The Phoenix Ascent

The Fifth Column #3.5

by Nathan M. Farrugia

Centuries before the Fifth Column, an ancient empire discovers the power of the first Phoenix Variant.



Hordes of the Mongol Empire sweep across Northern Asia, crushing everything in their path. As plague ravages the continent and the heavens burn with meteors, the empire's greatest general will stop at nothing to possess the first Phoenix.



And when Kaifeng, the Chinese capital falls, the only thing standing in the path of total domination is one lone alchemist and a rogue assassin.



The Phoenix Ascent is a free short story. Check out The Phoenix Variant for the full story.

Genres: Ebooks

30 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 9, 2014

About the author

Nathan M. Farrugia is the USA Today bestselling author of the Helix and Fifth Column sci-fi thriller series.

Nathan is known for placing himself in dangerous situations, including climbing rooftops in Russia and being hunted by special forces trackers in the United States. He studies Systema, a little-known martial art and former secret of the Russian special forces.

Beyond his army training, Nathan has trained under USMC, SEAL team, Spetsnaz and Defence Intelligence instructors, and the wilderness and tracking skills of the Chiricahua Apache scouts and Australian Aboriginals.

Reviews

[Orkney Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short story of how the Phoenix virus, featured heavily in Nathan M Farrugias previous novels, was fought over in China centuries ago. Thousands of Mongol warriors attack the city in the attempt to capture the famed virus but don't expect one brave alchemist to stand in their way.
Can a short be too short? Damn right it can! Any fan of Mr Farrugias writing will agree that this left the reader wanting more, non stop excitement till the very last sentence. Written with great skill and knowledge, creating characters so lively and enjoyable it is always a pleasure to read these stories.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the forerunner of the Fifth Column series. It's a very short story that's packed with action and suspense. It's well written and a great teaser that leaves you desperate for more.

[Shubhra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short account on the discovery of the Phoenix viruses, this could have been developed into a full novel on what happens next. Perhaps, this can be developed into a series of historical novels.

Short, fast, exciting read - all Farrugia fans and readers who like fast-paced action should go for this.

[Mandy Walkden-Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely well written and unusual short story. I was hooked from the first sentence.
The combination of magic and Mongolian hordes was undeniably irresistible.
Now, of course I have to download the next story to discover what Zhu, with his sky stones and elixirs dabbles in next.
Highly recommended.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too short Nathan. Just wanted it to keep going. Very full of action that Nathan fills his stories with, keeping you on the edge of your seat and not wanting to stop reading. This is where the virus originates from. Hmmmmm looking forward to number 3 now. Keep them coming.

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haven't read any of the other books in this series, but I will be now after reading this. This is a very short prequel story, but it is crammed with action and it's clear to me that Farrugia is a talented author.

Looking forward to give his other books a read!

[Tony Fecteau · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like the characters, but it is a very short story. I would like to see these characters developed more.

[Iah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting short story about the history of the phoenix virus and how its been fought over in history, i wanted more but its still a great part of the bigger story behind the books.

[Daniel Casciato · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting story line

[Lucinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Potential

Why is it that authors have these teaser stories? But it's not a book? It doesn't make me curious about the author. It just makes me move on.

[BobA707 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summary: A very short story with plenty of action but no real substance, presumably meant to be read in conjunction with other books which I have not done, so difficult to assess on its own merits

Plotline: OK, not much plot in this short story

Premise: Too many unknowns, so no comment

Writing: The actions was well described ...

Ending: Becoming almost a god is a good ending I suppose

Pace: Never a dull moment

[dennis barron · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Phoenix Ascent. Nathan Farrugia

A pre cursor to the fifth column series. An alchemist has become the controller of the power of the Phoenix potion...it's magical powers derived from fallen meteorites. The earliest discovery of immense power and control...which will grow a as time unfolds. A great teaser of a short novella as the saga unfolds!! I highly recommend!!

[Mrl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the book. Full of action and adventures. Talk about living vicariously. Hoo hoo what a rush...

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

As with everything I have read from this author this was an excellent story. I would definitely recommend his work to most anyone.

[Thomas Roth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prequel's are always way too short. This has enough teasers to suggest there is more coming.

[Judee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great short story that gives a little taste of some of the background for The Phoenix Variant.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is way too short, I want to read more about Zhu!