172nd out of 195 books
—
115 voters
Offworld
by
Robin Parrish (Goodreads Author)
The return of NASA's first manned mission to Mars was supposed to be a momentous day. But when the crew loses touch with ground control before entry, things look bleak. Safe after a treacherous landing, the crew emerges to discover the unthinkable--every man, woman, child, and animal has vanished without a trace. Alone now on their home planet, the crew sets out to discove...more
Paperback, 361 pages
Published
July 1st 2009
by Bethany House Publishers
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James Korsmo
added it
An elite team of four astronauts returns to earth from a three-year mission to Mars to discover the planet deserted. No people, no animals. They are all alone. An eerie start to this intriguing sci-fi drama. Chris Burke and his team, puzzled by their situation, set out to find some answers. They discover that everyone on the planet appears to have vanished at the same precise moment about two months before their return. And there is a huge beacon of light emanating from near Houston, Texas. Some...more
If you have not watched the new shows on the Syfy Channel, you really should check it out. Their old movies and series were cheesy, but the new shows are really entertaining and well done. Offworld reads very much like one of the newer shows on SyFy. Its action packed and the mystery behind the disappearances keeps you reading.
I did find the characters a bit underdeveloped. Since the astronauts are trained soldiers, they handled coming back to an empty world well on the outside, int...more
I did find the characters a bit underdeveloped. Since the astronauts are trained soldiers, they handled coming back to an empty world well on the outside, int...more
Alan
rated it
Recommends it for:
Not sure, really...
Recommended to Alan by:
Not sure, really... something of a theme
Off-kilter.
There's something off-kilter about this book, and I'm not sure I can put my finger directly on it. It's not as simple and petty as the author's unbalanced name (shouldn't it be Robbin Parrish, or Robin Parish?); nor is it the cinematic implausibility of the scrapes the protagonists get into, and even more implausibly out of. Nor is it the denouement, which wraps up and ties off pretty much every thread.
Maybe it was the prose itself, which—while workmanlike—occa...more
There's something off-kilter about this book, and I'm not sure I can put my finger directly on it. It's not as simple and petty as the author's unbalanced name (shouldn't it be Robbin Parrish, or Robin Parish?); nor is it the cinematic implausibility of the scrapes the protagonists get into, and even more implausibly out of. Nor is it the denouement, which wraps up and ties off pretty much every thread.
Maybe it was the prose itself, which—while workmanlike—occa...more
In Robin Parrish’s Offworld, four NASA astronauts–poster-boy mission commander Chris, multi-talented second-in-command Trisha, steely-nerved mission specialist Owen, and brash, impulsive pilot Terry–are enroute to Earth following an historic two-and-a-half-year mission to Mars.
67 days to landing, they abruptly lose contact with Mission Control. As they get closer to Earth, they realize that all electronic evidence of human activity on Earth has ceased. No radio, no television, no e-m...more
67 days to landing, they abruptly lose contact with Mission Control. As they get closer to Earth, they realize that all electronic evidence of human activity on Earth has ceased. No radio, no television, no e-m...more
I had never heard of Robin Parish prior to reading the review blurb for Offworld in Publisher’s Weekly. The idea behind the novel, the first astronauts to visit Mars return home only to find Earth abandoned, all people and animals having suddenly disappeared, sounded intriguing. Bethany House, for those that don’t know, is indeed a publisher of Christian fiction not necessarily known for its stirring sci-fi/fantasy catalog and faith certainly colors both the plot and characters of Parish’s bo...more
Six months out, six months back, two years on the surface of Mars. For dedicated astronauts, scientists, and adventurers, three years is just enough time to accomplish the greatest expedition in the history of mankind — but it’s also a long time away from home.
Christopher Burke shares his teammates’ eagerness to get home, home to a hero’s welcome, to family, to real food. When their ship, the Ares, loses contact with Houston several months before the return voyage ends, they figure i...more
Christopher Burke shares his teammates’ eagerness to get home, home to a hero’s welcome, to family, to real food. When their ship, the Ares, loses contact with Houston several months before the return voyage ends, they figure i...more
I finished “Offworld” by Robin Parrish. Parrish’s writing style was very smooth and easy to read. I liked how action packed it was. The characters were interesting, and the storyline kept you guessing right until the end. I love that the book dabbles with different realities and the people disappearance. I was thinking it was going to a “Left behind” type book, but it was not.
What’s the book about:
“Every Person on This Planet Has Disappeared.” Commander Christopher B...more
What’s the book about:
“Every Person on This Planet Has Disappeared.” Commander Christopher B...more
I have not read Robin Parrish's other series of books (Relentless, Fearless, Merciless) but have heard such good things about them (and they are on my TBR list) that I was thrilled to see he had a stand alone book coming out that I could get my hands on. So "Offworld" comes in and I start reading and by the end of chapter 1, I can not put it down! The style is intense and pressing and I just kept turning the pages... 2:00 in the morning - who cares! I'm reading "Offworld" he...more
The crew of the first manned mission to Mars are on their way home, and something has happened. Something strange happened on Mars to the commander, which he cannot remember, and now Mission Control has stopped answering. In fact, they aren't picking up anything from Earth.
After a crash landing, they find the world apparently empty of all life, human or animal, and there is a strange beacon of light centered on Houston. After a couple of stops to check on family homes, they head for ...more
After a crash landing, they find the world apparently empty of all life, human or animal, and there is a strange beacon of light centered on Houston. After a couple of stops to check on family homes, they head for ...more
Summary: Commander Christopher Burke is the first man to walk on Mars, and the mission is a success despite the unexplained 18 hours he went missing. But when his crew returns to Earth, something's wrong.
Everyone is gone.
Review: Offworld is an adult novel set in the future. The action is intense (as anyone could guess from the summary). In fact, even though this is an adult novel, Offworld could quite easily overlap into the YA section. The writing is simplistic, the dial...more
Everyone is gone.
Review: Offworld is an adult novel set in the future. The action is intense (as anyone could guess from the summary). In fact, even though this is an adult novel, Offworld could quite easily overlap into the YA section. The writing is simplistic, the dial...more
My sister recommended this book. Here we go...
I enjoyed it. Story really keeps you going. Almost nonstop action. Definitely fast paced. I also enjoyed the encouragement for faith in God that as the characters eventually realize that they are not TRULY alone, even if the other living inhabitants on Earth have all been removed.
My criticism was more about the writing style than anything else. I thought the characters were a little bit predictable and there were several hole...more
I enjoyed it. Story really keeps you going. Almost nonstop action. Definitely fast paced. I also enjoyed the encouragement for faith in God that as the characters eventually realize that they are not TRULY alone, even if the other living inhabitants on Earth have all been removed.
My criticism was more about the writing style than anything else. I thought the characters were a little bit predictable and there were several hole...more
Off World by author Robin Parrish is a thrilling, can't put it down until I'm finished kind of novel! It's good. It's so good the back cover had me riveted! My first assumption was that this book would have something to do with the rapture. After all, it's a Christian book...but nope...that's not it and I'm not telling either. Let's just say you know it's not about the rapture when ALL the people on earth are gone - even the animals. So now I'm really intrigued. All the people and animals are go...more
OffWorld by Robin Parrish is a sci-fi fiction book that melds fiction with the real world. It is one of the best Sci-fi books I have read in a long time.
The basic premise of the book is the first manned mission to Mars is headed back and when they get back to Earth… no one is there to welcome them home. In fact, they are the only people left on earth. So they set off to find out what happened, why it happened, and if they can fix it.
I don’t want to say anymore less I ru...more
The basic premise of the book is the first manned mission to Mars is headed back and when they get back to Earth… no one is there to welcome them home. In fact, they are the only people left on earth. So they set off to find out what happened, why it happened, and if they can fix it.
I don’t want to say anymore less I ru...more
I'm a bit torn about this book. I like the style of the author, the writing is very good. I liked the way that their was depth to the characters. The problem is I didn't care all that much for the story itself, not that there is specifically anything wrong with it, he explains the why when where and how adequately. I guess, it's just a matter of personal taste. In the end, I would have to say that my first Robin Parrish book experience was positive and that the book is good, though not grea...more
Offworld by Robin Parrish is a mind-bending sci-fi thriller that simply begs for big screen treatment. A group of four astronauts: Chris, Trisha, Terry, and Owen have been on a mission to Mars for the past twenty-nine months. Two months before they are due to return home, they lose contact with NASA, and end up returning home blind, hoping that it is simply a problem with their equipment. They are shocked by what they find on the return home: the earth is empty, all humans and animals are ...more
Offworld is an Ok time-waster perfect for a lazy summer.
The premise of a Mars mission returning home to an empty Earth is intriguing.
But the action is stilted and the characters too wooden to add any depth.
There are moments of inspiration, though.
The team of astronauts finds a waif survivor in a deserted city. The young woman is apparently homeless but undisturbed about the disaster.
What does she know and does she hold the key to the mystery?
Ok story.
Not fabulous, though.
The premise of a Mars mission returning home to an empty Earth is intriguing.
But the action is stilted and the characters too wooden to add any depth.
There are moments of inspiration, though.
The team of astronauts finds a waif survivor in a deserted city. The young woman is apparently homeless but undisturbed about the disaster.
What does she know and does she hold the key to the mystery?
Ok story.
Not fabulous, though.
Okay, so yesterday I was reading this book and told Brian what a great book it was. He asked me what it was about. I told him it was about these 4 astronauts that went on a 2 1/2 year mission to Mars and when they came back EVERYONE in the world was gone. I happened about 2 months before their return~ the same time they lost contact with NASA. So as they are traveling to this bright light in Houston from Florida, they find a homeless gal (about 19 or so)~ the only person alive. Not knowing ...more
I had the privilege of interviewing Robin Parrish, on our radio show "Kingdom Highlights", for his new book, "Offworld", published by Bethany House. Offworld is a book that keeps you guessing from page to page. Offworld asks the question how much trouble can four individuals get into when they are the only four individuals on the planet? Get ready Mr. Parrish has crafted a thrill ride filled with lots of action and suspense. Don't start this book late at night because it...more
I thoroughly enjoyed each of Parrish's four novels: "Relentless", "Fearless", "Merciless" (trilogy) and most recently, "Offworld." One word for his writing: ADDICTED.
I love the way Parrish blends deeply rooted emotions alongside pulse-pumping action sequences involving characters who reveal so much while saying so little....every word necessary, every scene critical, every nuance a treasure. I'm typically a contemporary romance type of gal,...more
I love the way Parrish blends deeply rooted emotions alongside pulse-pumping action sequences involving characters who reveal so much while saying so little....every word necessary, every scene critical, every nuance a treasure. I'm typically a contemporary romance type of gal,...more
THIS is an awesome book, I've always been one of those people who enjoys an "end of the world" movie. The Day After Tomorrow (an adventure type film about the coming of the second ice age) is one of my favorite movies.
It starts out INTENSE, this is not a book you want to start right before going to bed, you will want to keep reading until the rooster crows! The first expedition to Mars arrives back on earth only to find.... absolutely no one there to greet them. Every man, ...more
It starts out INTENSE, this is not a book you want to start right before going to bed, you will want to keep reading until the rooster crows! The first expedition to Mars arrives back on earth only to find.... absolutely no one there to greet them. Every man, ...more
I loved this book! It was a fast-paced sci-fi tale about the first astronauts to set foot on Mars. They had some anomalies occur during their time on Mars and then on their return trip -- resulting in their ship crashing at Kennedy Space Center. There are lots of twists and turns, and the book comes to a very satisfying conclusion. I enjoyed the quantum physics aspect of the book.
This was a decent read, but a little uneven. Parrish is at his best when he's writing action sequences - he knows how to keep the pages turning! My problem was with the odd details that pulled me out of the story. For example, the main characters have returned to an abandoned world. It is mentioned quite a few times that there is no power in most places. But in one scene, they're in a house for the night. The author even mentions that all of the food in the refrigerator has spoiled because the p...more
Fast paced and easy to read. Would have finished it much sooner but misplaced it for awhile. lol
Three astronauts who return to earth from Mars to find every person and animal has disappeared. A beam of light, bright enough to be seen from satellites in space is emanating from Houston and may be the key to the events of D-Day (Disappearance Day.)
A fun, fast paced bit of sci-fi fantasy. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Three astronauts who return to earth from Mars to find every person and animal has disappeared. A beam of light, bright enough to be seen from satellites in space is emanating from Houston and may be the key to the events of D-Day (Disappearance Day.)
A fun, fast paced bit of sci-fi fantasy. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This is a decent scifi story which could have been better. The premise is excellent and the characters believable. The author lost me when he waded into the religious waters. The ending seemed to not fit the tone of the rest of the story and felt rushed. Overall I enjoyed the book but was a bit disappointed
Robin Parrish’s “Offworld” has got to be one of best sci-fi reads I’ve gotten my hands on in a long, long time.
A great thriller I didn’t want to put down for a second. I had heard some statements saying why this shouldn’t be classified as a Christian novel and I have to say I disagree.
I thoroughly enjoyed the subtle hints and undertones of the internal struggle of the main character questioning if Someone is out there watching and what He’s doing if He is.
It f...more
A great thriller I didn’t want to put down for a second. I had heard some statements saying why this shouldn’t be classified as a Christian novel and I have to say I disagree.
I thoroughly enjoyed the subtle hints and undertones of the internal struggle of the main character questioning if Someone is out there watching and what He’s doing if He is.
It f...more
I really enjoyed this one! It may not be a literary masterpiece, but it's a real page-turner! Once I got into it, I couldn't put it down. Would make an *amazing* action adventure movie.
If you like sci-fi, you'll like this one...
If you like sci-fi, you'll like this one...
Like most books, everything comes together at the end. But this books pushes all ties to the last few chapters, making for a book you would want to read in one sitting.
Very philosophical in terms of existentialism.
Very philosophical in terms of existentialism.
I really enjoyed this novel. From the moment you open the book it's as if you cannot put it down, driven much like the characters for a need to know. I enjoyed that author enough that I am searching out his other novels. Great book all the way around.
An enjoyable scifi/thriller/chase book that is well paced until the end, where the final premise seems a little weak and underdeveloped. Still a good book worth reading though!
Very good Christian Sci-Fi. Avoids being preachy and is just a good adventure/mystery story. Reminds you of some of the classic Twilight Zone episodes.
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"Robin Parrish is a keen-eyed, passionate pop cultural savant,Novelist. Journalist. Pop culture guru.
whose writing is as incisive and insightful as it is entertaining."
- Allan Heinberg, Executive Producer, Grey's Anatomy
Just a few words to describe Robin Parrish, a culturally-minded writer with a passion for archetypal mythologies and the truths they represent ab...more
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