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The Survivors #5
The Theos
Some secrets prefer to stay buried.
When Dean’s closest ally is kidnapped by an ancient race, his grief threatens to turn to madness. With the support of his friends, he embarks on a mission to get his loved one back, and stop the eventual destruction of the known Universe.
But Dean can’t do it without solving an age-old mystery. He must find the real Theos this time, and he’ll stop at nothing to accomplish that.
Join the Survivors as they battle for every race in existence.
The Theos is a tale of love, adventure, deception, and above all else: surviving.
When Dean’s closest ally is kidnapped by an ancient race, his grief threatens to turn to madness. With the support of his friends, he embarks on a mission to get his loved one back, and stop the eventual destruction of the known Universe.
But Dean can’t do it without solving an age-old mystery. He must find the real Theos this time, and he’ll stop at nothing to accomplish that.
Join the Survivors as they battle for every race in existence.
The Theos is a tale of love, adventure, deception, and above all else: surviving.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 11, 2018
620 people are currently reading
273 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
March 9, 2021
I have the first box set of this series and book five is certainly imaginative.
It's well-written with good characters and full of adventure. The idea of the Theos is intriguing.
Dean seems to be the only one who has developed as a character, an unlikely hero thrust into amazing situations.
Overall, worth reading, though, I am not how much more it can be stretched.
It's well-written with good characters and full of adventure. The idea of the Theos is intriguing.
Dean seems to be the only one who has developed as a character, an unlikely hero thrust into amazing situations.
Overall, worth reading, though, I am not how much more it can be stretched.
November 2, 2018
Last time with left Dean Parker in pretty bad shape. His wife, Mary, had been taken over by the Iskios, an evil alien ancient civilization that lived only to destroy others. Their essence was forever trapped in a crystal world until Dean and Mary accidentally stumble upon the planet. Dean and Mary believed they were on the trail of the Theos, another ancient civilization that believed in peace. The Theos were believed that life had to have a balance and since the Iskios were the evil force in the universe, the Theos believed they were the balancing good. As long as the balance was maintained, then things were fine, not perfect, but just stable. Then the Iskios went on a terrible rampage destroying worlds for no reason. The Theos acted to contain the Iskios sealing them in the crystals on a remote planet. Yet, the Theos knew that if the Iskios were to be gone forever, that meant they had to go also. So they placed themselves in the portal stones. These portal stones allowed other races of the universe to freely travel vast distances with the Theos keeping the portals open to only the Gatekeepers.
Some how the Iskios knew Dean and Mary were looking for the Theos so they led them on a difficult false journey which ended at the crystal planet. Mary got too close to one of the crystals and they entered her body and began controlling her actions. They also began a massive vortex which they called the Unwinding. It would destroy entire planets and even suns. Nothing in its path could remain. Of course the Iskios thrived on this destruction while using Mary to act out their destructive nature. She tried to break free of their control, but they were such a powerful force that she was driven to cower in her own mind.
So, Dean has set out to find Mary and rescue her. But, first he must find out what happened to the Theos and if there are any alive, can they help him in his quest. This journey is going to take him to may different and strange planets dealing with a myriad of different aliens some of which are not going to be friendly. Dean tries to do some of this quest without his friends, but soon finds out that he needs them very much if he’s going to find Mary.
We sure have come a long way from Earth where Dean Parker was an accountant living with his wife, Jeanine, and just doing normal stuff. He never, ever anticipated becoming “The Hero of Earth” much less leaving the planet to rescue all of humanity. You would have thought that was enough for a good series of books which it was, but the journey continues with the introduction of the portal system. Now our writer has entire new worlds to explore. It’s kind of interesting how things turn our so well for Dean Parker. He’s a human from Earth which is unknown to 99% of the galaxy, yet he has a translation device that easily converts English into whatever language the alien he’s talking to understands. I just don’t think that kind of technology is quite possible given that some of these aliens don’t even have vocal cords but hiss and squawk. Additionally, Dean is required to do some extended time in space, without a spaceship, just in his spacesuit or environmental suite. It seems to come with a jet pack that never runs our of fuel, can feed him nutrients that will keep him alive for an indefinite time, never runs out of oxygen even in space for a long period of time and it was also built for an alien life-form very unlike Dean Parker. Yeah, this part is kind of stretching the story towards a happy ending.
And, it looks like there could even be more stories in this series or something similar to it. The author shows the next book as “Old Enemy” to be released in November 2018 or in the month wrote this. I’m not sure I will continue to read these stories. They’re getting a little too predictable and somethings are just too perfect. Still, they were interesting when the story was new.
Some how the Iskios knew Dean and Mary were looking for the Theos so they led them on a difficult false journey which ended at the crystal planet. Mary got too close to one of the crystals and they entered her body and began controlling her actions. They also began a massive vortex which they called the Unwinding. It would destroy entire planets and even suns. Nothing in its path could remain. Of course the Iskios thrived on this destruction while using Mary to act out their destructive nature. She tried to break free of their control, but they were such a powerful force that she was driven to cower in her own mind.
So, Dean has set out to find Mary and rescue her. But, first he must find out what happened to the Theos and if there are any alive, can they help him in his quest. This journey is going to take him to may different and strange planets dealing with a myriad of different aliens some of which are not going to be friendly. Dean tries to do some of this quest without his friends, but soon finds out that he needs them very much if he’s going to find Mary.
We sure have come a long way from Earth where Dean Parker was an accountant living with his wife, Jeanine, and just doing normal stuff. He never, ever anticipated becoming “The Hero of Earth” much less leaving the planet to rescue all of humanity. You would have thought that was enough for a good series of books which it was, but the journey continues with the introduction of the portal system. Now our writer has entire new worlds to explore. It’s kind of interesting how things turn our so well for Dean Parker. He’s a human from Earth which is unknown to 99% of the galaxy, yet he has a translation device that easily converts English into whatever language the alien he’s talking to understands. I just don’t think that kind of technology is quite possible given that some of these aliens don’t even have vocal cords but hiss and squawk. Additionally, Dean is required to do some extended time in space, without a spaceship, just in his spacesuit or environmental suite. It seems to come with a jet pack that never runs our of fuel, can feed him nutrients that will keep him alive for an indefinite time, never runs out of oxygen even in space for a long period of time and it was also built for an alien life-form very unlike Dean Parker. Yeah, this part is kind of stretching the story towards a happy ending.
And, it looks like there could even be more stories in this series or something similar to it. The author shows the next book as “Old Enemy” to be released in November 2018 or in the month wrote this. I’m not sure I will continue to read these stories. They’re getting a little too predictable and somethings are just too perfect. Still, they were interesting when the story was new.
March 18, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. It’s number five of the series and I think you do have to read the before books as it’s all about what has happened before and how Dean and his friends have made it to new spero. It was really engaging and I recommend it to all ages from year 7 and above. The genre was sci fi and adventure as it was all about them having to rescue someone including long forgotten races and Aliens. Overall it’s a book for people that love adventures and sci-fi and are interested in the earlier books and carrying on from them.
November 7, 2018
The Theos is the explosive next book in the continuing saga of the Survivors. The earth is gone, traded to the aliens for peace. Dean Parker and Mary have become Gatekeepers and are exploring worlds using the portals. Now, with the discovery of sacred stones, they have gone in search of the Theos, the god-like beings of legend. But they have not found them. Instead, they were tricked by the Iskios, and now the Unwinding is upon the Universe, threatening to destroy all life! And it is lead by their vessel - Mary, the love of Dean's life!
Can Dean retain his sanity? Can he stop the unwinding? Can he find the Theos? Do they even exist outside of myth and legend? And can he stop the two richest beings in the universe from killing each other?
If you have ever wondered what would happen if a CPA from New York was called upon to save humanity from aliens and change the Universe, this book is for you.
Nathan Hystad gets better and better in each installment, and you truly cannot put these books down once you start reading them. This is a racing adventure through the annals of time and space on a desperate mission to save his friends, his wife, his unborn child, and the entire Universe! Can he do it?
You'll have to read this one to find out. Just a warning though: You are going to want to read the next book in the series, and it is not out quite yet! And one other thing: You will really want to read this whole series, and you'd best start it from the beginning for maximum enjoyment!
Nathan Hystad is really emerging as a high octane independent author, and his narrative, characters, and ability to paint scenes realistically in words is outstanding and very, very enjoyable.
Can Dean retain his sanity? Can he stop the unwinding? Can he find the Theos? Do they even exist outside of myth and legend? And can he stop the two richest beings in the universe from killing each other?
If you have ever wondered what would happen if a CPA from New York was called upon to save humanity from aliens and change the Universe, this book is for you.
Nathan Hystad gets better and better in each installment, and you truly cannot put these books down once you start reading them. This is a racing adventure through the annals of time and space on a desperate mission to save his friends, his wife, his unborn child, and the entire Universe! Can he do it?
You'll have to read this one to find out. Just a warning though: You are going to want to read the next book in the series, and it is not out quite yet! And one other thing: You will really want to read this whole series, and you'd best start it from the beginning for maximum enjoyment!
Nathan Hystad is really emerging as a high octane independent author, and his narrative, characters, and ability to paint scenes realistically in words is outstanding and very, very enjoyable.
February 14, 2022
After a disappointing end to book 4, book 5 picks up and gets back to the fun adventures of the series.
I had a real problem with the cliche ending to book 4. The evil possessed wife, with unexpected child, just made me want to quit the series. It caused me to wait months to try this book. However, I'm glad I came back, because this book made up for it.
As is traditional, for this series, it relies heavily of coincidences and behaves like the universe is populates by a couple hundred beings. We have things like accidently saving the richest man in the universe's daughter, then it turning out the daughter lives on the planet they need to go to. The daughter needs help with her father and her father having access to the information that the main character needed, all along!
Most of the time, this book feels less like a story of a person, and more like a video game, where one task has to be completed after another to reach a goal or final boss.
Having said that, the story is fun. This is not hard sci fi, or serious fiction. This is a fun sci fi adventure story, and it is written like it.
The voice narration, by Luke Daniels, is once again excellent. He brings his A game and is a delight to listen to.
All in all, I'm glad I returned to this series. I was upset by the paint by numbers ending of the last book and took a long break in between. This book returns to the fun writing of the previous. It is straightforward and lacks tangents and side stories, but it keeps things fun and light.
I look forward to the next.
I had a real problem with the cliche ending to book 4. The evil possessed wife, with unexpected child, just made me want to quit the series. It caused me to wait months to try this book. However, I'm glad I came back, because this book made up for it.
As is traditional, for this series, it relies heavily of coincidences and behaves like the universe is populates by a couple hundred beings. We have things like accidently saving the richest man in the universe's daughter, then it turning out the daughter lives on the planet they need to go to. The daughter needs help with her father and her father having access to the information that the main character needed, all along!
Most of the time, this book feels less like a story of a person, and more like a video game, where one task has to be completed after another to reach a goal or final boss.
Having said that, the story is fun. This is not hard sci fi, or serious fiction. This is a fun sci fi adventure story, and it is written like it.
The voice narration, by Luke Daniels, is once again excellent. He brings his A game and is a delight to listen to.
All in all, I'm glad I returned to this series. I was upset by the paint by numbers ending of the last book and took a long break in between. This book returns to the fun writing of the previous. It is straightforward and lacks tangents and side stories, but it keeps things fun and light.
I look forward to the next.
January 27, 2023
The Theos, book five of The Survivors saga. According to the blurb it's “a tale of love, adventure, deception and above all else: surviving”. Unfortunately there’s no suspense, no danger, no mystery, it's very predictable and a bit bland, oh! Everything is really “handy” and “convenient” to say the least. I found it difficult to invest in the characters, knowing nothing will really happen to them. Whatever dangerous or life threatening situation they find themselves in, you know someone or something “handy” will show up to save the day. The main characters constantly express a wish to settle down, start a family, have a normal life, difficult to do when you're the only person that can save the universe, a planet or a race of beings. I think, if I’m not mistaken, they've saved the universe in every book so far. Way to go guys! And don’t get me started on the theos, supreme beings, you must be pulling my plonker, after taking all that time to find them, what did they do, diddly squat, nada, absolutely FA.
March 11, 2019
After all the time which have passed since I’ve listened to audiobook four while reviewing many other audiobooks I was worried that I won’t exactly remember the story or how the last book ended but after five minutes I was right back in the story like no time have passed at all, that proves how I loved the story from the beginnings.
As usual Nathan Hystad imagination never disappoints and what I love about this series is that each book is an adventure on its own so you can choose any one of those audiobooks out of this series and enjoy it even if you have not listened to the one before, not that I recommend it because earlier things are mentioned but it’s possible.
As usual narration is spot on each character voice is exactly the same as it is on all the audiobooks in this series, truly a great narrator.
Not only recommended but a must, in my opinion the whole series is recommended.
In exchange for an honest review I’ve received this audiobook.
As usual Nathan Hystad imagination never disappoints and what I love about this series is that each book is an adventure on its own so you can choose any one of those audiobooks out of this series and enjoy it even if you have not listened to the one before, not that I recommend it because earlier things are mentioned but it’s possible.
As usual narration is spot on each character voice is exactly the same as it is on all the audiobooks in this series, truly a great narrator.
Not only recommended but a must, in my opinion the whole series is recommended.
In exchange for an honest review I’ve received this audiobook.
September 18, 2019
Dean Parker unleashed supreme evil in the previous installment. And in "The Theos," Nathan Hystad's fifth installment of the Survivors, he stops at nothing to prevent the chaos he and Mary unleashed by uncovering the deadly Iskios and the Unwinding. Dean's perfect veneer has been tarnished. He lost his wife, who was pregnant with their child. He's determined to rectify his mistake. He was used. A pawn in a space opera of two long dead races both with massive power. Hystad delves into the power of balance in this book, debating that good must co-exist with its darker twin. That the alternative poses massive consequence when one side or the other has the advantage. In this book, Dean seeks answers. The consequences of failure never enter his mind. Because that would mean nobody has a chance, that life in all quadrants of the universe will be snuffed out by the Unwinding. Yet, he finds new allies and new enemies. And Hystad introduces one heck of a librarian.
January 3, 2022
I'm not going to review each and every of the 18, so far, books in this series because it would be exhausting. Suffice it to say, as I just this morning told my son, to have the talent to write a series of 18 books (so far) and each and every book be as engaging, thrilling and be able to pull a reader right into the story instead of being a spectator to it is so rare and his books do that. From book 1 to the current book 18. Also, these are not novellas or short stories. Each in this series is a full on NOVEL. I've been opened to genres I never thought I'd be interested in before and it's writers like Nathan Hystad that make that possible .... that make reading ..... an important part of my life.
February 18, 2022
The hunt for the Theos continues
Dean and his band of heroes continue the search for a way to end the Iskios Unwinding and return Mary to herself. Filled with the Iskios, Mary controls the Unwinding as a huge black hole eats suns and planets. Getting Mary back is a problem only the Theos can help with. OMG! The problem is so huge I accidentally ended a sentence with a preposition! What are Dean and company to do?
Amazing characters we've grown to love are spiralling to a safe conclusion or a dire ending! Where could this fantastic storyline take us now? Leave it to this outstanding master storyteller to pose a deadly conundrum for our heroes. What's going to happen to Dean, Mary and the universe? This is a great read!
Dean and his band of heroes continue the search for a way to end the Iskios Unwinding and return Mary to herself. Filled with the Iskios, Mary controls the Unwinding as a huge black hole eats suns and planets. Getting Mary back is a problem only the Theos can help with. OMG! The problem is so huge I accidentally ended a sentence with a preposition! What are Dean and company to do?
Amazing characters we've grown to love are spiralling to a safe conclusion or a dire ending! Where could this fantastic storyline take us now? Leave it to this outstanding master storyteller to pose a deadly conundrum for our heroes. What's going to happen to Dean, Mary and the universe? This is a great read!
January 21, 2019
This is book #5 of the Survivors series and I have gotten used to the fact that this is more about adventure than science. Our "Heroes of Earth" are facing the ultimate good-versus-evil conflict in this Star Wars-ish romp across the galaxy. It is an enjoyable adventure where we meet some new alien friends as we prepare to solve some big mysteries and do battle with formidable foes.
I'm hoping our heroes get a well deserved break in the next book, Old Enemy, but the title doesn't bode well for them.
I'm hoping our heroes get a well deserved break in the next book, Old Enemy, but the title doesn't bode well for them.
October 15, 2019
This is the fifth book of Dean and his adventures. Once more he is "saving" the universe.
This is more adventure than science, cos Dean always seems to have some new gadget.
I think I'm almost done, five swash bucketing adventures across the universe and I think I may need to read another genre.
Perhaps just one more - the next book, Old Enemy, perhaps this wraps up the adventure arc for Dean
Three stars.
This is more adventure than science, cos Dean always seems to have some new gadget.
I think I'm almost done, five swash bucketing adventures across the universe and I think I may need to read another genre.
Perhaps just one more - the next book, Old Enemy, perhaps this wraps up the adventure arc for Dean
Three stars.
October 12, 2018
Amazing books, read all 5 looking forward to the next (No. 6) This author Nathan Hystad
's imagination is unbelievable it's as if he's been on all the journeys out in space. I had to smile @ some of the beings he met, some were scary other's were out of this world, of course they, Were!
's imagination is unbelievable it's as if he's been on all the journeys out in space. I had to smile @ some of the beings he met, some were scary other's were out of this world, of course they, Were!
December 29, 2018
What a rush!
Exciting, moving and an all out blast! Fast paced 100% adventure. A great read and our heroes have done it again. They travel the universe, get into scrapes and barely survive. But can they actually save the universe this time? Gotta read it and look forward to the next big adventure.
Exciting, moving and an all out blast! Fast paced 100% adventure. A great read and our heroes have done it again. They travel the universe, get into scrapes and barely survive. But can they actually save the universe this time? Gotta read it and look forward to the next big adventure.
April 30, 2019
A decent read but weaker
The Theo was a decent action story but it had a lot of metaphysical repartee between the actors. Hystad used this book to fill in the history of the Event and subsequent stories. I enjoyed it mostly but some areas really dragged. BUT! It was worth the time spent. Overall - another goo d story of the Survivors.
The Theo was a decent action story but it had a lot of metaphysical repartee between the actors. Hystad used this book to fill in the history of the Event and subsequent stories. I enjoyed it mostly but some areas really dragged. BUT! It was worth the time spent. Overall - another goo d story of the Survivors.
April 8, 2021
An enjoyable series…
I rip-roaring and rollicking journey throughout the universe, righting wrongs, protecting the weak and giving bad aliens a nasty poke in the eye.
As you’d expect from Nathan Hystad, the story is well told with characters likeable characters. You could do a lot worse that trying this.
I rip-roaring and rollicking journey throughout the universe, righting wrongs, protecting the weak and giving bad aliens a nasty poke in the eye.
As you’d expect from Nathan Hystad, the story is well told with characters likeable characters. You could do a lot worse that trying this.
April 9, 2021
A slightly improving book in the series, full of the same flaws as its predecessors, but with a modicum of more effort. We have some real character moments and a decent (though generic) adventure. What remains a huge obstacle for me is the complete lack of realistic, or even consistent, science in this fiction.
September 22, 2018
Spellbinding
The Theos, was simply amazing the suspense keeps one on the edge of your seat. The story line is so compelling that one feels like one of the characters in the book. Cannot wait for the sixth book to come out in November.
The Theos, was simply amazing the suspense keeps one on the edge of your seat. The story line is so compelling that one feels like one of the characters in the book. Cannot wait for the sixth book to come out in November.
October 3, 2018
This entire series is well done. The Theos had several twists in it making it more interesting. Really can't wait for the next book. Start with the first book, "The Event". You won't be disappointed.
October 19, 2018
Comfortable read less surprising with every chapter
I keep reading to not leave it unfinished, however I'm not pushed by this writer. Recommend preteen teen young adult is pushing it
I keep reading to not leave it unfinished, however I'm not pushed by this writer. Recommend preteen teen young adult is pushing it
October 23, 2018
New favorite author
I have read all the books available in this series and would read more if they were available. I never could second guess this author and each story was a new surprise. His imagination amazes me!
I have read all the books available in this series and would read more if they were available. I never could second guess this author and each story was a new surprise. His imagination amazes me!
November 6, 2018
Did it en
Here in this book you see what everyone has feared.the Unwinding ! Can Dean and his friends find a way to stop it and still get Mary back, or does everything end. The author lays the his all out for you . Read it and he inspired!!
Here in this book you see what everyone has feared.the Unwinding ! Can Dean and his friends find a way to stop it and still get Mary back, or does everything end. The author lays the his all out for you . Read it and he inspired!!
February 26, 2019
Wonderful book.
This is another great novel in this series. It has great characters and imaginative action and events. This series pulls you in as it rushes along. Truly great reading.
This is another great novel in this series. It has great characters and imaginative action and events. This series pulls you in as it rushes along. Truly great reading.
May 3, 2019
Book 5
An other great read. I'm more of a Indiana Jones type fan. But I'll tell ya I just ordered book 6. So there is definitely something here. Reads fast and has lots of really different types of things, people, aliens. Not much left out.
An other great read. I'm more of a Indiana Jones type fan. But I'll tell ya I just ordered book 6. So there is definitely something here. Reads fast and has lots of really different types of things, people, aliens. Not much left out.
September 29, 2018
Great read
I enjoyed this book in the series. I enjoyed the characters and new species added to entourage can't wait to the next book.
I enjoyed this book in the series. I enjoyed the characters and new species added to entourage can't wait to the next book.
September 28, 2018
Space hoppers
Great reading.
Action, adventure, suspense, what more could you want?
All five in this series have been fantastic and look forward to next( the 6th)
Great reading.
Action, adventure, suspense, what more could you want?
All five in this series have been fantastic and look forward to next( the 6th)
October 6, 2018
Continually Good
Dean, Mary, Slate and Sumatra make a great team. The story continually is exciting to read right up to each ending leaving the future wide open.
Dean, Mary, Slate and Sumatra make a great team. The story continually is exciting to read right up to each ending leaving the future wide open.
October 6, 2018
Good read
Can't wait for the next adventure. Mary, Dean and she with the help of their friends will conquer new threats.
Can't wait for the next adventure. Mary, Dean and she with the help of their friends will conquer new threats.
October 16, 2018
Loved this science fiction feast
Wow great pacing and so glad the characters were still in play. It is relatable and kept me wanting to keep reading late into the night
Wow great pacing and so glad the characters were still in play. It is relatable and kept me wanting to keep reading late into the night
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews