Point of Crisis

Alex Fletcher #4

by Steven Konkoly

"This is not your same old thriller. Not even close. Konkoly weaves techno-thriller detail and action into a ground level post-apocalyptic story...grabs you from the start and doesn't let go" Amazon reviewerIn the aftermath of the brutal attack on his family compound, Alex Fletcher embraces his rapidly expanding role within the New England Regional Recovery Zone (RRZ).Fueled by a limitless drive to protect his family and a rekindled sense of duty, he enlists the reluctant aid of a local militia commander--to ease the public's fears of a federal government takeover.As Captain Fletcher digs deeper into the government's plans, he starts to question the federal government's intentions--and ability to stabilize the situation in New England. With the region's critical infrastructure destroyed and the nation's electrical grid crippled,he foresees a human cataclysm, with several hundred thousand desperate refugees marching further north through Maine.The bad news doesn't end there.Alex discovers that Eli Russell has rebuilt his militia--with the intention of hastening the Regional Recovery Zone's downfall. Obsessed with stopping the deranged psychopath that attacked his family, Alex scours the back roads and rural towns of southern Maine to find him--unaware that Eli's plans are far more personal.With the world swiftly unraveling around him, Alex will face his most difficult decisions ever...The Alex Fletcher Books (In Order):The Jakarta Pandemic, Book OneThe Perseid Collapse, Book TwoEvent Horizon, Book ThreePoint of Crisis, Book FourDispatches, Book Five _________________________________________________________________________________Steven's novels are recommended for fans of Brad Thor's Scot Harvath, Vince Flynn's Mitch Rapp, Brad Taylor's Pike Logan, Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan, Lee Child's Jack Reacher, Robert Ludlum's Jason Bourne, L.T. Ryan's Jack Noble, C.G. Cooper's Daniel Briggs, Daniel Silva's Gabriel Allon, Mark Greaney's Gray Man and Michael Crichton

Genres: Fiction, Post Apocalyptic, Dystopia, Audiobook, Apocalyptic, Science Fiction, Thriller

340 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 30, 2014

About the author

Steven graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1993, receiving a bachelor of science in English literature. He served the next eight years on active duty, traveling the world as a naval officer assigned to various Navy and Marine Corps units. His extensive journey spanned the globe, including a two-year tour of duty in Japan and travel to more than twenty countries throughout Asia and the Middle East.

From enforcing United Nations sanctions against Iraq as a maritime boarding officer in the Arabian Gulf, to directing aircraft bombing runs and naval gunfire strikes as a Forward Air Controller (FAC) assigned to a specialized Marine Corps unit, Steven's "in-house" experience with a wide range of regular and elite military units brings a unique authenticity to his thrillers.

He still wakes up at "zero dark thirty" to write for most of the day. When "off duty," he spends as much time as possible outdoors or travelling with his family--and dog.

Steven is the bestselling author of ten novels and several novellas, including a commissioned trilogy of novellas based on the popular Wayward Pines series. His canon of work includes the popular Black Flagged Series, a gritty, no-holds barred covert operations and espionage saga; The Perseid Collapse series, a post-apocalyptic thriller epic chronicling the events surrounding an inconceivable attack on the United States; and The Fractured State series, a near future, dystopian thriller trilogy set in the drought ravaged southwest

You can contact Steven directly by email (stevekonkoly@striblingmedia.com) or through his blog (www.stevenkonkoly.com).

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third book in a series of four (so far there are four anyway). While I am enjoying the series, I have to say both books two and three seemed too be dragging things out too much, without any of my questions about what is actually going on being answered.

It has taken three long books to cover three weeks of time after "the event". Yet "the event" has still not been really explained, other than by conjecture and guessing by the characters in the story.

This third book seemed to contain an excessive amount of military strategy, military acronyms, gun and fire power description, military vehicle description, and the like. I don't mind a story having a military feel too it, but this one almost got to the point of being a descriptive encyclopedia of military terminology, to the point that I lost interest in the story several times and put it aside to read other things.

I really want to know what this "event" was all about though, so I will now read book #4, in hopes that my questions will finally be answered!

[John Wiltshire · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the third and final novel of the series. You cannot possibly read this without having read the other two. However, I have to admit that I'm not actually enjoying this as much as the others and definitely not as much as the The Jakarta Pandemic, which has the same characters in a stand alone, first story.
Books that work best for me are those that are contained with a small group of people and tight, effective storytelling. This applies to shows as well. When the writer tries to make the plot too big it loses something essential. Take the X-Files for example. Brilliant self-contained stories based around two characters. Then what happens? The black oil, government conspiracies, spaceships, God knows what nonsense and I stopped watching. LOST? Prime example. Small group of survivors isolated on an island. Brilliant. Then what happens? Well, to be honest I'm not sure as I stopped watching the ludicrous nonsense. Too big, too loose, too...really don't care.
So, Alex and his family are back at the compound, but Alex has made a deal with the military to work with them in order to get special status that can help his people. We have militia who are good. Militia who are bad (very bad), marines, other military, the Chinese (they started this, so that needs explanation), a nuclear sub, a battleship which is sunk, the space station (I think)... a prison of 900 evil criminals now running loose... LOST was easier to follow, to be honest.
I'm glossing over big chunks of it and even the military stuff has ceased to have the effect that talk of guns and uniforms usually does to me. Seriously, if I have one more f****** gun lovingly described I'll become a liberal and read The Guardian.
But, it's the third and final in the series. I'm invested in Alex and Charlie (especially Charlie, love him), Ed and the families. I need these people to survive and thrive in this terrible new world order.
I will finish this but the days of the defence of the house in The Jakarta Pandemic seem a very, very long way away.
I'll update when done.
Finished, and I'm very glad I am. I really didn't enjoy this one much and found myself just skipping over long passages. I think every author should be aware that not all his readers are intimately acquainted with the geographical layout of the place he sets his novels. There were pages after pages of descriptions of turning into this road or where borders ended here or there, or if the military withdrew here, that would be exposed...I couldn't follow any of it. Then Alex, whose simplicity and fun lay in the fact he was an ex-military one man band, struggling against accusations of PTSD when he prepped for the apocalypse, rejoins the marines in this novel. So he's just one of a vast army of vehicles, weapons, helicopters, airfields, hangers, guns, blah. The whole thing just seemed like a complete mess lots of the times and I didn't really get any answers at all--what was the scene with the Chinese at the beginning of Book 1? Was it a nuke or an asteroid? Is it a government conspiracy? No answers. Way too much trying to be achieved, whereas the basic premise--tsunami and Alex trying to rescue his son and then defend his compound--would have been superb.
I'd highly recommend The Jakarta Pandemic, but these I'd have to say are a bit of a declining reward.

[Heather Faville · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 but worthy of rounding up

The Fletcher’s are back to continue the fight…well sort of. In Point of Crisis we do hear from and about most of the Fletcher clan and their friends in one way or another throughout the book, but they are not quite as involved in this final battle as they were in the first books. Alex Fletcher is, of course, in the fight but the rest of the crew are pretty much background material. This was a bit of a bummer to me, as one of the big draws for me was that this is a family taking care of their own in a terrible and terrifying situation. Don’t get me wrong, I still loved this book and highly recommend it, I would have just preferred to have more with the family and their friends rather than Alex working alone with the military to get Eli and his militia out of the picture. Of course, in the real world, should a psycho militia leader decide that my family and friends were a threat to him and if my husband had a chance to take a military convoy and the fight to him rather than get me involved that’s exactly what he would do, so….realistically this is true to what would typically happen.

Over the course of the book, we, as stated above, get bit of information about how Alex’s family and friends are doing and how they are preparing to deal with the threat of Eli and his militia. The majority of the book has us traveling around with Alex as he works to find out what Eli is up to and gaining support from others in the area. Alex soon finds that Eli’s militia has grown quite a bit and he learns that not only does Eli want to bring down and take over the Regional Recovery Zone, but he has a personal vendetta against Alex and his family. With the help of those he trusts and who trust him, Alex goes a little Jack Bauer, meaning he doesn’t exactly go ‘by the book’, in order do what must be done to not only help the people of Southern Maine from being under the control of this militia, but save his family from Eli’s wrath.

Essentially, Point of Crisis wraps up the Fletcher saga very nicely….for now, I suspect we haven’t quite seen the last of them or maybe that’s wishful thinking. It could also be kinda sadistic on my end because if we meet the Fletcher’s again that means they are in yet another predicament.

The Perseid Collapse Post Apocalyptic Series (The Perseid Collapse, Event Horizon and Point of Crisis) and The Jakarta Pandemic, which is a prequel that introduces us to the Fletcher family during a different sort of apocalypse, are all ‘MUST READS’ from this author. I have enjoyed this series immensely and have no doubt that I will return to reread them at some point in the future. .

[Bianca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lot of build up for little pay off.

[Wenzel Roessler · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book does a nice job resolving the events of the last two in the series, but is not good at resolving all the events in the series. There are a lot of loose ends and questions still out there. Well written and exciting, if you can get past how selfish Alex Fletcher is.

[Pamela Jo Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steven Konkoly is AMAZING!! The Alex Fletcher series ensnared me with the very first one, The Jakarta Pandemic. I really want a neighbor like Alex; maybe I’d think he was a little crazy, but maybe I’d take his advice and I’d definitely want his protection. I’d probably be much further ahead on my TBR if Konkoly hadn’t written such good books that I felt the need to go back to them time and time again.

[Bee Glosson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eli Russell doesn't fail to be as psycho as ever. Alex fletcher likewise doesn't fail to impress. Twists and turns allow this third book in the series to be a good follow up to the second. Although still light on details as to what actually causes the situation that this series is based on I give it an even 4 stars. Hoping book four clears some things up for me.

[Patricia Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner

Mr. Konkoly is one of my favorite writers to the point where I can't seem to wait for his next release. I am certainly not talented enough to give this book it's proper review so I will tell you that you won't be disappointed with this one. I am very happy that this one ended on a very satisfying, (you got what you deserved,) note and set the tone for the next in this series. If you are new to this series do yourself a favor and start with Jakarta Pandemic. You will be introduced to the Fletcher family and close friends. Your time won't be wasted by getting to know the main characters in the following books. Thank you Steve for sharing your talent.

[Kelly Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would give this two and a half stars. This book dragged for me. It could be because there was a ton more military stuff in this one then the previous books, and that really does not interest me. I had to know what happened to the Fletchers, Thortons, and Walkers though. Their storyline and how it played out against Eli Russell was the best part. There were definitely times I gasped out loud. The story is left open for a fifth book.

[Ernie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again much like the first two I enjoyed it but it was not amazing. I almost just read it to finish the story. I do like I finally felt like that it was a decent ending but there is a forth. I will go ahead and read the forth book (its advertised as the last in the series), but after that I am ready to move on. The prequel was still my favorite in all these books.

Good beach read but I am ready to move on.

[Al · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this one as much as the rest of Perseid series. The prep aspect was noticeably absent in this book, and the focus is much on the paramilitary issues as Alex seeks to take down Eli Russell' militia group. It's a good story, and an appropriate end to the saga.

[Rachael Ashak-Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who needs sleep??

Out of all the series in the apocalypse genre - this series definitely shares a seat at the table of “the best of the best.”

The characters are what really grab you. Konkoly is superb in his ability to make his characters come alive. Because of the depth and richness of the men and women of the story (well, ok, mostly men) - you become invested in them, and therefore completely caught up in the story. Finding yourself reading late into the night.....

I’m more than interested to see where the story goes from here. Supposedly there is one more book, the “final” book in the series. However, this story seemed to tie up every loose end in a nice bow. Hmmmm. I’m intrigued. Can’t wait to find out what’s next!

[Frieda Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Point Of Crisis

It has been awhile since I read the first three books, but the memories of the storyline came back immediately! An easy to read book, for the most part, maybe because as a former Army wife, much of the military vocabulary was already in mind. Basically the only negatives I have with this book is an excessive amount of profanity & the prolific use of the official names of weapons, vehicles, & other equipment. Just a bit too detailed for a quick, enjoyable read! However, I DID enjoy reading it, even though I could have finished it sooner without the bits I just mentioned! Skipping words takes more time rather than less!!! Ready for book #5, to complete this series!

[James J. Seals Jr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Konkoly continues his success with The Perseid Collapse series. Point of Crisis continues to enthrall with great well developed characters and a steady forward moving plot.

Konkoly's ability to weave a believable post apocalyptic world replete with all the bad characters you would expect to encounter in a real life situation should make you seriously consider what you would do in a like situation. This has been a wild ride for me and I recommend it for anyone who enjoys a seat of the pants ride through an amazingly well built world. I highly recommend Steven Konkoly and his works.

[Kylie Abecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a brilliant book, though it is quite different to the earlier novels in the series. The only gripe I have with this book is the copious amounts of times that the word ‘clusterfuck’ was used. I think just about every character in the book used the term at one time or another, which deflated the image of individuality from the characters. Looking past that minor fumble, the overall read was still captivating enough to keep you on the edge of your seat from page one right through til the last page.

[Sharon Van Hecke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cracked Platter

Fast paced action thriller with likeable main character and supporting cast of family and friends. Been cruising through this series totally addicted. Post apocalypse survival where man not zombies proves the greatest danger of all. Have no desire for tv or internet just give me my Alex, Kate, Ryan and cast. Added bonus is the venue Boston and NH and Maine ... From BC to Derry to Limericks and Bridgton , well familiar stops ... Just missing The Cracked Platter.

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steven Konkoly disappointed in this book. He should have stopped the series at Book two and he’d had a winner. This book drags bad. The only good seen is the action at Gelder Pond, when all the characters you know from the previous two books are involved,after this he adds way to many characters and the book goes all over the place, sad. He barely mentions the original characters or involves them except at the very end.

[Cherye Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Point of Crisis

While reading this series of books, I keep wondering, who in their right mind would move to Maine? Do you know how cold it is up there?
That was going through my head. One has to be really prepared and ready mentally to live in such a cold desolate place.

That said, the saga continues. Alex lives a charmed life. Still enjoying the series. Looking to the last book.

With that said. I am still enjoying my read.

[Paul Madsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Non stop military action

A pepper co-opted back into the service of his country must battle a tantalizingly stubborn foe determined to kill him and his family and friends. This saga continues as the country struggles to recover from apparent man-made and natural disasters. The only negative in the plot is the International Space Station left hanging without a conclusion. This is the second time I've read this series. Very well written with characters with heart.

[Christine Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars!

Alex Fletcher 's life just got more complicated. The RRZ has officially landed in southern Maine and Alex is not sure if Homeland has the best intentions and Eli's militia group is still causing some major trouble for Alex. Point Of Crisis is a wonderful edition to The Perseid Collapse.

[Jo-ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fighting a maniac on the homefront....

Alex and his extended family are finally back together. Now they need to deal with rogue militia commander who wants him and everyone on the Fletcher compound dead. Can Alex and his Marines stop him before someone gets killed?

Each book leaves wondering what will come next. Action packed suspense book.

[Barbara "Cookie" Serfaty Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Point of Crisis: A Post-Apocalypse Survival Thriller (The Perseid Collapse Series Book 3)

The survival of the Axis, his family and friends continue. Eli and his militia is on the attack, US military is setting up to restore order. Will Axis survival the next wave of attack? Great story.

[Les Mackay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rip roaring read

Not since reading the saga of the Courtney's when a teenager have I enjoyed such a fast paced, exciting story, I felt like a member of Alexs' group, being taken from one tight situation to another, great read, just finished book 5 , I've not been engrossed in a story like that for years, hopefully there's more to come from Alex and his extended family

[NoraJLeSueur]

One of a kind!!!!

Can't wait to read the next book in this series. I have enjoyed each of the characters in this series.They are believable and at times funny, in the way that they interact with each. If you want to read an entrancing book, I would recommend this series.

[Evelyn Launderville · Rating 4 out of 5]

Demented Rogue Militia

Alex and his family were attacked by militia with murderous intentions. The marines came just at the end of the battle. The leader of the rogue militia continue attacks as the marines are trying to set up safe bases.

[Aaron Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was reasonably good, though the bad guy was kind of stupidly fixated on the main character beyond reason. I understand he wants revenge, but he's systematically destroying everything of his own to do it, which seems a bit iffy.

[Marney · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too much about the military, not enough about the civilians. Heavy on weaponry details and military jargon. Confusing, and not very interesting. Full of shooting and explosions, but not much actually happens to advance the story.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better than two, which was better than book one, this is the meat in the sandwich. Enjoy

[Michael Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

Haven't been able to put the book down in the series yet. Definitely a recommended read. Can't say enough about these books

[Tufty McTavish · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably the most complicated of the series, with an awful lot of military jargon. I even had to look one item up!