The Omega Theory - Book Review

The idea of the universe, as a computer prone to crashes and reverses in time, seems an interesting concept for sure in terms of ideas of time travel and parallel universes. Bringing these more intellectual constructs into a thriller (and a Middle East-based one at that) is an intriguing concept. Like Dirk Pitt's progression of oceanography in Clive Cussler's books, the life of a scientist within novels has to be both active and passive to make the texture of what they are doing seem real.The basis within "The Omega Theory" [Mark Alpert/Touchstone/320 pgs], the second in the key of David Swift books, follows the idea of crashing the system using laser rods from what would have been called the "Star Wars Defense System" and focusing their energy on a precise point of space/time with a nuclear explosion which would cause the universe to unravel. Bent within this idea and propelled by plot is the great-grandson of Albert Einstein, who keeps the only code that can bridge the mathematics needed to make this theories locked in his head, and he's autistic. According to the exposition, Swift had destroyed the written documents in the previous books so the only way to this dangerous avenue is through this boy which becomes a little bit of a paradox in logic.The crux of "Omega Theory" revolves around a religious cult, led by the mysterious Brother Cyrus, who initially set off a minute change in space/time during an Iranian nuclear test. Most people in the world wouldn't notice a shift in the slightest. New prototype quantum calculators, as explained by the book (but not yet possible in the real world), can measure in the thousandth of second this kind of shift which is the only way it would be visible. Michael, Einstein's descendent, is kidnapped by Brother Cyrus and brought to the desert outside Iran where his calculations would be used to goad the US into launching a counter nuclear attack with a bunker buster that would set off a chain reaction.Getting any deeper into the structure would give away too many spoilers since the book operates on a notion of revealing certain plot details that change the direction. That said, though it reads exceptionally well, the book doesn't make any groundbreaking structural changes or revelations in its final moments. The second act where most of the action happens offers the most intensity because the reality of the armageddon at the end of the book seems unlikely. The resolution though actually takes place too quick in wrapping up which is both efficient writing but also less exciting ultimately."The Omega Theory" is a story of physics played in the common vernacular with a thriller setting using religiousity and science as weapons as constructs for the new millenium. While the interesting ideas set forth definitely create intriguing situations, it does overwhelm with its sense of purpose. Out of 5, I give the book a 2 1/2.