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Omegaverse #1
Shepherd Moon
Duncan Sheriden enters, at the bidding of several friends, into the virtual universe; the Omegaverse. As he explores the alien races, star systems and planets, he discovers a rich, vast, limitless expanse of possibilities.
From gritty fights for control of colonies with hostile alien and human forces, to interstellar trade, to thrilling hunts to eradicate space piracy, to epic battles between star-ships, Duncan finds himself drawn deeper and deeper into the virtual world.
As Duncan gains and evolves his online power, his 'real world' friends and activities take smaller and smaller roles as Duncan is, unbeknownst to himself, being targeted for special attention by forces he doesn't even realize exist.
From gritty fights for control of colonies with hostile alien and human forces, to interstellar trade, to thrilling hunts to eradicate space piracy, to epic battles between star-ships, Duncan finds himself drawn deeper and deeper into the virtual world.
As Duncan gains and evolves his online power, his 'real world' friends and activities take smaller and smaller roles as Duncan is, unbeknownst to himself, being targeted for special attention by forces he doesn't even realize exist.
124 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 17, 2015
98 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
G.R. Cooper
10 books40 followersG.R. Cooper is a twenty year veteran of the game industry, mostly spent in the trenches of massively multi-player online game development. He's done a little of everything; producing, level design, AI scripting, community management, customer support - even a little 3D modeling - but he considers himself a game designer at heart. He's worked for big game companies you've heard of, as well as a lot of little start-ups that never went anywhere (but were a whole metric butt-load of fun to work at).
While much of his job does indeed involve, and revolve around, writing, the Omegaverse is his first endeavor in trying to put that skill-set to work in fiction (unless you count many of his weekly status reports).
While much of his job does indeed involve, and revolve around, writing, the Omegaverse is his first endeavor in trying to put that skill-set to work in fiction (unless you count many of his weekly status reports).
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 17, 2018
A Different litRPG
This book is only a litRPG in the terms that there is a game involved. There is very little fighting and no classes and only a few references to skills. It was an interesting story with very little conflict and quite a bit of setting the stage for the next book(s). I do plan to keep reading the series.
This book is only a litRPG in the terms that there is a game involved. There is very little fighting and no classes and only a few references to skills. It was an interesting story with very little conflict and quite a bit of setting the stage for the next book(s). I do plan to keep reading the series.
September 23, 2015
Interesting. Would have been better if it was longer and didn't change view points so often. I feel like this should be Duncan's story yet a large portion of the books were told from other characters viewpoints. The events in the alternative viewpoints were then directly related or strongly hinted at during Duncan's sections leading to a large amount of duplicate information. I also did not like the abitrary time forwards/backwards. The time changes didn't add anything to the plot, it would have been better to just have them in the chronological order from the start.
May 11, 2018
Really, really good sci-fi litrpg!
Would have been a *very* rare five star review from me if not for the serendipitous nature of the main character's advancement, but that didn't detract (much) from a really fine story that I can't wait to continue enjoying with book two.
Would have been a *very* rare five star review from me if not for the serendipitous nature of the main character's advancement, but that didn't detract (much) from a really fine story that I can't wait to continue enjoying with book two.
April 20, 2018
Starts out slow. But then... 5 stars. What more do I need to say?
November 18, 2015
I grew up with video-games and, to be honest, played probably more than I should have in my youth. Today I don't have nearly as much time anymore, but my love for gaming (be it on a PC or console) is still alive.
Having said that, you can believe me when I tell you, that I was prepared to like this story since it touches many of the things I enjoy in games. The unfortunate truth is however, that I am left decidedly underwhelmed after finishing with Shepherd Moon. The scope and ambition of the virtual world described in G.R. Cooper's Omegaverse series is ambitious and huge, which is the reason why it reminds me of a game currently in development. Star Citizen is an independently developed title which has by now received a budget of $94m exclusively from crowd funding. That game, too, promises a lot of content, but while I am skeptical about what it can deliver, it still has time to mature. Not so with this first book of the series, which is finished and waiting for reader critique.
Well, I don't want to beat around the bush, so here's why I found the book wanting. The dialogue feels awkward at times, which is the most noticable during conversations lasting several pages. Mostly though I am disappointed that all those other characters only seem to be there so the protagonist doesn't have to talk with himself. After reading Shepherd Moon I don't feel that I know any of those secondary characters, nor do I feel anything about them, positive or negative. They're still only names on a page for me, at best pieces of interactive conversation in lieu of an ingame tutorial. Furthermore, .
Another reviewer said the plot progressed only by luck and it's impossible for me to disagree with that in the face of all evidence.
If I were to nitpick, I'd also mention a messy sentence structure and the author's inability to know when to use punctuation and when not to. With so many other books of the LitRPG genre out there being a lot worse than this, I don't have much of a leg to stand on though.
Lets face it, you probably don't read a story like this because you expect a masterpiece of literature, so the criticism has to be viewed in context. Among all self-published stories in this particular genre, the Omegaverse is about average, but the largest reason for that is due to the author being a native English speaker. There are certainly worse examples (those I haven't managed to finish and thus didn't rate or review at all) out there, but that doesn't make the Omegaverse any better.
Having said that, you can believe me when I tell you, that I was prepared to like this story since it touches many of the things I enjoy in games. The unfortunate truth is however, that I am left decidedly underwhelmed after finishing with Shepherd Moon. The scope and ambition of the virtual world described in G.R. Cooper's Omegaverse series is ambitious and huge, which is the reason why it reminds me of a game currently in development. Star Citizen is an independently developed title which has by now received a budget of $94m exclusively from crowd funding. That game, too, promises a lot of content, but while I am skeptical about what it can deliver, it still has time to mature. Not so with this first book of the series, which is finished and waiting for reader critique.
Well, I don't want to beat around the bush, so here's why I found the book wanting. The dialogue feels awkward at times, which is the most noticable during conversations lasting several pages. Mostly though I am disappointed that all those other characters only seem to be there so the protagonist doesn't have to talk with himself. After reading Shepherd Moon I don't feel that I know any of those secondary characters, nor do I feel anything about them, positive or negative. They're still only names on a page for me, at best pieces of interactive conversation in lieu of an ingame tutorial. Furthermore, .
Another reviewer said the plot progressed only by luck and it's impossible for me to disagree with that in the face of all evidence.
If I were to nitpick, I'd also mention a messy sentence structure and the author's inability to know when to use punctuation and when not to. With so many other books of the LitRPG genre out there being a lot worse than this, I don't have much of a leg to stand on though.
Lets face it, you probably don't read a story like this because you expect a masterpiece of literature, so the criticism has to be viewed in context. Among all self-published stories in this particular genre, the Omegaverse is about average, but the largest reason for that is due to the author being a native English speaker. There are certainly worse examples (those I haven't managed to finish and thus didn't rate or review at all) out there, but that doesn't make the Omegaverse any better.
April 13, 2017
So I've had this sitting on my to-read list for a while (along with volume #2 and #3). I don't know why, but the covers weren't really appealing, and the supposed mid-series switch was just something I wasn't really understanding in my head. I figured I would pick it up when I was on vacation and use it as a pulp read.
Vacation came and went and I didn't get a chance to start it. Anyways, long story short I decided to read it whilst on the plane and while this falls into what I consider "LitRPG lite" man-o-man what an enjoyable read. I'm writing this after having gone through the first three volumes in the series.
If you are looking for a well written, Sci-Fi, LitRPGeske story, look no further.
Vacation came and went and I didn't get a chance to start it. Anyways, long story short I decided to read it whilst on the plane and while this falls into what I consider "LitRPG lite" man-o-man what an enjoyable read. I'm writing this after having gone through the first three volumes in the series.
If you are looking for a well written, Sci-Fi, LitRPGeske story, look no further.
September 6, 2015
An intersting VR
Quite interesting. A different take for sure. The virtual reality has the richness usualy associated with sci-fi settings, and the plot will be more challenging, as sci-fi comes with more restrictions, and a harcher need for consistency, but so far so good. The MC is the loner type, which I prefer, but not a total mysanthrop, as he has actual friends. Heavy handed on the luck aspect though. I felt he was far too lucky right from the get go, but it didn't stop me from likingthe story. An interesting take, if a bit short. looking forward to see more.
Quite interesting. A different take for sure. The virtual reality has the richness usualy associated with sci-fi settings, and the plot will be more challenging, as sci-fi comes with more restrictions, and a harcher need for consistency, but so far so good. The MC is the loner type, which I prefer, but not a total mysanthrop, as he has actual friends. Heavy handed on the luck aspect though. I felt he was far too lucky right from the get go, but it didn't stop me from likingthe story. An interesting take, if a bit short. looking forward to see more.
February 27, 2016
Wow
Interesting book. While I read a lot of books and tend to have high standards, I picked this up and read it through. Kind of like a sci-fi Thomas Covenant. Slightly advanced real world with an interesting cyber game, advanced game in cyberspace includes first person shooter, spaceships, and planet development. Interesting foreshadowing of AIs and other interesting references for the future development of this series.
Interesting book. While I read a lot of books and tend to have high standards, I picked this up and read it through. Kind of like a sci-fi Thomas Covenant. Slightly advanced real world with an interesting cyber game, advanced game in cyberspace includes first person shooter, spaceships, and planet development. Interesting foreshadowing of AIs and other interesting references for the future development of this series.
July 19, 2015
Good LITRPG
Good science fiction LITRPG book. Was a good clean book. Had fun reading it. Would have loved more information on his skills, and how he got them. And I will be waiting on next book.
Good science fiction LITRPG book. Was a good clean book. Had fun reading it. Would have loved more information on his skills, and how he got them. And I will be waiting on next book.
September 4, 2015
I'm not going to write a review. Let me just say: if you want to read LitRPG and you can stand a little sexism, stick to the original: Dmitri Rus, AlterWorld series.
This one here has played too much Eve Online and has nothing else to say.
This one here has played too much Eve Online and has nothing else to say.
March 10, 2016
Good start
A nice beginning to a promising storyline. My only issue is the way the doorways work, just seem like a cheat for not having to write any description of the space between rooms.
A nice beginning to a promising storyline. My only issue is the way the doorways work, just seem like a cheat for not having to write any description of the space between rooms.
May 12, 2016
Super interesting
Really well written story about a very advanced vrpg . The main plot is that the game is being run by AI's with an agenda that we only get remote clues about. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one.
Really well written story about a very advanced vrpg . The main plot is that the game is being run by AI's with an agenda that we only get remote clues about. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one.
December 18, 2016
Great start.
Normally I am more in to the fantasy little, but thought I would give this a shot. Turned out it was a great choice.
Normally I am more in to the fantasy little, but thought I would give this a shot. Turned out it was a great choice.
August 25, 2021
An exciting first book in a series that has a lot of potential. I really hope it lives up to my expectations.
The prose wasn't all that exceptional but it did flow well which is half the battle. I enjoyed the quick brush with philosophy regarding the repercussions of a singularity through character dialogue.
Bought the second in the series immediately upon finishing this one.
Loved it - 4 stars
The prose wasn't all that exceptional but it did flow well which is half the battle. I enjoyed the quick brush with philosophy regarding the repercussions of a singularity through character dialogue.
Bought the second in the series immediately upon finishing this one.
Loved it - 4 stars
May 15, 2020
Interesting
Interesting, seemed very short, like the story was just getting started when it ended, not in a cliffhanger thankfully, I'm definitely reading the next one to see where the story goes from here.
Interesting, seemed very short, like the story was just getting started when it ended, not in a cliffhanger thankfully, I'm definitely reading the next one to see where the story goes from here.
May 11, 2017
Protagonist is a kinda creepy middle aged dude who's dating a girl half his age and playing video games. no thx.
May 17, 2018
While too short for what I consider a book, more of a novella, I thought the book was well rounded and good character creation for a Sci Fi litrpg.
November 24, 2024
A highly-readable introduction to a longer story.
February 20, 2017
A satisfied check off my list
I've been meaning to start Omegaverse for a while now and finally got around to it, and I'm really glad I did so. Would have loved a longer book, but there are more books in the series, so you'll have to excuse me - book 2, here I come!
I've been meaning to start Omegaverse for a while now and finally got around to it, and I'm really glad I did so. Would have loved a longer book, but there are more books in the series, so you'll have to excuse me - book 2, here I come!
September 12, 2016
I love this Series, a great read
October 18, 2015
This is barely a book. Not only is it short, it also falls flat on the narrative front. Luck is all that propels progress.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews