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When the Rho Project’s lead scientist, Dr. Donald Stephenson, is imprisoned for his crimes against humanity, the world dares to hope the threat posed by the Rho Project’s alien technologies is finally over.

The world is wrong.

In Switzerland, scientists working on the Large Hadron Collider have discovered a new threat, a scientific anomaly capable of destroying the earth—and only Rho Project technology can stop it. In exchange for a full pardon, Dr. Stephenson agrees to create a wormhole that will send the anomaly into deep space. But his promise masks the alien agenda that brought the Rho Ship to earth.

Now a trio of altered humans, Heather McFarland and Mark and Jennifer Smythe, must infiltrate Stephenson’s wormhole project and stop it, no matter the cost. The ultimate battle has begun and, this time, mankind cannot afford to lose. The final installment to Richard Phillips’s Rho Agenda trilogy brings the epic tale to an explosive conclusion that will echo long past the final page.

540 pages, Paperback

First published November 12, 2012

384 people are currently reading
1496 people want to read

About the author

Richard Phillips

15 books573 followers
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Richard Phillips is the million copy bestselling author of the Rho Agenda scifi series, the Jack 'The Ripper' Gregory series, and the epic fantasy series, The Endarian Prophecy. He is a retired Army Officer, West Point graduate, and has a Master of Science degree in Physics from the Naval Post Graduate School. He was a researcher at Lawrence Livermore and Los Alamos National Laboratories for the U.S. military, a software project leader at General Electric, Lockheed Martin Space Operations, and General Dynamics before becoming a full-time writer.

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5 stars
2,754 (36%)
4 stars
2,865 (38%)
3 stars
1,519 (20%)
2 stars
284 (3%)
1 star
65 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 273 reviews
Profile Image for Gina Basham.
592 reviews4 followers
January 28, 2013
My reviews of book one and two are below. Here is my review of three. A climactic finish. Didn't dissapoint. The build up was riveting. It escaped the trite finale. Again, if you love sci-fi you will love this series through to the end.

Book one: If you like GOOD science fiction you will like this series. The character development was outstanding. You knew who they were, what they cared about and just enough twists in their characters to be believable. The story was well defined and escalated at the appropriate pace to keep you engaged and wondering - where is he taking me next? The plot line for the trilogy was well thought and progressed from one book to the next as it should. If I hadn't bought all three at once and just read the first book waiting for the second I would have been mad because I enjoyed plowing through all three at once. Like I said, if you like sci-fi you will like this series.

One note: There is some heavy physics and math discussions. I know nothing about either so there were a few paragraphs I glossed over or skipped. Not so much that it was irritating - enough to make you think he knows what he's talking about so I'll trust it. Don't be intimidated, it really doesn't alter the story line or detract from anything in the books.

Book two: Book two follows book one seamlessly. The political intrigue adds so much to the entire series. I always think that people that don't believe in government cover ups or assassinations are naive and this was handled so well as to be believable. The characters progress so well and he is not afraid to put them through the ringer. They are vulnerable enough to cringe when they are hurt. The mistakes they make cause you to give yourself a forehead slap - don't do it. And evil enough to despise and wish them ill. Well done.
Profile Image for Banner.
330 reviews54 followers
February 15, 2013
This is the last book in the Rho Agenda trilogy.

This series was one of the nicest surprises I've had in awhile. The whole idea of as secret space ship in New Mexico seemed so like a stereotype from 50's science fiction. While the initial premise maybe a little dated; the implementation was totally fresh. The characters developed deeply as the series developed. The plot was complex but not so you couldn't follow. The end was satisfying with most of the lose ends tied up. The things that were not totally resolved were really left up to our imagination.

I read these kind of stories mainly for enjoyment. If that is what your looking for, you'll not be disappointed .
Profile Image for Mike.
175 reviews1 follower
January 21, 2013
Book 3. The author's writing has matured in this series and this is the best one yet. Because of unanswered questions. I can see a fourth book coming. Not very standalone. Make sure you read books 1&2 first.
Profile Image for Melinda.
602 reviews9 followers
August 22, 2015
The Final of Six Novels in the Series is an Incredible Finish

Mark, Heather and Jennifer reach their potential as augmented humans, as they race against time, and the evil augmented Dr. Stephenson to protect humanity from the black hole Stephenson created at CERN in the previous book.

They exonerate Stephenson from his horrifying crimes of stealing the Rho ship technology for his own power hungry agenda and distributing nanite formula that caused gross deformity, madness and illness instead of curing everything. All Stephenson's crimes were then publicly blamed on Jack.

Stephenson is taken from his prison cell, toasted at the White House as a hero, then taken to CERN. The U.S. needs Stephenson to stop the black hole from eating the Earth. He is the only scientist with the knowledge to throw the black hole into space before it ate the planet, but of course, he has a hidden agenda. Our three kids had to find out what he is doing and stop him, but first, they have to get out of the U.S., and that is going to prove to be a challenge.

Jack and Janet act as trainers, facilitators and handlers as our three protagonists take on the NAVY SEALS, the NSA, the Rho ship as well as an augmented Stephenson himself with his scientific creation to get rid of the black hole and create a gateway. A gateway to what, or whom?

The government still wants to kill the Ripper at any cost, and the same goes for Janet, who is seriously pregnant, so they have to physically stay under the radar, but it doesn't stop Jack from going anywhere he wants in his stealthy fashion in support of the kids.

There is no discussion about the alien in Jack's head, so I guess it isn't either the Kasarians or the Altrians that banished this alien to be an exiled spirit, or something would have been mentioned.

I am interested not only about the future of Jack's alien rider, but also Robby's imaginary friend that he gained through a simple accident on the back patio. If there is another book, Robby at an older age would be quite interesting to follow, especially with parents like Jack and Janet. Out of the three, only Janet hasn't been changed in some way.

The first third of the book was set up, and therefore a bit slow. The next third of the book got the story rolling and I was glad to finally have some action. The last third of the book is all action and flies by at an incredible pace.

There are only a few new characters. The new head of the NSA is billed as being significantly more qualified than Riles, but he doesn't come off that way, he comes off as a forceful, arrogant bull of a man who wouldn't know an insight if it bit him. Ms. Wu, the Cal Tech Computer Wunderkind seems to have some obvious blind spots for someone in her position. I guess it wouldn't be clear unless you knew about the subject matter.

Bottom line: It is an incredible capstone to the six book series ( or the two trilogies ), and it puts to bed most of the nagging questions that I haven't mentioned. This book had more hard science than all the others combined.

Highly Recommended!
Profile Image for Babydoclaz.
550 reviews10 followers
September 18, 2018
While the trilogy ended with a sort of happy resolve, there was far too much violence and creepy characters in the whole thing for me. Sort of science fiction with a soupcon of horror, which is not my cup of tea. While I enjoy adventure and I don't mind violence, this series had a lot for the main characters who are just 17 years old. Granted, they were "enhanced".
Profile Image for JulesQ.
294 reviews2 followers
January 6, 2013
This review will also apply to the first two books in the series, The Second Ship, and Immune, because I'm too lazy to actually go and add those to my shelves. I also read the other two in 2012, and pretty much failed to record anything I read after August of last year anyway, so I figured I wouldn't mess with that.

Anyway, this book was really close to getting three stars, but I couldn't get over the fact that it would frequently jar me out of the story with poor writing -- particularly the descriptive similes (an example from book one describes one character swooping into a classroom "like an angry pterodactyl")-- and/or unfollowed up on plot elements (e.g. when one character has something happen to him which appears to have portends for the future of the story, but that is never, ever followed up on). I can't forgive that, Richard Phillips, I'm sorry.

Which is too bad, because although the book is full of one-dimensional characters, they were at least pleasantly one-dimensional, and sure science and plot elements were absurd, but they were enjoyably absurd (I especially enjoyed the 'behind-the-scenes government' bits).
186 reviews9 followers
February 27, 2013
This book was the payoff and made the series worthwhile. It's in this volume that you truly find out what has been going on the whole time and the entire story (and various components of it) all come together in an interesting and exciting way.

A very good series and well worth the time invested!
Profile Image for Joyoriley.
7 reviews1 follower
April 9, 2013
Wow. This was book 3 of the series and I devoured all three. It's tough to find good Science Fiction and this author delivers. Even though some of the main characters are teens, this reads as a full on adult thriller. The plot is intricate, the science solid, the action non-stop.....I'm really hoping there will be another!!
Profile Image for Delandis Dillard.
10 reviews
Read
November 12, 2015
Best book of the series

When I started the series I thought it was going to be a lame young adult novel but I was wrong. I loved this one the most as three author did an awesome job closing loose ends, while including decent plot twists.
101 reviews1 follower
January 8, 2016
This was the best of the three books of this trilogy. A fitting conclusion to the series with all the surprising twists of the other two books, but much less of the unbelievable of the second.
98 reviews
May 31, 2024
wow, Hard Sci-Fi at its very best!

Those who love Hard Sci-Fi books and series will flip over the first three books of The RHO Agenda by Richard Phillips. Those who are new to the “hard” visions in this sub-genre of Science Fiction will truly be fixated more and more as the series continues. Hard Sci-Fi does not mean they are hard to read, or hard to understand, or hardly worth it. It means the authors wrote with a true understanding of the science involved, both proven and theoretical. Through their unique education, work experience, and love of the genre they explain much of the science involved, as well as poke and prod our imaginations with the possibilities they bring to the written page. They truly believe in the integrity of what they are sharing with their readers; no dodgy leaps of logic allowed. I think that the best Sci-Fi writers of the last hundred years all possessed those qualities and abilities.

I just finished Book 3 of the series and have already bought the next two. My wife is just finishing Book 2. This is a series I can see myself, and others, re-reading again and again, getting something new out of each reading. Something akin to some of my favorite series such as The Foundation Trilogy, The Lord of the Rings, RAMA, and others.

If you have yet to read the books in the series, what are you waiting for? Time to find your new favorite author ;-)
Step into the RHO Agenda and see who you identify with. So many wonderful characters and situations that we can all see unfolding when intellect, imagination, politics, secrecy, accountability and madness combine in a scary first contact series. Who do YOU believe is benevolent and who is manipulated. Dive in today!
11 reviews
February 6, 2019
I would have given this series 5 stars but for a few things that annoyed me. The third book does deserve a 5 but the other two deserve a 4. The 3 young protagonists, despite their superhuman capacity for intelligence and ability make so many stupid decisions. I had to keep reminding myself that they are just kids in High School, but it comes to a point, especially in the second book, where their stupid decisions stretch credibility. For example, in the second book, Jen runs away because she thinks she is superior to her friends and proceeds to immediately get kidnapped by a Cartel. Instead of dealing with the apocalyptic dangers facing them, Mark and Heather go to search for her (not knowing she was kidnapped) and waste 2/3 of the book on something that never needed to happen in the first place if not for Jen's arrogance and immaturity. I understand that they are just kids, but you would think that the gifts given them would have allowed them to step back and look at their actions and say "hey, what I am doing right now is really stupid and a waste of time".

All that being said, I loved the series so much so that after I finished the second book I bought all the others (Assimilation series and Inception series) without a second thought.

I would also suggest not reading the series in chronological order but in release order. (Rho Agenda first, then Rho Agenda Inception, then Rho Agenda Assimilation)
Profile Image for Maria.
2,385 reviews50 followers
April 15, 2018
The slow start in the first book of the series is more than made up for in the last of the series. This one is so packed with action that it is hard to put down from the minute it starts. The three teenagers are still growing into their powers, and they can do so much more now. Mostly you worry whether they will do it responsibly or be seduced by power as so many are. History shows that it is the rare individual who can attain power and use it well, so it is a legitimate concern throughout the series and one that is tested from time to time. Politicians do not portray well in any of these books, but the author does a great job of explaining their foolish decisions. You still catch yourself yelling silently, "What can he be THINKING?" when some of these decisions are so obviously wrong. Frequently you wonder just which side he or she is on. Not too different from current events, is it? Time to start the next series in the Rho saga.
Profile Image for Trevor Dennis.
49 reviews1 follower
November 13, 2018
I am working my way through this series, and loving it enough to give all the books up to this point five stars. [SPOILER] I do all my 'reading' nowadays via audiobooks, and towards the end of Wormhole two of the main characters are settled in New Zealand, so it was a bit disturbing listening to the narrator using an Australian accent when portraying a pair of Kiwis. We kind of hate that. :-( Now this is going to sound picky, but these characters have bought a farm on the 'south side'' of the Pelorus river, which is just up the road from me, and for the most part, runs south to north so doesn't really have a 'south side'. The Kiwis with the Australian accent return home to Canvastown after visiting the farm, which is interesting only in as much as it is known for the quality of its cannabis which is said to grow in abundance there. The book was great, and three more to enjoy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Cookie.
189 reviews
November 7, 2021
cookiereads Wormhole by Richard Phillips (Rho Agenda Book 3) 🛸
Mark, Jennifer, and Heather are on the run. They are now working with Jack Gregory and Janet to stop the Rho project. Meanwhile scientists have discovered an anomaly that could destroy the planet but only one person can stop it the evil and imprisoned Dr. Stephenson. Problem is Dr. Stephenson will fix it for a full pardon….Can he be trusted? What will Mark, Heather, and Jennifer do to stop him? 🛸
The final book of the series is actually the best of this series. I liked learning about the Kasari (alien race) and their objective (to take over earth….yes soo original…). And the book is very technical. The series wraps up nicely but gives room for more stories..🛸
2 out of four paws #rhoagenda #scifibooks #bookstagrammer #corgiofinstagram #corgilife #bluemerlecorgi
Profile Image for Andrea.
587 reviews11 followers
March 28, 2019
If you can make it through the first 2 books, the 3rd will reward you with one non-stop crazy ride. The 3 teens finally come into their new found selves and unleash a world of badassery on the world and Dr. Stephenson. The momentum stays pretty high throughout the book, but I found the ending fall a little flat. I wanted a little more action taken against the Kasari (), but I can still be satisfied with how everything turned out.
16 reviews
August 19, 2023
A good Sci Fi story

In effect, I'm reviewing all 3 books and not just the finale to the trilogy. The story was very engaging and riveting. The writing was crisp and clear despite a great deal of scientific and mathematical jargon. The weak points were the exaggerated physical capabilities of some characters and the unimaginative descriptions of the aliens. This was a good Sci Fi story that plumbs the thought processes and motivations of both good and bad guys. I considered taking away a star because of the thread left dangling, that of the baby. Read the books to understand!
Profile Image for Jeff R Hawkins.
110 reviews3 followers
November 22, 2016
I could not put this book down.

The culmination of The Rho Agenda, it finally pulls together most of the various threads of the story. I am slightly disappointed that there are a few questions unanswered, but that mostly makes me hungry for the next books.
This trilogy is primarily fascinating because of the intriguing plot devices (alien technology granting teenagers with superpowers), but I also really like the characters.
I look forward to reading more.
Profile Image for Lori Peterson.
29 reviews
May 5, 2017
Strong science

I love how this series was very scientific, and wasn't dumbed down so that everyone could understand it. The author thought of some spectacular real world applications of quantum physics, which I loved!
I am going to have series hangover; meaning that I loved this series so much, it will be hard to move onto another.
There were many surprise twists and turns. Not many books get a solid 5 stars from me, but this one certainly deserved it!
Profile Image for Damian Nowak.
90 reviews2 followers
May 12, 2021
Zakończenie cyklu jest satysfakcjonujące, chociaż akcja mocno się zagęszcza pod koniec i sporo wątków pobocznych zdaje się pominiętych. Miałem wrażenie jakby autor planował 4-ty tom, ale w połowie trzeciego dostał informację, że jednak będą tylko trzy.
Cała historia bardzo wciągająca i zdecydowanie uprzyjemniła mi wieczory.
Uwaga do okładki: smugi kondensacyjne poza ziemską atmosferą? Seriously?! :)
Profile Image for Kyle.
3 reviews7 followers
May 10, 2017
An exciting end to a fun series

This third book provides an exciting, fulfilling end to this Rho Agenda trilogy. Upon finishing this book I now realize that there's a prequel trilogy and a sequel trilogy. I haven't read either and do believe that this trilogy can be read on its own.
Profile Image for Tom Hicklin.
Author 3 books12 followers
December 6, 2018
I've really enjoyed these Rho Agenda novels. They're a mix between an espionage thriller and science fiction, and the good guys and bad guys do not always turn out to be who you think they will be. It's especially nice how the characters change and evolve. The only static characters are the ones who don't last that long.
Profile Image for Éric Kasprak.
530 reviews2 followers
February 4, 2019
The third book was as good as the first two and the pacing might have been faster than the previous ones. All the plot threads are coming to an end and the conclusion is satisfying. I can't say enough good things about the short, crisp chapters that makes reading this long book a breeze, giving it an action TV show feel. Wormhole is a great action thriller with a definitive sci-fi theme, the pacing is solid throughout the multiples POV and the entertaining factor is omnipresent. The writing style of the author is simple and clean, making everything flow effortlessly.
42 reviews2 followers
December 24, 2022
Ok, that was worth reading!!!

This series is a must-read, but then I'm a fan of multiple storylines, political drama, and end of the world invasions. But most of all, I love strong protagonists that don't do stupid things... I loved the series, but the last book was a full-on thrill ride.
Profile Image for Fred Wagner.
449 reviews
January 7, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed. Shame that Jennifer had to ??die?? Curious about the following 3 books in this series (Rho Agenda Assimilation) but understand that the reading order is more intended that I next read the Rho Agenda Inception books.
Profile Image for Michael G Avant.
21 reviews2 followers
August 24, 2017
Good story

I like the story and characters. Enough to keep reading the next installments. The fictional science descriptions get a little muddy at times would be my biggest criticism
3 reviews
September 13, 2017
Fast paced and exciting

Entertaining read, with thankfully less backstory than the previous two. More or less satisfying ending. Parallel series now available, hope it is just as good.
2 reviews
October 6, 2017
Entertaining story. Would recommend to conspiracy readers. Great action, antagonist, and Heros. I'm sure the author has more for us!!

Entertaining story. Would recommend to conspiracy readers. Great action, antagonist, and Heros. I'm sure the author has more for us!!
Profile Image for Michael Zumwalt.
46 reviews
October 13, 2017
Gripping and Twisting

Absolutely loved this. The twists never stopped. The story line propelled itself in unexpected and fascinating directions. Never once did I say, "no don't" to the author; instead I appreciated his masterful mind.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 273 reviews

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