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Exoskeleton #3
Exoskeleton III: Omniscient
After returning from the Antarctic Seas, William Thompson finds himself in the CIA’s secret Space Systems building, trying to recover implanted memories that might help them to avert the existential consequences of the events that he set into action.
732 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 29, 2019
179 people are currently reading
618 people want to read
About the author
Shane Stadler
53 books136 followersShane Stadler is an experimental physicist. He has worked at numerous government research and defense laboratories, and is currently a professor of physics at a major research university. EXOSKELETON is his first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 20, 2022
I am going to use the same review for all the books in this series as I’ve just read them all. I can
honestly say I have never read anything like this before. I’ve read science fiction, fantasy, horror,
steam punk, fact and fiction. This however was a different thing totally. The first book, with the level
and depravity of cruelty made me wonder what made a person want to write this? What was going
through their mind` and how warped must they be?
However, as I progressed, I saw the existential view. I also began to look at how fact is stranger than
fiction and how it wouldn’t have surprised me to find that some of this actually happened? The
storyline took me somewhere that I didn’t expect and because of the authors background and
obvious knowledge how much was possible or true and how much was just hokum, made to fit the
story?
The middle couple of books did make for hard going at times but there was no way I could stop,
there was too much I needed to know; about the storyline, where it was going and what about the
characters I’d invested in?
I’m a couple of pages away from finishing the series now so I thought a review would work while
fresh and I’m still in ‘situ’. The last book took its time but gathered pace quickly without giving away
an obvious ending which I’m still not sure it will be.
This series raises a lot of questions about us as humans. About our obvious failings, our possibilities
and our future, while on this planet and afterwards. The word existential is one of many suitable
adjectives I could use for this series along with scientific, cruel (at times not a strong enough adj.),
historic and hopeful.
I went into these books unexpectant, unaware and unsure of its genre or if it’d be any good. I’m
happy to say that I went all in and read the lot!
I enjoyed this and for a change did not immerse myself so much I almost took on a character. I
enjoyed this for what it is; a great series worthy of anyone’s time.
If you get the chance and time to reads this series, I can highly recommend it. It definitely will not be
to everyone’s taste but if you don’t jump in how will you know?
honestly say I have never read anything like this before. I’ve read science fiction, fantasy, horror,
steam punk, fact and fiction. This however was a different thing totally. The first book, with the level
and depravity of cruelty made me wonder what made a person want to write this? What was going
through their mind` and how warped must they be?
However, as I progressed, I saw the existential view. I also began to look at how fact is stranger than
fiction and how it wouldn’t have surprised me to find that some of this actually happened? The
storyline took me somewhere that I didn’t expect and because of the authors background and
obvious knowledge how much was possible or true and how much was just hokum, made to fit the
story?
The middle couple of books did make for hard going at times but there was no way I could stop,
there was too much I needed to know; about the storyline, where it was going and what about the
characters I’d invested in?
I’m a couple of pages away from finishing the series now so I thought a review would work while
fresh and I’m still in ‘situ’. The last book took its time but gathered pace quickly without giving away
an obvious ending which I’m still not sure it will be.
This series raises a lot of questions about us as humans. About our obvious failings, our possibilities
and our future, while on this planet and afterwards. The word existential is one of many suitable
adjectives I could use for this series along with scientific, cruel (at times not a strong enough adj.),
historic and hopeful.
I went into these books unexpectant, unaware and unsure of its genre or if it’d be any good. I’m
happy to say that I went all in and read the lot!
I enjoyed this and for a change did not immerse myself so much I almost took on a character. I
enjoyed this for what it is; a great series worthy of anyone’s time.
If you get the chance and time to reads this series, I can highly recommend it. It definitely will not be
to everyone’s taste but if you don’t jump in how will you know?
October 10, 2019
The end of the trilogy?
Flows, just like the first two books, both of which are required reading. Fast paced, no boring bits. Great introduction to a new character. Great change of character for another.
The only downside I found, was reduced amount of screen time for William. But, I couldn't put it down. Started reading at 1900hrs, finished 24hours later.
Flows, just like the first two books, both of which are required reading. Fast paced, no boring bits. Great introduction to a new character. Great change of character for another.
The only downside I found, was reduced amount of screen time for William. But, I couldn't put it down. Started reading at 1900hrs, finished 24hours later.
October 2, 2019
OMG!!!
This writer out of nowhere has hit the jackpot! The depth and originality of the story is off the charts. The character development is perfect.
This writer out of nowhere has hit the jackpot! The depth and originality of the story is off the charts. The character development is perfect.
October 29, 2020
Magnificent
When I began reading this Trilogy I was captivated by the storyline really enjoying the first book and thinking that I knew where volume two would lead me. I was wrong but enjoyably so. Likewise when I finished volume two I again thought that I knew where the storyline was going, again I was wrong. Volume three has been for me the best of the lot although I found it a little "techie" in places. All in all I can only describe the Trilogy as Magnificent and captivating. I would recommend reading the books in the correct order for a fuller experience of enjoyment. Had I the required resources I would gladly invest them in visualising the storyline as a feature film or mini-series. I have always believed that the written word can never be adequately expressed or presented visually with due justice but if any storyline had a chance of sucess I believe this Trilogy would be a great candidate. I hope others will enjoy it as much as I have.
When I began reading this Trilogy I was captivated by the storyline really enjoying the first book and thinking that I knew where volume two would lead me. I was wrong but enjoyably so. Likewise when I finished volume two I again thought that I knew where the storyline was going, again I was wrong. Volume three has been for me the best of the lot although I found it a little "techie" in places. All in all I can only describe the Trilogy as Magnificent and captivating. I would recommend reading the books in the correct order for a fuller experience of enjoyment. Had I the required resources I would gladly invest them in visualising the storyline as a feature film or mini-series. I have always believed that the written word can never be adequately expressed or presented visually with due justice but if any storyline had a chance of sucess I believe this Trilogy would be a great candidate. I hope others will enjoy it as much as I have.
March 28, 2024
It is rare that I can read more than one book in a series without having a break and reading something else. This time I've gone through 3 because I needed to know what was going on. This whole series is now my favourite 1st contact story, previously it was Greg Bears Forge of God. Stadler writes a cracking story with some well developed characters. It is a very clever story. Do yourself a favour and read it.
May 16, 2020
That was one of the best books I've came across, the build-up from - 1 & 11 made it Nye on impossible to leave 111 alone for a moment. I would recommend the trio to anyone. The author
Has quite an intense knowledge of an amazing array of subjects. I congratulate him on giving me a bit of an insight into subjects I've often wondered over. All the best to him.
Has quite an intense knowledge of an amazing array of subjects. I congratulate him on giving me a bit of an insight into subjects I've often wondered over. All the best to him.
September 20, 2024
Thought provoking ending
All I can say is wow... existential consequences was putting it mildly. All the pieces came together nicely but I need a better end game solution for Will as he deserved a HEA ending somehow with Denise. It would be nice to have an epilogue with Jake, Lenny and Will but overall well written series.
All I can say is wow... existential consequences was putting it mildly. All the pieces came together nicely but I need a better end game solution for Will as he deserved a HEA ending somehow with Denise. It would be nice to have an epilogue with Jake, Lenny and Will but overall well written series.
May 16, 2024
Great series...
Three books. Some of the best reading I have experienced in a long time. Liked the detail to ordinary things. I'll never look the same at a can of Pepsi again. Loved the series.
Three books. Some of the best reading I have experienced in a long time. Liked the detail to ordinary things. I'll never look the same at a can of Pepsi again. Loved the series.
July 8, 2024
I bought this book a while ago, but have only just managed to get around to read it.
I loved the first two installments of Exoskeleton, and this one simply blew me away.
Captivating and brilliant!
I loved the first two installments of Exoskeleton, and this one simply blew me away.
Captivating and brilliant!
August 6, 2024
And now for something completely different!
I very nearly abandoned this series partway through book 1 as Will's experiences in the exoskeleton were hard to read. This series has turned into an innovative sci-fi story that is both thought provoking and gripping.
I very nearly abandoned this series partway through book 1 as Will's experiences in the exoskeleton were hard to read. This series has turned into an innovative sci-fi story that is both thought provoking and gripping.
March 30, 2025
A culmination I didn't even know was coming when it first came out. This is sci-fi of the highest order and really draws the whole series to a satisfying conclusion which given the scope of the story being told is nothing short of miraculous.
April 11, 2020
Fantastic trilogy
Really enjoyed these books. Not my usual read but found the storyline facinating. Very well written from a great imagination.
Really enjoyed these books. Not my usual read but found the storyline facinating. Very well written from a great imagination.
May 26, 2020
Great trilogy (I'm assuming there'll be no more). The 3rd book was my favourite with the addition of a new character and the change of an existing (Lenny from bad to good guy).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2020
Fantastic
I can't remember when I picked up the first book. I'm very glad I did. Now I have finished the trilogy all I can say is fantastic
I can't remember when I picked up the first book. I'm very glad I did. Now I have finished the trilogy all I can say is fantastic
February 28, 2021
I was fully ready to give this a solid 4 stars, but I wasn't very impressed with the ending. It did not feel very satisfying to me. So 3 stars it is.
May 18, 2021
More
More please. Very captivating. As the book suggests, we do not know what we do not know....or do we? Very nicely written.
More please. Very captivating. As the book suggests, we do not know what we do not know....or do we? Very nicely written.
May 27, 2022
Excellent read
Shane has done it again!
The world of exoskeleton has been an excellent experience. Thank you Shane for taking us on this experience with you
Shane has done it again!
The world of exoskeleton has been an excellent experience. Thank you Shane for taking us on this experience with you
June 25, 2023
Brilliant
September 19, 2024
Utterly fascinating
This is one of the best series of books ive ever read in my 63 years....I just couldn't put it down
This is one of the best series of books ive ever read in my 63 years....I just couldn't put it down
September 22, 2024
The pacing was initially slow and the middle merely reiterated what had been covered in previous books; however, the ending compensated for everything with its intriguing and original narrative.
September 24, 2024
Gets a little slow in the middle. But a good read.
January 25, 2025
Great 3rd Book
Kept the plot and overall feel of the first 2 while expanding. Ready to start the 4th and see where this finishes.
Kept the plot and overall feel of the first 2 while expanding. Ready to start the 4th and see where this finishes.
June 20, 2024
Still probably my favorite series of all time. I can't find any fault with anything this author does.
January 31, 2020
Must read
I have been a fan since the first book.
It combines supernatural with SCI-FI and plenty of action.
One of the the things I love about this book, is that you never know what is going to happen next. There is a constant aire of mystery.
This is the sort of book that Netflix needs to get their hands on. Would make for great TV or films.
I have been a fan since the first book.
It combines supernatural with SCI-FI and plenty of action.
One of the the things I love about this book, is that you never know what is going to happen next. There is a constant aire of mystery.
This is the sort of book that Netflix needs to get their hands on. Would make for great TV or films.
February 3, 2020
WOW!
I now read the trilogy of exoskeleton and enjoyed every word. I so hope there will be a 4th book to follow..
I now read the trilogy of exoskeleton and enjoyed every word. I so hope there will be a 4th book to follow..
February 22, 2022
Omniscient is the third book in the Exoskeleton trilogy from experimental physicist Shane Stadler.
As with its predecessor, Tympanum, Omniscient starts off quite slowly, introducing a new character, Jacob Hale, a relative of Horace who takes up researching the Red Wraith Project in his stead. The book reminds us of the basic story to date, with the occasional tidbit of additional data to keep us interested. However, the expected story direction of Will Thompson’s return to Antarctica takes a very long time to get started.
The vast majority of the novel is basically a continuous, but gradual release of scientific information. As the characters investigate the books, objects and devices acquired from Antarctica, they discuss the advancements of their knowledge on the subjects at length. As a result I found myself getting bored by the persistent data dumps of facts, figures, statistics and general information. It’s not until about three quarters of the way through the novel, that the group eventually begin their journey to the base in Antarctica, and things finally start to get interesting.
There is also a large number of spelling errors, a lot more than I’d like despite the long length of the book. Along with some tedious and repetitive filler material, in which people do boring everyday tasks such as make tea or coffee, drink sodas and eat pizzas, most of which is probably unnecessary.
Despite the difficulties I had in staying focused and reading this novel, I’m glad that I persevered until the end. Once again, in the latter stages of the story, things finally begin to coalesce, coming together to make sense. I thoroughly enjoyed the main premise of the Exoskeleton trilogy and although it can be hard work to read, at 4 out of 5 stars I recommend this to all lovers of hard science fiction.
As with its predecessor, Tympanum, Omniscient starts off quite slowly, introducing a new character, Jacob Hale, a relative of Horace who takes up researching the Red Wraith Project in his stead. The book reminds us of the basic story to date, with the occasional tidbit of additional data to keep us interested. However, the expected story direction of Will Thompson’s return to Antarctica takes a very long time to get started.
The vast majority of the novel is basically a continuous, but gradual release of scientific information. As the characters investigate the books, objects and devices acquired from Antarctica, they discuss the advancements of their knowledge on the subjects at length. As a result I found myself getting bored by the persistent data dumps of facts, figures, statistics and general information. It’s not until about three quarters of the way through the novel, that the group eventually begin their journey to the base in Antarctica, and things finally start to get interesting.
There is also a large number of spelling errors, a lot more than I’d like despite the long length of the book. Along with some tedious and repetitive filler material, in which people do boring everyday tasks such as make tea or coffee, drink sodas and eat pizzas, most of which is probably unnecessary.
Despite the difficulties I had in staying focused and reading this novel, I’m glad that I persevered until the end. Once again, in the latter stages of the story, things finally begin to coalesce, coming together to make sense. I thoroughly enjoyed the main premise of the Exoskeleton trilogy and although it can be hard work to read, at 4 out of 5 stars I recommend this to all lovers of hard science fiction.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2020
Exciting but terrifying trilogy.
I took a risk on this trilogy
It wasn't my preferred genre of undead, post apocolyptic,dystopia, HOWEVER, it grabbed my attention from the get go. I had lots of late nights reading "one more chapter" and craved getting back to the books after the inconvenience of a day at work.
Book one was addictively horrific in the description of the torture of Will and the adventure progressed convincingly into his collaboration with high ranking officials in book two. I was completely convinced by all the characters and was left bereft with Will's final situation. Incredible tension throughout all 3 books. Hungry for MORE. This can't be the end Shane.
I took a risk on this trilogy
It wasn't my preferred genre of undead, post apocolyptic,dystopia, HOWEVER, it grabbed my attention from the get go. I had lots of late nights reading "one more chapter" and craved getting back to the books after the inconvenience of a day at work.
Book one was addictively horrific in the description of the torture of Will and the adventure progressed convincingly into his collaboration with high ranking officials in book two. I was completely convinced by all the characters and was left bereft with Will's final situation. Incredible tension throughout all 3 books. Hungry for MORE. This can't be the end Shane.
October 24, 2019
An excellent end to the trilogy. The book is quite long, and a bit bloated. A secondary storyline involving Chinese spies and Lenny takes up a lot of time and doesn't add much to the overarching story of Will and Separating and all that. I found myself skimming through those parts to get to the meat of the story.
That being said, it was a very engaging read. Finished it in two long sessions. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a satisfying conclusion to the other two books.
That being said, it was a very engaging read. Finished it in two long sessions. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a satisfying conclusion to the other two books.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews