Omandi’s Daemon: Paradigm 2045
Book 3

by Robert W. Ross

Narrated by: Nick Podehl

Production by: Podium Audio

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While Charlotte Omandi has escaped from the Drac’ath, she is by no means finished. Nearly fatally wounded, Omandi recovers on the planet Rulia. She and the crew of Bladerunner expect to recover from their latest mission only to discover there is another deadly threat that Omandi and her team must face head-on. They encounter assassins, a mantle of power, and are forced to participate in various trials and tribulations.

Robert W. Ross, the author, is a masterful storyteller that captivates his audience with incredible characters and storylines peppered with rich plot twists. His talent for weaving a story to include several different themes is remarkable. There are several subtle themes throughout the book that include topics such as romance, familial relationships, religion, gender, race, and more. The relationships are multifaceted and complex yet are written with clarity and ease.

It is not enough that Ross identifies and builds Charlotte as a strong female leader through her actions, but he reinforces it in a unique and entertaining manner through dialogue between Charlotte and Edmund. Another female character, Linnea, demonstrates her strength when she encounters a mantle of power, a mummy, a deadly decision, and love. The male-female relationships are refreshingly egalitarian, with each supporting the other as needs dictate.

The narrator, Nick Podehl never disappoints! I always enjoy listening to Podehl as he interjects so much time and energy into the characters and storyline bringing them to life. He speaks clearly, keeps the story moving forward, and captures the essence of each character. His unique voice talent keeps the listener enthralled. I have to say, he is one of my favorites!

There are several things I enjoy about this book. One thing I feel is essential for listeners to know before investing in this series is that Robert Ross does not take his character's fate with gratuitous intent. Meaning he doesn’t just put them in harm’s way or give them riches or death because it’s expected. Rather he builds them slowly and with deliberate care demonstrating not only how much he cares for them, but how much he knows his audience wants to connect with the characters. He is the same with this storyline and plot twists, they are not flippant but rather well-structured and executed perfectly.

I highly recommend this book and the series with great enthusiasm. Once you start, you will not be able to put the book down.  After all, to channel James Branson, pilot extraordinaire, “why the feck would you?” 

There were no issues with the production or quality of this audiobook.