- Gabriel’s Return Author Steve Umstead
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.
Gabriel’s Return is available as an ebook for Kindle and Nook, and is also available on Goodreads.
More information about Steve can be found on his blog here: www.SteveUmstead.com
