Review: Omega Zero: A Book Review
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 03 27, 2013
Omega Zero is a gritty, hardboiled science fiction thriller which chronicles the redemption of a meth dealer, Trent Hazen against the backdrop of the world plunging into chaos after an outbreak of a killer virus called Omega Zero. Along Trent's journey he meets Emily, and together they form an unbreakable bond and attempt to survive a brutal new world where old friends are new enemies and the government can't be trusted.The writing is strong, lean, and elegant even when it describes graphic violence, which is commendable. The hard language helps reinforce the tough circumstances the characters are within without sounding coarse or comical. Trent Hazen, an equally hard ex-marine who fell into selling crank after being discharged is a fully realized character. He is not a stereotypical meat head, or weasel, he is quick on his feet, methodical, and compassionate. Since he is so likeable it is difficult to let him go when the book is over. Emily is less poignantly drawn than Trent. She is a resilient woman without bitterness or anger. She is pushy and precocious without being irritating but that is about as far as her character goes. I wish she was fleshed out more, especially when paired against Trent.Most of the book seems fairly realistic and well researched. I learned bits about the drug world, some facts about wilderness survival, and "doomsday prepping" without feeling like the book was written by a researcher. I did feel the interactions between Trent and his old boss, Eight-Ball, were a bit cartoonish but they added action and drama.My only real complaint is the ending which seemed abrupt; like Henry ran out of ideas and didn't know how to finish. The reader isn't given a satisfactory resolution as to whether Trent and Emily will end up surviving or what sort of world they would inherit. I am hopeful that it ended this way because Henry is planning a sequel.I would also like to comment that the book was very well edited, and formatted in addition to being well written.I will be keeping my eyes open for more from Ryan Henry and heartily recommend the book anyone.