The Omicron Six

Omicron Six by Endy Wright is a very readable book.

In the beginning, two young men become friends. One is strong physically, immeasurably so, and silent. The other is wiry, quick-witted, and brilliant but crippled both physically and emotionally. The development of their friendship, their growing reliance on each other to fill in the gaps of their personalities, their joy and delight as they overcome their seemingly insurmountable deficiencies, and their just genuine friendship are a delight to read. This part of the book concerns friendship as it used to be known. The inclusion of a functional, loving family as a framework for healing is also a refreshing change. Part two introduces an increasingly complex set of characters. There is a doctor, the creator of the genetic wunderkinds, and the question becomes whether he is a Frankenstein or not. That question kind of hangs in the air throughout the book. The genetic results of his tamperings are so good, the only antagonist powerful enough to challenge them is one of their own gone rogue.

The dialogue used in the book, extensively, is good; it is how the characters are developed. You spend a lot of time reading the characters’ speech. Not all reactions are given to you from the outside. The action is a little slow in the first half, but it is needed to build up a sympathetic view of the two main characters.

The book also builds the heroes by increasing the difficulty of the adversaries the heroes have to face and defeat. From bullies to abusive adults, and from uncaring caregivers to uncaring institutions, Coupe and Cooper triumph by acting together and helping each other. This is a positive story about the importance of friendship and loyalty. Only late in the book are the powers of the other four genetically altered beings really introduced.

The plotline is a little pat. The use of religious bigots is a bit too convenient—no one cares what happens to them because they are religious bigots—and a little overdone. The ultimate antagonist is unpredictable, which is a plus.

I enjoyed the book. It is obviously going to be the first part of a series. It will be interesting to see how the author creates bigger obstacles for his people to overcome.