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The Abyss #3
After Us
The fate of the world is on the line. What will be left After Us?
Safety is obviously only temporary as the Static continues to show itself. With someone trying to open a new set of Rings, the group must separate to vanquish their enemies.
Blaze heads to the South Pole with Anand, to activate the Attractor.
Wyatt must stop Isabel’s father from continuing his destructive patterns, but is he actually working for the good of humanity?
When someone from the past returns, the teams are beckoned to New York where it all began.
After Us is the thrilling conclusion to The Abyss.
Safety is obviously only temporary as the Static continues to show itself. With someone trying to open a new set of Rings, the group must separate to vanquish their enemies.
Blaze heads to the South Pole with Anand, to activate the Attractor.
Wyatt must stop Isabel’s father from continuing his destructive patterns, but is he actually working for the good of humanity?
When someone from the past returns, the teams are beckoned to New York where it all began.
After Us is the thrilling conclusion to The Abyss.
- GenresScience Fiction
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 7, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 28, 2024
Great story but sloppy writing
The trilogy kept me reading raptly, despite some very frustrating flaws in the text. I can't remember everything that drove me nuts, so Ill just give one example of sloppy writing. The use of the word smirk every time a character smiled was very irritating. First, the work smirk means that the person who smiles is indicating irony. Secondly, doesn't Hystad have a thesaurus? There are plenty of more appropriate synonyms for smile a word he never used at all. Grinned is one off the top of my head.
If I can I'll edit this review and see what I can glean from my notes.
The trilogy kept me reading raptly, despite some very frustrating flaws in the text. I can't remember everything that drove me nuts, so Ill just give one example of sloppy writing. The use of the word smirk every time a character smiled was very irritating. First, the work smirk means that the person who smiles is indicating irony. Secondly, doesn't Hystad have a thesaurus? There are plenty of more appropriate synonyms for smile a word he never used at all. Grinned is one off the top of my head.
If I can I'll edit this review and see what I can glean from my notes.
April 10, 2024
"The shocking conclusion of a frightening story"
The Altered are rising from the waves, shedding saltwater. Some are returning to human form, many are dying, some remain "altered". All are confused, frightened, with no memory of the past weeks. The Static, the Rings, the Mud and the monsters that came with it have left the Earth's crust in shambles, deep pits and crevices everywhere. The survivors are gathering. Some for good, others typical of human greed preyed on the rest. Garner Vikas, his daughter Isabel and several of Garner's robots are trying to restore the planet, shut down the Rings and remove any remaining Static.
So many wonderful characters it's hard to keep track of them all! So many schemes! So many directions to travel! The aliens wanting to join forces and destroy the Static. Vikas pursuing his own agenda, is now more than half robotic with his own set of miniature Rings in his chest. This whole mess is his doing, trying to revive his dead wife and make a huge fortune selling the alien Mud for its restorative properties. He didn't realize the Static he was trying to capture for free energy was a living entity with its own agenda!
Great characters, great storyline by a master storyteller. Altogether, a great read!
The Altered are rising from the waves, shedding saltwater. Some are returning to human form, many are dying, some remain "altered". All are confused, frightened, with no memory of the past weeks. The Static, the Rings, the Mud and the monsters that came with it have left the Earth's crust in shambles, deep pits and crevices everywhere. The survivors are gathering. Some for good, others typical of human greed preyed on the rest. Garner Vikas, his daughter Isabel and several of Garner's robots are trying to restore the planet, shut down the Rings and remove any remaining Static.
So many wonderful characters it's hard to keep track of them all! So many schemes! So many directions to travel! The aliens wanting to join forces and destroy the Static. Vikas pursuing his own agenda, is now more than half robotic with his own set of miniature Rings in his chest. This whole mess is his doing, trying to revive his dead wife and make a huge fortune selling the alien Mud for its restorative properties. He didn't realize the Static he was trying to capture for free energy was a living entity with its own agenda!
Great characters, great storyline by a master storyteller. Altogether, a great read!
October 22, 2023
If you haven’t read the first two books in the series by all means do so immediately. This is the third book in the series and it is a very satisfying read. I’ve been a fan of Nathan Hystad for a while now and he does not disappoint with this story . The Abyss series is IMHO an extremely well constructed story. The characters are very human in action and like real people we get to know them a little at a time. The story advances into a final dangerous set of conflicts that were impossible to predict by this reader earlier (not an easy job IMHO). I was particularly impressed with the author’s handling of multiple characters acting in different locations but simultaneously. This creates a rich tapestry as a backdrop for the action.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 10, 2025
OK this was somewhat satisfying for a finale. But the whole thing of having a problem and no way to solve it, then suddenly a robot can fix it or the IT guy can fix it, that got old. I'm willing to suspend my disbelief somewhat but this was ridiculous. "Oh no! We can't get home!" "No problem," says the robot. "Look, I've just come up with a way to fix it." Seriously?
The ending was ok, good enough. We'd been set up to see Luna and Wyatt as the primary romantic relationship but got nothing there at the end. On the other hand, a bunch of characters did get a happy ending and that balanced it somewhat.
I'd give this whole series about a 3.5 star rating. It kept me entertained, I did want to come back to it after I had to stop, and Marc Vietor was good. This wasn't fantastic but it was enjoyable.
The ending was ok, good enough. We'd been set up to see Luna and Wyatt as the primary romantic relationship but got nothing there at the end. On the other hand, a bunch of characters did get a happy ending and that balanced it somewhat.
I'd give this whole series about a 3.5 star rating. It kept me entertained, I did want to come back to it after I had to stop, and Marc Vietor was good. This wasn't fantastic but it was enjoyable.
December 31, 2023
Excellent Trilogy
I struggle to write a minimalist review ... this has been an excellent journey, one I am glad I took.
At times, it seemed to slow down but it never made me lose interest. It fit perfectly into my "theater of the mind" flow for a book with so many good characters, tightly conceived plot twists and turns, even though a bit "muddy" at times.
The protagonists are varied and diverse, while the antagonists are equally well conceived and ... well, strangely electrifying.
It is worth every minute I spent, reading, and enjoying, this series.
I struggle to write a minimalist review ... this has been an excellent journey, one I am glad I took.
At times, it seemed to slow down but it never made me lose interest. It fit perfectly into my "theater of the mind" flow for a book with so many good characters, tightly conceived plot twists and turns, even though a bit "muddy" at times.
The protagonists are varied and diverse, while the antagonists are equally well conceived and ... well, strangely electrifying.
It is worth every minute I spent, reading, and enjoying, this series.
January 10, 2024
I wanted to see how the series ended, but this book proved to be a struggle. There were too many interchangeable characters; the men all seemed alike, distinguishable only by their family or love interest. The women shared this similarity, and even the robots, which makes sense, I suppose. Alan's murderous inclinations did set him apart. I might have rated it a bit higher, but the current Goodreads rating seems overly generous. It's not a terrible book; I think maybe others could connect with the characters more than I did.
October 6, 2023
What a story! Was interesting to see how Nathan Hystad was able to move people around the States and beyond in his quest to rid them of the Static and the Altered. Can they move around safely with pieces of the Earth rupturing and creating crevices and other areas falling into the water? What is to come of the world!? Thank you, Nathan, for a great read and bringing everything to such a surprising conclusion.
November 5, 2023
The exciting conclusion to the riveting and complex Apocalyptic contemporary Science Fiction Trilogy, THE ABYSS, is inspiring and hopeful as survivors of the Static and the Altered have to plan on a future no one previously could have imagined, and no one alive knows how to achieve. Emphasized throughout is the eternal human drive to not only survive [which is an evolutionary imperative of all species], but to thrive and to achieve, circumstances notwithstanding.
November 7, 2023
As we know it
Wyatt, Luna, Blaze, Anand and the robots think that the static is done and with some of the altered returning from the depths of the sea, there’s a sense of calm. It doesn’t last long when they discover that Garner is still alive and is planning to finish what the static’s started. Great conclusion to this trilogy. It was captivating and if you find yourself with the time, you may finish this in one sitting.
Wyatt, Luna, Blaze, Anand and the robots think that the static is done and with some of the altered returning from the depths of the sea, there’s a sense of calm. It doesn’t last long when they discover that Garner is still alive and is planning to finish what the static’s started. Great conclusion to this trilogy. It was captivating and if you find yourself with the time, you may finish this in one sitting.
March 3, 2024
Exciting with a breathtaking ending
Things were touch and go between the immune survivors, the robots, the aliens, the altered, and the Static (think Borg, but with only energy). Battles, more disasters and death. It looked like the end of humanity was inevitable. The actual ending was a surprise, but quite satisfying, considering everything that occurred in all 3 books. Another smash hit by Nathan Hystad!
Things were touch and go between the immune survivors, the robots, the aliens, the altered, and the Static (think Borg, but with only energy). Battles, more disasters and death. It looked like the end of humanity was inevitable. The actual ending was a surprise, but quite satisfying, considering everything that occurred in all 3 books. Another smash hit by Nathan Hystad!
November 7, 2023
This third and final instalment of the The Abyss series is a fantastic conclusion to this fast paced story.
If you like robots, then you'll enjoy this series that has a variety of sentient AI robots along with a wealth of fully developed characters.
The concepts in this storyline are quite unusual, but it all works, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
If you like robots, then you'll enjoy this series that has a variety of sentient AI robots along with a wealth of fully developed characters.
The concepts in this storyline are quite unusual, but it all works, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
March 11, 2024
Brilliant trilogy
Have had this Trilogy for a while before finally getting around to reading it, WOW,to say I enjoyed it would be an understatement, great characters, a bit of a "Boys own" romp with plenty of action and good storytelling, if you like your Sci-Fi action packed and fast paced I'd thoroughly recommend this trilogy.
Have had this Trilogy for a while before finally getting around to reading it, WOW,to say I enjoyed it would be an understatement, great characters, a bit of a "Boys own" romp with plenty of action and good storytelling, if you like your Sci-Fi action packed and fast paced I'd thoroughly recommend this trilogy.
November 8, 2023
The ending of this wild ride is here and it was a winner. Lots of trouble, action, suspense and wondering what was going to happen next and how it would all end. Kept me glued to the end to see it all play out. Loved it.
December 25, 2023
Getting better as we go
There maybe hope for mankind after all. The island is gone, but there is always hope,if Luna and Wyatt can just find a home together. Love concurs all! Especially in fiction. Bring the lovers back together and all will be well.
There maybe hope for mankind after all. The island is gone, but there is always hope,if Luna and Wyatt can just find a home together. Love concurs all! Especially in fiction. Bring the lovers back together and all will be well.
March 13, 2024
Mind expanding.
He is one of my favorite authors. All who are keeping my mind and imagination flourishing.
Thank you, author's. I'm looking forward to more creations to keep my mind young.
Fred Lawrence
He is one of my favorite authors. All who are keeping my mind and imagination flourishing.
Thank you, author's. I'm looking forward to more creations to keep my mind young.
Fred Lawrence
January 2, 2025
Very close to being added to my DNF pile but I persevered and got through it. Just too much filler, and a lot of meaningless by the numbers action, fairly wooden characters, that gave very limited satisfaction. Glad to have finished the series but happy to get onto something else
November 10, 2023
Good read
I enjoyed reading this book and I recommend it to anyone who like apocalypse type of books and lots of action
I enjoyed reading this book and I recommend it to anyone who like apocalypse type of books and lots of action
November 14, 2023
Another amazing series!
November 17, 2023
GREAT Ending!
This trilogy had great characters and an interesting plot. I liked the twists, innovation, and perseverance. VERY satisfying ending! I loved the robots.
This trilogy had great characters and an interesting plot. I liked the twists, innovation, and perseverance. VERY satisfying ending! I loved the robots.
November 20, 2023
Great books excellent story
November 26, 2023
Well done
Another masterpiece from Nathan Hystad! He draws you into his stories and you feel like your one of the characters along for the ride. Well done Nathan!
Another masterpiece from Nathan Hystad! He draws you into his stories and you feel like your one of the characters along for the ride. Well done Nathan!
December 12, 2023
After Us
This book was a good finish to the trilogy! It was a little too long but it probably needed that have the final ending!
This book was a good finish to the trilogy! It was a little too long but it probably needed that have the final ending!
December 13, 2023
Just barely over boredom level
This is a preteen novella. Good for them but boring otherwise
If you want real sci fi, look elsewhere. A two out of five
This is a preteen novella. Good for them but boring otherwise
If you want real sci fi, look elsewhere. A two out of five
November 23, 2024
The series became ho hum in the end. Certainly not his best series, by far.
June 3, 2025
Great series. Must read.
Nathan has crafted a story of wonderful experiences. He takes his readers on a trip of unexpected places and people. This is a must read.
Nathan has crafted a story of wonderful experiences. He takes his readers on a trip of unexpected places and people. This is a must read.
October 18, 2023
❤️💙😲CAPTIVATING AND AMAZING.
Olive found herself stranded on the beach without knowing how she had gotten there.
Her neck throbbed and she touched her gills which closed.
She vaguely remembered a family...
But how did she get there??
-----------------------------
A captivating sequel whose pages we devour with an imbroglio of events and numerous characters + robots.
In this volume:
- What will become of the Altered?
- Will they succeed in dominating the Statics?
- Will Blaze and Wyatt achieve their goals?
- What was Karla's role ultimately?
- etc...
I asked myself many questions in sometimes confusing and detailed events.
To better follow the story, I recommend reading the three volumes one after the other to stay in the flow of the story.
The ending surprised me.
I recommend the whole series!
##############################################
❤️💙😲CAPTIVANT ET ÉTONNANT.
Olive se retrouva echouée sur la plage sans savoir comment elle était arrivée là.
Son cou palpita et elle toucha ses branchies qui se refermèrent.
Elle se souvint vaguement d’une famille...
Mais comment en était-elle arrivé là ??
-----------------------------
Une captivante suite dont on dévore les pages avec un imbroglio d’événements et de nombreux personnages + robots.
Dans ce tome :
- Que vont devenir les Altered ?
- Vont-ils réussir à dominer les Statics ?
- Blaze et Wyatt vont-ils atteindre leurs buts ?
- Quel était le rôle de Karla finalement ?
- etc...
Je me suis posée de nombreuses questions dans des evenements parfois confus et détaillés.
Pour mieux suivre l’histoire, je conseille plutôt de lire les trois tomes les uns après les autres pour bien rester dans le fil de l’histoire.
La fin m’a étonnée.
Je recommande l’ensemble de la série !
Olive found herself stranded on the beach without knowing how she had gotten there.
Her neck throbbed and she touched her gills which closed.
She vaguely remembered a family...
But how did she get there??
-----------------------------
A captivating sequel whose pages we devour with an imbroglio of events and numerous characters + robots.
In this volume:
- What will become of the Altered?
- Will they succeed in dominating the Statics?
- Will Blaze and Wyatt achieve their goals?
- What was Karla's role ultimately?
- etc...
I asked myself many questions in sometimes confusing and detailed events.
To better follow the story, I recommend reading the three volumes one after the other to stay in the flow of the story.
The ending surprised me.
I recommend the whole series!
##############################################
❤️💙😲CAPTIVANT ET ÉTONNANT.
Olive se retrouva echouée sur la plage sans savoir comment elle était arrivée là.
Son cou palpita et elle toucha ses branchies qui se refermèrent.
Elle se souvint vaguement d’une famille...
Mais comment en était-elle arrivé là ??
-----------------------------
Une captivante suite dont on dévore les pages avec un imbroglio d’événements et de nombreux personnages + robots.
Dans ce tome :
- Que vont devenir les Altered ?
- Vont-ils réussir à dominer les Statics ?
- Blaze et Wyatt vont-ils atteindre leurs buts ?
- Quel était le rôle de Karla finalement ?
- etc...
Je me suis posée de nombreuses questions dans des evenements parfois confus et détaillés.
Pour mieux suivre l’histoire, je conseille plutôt de lire les trois tomes les uns après les autres pour bien rester dans le fil de l’histoire.
La fin m’a étonnée.
Je recommande l’ensemble de la série !
October 10, 2023
After Us -- Be sure to read the 1st & 2nd books in this phenomenol series.
The 3rd and final book in "The Abyss" series certainly does not disappoint. The fight for Earth continues. The group has separated in order to bring the new plans into operation. One part of the group has found Garner's Paradise, but will it last forever? The Altered have returned to human form, but are they to be trusted or do the Static still control them?
Someone has turned on the Rings in Wyoming and will everyone perish? Who is it? Another group has journeyed to Antartica with Anand. Will Wyatt and Luna ever find time to be together. What about Blaze and his son, Luke? Then we have the new robots, but can they really be trusted? We also meet the Currsh, an alien race different from the Static. By the time you are half way through this book, you will never look at lightning the same way again.
Nathan Hystad just keeps getting better and better with his storytelling. Perhaps he's part alien and this is his story ..... he just keeps getting better!
The 3rd and final book in "The Abyss" series certainly does not disappoint. The fight for Earth continues. The group has separated in order to bring the new plans into operation. One part of the group has found Garner's Paradise, but will it last forever? The Altered have returned to human form, but are they to be trusted or do the Static still control them?
Someone has turned on the Rings in Wyoming and will everyone perish? Who is it? Another group has journeyed to Antartica with Anand. Will Wyatt and Luna ever find time to be together. What about Blaze and his son, Luke? Then we have the new robots, but can they really be trusted? We also meet the Currsh, an alien race different from the Static. By the time you are half way through this book, you will never look at lightning the same way again.
Nathan Hystad just keeps getting better and better with his storytelling. Perhaps he's part alien and this is his story ..... he just keeps getting better!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews