Unleashed

Nick Hall #4

by Douglas E. Richards

Return to the breathtaking series that has earned over 15,000 five-star ratings.

Nick Hall is the ultimate operative, having brought tyrants, warlords, and terrorists to their knees. His unique brain implants allow him to wield the Internet with his mind and pry into the thoughts, secrets, and memories of the most despicable people alive.

After a near-fatal clash with Troy Browning, a cunning psychopath and one of only three mind readers on earth, Hall faces the most daunting threat of all. Because Browning has found an ally as ruthless as he is. A genetically-engineered titan whose physical and mental abilities dwarf those of ordinary men. Together, the pair plan to create an unbeatable army. Their target? Humanity itself, starting with Nick Hall and those he holds dear.

Hall is soon thrust into a relentless battle for the future, one that will test the limits of his ability. As the surprises mount and the stakes skyrocket, Hall is forced to confront a chilling reality. If he takes one wrong step, he won’t save humanity—he’ll hasten its extinction.

Based on actual research on neural implants and controlling the Internet with thoughts, the Nick Hall novels are pulse-pounding thrillers packed with deep insights, nonstop action, stunning revelations, and roller-coaster twists and turns.

"Richards is an extraordinary writer," (Dean Koontz) who can "keep you turning the pages all night long." (Douglas Preston)

"Richards is a worthy successor to Michael Crichton." (SF Book dot com)

FOR A LISTING OF ALL DOUGLAS E. RICHARDS BOOKS, SEE "ABOUT THE AUTHOR" BELOW.

You can write to "Doug" at douglaserichards1@gmail.com, and he will always respond.

Genres: Science Fiction, Thriller

376 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 9, 2024

About the author

Write to Doug at douglaserichards1 at gmail dot com, and visit the author's website to be notified of new releases.

Douglas E. Richards is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of science-fiction thrillers that have sold more than three million copies (see list below). Richards has been celebrated for his gripping, thought-provoking works that blend cutting-edge scientific concepts with heart-pounding narratives.

Richards burst onto the literary scene with his debut novel, WIRED, published in 2010. The novel garnered widespread acclaim for its ingenious combination of scientific speculation and thrilling storytelling. This success set the stage for a series of bestselling novels, each marked by meticulous research, riveting plots, and characters that resonate with readers.

Known for his ability to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible and engaging narratives, Richards has become a go-to author for readers seeking an intellectually stimulating and adrenaline-fueled reading experience. His works delve deeply into the ethical dilemmas posed by scientific breakthroughs and the potential impact of technology on society.

A former Director of Biotechnology Licensing at Bristol Myers Squibb and a former biotechnology executive, Richards earned a BS in microbiology from the Ohio State University, a master's degree in genetic engineering from the University of Wisconsin--where he engineered mutant viruses now named after him--and an MBA from the University of Chicago.

The author has two grown children and lives in San Diego, California, with his wife and dog.

Richards loves hearing from readers, and always replies, so feel free to write to him at douglaserichards1 at gmail dot com, and address him as "Doug". You can also Friend Richards on Facebook at Douglas E. Richards Author, or visit his website, where you can sign up to be notified of new releases.

SCIENCE FICTION THRILLERS BY DOUGLAS E. RICHARDS

SERIES

WIRED (Wired 1)
AMPED (Wired 2)

MIND'S EYE (Nick Hall 1)
BRAINWEB (Nick Hall 2)
MIND WAR (Nick Hall 3)
UNLEASHED (Nick Hall 4)

SPLIT SECOND(Split Second 1)
TIME FRAME (Split Second 2)

THE ENIGMA CUBE (Alien Artifact 1)
A PIVOT IN TIME (Alien Artifact 2)

STANDALONE NOVELS

QUANTUM LENS
GAME CHANGER
INFINITY BORN
SEEKER
VERACITY
ORACLE
THE IMMORTALITY CODE
UNIDENTIFIED
PORTALS
THE CURE (To become KU eligible for the first time in 2023)
THE BREAKTHROUGH EFFECT

Kids Science Fiction Thrillers (9 and up, enjoyed by kids and adults alike)

TRAPPED (Prometheus Project 1)
CAPTURED (Prometheus Project 2)
STRANDED (Prometheus Project 3)

OUT OF THIS WORLD

DEVIL'S SWORD

Reviews

[Pat Harkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

tedious

The characters are very shallow and undeveloped. A great deal of time is spent on background information which does not move the plot along. If I had not read the previous three books, I would’ve given up on this early and I never give up on books. I hope the next one is more compelling.

[Maria Fledgling Author Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting, Near Future Novel

I don't know how Douglas E Richards keeps writing such high intensity, sophisticated Science Fiction Thrillers the way he does. But I sincerely hope he keeps it up for a long time to come.

Unleashed, the 4th Nick Hall book is savvy, smart and a swiftly moving maelstrom of believable characters that run the spectrum from ultra evil to girl next door good.

With a plot based upon gene editing and government control, Unleashed has enough conspiracies for any conspiracy theorist. I fully enjoyed the twists and turns leading to a surprising conclusion.

[Nelson Reynolds · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely a mixed bag

There were quite a number of plot twists that led in many directions that kept the story entertaining. However, a lot of the dialog was rather vapid and juvenile. The discussions between supposed high-level psy-ops type people seemed more appropriate for teenagers. And then you get to the soap boxes. Thinly disguised rants about social media and Gen-Z. And the heavy push for intelligent design. Overall, it is an easy read without the egregious spelling and grammar errors you find in so many books these days.

[Jon M · Rating 2 out of 5]

What I find ironic is that there's a whole section at the end "Will my discussion of intelligent design turn off atheists" where the author says it won't, and it surely has. About 10% of the book is a diatribe about how intelligent design is correct. Yuck.

[Val Ross · Rating 1 out of 5]

Good writer

Douglas Richards is a good writer and I've enjoyed several of his books but he really messed this one up by trying to mix in his silly religious beliefs.

[Trey Lathe · Rating 2 out of 5]

In the Nick Hall series, Douglas Richards weaves a fascinating tale of a man who was experimented on by an evil scientist to develop the ability to access the entirety of the internet with his mind. The side effect of this was the protagonist, Nick, can also read minds. This results in an engaging series of twists and turns and adventures. The story was interesting and very entertaining. In the first three books, the author is able to keep the interest going with ever-changing intrigue and new created abilities and story arcs.

I did enjoy his end-of-book discussions in the books about the research on the current science that is behind the books' future science, but this last book, the author stretched my credulity to the point of breaking. Instead of extrapolating science to the near future, the author writes a long diatribe against evolutionary science and for creationism (so-called "intelligent design"). Now, as an avid reader of science fiction, I've come across many books where the beginnings of humanity aren't exactly as current science sees it. But in those books, they did not explicitly attack current science in such a way that made reading it literally annoying. The long stretch of the diatribe uses the same tired old arguments against evolutionary science that modern-day creationist continue to use even though they show an entirely warped and incorrect view of what evolution is. It goes into the non-existent (in actual science) boundary between 'micro' and 'macro' evolution and ignores the mindbogglingly long timespans that life has been evolving, among other completely illogical arguments.

So, instead of extrapolating science to the near future, the book completely jettisons quite well established science and becomes a polemic tract against it. It was so frustrating to read, that it has colored my perception of the first three books.

If I were to recommend this series, I'd tell the reader to read the first two or three, but completely skip this last one so as not to ruin the entire series. Unless the reader is a creationist and wants their anti-science worldview confirmed.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jumped the Shark

While the “god mode” of DNA expression and development of superior intellect and ability were somewhat plausible, at least in the tradition of sci-fi speculation, teleportation as an ability of an organic being was a stretch too far. Looking back at the trajectory of this novel, it could easily be left out.
I tolerated much of the romantic and humorous interaction among some of the key characters in the first three of this series, but it became intolerably juvenile in this fourth book.
I had a wonderful creative writing teacher in high school (who, by the way, also inspired none other than Steven Spielberg). He detested the embellishment of prose with overly colorful phrasing. He would have dried the ink in several red pens crossing out the gushing and cliched phraseology employed in this series.
This book read, at times, like more of a romance novel than true sci-fi.

[Sean Randall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hadn't really noticed the slow march of time, but it has been a goodly number of years since a Nick Hall. I have enjoyed all the books so far very much and, just as Doug did to write this one, reread the trilogy before diving into the new.

It was very good, if a little complicated with the whole genetic angle making things a bit different. I guess that's truly a positive thing in many ways, things would have probably gotten dull if there hadn't been something new introduced. It's a cracking progression if you take to it, and I love how something as ordinary and unmentioned as a peanut farm is on the same page as some of the most complicated genetic theory. Doug undeniably has a talent for putting things together in a unique way.

My only slight qualm is how far you go in overpowering your new characters, but I am sure that if Doug does return to this series he'll invent twisty turny treats to get his characters out of clever situations, just like he did to wrap up this one where Nick had to come up with a plan to be avoided by a mind reader (I can't say more, spoilers!)
But I have been reading Doug's books for 12 years now and this is another awesome entry.

[Terry Wildman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all of Richard's books. It is interesting to follow the changes in his scientific and spiritual beliefs, which are more evident in this and his last book. In this book, he suggests that intelligent design is a rational response to the scientific evidence unfolding in the last decade. As a believer in Jesus, I found it satisfying that the critique of Jesus was found only on the lips of the evil antagonist. While Richards self-admits (in his comments following the story) that a belief in a creator has not caused him to join any religious establishment, it has opened his mind to new possibilities. As to the story, I found it to be well-written, with intriguing twists and turns. I enjoy his character's self-moral examinations and their bent toward peace and non-violence, even though they do not hesitate to use violence against evil practitioners. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Great hard near-future science fiction. Well worth the read.

[Gene B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will Homo Superior save us?

Another masterpiece from the mind of Douglas Richard’s. I thoroughly enjoyed Unleashed as science fact is quickly catching up with science fiction.
Following Nick and Megan as they interact with allies and foes alike in this fast paced thriller filled with mind reading and tele-transporting as well as super intellects seems so natural.
What is so gripping is the truth of modern technology and social media and how it is leading towards humanity’s extinction along with the help of AI.
Questions such as the origin of intelligence and is there a God gene meant to be discovered in our next step in evolution come in to play.
I will be thinking about this story and these questions for a long time.
Looking forward to the next book!

[Douglas Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello, again. This isn't a real review, I just thought I'd alert my followers that my new novel is now out and available to read as an ebook or paperback, through purchase or Kindle Unlimited. I've attempted to summarize the first three novels in the series at the start, so I'm hopeful the novel can be enjoyed without having to re-read the series. If any of you read this one without going back and reading the first three, let me know if you think this will work as a standalone, or for those who can't remember much about the first three. Thanks! If you do decide to give it a try, I hope that you'll enjoy it. Doug

[Sue Gaddam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Adventure Within and Outside of the Human Genome. This book continues to have even more twists and turns than the previous Nick Hall books. I LOVE THAT THE SCIENCE IS REAL! That's the best part of Douglas Richards books. I also love the discussion on good and evil intentions/traits.
There is short-distance, inter-dimensional travel; mind-reading; embryonic gene modification including use of what scientists egotistically call junk DNA; military quick response and action fights; ingenious solutions to difficult situations and so much more. I don't know how anyone could fit more into one book!

[David Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm turning into something of a Douglas Richards fan. I've ready several (though not all) of his novels, and find that I really enjoy his thoroughly researched stories, fast-paced plots, and likeable characters.

So I started "Unleashed" with those expectations in mind. And the book mostly delivers, although there was a plot twist that strained credibility, for me, about mid-way through that cost this book its fifth star.

That said, it's an enjoyable read, a worthy addition (finale?) to the Nick Hall series, a series that I'd recommend. Yes, up to and including "Unleashed".

[Tom Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnificent once again!

I keep thinking Doug is going to run out of near future subjects, but at the rate things are progressing he’s probably good for awhile. He does indicate it’s getting harder with each book. I liked the reference to the escalating switch toward an actual consciousness in the Universe as a viable ‘thing’. Bill Diffendorfer has a good book along these lines ‘Quantum’ something. Worth a look.

[Lorrie Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome conclusion to the Nick Hall series

Just finished the book and loved it. The blending of a fictional story with real science, ethics, and the problems we have in the real world made for an amazing read, not typically found in a sci-fi novel.
Perhaps this is not the end and they’ll be a Nick Hall book 5. I don’t want to leave a spoiler so I won’t say why, but it would be great to find out what happens next.

[Sarah Holt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what an interesting premise and conclusion to the Nick Hall series. I have to admit, there were times in the story that I was upset about the direction the story was going. There were other points where I was just frustrated with the events in the story. However, once I finished the book, including the author's notes at the end discussing the current science behind the story, I was impressed. I ended up quite enjoying this story, and the journey to get to the final ending of the book/series.

[Jason A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good potboiler!

Typical Douglas Richards thriller, ramping up the suspense and seemingly insurmountable challenges for his protagonist, only to surprise with his usual satisfying ending with the good guys prevailing and new vistas being opened up to the heroes. Seemed a lot more dialog and explaining than usual versus action, but it is still good and worth a read.

[RICHARD A. VOELKER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Richards has once again written a great read. He has given us all a peek into what scientists might be bringing forth in the near future. I found his mention of intelligent design was very thought-provoking. I liked that he gave us all something to think about when his characters wrestle with the dilemma of what constitutes justified taking of life.

[Jim Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

one more perfect read

4th book, but hopefully not the last book, in the Nick Hall series.

Perfectly continues the series to a conclusion, yet leaves it wide open to what could be a mind blowing 5th or 6th book.

I’ve read every book by Doug at least twice, so excuse me while I read this one again.

[Roger D. Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can man control our future? Are we doomed to self destruct?

When you can read minds, it is hard to be surprised. This story is filled with entry of new revelations for mankind. Our heroes have many decisions to make as to who to trust. Add teleportation and anything is possible. Enjoy the adventure.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Richards hits "The Sweet Spot". Great action with some nice twists. Genetic manipulation at its best and worst in this story. Great ethical dilemmas are discussed, covering both sides of the argument. I was a little worried that after not having read a Nick Hall book for over a decade, I might be lost. Don't worry, the author quickly brings you up to date.

[Vincent Veritas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a little apprehensive when I started this book. Long series tend to lose steam and lack the tension and creativity of earlier entries. Well, not this one. This book is a banger full of creativity. It's packs a lot of twists and it's real page turner. Douglas E. Richards is really in a class of his own.

[Carl Sagstad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very decent final book in the Nick Hall series, which I’ve thoroughly enjoyed.
Not just more of the same, but new characters and more situations of “OK well how’s he getting out of this one?”
None of the books are stand-alone so you really need to start with Mind’s Eye.
A few chapters into Book 1, I downloaded books 2-3-4 in faith it was going to be that good. It was.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for thinking about how things could work out with mind readers

Liked The thought process of the author of how a mind reader would solve problems and have issues solving problems when someone else can read his mind it's a very good book I am hoping for book number 5 but I don't see it anywhere

[David Michael Bucienski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This 4th book exceeded my expectations. The solutions to the difficulties posed by several evil entities, each worse than the last, were incredibly well thought out. Not only was the story amazing, but the content also presented readers with an interesting perspective on the concept of “intelligent design” for our reality.

[Steve Weinman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worthy finale to the Nick Hall series

Near future Sci-fi that has all the right elements. 1-Relatable characters. 2-Action and suspense. 3-Believable, science based technology. Start with book 1 and read them all. You won't be sorry.

[Dchamp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely SPECTACULAR ending to a great series! (I never give out 5 Stars anymore... but I had to here!)

One of the best Sci-Fi writers I've ever read... and I highly recommend this book (read the entire series of course!)

[Paul Hoekema · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nick Hall rides again

This is great read very well thought out as always with some great plot twists. Way to go Doug I have read everything this man has written and enjoyed them all.

[Nanette Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow what a ride

Loved the action and adventure of Nick and Megan and glad they found each other. Also enjoyed some bad guys ie Victor can turn themselves around and contribute to the good of others. Great ending to this series.

[KL Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

great story with current references

Great characters and action sequences. A little fantastical, but not too preachy. A quick read and doesn’t require knowing backstory on main protagonist.