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Origins #5
Origins: A Greater Good
THE FIFTH AND FINAL INSTALLMENT OF THE ORIGINS SERIES The Novi have finally arrived, but is that a good thing for anyone involved? The Novi may look the same, but time has not been kind to their outlook on the galaxy’s other sentient races in the aftermath of the ‘Lost Fleet’ incident. Hastelloy and his crew have their loyalties torn between the Novi they once knew, the humans they now know, and who the Novi have become. Who should they serve? The answer brings with it a day of reckoning for Hastelloy. All of his sins from the altering form, suicide, inciting war, and murder will finally be judged. New friends will attempt to exonerate him, while old enemies will resurface to try and bury him once and for all. In the end, the only question that truly needs answering is, was it all done for A Greater Good?
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 15, 2014
26 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Mark Henrikson
11 books89 followersMark Henrikson grew up in the suburbs of St. Louis Missouri and attended the University of Missouri, Columbia where he earned a bachelors degree in Finance and Economics in 1998. He later earned his Masters of Business Administration from Lindenwood University.
Mark's love of story telling began at a young age while listening to imaginative, and often times scary, bedtime stories by his father. His respect for the written word was reinforced by the attentive eye of his mother who taught English for many years at St. Charles High School.
Mark has been happily married since 2000 and is the proud father of two children. He works as a financial analyst and uses his fiction writing as a creative outlet from the rather sterile profession he none the less enjoys.
His Origins novel series began as a two page plot write-up his older brother decided was not going anywhere. With his permission, Mark used that synopsis as back story for the main character in the Origins series and allowed his creativity to take over from there.
Mark's love of story telling began at a young age while listening to imaginative, and often times scary, bedtime stories by his father. His respect for the written word was reinforced by the attentive eye of his mother who taught English for many years at St. Charles High School.
Mark has been happily married since 2000 and is the proud father of two children. He works as a financial analyst and uses his fiction writing as a creative outlet from the rather sterile profession he none the less enjoys.
His Origins novel series began as a two page plot write-up his older brother decided was not going anywhere. With his permission, Mark used that synopsis as back story for the main character in the Origins series and allowed his creativity to take over from there.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 3, 2022
Outstanding!
Mark Hendrickson has done an outstanding job of creating life in his characters. He made me laugh, cry and keep reading. An absolute pleasure!
I recommend this book to anyone that loves history bust doesn’t mind having it twisted for a great story, he even made plausible stories of how and why things happened. I also appreciated that in using the story of Jesus Christ he left us with the unexplainable, a miracle
I will say that you need a better proof reader. Spelling was good but you did have more than a few correctly spelled words used in correctly ie: “he couldn’t see “strait”.”
I will definitely read more from this author! Thank you!
Mark Hendrickson has done an outstanding job of creating life in his characters. He made me laugh, cry and keep reading. An absolute pleasure!
I recommend this book to anyone that loves history bust doesn’t mind having it twisted for a great story, he even made plausible stories of how and why things happened. I also appreciated that in using the story of Jesus Christ he left us with the unexplainable, a miracle
I will say that you need a better proof reader. Spelling was good but you did have more than a few correctly spelled words used in correctly ie: “he couldn’t see “strait”.”
I will definitely read more from this author! Thank you!
September 26, 2017
A fitting end
Here comes the final reckoning for the fifth fleet. Hastelloy is being judged for his actions. While his foes try to dig his grave, his friends try their best to bat for him. In the end what would be best for the greater good?
I can't think of a better ending. Though not as crisp and engaging as the rest probably because of the missing history links, this takes us through the testimonies of hastelloy's crew during his trial. The Novi Republic has shed all its older ideals. Hastelloy as always is 3 steps ahead. The ensuing climax is a perfect end.
Here comes the final reckoning for the fifth fleet. Hastelloy is being judged for his actions. While his foes try to dig his grave, his friends try their best to bat for him. In the end what would be best for the greater good?
I can't think of a better ending. Though not as crisp and engaging as the rest probably because of the missing history links, this takes us through the testimonies of hastelloy's crew during his trial. The Novi Republic has shed all its older ideals. Hastelloy as always is 3 steps ahead. The ensuing climax is a perfect end.
June 28, 2017
I believe it isn't easy to find a sci fi series that is very good from beginning to end, but this is surely one of them. For me, the top of the heap has always been Asimov's Foundation series. I would say the Origins series is one of the best I have read since. I intend to check out Mr. Henrikson's other works post haste.
February 2, 2018
Fabulous series. I Red book 1 first and couldn't wait to continue to the others. I have now finished the last book and wish there was more . I hope to read more of this author's books of I can find them.
May 20, 2020
Wow..
Only Hastelloy could have ended this series with a bang! I was shocked by the outcome but saw no other way for the Republic to be reformed. Earth is safe and the galaxy can truly become a better one now.
Only Hastelloy could have ended this series with a bang! I was shocked by the outcome but saw no other way for the Republic to be reformed. Earth is safe and the galaxy can truly become a better one now.
March 3, 2018
That was a good book
It was gripping, unpredictable, real and surprising.
What science fiction should be about.
The previous books of the series were quite educational too.
It was gripping, unpredictable, real and surprising.
What science fiction should be about.
The previous books of the series were quite educational too.
March 9, 2021
Absolute Surprise
That is not the ending I expected!
Really enjoyed all the 5 books of this series.
Great read! Thanks 😊
That is not the ending I expected!
Really enjoyed all the 5 books of this series.
Great read! Thanks 😊
April 19, 2022
awesome
The ending to the series was perfect. Lots of twists and turns that ended in the only way it should have. Hats off to the author.
The ending to the series was perfect. Lots of twists and turns that ended in the only way it should have. Hats off to the author.
April 24, 2018
Once I started the series. I was hooked! I read the entire set in days! (Took a PTO day just to finish)
February 25, 2017
Ancient history alive
A fascinating concept incorporating two favorites, science fiction and history in it,s entirety. definitely tough one to pure down. get it now.
A fascinating concept incorporating two favorites, science fiction and history in it,s entirety. definitely tough one to pure down. get it now.
June 21, 2015
Great conclusion
This was the last book in Henrikson's Origins series. After four books walking us through the history of the world told by an alien who shaped much of the great events in history, they finally make contact with their people who send a rescue ship to them. The rest of the book tells the story of what happened after the Novi ship arrives, and concludes on their home planet where things unfold.
After being gone for 5,000 years, well, I'll avoid spoilers on this one.
I thoroughly enjoyed this series and read all five of the books in about a week. In fact, this last book I read in a day - I could not put it down. I would not classify the writer at the same level as Bradbury or Clarke, bug he is on his way. I am eager to read more from Mark Henrikson in the future.
This was the last book in Henrikson's Origins series. After four books walking us through the history of the world told by an alien who shaped much of the great events in history, they finally make contact with their people who send a rescue ship to them. The rest of the book tells the story of what happened after the Novi ship arrives, and concludes on their home planet where things unfold.
After being gone for 5,000 years, well, I'll avoid spoilers on this one.
I thoroughly enjoyed this series and read all five of the books in about a week. In fact, this last book I read in a day - I could not put it down. I would not classify the writer at the same level as Bradbury or Clarke, bug he is on his way. I am eager to read more from Mark Henrikson in the future.
March 2, 2015
Disappointed
I LOVED this series all the way up to this last book. Far too many authors have started turning fantastic scifi/fantasy/adventure books into boring political dissertations on their own personal views. This RUINS the story. It doesn't matter if I agree or disagree. What matters is that I can get political opinion from the news. When I sit and read a sci-fi adventure, that's what I want to read. NOT a discourse on current American politics disguised as issues among an advanced alien race. God knows we get a sickening amount of the self righteous moral beliefs forced down our throats from both sides of the dysfunctional American political system as it is. Otherwise, I absolutely loved the first four books.
I LOVED this series all the way up to this last book. Far too many authors have started turning fantastic scifi/fantasy/adventure books into boring political dissertations on their own personal views. This RUINS the story. It doesn't matter if I agree or disagree. What matters is that I can get political opinion from the news. When I sit and read a sci-fi adventure, that's what I want to read. NOT a discourse on current American politics disguised as issues among an advanced alien race. God knows we get a sickening amount of the self righteous moral beliefs forced down our throats from both sides of the dysfunctional American political system as it is. Otherwise, I absolutely loved the first four books.
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April 30, 2015Amazing
This really is an amazing tale..from beginning to end it keeps you glued to the page. I cannot wait for more books from him.
Having said that, I would offer the suggestion of proof reading for punctuation, grammar and some minor spelling mistakes. I've had a hard time adjusting to the new reality of these common mistakes as more and more writer self publish. I think it's kind of sad that we are getting so used to it that we just accept it and ignore it. We shouldn't, and it's such a shame that a story as good as this has these issues.
Editing aside, this is wonderful!
This really is an amazing tale..from beginning to end it keeps you glued to the page. I cannot wait for more books from him.
Having said that, I would offer the suggestion of proof reading for punctuation, grammar and some minor spelling mistakes. I've had a hard time adjusting to the new reality of these common mistakes as more and more writer self publish. I think it's kind of sad that we are getting so used to it that we just accept it and ignore it. We shouldn't, and it's such a shame that a story as good as this has these issues.
Editing aside, this is wonderful!
October 9, 2015
Fitting conclusion to the series
I've really enjoyed reading this entire series. I'm glad I didn't start reading when book one was released though or I would have gone through withdrawal. Good pacing all the way through, and a great premise to base a set of books on. It's not everyday you get to enjoy a good historical fiction AND sci fi story all in one! A lot of the story is told in flashback fashion which normally could lead to disjointed reading but the author does a marvelous job weaving these into the present day story. Highly recommended the entire series and look forward to reading more from Mr. Henrikson.
I've really enjoyed reading this entire series. I'm glad I didn't start reading when book one was released though or I would have gone through withdrawal. Good pacing all the way through, and a great premise to base a set of books on. It's not everyday you get to enjoy a good historical fiction AND sci fi story all in one! A lot of the story is told in flashback fashion which normally could lead to disjointed reading but the author does a marvelous job weaving these into the present day story. Highly recommended the entire series and look forward to reading more from Mr. Henrikson.
November 14, 2015
I am sad to say that I am finished with this series. That being said, this has been the first series I have read straight through. It is a wonderful story, laced with history for the learning. This final book in the series, tightly closed it up in quite a creative way. In such a creative way, it has sewn together all the truths throughout each book into the common theme of: the greater good.
My hat is off to Mr. Henrickson.
My hat is off to Mr. Henrickson.
March 17, 2016
Great ending
I read through the whole series and at first I was not too thrilled with the plot. As much so as almost calling it sacrilegious in the first two books. As the series went on it peaked my interest taking in history that I am interested in. The last book of the series is very well written and had a very unexpected ending!!!!
I read through the whole series and at first I was not too thrilled with the plot. As much so as almost calling it sacrilegious in the first two books. As the series went on it peaked my interest taking in history that I am interested in. The last book of the series is very well written and had a very unexpected ending!!!!
December 16, 2014
Surprising ending
I'd say this book is just as good as the rest, except for the ending. The last few pages are five star all the way and will make you wish he writes a new series based on Valinor.
I'd say this book is just as good as the rest, except for the ending. The last few pages are five star all the way and will make you wish he writes a new series based on Valinor.
December 28, 2014
Best Series I've read in a long time. BRAVO. BRAVO
Every installment builds to the final crescendo Generation's genius is a national treasure I look forward to his next creation with the greatest anticipation
Every installment builds to the final crescendo Generation's genius is a national treasure I look forward to his next creation with the greatest anticipation
May 30, 2015
A journey through history like no other
The Origins series of books has been a fascinating read from book one. It brings history alive in a way that I could have never imagined. And leaves one questioning the history that we learned in school.
The Origins series of books has been a fascinating read from book one. It brings history alive in a way that I could have never imagined. And leaves one questioning the history that we learned in school.
June 15, 2015
Awesome series
Loved the continuity and the characters in this whole series. One of the best I have read in a while. Usually as books progress the reading seems to get old but this one keeps you reading all the way through.
Loved the continuity and the characters in this whole series. One of the best I have read in a while. Usually as books progress the reading seems to get old but this one keeps you reading all the way through.
October 5, 2015
Not as good as the earlier novels in the series
I was somewhat disappointed in this conclusion to the Origins series. This book focused on Novi politics with little to no human participation. Nonetheless, it was well-written. Overall, I enjoyed the series very much.
I was somewhat disappointed in this conclusion to the Origins series. This book focused on Novi politics with little to no human participation. Nonetheless, it was well-written. Overall, I enjoyed the series very much.
January 31, 2018
Th perfect end to a Great Series.
A greater good is a fantastic story of closure. The brilliance of the captain never ceases to amaze,the only bad thing I can say of this story , is that it's now done. Do yourself a favor, read these books.
A greater good is a fantastic story of closure. The brilliance of the captain never ceases to amaze,the only bad thing I can say of this story , is that it's now done. Do yourself a favor, read these books.
December 19, 2014
Origins
I just finished reading the last of this series of books, I have to say over all it was a good story.
I just finished reading the last of this series of books, I have to say over all it was a good story.
January 28, 2015
Absolutely fabulous ending to a phenomenal Series! This installment kept me guessing until the very end. I'm sad that it's over.
December 27, 2014
One of the best series I have ever read
I have read thousands of books of all types. This series of books is the most thought provoking series I have ever read.
I have read thousands of books of all types. This series of books is the most thought provoking series I have ever read.
December 31, 2014
The preceding 4 books ranged between 3 to 3.5 stars for me but this final instalment to the series is a solid 4 stars. A 'surprise' ending which befits the main protagonist's character.
January 10, 2015
Wow what an ending
I really like this series. I have to say it just gets better and better. Hastelloys plans within plans are just amazing.
I really like this series. I have to say it just gets better and better. Hastelloys plans within plans are just amazing.
April 27, 2015
I absolutely loved this entire series and this final book tied everything up nice and tidy! Mark is a fantastic writer and I look forward to more of his work!!
February 14, 2015
the previous books in the Origins series were very entertaining. This book was by far the best though. The ending blew me away, and left me in a state of contemplation.
July 6, 2015
Exciting
You have kept my interest. Well written. This series kept me guessing right to the end. I will miss you Capt. Hastelloy.
You have kept my interest. Well written. This series kept me guessing right to the end. I will miss you Capt. Hastelloy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews