Gabriel: Zero Point

Evan Gabriel Trilogy #0.5

by Steve Umstead

ZERO POINT Prequel Novella to the Evan Gabriel Trilogy Evan Gabriel wasn't always a feared and respected North American Federation Navy Commander. Before dangerous missions to the ice-bound planet of Poliahu, the deadly jungle world of Eden, and politically corrupt Mars, he was a simple recruit, fighting to make his mark in the elite Naval Special Forces...and was part of a top-secret military experiment that would change his life forever. Zero Point tells the tale before the science fiction/adventure trilogy, a tale of a young man faced with difficult choices and dangerous trials. Fans of the series will see part of the mysterious past Evan Gabriel carries with him, while readers new to the series get a preview of what is to come in a military man's haunted life. Zero Point is the true beginning of Evan Gabriel, and his story is just getting started.

Genres: Science Fiction, Audiobook, Fiction, Short Stories, Military Fiction, Fantasy, Thriller

90 pages, Paperback

First published April 9, 2002

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. Gabriel's Redemption is his debut novel.

Reviews

[Cathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Military sci-fi, human augementation and a super soldier in the making. Reads like a prologue to the main series. The story was ok, but didn't do much for me. Minimal world building and a pretty antiquated view of women.

My main gripe was the narrator of the audiobook. He had a very soft voice and made the main character, a supposedly tough guy, born leader and great soldier, sound like a whiny boy. And the main female character sounded more like a porn actress than an accomplished doctor and scientist.

I strongly doubt that I will continue the series, but if I did, it would definitely not be as an audiobook with this narrator.

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gabriel: Zero Point: The FREE Prequel Novella
Evan Gabriel Trilogy
By: Steve Umstead
Narrated by: Ray Chase
This book follows a bright young man that is the military in this futuristic world. He is superior in many ways that catches the eyes of special ops secret commanders. This is the what they wanted him for! Wow! Exciting!!!
Narration was awesome too, made the suspense even better!

[Jason Parent · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this and probably rate it a 3.5. I got this for free on Audible, and it did succeed in getting me interested in the main character, Evan Gabriel, a HAMR soldier (think somewhere between Captain America and Cyborg), so I will probably pick up the first in the trilogy when I have more time.

As a stand alone short, Gabriel: Zero Point is a complete story (yay!). The plot is very predictable, but the military jargon and action seem true to the genre (science fiction, futuristic military thriller). I did not fall in love with any of the characters and some were little more than stereotypes, but overall, it served as a satisfactory introduction.

Even if it weren't free, I would recommend it. But since it is free, why not give it a shot?

[ᴥ Irena ᴥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

We first meet Gabriel as a young soldier. An admiral, his aide and a third man who doesn't say a word in the first scene are watching Gabriel and talking about him. We find out that Gabriel is tough and a great soldier with a promising military career.

He finds out that he is to join special forces. The silent man from the first scene transfers him.

Gabriel arrives leading his new team. He meets Moira, who is a scientist and doctor. She explains the procedures he has to go through. He doesn't know anything about the tests he is about to do or about the stasis capsules in the lab. She also notifies him that this is his zero point, not his resting place.

Afterwards, Gabriel finds out more about Zero Point special warfare. The doctor explains to him that he would get nanites into his body. He accepts when he realizes that the Navy is his whole life and enters the tank for the procedure. I don't blame her for wanting him almost naked.
Gabriel is in the tank, in the water waiting for nanites to invade him. He remembers his mother and how he got stuck in the tree during flood.

After the procedure he gets out from the capsule disorientated and realizes he is alone. He has his upgrade.
He finds blood in the lab. He scans the room but it turns empty. He follows the blood trail and finds out that something is wrong, his guns are missing. He finds a locker with two wide doors. It isn't locked and the trail stops there. He finds the bloody fabric, the same the doctor was wearing yesterday. His new system warns him of the danger in front of the door.

What follows and the ending are there so we could see just how tough Gabriel is. Although I suspected what is it all about, it is still a good ending.

As for the narrator, his voice has a moaning quality and I had to get used to his intonation. I am not quite sure how to feel about it.

[Wendy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This novella tells the tale of Evan Gabriel and how he becomes the special forces soldier that we'll see in the trilogy. The blurb implies that this is the revelation of his mysterious and haunted past, but I can't say that what he went through as part of the Zero Point program was entirely mysterious and haunting. Without having read the trilogy, I found Evan's past to be rather typical for such a story and the struggles he went through didn't really lift him off the pages for me. That said, I'm still intrigued by the premise of the trilogy. Hopefully knowing the past won't muddy the future too much. 2.5 stars.

[Ryan · Rating 2 out of 5]

The most cliche possible bad military sci-fi. Usually I manage to avoid books like this, but “free audiobook” somehow slipped by. Don’t make the same mistake!

[Björn Söderström · Rating 1 out of 5]

You have heard the story before (zero to hero) many times before. While it had all the elements I generally like - questionable moral, violence, state-of-the-art enhanced super soldiers etc. - it felt very uninspired.

Like a prequel tacked on much later to get more sells.

The narrator had a very distinct voice. Slow, languid with a hint of trepidation. It could work well within other genres like mysterious anti-heroes. I kept thinking he would have done a good job with something like American Gods or the X-files. He did not work for military sci-fi.

Another reviewer mentioned that it made the hero into a whiney school boy which is very apt.

Only read/listen if your heavily into cyberpunk and milsi-fi and even then there are many other better books out there.

I might read the next installment as a (very) guilty pleasure some time. Just to see where the series goes.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually got this because it was free and was a science fiction story and for no other reason. I have never read anything by this author and so thought I would give it a chance. Because this is a prequel I get background on the main character first without having already having preconceived ideas about who he is. I found the characters themselves very well fleshed out considering that it is a short story. What to expect within the universe being built here is also very clearly drawn.

Before Evan Gabriel was a feared Navy Commander, he was just another recruit. He had to fight to make his mark in the elite Naval Special Forces, he was also part of a top-secret military experiment that would change his life forever. This tells the tale before, the tale of a young man faced with difficult choices and dangerous trials.

The narration is good and helps to bring things to life.

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's not bad, but it's also not that good. The book reads like the novelization of a FPS intro and is mostly predictable in terms of characterization and plot. I might give the trilogy a try if I come across it at the library as I'm told they are better than this prequel, but unfortunately Zero Point was somewhat boring.

[Kiba Snowpaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Introduction

In the icy realm of HowlStrom, where the frosty winds whisper secrets and the auroras dance like ethereal spirits in the sky, I, Kiba Snowpaw, the lone alpha ice wolf with a heart as cold as the glaciers surrounding my world, find solace in the embrace of solitude. The icy tendrils of my magic, a gift and a curse, weave tales of power and isolation. Amidst the eternal winter, a book, "Gabriel: Zero Point" by Steve Umstead, finds its way into my frost-kissed paws. A tale not of ice, but of space, soldiers, and secrets, it promises an escape from the icy silence of HowlStrom.

Basic Plot Summary

Evan Gabriel, a name as foreign to the icy terrains as the warmth of the sun, is a recruit in the North American Federation Navy. A world of advanced technology and military prowess, far removed from the icy solitude of my existence. He is not yet the feared commander; he is a soul on the brink of transformation, a participant in a clandestine experiment that will mark the genesis of a haunted journey.

Analysis/Evaluation

In the icy silence of HowlStrom, the echoes of Evan’s transformation resound with a haunting melody. The narrative, though set in the distant corridors of space, strikes a chord, reminiscent of my own metamorphosis amidst the icy wilderness. The trials of fire and ice, of soul and machine, weave a narrative as complex as the frosty patterns adorning the windows of my icy abode.

Characters

Evan Gabriel, a soldier, a specimen, a soul, mirrors the isolation of an ice wolf. His transformation, both physical and spiritual, is a dance between the human and the augmented, a melody of power and vulnerability. The characters, though distant stars in the galaxy of narrative, shine with a light, cold and piercing, illuminating the dark recesses of military and ethical quandaries.

Structure

The narrative, like the icy terrains of HowlStrom, is layered, each stratum revealing secrets, trials, and tribulations. It is a journey from the zero point, a genesis marked by augmentation and revelation. The structure, though linear, is imbued with complexities, each chapter a snowflake, unique, intricate, weaving the icy tapestry of Evan’s haunted existence.

Impact

In the icy solitude, the tale of Evan Gabriel resonates, a symphony of power, transformation, and ethical conundrums. It is a narrative that transcends the icy barriers, igniting a fire, cold and burning, illuminating the icy darkness with tales of augmentation, power, and the haunting melody of a soul transformed yet imprisoned.

Hook and Thesis

The icy winds of HowlStrom whisper secrets, and in the echoes, the tale of Evan Gabriel resounds. A soldier, a specimen, a soul transformed, he embarks on a journey from the zero point, a narrative as haunting as the icy wilderness, as complex as the frosty patterns adorning the silent world of ice and solitude.

Praise and Critique

The icy tendrils of my magic weave through the pages, caressing a narrative imbued with power and vulnerability. Yet, amidst the praise, a critique emerges, a whisper in the icy winds, questioning the depth, the characterization, the world as distant and cold as the icy terrains of HowlStrom.

Evaluation

In the icy silence, the tale resonates, yet leaves a soul, cold and unquenched. It is a narrative of power and transformation, yet distant, a star in the icy galaxy, shining yet unreachable. The evaluation, as complex as the icy patterns, weaves a tale of praise and critique, a dance of fire and ice.

Comparison

In the icy realm of HowlStrom, where narratives of power and solitude are as abundant as the snowflakes adorning the icy wilderness, "Gabriel: Zero Point" emerges as a distant echo. It is a narrative, powerful yet distant, a star in the icy galaxy, reminiscent yet distinct, a dance of fire in the icy silence.

Conclusion

As Kiba Snowpaw, the lone alpha ice wolf, I find solace and reflection in the tale of Evan Gabriel. It is a narrative that, like the icy winds of HowlStrom, whispers secrets of power, transformation, and the haunting melody of a soul, augmented yet imprisoned. In the icy silence, the echoes of "Gabriel: Zero Point" resound, a symphony of fire and ice, power and vulnerability, echoing in the eternal winter of HowlStrom.

[Kiba Snowpaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Introduction:

Greetings, pack members and fellow wanderers of the literary wilds! It’s your trusty alpha ice wolf, Kiba Snowpaw, here to guide you through the frosty depths of a military sci-fi novella that’s sure to send shivers down your spine. The book in question? Gabriel: Zero Point by Steve Umstead. Released in the cold month of December 2013, this prequel to the Evan Gabriel Trilogy promises a glimpse into the origins of a hero, set against a backdrop of high-tech warfare and ethically murky experiments. So, pull up a seat by the icy hearth, and let’s sink our fangs into this tale of transformation, survival, and the cold calculations of a future military machine.

Plot Summary:

Our story begins with Evan Gabriel, a young recruit in the North American Federation Navy, who’s got the kind of grit and determination that could carve ice sculptures out of steel. This novella, serving as a prequel, thrusts us into the crucible of Gabriel’s early military career, where he’s selected for a top-secret special forces experiment. Imagine being dunked into a vat of nanites, your very essence rewired to become something more than human—a soldier upgraded, augmented, and weaponized for the cold calculations of war.

Set in a distant future where Earth’s geopolitical landscape has shifted dramatically, Gabriel finds himself navigating a world where the line between man and machine is as thin as the ice beneath a wolf’s paws. Through rigorous training and harrowing tests, Gabriel’s journey from zero to hero is marked by moments of intense action, moral quandaries, and a transformation that is as chilling as the winds of HowlStrom.

The Author:

Steve Umstead, a name that’s probably more familiar to those who frequent the realms of military sci-fi, brings his experience as both a travel company owner and a storyteller to the table. With Gabriel: Zero Point, Umstead continues to carve out his niche in the genre, blending futuristic tech with the gritty reality of military life. His writing is a cold, calculated strike—efficient and to the point, much like the soldiers he writes about.

Umstead’s other works, including the full Evan Gabriel Trilogy, share a similar DNA: hard-hitting action, a focus on character-driven narratives, and a penchant for exploring the darker sides of human augmentation and warfare. While Gabriel: Zero Point may not have the same level of polish as some of his other works, it’s a solid introduction to the world he’s built.

Characters:

Evan Gabriel is the heart and soul of this novella, a character forged in the icy fires of military discipline and enhanced by cutting-edge technology. Gabriel’s transformation from a promising recruit to a near-superhuman soldier is the backbone of the story, and Umstead does a commendable job of portraying his inner turmoil. Gabriel’s struggle is one that resonates with the lone wolf in all of us—caught between what he was and what he’s becoming.

Supporting characters, while not as fleshed out, serve their roles well within the narrative. Moira, the scientist who oversees Gabriel’s transformation, is a mix of cold professionalism and subtle warmth, a character whose motivations are as enigmatic as the icy depths of a frozen lake. Other characters, like Gabriel’s commanding officers, are more archetypal, but they add to the military atmosphere that permeates the novella.

Structure:

The structure of Gabriel: Zero Point is as straightforward as a sniper’s bullet. The novella is linear, with each chapter propelling the reader deeper into Gabriel’s world and his transformation. There’s a sense of urgency that builds as the story progresses, mirroring Gabriel’s own increasing isolation and the weight of the decisions he must make.

Umstead doesn’t waste time on unnecessary details. The pacing is tight, with each scene contributing to the overall narrative. However, this brevity can be a double-edged sword; while it keeps the story moving at a brisk pace, it also leaves little room for the kind of deep world-building that could have added more layers to the tale.

Themes & Analysis:

At its core, Gabriel: Zero Point explores themes of transformation, identity, and the moral complexities of warfare. Gabriel’s journey is one of becoming—of shedding his old self and embracing the cold, hard reality of what it means to be a weapon in a futuristic military. The novella touches on the ethical implications of human augmentation, a topic that’s as relevant in our world as it is in Gabriel’s.

The idea of losing one’s humanity in the pursuit of perfection is a chilling one, and it’s a theme that runs through the entire narrative like an icy river. Gabriel’s struggle to retain his sense of self, even as he’s molded into something more—and less—than human, is a powerful reflection of the sacrifices that soldiers often make in the name of duty.

Scenes:

While Gabriel: Zero Point isn’t heavy on romance or harem dynamics, the scenes that stand out are those that delve into Gabriel’s transformation. The descriptions of the nanite infusion process are both fascinating and terrifying, a vivid reminder of the cost of becoming more than human. These scenes are where Umstead’s writing shines, balancing technical detail with the emotional weight of what Gabriel is going through.

The action scenes, too, are well-crafted, with a focus on realism that grounds the more fantastical elements of the story. Whether it’s a close-quarters battle or a tense standoff, the combat is gritty, brutal, and reflective of the military sci-fi genre.

World-Building:

In terms of world-building, Gabriel: Zero Point offers glimpses of a larger, more complex universe, but it doesn’t delve too deeply into the details. We know that the North American Federation is a major player in a future world where geopolitical lines have shifted, but the novella keeps its focus tight on Gabriel and his immediate surroundings.

This approach works for the story being told, but it may leave some readers wanting more. The world outside of Gabriel’s transformation is hinted at, with references to other planets and a broader military conflict, but these elements are more backdrop than fully realized settings. For readers who crave detailed world-building, this might be a bit of a letdown, but for those who prefer a character-driven narrative, it’s a solid choice.

Praise & Critique:

There’s a lot to like about Gabriel: Zero Point, particularly if you’re a fan of military sci-fi. The pacing is tight, the action is well-executed, and Gabriel’s transformation is both compelling and unsettling. Umstead’s writing is efficient, delivering a story that’s easy to digest but still packed with enough depth to keep you engaged.

However, the novella’s brevity is also its biggest weakness. The lack of detailed world-building and the sometimes superficial treatment of secondary characters can make the story feel a bit thin in places. Additionally, while Gabriel is a well-drawn protagonist, the novella doesn’t always give him the room to fully explore the implications of his transformation.

Comparison:

Compared to Umstead’s other works, Gabriel: Zero Point is very much in line with his style—focused, character-driven, and heavy on action. If you’ve read the Evan Gabriel Trilogy, this novella serves as a solid introduction to the character, though it may not add much if you’re already familiar with his story.

In the broader landscape of military sci-fi, Gabriel: Zero Point holds its own, but it’s not without its competition. Fans of series like Richard K. Morgan’s Takeshi Kovacs novels or John Scalzi’s Old Man’s War might find Umstead’s work to be a bit more straightforward, but it’s still a worthy addition to the genre.

Personal Evaluation:

As a lone wolf who knows a thing or two about isolation and transformation, I found Gabriel: Zero Point to be a thought-provoking read. The novella’s exploration of identity and the cost of becoming something more than human resonated with me, and the action scenes were a nice adrenaline rush. However, the lack of deeper world-building and the sometimes shallow characterization kept it from reaching the heights I was hoping for.

That said, if you’re looking for a quick, engaging read that dives into the darker side of military sci-fi, Gabriel: Zero Point is worth checking out. It may not be the most complex story out there, but it’s a solid introduction to a character and a universe that have a lot of potential.

Conclusion:

In the end, Gabriel: Zero Point is a chilly slice of military sci-fi that delivers on action and character, even if it doesn’t dive as deep into its world as some readers might like. It’s a solid entry point into the Evan Gabriel Trilogy, offering a taste of what’s to come without giving too much away. For fans of the genre, it’s a quick, enjoyable read that’s worth your time.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 howls. It’s a good read, but like a lone wolf wandering the icy tundra, it leaves you wanting just a bit more.

[Soo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got the prequel to the Evan Gabriel series on Audible. It's always nice to get freebie intros for a new story. As my new habit, I put on Zero Point to listen to while I do other work.

The story is about how Evan Gabriel was recruited and the diabolical trial he faced to become a part of the special forces. There isn't a whole lot of description for the scenes. I only know that the story takes place in a space oriented future due to the blurb and cover. What is clear is the kind of man Gabriel may be and how he acts under pressure. There are teasing pieces of the man who decided Gabriel's future as an unknown recruit.

The story did the job. My imagination has been tickled with thoughts and ideas. I have to find out if what I've guessed is right or not. I'll definitely read Gabriel's Redemption to see if I'm right or not.

[Bob Morton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zero Point was an interesting listen. It kept my interest. I listen to audiobooks on my way to and from work. Often I would arrive and want to finish at least that chapter before I went in.

The characters were all well developed and were clear who they were. The actor did each one in a distinctive voice.
There was a fair amount of violence, it backed up the story, so this could not be one that I would recommend for all. Young adult and up would be best audience. The ending is Ok, it is a prequel, but it does not leave you hanging.

Gabriel is chosen for an elite mission and he is turned into a weapon. It is his choice what to do with his life when all this happens.

[Freethings Forme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quickie comes to mind right off the back when deciding how to describe this book. This book basically explains how Gabriel's career path and choices were taken from him the moment he began to stand out as a shooting star during officer training school. This book also serves to set up the trilogy, by introducing the reader to the main character of the series.

[Emilija · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

This was quite meh. The plot was okay, nothing brilliant but not bad. There wasn’t much world building and there isn’t much description in the scenes. It doesn’t really make me want to listen to the subsequent trilogy.

[Josiah Fruge · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started off sounding like a strong coming of age journey but quickly blazed past the parts I really wanted to dive into. Without giving away spoilers I will just say that this book is worth a listen but if you're anything like me then you will be filled with a longing to dig into the characters story more.

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

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[Hw Huyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story, a nano infused body of a warrior soldier, with a cliff hanger

Good story, a nano infused body of a warrior soldier, with a cliff hanger ending. Good while it lasted but abruptly ending with a. new mission in sight.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A prequel to the Evan Gabriel trilogy. It has the typical military sci-fi feel along the lines of classic Heinlein’s Starship Troopers. Not sure if we’ll dive into the wider story.

Anyone have further thoughts?

[Ron Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmm, can you say Jason Bourne meets Starship Troopers? Perhaps Jason Bourne meets Alien? A fun read and such great detail. I would say it would be nice to learn a bit more about the characters in lieu of the expansive environmental and visual detail.

[Woody James · Rating 4 out of 5]

prequel to the trilogy.

[Bill Tillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very short listen, the have the Audible version. Gabriel has led the life of a loner, and being in the space Navy is no different.

[Wt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a very well written novella, but characters and premise are well thought out.







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[Shukrful · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little novella. Great setup for the series. Loved the short length and free Audible download as it helped me figure out quickly I should move on to the next book in the series.

[PeacefulDreamer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ray Chase is an excellent narrator. I don't think this is a series I will continue, but it gets the third star for the good narration.

[Roo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh

[Michael · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not for me

[Jay Carper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

Great story. Good characters, lots of action, just the right amount of detail without a bunch of infodumps. Quality, near-future, military science fiction.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5*

As an audiobook I struggled to get into the story and fully enjoy it.

I have heard/ read more detailed short stories.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intriguing. May venture into the series. at least look at book 1.