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Sixth Prime
WHAT READERS ARE
“Through many genres of writing Dan seems to always come out on top and SIXTH PRIME is no exception. And knowing that this volume is Book 1 of The Prime Saga reassures us that his venture into the galaxies will prove enthralling. Mystery, intrigue and some intellectually challenging twists make this first episode mesmerizing and leaves us eager for Book 2.”
––Grady Harp
Conflict grips the galaxy. A tense peace treaty has been signed between the Sovereignty and the Commonwealth.
On the other side of the galaxy an eccentric artist, Ale Euclid, on the cusp of real success seemingly jumps to his death, beginning an investigation that will unravel a connection between 16 individuals scattered across the stars. C. Gideon Jane, investigator for the Sluga Mining Trust, has been called in to discover what really happened. While investigating, he crosses paths with Moira Cossima, a mysterious friend of Ale Euclid, whose insight leads him deeper into a sprawling conspiracy.
Meanwhile, treasure hunters J’quar and Fei are hot on the trail of an artifact called the Pondus at the behest of the Sluga Mining Trust. Trapped aboard a mining tower on Quartus, twins Leda and Lorelei must face down strange creatures and a monster that dwells deep within the ice floes of the red planet. Not far from the two sisters, a wrongfully accused inmate is haunted by what he has done, and what he has been asked to do.
An attack on the Dimidium-Bet waystation in neutral space by Grand Admiral Leahy of the Sovereignty tests an already shaky relationship between the two warring societies. Blaise Centauri, admiral of the Commonwealth fleet, and Nom Chatar, his second, arrive in time to save some refugees from the station, including Bar Thiel, a relief worker and doctor aboard the destroyed station.
Even though they begin worlds apart from one another, the universe has set them upon a collision course with one another….
“Through many genres of writing Dan seems to always come out on top and SIXTH PRIME is no exception. And knowing that this volume is Book 1 of The Prime Saga reassures us that his venture into the galaxies will prove enthralling. Mystery, intrigue and some intellectually challenging twists make this first episode mesmerizing and leaves us eager for Book 2.”
––Grady Harp
Conflict grips the galaxy. A tense peace treaty has been signed between the Sovereignty and the Commonwealth.
On the other side of the galaxy an eccentric artist, Ale Euclid, on the cusp of real success seemingly jumps to his death, beginning an investigation that will unravel a connection between 16 individuals scattered across the stars. C. Gideon Jane, investigator for the Sluga Mining Trust, has been called in to discover what really happened. While investigating, he crosses paths with Moira Cossima, a mysterious friend of Ale Euclid, whose insight leads him deeper into a sprawling conspiracy.
Meanwhile, treasure hunters J’quar and Fei are hot on the trail of an artifact called the Pondus at the behest of the Sluga Mining Trust. Trapped aboard a mining tower on Quartus, twins Leda and Lorelei must face down strange creatures and a monster that dwells deep within the ice floes of the red planet. Not far from the two sisters, a wrongfully accused inmate is haunted by what he has done, and what he has been asked to do.
An attack on the Dimidium-Bet waystation in neutral space by Grand Admiral Leahy of the Sovereignty tests an already shaky relationship between the two warring societies. Blaise Centauri, admiral of the Commonwealth fleet, and Nom Chatar, his second, arrive in time to save some refugees from the station, including Bar Thiel, a relief worker and doctor aboard the destroyed station.
Even though they begin worlds apart from one another, the universe has set them upon a collision course with one another….
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 22, 2016
About the author
Dan O'Brien
48 books175 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
I have been writing novels for over a decade and had a couple published by traditional, small houses. Riding the self-publishing boom, I have four books in print that are available in paperback or e-book format. If you are interested in reading them, I am always open to sending out samples (or PDFs) to those who are interested.
I was born on the east coast and spent most of my life moving around. I recently settled into California where I am a graduate student in Experimental Psychology. I was a fitness trainer and am a lifelong student of martial arts. I write a little bit of everything and have lately been focusing on a few new novels, continuing some series and embarking on a screenplay binge.
Hope to hear from other avid readers and novelists out there.
I have been writing novels for over a decade and had a couple published by traditional, small houses. Riding the self-publishing boom, I have four books in print that are available in paperback or e-book format. If you are interested in reading them, I am always open to sending out samples (or PDFs) to those who are interested.
I was born on the east coast and spent most of my life moving around. I recently settled into California where I am a graduate student in Experimental Psychology. I was a fitness trainer and am a lifelong student of martial arts. I write a little bit of everything and have lately been focusing on a few new novels, continuing some series and embarking on a screenplay binge.
Hope to hear from other avid readers and novelists out there.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 15, 2016
Sixth Prime by Dan O’Brien is one of the best science-fiction novels I’ve read this year. It is not only intense and wildly engaging, but also the concept was so unique that it has easily become one of my favorite Sci-Fi novels.
I was drawn into the story right from the beginning and with each and every chapter I found myself reading faster and faster unable to contain my anxiousness. I was sucked into the plot right away and it proved really difficult for me to put down this book even for a second.
This book has a wide variety of inter-galactic species and the main cast is do diverse that I loved each and every character and wanted to know more about all of them! The characters were easily relatable and, though this is just the first part in The Prime Saga Series), I already have my favorites.
The writing is really good and the smooth flow of it made reading this book an absolute pleasure. The pacing was exceptional and kept me glued to the book right till the very end.
The ending was absolutely mind-blowing and I cannot wait to read the next part. I’d recommend this book to all the Sci-Fi lovers and also to those who are looking was an exceptional new series.
You can also read this review at The Reading Bud.
I was drawn into the story right from the beginning and with each and every chapter I found myself reading faster and faster unable to contain my anxiousness. I was sucked into the plot right away and it proved really difficult for me to put down this book even for a second.
This book has a wide variety of inter-galactic species and the main cast is do diverse that I loved each and every character and wanted to know more about all of them! The characters were easily relatable and, though this is just the first part in The Prime Saga Series), I already have my favorites.
The writing is really good and the smooth flow of it made reading this book an absolute pleasure. The pacing was exceptional and kept me glued to the book right till the very end.
The ending was absolutely mind-blowing and I cannot wait to read the next part. I’d recommend this book to all the Sci-Fi lovers and also to those who are looking was an exceptional new series.
You can also read this review at The Reading Bud.
May 30, 2018
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
There's a danger that most readers have familiarity with -- a novelist oversharing the details of their worldbuilding so much so that it drags down the story and characters. The opposite danger isn't seen as often -- the writer withholding the details so much that you spend half your time figuring out what's happening, rather than paying attention to characters and plot. It's a tricky balance, no doubt -- and sometimes a novel can overcome an author falling into either ditch. Sixth Prime was not one of those success stories -- for whatever reason, to be careful, to be coy, because he didn't notice -- this book fell into the "not enough information" ditch, and couldn't find its way out of it.
There are a few storylines, somewhat connected -- it becomes somewhat clearer later how they are -- there's a murder investigation conducted by a corporation that supersedes the local authorities' own investigation; a high-ranking military official on trial (and the strange aftermath of that); a jail-break leading to another jail-break on its way to an assassination; a scientific exploration goes awry; and a couple of competing treasure hunters hunt for an artifact. Somehow these all connect to an interstellar war and forces as old as creation itself.
The characters were lifeless, little more than names and job titles -- with just a couple of exceptions. The characters in the murder investigation had promise -- and if this book had just focused on that storyline, this'd be a much different post. At least one of the characters in the treasure hunting story have promise (but the more villainous one was so over-the top that literal mustache twirling wouldn't have seemed out of place).
This entire novel seemed to be a set-up for the coming series -- not a novel that's part of a series. The various stories didn't have endings, there wasn't an overall arc to the novel that I could see -- the stories stopped, or "resolved" by authorial fiat, nothing organic. This is a problem -- I can accept not tying up everything in a tidy little bow, but there needs to be some sort of closure to a novel, some sort of point to that one thing. I'm not sure I'm being entirely fair here -- 1 or two of the stories might actually have had a decent resolution, but by that point, I was out of patience with the entire endeavor. A dynamite ending, or compelling hook could've saved it (I think), but they were nowhere to be found.
Nothing about this really worked for me -- one storyline came close -- but being surrounded by the rest, it never stood much of a chance. A little more restraint, a little more discipline -- maybe a longer book -- I don't know. There's something missing, I'm not sure what it was, really.
Disclaimer: I received this novel from the author in exchange for my honest opinion as reflected above. Sorry about that, Mr. O'Brien, but thanks anyway.
---
There's a danger that most readers have familiarity with -- a novelist oversharing the details of their worldbuilding so much so that it drags down the story and characters. The opposite danger isn't seen as often -- the writer withholding the details so much that you spend half your time figuring out what's happening, rather than paying attention to characters and plot. It's a tricky balance, no doubt -- and sometimes a novel can overcome an author falling into either ditch. Sixth Prime was not one of those success stories -- for whatever reason, to be careful, to be coy, because he didn't notice -- this book fell into the "not enough information" ditch, and couldn't find its way out of it.
There are a few storylines, somewhat connected -- it becomes somewhat clearer later how they are -- there's a murder investigation conducted by a corporation that supersedes the local authorities' own investigation; a high-ranking military official on trial (and the strange aftermath of that); a jail-break leading to another jail-break on its way to an assassination; a scientific exploration goes awry; and a couple of competing treasure hunters hunt for an artifact. Somehow these all connect to an interstellar war and forces as old as creation itself.
The characters were lifeless, little more than names and job titles -- with just a couple of exceptions. The characters in the murder investigation had promise -- and if this book had just focused on that storyline, this'd be a much different post. At least one of the characters in the treasure hunting story have promise (but the more villainous one was so over-the top that literal mustache twirling wouldn't have seemed out of place).
This entire novel seemed to be a set-up for the coming series -- not a novel that's part of a series. The various stories didn't have endings, there wasn't an overall arc to the novel that I could see -- the stories stopped, or "resolved" by authorial fiat, nothing organic. This is a problem -- I can accept not tying up everything in a tidy little bow, but there needs to be some sort of closure to a novel, some sort of point to that one thing. I'm not sure I'm being entirely fair here -- 1 or two of the stories might actually have had a decent resolution, but by that point, I was out of patience with the entire endeavor. A dynamite ending, or compelling hook could've saved it (I think), but they were nowhere to be found.
Nothing about this really worked for me -- one storyline came close -- but being surrounded by the rest, it never stood much of a chance. A little more restraint, a little more discipline -- maybe a longer book -- I don't know. There's something missing, I'm not sure what it was, really.
Disclaimer: I received this novel from the author in exchange for my honest opinion as reflected above. Sorry about that, Mr. O'Brien, but thanks anyway.
February 4, 2018
This is another book I feel had some pros and some cons. As always, I'll start with the positive.
The first chapter is a great "hook" chapter. It drew me in and made me want to find out more. I was fascinated by the famous painter working on his masterpiece, a painting he doesn't fully understand, but which somehow contains profound truths.
There is some great sci-fi in this book. Foreign worlds, and all the political strife that exists on those worlds. Futuristic technology. Mysterious creatures no one fully understands. The search for an ancient power that may hold the key to everything.
I also found the characters believable and likeable.
I did have some issues, however. First of all, it was the story of the artist that first drew me in. I wanted more about him. Unfortunately, after the first chapter he is little more than an afterthought. Yes, there is an investigation into his death, but that only makes up perhaps a third of the book. Maybe even less than that. I wanted to go deeper into that part of the story.
Also, things could have been explained a little better. Who are the Primes? What are they and why are they important? And why are they being killed off? And who are the good guys in this book? Who are the bad guys? I know not every story has to involve the great cosmic battle between good and evil, but this book very much presents itself as that kind of story. Only I couldn't tell which side I was supposed to be on. I was still confused even when I made it to the end, because it's left very open and nothing is really resolved. Again, I know open ended stories are a thing, and I like the occasional open ended story. But this is not the kind of story that is typically left open for interpretation. This book presents a mystery to the reader, but the truth about that mystery is not completely revealed. Perhaps this is the beginning of a series? That might offer the promise of a better explanation down the road.
Overall an enjoyable read, but one that didn't provide me with the answers I was hoping for.
The first chapter is a great "hook" chapter. It drew me in and made me want to find out more. I was fascinated by the famous painter working on his masterpiece, a painting he doesn't fully understand, but which somehow contains profound truths.
There is some great sci-fi in this book. Foreign worlds, and all the political strife that exists on those worlds. Futuristic technology. Mysterious creatures no one fully understands. The search for an ancient power that may hold the key to everything.
I also found the characters believable and likeable.
I did have some issues, however. First of all, it was the story of the artist that first drew me in. I wanted more about him. Unfortunately, after the first chapter he is little more than an afterthought. Yes, there is an investigation into his death, but that only makes up perhaps a third of the book. Maybe even less than that. I wanted to go deeper into that part of the story.
Also, things could have been explained a little better. Who are the Primes? What are they and why are they important? And why are they being killed off? And who are the good guys in this book? Who are the bad guys? I know not every story has to involve the great cosmic battle between good and evil, but this book very much presents itself as that kind of story. Only I couldn't tell which side I was supposed to be on. I was still confused even when I made it to the end, because it's left very open and nothing is really resolved. Again, I know open ended stories are a thing, and I like the occasional open ended story. But this is not the kind of story that is typically left open for interpretation. This book presents a mystery to the reader, but the truth about that mystery is not completely revealed. Perhaps this is the beginning of a series? That might offer the promise of a better explanation down the road.
Overall an enjoyable read, but one that didn't provide me with the answers I was hoping for.
January 1, 2017
This book contains more than a story, contains an entire universe, with planets that have their own history, or even their own species, with unique particularities for life support. I as captured by how deeply the author went when creating the proper environment for such a great adventure. And yes, I call it adventure because I have traveled to so many places with each chapter that it was becoming sometimes difficult to keep up with the where and who. Still, I can say that I am in awe of what Dan O’Brien has managed to do is these pages.
The action currently revolves around the death of an artist. As the title of the first chapter suggests, the curious case of Ale Euclid has created some disturbances around many planets. An organization hires a detective to make sure there is no link to them. But other events happen all around galaxies that are tied up to this case. There are people trying to understand the changes that happen to them, the voices they hear. The mystery and adventure will keep you tangled in the pages like an addict.
What I mostly liked about “Sixth Prime” was the attention to details and how every planet or every place the action reached was different then the next. The characters were also unique, some with a hidden agenda, some oblivious to the bigger picture and some trying to follow their simple plans.
This is a book that opens up the reader not only to a great story, but to an entirely different world, where only the strongest can survive, a battle between primes and planets even. I advise you to give it a try; it’s definitely worth the while!
The action currently revolves around the death of an artist. As the title of the first chapter suggests, the curious case of Ale Euclid has created some disturbances around many planets. An organization hires a detective to make sure there is no link to them. But other events happen all around galaxies that are tied up to this case. There are people trying to understand the changes that happen to them, the voices they hear. The mystery and adventure will keep you tangled in the pages like an addict.
What I mostly liked about “Sixth Prime” was the attention to details and how every planet or every place the action reached was different then the next. The characters were also unique, some with a hidden agenda, some oblivious to the bigger picture and some trying to follow their simple plans.
This is a book that opens up the reader not only to a great story, but to an entirely different world, where only the strongest can survive, a battle between primes and planets even. I advise you to give it a try; it’s definitely worth the while!
February 19, 2018
It's been a little bit since I've read a Sci-Fi. It is a genre I enjoy, but for some reason, I stray from it. This was a nice one to read after a long stretch.
I enjoyed the characters and the world. I really liked Jane, Lorelei, and the Prisoner the most. I was hooked on their stories from the moment they popped onto the page. Everyone else? Just meh. They were just okay and I didn't hate following them, but I really wanted to see what would happen next with those three more.
Honestly, I do feel like there were too many characters at some points. I would've been fine with those three and maybe one other. I don't really feel I could focus and connect as much as I wanted to because there was a lot of jumping around. That really is my only issue. At this rate, they will drop like flies so I won't have to worry much for very long. Haha.
The Darkness scared me! But it intrigued me at the same time. I feel like we will see more of it in the future. I hope so!
I want to learn more about this world! This author surely did build a good world! It was introduced slowly as we went along so we avoided knowledge-overload. There are a lot of questions I have running in my head though. I am curious to see what is next and I hope all my questions are answered in the next book! I especially want to learn more about what it means to be a Prime. Why is it SO important? WHO will be the one Prime? I am a little anxious to see the fates of the remaining people.
A good opening book in this series and this world. If you like Sci-Fi and people stories you will like this. I wonder what is next! I'll give this 3 stars. Looking forward to what is next! I am liking this world.
I enjoyed the characters and the world. I really liked Jane, Lorelei, and the Prisoner the most. I was hooked on their stories from the moment they popped onto the page. Everyone else? Just meh. They were just okay and I didn't hate following them, but I really wanted to see what would happen next with those three more.
Honestly, I do feel like there were too many characters at some points. I would've been fine with those three and maybe one other. I don't really feel I could focus and connect as much as I wanted to because there was a lot of jumping around. That really is my only issue. At this rate, they will drop like flies so I won't have to worry much for very long. Haha.
The Darkness scared me! But it intrigued me at the same time. I feel like we will see more of it in the future. I hope so!
I want to learn more about this world! This author surely did build a good world! It was introduced slowly as we went along so we avoided knowledge-overload. There are a lot of questions I have running in my head though. I am curious to see what is next and I hope all my questions are answered in the next book! I especially want to learn more about what it means to be a Prime. Why is it SO important? WHO will be the one Prime? I am a little anxious to see the fates of the remaining people.
A good opening book in this series and this world. If you like Sci-Fi and people stories you will like this. I wonder what is next! I'll give this 3 stars. Looking forward to what is next! I am liking this world.
January 1, 2018
I would be interested to read the next in the series, just to find out how everything connects!
Good job, Mr. O’Brien, for an imaginative and interesting Sci-Fi adventure! Reviewed by Emily
March 10, 2017
Science fiction, horror, and a thriller all in one book.
I liked this book even with all the different threads of stories going on at the same time. I can't wait to see what happens next.
I liked this book even with all the different threads of stories going on at the same time. I can't wait to see what happens next.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews