The Orion Protocol

by Gary Tigerman

1958: The Eisenhower-commissioned Brookings Reportrecommends that any future discovery of extraterrestrialintelligence be kept secret from the public. 1968: Congress grants NASA the power to indefinitely"quarantine" anyone exposed to alien life or artifacts. 1993: Just 48 hours from the Red Planet, NASA's Mars Observer probe inexplicably disappears and is declared "lost." A mysterious whistle-blower inside NASA sends science journalist Angela Browning a classified photo revealing extraterrestrial ruins on Mars. With the help of Jake Deaver, the maverick commander of the last Apollo mission to the moon, Angela's prepared to pursue the truth into the darkest corners of Washington politics. But what's waiting for them in the shadows of a revolutionary space-based missile defense shield program is a conspiracy beyond their imagining -- forcing them both toward the terrifying decision that could end their lives ... and alter our world forever.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Mystery, Action, Space, Adventure, Thriller

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published November 25, 2003

Reviews

[Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is right up my street. Mars, the Moon, Egypt, conspiracy theories, it covers all the subjects close to my heart. GT does so well to cram in all the theories and data and still manages to make it an enjoyable story. Even if you're only faintly curious about such matters, this book will give you pause for thought.

[Shawn Holman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these kinds of books. Conspiracies of the government knowing about aliens and alien technology. I really liked this one. Journalist uncovers alien secret, astronaut can corroborate, government wants to shut everything down, corruption, intrigue, awesomeness.

[Sean Randall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though fairly slow to start, this picked up and I quite enjoyed the story. The collection of evidence and research at the end is also quite shocking!

[Jim Kratzok · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story, unfortunately a bit dated.

This story was written only 16 years ago but national and international political situations have changed so much that the story seemed quite dated. The Russians and Chinese are mentioned as our friends, the president is youthful and intelligent, and the left/right political warfare we hear and see daily on the news was not even a thought in the author's mind. It feels like reading about a much more innocent and simpler time.

Despite all that, this was a fine story about government intrigue, possible extraterrestrial life, and what happens when a group of individuals go up against the former and try to release information about the latter....

[Robert Lane · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a waste of reading time. Plot lines disappeared. The author doesn't know that viruses and bacteria are different. What happened to the reindeer? Did they autopsy the little grey guy behind the rock? Why are we building all these super weapons? To defend us from the little grey guys, or because Ike was right and the MIC rules all?

As a first draft of a freshman semester paper, it's not too terrible. Just put in the drawer and leave it to age for a few years. (...While the author reads several excellent books on how to write a novel.)

[Teresa M. Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read!

I absolutely loved this book, the storyline was right up my alley. Now, if only the real world could follow suit, all the powers that be would see it would be a much better world where its citizens could trust their respective governments. It was a fast paced and enthralling ride, from beginning to end! Its funny how an author can put this all together correctly, but not the powers that be. Well done Gary Tigerman!

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn’t the kind of book I normally enjoy, but I liked it. It has an acceptable, but open-ended, conclusion, and I would have read on if there were books in the series.

This is a standalone novel.

[Fraser Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Government coverups, aliens, ancient cultures, "deep state" type stuff. Some interesting facts are given that do make you wonder...

Many topics in the book seem very current to what is being discussed today, hard to believe book is 20+ years old.

[Robin · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's OK but not terribly exciting and the characters and situations are a bit cliche.

[Shaun · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice quick read of what looks to be this author's first and only published book. Relatively easy to follow and a subject matter that I enjoy. Good premise to the story but the book lacked any kind of punch and characters didn't really leave me caring about what happened to any of them.

I am glad I gave this obscure book (going by the number of reviews here and on amazon) a chance and I'm not sorry I read it.

[Rusty · Rating 3 out of 5]

A unidentified whistle-blower inside NASA sends a journalist a classified photo that shows extraterrestrial ruins on Mars. Angela Browning, the journalist, and Jake Deaver, commander of the last Apollo moon mission, seek the truth about the photo. What they find is a conspiracy that is dangerous, could endanger their lives, and change our world...forever.

[Aditi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Snore-fest. I couldn't finish it. I tired. It seemed perfect for me! Sci-fi thriller about Mars - right up my alley! But the alley was dull and dreary. I kept making excuses not to read it. Such a shame.

[S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Government conspiracy, Alien cover ups and secret covert moon walks. Great book the pace keeps moving from start to finish. Most of the chapters are short. The book does jump around from scene to scene but it's not hard to follow.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

thriller w/ets existing and massive govt coverup of ancient ruins on Mars

[Jlither · Rating 4 out of 5]

Conspiracies...

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good, fast paced mystery.
Maintained its currency even though it's 13 years old.