HUMANITY’S PROMISE
Paradigm 2045, Book 2

by Robert W. Ross

Narrated by: Nick Podehl

Production by: Podium Audio

A Totally and Completely Fecking Awesome Book!

After the targeted extinction-level threat Earth encountered and survived thanks to Captain Omandi and her crew, we journey with them through the vastness of space hunting for a planet that holds refugees from extinction-level attacks that succeeded and to meet with the Galactic Confederation.  Omandi has a few tricks up her sleeve to get the Confederation to see things her way but not before encountering other dangers along the way. 

Robert Ross, the author, does a magnificent job of continuing to build the characters and their relationships while also introducing new characters.  This is an epic-length audiobook but so worth the time to hear it.  There are several substories that play out – such as the importance of family and how one’s family is not always the birth relationship, duty, responsibility, accountability, and self-discovery.  Ross blends these relationships and characteristics of the characters and builds a realistically strong plot that captivates the listener. 

Ross is a science fiction fan as he takes from popular past sci-fi programs and the culture of the 60’s-90’s and carefully builds the story loosely around them.  Specifically with Star Trek like shows (original Star Trek, Next Generation Star Trek and Voyager) we see the spaceship has some of the same attributes and the characters hold a small kernel of semblance as well. As a listener, one can accurately visualize the story and become lost in it because of those small yet significant connections. 

Ross has a writing style that allows the listener to see the book unfold.  He does not bore the listener to death with detailed visual descriptions but rather gives the listener just enough detail so that the listener’s imagination takes over – to me this is rich and vital imagery.

The level of suspense and waiting for the other shoe to drop is nail-biting at times.  Omandi is a gambler – she places a lot of faith on individuals and while it may take them a little longer to meet her expectations, she is rarely wrong … rarely.

The narrator, Nick Podehl, is PERFECT for this book series.  Nick gives each character a unique voice and further grows their personality with subtle yet significant pitches and inflections specific to each. Nick makes listening to this book a remarkable experience.  I cannot imagine any other voice actor better suited for this series! 

Humanity’s Promise is, in my opinion, the best “fecking” sci-fi book I have read in a long time – and yes, I borrowed this phrase from my favorite character – Branson!  I place value on a book and the writing skills of an author that makes me lose time and keeps me captivated for hours reading a single book.  I can say the same about the narrator.  This is one of those rare books that can be listened to repeatedly, and you will still discover nuances and other subtleties that make this book excellent. 

Hopefully, it will not be long before we see what other trouble Omandi and her crew get into next.   Regardless of the trouble, I can guarantee it will be worth the wait just based on how awesome the first two books in this series have been!!!

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook, it was clear and crisp. The cover of the book contains easter eggs - look closely to find them. The cover artist captured the theme of the book expertly.