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OMEGA #1
OMEGA Exile
For two thousand years, the Human run empire known as the Alliance of Major Planets (AMP) brought peace and stability to the five galaxies surrounding and including the Milky Way. Advances in technology, and a strong set of fair laws, had allowed a peaceful expansion of Human ideals. As the alliance aged, corruption crept in, allowing an overthow that placed a dozen ruling families in charge. Without clear leadership, the New Alliance began to decay, and without change, it will ultimately fail.
For Knog Beutcher, a three star veteran detective, living in the New Alliance is a struggle. He finds himself caught in the middle of the chaos as colonies rebel and populations riot. With the invasion of one of the galaxies by an external enemy, the alliance's future becomes uncertain. Corruption, rebellion, intrigue and lawlessness have come to Knog's world. His struggles have only just begun...
For Knog Beutcher, a three star veteran detective, living in the New Alliance is a struggle. He finds himself caught in the middle of the chaos as colonies rebel and populations riot. With the invasion of one of the galaxies by an external enemy, the alliance's future becomes uncertain. Corruption, rebellion, intrigue and lawlessness have come to Knog's world. His struggles have only just begun...
Unknown Binding
First published October 15, 2014
390 people are currently reading
786 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Arseneault
156 books75 followersI came to this planet sixty some odd years ago. After exiting my mother's portal, the doctor slapped me around until I started breathing the oxygen. I'll admit, at the time, I had no idea what I was doing or where I was. Being an infant Human, I was completely reliant on the responsible actions of others. It was a time that I have largely forgotten.
I reside in Central Florida with the wife and children. After thirty years in engineering, my time is now spent chronicling the adventures of fictitious heroes. They are off-world, fighting the good fight. For me? I'm stuck here on this planet in this feeble existence that we Humans are all forced to endure.
So, I ask you this... do you wish to escape the bonds of this surly planet we call Earth? Are you looking for a bit more adventure than what the grocery store has to offer? Do you worry about being enslaved by alien androids or six-eyed alien goats with lasers? Pew, pew, pew!
Yeah, that's what I thought. Asking yourself those questions and getting back an answer is the first hurdle to cross in the race to get off this world. Sounds like you are ready to venture out, to put this place behind you.
So crack open one of my books. Take to the heavens and let me shout this out to those who remain: "Watch out universe! Another Human is on the loose!"
Take care and I hope you have a great day!
Stephen
I reside in Central Florida with the wife and children. After thirty years in engineering, my time is now spent chronicling the adventures of fictitious heroes. They are off-world, fighting the good fight. For me? I'm stuck here on this planet in this feeble existence that we Humans are all forced to endure.
So, I ask you this... do you wish to escape the bonds of this surly planet we call Earth? Are you looking for a bit more adventure than what the grocery store has to offer? Do you worry about being enslaved by alien androids or six-eyed alien goats with lasers? Pew, pew, pew!
Yeah, that's what I thought. Asking yourself those questions and getting back an answer is the first hurdle to cross in the race to get off this world. Sounds like you are ready to venture out, to put this place behind you.
So crack open one of my books. Take to the heavens and let me shout this out to those who remain: "Watch out universe! Another Human is on the loose!"
Take care and I hope you have a great day!
Stephen
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
September 15, 2016
My first sci-fi read. Didn't knew would love it so much that I'd reach till Book No. Six (Omega Brutal) of the Eight Book Omega Series. Kind of fell in love with this Grunta (Knog Beutcher) and Human (Joni Salton).
April 4, 2021
You know how a good author will come up with backstories and explanations of every cultural phenomena to cover their world building? Often this means tomes of notes, so they have the research materials they need as they develop the story and character’s motivations.
Now imagine an author that did all that, but instead of keeping it for their reference, they used those notes as the actual book, turning every line of dialogue and inner narrative into a paragraph of exposition.
The result is 300 pages of author’s notes and about 3 pages of plot or character development. The worst part is that the one-dimensional characters don’t even benefit from the copious filler. They have no actual agency and contradict their supposed character traits. What’s more, there are all these explanations of complex species, yet everyone acts as if they are human.
Lastly the plot is purely passive. Everything happens to the characters, they drive nothing, and it reads like a child’s fantasy where everything is always perfect and thus ever-more-implausible events and secrets must be thrust on them to drive the most minimal sense of narrative suspense.
Now imagine an author that did all that, but instead of keeping it for their reference, they used those notes as the actual book, turning every line of dialogue and inner narrative into a paragraph of exposition.
The result is 300 pages of author’s notes and about 3 pages of plot or character development. The worst part is that the one-dimensional characters don’t even benefit from the copious filler. They have no actual agency and contradict their supposed character traits. What’s more, there are all these explanations of complex species, yet everyone acts as if they are human.
Lastly the plot is purely passive. Everything happens to the characters, they drive nothing, and it reads like a child’s fantasy where everything is always perfect and thus ever-more-implausible events and secrets must be thrust on them to drive the most minimal sense of narrative suspense.
December 26, 2018
I have a lot of mixed feelings about this book.
I thought the storytelling, pacing, world building, and science were all great.
But I found myself rolling my eyes most of the times a character talked. A lot of the humor was stereotypical baby boomer style gender tropes, comments on alien species stereotypes, or put-downs.
The universe was fairly interesting, I found myself questioning the main characters' motivations or political leanings a lot. The premise of the book is fairly anti tax and anti regulation, so that could grate on some people's nerves. It was hard to know whether the characters' morals were internally consistent or not, and I wasn't sure some of the actions lined up with their proclaimed character.
That said, there's a dog and it's pretty awesome.
I got this book for free via BookBub
I thought the storytelling, pacing, world building, and science were all great.
But I found myself rolling my eyes most of the times a character talked. A lot of the humor was stereotypical baby boomer style gender tropes, comments on alien species stereotypes, or put-downs.
The universe was fairly interesting, I found myself questioning the main characters' motivations or political leanings a lot. The premise of the book is fairly anti tax and anti regulation, so that could grate on some people's nerves. It was hard to know whether the characters' morals were internally consistent or not, and I wasn't sure some of the actions lined up with their proclaimed character.
That said, there's a dog and it's pretty awesome.
I got this book for free via BookBub
July 26, 2015
This book is nothing spectacular, but it is a decent, quick sci-fi read. The narrator, Knogg, is an interesting character. The realm that Arseneault created for the SODIUM, AMP, and OMEGA series is well-planned. As a high-ranking security officer for a government on the verge of disaster, Knogg, a Grunta, and his human partner Joni are caught up in the middle of the growing conflict. It is interesting to see how it all plays out, and the progression of the story opens up many discussions of what government's role in society is or should be. I am not particularly enthusiastic about this author or series, but I would be willing to read more of it if I am looking for a short, easy read.
May 11, 2015
I like the main character, who seems sort of unflappable and plays the good guy well enough. The stars trip over the important events in the story repeatedly, stretching my sense of disbelief almost to the breaking point.
But I'll read the rest of the series. Can't wait.
The decline of the New Alliance seemed to happen on a scale of days, not decades. That might be a bit fast.
Those are all the nits I can pick. It was fun to read, and I'm ready for more.
But I'll read the rest of the series. Can't wait.
The decline of the New Alliance seemed to happen on a scale of days, not decades. That might be a bit fast.
Those are all the nits I can pick. It was fun to read, and I'm ready for more.
May 27, 2015
Grabbed this while looking for cheap reading material, and it looked interesting. Enjoyable characters, pretty quick-moving plot, pretty fast and engrossing read. Fun space opera/detective/buddy cop series. Worth a look, I expect I'll be buying the next book in the series.
June 17, 2017
Intro pretty much covers it
Intro pretty much covers it for me , didn't make to past the first few chapters. Corruption is bad for business.
Intro pretty much covers it for me , didn't make to past the first few chapters. Corruption is bad for business.
April 3, 2021
It’s … Complicated?
I’m not really sure how to rate this one, so I’ll start at 3, maybe 3.5, and read more to see if the series improves. The worldview is complex with multiple invented species, odd realities and newly fabricated vocabulary. And yet I found the storyline oddly appealing with good character development. The action can be gruesome at times, apparently the blasters in this universe are massively destructive. Events tend to unfold with a marked bias favoring our protagonists. Not an unusual plot device and one which increases perceived enjoyment as far as I am concerned.
This book ends well, with most story threads resolved and a plausible setup leading into the next book.
I’m not really sure how to rate this one, so I’ll start at 3, maybe 3.5, and read more to see if the series improves. The worldview is complex with multiple invented species, odd realities and newly fabricated vocabulary. And yet I found the storyline oddly appealing with good character development. The action can be gruesome at times, apparently the blasters in this universe are massively destructive. Events tend to unfold with a marked bias favoring our protagonists. Not an unusual plot device and one which increases perceived enjoyment as far as I am concerned.
This book ends well, with most story threads resolved and a plausible setup leading into the next book.
January 2, 2018
Good character building and leaves you wanting to start the next book.
Story starts a bit slowly but keeps your interest. Author is definitely a world-builder to follow. This is a story about a galaxy falling apart while being attacked from within and without, and follows one security inspector as he does his best to do his job, while his bosses and their bosses do their best to grab any glory his work brings in. You can hear the commentary on our current political setup and how easily it can be screwed up by greed and corruption as you watch that happening in this world.
Story starts a bit slowly but keeps your interest. Author is definitely a world-builder to follow. This is a story about a galaxy falling apart while being attacked from within and without, and follows one security inspector as he does his best to do his job, while his bosses and their bosses do their best to grab any glory his work brings in. You can hear the commentary on our current political setup and how easily it can be screwed up by greed and corruption as you watch that happening in this world.
May 13, 2020
By the time you read this review, you should have learned that the lead character of this story is an alien. That sounded interesting to me and many of you have highly rated this book. To explain why I chose the rating I did, I need to tell you about Jim. Jim is a reformed serial molester of farm animals, who currently lives in the piney woods of east Texas. He spends most of his day contemplating his navel and the meaning of life. Well to be more accurate that's what we hope he is doing. The point is, Jim is more alien than any of Arseneault's characters. My Asian neighbor is more alien that most of Stephen's characters.
July 11, 2017
Excellent.
I chose this book to read because I was intrigued by the idea of the main character not being human.
There is a lot of action and the way that Knog and Joni work so smooth together as partners is great. The story has a smooth flow and, at times, moves really fast. Joni is little vague in character details but Knog is pretty clear.
A great story and I'm looking forward to the next book.
I chose this book to read because I was intrigued by the idea of the main character not being human.
There is a lot of action and the way that Knog and Joni work so smooth together as partners is great. The story has a smooth flow and, at times, moves really fast. Joni is little vague in character details but Knog is pretty clear.
A great story and I'm looking forward to the next book.
March 13, 2025
Began on Costa Rica vacation and finishing delayed by catching up when returned.
An interesting and easy read. Set far in the future when many planets are settled and humans and other species work together.
Knog Beutcher is a Grunta, a large spies with a very thick hide He is a senior detective whose main job is to inspect spaceships that transport good. Knog is assigned to work with the young niece of the head of the Alliance of Planets who wants to learn to be a detective.
An interesting and easy read. Set far in the future when many planets are settled and humans and other species work together.
Knog Beutcher is a Grunta, a large spies with a very thick hide He is a senior detective whose main job is to inspect spaceships that transport good. Knog is assigned to work with the young niece of the head of the Alliance of Planets who wants to learn to be a detective.
December 20, 2019
Revolution in space
Part of this book feels like some short stories that were modified after the fact to create a whole story. Fortunately the end result is entertaining and mostly satisfying. The main character, Knog, is the kind of person I would like to have as a trainer and manager. Telling a story from the perspective of an alien is different and pleasurable.
Part of this book feels like some short stories that were modified after the fact to create a whole story. Fortunately the end result is entertaining and mostly satisfying. The main character, Knog, is the kind of person I would like to have as a trainer and manager. Telling a story from the perspective of an alien is different and pleasurable.
April 28, 2020
Science fiction space travel set in an alliance of planets
I really like the word building skills of this author. The main character is an inspector who checks that ships cargo logs match to what they actually contain. I really liked how the author made him a strong noble type. It really for well in the story.
I really like the word building skills of this author. The main character is an inspector who checks that ships cargo logs match to what they actually contain. I really liked how the author made him a strong noble type. It really for well in the story.
February 4, 2017
I love this book it had every ingredient I love different species different galaxies a war and heroes and most of all a dry sense of humor. Too bad that the other two books of the series are not available in the Netherlands.
April 19, 2019
Excellent
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.. Reminds me of old classic Sci Fi.. Well written, interesting believable characters,good plot, would work well with all human characters.. Looking forward to volume 2..
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.. Reminds me of old classic Sci Fi.. Well written, interesting believable characters,good plot, would work well with all human characters.. Looking forward to volume 2..
December 22, 2019
This was my second Arseneault book and I have to say I liked it much better than the first I read. Nice to have an alien as the MC as it gave you something different to relate to although, except for his dietary habits, he wasn't all that 'unhuman.' Still the story held together nicely.
November 9, 2020
Decent read
The story was good but the dialogue was stilted and obtuse. You could overlook part of it as speech patterns for an alien but even the humans spoke that way. I did enjoy the story.
The story was good but the dialogue was stilted and obtuse. You could overlook part of it as speech patterns for an alien but even the humans spoke that way. I did enjoy the story.
October 20, 2021
Totally engaging
One of those truly rare way-in-the-future science fiction novels has that's almost believable, with realistic characters, a well thought out plot and excellent writing
One of those truly rare way-in-the-future science fiction novels has that's almost believable, with realistic characters, a well thought out plot and excellent writing
June 7, 2017
This story has mature ideas about government, well-defined characters, and a great storyline. I strongly recommend it to any who loves Speculative Fiction
May 30, 2018
Great book
Really enjoyed reading this . Cant wait to get the next book . . . . . . . .
Really enjoyed reading this . Cant wait to get the next book . . . . . . . .
June 24, 2018
Very entertainig,great story. Easy way into trouble but always finds a way out.
September 19, 2019
Good Fun Adventure
Good story, nice character development.
Total enjoyment, great dog character, looking forward to the next chapter. Generally a good read
Good story, nice character development.
Total enjoyment, great dog character, looking forward to the next chapter. Generally a good read
February 27, 2020
Omega Exile
I don't really know why but I stopped and started this read a few times before realizing I just could not get into it.
I don't really know why but I stopped and started this read a few times before realizing I just could not get into it.
March 13, 2021
I enjoyed reading it and would recommend it to others.
November 23, 2022
Fantastic
I highly recommend this wonderful story. This story has great caracters and lots of adventures. You will not be disappointed.
I highly recommend this wonderful story. This story has great caracters and lots of adventures. You will not be disappointed.
September 29, 2023
Omega Exile. Book 1
First, thank you for numbering the sequence of book series. That is a great help both while purchasing and while choosing what to read next.
The novel was a pleasure to read with the characters well developed and a great story line.
First, thank you for numbering the sequence of book series. That is a great help both while purchasing and while choosing what to read next.
The novel was a pleasure to read with the characters well developed and a great story line.
June 29, 2025
RECOMMENDED
November 16, 2025
I found this story good, but some smaller parts are a bit boring to me. I would not mind reading more in this series.
March 10, 2017
Fun read
I was almost put off with the lead character but he gripped me from the start. He's normally the guy who you would find being the fifth of a group. But he shines and is awesome. I rooted for him the whole way. The only negative, the book came to an end. I have to find out the rest. Thank you for a great book.
I was almost put off with the lead character but he gripped me from the start. He's normally the guy who you would find being the fifth of a group. But he shines and is awesome. I rooted for him the whole way. The only negative, the book came to an end. I have to find out the rest. Thank you for a great book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews