Review - Human Omega: Trapped in the Alien Jungle by Eileen Glass

Carter is on the run with his two alien cage-mates through the jungles of the aliens’ planet after escaping from the insectoids that enslaved them. The two big feline-like aliens are more than friends to Carter, even though his attempts at communication continually fail to get anywhere. Their former masters pursue the trio relentlessly, leaving them little time to rest and eat. It takes a toll on them all, but especially Carter, whose human body is not designed for the climate. Yet his two lovers refuse to leave him behind and save themselves. Instead, they treat him like a delicate princess.

“Trapped in the Alien Jungle” continues the story of Carter, the human space marine captured by insect-like creatures and taken to a planet they’ve invaded to use as a slave. He is collared and kept in a pen with two natives of the planet, whom he dubs Nibbler and Pitcher. Carter’s technical skills, along with the strength of his two fellow slaves, allow the three of them to escape. Gaining freedom is just the beginning of their ordeal, as the jungle proves to be almost as tough to escape as the insects.

As in the first book, the point of view alternates between characters from one chapter to the next. We already know that Pitcher and Nibbler believe Carter is an “omega” and this story more or less confirms that this means exactly what you probably think it means. Carter is definitely strong-willed and intelligent. This book is a turning point where he finally overcomes his communication problems, but that leads to all sorts of other challenges, which we’ll have to read the next book to find out how he deals with them.

Pitcher and Nibbler are an interesting contrast. Pitcher, whose actual name is Siel, was a famous warrior of his people before he was captured by the invaders. Nibbler is most commonly called Pykh by Siel and the others. Pykh was born in captivity and knows nothing of his people or their customs. The need for Siel to explain their people’s customs to Pykh provides a good way for us to learn about them as well. It also puts Pykh in a position to challenge the status quo when the trio finally meet Siel’s friends.

“Human Omega: Trapped in the Alien Jungle” is available from Amazon (commissionable link).