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Oracle
A breathtaking near-future thriller. From the NY Times bestselling author whose books have been downloaded over a million times.
An interstellar war is racing toward an unsuspecting Earth. Can one young woman stop it before it's too late?
LA detective Anna Abbott can see brief, cryptic visions of the future. She just doesn't know it yet. But others do. Others who will stop at nothing to ensure that her abilities never see the light of day.
Soon Anna is fighting for her life against an array of powerful adversaries, and not all of them are human. Because a small group of aliens hiding on Earth believe that she can single-handedly alter the course of an interstellar war. One that has raged for thousands of years, but which is completely unknown to humankind.
Until now.
But even if Anna can beat the odds and stay alive, the greatest threat of all awaits: A super-intelligent species determined to prevent humanity from achieving its evolutionary destiny---at any cost.
ORACLE is a roller-coaster ride of a thriller. One packed with breathtaking action, startling revelations, and mind-blowing science, including a scientific rationale for clairvoyance itself.
An interstellar war is racing toward an unsuspecting Earth. Can one young woman stop it before it's too late?
LA detective Anna Abbott can see brief, cryptic visions of the future. She just doesn't know it yet. But others do. Others who will stop at nothing to ensure that her abilities never see the light of day.
Soon Anna is fighting for her life against an array of powerful adversaries, and not all of them are human. Because a small group of aliens hiding on Earth believe that she can single-handedly alter the course of an interstellar war. One that has raged for thousands of years, but which is completely unknown to humankind.
Until now.
But even if Anna can beat the odds and stay alive, the greatest threat of all awaits: A super-intelligent species determined to prevent humanity from achieving its evolutionary destiny---at any cost.
ORACLE is a roller-coaster ride of a thriller. One packed with breathtaking action, startling revelations, and mind-blowing science, including a scientific rationale for clairvoyance itself.
430 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 4, 2019
2572 people are currently reading
432 people want to read
About the author
Douglas E. Richards
50 books1,744 followersWrite to Doug at douglaserichards1 at gmail dot com, and visit the author's website to be notified of new releases.
Douglas E. Richards is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of science-fiction thrillers that have sold more than three million copies (see list below). Richards has been celebrated for his gripping, thought-provoking works that blend cutting-edge scientific concepts with heart-pounding narratives.
Richards burst onto the literary scene with his debut novel, WIRED, published in 2010. The novel garnered widespread acclaim for its ingenious combination of scientific speculation and thrilling storytelling. This success set the stage for a series of bestselling novels, each marked by meticulous research, riveting plots, and characters that resonate with readers.
Known for his ability to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible and engaging narratives, Richards has become a go-to author for readers seeking an intellectually stimulating and adrenaline-fueled reading experience. His works delve deeply into the ethical dilemmas posed by scientific breakthroughs and the potential impact of technology on society.
A former Director of Biotechnology Licensing at Bristol Myers Squibb and a former biotechnology executive, Richards earned a BS in microbiology from the Ohio State University, a master's degree in genetic engineering from the University of Wisconsin--where he engineered mutant viruses now named after him--and an MBA from the University of Chicago.
The author has two grown children and lives in San Diego, California, with his wife and dog.
Richards loves hearing from readers, and always replies, so feel free to write to him at douglaserichards1 at gmail dot com, and address him as "Doug". You can also Friend Richards on Facebook at Douglas E. Richards Author, or visit his website, where you can sign up to be notified of new releases.
SCIENCE FICTION THRILLERS BY DOUGLAS E. RICHARDS
SERIES
WIRED (Wired 1)
AMPED (Wired 2)
MIND'S EYE (Nick Hall 1)
BRAINWEB (Nick Hall 2)
MIND WAR (Nick Hall 3)
UNLEASHED (Nick Hall 4)
SPLIT SECOND(Split Second 1)
TIME FRAME (Split Second 2)
THE ENIGMA CUBE (Alien Artifact 1)
A PIVOT IN TIME (Alien Artifact 2)
STANDALONE NOVELS
QUANTUM LENS
GAME CHANGER
INFINITY BORN
SEEKER
VERACITY
ORACLE
THE IMMORTALITY CODE
UNIDENTIFIED
PORTALS
THE CURE (To become KU eligible for the first time in 2023)
THE BREAKTHROUGH EFFECT
Kids Science Fiction Thrillers (9 and up, enjoyed by kids and adults alike)
TRAPPED (Prometheus Project 1)
CAPTURED (Prometheus Project 2)
STRANDED (Prometheus Project 3)
OUT OF THIS WORLD
DEVIL'S SWORD
Douglas E. Richards is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of science-fiction thrillers that have sold more than three million copies (see list below). Richards has been celebrated for his gripping, thought-provoking works that blend cutting-edge scientific concepts with heart-pounding narratives.
Richards burst onto the literary scene with his debut novel, WIRED, published in 2010. The novel garnered widespread acclaim for its ingenious combination of scientific speculation and thrilling storytelling. This success set the stage for a series of bestselling novels, each marked by meticulous research, riveting plots, and characters that resonate with readers.
Known for his ability to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible and engaging narratives, Richards has become a go-to author for readers seeking an intellectually stimulating and adrenaline-fueled reading experience. His works delve deeply into the ethical dilemmas posed by scientific breakthroughs and the potential impact of technology on society.
A former Director of Biotechnology Licensing at Bristol Myers Squibb and a former biotechnology executive, Richards earned a BS in microbiology from the Ohio State University, a master's degree in genetic engineering from the University of Wisconsin--where he engineered mutant viruses now named after him--and an MBA from the University of Chicago.
The author has two grown children and lives in San Diego, California, with his wife and dog.
Richards loves hearing from readers, and always replies, so feel free to write to him at douglaserichards1 at gmail dot com, and address him as "Doug". You can also Friend Richards on Facebook at Douglas E. Richards Author, or visit his website, where you can sign up to be notified of new releases.
SCIENCE FICTION THRILLERS BY DOUGLAS E. RICHARDS
SERIES
WIRED (Wired 1)
AMPED (Wired 2)
MIND'S EYE (Nick Hall 1)
BRAINWEB (Nick Hall 2)
MIND WAR (Nick Hall 3)
UNLEASHED (Nick Hall 4)
SPLIT SECOND(Split Second 1)
TIME FRAME (Split Second 2)
THE ENIGMA CUBE (Alien Artifact 1)
A PIVOT IN TIME (Alien Artifact 2)
STANDALONE NOVELS
QUANTUM LENS
GAME CHANGER
INFINITY BORN
SEEKER
VERACITY
ORACLE
THE IMMORTALITY CODE
UNIDENTIFIED
PORTALS
THE CURE (To become KU eligible for the first time in 2023)
THE BREAKTHROUGH EFFECT
Kids Science Fiction Thrillers (9 and up, enjoyed by kids and adults alike)
TRAPPED (Prometheus Project 1)
CAPTURED (Prometheus Project 2)
STRANDED (Prometheus Project 3)
OUT OF THIS WORLD
DEVIL'S SWORD
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
August 18, 2020
Science fiction/ romance set in near future on earth. Aliens invade. A detective saves the day with clairvoyance. Angels and demons and even ancient oracles are Finally Finally explained, in historical context. Clairvoyant is the word of the day, as is subconscious.
Free download from kindle unlimited. Audiobook only $1.99. Not worth more than that, even though the narrator is great.
I finished the book, so it gets two stars, but the writing is cheesy. Yikes. And the author needs to drop the sledgehammer. He explains everything (clairvoyance, the subconscious, quantum entanglement, etc) in long expositions that detract from the story and slow the pace. Despite his determined effort to make a believer of me, this plot felt far fetched and silly. I doubt such advanced species would be so superstitious about “Gatekeepers” — in essence, gods.
Awkward and confusing referencing throughout the story, like referring to Anna as “the clairvoyant detective” and as “Anna” in the same paragraph. Oh, you mean Anna! Just say it. Anna. Same with Steve, aka the colonel. Or Kaitlyn, aka the alien who goes by Kaitlyn, the alien medic, etc.
Repeatedly, varied characters gaze deeply into other’s eyes, apparently to signify sincerity. Lame.
The romance is absurdly juvenile, with ill-suited sexy scenes and love-at-first-sight. The sudden and intense relationship lacked credibility. The sexy flirty banter felt out of place, given the circumstances. And since when does every kid dream of having sex with a starship admiral?
The only reason I finished the book was to see how it ended, but I began to skim here and there. The ending isn’t really an ending, but I probably won’t pick up the sequel, if there is one.
Content: PG 13. Some murders. Some swearing. Sex alluded to, but not graphic.
Free download from kindle unlimited. Audiobook only $1.99. Not worth more than that, even though the narrator is great.
I finished the book, so it gets two stars, but the writing is cheesy. Yikes. And the author needs to drop the sledgehammer. He explains everything (clairvoyance, the subconscious, quantum entanglement, etc) in long expositions that detract from the story and slow the pace. Despite his determined effort to make a believer of me, this plot felt far fetched and silly. I doubt such advanced species would be so superstitious about “Gatekeepers” — in essence, gods.
Awkward and confusing referencing throughout the story, like referring to Anna as “the clairvoyant detective” and as “Anna” in the same paragraph. Oh, you mean Anna! Just say it. Anna. Same with Steve, aka the colonel. Or Kaitlyn, aka the alien who goes by Kaitlyn, the alien medic, etc.
Repeatedly, varied characters gaze deeply into other’s eyes, apparently to signify sincerity. Lame.
The romance is absurdly juvenile, with ill-suited sexy scenes and love-at-first-sight. The sudden and intense relationship lacked credibility. The sexy flirty banter felt out of place, given the circumstances. And since when does every kid dream of having sex with a starship admiral?
The only reason I finished the book was to see how it ended, but I began to skim here and there. The ending isn’t really an ending, but I probably won’t pick up the sequel, if there is one.
Content: PG 13. Some murders. Some swearing. Sex alluded to, but not graphic.
April 24, 2020
This book was...meh. The plot was too forced and the author felt the need to explain every little loose end even if it was obvious. The romance was cheesy, better for a teen novel. I finished it, almost didn't, but was glad when it was over.
July 18, 2020
What a trip
I really enjoyed this book. I hope to see more of Anna's adventures. It would be fun to see what some of these other planets were like. The buildings, life styles the people. And what about her powers as they develop. fun fun fun. Thank you for a enjoyable time. I'm looking forward to reading more of your imagination.
I really enjoyed this book. I hope to see more of Anna's adventures. It would be fun to see what some of these other planets were like. The buildings, life styles the people. And what about her powers as they develop. fun fun fun. Thank you for a enjoyable time. I'm looking forward to reading more of your imagination.
May 23, 2024
Interesting, worthwhile sci-fi read…
Interesting concepts, twists and turns. Definitely a page turner, definitely a good read for sci-if fans. Combines, psychology, neuroscience, some quantum theory and of course aliens.
Interesting concepts, twists and turns. Definitely a page turner, definitely a good read for sci-if fans. Combines, psychology, neuroscience, some quantum theory and of course aliens.
January 21, 2026
I have now read multiple stories of this author and in all of them the plot is not in my range of density I would like.
Also the repeated (pseudo) “scientific lessons” are really really annoying.
I somehow need a blacklist for authors as it looks like as the authors books get often recommended for me if I search for specific themes
Also the repeated (pseudo) “scientific lessons” are really really annoying.
I somehow need a blacklist for authors as it looks like as the authors books get often recommended for me if I search for specific themes
May 12, 2021
Not bad
An interesting take on first contact. The romance was a bit trite but something here for all SF genre fans
An interesting take on first contact. The romance was a bit trite but something here for all SF genre fans
July 18, 2019
I must say, the description didn't quite hold me, and I went into this with a slight sense of trepidation. Then, to see scientific things Richards has already explained in previous novels rehashed in an almost word-for-word fashion was another blow.
But that's where the disappointment stopped. I got swept up in the story, pulled along by his prose and style, and finished it with as much satisfaction as I could have hoped for. A worthy work, and if it lays the groundwork for a more variegated series, all to the better.
But that's where the disappointment stopped. I got swept up in the story, pulled along by his prose and style, and finished it with as much satisfaction as I could have hoped for. A worthy work, and if it lays the groundwork for a more variegated series, all to the better.
October 3, 2019
I believe that this is the first sci-fi I have read it the last year. I am not a fan. However I did enjoy this this book. It had an interesting plot with portals and extra. Terrestrial almost on every page. If you like a I sci-fi. This book is for you.
March 12, 2021
Richards could give Roddenberry a run for his money.
His protagonist is a fun amalgamation of Picard, Janeway, Bones, and Scotty. Her Number One is the best of what a Riker could offer.
As much as I've enjoyed all of Doug's books, this one is by far my favorite.
His protagonist is a fun amalgamation of Picard, Janeway, Bones, and Scotty. Her Number One is the best of what a Riker could offer.
As much as I've enjoyed all of Doug's books, this one is by far my favorite.
October 17, 2019
Good book
It was a good book but not great. Some of it lacked the believe ability I like in science fiction
It was a good book but not great. Some of it lacked the believe ability I like in science fiction
November 23, 2019
A gripping story from the very start!
November 27, 2019
This was another good thriller to the last page with aliens no less.
March 7, 2020
Interesting idea
The story idea is good and interesting. But the second half lapses into boring monologues that detract from the story. Needed tighter editing to avoid repetition.
The story idea is good and interesting. But the second half lapses into boring monologues that detract from the story. Needed tighter editing to avoid repetition.
May 3, 2020
My intuition tells me that if I hear the word, subconscious , clairvoyance, or precognition again, that I’m going to throw up.
December 27, 2022
Douglas does his tech research well and explains the tech very well, his books are founded on a number of interesting concepts for sci-fi fans.
But oh my word, the main characters may as well be the same in every single book.
A 30 - 40 something man, handsome, brown eyed, very clever, great sense of humor in the face of adversity, ex special forces, deeply caring, tender, possibly physically enhanced with neural implants, nanotech, exoskeleton suits.... jeeezz...
This same-in-every-book gentleman always ends up teamed with a stunningly beautiful woman 25 - 35, extremely clever, intuitive, hilarious sense of humor, deadly martial arts skills, possibly physically enhanced with neural implants, nanotech, exoskeleton suits, capable of shagging all night long.....
These boringly repetitive main characters enjoy nothing more than gooey, gushing, vomit inducing dialogue detailing how much in love with each other they are, and how much they are looking forward to having sex with each other, even whilst restrained and in the presence of their alien captors/evil baddies.
Characters (in every book) smile 'wryly' and make humorous comments 'wryly' all day long, and we are reminded on every page of the character's main attributes - intuitive, gut feeling, clairvoyant, pre-cognitive, LA detective. For fucks sake, we've been introduced to the character, we know who she is from page one!
Good near-future hi-tech scifi books Douglas, but your characters are absolutely, predictably, awful.
I daren't mention the bad guys, who once again, may as well be the same nasty bad guy in every single book.
Exciting, page turning (sometimes quite a few at a time), near future, sci-fi drivel.
But oh my word, the main characters may as well be the same in every single book.
A 30 - 40 something man, handsome, brown eyed, very clever, great sense of humor in the face of adversity, ex special forces, deeply caring, tender, possibly physically enhanced with neural implants, nanotech, exoskeleton suits.... jeeezz...
This same-in-every-book gentleman always ends up teamed with a stunningly beautiful woman 25 - 35, extremely clever, intuitive, hilarious sense of humor, deadly martial arts skills, possibly physically enhanced with neural implants, nanotech, exoskeleton suits, capable of shagging all night long.....
These boringly repetitive main characters enjoy nothing more than gooey, gushing, vomit inducing dialogue detailing how much in love with each other they are, and how much they are looking forward to having sex with each other, even whilst restrained and in the presence of their alien captors/evil baddies.
Characters (in every book) smile 'wryly' and make humorous comments 'wryly' all day long, and we are reminded on every page of the character's main attributes - intuitive, gut feeling, clairvoyant, pre-cognitive, LA detective. For fucks sake, we've been introduced to the character, we know who she is from page one!
Good near-future hi-tech scifi books Douglas, but your characters are absolutely, predictably, awful.
I daren't mention the bad guys, who once again, may as well be the same nasty bad guy in every single book.
Exciting, page turning (sometimes quite a few at a time), near future, sci-fi drivel.
March 12, 2023
Detective to Daredevil
Just when I thought Douglas E. Richards couldn't write another technology driven, twisted plot and danger-filled science fiction book, he writes one with all of the above and it's humorous to boot.
How does an LA cop with a stellar solve rate on her cases become potentially the Admiral of a fleet of interstellar spaceships? By being very, very good at what she does.
Okay, perhaps she has a few things that help her on her way. Like the ability to predict just when something is going to happen. You could call her almost clairvoyant about outcomes.
And there's a tall, handsome, mysterious gentleman who is more than excited to meet with her and interview her about "how she does it". And he won't take no for an answer.
Before you are barely in to the meat and potatoes of Oracle, you'll have trouble keeping up with the action. This is break-neck race through complex characters, changing charged up scenes and fantastic fights to save the Galaxy.
I love reading Richard's books, mostly because of the technology and physics he writes so well. He really impressed me with Oracle and his droll sense of humor. This one is highly recommended.
Just when I thought Douglas E. Richards couldn't write another technology driven, twisted plot and danger-filled science fiction book, he writes one with all of the above and it's humorous to boot.
How does an LA cop with a stellar solve rate on her cases become potentially the Admiral of a fleet of interstellar spaceships? By being very, very good at what she does.
Okay, perhaps she has a few things that help her on her way. Like the ability to predict just when something is going to happen. You could call her almost clairvoyant about outcomes.
And there's a tall, handsome, mysterious gentleman who is more than excited to meet with her and interview her about "how she does it". And he won't take no for an answer.
Before you are barely in to the meat and potatoes of Oracle, you'll have trouble keeping up with the action. This is break-neck race through complex characters, changing charged up scenes and fantastic fights to save the Galaxy.
I love reading Richard's books, mostly because of the technology and physics he writes so well. He really impressed me with Oracle and his droll sense of humor. This one is highly recommended.
November 20, 2020
I will not divulge into the plot and theme, I’ll let the onlooking reader get into that themselves. I will say the reason I gave the book three stars was due to how concise the book was written. Yes, it is well written and it definitely has a pace of a bestselling book, very fast. It will not get more than three stars because the author was more involved with the mechanics of the story rather than development of the characters themselves. What I mean is that explanation how the main character Anna Abbot does something is placed with great emphasis, opposed to the why she does them. Inner motivation and emotional depth is lacking. All of the characters seemed cartoonish and out of a Marvel Movie. Very flashy and much action. Substance not so much. If you are not looking for that and entertainment is more your lure, then you should like Oracle. Well written but shallow character development:) Peace!
October 14, 2020
2.5 Stars. Kind of bad but still fun.
Weakly Recommend
Although this was a fun read, the myriad overused tropes really hurt it. I'm pausing to let this sink in. /s
When I was in ninth grade, I wrote a "brilliant" paper for history class, and couldn't wait for it to be graded. I learned a terrible lesson from Mr. Harker: my paper, loaded with clichés, was an especially bad example of lazy writing! It still stings. In all my undergraduate and post graduate work, this never came up again. Sadly, this author is oblivious.
Back to the book, we have two thirty-somethings who immediately fall in love and behave like pre-teens. Puppy love, really? We have a lot of deus ex machina (just-in-time plot advancement contraptions). But the story moves along at a decent pace so it's not terrible.
Weakly Recommend
Although this was a fun read, the myriad overused tropes really hurt it. I'm pausing to let this sink in. /s
When I was in ninth grade, I wrote a "brilliant" paper for history class, and couldn't wait for it to be graded. I learned a terrible lesson from Mr. Harker: my paper, loaded with clichés, was an especially bad example of lazy writing! It still stings. In all my undergraduate and post graduate work, this never came up again. Sadly, this author is oblivious.
Back to the book, we have two thirty-somethings who immediately fall in love and behave like pre-teens. Puppy love, really? We have a lot of deus ex machina (just-in-time plot advancement contraptions). But the story moves along at a decent pace so it's not terrible.
August 15, 2022
A bit cheesy at times. Especially Vega. Steve too. He'll, everyone. Regardless, this book was especially interesting to me seeing as that I am an empath. And an intuitive. I'll separate the two. I am not, however, a precognitive. Not sure if such has any valid basis. But when you start bringing the quantum realm into things anything seems possible. And perhaps their are other such realms. Kinda sounds like a Tolkien invention. Lol. Anything seems possible. Even the possibility that our Earthly experience at the least is actually a computer generated world. That we too are computer generated. Though with sentience within the programming. All similar to the movie The Thirteenth Floor with Vincent D'onofrio perhaps 20 years back. There are other media which proposes such. Even something as seemingly silly as Rick & Morty.
May 21, 2023
What I read science fiction for
Richards delivers what I seek: an exciting story with interesting people, a smattering of intriguing new technological insights, and a fundamentally positive outlook.
In this story, a detective with a disciplined intuition--a trained attunement to the subconscious--turns out to be just the thing an alien race is seeking to break through a technological and developmental ceiling for all known races. This view of a multi-species galaxy warring with itself, trapped this side of transcendence, is a terrific setting for SF novels.
As always, Richards keeps you turning pages. Our detective is recruited to save the galaxy, even as she is forced to level up her skills from intuition to clairvoyance to save our own planet from bloody invasion.
Oh, and the final essay in the book is a great intro to some hot science topics.
It was a blast!
Richards delivers what I seek: an exciting story with interesting people, a smattering of intriguing new technological insights, and a fundamentally positive outlook.
In this story, a detective with a disciplined intuition--a trained attunement to the subconscious--turns out to be just the thing an alien race is seeking to break through a technological and developmental ceiling for all known races. This view of a multi-species galaxy warring with itself, trapped this side of transcendence, is a terrific setting for SF novels.
As always, Richards keeps you turning pages. Our detective is recruited to save the galaxy, even as she is forced to level up her skills from intuition to clairvoyance to save our own planet from bloody invasion.
Oh, and the final essay in the book is a great intro to some hot science topics.
It was a blast!
March 29, 2020
Mind Boggling!
I have rated this book 4 Stars, because of the extreme complexity of the interaction between the present and the future. The plot is woven with an intricacy that is so convoluted, that at times, it becomes dizzying. It does reach a logical conclusion, and from the author’s notes, I can see how he despaired for some time that this could be so. Bravo that he could sustain the drive to get there. Mr. Richards says “...we’re living science fiction every day.” Think SpaceX, AI, The Space Force. Let’s just hope we can still have heroes in the new frontier.
I have rated this book 4 Stars, because of the extreme complexity of the interaction between the present and the future. The plot is woven with an intricacy that is so convoluted, that at times, it becomes dizzying. It does reach a logical conclusion, and from the author’s notes, I can see how he despaired for some time that this could be so. Bravo that he could sustain the drive to get there. Mr. Richards says “...we’re living science fiction every day.” Think SpaceX, AI, The Space Force. Let’s just hope we can still have heroes in the new frontier.
November 3, 2020
My intuition told me this book would be good
If you’re new to Richards’ work, get ready for a fictional adventure full of plausible science. This is yet another mind bending experience that will entertain at times and make you wonder and scratch your head at other times. Sifting through story to glean the science fact from fiction adds an element of interest not there in pure fiction. Highly recommended for science fiction geeks, those with a science background or anyone who loves a thrilling adventure.
If you’re new to Richards’ work, get ready for a fictional adventure full of plausible science. This is yet another mind bending experience that will entertain at times and make you wonder and scratch your head at other times. Sifting through story to glean the science fact from fiction adds an element of interest not there in pure fiction. Highly recommended for science fiction geeks, those with a science background or anyone who loves a thrilling adventure.
April 3, 2021
Challenging Concepts with Cliche Characters
I love Mr Richard’s novels. Pretty much each of them has taught me new and fascinating concepts and ideas. His characters are not paragons of characterization but most are serviceable. I did not find those in “Oracle” met that expectation.
The exposition was somewhat heavy handed and the dialogue between the human characters was nauseating at times.
I cannot fault the concepts of precognition a d quantum biology but the characters were annoying and flat.
I love Mr Richard’s novels. Pretty much each of them has taught me new and fascinating concepts and ideas. His characters are not paragons of characterization but most are serviceable. I did not find those in “Oracle” met that expectation.
The exposition was somewhat heavy handed and the dialogue between the human characters was nauseating at times.
I cannot fault the concepts of precognition a d quantum biology but the characters were annoying and flat.
April 18, 2025
Meh...
This is not the 1st novel by Richards that I have read ... and that is a good thing as if it had been, I doubt I would have read any more. While it's not bad, neither is it particularly good. The plot isn't very intricate and the characters don't seem to have to work very hard to succeed. There's too much deus ex machina to the resolutions. I previously read the two "Split Second" books and enjoyed them enough to happily purchase more of his work. Hopefully this novel is the odd man out.
This is not the 1st novel by Richards that I have read ... and that is a good thing as if it had been, I doubt I would have read any more. While it's not bad, neither is it particularly good. The plot isn't very intricate and the characters don't seem to have to work very hard to succeed. There's too much deus ex machina to the resolutions. I previously read the two "Split Second" books and enjoyed them enough to happily purchase more of his work. Hopefully this novel is the odd man out.
February 4, 2021
I usually like Richards "techno-thrillers" but here he made the leap to full blown science fiction. I just don't love aliens. Too often aliens are just a too convenient plot device. Rather than explaining something in detail, the aliens simply say something like, "the tech is too advanced, you wouldn't understand." I like to understand the how...even if it is science fiction rather than playing the alien card.
June 23, 2021
Another great read from Douglas E Richards!
I love the way the author weaves fact and science fiction into the story. Even though the characters names change in the books, I have noticed that a lot of them could be the same person from other books he has written. However I still love them. I really like that Richards gives you his research, and interesting facts at the end of his books.
I love the way the author weaves fact and science fiction into the story. Even though the characters names change in the books, I have noticed that a lot of them could be the same person from other books he has written. However I still love them. I really like that Richards gives you his research, and interesting facts at the end of his books.
April 21, 2022
Thought Provoking
Oracle is written for the lovers of science in science fiction. Douglas E. Richards takes some truly speculative leaps, to put together a truly entertaining story around some very difficult concepts in theoretical sciences. What really makes his works, is he provides enough facts for the reader to follow their own avenues of inquiry into the concepts around which the story is built should they choose to do so.
Oracle is written for the lovers of science in science fiction. Douglas E. Richards takes some truly speculative leaps, to put together a truly entertaining story around some very difficult concepts in theoretical sciences. What really makes his works, is he provides enough facts for the reader to follow their own avenues of inquiry into the concepts around which the story is built should they choose to do so.
February 23, 2023
Couldn't put it down!
This book caught my imagination and wonder in the first few chapters and I read all day till I finished it. The subjects- intuition, alien life on earth( including possible motives for being here), the subconscious mind, and technology were intriguing. I liked the characters too ( I can't read a book in which I don't like the characters). I highly recommend this book for all science fiction fans!
This book caught my imagination and wonder in the first few chapters and I read all day till I finished it. The subjects- intuition, alien life on earth( including possible motives for being here), the subconscious mind, and technology were intriguing. I liked the characters too ( I can't read a book in which I don't like the characters). I highly recommend this book for all science fiction fans!
November 1, 2020
Entertaining, but...
Entertaining but yet another yarn where an exceptional American hero saves the day. I’m getting a bit tired of so many stories, written by American authors, revolving around the American need for exceptional heros which make it fairly easy to guess the ending.
Entertaining but yet another yarn where an exceptional American hero saves the day. I’m getting a bit tired of so many stories, written by American authors, revolving around the American need for exceptional heros which make it fairly easy to guess the ending.
December 13, 2020
starts out as a quantum physics mystery. Ends up as a simple murder mystery. There were just too many plot holes for me to really enjoy this book. The final straw was that the murder, who is introduced in the last 5% of the book, has an undergraduate degree from my alma mater Rice Unveristy (Go Owls). It is a a pleasant diversion in the age of Coronavirus but do not hav ehigh expectations.
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