Exile

Helix #2

by Nathan M. Farrugia

Covert operatives are disappearing, and nobody knows why.

But one woman is willing to put her life on the line to find out.

After narrowly escaping a subway explosion she was assigned to prevent, Olesya is too late to stop unknown assailants kidnapping her best friend. Forced away from her hunt by the Directorate, she is exiled to the frozen borderlands of Kaliningrad, where she discovers a new and deadly threat that could destroy them all.

But Olesya isn’t the only one searching for answers. Rogue operatives Damien and Nasira are caught in a violent raid on a Colombian research facility. They manage to slip away unscathed, realizing the answers they seek lie hidden inside a Las Vegas military base. Getting in will be easy, but getting out will be somewhat challenging, given they’re now high on the U.S. Most Wanted Terrorists list.

This is the second episode in the Helix series. A cross between Dark Angel and Jason Bourne, Helix is an action-packed technothriller series for fans of Matthew Reilly and A.G. Riddle.

Genres: Science Fiction, Thriller, Adventure

125 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2016

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

[✘✘ Sarah ✘✘ (former Nefarious Breeder of Murderous Crustaceans) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The instalments in this serial are like mini high-octane techno thrillers meet action-packed action flick (the action-packed kind) meet adrenaline shot meet roller-coaster ride meet ooh yeah give me more and stuff. They are all slightly enjoyable not bad.



I'm dead on my feet feeling uncharacteristically generous today, by the way, so this won't be one of those Crappy Non Reviews that are Longer than the Story they Intend to, You Know, Non Review and Stuff (CNRtaLttStItYKNRaS™). Lucky you. You might want to go and play the lottery or something. This kind of unprecedented event is, you know, unprecedented, and doesn’t doesn't happen every day and stuff. But I ever so slightly digress.

You want to know what is somewhat amazing about this serial? It's so entertaining and super extra fast paced and moderately riveting that the moment I start reading one of its instalment, I forget 98% of the cast of characters is disgustingly juvenile. Pretty sure Mr Farrugia sold his soul to our good old pal Lucifer in order to manage that. It's the only possible explanation, if you ask me. Or maybe he's as cunning as the devil himself? He'd have to be to manage such a feat. I can just imagine him laughing his evil laugh away and stuff.



Yes, Nathan Farrugia turns into a gremlin after midnight. You can trust me on that one, I have it on good authority and stuff.

Anyhoo, and in case you were wondering, and in case you missed the previous episode (this pun might or might not have been totally intended. Or not), this serial is about programmed covert operatives/warriors/soldiers/whatever, aka highly trained weapons with unique genetics and stuff. It is also about supposed rogues and alleged terrorists. And about fluffy anchovies. And Sonic the Hedgehog. And throat-cutting. YUM.

» And the moral of this Take That You of Little Faith I Knew I Could Write a Super Short Crappy Non Review if I Put My Mind to It Crappy Non Review is: the instalments in this serial are super short. The instalments in this serial are super cheap. The instalments in this serial are super engrossing and exciting and fun to read and stuff. So what the bloody shrimping fish are you waiting for, my Little Barnacles?!



· Book 1: Episode 1 ★★★★
· Book 3: Interceptor ★★★★★
· Book 4: Anomaly ★★★★
· Book 5: Inversion ★★★★★
· Book 6: Exclave ★★★★



[ Pre-review nonsense ]

You might think I am a complete, total idiot for relegating this series to the abysmal depth of my tbr shelf for so long. You might be right. Shame on me and stuff. I think I better go hide for a while.



➽ Full Is it Humanly Possible Not to Read the Next Instalment in this Serial after Finishing This One I Think Not So Off I Go and Stuff Crappy Non Review (IIHPNtRtNIitSaFTOITNSOIGaSCNR™) to come.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

They knew it could happen, it is part of the job description, part of the danger they live with. Operatives are inexplicably disappearing and Olesya will risk everything to destroy the unknown assailant, especially as her best friend has become a victim, too. Not alone, others are also searching, including rogue operatives who are tracking answers that may be found in a military base in Nevada. Where do their allegiances lay? Once members of the Fifth Column, they are forces to be reckoned with…and another is on a mission to tame them at any cost. Meanwhile, yet another is working in the shadows, are they friend or foe? There is no doubt they are well-trained and dangerous. As they say, the plot thickens and Nathan M. Farrugia is the brains behind the non-stop action, intrigue of Exile the second episode in the highly intense Helix series.

Nathan Farrugia bolts out of the gate locked and loaded for high intrigue as his characters play out each scene with deadly precision. If you like your action figures to live and breathe, fearlessly blazing into the fray, this episodic series is a must read that will leave you breathless!

I received this copy from Nathan Farrugia in exchange for my honest review.

Series: Helix - Episode 2
Publisher: Pronoun (June 29, 2016)
Publication Date: June 29, 2016
Genre: Techno-thriller
Print Length: 125 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

After Olesya’s brush with death in the exploding subway she was sent to Kaliningrad – her ability to set the operative into slave mode had worked, but she had no idea who the other person was. But the discovery she made after her arrival meant danger for everyone.

Meanwhile Jay, Damien and Nasira were on a mission of rescue; Aviary was under heavy guard by Marines and CIA – her rescue was of vital importance. Each of them had special abilities, which was why they’d been chosen as children from different parts of the world. All members of The Fifth Column back then, their training was intense – Aviary’s enhanced abilities were exceptional…

Sophia’s mission was to find operatives from The Fifth Column and deprogram them – the rivalry and angst between operatives who were once on the same side was ramping up; the intensity mind blowing.

This high octane thriller by Aussie author Nathan Farrugia starts with a bang and ends the same way. Intense, gripping and extreme, the pace is exceptional – I couldn’t put it down! I will say I had a little trouble keeping the characters aligned in my mind; there are quite a few “bit” players. But Helix: Episode 2 - Exile is an action packed thriller which I highly recommend. My advice though is to read Helix: Episode 1 before this one …

With thanks to the author for this digital copy to read in exchange for my honest review.

[Ralph · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 out of 5 -- Lots of action, not much time to catch your breath or get invested in the characters

Exile is the second installment of the five part Helix series and picks up immediately where part one left off. In fact, it was as if part two was clipped from the first part because while part one didn't have a resolution or cooling down period before ending, part two picks up at full speed.

As with Helix, there were many elements of the story that were interesting including the various factions, clandestine organizations, and the superhuman capabilities of the operatives. However, it seemed that the reader was propelled from one action filled chapter directly into the next. I would have enjoyed the book more if there was more "downtime" between all the action where the reader could get invested in the characters and understand what makes them tick.

As with the first installment, the book ends suddenly with a cliffhanger. Fortunately, all five parts are available to read, but I will be putting the series on hold for the time being and return at some point in the future.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! what a cracking book, 100% action, it doesn't stop once so you pretty much have to read it all in one breathe. Farrugia is fast becoming the master of cool gadgets, the things Aviary can do on her smart watch is.....smart! I've always compared Farrugia to Matthew Reilly and with this book I think he has finally surpassed Reilly.

The writing is slick and well edited, I couldn't spot any plot holes and that is quite an accomplishment with just how much was going on and with a large cast of characters in such a short book.

If Jason Bourne can get made into a series of movies then it's about time this series is made into one too, I'd love to see Damien and Jay on the big screen.

[Mike Nemeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "Helix: Episode 2 - Exile," author Nathan M. Farrugia continues the adventures of his rogue operatives fighting the corruption brought on by the Fifth Column, a shadow organization slowly taking over world governments. He introduces Sophia, a whip smart black ops agent who is attempting to dismantle the Fifth Column agent by agent. She knows the programming and how to reconnect the agents to their real personalities, free of oversight and control. The job is far from easy. She has two to help, Ieva and Czarina, but few resources. She had run into Olyesya, who continues to search for Val, her fellow agent captured last episode. And Damien and Nasira have to figure out a way to save their friend Jay after springing him from a secret hospital where they removed part of his DNA. The action continues, and Farrugia allows his protagonists to learn a little more about what they're up against. Again, this installment is a glimpse of an emerging force in the thriller genre. Illarion, the Russian overseeing Olesya, makes an appearance. Things get worse for Damien and Nasira and they have to fight the U.S. military through the streets of Las Vegas after rescuing a hacker named Aviary. It's intense.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this takes the baseline story of the first episode and whacks it up to 10, packing it with breath-taking action and tense stand-offs, and once again leaving us with an epic (and very mean) cliffhanger that makes you just want to dive straight into the next episode (which I managed to resist, for the moment anyway). Here we find operatives disappearing, losing their strengths and facing off against each other as the web becomes increasingly tangled and enemies become friends and friends become enemies. There are quite a few background characters that were a little hard to keep track of but if you just embrace it and go with the (very fast) flow, it's quite easy to pick up who is who as you go along. Can't wait to get stuck into the next episode but I want more of the geeky science Farrugia!

[WayneM0 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second in an episodic series and another excellent book.

There is plenty of action, suspense, drama, twists and turns. It is thrill a minute and is exciting down to the last page (and I do love a cliffhanger ending )

The characters are great and I love how the different threads of the story are slowly coming together. The characters exhibit lots of emotion, humour, despair and I love how they interact with each other.

I highly recommend this to readers of action/thrillers. The books are also being released monthly so you don't have to wait long or the cliffhanger to be resolved.

Can't wait until the next one in August.

[Iah · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a good read, i was going to wait for the other episodes but i just couldnt wait to find out what was going on. i was not dissapointed this story just gets more exciting and unravels more of the back storys of the people in the book. im excited to read episode 3 and 4 soon i hope very soon

[Albert · Rating 3 out of 5]

This second book in the series felt very disjointed with characters in many different (as yet undefined) factions in conflict with no real cohesive interactions. Questions raised are definitely not answered in this book, instead being drawn out throughout the book without resolution, which left me hanging and somewhat disappointed. I know there are many other books in the series, but if the remainder is like this, then I'm ok moving on to other works.

Having said this, it was again well written and nice to see "heroes" who make mistakes and not succeed at everything they set out to do.

Reluctant 3 stars, since the writing was good despite the content.

Number of pages: 152
Number of my highlights: 1

My favorite quote(s):
"Why does deception work?" Denton asked.
Sophia played the scenario in her head. She didn't know why she'd made the decisions she had, but now it was starting to make sense.
"It exploits our preconceived assumptions," she said.

[Jim Kratzok · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of action!

There was so much action and so many characters that I began to find it confusing. Just keeping track of who is on what team and what their goals are was getting unwieldy. Slipping from team to team and location to location.... We'll maybe it will make more sense in the next book.

[Sue Hayes · Rating 2 out of 5]

Confusing

2 storylines running over 2 different time frames with new characters that just appear in the story from nowhere. Lost the plot a few times.

[Toni Belcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still hooked and wanting more!!

[John Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay story!

Lots is action, keeping into the story throughout. If I have one complaint it is once in a while I would get lost in the story. But still liked it.

[Alex Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exile follows on directly from where Helix ended. This second episode felt very much like the first, the dialogue is as consistenly good as episode 1 and the general writing style is consistent with the first, this is something some writers can loose between books, sometimes loosing readers that found that particular style appealing. I did feel that episide 2 lacked a little by focusing on the other characters, but this was understandable being the second book in a 9 part series with so many potentially interesting characters to explore. There seems to be less of a focus on Olesya and this is replaced with more focus on Jays group, this isn't a bad thing but I found Olesya a very appealing character. The plot is better I felt than the first and has a more linear feel, loosing the backward and forward concept and focusing on different characters in the same time frame, this made for more interesting reading. Exile has a more adult feel to it compared to Helix which I felt was aimed more at young adults, Exile's themes are considerably more adult, this allows the series to be aimed at both young adults and adults together. Overall I felt that Exile is a good continuation of the Helix story and I enjoy the direction it is heading, I look forward to the further character development that the next 7 parts have to offer. If I had to state a negative to these episodes it would be the time I have to wait to read each part.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recieved an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The action continues and more join the fray! Exile picks up where it left off, but now introduces us to the viewpoint of Sophia and begins to follow her journey after the encounter with Olesya. While both are working towards similar if not the same goal, they are at odds in their encounter with each other. They split off and we begin to follow both characters journeys, while still following what happens to Jay, Damien, and Nasira.

Some answers are found from the last book. We learn more about the history of the players through some flashbacks, and get a bit of a better sense of what the operatives could be after. However, in following so many characters a bit of the story gets lost as there is so much going on that does not yet join up, so each story was lacking in a little bit of depth as compared to the first episode. At the same time it is not that the writing or story has suffered, it is more that now there is even more to follow so the divided attention sometimes takes a little bit from the individual stories. Regardless, each character is fascinating and I was invested in what was happening to them as they pursued their currently individual goals. I am excited to see where it can go from here and I think that as the story lines converge it will bring even more action and give some really interesting answers!

[Megsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Helix Episode 2, the adventure continues with operatives Olesya, Damien, Jay and Nasira who are fighting the corruption from Fifth Column, a sinister organisation intent on infiltrating world governments.
The second book was just as action packed and thrilling as the first. I love action books and Nathan does a great job of creating high-octane adrenaline-inducing action scenes. There’s little time to take a breath in this book but that doesn’t not detract from the overall plot. The different threads of the story are coming together, but with enough mystery and intrigue to leave me wanting more. The characters are well rounded, their interactions are humorous and angst driven.

What I love the most about these books is the concept of kids with abilities being harnessed by their government and trained as killers. But this book has our protagonists losing their abilities and needing to and use their inherent skills to survive.

I highly recommend this to readers who love action and thrillers. It’s a quick read but there’s so much packed in you want to grab the next installment. A well-thought out plot, with sinister angles and characters with unknown alliances and fantastic action scenes. Looking forward to reading the whole series.

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Nathan M. Farrugia!
Another high-octane adventure from the most badass operatives the Fifth Column has faced. It builds on Episode 1 and propels the action forward even if it ends with huge cliffhangers that will make you wish for the next volume (patience is not one of my pseudogenes). The action is non-stop and, now that I know the characters better, it is nice to explore their backgrounds and personalities, getting to know new good and bad guys as well. I found myself laughing out loud at the twisted sense of humor. I also liked how smart all the characters are. Even when they are going against each other, when one loses it's not because they make a stupid mistake, but just because their adversaries are also good. And it is not dumb luck that gets them out of sticky situations but their own brains and expertise. This is also a short read, so I devoured it in a few hours. I am impatiently waiting to know how they're going to get out of the pickles they are all in. A fun, action-packed read.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been excited to read the next instalment in the Helix series and I was not disappointed. Mr. Farrugia has delivered an action packed ride with an overlap of stories. I enjoyed seeing some of the characters move between the different groups. The interconnectedness of each stream is brilliant. The amount of detail in the story is also incredible. Mr. Farrugia definitely puts in a lot of effort in that department. The pace keeps you hooked to the last page and the action is jam packed. There are fantastic zingers and comedic relief to break up the intense scenes. Aviary and Jay are great sources of amusement. Finally, the cover is absolutely fantastic. I love the colours. There are still so many questions and the fate of some of the characters hangs in the balance. I hope we get to see the next book soon, I can't wait to read more!

[Todd Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another splendid book from this talented Author. This story flows on very well from the first “Helix Episode 1” book. At one time Sophia, Jay, Damien and Narsira were all part of The Fifth Column, being trained and directed by them. Now they all struggle to stay away from it. Sophia is trying to find it’s Operatives to deprogram them, with the help from two girls she succeeded in doing this to already. Meanwhile Jay, Damien and Nasira are in America trying to rescue Aviary who is being guarded by Marines. The CIA and Marines are in for quite a shock when they come up against these four with their enhanced abilities. This is one hell of a ride, and the action scenes are amazing. Nathan Farrugia sure knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat, with a great storyline, and a diverse range of very interesting characters. This is definitely well worth a read.

[Orkney Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely fantastic sequel containing more thrills per page than a whole die hard movie. For me, what makes Nathan M Ferrugia a unique storyteller is his ability to keep you on the edge of your seat throughout a whole book, not one chance to relax as you are thrown into the midst of car chases, gun fights, explosions, fist fights and tons of intrigue. Then interspersed in all that you get cheeky little sentences that make you laugh out loud. Characters are really brought to life on the page and in the heart, I'm left on the edge of my seat eagerly awaiting part three, you don't see many "cliffhanger" endings these days but this one punches you straight in the throat. Nathans best book so far.

[JB · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the serial Helix. Three factions are in play in this story. One is the Fifth Column. The other two are yet unidentifiable. However, there are hints that one might be called Purity. Covert operatives in all three factions are running complicated plots. There are some common ground between two, I wonder if they will join together to overcome the Fifth Column or the new yet unidentified enemy. "Bloodshed is where we started and it’s where we end." Great story, great characters and a story that keeps you glued to find out what happens next. Enjoy! I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Shubhra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another spell-binding, fast-paced book in the dystopian future where Sophia and Olesya inhabit. With dwindling numbers of reliable folks, and odds stacked against them, these two must, in their own way, survive and adapt to the chaos around them.

While a very thrilling book, the author, Nathan Farrugia, must ensure that there's a small pattern of victories leading to a big win around the climax, for both Sophia and Olesya, so that people do not rage-quit a series of rather exciting novels. While real life is rarely clean, hope in the darkness always exists. Of course, he knows the best as this is the world he constructs.

Overall, can't wait for the next Episode!

[Isabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Episode 2 picks up right where Helix 1 left off - and finishes with another gripping cliffhanger. It's a high-speed chase from start to end, this time centering on the mysterious rogue operative that Olesya confronted in the previous book: Sophie. We also meet Aviary and her high-tech wizardry, and delve into the mysterious world of psyche intervention. Reading Nathan Faruggia, like reading Matthew Reilly, is like watching a blow-by-blow of the more fantastic Hollywood action sequences; and the special effects are woven with words, not CGI. I feel whip-lashed - and that's a good thing!

[Carolyn Walkden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this second episode of Helix from Nathan Farrugia. The story moves seamlessly through the action between the different factions who were once on the same side. Inevitably, some of the friends who trained together will come face to face in combat and I am so looking forward to how Nathan deals with this. I recommend you read Helix; Episode 1 first to get to know how the principal operatives have arrived at their current situations. New characters are emerging and it is interspersed with a little light humour, building into an exciting new series.

[dennis barron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nathan Farrugia, has written another explosive, atomic powered techno action thriller, which has become his signature trademark. Characters, rogue operators from prior books our intertwined in this book with newer characters from helix one. It's all related and blends in perfectly! From the first page to the last,intrigue, deception resulting in a epic novel of massive proportions!!! Can't wait for Helix 3!!! If you like Matthew Reilly, Farrugia will blow you away!

[Judee · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a little while to remember where the story left off, as it has been some time since I read the first installment. I quickly came up to speed and excitedly followed the action of the various characters. The jumping around from character to character did not get me confused, and I actually liked cutting away when the action got too intense. I am looking forward to the next installment of this series.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

the second episode in the action-packed Helix technothriller series by Nathan Farrugia.
The story takes you on a thrill ride, with lots of action, killing, new weapon technology, including an amazing watch.
I really had to concentrate otherwise I would loose track as to where in the world each chapter was set. But, this just ads to the action, and intrigue of the story.
Looking forward to continuing with the series.

[Ben Tucker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointingly short novella. As a reader I would prefer if this story was actually published as one book rather than being broken up into pieces with cliffhanger endings blatantly written to get you to buy the next chapter. I'd rather just pay $4 for the whole book without the continuity breaks and needless cliffhangers.
The writing and story are good but the marketing scheme is annoying. I won't be purchasing the remainder of the series.

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would rate Helix: Episode 2 - Exile a 4 and 1/2 stars. Farrugia continues to improve as a writer and at this point I would call him one of my favorites. The characters continue to grow and I feel like I truly know them. The action sequences were fabulous and the story line is riveting. I look forward to continue reading the books in this series.