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Orbs #2
Stranded
Duration: 8 hours 39 mins
At the end of the world, whom can you trust?
The aliens have invaded, wiping out almost all life on Earth. Their goal: water. Huge spaceships are draining the oceans, and the few remaining humans have been herded into farms, where their bodies are harvested to support the growing alien army.
Humanity's last chance lies in the biospheres that have been planted secretly across the globe. But all is not peaceful in the biome led by Dr. Sophie Winston. With resources dwindling and tensions high, her small group of survivors is divided. Some want to fight, some want to stay hidden, and Sophie just wants to keep everyone alive.
When one of their own, 11-year-old Jeff, is kidnapped by the Organics, Sophie is forced to pick sides. With the help of a promising new magnetic weapon, the biosphere team just might have a fighting chance to save Jeff and the world - if they live long enough to use it.
At the end of the world, whom can you trust?
The aliens have invaded, wiping out almost all life on Earth. Their goal: water. Huge spaceships are draining the oceans, and the few remaining humans have been herded into farms, where their bodies are harvested to support the growing alien army.
Humanity's last chance lies in the biospheres that have been planted secretly across the globe. But all is not peaceful in the biome led by Dr. Sophie Winston. With resources dwindling and tensions high, her small group of survivors is divided. Some want to fight, some want to stay hidden, and Sophie just wants to keep everyone alive.
When one of their own, 11-year-old Jeff, is kidnapped by the Organics, Sophie is forced to pick sides. With the help of a promising new magnetic weapon, the biosphere team just might have a fighting chance to save Jeff and the world - if they live long enough to use it.
9 pages, Audible Audio
First published July 1, 2014
655 people are currently reading
796 people want to read
About the author
Nicholas Sansbury Smith
103 books2,392 followersNicholas Sansbury Smith is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty novels with two million copies sold. Before his writing career, he served at Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management, a background that inspired many of his story concepts. A two time Ironman triathlete, he enjoys running, biking, and hiking. Nicholas also loves traveling, especially to his cabin in Northern Minnesota where he weaves his tales. He lives in Iowa with his wonderful wife and their son and daughter.
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Note: Nicholas is no longer an active user on Goodreads and does not use the platform. If you want to connect with him on social media here are some links. He would love to hear from you.
Facebook Fan Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NSSFa...
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/nicholassans...
Website: nicholassansburysmith.com
Instagram: instagram.com/author_sansbury/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
October 19, 2015
Nicholas Sansbury Smith’s Orbs II: Stranded continues the story begun in Orbs. As with most second books in a trilogy, the aim is to open up the world, make the threats an even larger obstacle, and put everybody into tight situations while paving way for the big finale in book three. Sometimes these ‘middle child’ books fail to deliver or lack a satisfying enough hook, but Smith does a good job of keeping his story flowing while making Stranded feel like a worthwhile read in its own right.
In the prior novel, aliens (dubbed the Organics in this series) invaded Earth and began stripping the planet of its water supply. The human population was decimated, and it seemed like Dr. Sophie Winston and her team of research scientists may have been the only survivors. So, it’s a bit of a shock to learn that the aliens are actually keeping a good number of people alive and imprisoning them for later consumption by the bug-like ground troops of Spiders and Worms.
After Jeff, a child that Sophie and a Marine named Overton rescued in the previous book, is abducted, Overton launches a rescue mission and discovers a few members of his old platoon are still alive.
This inciting event lays the groundwork for the story and allows Smith to expand the scope of his series. The human farms, and the existence of another survivor, Alex, from another one of NTC’s failed biosphere projects, help to round out the idea that maybe humanity is not so doomed after all. The introduction of two new aliens species, though, such as the Steam Beast, a massive triceratops-like behemoth, certainly put the team through their paces.
There’s also a greater focus on the characters and their relationships to one another in this outing. Sophie and Overton are at each others throats constantly and the fatigue of leadership is taking its toll on both, while Holly, the biosphere’s psychiatrist, struggles with hopelessness. Stranded is a more emotionally engaged novel than its predecessor, but the main focus is still on the war between humanity’s last remnants and the Organics as they battle for a drastically altered Earth. The focus on character development is certainly welcomed, and nicely done, and sets up a touching, emotionally charged climax.
Smith draws the various elements of Stranded together in an action-packed finale that has a few shockers and revelations, particularly in regards to the true nature of the Organics. As with its predecessor, this book charges on full-steam ahead and is a rousing, energetic read. Fans of fast-paced, military science fiction should find a lot to enjoy in the Orbs series, and I’m looking forward to seeing how Smith resolves things in the final book, Orbs III: Redemption.
In the prior novel, aliens (dubbed the Organics in this series) invaded Earth and began stripping the planet of its water supply. The human population was decimated, and it seemed like Dr. Sophie Winston and her team of research scientists may have been the only survivors. So, it’s a bit of a shock to learn that the aliens are actually keeping a good number of people alive and imprisoning them for later consumption by the bug-like ground troops of Spiders and Worms.
After Jeff, a child that Sophie and a Marine named Overton rescued in the previous book, is abducted, Overton launches a rescue mission and discovers a few members of his old platoon are still alive.
This inciting event lays the groundwork for the story and allows Smith to expand the scope of his series. The human farms, and the existence of another survivor, Alex, from another one of NTC’s failed biosphere projects, help to round out the idea that maybe humanity is not so doomed after all. The introduction of two new aliens species, though, such as the Steam Beast, a massive triceratops-like behemoth, certainly put the team through their paces.
There’s also a greater focus on the characters and their relationships to one another in this outing. Sophie and Overton are at each others throats constantly and the fatigue of leadership is taking its toll on both, while Holly, the biosphere’s psychiatrist, struggles with hopelessness. Stranded is a more emotionally engaged novel than its predecessor, but the main focus is still on the war between humanity’s last remnants and the Organics as they battle for a drastically altered Earth. The focus on character development is certainly welcomed, and nicely done, and sets up a touching, emotionally charged climax.
Smith draws the various elements of Stranded together in an action-packed finale that has a few shockers and revelations, particularly in regards to the true nature of the Organics. As with its predecessor, this book charges on full-steam ahead and is a rousing, energetic read. Fans of fast-paced, military science fiction should find a lot to enjoy in the Orbs series, and I’m looking forward to seeing how Smith resolves things in the final book, Orbs III: Redemption.
May 10, 2017
Review of ORBS II: STRANDED
by Nicholas Sansbury Smith
In this continuation of the ORBS trilogy, the survivors in Biosphere 1 under Cheyenne Mountain, Colorado, discover another survivor exists in California, from a biosphere at Edwards AFB. We are also introduced to a surviving NTC sub, the Ghosts of Atlantis, submerged into the Pacific Ocean. As the conditions on the planet continue to worsen, the survivors somehow manage to maintain hope, both within themselves, and in the form of protecting and educating the several children they have found. One of the themes consistent throughout is the theme of hope. Despite the eventual destruction of the planet, the human survivors are determined to survive and to extend the species, in the face of the aliens' obvious intent to completely eradicate humanity. Another consistent theme is the will to survive. These folks would make Darwin proud, I think, but survival becomes not always a question of strength, but of intelligence, cunning, wisdom, and cleverness.
by Nicholas Sansbury Smith
In this continuation of the ORBS trilogy, the survivors in Biosphere 1 under Cheyenne Mountain, Colorado, discover another survivor exists in California, from a biosphere at Edwards AFB. We are also introduced to a surviving NTC sub, the Ghosts of Atlantis, submerged into the Pacific Ocean. As the conditions on the planet continue to worsen, the survivors somehow manage to maintain hope, both within themselves, and in the form of protecting and educating the several children they have found. One of the themes consistent throughout is the theme of hope. Despite the eventual destruction of the planet, the human survivors are determined to survive and to extend the species, in the face of the aliens' obvious intent to completely eradicate humanity. Another consistent theme is the will to survive. These folks would make Darwin proud, I think, but survival becomes not always a question of strength, but of intelligence, cunning, wisdom, and cleverness.
March 9, 2015
Book 2 opens up with a survivor running for his life. He's alone and trying to evade the aliens that are slowly killing earth. Just as he's about to give up, he learns of a group of people who are working on a project that can help destroy the creatures that are absorbing all the water from the land and humans. This last transmission gives him hope.
To me, that is what book two is about. For some it's losing hope and for others, it's trying to find it in the darkest moments.
Mr. Smith brings back Sophie, the crew, and AI Alex (I gave her a nickname.) who are trying to keep themselves alive. Being cooped up doesn't help matters. Tempers rise as Sophie and Sergeant Overton butt heads on how they should move forward since they now know that humans are being harvested and that includes some of Overton's pals.
One argument changes everything as one of the children residing with them is captured by the Organics. Knowing what will happen to him and feeling guilty for his part, Sgt. Overton goes on a daring rescue mission. From here, the story really takes off.
As far as the characters go, I really felt that Sophie was a weak link in this one. To the point where I was irritated by her suggestions and anytime the story focused on her. I know she was going through a lot, but she showed none of the strength that she did in the previous book. I was sorely disappointed.
Overton, the surly man, was his usual self, always barking and yelling. No character growth there, but I got to see a little bit of heart.
The aliens themselves were as awesome as ever, I just felt like the story was missing something.
The newcomer's arrival seemed staged, and unhelpful. Where did the water-aliens come from? I don't remember hearing about them before.
Aha! I think I answered my own question. Thingw were being thrown into the story without the main MC's figuring them out or things being hinted at. The water-aliens, the big dinosaur alien, the sub. The folks at the biosphere were living blindly and when these new things popped up miraculously, it made the situations they were in and got through seem unrealistic instead of bad-ass.
I will definitely keep on reading Nick's work as he's got some skills.
*I was given a copy by the author in exchange for an honest review*
To me, that is what book two is about. For some it's losing hope and for others, it's trying to find it in the darkest moments.
Mr. Smith brings back Sophie, the crew, and AI Alex (I gave her a nickname.) who are trying to keep themselves alive. Being cooped up doesn't help matters. Tempers rise as Sophie and Sergeant Overton butt heads on how they should move forward since they now know that humans are being harvested and that includes some of Overton's pals.
One argument changes everything as one of the children residing with them is captured by the Organics. Knowing what will happen to him and feeling guilty for his part, Sgt. Overton goes on a daring rescue mission. From here, the story really takes off.
As far as the characters go, I really felt that Sophie was a weak link in this one. To the point where I was irritated by her suggestions and anytime the story focused on her. I know she was going through a lot, but she showed none of the strength that she did in the previous book. I was sorely disappointed.
Overton, the surly man, was his usual self, always barking and yelling. No character growth there, but I got to see a little bit of heart.
The aliens themselves were as awesome as ever, I just felt like the story was missing something.
The newcomer's arrival seemed staged, and unhelpful. Where did the water-aliens come from? I don't remember hearing about them before.
Aha! I think I answered my own question. Thingw were being thrown into the story without the main MC's figuring them out or things being hinted at. The water-aliens, the big dinosaur alien, the sub. The folks at the biosphere were living blindly and when these new things popped up miraculously, it made the situations they were in and got through seem unrealistic instead of bad-ass.
I will definitely keep on reading Nick's work as he's got some skills.
*I was given a copy by the author in exchange for an honest review*
September 29, 2014
“Orbs II: Stranded” by Nicholas Sansbury Smith is a well thought through and gripping sequel that sees our group of heroes separately trying to fight the aliens after an invasion of earth. This uninvited interest in our planet causes gruesome treatment of humans and the book contains some harrowing descriptions of their methods and warfare. With that it owes almost as much to horror as it does to science fiction.
The Organics, so the name of the aliens, are an interesting species and their world and methods are unlike any I have read about. The team of survivors and scientists who try to fight them and who try to reunite with each other are excellently drawn. Smith has also written some short stories surrounding this series to explain even more about their individual backgrounds but they are fascinating just from the main books alone. Such careful fleshing out pays off when you come to second and third books.
The book also touches upon issues of nature resources and human exploitation, corporations and research and is in that respect a well-rounded and multi-layered story. The fact that the team is split up and our protagonists have some extremely different experiences helps to keep the suspense and tension going. The description of the captured team member was particularly strong.
Orbs II will appeal to fans of science fiction and apocalyptic thrillers with its competent writing, strong characters and fascinating world creation. Orbs I was a bit of a surprise find for me since I don’t often get to read science fiction and I had concerns that the sequel would not grab me as much. Smith, however, has effortlessly delivered a great equal with a good and gripping story. Highly recommended.
The Organics, so the name of the aliens, are an interesting species and their world and methods are unlike any I have read about. The team of survivors and scientists who try to fight them and who try to reunite with each other are excellently drawn. Smith has also written some short stories surrounding this series to explain even more about their individual backgrounds but they are fascinating just from the main books alone. Such careful fleshing out pays off when you come to second and third books.
The book also touches upon issues of nature resources and human exploitation, corporations and research and is in that respect a well-rounded and multi-layered story. The fact that the team is split up and our protagonists have some extremely different experiences helps to keep the suspense and tension going. The description of the captured team member was particularly strong.
Orbs II will appeal to fans of science fiction and apocalyptic thrillers with its competent writing, strong characters and fascinating world creation. Orbs I was a bit of a surprise find for me since I don’t often get to read science fiction and I had concerns that the sequel would not grab me as much. Smith, however, has effortlessly delivered a great equal with a good and gripping story. Highly recommended.
May 6, 2015
Couldnt get past the "scientist" that calls an AI a robot, and says that the aliens are "farming" humans for their water (humans dont produce water, like a cow produces milk).
Said "scientist", by the way, is portrayed as a horny hysterical woman on PMS, who actually said that "sex was all they needed to remember there was something worth fighting for".
What a shame.
Said "scientist", by the way, is portrayed as a horny hysterical woman on PMS, who actually said that "sex was all they needed to remember there was something worth fighting for".
What a shame.
October 21, 2014
From My Newsletter Number 83:
This review is on Orbs II by Nicholas Sansbury Smith. It is the fourth book in the Orb Series, but only the second book in the series I have read by this author. I missed reading the first two books and need to catch up.
Orbs left me a little perplexed with the main characters and plot line, but this story seems to have corrected those issues and moves with more much more intensity, action and suspense. I even found Doctor Sophie Winston much more likeable in this story.
Orbs II starts with a Prologue that features a man named Alex Wagner running through the harsh wasteland trying to escape the alien Spiders that invaded earth. He is a member of the New Tech Corporation (NTC) Biosphere team located near the Edwards Air Force Base in California that was invaded by the alien creatures. Alex is the only member of the team to have escaped and he is headed for the Pacific Ocean hoping to for a miracle.
Meanwhile, Doctor Sophie Winston at the Cheyenne Mountain Biosphere in Colorado receives a message from Alex Wagner on her tablet. It was sent from the CA Biosphere before it was overrun by the alien Spiders. Sophie debates with her team if they should attempt a rescue operation. Instead, the drone they use to scan the outside environment finds other human survivors being led by aliens to a dry lakebed to be processed. The horrific scene is shocking to all who see it on the monitors. Sergeant Overton wants to try and rescue the humans, but Sophie is hesitant to risk any more lives.
The story continues to build in intensity as the survivors try to deal with the current situation. The aliens are draining the planet dry and there doesn’t seem to be any way to stop them. The only hope is to develop some kind of weapon that can defeat the aliens. So far, Sophie and her team seem to be the only human survivors left on earth.
I give this book four stars because the story is very entertaining and frightful. There are some formatting issues with this ebook and the number of pages is shorter than I like. It was a fast read. Surprisingly, this is the first science fiction story I have read that actually caused me to have a nightmare trying to fight off alien Spiders. Bravo! I do look forward to reading the other books in this series by this author to see what happens to the Biosphere survivors.
This review is on Orbs II by Nicholas Sansbury Smith. It is the fourth book in the Orb Series, but only the second book in the series I have read by this author. I missed reading the first two books and need to catch up.
Orbs left me a little perplexed with the main characters and plot line, but this story seems to have corrected those issues and moves with more much more intensity, action and suspense. I even found Doctor Sophie Winston much more likeable in this story.
Orbs II starts with a Prologue that features a man named Alex Wagner running through the harsh wasteland trying to escape the alien Spiders that invaded earth. He is a member of the New Tech Corporation (NTC) Biosphere team located near the Edwards Air Force Base in California that was invaded by the alien creatures. Alex is the only member of the team to have escaped and he is headed for the Pacific Ocean hoping to for a miracle.
Meanwhile, Doctor Sophie Winston at the Cheyenne Mountain Biosphere in Colorado receives a message from Alex Wagner on her tablet. It was sent from the CA Biosphere before it was overrun by the alien Spiders. Sophie debates with her team if they should attempt a rescue operation. Instead, the drone they use to scan the outside environment finds other human survivors being led by aliens to a dry lakebed to be processed. The horrific scene is shocking to all who see it on the monitors. Sergeant Overton wants to try and rescue the humans, but Sophie is hesitant to risk any more lives.
The story continues to build in intensity as the survivors try to deal with the current situation. The aliens are draining the planet dry and there doesn’t seem to be any way to stop them. The only hope is to develop some kind of weapon that can defeat the aliens. So far, Sophie and her team seem to be the only human survivors left on earth.
I give this book four stars because the story is very entertaining and frightful. There are some formatting issues with this ebook and the number of pages is shorter than I like. It was a fast read. Surprisingly, this is the first science fiction story I have read that actually caused me to have a nightmare trying to fight off alien Spiders. Bravo! I do look forward to reading the other books in this series by this author to see what happens to the Biosphere survivors.
August 1, 2019
Yeah well I gave book #2 a chance to see if it was any better. I honestly do not know if I should give this 2 or 3 stars.
If I could have spoken to the author when this book was released I'd have told him that Sophie was destroying this series. She is an atrocious leader, almost narcissistic since she feels "worthless" if the team discovers or invents something without her getting involved. She's weak, poorly written and the worst character I've come across in a very very long time, if not ever.
This whole love bullshit with the love of her life, who so happens to be in the same biosphere is disgusting for lack of a better word. The sex and love are not needed at all in this story. It adds nothing. As if extra words were needed so all of this was put in.
The Sgt is the better leader yet Sophie, with her holier-than-thou attitude thinks she's better in every respect.
Gosh I HATE Sophie! She should have died.
Maybe, just maybe I'll read book #3 just to get more info about the story. Which already has plot-holes, for example, if this advanced civilisation left Mars, chased a comet and went to moons - why did they not grab what was on Earth at that time - surely Earth had water by then? Why go all the way to other solar systems only to return to Sol to scavenge Earth? Doesn't make sense.
If I could have spoken to the author when this book was released I'd have told him that Sophie was destroying this series. She is an atrocious leader, almost narcissistic since she feels "worthless" if the team discovers or invents something without her getting involved. She's weak, poorly written and the worst character I've come across in a very very long time, if not ever.
This whole love bullshit with the love of her life, who so happens to be in the same biosphere is disgusting for lack of a better word. The sex and love are not needed at all in this story. It adds nothing. As if extra words were needed so all of this was put in.
The Sgt is the better leader yet Sophie, with her holier-than-thou attitude thinks she's better in every respect.
Gosh I HATE Sophie! She should have died.
Maybe, just maybe I'll read book #3 just to get more info about the story. Which already has plot-holes, for example, if this advanced civilisation left Mars, chased a comet and went to moons - why did they not grab what was on Earth at that time - surely Earth had water by then? Why go all the way to other solar systems only to return to Sol to scavenge Earth? Doesn't make sense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2016
Just a little bit better than the previous book. The main saving grace of this piece is the pacing and the narrative flow. You're never bored. There's always something happening, something being explained or discovered. Of course, this means there's very little time for any character development, while the existing characters are already paper thin. On top of that, several characters undergo a sudden personality change to suit the plot, basically becoming someone else entirely. A few glaring logic flaws of the previous book get fixed and explained, though the short stories between the books did a much better job of it.
Generally speaking, this entry is merely a marginal improvement, but there's still hope for the third book to show even more maturity and better writing. I feel the author's head is in the right place and he has some nice, if not very original ideas. He just needs to work on his writing and he'll get there.
P.S. I still can't get over the fact that, in this book, the biologist is the one working on inventing the EMP weapon against the aliens while the particle physicist does... well, absolutely nothing. Oh yeah, she inexplicably dreams prophetic visions of the aliens and bickers with the military man. So there's that.
Generally speaking, this entry is merely a marginal improvement, but there's still hope for the third book to show even more maturity and better writing. I feel the author's head is in the right place and he has some nice, if not very original ideas. He just needs to work on his writing and he'll get there.
P.S. I still can't get over the fact that, in this book, the biologist is the one working on inventing the EMP weapon against the aliens while the particle physicist does... well, absolutely nothing. Oh yeah, she inexplicably dreams prophetic visions of the aliens and bickers with the military man. So there's that.
December 26, 2014
Set after the aliens have landed, and we are seeing a dying world way in progress - trees no longer bloom - water is all but gone apart from the deepest of oceans - and its a truly terrifying scene, we see the stories of Sophie, Emmanuel, Sergeant Overton and the rest of the Biosphere team - but this time they are beginning to fight back - little people do make a difference. This is an amazing book and I honestly think its written with true love for the story, I could not put it down. You feel a burst of adrenalin for the characters upon seeing the spiders and will them on.
I simply cannot wait for Orbs 3 released in March. The author is a lovely gentlemen who responds to emails about his book as well, and is always wanting feedback, well in my mind I want to say "keep up the good work Nick!"
I simply cannot wait for Orbs 3 released in March. The author is a lovely gentlemen who responds to emails about his book as well, and is always wanting feedback, well in my mind I want to say "keep up the good work Nick!"
May 6, 2019
The best thing about this book series is the organics. The alien races, how and why they are here is amazing. The setup for the world is great and how its barely hanging on as well.
But the characters are killing me. I understand its the end of the world and people are going to start breaking down. But it seemed to do nothing other than be the excuse why humanity isn't winning the fight. If instead everyone had their own mental shortcomings and yet rose above them to address the ever-present and worse threat of the organics, the series would be excellent. But you dragged me down and made me do nothing but hate the main characters only to try and make me feel sad when some of them die. I cheered when it happens because good riddance.
But the characters are killing me. I understand its the end of the world and people are going to start breaking down. But it seemed to do nothing other than be the excuse why humanity isn't winning the fight. If instead everyone had their own mental shortcomings and yet rose above them to address the ever-present and worse threat of the organics, the series would be excellent. But you dragged me down and made me do nothing but hate the main characters only to try and make me feel sad when some of them die. I cheered when it happens because good riddance.
September 3, 2015
I enjoyed learning more about the aliens! The story carries our characters forward and we learn about other survivors. I am excited to see how the story concludes in b#3.
April 7, 2018
Book 2 sees the group at Cheyenne Mountain finding out that there could be other survivours from different biospheres. They have made contact with Alex, from a biosphere in California, and hold out hope that maybe more have survived. They also think that they have made a weapon that can harm the Organics, all they need to do is try it out to see. They get their chance when one of their own is captured and taken by the spider things. This leads them to realise that the Organics have created human farms, and have taken captured people there to be harvested later. Overton holds out hope that some of his missing soldiers might still be alive.
What a ride!! I had to take several deep breaths when I finished this because it took my breath away with it's relentless pace. Absolutely non stop!!! It's not just the action that was non stop, it was also the emotions I had while reading this. I think I went through them all!!
The plot was fast paced and exciting. We get to see a little more of the invasion through different eyes and get a broader scope of what the aliens are and what they want. This is where the author excels in this book I think, his imagination is amazing and the world he has created is fantastic.... extremely scary, but fantastic! The different aliens he created were awesome and his descriptive writing and attention to detail, brings them to life in a way that was astounding. I could picture every creepy spider, worm or dinosaur like creature he wrote!!
The author isn't afraid to get rid of characters! We lose some, but we gain some too. The two boys are awesome, and I'm so glad we get their back story in a different short story, because otherwise it would have made them feel incomplete. On finishing this one, I read both White Sands and Red Sands and it brought the boys to life! Alex is another new character and his addition is great. He is at the end of his rope and ready to finish it all, but is picked up by some other survivours. I'm intrigued with him and can't wait to see more about him!
In all, this second book was amazing. The author has really opened up the world and we are starting to see a bigger picture. We get some answers as to how this happened with no warning. We also see tensions rising in the biosphere and people are starting to lose it being cooped up so long. I'm so glad I have book 3 to read straight after this one!! Brilliant series.
What a ride!! I had to take several deep breaths when I finished this because it took my breath away with it's relentless pace. Absolutely non stop!!! It's not just the action that was non stop, it was also the emotions I had while reading this. I think I went through them all!!
The plot was fast paced and exciting. We get to see a little more of the invasion through different eyes and get a broader scope of what the aliens are and what they want. This is where the author excels in this book I think, his imagination is amazing and the world he has created is fantastic.... extremely scary, but fantastic! The different aliens he created were awesome and his descriptive writing and attention to detail, brings them to life in a way that was astounding. I could picture every creepy spider, worm or dinosaur like creature he wrote!!
The author isn't afraid to get rid of characters! We lose some, but we gain some too. The two boys are awesome, and I'm so glad we get their back story in a different short story, because otherwise it would have made them feel incomplete. On finishing this one, I read both White Sands and Red Sands and it brought the boys to life! Alex is another new character and his addition is great. He is at the end of his rope and ready to finish it all, but is picked up by some other survivours. I'm intrigued with him and can't wait to see more about him!
In all, this second book was amazing. The author has really opened up the world and we are starting to see a bigger picture. We get some answers as to how this happened with no warning. We also see tensions rising in the biosphere and people are starting to lose it being cooped up so long. I'm so glad I have book 3 to read straight after this one!! Brilliant series.
January 16, 2019
Hello to anyone who really loves great science fiction.
Just like Orbs I, Mr. Smith has continued crafting a realistic and fatalistic view of a catastrophic end to our earth at the intentions of an alien race.
The story is a nonstop activity of action sequences with brutal consequences for all human and all life in general.
Water is at the source of this story as in that it’s what the aliens want/need.
What happens to us if all of the earths water were to be taken away? Let your imagination take over.
In simple terms, the world, as we know it, would heat up and die. End story.
But in Orbs II, humanity has been thrown a lifeline, albeit a small one, but at least there’s a little hope, something that up until now was a dwindling resource.
Without giving spoilers, this second book takes up where book I left off and has added additional characters, both human, animal and alien.
It’s a super exciting read. I love how humans fight until the end. I like the highs and lows each character goes through.
Try to imagine each individuals emotions thinking that the end is near with the panic and despair overwhelming them.
Each fighting their own inner demons and then the joy at little victories.
It’s all so intelligently written and so engrossing.
I can hardly wait to continue this story in Orb III.
I give this series a huge seal of approval.
Just try Orbs I and I would bet that you’d be hooked as I was.
Just keep in mind that, again, this series is not for the squeamish.
Thanks again Mr. Smith for an awesome continuation of a fantastic sci-fi tale.
November 5, 2018
This book picks up where Orbs 1 left off. This is a post apocalyptic story centering around the same Biosphere Project from Orbs 1. The mission of The Project is forced to adjust its objective to staying alive, taking on survivors while avoiding the indestructible aliens which are destroying earth and killing everyone for their own benefit.
Orbs is what the aliens do to some people. They are encased in an orb. Nothing good happens after that. This is the fate of only some. This may be the best fate offered to people of earth as compared to other options the aliens have. Earth is literally dying in this book. Reality of what is happening and what can be done to ensure people aren’t erased from our world is what Orbs 2 is about.
The characters are well defined. These characters are real. I developed attachments to them. Going on this unspeakably journey with these people is captivating. I could not put this book down. More than just a page turner. Action and drama packed. I immediately moved on to Orbs 3.
Orbs is what the aliens do to some people. They are encased in an orb. Nothing good happens after that. This is the fate of only some. This may be the best fate offered to people of earth as compared to other options the aliens have. Earth is literally dying in this book. Reality of what is happening and what can be done to ensure people aren’t erased from our world is what Orbs 2 is about.
The characters are well defined. These characters are real. I developed attachments to them. Going on this unspeakably journey with these people is captivating. I could not put this book down. More than just a page turner. Action and drama packed. I immediately moved on to Orbs 3.
August 8, 2016
Orbs II: Stranded by Nicholas Sansbury Smith is sci-fi and fantasy read.
At the end of the world, who can you trust?
The aliens have invaded, wiping out almost all life on earth. Their goal: water. Huge spaceships are draining the oceans, and the few remaining humans have been herded into farms, where their bodies are harvested to support the growing alien army.
Humanity’s last chance lies in the biospheres that have been planted secretly across the globe. But all is not peaceful in the biosphere led by Dr. Sophie Winston. With resources dwindling and tensions high, her small group of survivors is divided. Some want to fight, some want to stay hidden, and Sophie just wants to keep everyone alive.
When one of their own, eleven-year-old Jeff, is kidnapped by the Organics, Sophie is forced to pick sides. With the help of a promising new magnetic weapon, the biosphere team just might have a fighting chance to save Jeff and the world—if they live long enough to use it.
Another fantastic read.
I loved the story and the characters.
Sophie is still my favourite character.
I loved the ending too.
Highly recommended.
5* from me.
Thanks to netgalley for the arc.
At the end of the world, who can you trust?
The aliens have invaded, wiping out almost all life on earth. Their goal: water. Huge spaceships are draining the oceans, and the few remaining humans have been herded into farms, where their bodies are harvested to support the growing alien army.
Humanity’s last chance lies in the biospheres that have been planted secretly across the globe. But all is not peaceful in the biosphere led by Dr. Sophie Winston. With resources dwindling and tensions high, her small group of survivors is divided. Some want to fight, some want to stay hidden, and Sophie just wants to keep everyone alive.
When one of their own, eleven-year-old Jeff, is kidnapped by the Organics, Sophie is forced to pick sides. With the help of a promising new magnetic weapon, the biosphere team just might have a fighting chance to save Jeff and the world—if they live long enough to use it.
Another fantastic read.
I loved the story and the characters.
Sophie is still my favourite character.
I loved the ending too.
Highly recommended.
5* from me.
Thanks to netgalley for the arc.
October 25, 2022
"Can surviving get any harder?"
In this second sequel, the survivors of Biosphere located in Cheyenne Mountain, Colorado from Sophie's and Overton's Teams try to locate and save other survivors. Apart from the Biosphere, there are the Ghosts of Atlantis, submerged in the Pacific Ocean who have survived and trying to understand what is happening outside. They come across the only surviving Chinese military submarine and collaborate with them despite the misgivings the Chinese have.
But everyone's attempts at rescuing and fighting the extra-terrestrials are meeting with more losses to life. Despite being the best in their own fields the teams are failing to find a way to save the Earth. All these things are causing the Teams to reach their breaking points. So, will they survive or perish?
The plot has managed to keep up the same pace as the first book but there were many things that didn't make sense. To enjoy the book one will have to mindfully ignore these technicalities.
In this second sequel, the survivors of Biosphere located in Cheyenne Mountain, Colorado from Sophie's and Overton's Teams try to locate and save other survivors. Apart from the Biosphere, there are the Ghosts of Atlantis, submerged in the Pacific Ocean who have survived and trying to understand what is happening outside. They come across the only surviving Chinese military submarine and collaborate with them despite the misgivings the Chinese have.
But everyone's attempts at rescuing and fighting the extra-terrestrials are meeting with more losses to life. Despite being the best in their own fields the teams are failing to find a way to save the Earth. All these things are causing the Teams to reach their breaking points. So, will they survive or perish?
The plot has managed to keep up the same pace as the first book but there were many things that didn't make sense. To enjoy the book one will have to mindfully ignore these technicalities.
January 4, 2015
This is the second book in the series. I would like to note that I thoroughly enjoyed the first one. Aliens scare me to death. In this book, I already knew about the Aliens, so they were a little less scary. I knew the characters, that's nice as well. We know where we stand and what is going on. Well when I say that the Aliens we less scary and that I already knew the characters, I am really saying I thought I had these Aliens' number and I had all the characters stuck in their little comfy boxes. Its nice to be pleasantly surprised. The story did not go in the direction I assumed and there were some unexpected twists and the Aliens got even more scary. My major complaint is that there is obviously going to be 3rd book for me to read.
June 25, 2015
The second part of this series started out pretty slow and made me a bit impatient, leading me to think it won't be near as good as the first book. I'm glad I was wrong, it totally picked up the pace and it was getting more and more interesting.
I'm really looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
I'm really looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
March 17, 2020
Endless battles, endless fighting, endless death as the surviving human population dwindles to dozens. Aliens arrive for earth's water (why?)and take it from human and animal bodies as well as the rivers and oceans. Four books of this. A good yarn but unlikely to read again.
May 28, 2018
Not bad
Fast paced. a quick read. characters are not believable and it would be nice if there was scientific background that would make the story more plausible.
Fast paced. a quick read. characters are not believable and it would be nice if there was scientific background that would make the story more plausible.
August 14, 2017
*** REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS ***
And the story continues as what is left of humanity fights for survival against the organics (in all of their various forms). It was a fun ride being introduced to the various lifeforms which have now moved on to our planet in order to scout for resources crucial to their survival.
As I moved through this story, it was very easy to identify (at least in my opinion) the deep love for Sci-Fi that Nick has. I found myself identifying multiple connections to other entries in the sci-fi genre. Whether it was the farms containing humans which reminded me of the fields from the Matrix, or the nature of Jeff’s capture and being enclosed with other survivors akin to the War of the Worlds, there is definitely a connection to other sci-fi tales. Likewise, the spiders brought me to memories of the Chrysalids from XCOM.
The book was not only full of action as the survivors sought to fight off the organics, but had its fair share of emotional moments. Alex’s hanging was one of the events in the book which shocked me as did the near murder-suicide which is a common occurrence in post-apoc style books, especially when it seems that all hope has been lost.
There were noticeable changes which were called out in the story. Watching Overton change as his frustration with Sophie grew due to her preference for playing it safe ate at him was a key element to the story. The characters even called this out (Holly brought it up to Sophie and advised her to keep an eye out)I will say that I found myself a bit frustrated with Overton at certain points throughout the story. He was a bit over-bearing and while I understand his motivations, it still didn’t alleviate the angst I had for his character.
The aliens encountered by Sophie (or were they? Was this all tied to the chip implanted in her?) highlighted the same creativity which draws me into Nick’s work. Multi-dimensional beings are definitely an interesting concept as was seeing how the species took shape in different forms. I will say that I cringed a bit with the beaked monster breathing the “blue specked spittle” combined with its bad breath into one of the marine’s face. I could easily picture this scene.
The sci-fi references continued throughout the story as I thought to Terminator Salvation and the sub base hosting the HQ of the resistance. This was linked to the sub base brought up in the story, although I have to wonder how long this will last given the fact that the aliens are draining the oceans. Likewise, when Buma shouted “Let’s kill em all”, I couldn’t help but think of Johnny Rico in Starship Troopers. I was waiting for Buma to yell “Come on you apes, you want to live forever?” ***SPOILER *** Another ST moment came to mind during Overton’s final encounter with the spiders. Him being tossed into the conglomeration definitely brought me to Shujimi’s death scene on Klendathu.
Again, this was a very fun ride and I wish I had another credit ready to go so I could dive right in to book 3. Nick has stuck to his tradition of keeping me hooked on his stories. Elizabeth Evans did a great job, as she did in the first entry, with narration and helped bring the story to life. It will be interesting to see how book 3 is performed given that the narrator was changed after book two. Another easy 5/5.
And the story continues as what is left of humanity fights for survival against the organics (in all of their various forms). It was a fun ride being introduced to the various lifeforms which have now moved on to our planet in order to scout for resources crucial to their survival.
As I moved through this story, it was very easy to identify (at least in my opinion) the deep love for Sci-Fi that Nick has. I found myself identifying multiple connections to other entries in the sci-fi genre. Whether it was the farms containing humans which reminded me of the fields from the Matrix, or the nature of Jeff’s capture and being enclosed with other survivors akin to the War of the Worlds, there is definitely a connection to other sci-fi tales. Likewise, the spiders brought me to memories of the Chrysalids from XCOM.
The book was not only full of action as the survivors sought to fight off the organics, but had its fair share of emotional moments. Alex’s hanging was one of the events in the book which shocked me as did the near murder-suicide which is a common occurrence in post-apoc style books, especially when it seems that all hope has been lost.
There were noticeable changes which were called out in the story. Watching Overton change as his frustration with Sophie grew due to her preference for playing it safe ate at him was a key element to the story. The characters even called this out (Holly brought it up to Sophie and advised her to keep an eye out)I will say that I found myself a bit frustrated with Overton at certain points throughout the story. He was a bit over-bearing and while I understand his motivations, it still didn’t alleviate the angst I had for his character.
The aliens encountered by Sophie (or were they? Was this all tied to the chip implanted in her?) highlighted the same creativity which draws me into Nick’s work. Multi-dimensional beings are definitely an interesting concept as was seeing how the species took shape in different forms. I will say that I cringed a bit with the beaked monster breathing the “blue specked spittle” combined with its bad breath into one of the marine’s face. I could easily picture this scene.
The sci-fi references continued throughout the story as I thought to Terminator Salvation and the sub base hosting the HQ of the resistance. This was linked to the sub base brought up in the story, although I have to wonder how long this will last given the fact that the aliens are draining the oceans. Likewise, when Buma shouted “Let’s kill em all”, I couldn’t help but think of Johnny Rico in Starship Troopers. I was waiting for Buma to yell “Come on you apes, you want to live forever?” ***SPOILER *** Another ST moment came to mind during Overton’s final encounter with the spiders. Him being tossed into the conglomeration definitely brought me to Shujimi’s death scene on Klendathu.
Again, this was a very fun ride and I wish I had another credit ready to go so I could dive right in to book 3. Nick has stuck to his tradition of keeping me hooked on his stories. Elizabeth Evans did a great job, as she did in the first entry, with narration and helped bring the story to life. It will be interesting to see how book 3 is performed given that the narrator was changed after book two. Another easy 5/5.
April 6, 2018
The crew of the Cheyenne Mountain Biosphere face certain extinction as they begin to take the fight to the invaders.
Dr. Sophie Winston had been training for the Mars mission all her life, it seemed. Now finally the preparation was nearly complete. As Team Leader for the first Mars colonists she would lead her crew into the Biosphere in Cheyenne Mountain They would be learning how to survive in the enclosed environment simulating the journey to Mars on board the Secundo Casu, humanity's Second Chance, and the maintenance of the Biosphere on Mars. Dr. Hoffman, CEO of the New Tech Corporation and designer of the spacecraft and biosphere habitat on Mars, accompanied Dr. Winston and introduced her to her crew.
Joining Dr. Winston in the Cheyenne Mountain Biosphere were Saafi Yool, engineer, Dr. Emanuel Rodriguez, biologist, Dr. Holly Brown, psychiatrist, and Timothy Roberts, programmer. Sophie knew Emanuel from the team investigating the Solar Storms of 2055, when a huge Coronal Mass Ejection baked and irradiated 15% of the Earth's surface. Investigation into the event showed that magnetic forces originating on Mars had guided and intensified the CME. The results of that investigation had led to the development of the Secundo Casu and the Mars project.
Conditions quickly began to deteriorate as they lost contact to the outside world. Something caused the deaths of the livestock. They seemed to go crazy, battering themselves to death trying to escape their confinement. Something was driving the animals to madness. Investigations outside indicated that an alien force or presence was stealing the water from the world's surface. Thousands of glowing blue orbs littered the ground, each orb proving to contain a human or animal being drained of the water in their bodies. Strange alien creatures were processing the harvest of water as the planet's surface was turned into an arid wasteland. The Earth is losing it's future to the invaders, and everything is not going well.
SPOILER ALERT!!!!!
If you haven't read Orbs I, then stop here because spoilers are ahead. You should really read Orbs I before continuing. Besides missing a lot of the story, you will miss your first opportunity to meet some really terrific characters. By now you should be familiar with little quirks in some of the characters, you should know who's seeing who and who wants to know who a lot better, LOL and you should know who has joined our Mars Mission training Biosphere.
SPOILER ALERT!!!!
Using the reverse magnetic pulse generator they were given by Luke Williard, Sophie was able to shield the Biosphere from the Organic's sensors. Their crew had grown by the addition four children and three marines. And after the Biosphere AI told them she had been in contact with another survivor - Alex Wagner, sole survivor of the Edwards AFB Biosphere. Sophie knew then that their mission was a lie! The Biospheres were survival shelters. They were never going to go to Mars!
With surprising twists and unexpected developments, the storyline is character driven. And the characters deal with fear and frustration as they fight for the survival of the Earth. This is proving to be a remarkable series. I heartily recommend this dystopian future!
Dr. Sophie Winston had been training for the Mars mission all her life, it seemed. Now finally the preparation was nearly complete. As Team Leader for the first Mars colonists she would lead her crew into the Biosphere in Cheyenne Mountain They would be learning how to survive in the enclosed environment simulating the journey to Mars on board the Secundo Casu, humanity's Second Chance, and the maintenance of the Biosphere on Mars. Dr. Hoffman, CEO of the New Tech Corporation and designer of the spacecraft and biosphere habitat on Mars, accompanied Dr. Winston and introduced her to her crew.
Joining Dr. Winston in the Cheyenne Mountain Biosphere were Saafi Yool, engineer, Dr. Emanuel Rodriguez, biologist, Dr. Holly Brown, psychiatrist, and Timothy Roberts, programmer. Sophie knew Emanuel from the team investigating the Solar Storms of 2055, when a huge Coronal Mass Ejection baked and irradiated 15% of the Earth's surface. Investigation into the event showed that magnetic forces originating on Mars had guided and intensified the CME. The results of that investigation had led to the development of the Secundo Casu and the Mars project.
Conditions quickly began to deteriorate as they lost contact to the outside world. Something caused the deaths of the livestock. They seemed to go crazy, battering themselves to death trying to escape their confinement. Something was driving the animals to madness. Investigations outside indicated that an alien force or presence was stealing the water from the world's surface. Thousands of glowing blue orbs littered the ground, each orb proving to contain a human or animal being drained of the water in their bodies. Strange alien creatures were processing the harvest of water as the planet's surface was turned into an arid wasteland. The Earth is losing it's future to the invaders, and everything is not going well.
SPOILER ALERT!!!!!
If you haven't read Orbs I, then stop here because spoilers are ahead. You should really read Orbs I before continuing. Besides missing a lot of the story, you will miss your first opportunity to meet some really terrific characters. By now you should be familiar with little quirks in some of the characters, you should know who's seeing who and who wants to know who a lot better, LOL and you should know who has joined our Mars Mission training Biosphere.
SPOILER ALERT!!!!
Using the reverse magnetic pulse generator they were given by Luke Williard, Sophie was able to shield the Biosphere from the Organic's sensors. Their crew had grown by the addition four children and three marines. And after the Biosphere AI told them she had been in contact with another survivor - Alex Wagner, sole survivor of the Edwards AFB Biosphere. Sophie knew then that their mission was a lie! The Biospheres were survival shelters. They were never going to go to Mars!
With surprising twists and unexpected developments, the storyline is character driven. And the characters deal with fear and frustration as they fight for the survival of the Earth. This is proving to be a remarkable series. I heartily recommend this dystopian future!
September 10, 2019
4 stars for BOTH Orbs 2 and Orbs 3. I'm combining my review of these two books simply because I didn't take a break between ending one and starting the next. No joke: first time ever I've read two novel length books in one day. OK, I have to sleep in the basement for a few days because I got NONE of my chores done and I desperately need a shower but DAMN!
NSS is, simply put, the master of apocalypse tales. Between these books and his amazing 'Hell Divers' series, he pushes all the right buttons. There's just enough science to make it flow (is it perfect? No but I don't need it to be), there's just enough military tech to keep things legitimately edgy and there's MORE than enough human emotions, weaknesses and all the gooey stuff in between to make you care about the characters beyond any reasonable expectations. It is this latter point that is just amazing as the cast runs the gamut of various scientific backgrounds, military training and even youthfulness that plays so well together.
In Orbs 2, I did find myself getting a little, I don't know, annoyed? at the growing tension of the cast, particularly between Sergeant Overton and Sophie. And yet, I realized what else could they be feeling? Trapped in a biosphere while the world died around them, knowing that thousands of their fellow humans were being killed just outside their very walls. So my annoyance was not only legitimate it was part of the story. Even knowing how it must have felt for an accomplished psychologist to turn into a de facto baby-sitter pushed buttons that this old dad had forgotten he had! Oh and don't forget that while all this is going on, NSS is introducing even more blood-thirsty (literally) and nightmare-inducing aliens to fight!
Orbs 3 was a lot more of the same (and thus my only hesitation to giving this 5 stars instead of 4). Colonel Noble and his GOA squad was a nice addition but as I've stated before, damn, NSS sure doesn't hesitate to kill off a bunch of characters if need be. I thought the emotional aspect of the Chinese team was very well handled and again, the military aspects are balanced well against the very real emotional aspects. Maybe a few too many flashbacks to the same wise advice from his dad but ok, whatevs. The MindTec bit was a little silly (really? We can view dreams but don't have, I don't know, light sabers invented?) but heck, let's let that one slide, too.
I will say this about Book 3 as I head into Book 4 in the next hours (come on Smith, I have to leave the house occasionally!): what a depressing view of the end of the world. Hang on, let me re-read that...
NSS is, simply put, the master of apocalypse tales. Between these books and his amazing 'Hell Divers' series, he pushes all the right buttons. There's just enough science to make it flow (is it perfect? No but I don't need it to be), there's just enough military tech to keep things legitimately edgy and there's MORE than enough human emotions, weaknesses and all the gooey stuff in between to make you care about the characters beyond any reasonable expectations. It is this latter point that is just amazing as the cast runs the gamut of various scientific backgrounds, military training and even youthfulness that plays so well together.
In Orbs 2, I did find myself getting a little, I don't know, annoyed? at the growing tension of the cast, particularly between Sergeant Overton and Sophie. And yet, I realized what else could they be feeling? Trapped in a biosphere while the world died around them, knowing that thousands of their fellow humans were being killed just outside their very walls. So my annoyance was not only legitimate it was part of the story. Even knowing how it must have felt for an accomplished psychologist to turn into a de facto baby-sitter pushed buttons that this old dad had forgotten he had! Oh and don't forget that while all this is going on, NSS is introducing even more blood-thirsty (literally) and nightmare-inducing aliens to fight!
Orbs 3 was a lot more of the same (and thus my only hesitation to giving this 5 stars instead of 4). Colonel Noble and his GOA squad was a nice addition but as I've stated before, damn, NSS sure doesn't hesitate to kill off a bunch of characters if need be. I thought the emotional aspect of the Chinese team was very well handled and again, the military aspects are balanced well against the very real emotional aspects. Maybe a few too many flashbacks to the same wise advice from his dad but ok, whatevs. The MindTec bit was a little silly (really? We can view dreams but don't have, I don't know, light sabers invented?) but heck, let's let that one slide, too.
I will say this about Book 3 as I head into Book 4 in the next hours (come on Smith, I have to leave the house occasionally!): what a depressing view of the end of the world. Hang on, let me re-read that...
April 7, 2018
Book 2 sees the group at Cheyenne Mountain finding out that there could be other survivours from different biospheres. They have made contact with Alex, from a biosphere in California, and hold out hope that maybe more have survived. They also think that they have made a weapon that can harm the Organics, all they need to do is try it out to see. They get their chance when one of their own is captured and taken by the spider things. This leads them to realise that the Organics have created human farms, and have taken captured people there to be harvested later. Overton holds out hope that some of his missing soldiers might still be alive.
What a ride!! I had to take several deep breaths when I finished this because it took my breath away with it's relentless pace. Absolutely non stop!!! It's not just the action that was non stop, it was also the emotions I had while reading this. I think I went through them all!!
The plot was fast paced and exciting. We get to see a little more of the invasion through different eyes and get a broader scope of what the aliens are and what they want. This is where the author excels in this book I think, his imagination is amazing and the world he has created is fantastic.... extremely scary, but fantastic! The different aliens he created were awesome and his descriptive writing and attention to detail, brings them to life in a way that was astounding. I could picture every creepy spider, worm or dinosaur like creature he wrote!!
The author isn't afraid to get rid of characters! We lose some, but we gain some too. The two boys are awesome, and I'm so glad we get their back story in a different short story, because otherwise it would have made them feel incomplete. On finishing this one, I read both White Sands and Red Sands and it brought the boys to life! Alex is another new character and his addition is great. He is at the end of his rope and ready to finish it all, but is picked up by some other survivours. I'm intrigued with him and can't wait to see more about him!
In all, this second book was amazing. The author has really opened up the world and we are starting to see a bigger picture. We get some answers as to how this happened with no warning. We also see tensions rising in the biosphere and people are starting to lose it being cooped up so long. I'm so glad I have book 3 to read straight after this one!! Brilliant series.
What a ride!! I had to take several deep breaths when I finished this because it took my breath away with it's relentless pace. Absolutely non stop!!! It's not just the action that was non stop, it was also the emotions I had while reading this. I think I went through them all!!
The plot was fast paced and exciting. We get to see a little more of the invasion through different eyes and get a broader scope of what the aliens are and what they want. This is where the author excels in this book I think, his imagination is amazing and the world he has created is fantastic.... extremely scary, but fantastic! The different aliens he created were awesome and his descriptive writing and attention to detail, brings them to life in a way that was astounding. I could picture every creepy spider, worm or dinosaur like creature he wrote!!
The author isn't afraid to get rid of characters! We lose some, but we gain some too. The two boys are awesome, and I'm so glad we get their back story in a different short story, because otherwise it would have made them feel incomplete. On finishing this one, I read both White Sands and Red Sands and it brought the boys to life! Alex is another new character and his addition is great. He is at the end of his rope and ready to finish it all, but is picked up by some other survivours. I'm intrigued with him and can't wait to see more about him!
In all, this second book was amazing. The author has really opened up the world and we are starting to see a bigger picture. We get some answers as to how this happened with no warning. We also see tensions rising in the biosphere and people are starting to lose it being cooped up so long. I'm so glad I have book 3 to read straight after this one!! Brilliant series.
March 15, 2019
You will want to read the first book in the series Orbs in order to understand the Aliens and world that this series is based upon.
Nicholas Sansbury Smith is back with the second book in his Orb series, where water is becoming more and more scarce:
The Alien invasion has wiped out most of the life on Earth by sucking the water not just out of the ground but also out of every living thing they can find. The Oceans are slowly being drained and the survivors within the biosphere make a horrific discovery human farms where the Aliens appear to be slowly draining the life of humans that have been captured. When one of their own is captured by the Aliens, they enter into an all out mission to find him and bring him home, but nothing prepares them what has been happening outside of the biosphere.
I liked this better than the first not sure why but I was really drawn into the story and characters in this book when compared to the first. Maybe it is due to the fact that these are the people who survived the first wave and we get to know a few of the survivors better. Sansbury Smith pull no punches on descriptions of deaths (they are pretty gruesome as the Aliens want the water from any lifeforms' body) and who is alive at the end of the book, lets just say they all do not make it out in the end. Sansbury Smith knows how to keep this series both frightening, disturbing and entertaining all at the same time.
Really like the development of Alexia the AI in the biosphere as a character in this book. She changes and almost develops feelings which I find very interesting due to the fact that she is AI as well as her attachment to the humans who she watches over. Another character that was better fleshed out in this book was Sergeant Overton. He really shows a different side of himself I found in this book, as he is very much lets take the fight to them as so what if we die trying while in the first book it was more about trying to survive. But the one thing that you respect the most about Sergeant Overton is that his is completely loyal to his men and is not willing to ask them to do anything that he is not willing to do himself.
As us one of my favourite authors out there right now Sansbury Smith is one of my go to authors. I know I will be continuing on with this series to see where he takes it.
Enjoy!!!
Nicholas Sansbury Smith is back with the second book in his Orb series, where water is becoming more and more scarce:
The Alien invasion has wiped out most of the life on Earth by sucking the water not just out of the ground but also out of every living thing they can find. The Oceans are slowly being drained and the survivors within the biosphere make a horrific discovery human farms where the Aliens appear to be slowly draining the life of humans that have been captured. When one of their own is captured by the Aliens, they enter into an all out mission to find him and bring him home, but nothing prepares them what has been happening outside of the biosphere.
I liked this better than the first not sure why but I was really drawn into the story and characters in this book when compared to the first. Maybe it is due to the fact that these are the people who survived the first wave and we get to know a few of the survivors better. Sansbury Smith pull no punches on descriptions of deaths (they are pretty gruesome as the Aliens want the water from any lifeforms' body) and who is alive at the end of the book, lets just say they all do not make it out in the end. Sansbury Smith knows how to keep this series both frightening, disturbing and entertaining all at the same time.
Really like the development of Alexia the AI in the biosphere as a character in this book. She changes and almost develops feelings which I find very interesting due to the fact that she is AI as well as her attachment to the humans who she watches over. Another character that was better fleshed out in this book was Sergeant Overton. He really shows a different side of himself I found in this book, as he is very much lets take the fight to them as so what if we die trying while in the first book it was more about trying to survive. But the one thing that you respect the most about Sergeant Overton is that his is completely loyal to his men and is not willing to ask them to do anything that he is not willing to do himself.
As us one of my favourite authors out there right now Sansbury Smith is one of my go to authors. I know I will be continuing on with this series to see where he takes it.
Enjoy!!!
December 10, 2024
Nicholas Sansbury Smith is well equipped to spin tales of the apocalypse, having worked in the field of Disaster Preparation in various parts of the United States. His ensuing paranoia, based on witnessing first hand the vulnerability of our society and lack of awareness in its citizens has been channeled into many inventive stories.
This series, The Orbs, features a scenario in which the Earth suffers an alien invasion by creatures who want our water and are willing to destroy the planet to take its most vital resource.
This series features a group of scientists who have volunteered to spend time in a biosphere habitat complete with fields and animals for food production and the environment necessary to sustain life and recycle resources.
These details were revealed in the first book of this series and we are introduced to the scientists and get their backstory. They also run into a military unit and we get to enjoy the difference in culture and mindset between the two groups.
In this book they decide to venture out into the desolate land when they discover that their seemingly safe hideout is far from impregnable. We’re introduced to some new characters and find out the truth about their mission and its intentions. I won’t share spoilers.
The writing is sometimes very lazy, with one character “risking a look over her shoulder” multiple times in the same paragraph, but the action was interesting enough that I kept going. How can I know what the character was feeling when, for the umpteenth time they were shocked, nauseated or “unable to move” in the face of the horror that they had been experiencing for months? I would think that one would become numb after that long and just try to stay alive but it might be different if one was living rather than reading about it.
On to book 3!
This series, The Orbs, features a scenario in which the Earth suffers an alien invasion by creatures who want our water and are willing to destroy the planet to take its most vital resource.
This series features a group of scientists who have volunteered to spend time in a biosphere habitat complete with fields and animals for food production and the environment necessary to sustain life and recycle resources.
These details were revealed in the first book of this series and we are introduced to the scientists and get their backstory. They also run into a military unit and we get to enjoy the difference in culture and mindset between the two groups.
In this book they decide to venture out into the desolate land when they discover that their seemingly safe hideout is far from impregnable. We’re introduced to some new characters and find out the truth about their mission and its intentions. I won’t share spoilers.
The writing is sometimes very lazy, with one character “risking a look over her shoulder” multiple times in the same paragraph, but the action was interesting enough that I kept going. How can I know what the character was feeling when, for the umpteenth time they were shocked, nauseated or “unable to move” in the face of the horror that they had been experiencing for months? I would think that one would become numb after that long and just try to stay alive but it might be different if one was living rather than reading about it.
On to book 3!
June 3, 2017
This second book did not pull me in like the first book did. The characters felt a little less interesting but I couldn't really put my finger on the reason why. They are the same as they were before but seemed just a little duller, which could be because they are changing. The action seemed a bit more subdued than it had been in the first book even though we had some new aliens show up. It still had it's moments that kept me wanting to know more. Some of the problem may have been that the narrator, while okay, does not add a lot vocally.
Dr. Sophie Winston and her team, along with the military personnel they have acquired continue to survive in the Biosphere. The Organics continue to empty the Oceans and every other body of water. The temperatures are continuing to rise and the last surviving humans on the outside are being herded into farms. Dr. Emmanuel Rodriguez has developed a weapon that may help to turn the tide on the Organics.
Sophie and Sgt. Overton are not getting along as well as they could and he is starting to chaff under her command. Overton wants to take on the aliens and make a rescue attempt which might result in finding more of his men. Sophie would prefer to cautious and not draw attention. Just as things seem to hitting rock bottom they get some news that makes them all feel a little better about the future.
I have to admit that this was not one of my favorite reads even though I love Nick Smith and pretty much everything he has written. I would recommend this if you have read the first book because it does advance the story and you cannot miss that.
Dr. Sophie Winston and her team, along with the military personnel they have acquired continue to survive in the Biosphere. The Organics continue to empty the Oceans and every other body of water. The temperatures are continuing to rise and the last surviving humans on the outside are being herded into farms. Dr. Emmanuel Rodriguez has developed a weapon that may help to turn the tide on the Organics.
Sophie and Sgt. Overton are not getting along as well as they could and he is starting to chaff under her command. Overton wants to take on the aliens and make a rescue attempt which might result in finding more of his men. Sophie would prefer to cautious and not draw attention. Just as things seem to hitting rock bottom they get some news that makes them all feel a little better about the future.
I have to admit that this was not one of my favorite reads even though I love Nick Smith and pretty much everything he has written. I would recommend this if you have read the first book because it does advance the story and you cannot miss that.
August 19, 2020
This review addresses the entire Orbs Series, Books 1-4 including two shorts, Red Sands and White Sands. Suggest reading the prequel shorts first, but it doesn't matter. Just read from the beginning of the series to get the most from this exciting SciFi story. Several characters traverse the entire series.
Plot. Earth is invaded, a handful of humans survive to save the human race, and the earth itself - even taking you to Mars. The aliens are sucking up all the water on this planet, and other worlds in the cosmos. Lakes, rivers, streams, oceans, the snow from mountain tops, ice, and ... the human body. As the climate changes, temperatures soar, and more humans are gobbled up. Cut to a huge space ship that has abducted some humans and other life forms and it is speeding through space headed for........no spoilers. Did you know alien blood is blue?
Liked. Length. Just a personal thing. Long stories are yummy. This series is close to 40 hours of listening in unabridged audiobook format. Narration, production is fine, no sex, no language inappropriate to the scene. Given this is very futuristic, sexism is not an issue - there are many strong female characters - yea!
Not so hot? Not too much. You may get attached to a few characters that become alien munchies, but that's SciFi. Hard to roll your eyes at fantasies - but you may. 🙄
Written by Nicholas Sansbury Smith, narrated by Bronson Pinchot, released in 2019 by Blackstone Audio, Inc. Okay for the SciFi fan world, but no so much if you are not a fan of gooey aliens and monster spiders.
Plot. Earth is invaded, a handful of humans survive to save the human race, and the earth itself - even taking you to Mars. The aliens are sucking up all the water on this planet, and other worlds in the cosmos. Lakes, rivers, streams, oceans, the snow from mountain tops, ice, and ... the human body. As the climate changes, temperatures soar, and more humans are gobbled up. Cut to a huge space ship that has abducted some humans and other life forms and it is speeding through space headed for........no spoilers. Did you know alien blood is blue?
Liked. Length. Just a personal thing. Long stories are yummy. This series is close to 40 hours of listening in unabridged audiobook format. Narration, production is fine, no sex, no language inappropriate to the scene. Given this is very futuristic, sexism is not an issue - there are many strong female characters - yea!
Not so hot? Not too much. You may get attached to a few characters that become alien munchies, but that's SciFi. Hard to roll your eyes at fantasies - but you may. 🙄
Written by Nicholas Sansbury Smith, narrated by Bronson Pinchot, released in 2019 by Blackstone Audio, Inc. Okay for the SciFi fan world, but no so much if you are not a fan of gooey aliens and monster spiders.
October 16, 2018
Humans Versus Aliens, Who Will Prevail?
The saga of the earth invading orbs continues. Just when I think the remaining humans are doomed, another heroic rescue saves the remaining humans in the Colorado Wastelands Biosphere. The small group of scientists and military fighters along with the Artificial Intelligence Alexia refuse to give up the fight for survival.
The continuing characters are starting to feel like friends I care about. Their personalities are evolving as they come to realize the aliens are using our liquid resources for sustenance. They watch as the lakes, rivers and oceans are being sucked dry. The really horrifying truth is humans are dying at an alarming rate and the New Tech Corporation knew this was going to happen. The Biospheres are not a research study like they were told. They were created to save humanity from the aliens.
This is a great post apocalyptic thriller. The aliens are horrific. There is a hierarchy of beings, each one worse than the last and they seem invincible. The descriptions are so good I can easily picture them and the carnage they create. I'm ready to read the third book in the series to see what happens next.
The saga of the earth invading orbs continues. Just when I think the remaining humans are doomed, another heroic rescue saves the remaining humans in the Colorado Wastelands Biosphere. The small group of scientists and military fighters along with the Artificial Intelligence Alexia refuse to give up the fight for survival.
The continuing characters are starting to feel like friends I care about. Their personalities are evolving as they come to realize the aliens are using our liquid resources for sustenance. They watch as the lakes, rivers and oceans are being sucked dry. The really horrifying truth is humans are dying at an alarming rate and the New Tech Corporation knew this was going to happen. The Biospheres are not a research study like they were told. They were created to save humanity from the aliens.
This is a great post apocalyptic thriller. The aliens are horrific. There is a hierarchy of beings, each one worse than the last and they seem invincible. The descriptions are so good I can easily picture them and the carnage they create. I'm ready to read the third book in the series to see what happens next.
February 8, 2019
What's left of a devastated Earth has been invaded by aliens. Aliens determined to strip Earth of every last ounce of it's water. Dr. Sophie Winston and the biosphere inhabitants are in a fight for their very lives. Survivors are found and the truth of what was known by NTC but not revealed to the teams is unmasked. In the biome led by Dr. Sophie Winston, all is not peaceful. With their resources dwindling and tensions running high, the small group of survivors is divided. Some want to fight, some want to stay hidden, and Sophie just wants to keep everyone alive.
But when 11-year-old Jeff, is kidnapped by the Organics, Sophie is forced to pick sides. With the help of Emmanuel's promising new magnetic weapon, the biosphere team just might have a fighting chance to save Jeff and the world but only if they live long enough to use it.
But when 11-year-old Jeff, is kidnapped by the Organics, Sophie is forced to pick sides. With the help of Emmanuel's promising new magnetic weapon, the biosphere team just might have a fighting chance to save Jeff and the world but only if they live long enough to use it.
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