Gabriel's Return (Evan Gabriel Trilogy) [Kindle Edition]

Steve Umstead (Author)

Book Description

GABRIEL'S RETURN

Book 2 of the Evan Gabriel Trilogy<

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***** Voted Reviewer's Choice 2011 by The Kindle Book Review: "A Sci-Fi Rumble in the Jungle" Five Stars

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Gabriel has always been haunted by his past. Now he must face his past once again. 

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, this time to the world where he lost his naval command, and his original team, so many years ago: Eden. 

 

Gabriel will face three distinct threats on Eden: the well-armed terrorist group that has been raiding Eden City, the deadly flora and fauna of the planet itself, and perhaps most ominously, his own haunting memories of his past. 

 

Gabriel's Return continues the epic science fiction adventure trilogy with characters new and old, advanced weapons and technology, devious political intrigue on the moon and Mars, and deadly jungle combat on the unique planet of Eden. 

Approximately 87,000 words

OTHER REVIEWS OF GABRIEL'S RETURN

"The world building accomplished by the author is exceptional. The descriptions of the tactics and equipment used within the story line is spot on." 

"The action in this book rocks, complete with super-cool weapons and technology. Umstead takes a complex cast and gives them each a distinct personality that makes the team dynamic just great."

Also available: Gabriel's Redemption (Book 1), Gabriel's Revenge (Book 3), Gabriel's Journey (Complete Collection)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Loaded with more than enough hi-tech action, but Umstead finds balance and depth by presenting a more complex plot and delves much deeper into his characters... a five-star read" - Tom Clementson, The Kindle Book Review

"You feel as if you are trekking through the jungle on Eden. This series is fantastic and I highly recommend this to all." - Katie Turner, The Kindle Book Review

About the Author

Steve Umstead has been the owner of a Caribbean & Mexico travel company for the past ten years, but never forgot his lifelong dream of becoming an author. After a successful stab at National Novel Writing Month, he decided to pursue his dream more vigorously...but hasn't given up the traveling.

Steve lives in scenic (tongue-in-cheek) New Jersey with his wife, two kids, and several bookshelves full of other authors' science fiction novels. More information is at SteveUmstead.com, and you can always find him on Twitter (@SteveUmstead).

Product Details

• File Size: 462 KB
• Print Length: 321 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1468039288
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: ReactionMass Media (August 14, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B005HEXAP6
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Not Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,915 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
  • #15 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Science Fiction > Hard Science Fiction
  • #18 in Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Science Fiction > High Tech
  • #51 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Science Fiction > Adventure

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars RETURN DELIVERS September 28, 2011

By Alchemist

Format:Kindle Edition

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.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Gabriel's Return November 10, 2011

By Rahvin

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Gabriel's Return is the middle book in an evolving trilogy. The world building accomplished by the author is exceptional. The use of military style lingo in various spots throughout the book brought back memories of my own military service. The descriptions of the tactics and equipment used within the story line is spot on.

When I finished the book I immediately looked for book three of the trilogy hoping it would be available. I really wanted to continue the story from right where it left off adding a few more days to my reading. It was at the 67% mark in the book that I never wanted to put it down. The first part of the book is engrossing and draws you into the story as if you are a member of the team. The last portion of the book keeps you on the edge of your seat longing for more and not disappointing.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who has or dreams of having some sort of military background and would like to see the inner thoughts of a working team. However, it is just as good of a read without the military background as the author does an outstanding job bringing the reader along for the ride through the worlds as they may become.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars SciFi lovers will enjoy this book, a well executed softmore effort! October 13, 2011

By Todd R. Moody

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

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!

More About the Author

Steve Umstead has been the owner of a Caribbean & Mexico travel company for the past ten years, but never forgot his lifelong dream of becoming an author. After a successful stab at National Novel Writing Month, he decided to pursue his dream more vigorously...but hasn't given up the traveling.

Steve lives in scenic (tongue-in-cheek) New Jersey with his wife, two kids, and several bookshelves full of other authors' science fiction novels. More information is at SteveUmstead.com, and you can always find him on Twitter (@SteveUmstead).

Amazon Author Rankbeta 

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#63 in Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Science Fiction

#85 in Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Science Fiction

#63 in Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Science Fiction

#85 in Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Science Fiction