What do you think?
Rate this book
Harbinger
Unconnected lives intersecting in a bleak setting. Nothing will ever be the same.
Humanity lurches into an uncertain future, dismissive of warning signs. Only the most naïve believe humanity will step back from the brink. Yet, in a place that doesn’t exist, a riddle, puzzle, hope, fear, danger, salvation—all come together.
Zach Marjek has faced death in the far corners of the Earth . . . and survived where others failed. He is about to be thrust into an unimagined situation. Jaded mercenaries, an Inuit wanderer, a murderous Yupik, a young mother, a video game designer, a retired general, a new president, a Chinese marine, mathematics prodigies: these and others whose lives and fates will come together to revolve around a mystery whose consequences could range from disaster to salvation.
As the mystery unravels, a danger unbeknownst to the players lurks and prepares to take what cannot be taken. Lives and the future hang by the thinnest of threads.
Humanity lurches into an uncertain future, dismissive of warning signs. Only the most naïve believe humanity will step back from the brink. Yet, in a place that doesn’t exist, a riddle, puzzle, hope, fear, danger, salvation—all come together.
Zach Marjek has faced death in the far corners of the Earth . . . and survived where others failed. He is about to be thrust into an unimagined situation. Jaded mercenaries, an Inuit wanderer, a murderous Yupik, a young mother, a video game designer, a retired general, a new president, a Chinese marine, mathematics prodigies: these and others whose lives and fates will come together to revolve around a mystery whose consequences could range from disaster to salvation.
As the mystery unravels, a danger unbeknownst to the players lurks and prepares to take what cannot be taken. Lives and the future hang by the thinnest of threads.
630 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 30, 2020
155 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Olan Thorensen
16 books521 followersOlan is a long-time science fiction fan who has jumped into independent publication with all its pitfalls and unknowns. He thinks all colors go together: clash, what clash? A fan of Dilbert, Non Sequitur, Peanuts (even if old strips), and still think the end of The Far Side was a tragedy. Loves fireflies, rain, thunderstorms, is eclectic in music (classical, western, oldies, smattering of all other), and thinks four seasons are better than one. Gardens, plays piano poorly, used to jog until broke hip, now walks (to be honest, his jog was about as fast as his quick walk).
A sampling of favorite movies include Avatar, Master and Commander, The Last Mimsy, Six Days and Seven Nights, Aliens, Jumanji, The Big Short, Trading Places, World War Z, and A Miracle on 34th Street (original). If you can figure out a common theme, let Olan know. :>)
Born in Louisiana, but mainly grew up in a less populated part of Northern California. Played football in high school but did minimum studying so as not to interfere with his reading novels. Ironic is that he studiously avoided learning things like details of grammar and good writing. He knows how ironic that is now.
Worked as a forest firefighter several summers. In his youth, served in the US Special Forces (one year in Vietnam; SOG, running recon patrols in Laos and the DMZ). Attended university before and after the Army. Has a Phd in Genetics, with around 200 science publications as author and co-author on genetics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics, and is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Worked with people with all the education and no common sense and knows people with little education and a world of smarts.
Retired now in the Blue Ridge country of Virginia and has time to pursue his avocation of writing books – mainly science fiction plus one police/action/character book writing as Kelsey Robicheaux. Thinks it's totally cool someone can read his stories and enjoy them. Loves hearing from readers from all parts of the US and international (his favorite of the latter was from Nepal).
His web page is olanthorensen.com, which has news updates, an occasion blog posting, and downloadable maps (by clicking on them) to help orient readers to the planet Anyar (highly recommended). He’s on Facebook, which also has maps, reader/listener comments, and his responses. He can be emailed at olanthorensen@gmail.com. He reads all emails, though he may not be able to respond to them all. Readers can request to be on a mailing list for news of releases. Advantages of the mail list also include Christmas short stories, new maps, and a coming novella not otherwise available elsewhere.
A sampling of favorite movies include Avatar, Master and Commander, The Last Mimsy, Six Days and Seven Nights, Aliens, Jumanji, The Big Short, Trading Places, World War Z, and A Miracle on 34th Street (original). If you can figure out a common theme, let Olan know. :>)
Born in Louisiana, but mainly grew up in a less populated part of Northern California. Played football in high school but did minimum studying so as not to interfere with his reading novels. Ironic is that he studiously avoided learning things like details of grammar and good writing. He knows how ironic that is now.
Worked as a forest firefighter several summers. In his youth, served in the US Special Forces (one year in Vietnam; SOG, running recon patrols in Laos and the DMZ). Attended university before and after the Army. Has a Phd in Genetics, with around 200 science publications as author and co-author on genetics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics, and is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Worked with people with all the education and no common sense and knows people with little education and a world of smarts.
Retired now in the Blue Ridge country of Virginia and has time to pursue his avocation of writing books – mainly science fiction plus one police/action/character book writing as Kelsey Robicheaux. Thinks it's totally cool someone can read his stories and enjoy them. Loves hearing from readers from all parts of the US and international (his favorite of the latter was from Nepal).
His web page is olanthorensen.com, which has news updates, an occasion blog posting, and downloadable maps (by clicking on them) to help orient readers to the planet Anyar (highly recommended). He’s on Facebook, which also has maps, reader/listener comments, and his responses. He can be emailed at olanthorensen@gmail.com. He reads all emails, though he may not be able to respond to them all. Readers can request to be on a mailing list for news of releases. Advantages of the mail list also include Christmas short stories, new maps, and a coming novella not otherwise available elsewhere.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
November 4, 2020
As a huge fan of the author's Destiny's Crucible series (see my review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...), I was really excited about this one, though also somewhat apprehensive since it clearly marked a departure from an adventure with a flavor of alt-history sf where the set-up (and the involved suspension of disbelief) was essentially the only pure sfnal element, to a quite different story of hard-sf/alien contact set clearly within our times and starting from the premise: "what if in the Arctic wastes, a few hardy explorers - both military and civilian - stumble upon a clearly alien Object?"
Given the above premise, one has to establish credibility so to speak, and root the story in how "real life works", while also creating suspense and an interesting story and on all these counts, Harbinger truly delivers in a novel of epic scope with a fairly largish cast of characters, of which the main few are excellent.
Similarly, the development of the storyline feels just right (how much and in what way, the mysteries of the Object and even the simplest fact of its existence implications are treated, what is the destination of the story etc), not to speak of the cool action part that enlivens the last part of the novel.
An excellent ending and of course I definitely want more as said ending promises.
Highly, highly recommended and as of now (somewhat to my surprise) I would rate Harbinger as my top novel of 2020 and while of course that may change with time, it will still be a top 5 regardless.
Given the above premise, one has to establish credibility so to speak, and root the story in how "real life works", while also creating suspense and an interesting story and on all these counts, Harbinger truly delivers in a novel of epic scope with a fairly largish cast of characters, of which the main few are excellent.
Similarly, the development of the storyline feels just right (how much and in what way, the mysteries of the Object and even the simplest fact of its existence implications are treated, what is the destination of the story etc), not to speak of the cool action part that enlivens the last part of the novel.
An excellent ending and of course I definitely want more as said ending promises.
Highly, highly recommended and as of now (somewhat to my surprise) I would rate Harbinger as my top novel of 2020 and while of course that may change with time, it will still be a top 5 regardless.
July 17, 2024
While I am a big fan of Olan's Destiny's Crucible series, I thought this book moved INCREDIBLY slowly. The first 5-10% was a jumbled mess, an attempt at an introduction to each character, but it felt so superficial, and thus ultimately wasteful. The big problem that I had is that for 80% of the book nothing happens. The story was interesting, but far from captivating. The book could've been shorter by a couple of hundred pages and it would've been an improvement.
January 14, 2021
Great Read
Olan Thorensen has a particular way of writing that hooks me right away after reading the first page of any of his books. I’m a big fan of The Crucible series (counting days until book seven gets released). I gave a try to Harbinger even though I knew I wouldn’t be able to stop reading it (finished it in 3 days. Workdays, that is) and since it’s book one on the series I will have to painfully wait for the sequel to come out and probably will finish reading the whole series 2 years from now. Anyway, it was definitively worth it. I enjoyed it a lot. A big YES. Keep them coming Olan!!
Olan Thorensen has a particular way of writing that hooks me right away after reading the first page of any of his books. I’m a big fan of The Crucible series (counting days until book seven gets released). I gave a try to Harbinger even though I knew I wouldn’t be able to stop reading it (finished it in 3 days. Workdays, that is) and since it’s book one on the series I will have to painfully wait for the sequel to come out and probably will finish reading the whole series 2 years from now. Anyway, it was definitively worth it. I enjoyed it a lot. A big YES. Keep them coming Olan!!
November 9, 2020
Another home run for Plan Thorensen
I've read everything this author has written and have never been disappointed in any of his Stories.
For those of you you're reading this review please bear in mine that the stories conceived by This author Has The unique ability to fashion I fantasy As well or better than L.E. Monistat Jr., To create a space opera as well as David Weber . Bring about true intrigue Like that of Tom Clancy.
Totally looking forward to anything new by this author
I've read everything this author has written and have never been disappointed in any of his Stories.
For those of you you're reading this review please bear in mine that the stories conceived by This author Has The unique ability to fashion I fantasy As well or better than L.E. Monistat Jr., To create a space opera as well as David Weber . Bring about true intrigue Like that of Tom Clancy.
Totally looking forward to anything new by this author
November 9, 2020
A unique first contact story well written and extremely engaging. I'll be waiting impatiently for the next chapter. This book is ideal for the hard science fiction enthusiast searching for new ideas. This author's talent continues to grow.
A unique first contact story well written and extremely engaging. I'll be impatiently waiting for the next chapter. This book is ideal for the hard science fiction enthusiast searching for new concepts.
A unique first contact story well written and extremely engaging. I'll be impatiently waiting for the next chapter. This book is ideal for the hard science fiction enthusiast searching for new concepts.
November 11, 2020
Where is Book 2!
This is his best work yet! I read all the Destiny’s Crucible series and loved it but Harbinger really did it for me. He blends all the parts together into a well written montage.
This is his best work yet! I read all the Destiny’s Crucible series and loved it but Harbinger really did it for me. He blends all the parts together into a well written montage.
May 30, 2023
Science fiction part is quite thin in the book, it’s mostly about American military and their fascinations about presidents, generals, heroes and secrets - and that doesn’t translate well.
July 25, 2021
This is a long book with no traditional action for its first two-thirds. I confess to being a little disappointed. For a first contact story, there are few original ideas on offer. Instead, we get a detailed and realistic portrayal of modern politics with a less-than-realistic portrayal of scientific research processes.
The comparison that comes to mind is Carl Sagan's "Contact." Both books defer the action to the end and both take a deep dive into the central characters. I did enjoy learning about these people but it could have been trimmed. For example, a decent chunk of the story follows a disaffected indigenous spy as he is used by the Chinese to investigate the arctic base. His whole thread could be pulled without impacting the plot.
I can't help thinking that the story would have been improved by combining a natural challenge with the existing political conflict. Be it a storm, reacter overload, seismic event, or disease outbreak... some synergistic action that accelerated tensions and motivated the "Object" to invest in the researchers, might have made all the difference.
If you're into first contact stories and like your books to be character-driven then "Harbinger" may ring your bell.
The comparison that comes to mind is Carl Sagan's "Contact." Both books defer the action to the end and both take a deep dive into the central characters. I did enjoy learning about these people but it could have been trimmed. For example, a decent chunk of the story follows a disaffected indigenous spy as he is used by the Chinese to investigate the arctic base. His whole thread could be pulled without impacting the plot.
I can't help thinking that the story would have been improved by combining a natural challenge with the existing political conflict. Be it a storm, reacter overload, seismic event, or disease outbreak... some synergistic action that accelerated tensions and motivated the "Object" to invest in the researchers, might have made all the difference.
If you're into first contact stories and like your books to be character-driven then "Harbinger" may ring your bell.
October 2, 2023
Love Thorensen! However pacing is an issue in this one.
Thorensen’s Destiny’s Crucible was fantastic, so naturally I read Harbinger. Not too many complaints, however i feel when you center a book around an idea (or object ;), you should plumb the depths of that idea, and not dwell too much on lengthy asides. I felt this book barely touched on the interesting part, and mostly kept to military intrigues. The action was well written don’t get me wrong, however the *object* of the book wasn’t fleshed out satisfactorily, and it seems like an overly long prologue. But I’m a fan, so I’ll keep reading!
Thorensen’s Destiny’s Crucible was fantastic, so naturally I read Harbinger. Not too many complaints, however i feel when you center a book around an idea (or object ;), you should plumb the depths of that idea, and not dwell too much on lengthy asides. I felt this book barely touched on the interesting part, and mostly kept to military intrigues. The action was well written don’t get me wrong, however the *object* of the book wasn’t fleshed out satisfactorily, and it seems like an overly long prologue. But I’m a fan, so I’ll keep reading!
April 23, 2021
I’ve fallen prey to the high current rating of the book and wasted a whale of time on this frustratingly snail-paced affair. The book does have some redeeming qualities hence two stars rather than one. The narrator is excellent. There is an atmosphere to the book some may find appealing. The subject matter is interesting. The execution is circular, the reader’s attention focused on trees while neglecting the forest, actual progress of the story punctuated by endless diversions with redundant info-dumps. I will not be reading its follow-ups.
April 5, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this book and hope that the author is having fun writing then next one!
This was my first time reading Olan Thorensen's work. I think it is very good for a self published author. I could probably criticize a couple of things, or parts that a commercial editor would have removed, but I really don't care about commercial streamlining a writers work ... it is what it is, and it's the story the author wanted to share. It's good.
A very interesting plot, good characters and many of them.
I will be reading more of Mr. Thorensen's books!
This was my first time reading Olan Thorensen's work. I think it is very good for a self published author. I could probably criticize a couple of things, or parts that a commercial editor would have removed, but I really don't care about commercial streamlining a writers work ... it is what it is, and it's the story the author wanted to share. It's good.
A very interesting plot, good characters and many of them.
I will be reading more of Mr. Thorensen's books!
September 23, 2022
One of those few authors that you just can't bring yourself to put it down. The book brings about the human dilemma of whether people could actually work together to prevent their own eventual extinction. Even as the characters are told that the majority of sentient species typically die off, could we really push beyond bureaucracy, selfishness, procrastination and politics to reverse the course of civilization? Olan does an excellent job of unraveling the plot while keeping the tension and suspense at just the right level. As much an intelligent book as it is entertaining.
October 7, 2024
This story was an enjoyable read and is something I read while waiting for the next Destiny's Crucible novel to come out. It's interesting there's a connecting feature and with this possibly having a sequel I'm interested to see where it goes.
With a very sci-fi premise the story is very intriguing with decent character builds. The story gives just enough to keep the suspense going and keeping the reader wondering what's next. While the story isn't tied up and it's been three years since release I do hope to see some cross over with Destiny's Crucible if possible.
With a very sci-fi premise the story is very intriguing with decent character builds. The story gives just enough to keep the suspense going and keeping the reader wondering what's next. While the story isn't tied up and it's been three years since release I do hope to see some cross over with Destiny's Crucible if possible.
November 8, 2020
Great Start For A New Series!
Believable and well developed characters throughout along with an exciting premise (First Contact) gets you interested right away. Thought provoking story line relevant to today and an exciting conclusion to this first volume of hopefully many more to come will make you glad you read it and have you eagerly awaiting future chapters. Highly recommended!
Believable and well developed characters throughout along with an exciting premise (First Contact) gets you interested right away. Thought provoking story line relevant to today and an exciting conclusion to this first volume of hopefully many more to come will make you glad you read it and have you eagerly awaiting future chapters. Highly recommended!
December 15, 2020
Yes or no,maybe
I purchased this book because of who the author was, having read his other books,I thought 🤔, I enjoyed them, so I thought why not. It started out all right, then seemed to wonder around for awhile, then came back to the story where he took a right turn and seemed to be lost or couldn't figure out where to go next,would I get the next book in line,there is enough of a hook at the end that I might , haven't decided yet
I purchased this book because of who the author was, having read his other books,I thought 🤔, I enjoyed them, so I thought why not. It started out all right, then seemed to wonder around for awhile, then came back to the story where he took a right turn and seemed to be lost or couldn't figure out where to go next,would I get the next book in line,there is enough of a hook at the end that I might , haven't decided yet
January 30, 2021
Great story, intelligently written
I really enjoyed this book! Mr Thorensen really focused on the character development, which made the story all the more believable. I typically tend towards hard sf, with as much science as possible. While the science wasn't as deep in this story, the complexity of the situation and the thoughtful and realistic description of likely outcomes more than compensated. I am eager to read the follow-up!
I really enjoyed this book! Mr Thorensen really focused on the character development, which made the story all the more believable. I typically tend towards hard sf, with as much science as possible. While the science wasn't as deep in this story, the complexity of the situation and the thoughtful and realistic description of likely outcomes more than compensated. I am eager to read the follow-up!
December 7, 2020
I am very happy to have found Olan Thoransens' writings. This book was well crafted, it was easy to get emotionally involved in the characters lives. Very enjoyable story, it certainly feels like there should be a sequel, I can hardly wait for the next instalment. Sort of a sad commentary on human civilization tho.
December 31, 2020
Sci Fi or Reality
I so enjoy the wonderful storytelling of Olen. He has found a balance some writers never do manage, the human touch and the science nerd. His characters are ‘real’ in the sense they are actual people the reader knows, his science is deep but he does not hit us over the head with the ‘esoteric’ otherwise known as science mumbo jumbo. Can't wait for books to come.
I so enjoy the wonderful storytelling of Olen. He has found a balance some writers never do manage, the human touch and the science nerd. His characters are ‘real’ in the sense they are actual people the reader knows, his science is deep but he does not hit us over the head with the ‘esoteric’ otherwise known as science mumbo jumbo. Can't wait for books to come.
May 3, 2021
What an amazing universe the author has developed
Greatly enjoyed the book, well written by an obviously thoughtful and intelligent author as all of his books have been to date. Will be interesting to see how this one relates to the others so far.
Read! Enjoy! Read his other books!
Greatly enjoyed the book, well written by an obviously thoughtful and intelligent author as all of his books have been to date. Will be interesting to see how this one relates to the others so far.
Read! Enjoy! Read his other books!
October 14, 2022
First contact scenario, interesting concept, but long winded. Good character building, unfortunately the building took a long time, not getting any action until 70% into the book. The action part was well written and thrilling, but not sure it was worth the wait. Story is all set up for book two, because the ending was a bit flat to say the least. 3 stars.
November 19, 2020
Good
I enjoyed the overall story, and look forward to more of it. There was a lot more science than I usually like in my science fiction, so I admit I did skim through much of that. But still, good story, so far.
I enjoyed the overall story, and look forward to more of it. There was a lot more science than I usually like in my science fiction, so I admit I did skim through much of that. But still, good story, so far.
November 27, 2020
A very good read.
Stumbled across this book on Amazon. The plot is well thought out and even believable. Not many grammatical errors. I greatly enjoyed it!
Hoping a sequel is in the works.
Stumbled across this book on Amazon. The plot is well thought out and even believable. Not many grammatical errors. I greatly enjoyed it!
Hoping a sequel is in the works.
December 5, 2020
I liked the book, cool first contact book. It will eventually link up with the other books he wrote.
His writing is simple and characters are always predictable but for some reason it works for my brain and I really enjoy these stories. Your mileage may vary.
His writing is simple and characters are always predictable but for some reason it works for my brain and I really enjoy these stories. Your mileage may vary.
December 28, 2020
Another Great Story
While waiting for another Destiny's Crucible story from Mr. Thorenson I stumbled across Harbinger.
It was such a great story I finished it over the weekend.
Now I have another series from Mr. Thorenson I'm waiting on.
While waiting for another Destiny's Crucible story from Mr. Thorenson I stumbled across Harbinger.
It was such a great story I finished it over the weekend.
Now I have another series from Mr. Thorenson I'm waiting on.
December 31, 2020
Terrific start for a new series!
I just love Olan Thorensen. His books enthrall me. Such an unusual talent for this writer. A slow burn, getting to know different characters, and leading up to such an exciting, heart pounding finale. Book one is a winner.
I just love Olan Thorensen. His books enthrall me. Such an unusual talent for this writer. A slow burn, getting to know different characters, and leading up to such an exciting, heart pounding finale. Book one is a winner.
January 3, 2021
I liked the book and thought the premise was plausible. Frankly some of the supporting storylines outside of the sci-fi seemed unrealistic. However I definitely recommend and I am glad I read. I stayed up multiple nights much to late because I could not put the book down.
January 5, 2021
Olan continues to keep me up late
I love the way olan develops characters I know them and cheer for then. Really intriguing story line and my only question is when’s part 2 coming, that’s best recommendation I can give. Thanks Olan and happy new year (yawn).
I love the way olan develops characters I know them and cheer for then. Really intriguing story line and my only question is when’s part 2 coming, that’s best recommendation I can give. Thanks Olan and happy new year (yawn).
January 14, 2021
Great read as always
This author is very good. Anything written by im is worth your time. This is a hard sci-fi version of first Contact. Believable motivations and reactions if a bit stretching in places for sake of story. Awaiting the sequel.
This author is very good. Anything written by im is worth your time. This is a hard sci-fi version of first Contact. Believable motivations and reactions if a bit stretching in places for sake of story. Awaiting the sequel.
January 17, 2021
Thoughtful with a broad view of AI, Aliens, and humans.
The author covered a significant amount of ground in many aspects of first contact, AI, and human behavior. This book inspired thinking of those subjects and what ifs. Recommend.
The author covered a significant amount of ground in many aspects of first contact, AI, and human behavior. This book inspired thinking of those subjects and what ifs. Recommend.
January 19, 2021
entertaining
I had difficulty reading the introductions at the beginning, once past that the story was very entertaining. I became interested in the characters and am curious what the next book will offer.
I had difficulty reading the introductions at the beginning, once past that the story was very entertaining. I became interested in the characters and am curious what the next book will offer.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews