intrigue and betrayal that spans star systems, clouds everything and keeps the reader guessing at what is going on right until the end of the book. Where the first book tied everything up in a nice little package by the end, this book leaves us hanging with a cliffhanger of substantial proportion and all I can say is, "Steve, buddy, get to work on the next book! I can't take the suspense!"
WELinde
Posted October 3, 2011
I had been looking forward to getting my hands on a copy of Gabriel's Return for several months, since I finished reading the first installment of the Evan Gabriel Trilogy, Gabriel's Redemption, earlier this year. This science fiction series, written by Steve Umstead, established itself as an action-packed and intelligent saga with Gabriel's Redemption, but this latest installment builds on the realistic future world of Lieutenant Commander Evan Gabriel in an extremely entertaining and satisfying way.
At the risk of hyperbole, I believe that Steve Umstead has created what I can only describe as a Tom Clancy-esque world a few hundred years into the future. There are many layers to this story - personal conflicts, military engagements, political maneuvering and, of course, the action-packed tactical elements - that are skillfully delivered throughout the narrative. There are so many plots and counter plots, actions and counter actions, that at one point I wondered if all the loose ends could be addressed adequately. In short, they were addressed, and quite effectively.
For a science fiction or fantasy novel to work, the writer has to win over the reader with the world he or she has created. The world within Gabriel's Return is not only compelling, but its realism makes the most fantastic elements seem plausible. I very much enjoyed the brainy nuances of this stroy, such as the physical limits to communicating across vast reaches of space, or the effect of weather and the environment on the military gear of the protagonists as they slogged through the steamy jungles of Eden. The futuristic settings are very cool, but have an edgy, gritty realism that helped to pull me into this world.
Good science fiction also has its human element, and again in this area Umstead does a fantastic job. The protagonists are noble, heroic, and dedicated. The antagonists are ruthless, calculating, and in many ways merciless. But they're ALL human, none are omniscient, and they're all driven by emotions that make them vulnerable to miscalculation. No one really has all the cards, and so the reader is left guessing as to which side will come out on top. This is effectively played out throughout the novel, but is wonderfully illustrated in a few separate scenes where both Gabriel and the military commander of an enemy terrorist group, Chaud, are seen worrying about whether they each have made enough preparation to defeat the other as the reader approaches the climax.
I have to confess: I enjoyed the first installment, Gabriel's Redemption, quite a bit. But Steve Umstead's delivery of Gabriel's Return demonstrates that he knows how to up the ante. After reading Return, along with its cliff hanger ending, I can honestly say that I hope Steve is well underway on the third installment.
DannieHill
Posted September 29, 2011
I've just finished reading Gabriel's Return by Steve Umstead and found it a great continuation of the Evan Gabriel series. Steve Umstead's first book, Gabriel's Redemption, showed me the skill and great storytelling abilities of the author. Gabriel's Return is no exception.
The story of Evan Gabriel's return to military action starts a bit slow but the author paints a wonderful descriptive picture of life on Mars and builds to a mission made for Gabriel and his team.
Political elements on Earth plot and put into action steps to gain and control power on free governing planets. Mars is one but the planet Eden is the first step in these power brokers plan.
Eden at first seems to be the perfect world for its inhabitance but a closer look shows it to be a dangerous place to live. Plants and animals there find humans to be just another step in the food chain.
Students from Mars are on Eden to study these creatures but become hostages and used in an attempt to take control of Mars.
Evan Gabriel and his team are called in to put a stop to this power play and are sent to Eden to recover the hostages and bring the planet back under control.
Evan was the only survivor on a previous mission to Eden and the loss of the men and women of his old team still haunts him as he tries to take control of the situation.
Gabriel's Return is a great Sci-Fi to read and I highly recommend it.
Steve Umstead is a master of showing the reader a world that we might see in the future. You won't regret reading this series of books. I can't wait for the conclusion of the Evan Gabriel series, Gabriel's Revenge.
MarkEverettStone
Posted September 28, 2011
Writer Steve Umstead has done it again, another Evan Gabriel book, the dreaded sequel, Gabriel's Return. Now I know what you're asking yourself, "Why do you say 'dreaded'?" Good question and the answer is simplicity itself: Most sequels that I have run into suck the big banana.
Thank goodness that didn't happen here. With nary a hitch in stride, Umstead returns with a slickly written story that is well paced and so well written I am starting to feel a little jealous here. I mean, whoda thunk that a self-published author could pop out a well edited, well crafted, well thought out book?
The Big 6 publishers certainly don't want you to think they can. They would have you believe that quality work can only be produced through their efforts. Good thing that Umstead has the ability to prove them wrong.
Evan Gabriel and his team head off on a mission to save hostages from terrorists. Yep, that is the only spoiler I will allow, which is quite a lot for me. Now, down to the meat and potatoes of the matter; the characters are well written and believable, the dialogue crisp and well thought out as was the plot-line.
Yes, it is a good story well told and well executed. I hate, and I mean HATE giving books stars, or a numeric value based on my opinion. I mean hate it like I would hate wearing fiberglass underwear, so I will forego the pleasure of pigeonholing Mr. Umstead's fine work with such base values. Instead, I will say this: this remarkable indie author writes like a young Ben Bova, full of verve and raw energy, without all the gratuitous swearing that many of today's writers rely so heavily upon.
Good Job, Steve.
GABRIEL'S RETURN (Book 2 of the Evan Gabriel Trilogy) by Steve Umstead FOUR out of FIVE STARS
Read my review of book one (GABRIEL'S REDEMPTION)
Six months after the events in book one, Commander Evan Gabriel of the North American Federation and the remainder of his team are on Mars when the son of a high-ranking politician is kidnapped on the distant world of Eden.
Gabriel and his team are asked mount a rescue, but bitter politics and memories of a failed mission 5 years previously complicate the mission.
Umstead continues his world-building and futuristic vision in GABRIEL'S RETURN, intertwining stories and sub-plots in the masterful thriller.
Where as Book One was a non-stop adventure story, Book Two is a complex thriller with deeper character development, fantastic settings and non-stop action. The writing is tight and fluid and the story is fully immersive.
This is Umstead's "The Empire Strikes Back, " cliffhanger included. As long as he doesn't introduce Ewoks in the final book, all should be well.
I highly recommend both GABRIEL'S REDEMPTION and GABRIEL'S RETURN and I look forward to GABRIEL'S REVENGE due out this winter.
Karen_DeLabar
Posted September 8, 2011
North American Federation Navy Commander Evan Gabriel knows two things, he was not meant to act like a keeper of the peace on Mars and two, he'll forever be haunted by the men lost on a mission gone horribly wrong on the planet of Eden. When transmission comes in from that forsaken planet containing a plea from a friend he thought he lost there, Gabriel takes his new team back into the dangerous jungles of Eden to save its inhabitants from terrorists while trying to locate and rescue his fallen comrade. Gabriel and his team not only face deadly attacks from the rebels but his unit also goes up against the beautiful planet itself with its hidden dangers.
Umstead's writing was technically clean and sharp. There were no little mistakes to take me out of the story. He expertly wove different perspectives into one clean stream that was easy to follow and gave us a closer look into the minds of the story's main characters. I thought the pacing of the story was good, the story didn't feel rushed, nor did it drag.
The dynamic Gabriel had with his team was one I really enjoyed reading. Their chemistry was that of a close-knit family. Each of Umstead's characters had their own part in furthering the story whether it be through creating tension, or by relieving said tension with humor.
The overall creativity that goes into creating new worlds and new technology is something that I'll never be able to wrap my brain around. I found myself in awe of the planet of Eden with it's lush jungle which seemed so beautiful on the outside but contained such deadly forces within. The technology the team carried with them was incredible and I never found myself getting lost in its descriptions or bored with the details.
I highly recommend this story regardless of what genre you normally read. A good story, is a good story, no matter your genre.
I am a sucker for scifi/fantasy :) I LOVED the first book of the trilogy, Gabriel's Redemption. Gabriel's Return did not disappoint. Full of some of the same characters (those that made it through the adventure in the first book), multiple planets, the coolest military gadgets known (well, actually NOT known) to man, and a kick-ass plot that keeps the reader guessing.
In this installment of the Even Gabriel trilogy, Evan Gabriel comes face to face with a ghost from his past on a deadly, yet beautiful world. Complete with plot twists and turns, Steve keeps the reader guessing right up until the last minute.
I am a sucker for cliff hanger endings. I don't care what the "rules" are for such things. I love it when a writer dangles tasty threads in front of the reader, driving them CRAZY while they wait for the next book, conjuring up every possible scenario in their minds as to what the author is going to do. That's what gets my adrenalin pumping. And Steve does a superb job of ending this second book so that readers will be salivating when he publishes the final installment.
DRyanLeask
Posted August 22, 2011
--In a Nutshell:
--This is the second book of the Evan Gabriel Series.
After a short time attempting, and somewhat succeeding, to help out people in one of the lawless domes of Mars, Gabriel and his team are summoned to meet with the area's Governor. She sends them on an unofficial assignment to stop terrorists who have kidnapped her son and several others on the planet of Eden, a place that Gabriel knows well, and has a sorted past with.
--First Thoughts:
--There are some tremendous visuals of both the landscape on Mars and Eden as well as a really cool sequence where people are "drinking" tea at zero gravity! It's like the author did it and documented it all. Super cool! The story has grown a lot since the last one, and so has the writer! Quick side note, for those of you that aren't familiar with military jargon, you may see the term materiél. It's not a typo, it's the proper military term for materials. See definition
--Thoughts Upon Completion:
--Wow! I was impressed with the first story and was really looking forward to this one. I was not disappointed. The action was quickly paced and well written, I can't recall a single slow spot in the whole story and the tie-in of Gabriel's back story and the trouble he'd previously had on Eden was really well played out here. I won't give away the ending, but let's say it was very obvious how it was going to end, but only in hindsight! I have nothing negative to say about this sequel. The writer held back a bit on the first with his language which made it a little bit odd, this time around the language was more befitting the military setting on which it's based.
--Overall
--As I mentioned on my review of Gabriel's Redemption, this is a no question's sci-fi story however it lends itself very well to both those who are avid readers of this genre and those that just want to read a great story! It's never goes over the top with techie jargon and all of the sciencey parts are cleverly explained and based on things that are currently in our popular culture.
This is part II of a trilogy and I think you won't sit idly by waiting for #3!
-----Score:
-----4 + 5 + 10 = ?????
Lostbowyer
Posted August 19, 2011
Author Steve Umstead has spun a masterful sequel in this, the second book of the Evan Gabriel trilogy. Gabriel's Return picks up 6 months from where we last left Gabriel and his team. On the not so distant Mars, Gabriel and his team have been slowly cleaning up the corruption on mars. When the most influential governor on mars learns of her sons capture by terrorists on the far away world of Eden, she enlists the aid of Gabriel and his team to rescue him. Gabriel must deal with the bitter memories of his ill fated mission there 5 years prior.
The story is entwined with a well crafted mix of sub plots. They blend perfectly into a fluid sequence of events. the author did a perfect job of inserting enough information from the first book where needed to remind one who has read the first, or fill in those who haven't with enough knowledge to learn the whole story. The sci-fi toys we all love so well live up to the expectation and are believable. I was impressed with the details of the harsh environment on Eden and its inhabitants. I could visualize it as if I was there while reading. One of my few complaints of this author's first books was that it was too short. The author must have listened, because this book is just right. The plots move quickly keeping you on the edge of your seat.
My only complaints with this book are very minor. I though the ending did an excellent job setting up the third and final book, but I felt it was too typical for a middle book of a trilogy. I would have preferred less of a cliff hanger, but that is just my personal preference. My other complaint is with the rebellion leader. I don't want to insert spoilers. It was too transparent is all I will say.
I highly recommend this book it was well worth the wait. With the quality of this book, it's going to really raise the bar for the final. I can't wait to see.
LendMe™
Overview
Gabriel's ReturnBook 2 of the Evan Gabriel Trilogy
On the far-off icebound planet of Poliahu, North American Federation Navy Commander Evan Gabriel suffered the loss of several team members in order to free a native species and save his brother. Now he is being called away on a new mission by a friend in trouble, and by a name from his distant past. He and his surviving team must again travel across the galaxy to the planet where he lost his naval command, and his original team, ...