Helix: Episode 3

Helix #3

by Nathan M. Farrugia

Sophia was the Fifth Column’s most dangerous weapon. Now she’s their greatest threat.

Sophia is taking out Fifth Column operatives before they can complete their deadly missions.

But will a new type of operative tip the balance against her?

Ambushed in Eastern Europe, she barely escapes with her life.

But the new operative isn’t her only threat. A deadly Russian hunter also has Sophia in her sights.

They’ve crossed paths once before.

And this time, only one of them will walk away.

Get it now.

Genres: Science Fiction, Thriller, Suspense

138 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 15, 2018

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 5 out of 5]

I pretty much said it all in the most fascinating pre-non-review nonsense down there ↓↓, but since you've come this far and since I've got nothing better to do with my boring crustacean-plagued life right now, I guess I could add that:

① This instalment is slightly unputdownable and stuff.

② The revoltingly youthful cast is scandalously growing on me. This is quite unacceptable, Mr. Farrugia. Abominably juvenile casts are supposed to be, you know, abominable and stuff. And kind of exasperating. And eye-roll worthy. And allergy-inducing. And serial-killing mode-enabling. This is a complete and total rip-off! I demand the money I didn't spend on this book back!



You tell him, Bert!

③ This instalment is slightly unputdownable and stuff. Am I repeating myself or something? Oops, so sorry about that. Oh, well.

④ The super fast-paced techno thriller on acid vibe is still oh-so-on. This is Premium Quality Please Buckle Up Tightly and Hold on to Your Seat Stuff (PQPBUTaHotYSS™).



⑤ This is the kind of story that makes you want to dive right into the next instalment the minute you turn the last page but your life sucks and The Ever So Slightly Awesome Craig Schaefer (TESSACS™) just released a new book and some things just cannot be put off but still you really really really want to read the next instalment in this serial and why you and what to do and to be or not to be and stuff. Ergo, life does indeed suck. Big time.

⑥ This story is all pseudogenes. And glorious fights to the death and beyond. And upgraded human beings. And cunning, slightly Machiavellian plans to rule the world. And genetic manipulations/programming/engineering/whatever. And spoiler spoiler spoiler. And plentiful enemy factions that may or may not be enemies (depends on the weather and stuff). And firewalls. And bloody shrimping exoskeletons. To the utter delight of mantis shrimp everywhere. Fleet Admiral DaShrimp is all aflutter about it and stuff.



» And the moral of this Addictive Like Crack this Serial Might Very Well Be Crappy Non Review (ALCtSMVWBCNR™) is: give me the next one NOW, before I feel the sudden urge to kill things murderously withdrawal symptoms start kicking in! And believe me when I tell you, you do NOT want to see me in Horrifyingly Horrifying Helix Retraction Mode (H³RM™).



Told you it was horrifyingly horrifying and stuff. You're welcome.

P.S. Pufferfish. They are hot. Then again maybe not.

ebook kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

· Book 1: Episode 1 ★★★★
· Book 2: Exile ★★★★
· Book 4: Anomaly ★★★★
· Book 5: Inversion ★★★★★
· Book 6: Exclave ★★★★



[ Pre-review nonsense ]

More exciting by the minute Helix gets.

Up and up the body count goes.

Thicker and thicker the plot becomes.

Kick-asser and kick-asser the kick-ass chicks become.

Slightly enthusiastic about this serial you might say I am.



➽ Full Bloody Shrimping Hell Craig Schaefer Why Did You Have to Release a New Book in a Few Hours I Need to Read Helix 4 NOW Not Fair At All This Is Crappy Non Review (BSHCSWDYAtRaNBiaFHINtRH4NNFAATICNR™) to Come.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again Aussie author Nathan Farrugia has produced an action-packed thriller that sees us following Jay, Damien, Nasira and Aviary in their desperate quest to find answers. With Jay’s enhanced abilities completely gone, the others cover him – once again Aviary’s exceptional abilities help them move forward. Their goal was Intron – but could they retrieve the information they needed?

Meanwhile Sophia was continuing the deprogramming of Fifth Column operatives – but the day she met the operative Valeria and discovered her usual orders were no longer effective, she realised the dynamics had changed. Sophia was lucky to get out of that encounter alive…

And in Kaliningrad, Olesya, Ark and the others were receiving orders from Illarion – Olesya needed a face to face with Sophia. But what would be the outcome – would only one of them come out of it alive?

Helix: Episode 3 (Interceptor) is the third in the Helix series and packs the same punch as the first two. High octane, fast paced and action packed, this novella is best read after the first two. Highly recommended.

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

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raw, brutal action, hardened warriors who will fight to the death, genetic manipulation and rebel operatives working to take down evil before the world implodes. Yep, Nathan Farrugia is back with another episode written with brilliant military precision, in a crisp, no frills style and filled with the tension of a garrote. Suck it up, soldier this is war and we are invited to witness attacks and counter attacks, espionage and true grit.

Sophia has become a very large thorn in the Fifth Column’s side, Aviary abilities are key to advancement, but a new type of operative has come on the scene and this could be a game changer.
High energy, short, but very effective in capturing the very souls of its readers, Helix: Episode 3-Interceptor takes the baton to further the tales of Nathan Farrugia with ease. Powerful storytelling and powerful characters make this brief tale well-worth the read, over and over.

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

Series: Helix - Episode 3
Publisher: Pronoun (July 30, 2016)
Publication Date: July 30, 2016
Genre: Techno-Thriller | Suspense
Print Length: 108 pages
Available from: Amazon |  Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this format, short books released about a month apart, Nathan has captured the TV series feel, you know the feeling, episode ends on a cliff hanger and you know you now have to wait for the next one.

The scale of this book boggles the mind, so many characters doing their own stuff across multiple continents, I've no idea how he keeps tracks of all the goings on.

Episode 3 is very slick, the momentum is steady, it very rarely lets up and makes for a quicker read as you can't put it down. Jay and Damien are still jokers no matter how bad the situation is. Oleysa and Sophia are getting closer to clashing and we get a bit of history about some of the long term characters. Another release that I couldn't find a fault in.

Bring on Episode 4!

[Todd Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply Amazing. This is the seventh Nathan Farrugia book I’ve read, and I have absolutely loved every one of them. This story is extremely well written, and the Author has that wonderful ability to pull the reader into the story with a great plot, and a good mix of interesting and diverse characters. General Vitali Sych probably wished he never met Denton. The General needed troops and allot more than Denton was offering. If the General wasn’t going to listen to Denton’s solution and use his Syringes, then there was sure to be a violent outcome and probably one the General wasn’t going to like. Jay was driving like a mad man trying to get away from the casino, and he had to help Nasira, Damien and Aviary who weren’t fairing too well. There were marines absolutely everywhere, and far too many to hang around and try to disarm. Luckily for them the Fifth Column gave them special abilities, as Gleb would say “Genetically Diverse” that would assist them with getting away. Damien and Nasira are less than thrilled to find out they could have a trigger that was injected into them that could activate at any time and kill them. They need to work out how they can switch off the ticking time bomb inside of them. With psychopaths running the Fifth Column they are all going to have to be allot more careful than they first thought. If you haven’t read a Nathan Farrugia book then do yourself a favour and add him to your reading list, you won’t be disappointed.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now there's more of the geeky science stuff that I love. This episode still has the action packed, fast paced globe trotting (running is probably more accurate but it doesn't sound as good) story that ran through the first two episodes but with more of the science behind the Fifth Column and the agents and operatives they train and modify. This episode also has more of the interlocking conspiracy that was hinted at in the second episode leaving you wondering who can Olesya, Sophie et al really trust...and will they ever escape or defeat the Fifth Column. Or can they, or the world, really afford to? Another excellent read and once again one that ate in to my beauty sleep!

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great installment of a very good series. Enjoyed every page, Nathan. Can't wait to read the next part.

[John Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good story!

Highly entertaining and all out fun. No stop action and a thrill ride to the end. looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Mike Nemeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

With "Helix: Interceptor," the third in the episodic series, author Nathan M. Farrugia explains more details surrounding his clandestine world of genetically enhanced special agents. There's the Russian group led by Olesya, there's rogue agent Sophia and her band of deprogrammed dropouts and there's Jay, Damien and Nasira, trying to restore Jay's mojo. Farrugia continues the action-packed adventures he's become known for but at this point in the narrative, brings into focus more of the why, who and how. Details begin to emerge of the enemy. Heretofore it's been agent against agent with little definition beyond that. Farrugia dumped his characters into operations at the start of the series, and they've been climbing out ever since. And I believe that's why he's labeled his relatively short books with the Episode titles. They plow ahead never fully reaching conclusion. In Exile, Episode 2, these three story lines plowed ahead with very little to explain the motivations of either the protagonists or their elusive enemies. I shouldn't have been concerned. Hal Claycomb, introduced in Exile, emerges as a formidable antagonist. And evil Intron, which is suspected to have stolen Jay's special abilities to sythesize for other purposes, has a new role under a reformist CEO. This unpredictability enhances the story and my willingness to want to follow along. Project GATE, which created these super agents, remains as strange and unknown as ever. But that's OK. The conclusion of Interceptor is what I'm starting to suspect, after three books, to be classic Farrugia. He wants the reader to keep going. And I would have. But I promised to read another novel, and I'm in the thick of that. However, going over the latest Helix plot points and realizing Farrugia's got a fifth one out there makes me want to dive in and ignore the rest of the world.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

More found out and more to ponder.

Farrugia keeps the action at a steady burn in this next installment of the Helix series. It never feels overwhelming or uncontrolled, yet there is always having steady urgency that keeps things moving forward and brings all of the action to life. It is a perfect pacing that has kept me on the edge of my seat interested for each episode.

We get to learn more about the past of some characters- some of it for quite unexpected characters and quite interesting new information. At the same time we get more hints of what could be coming in the future as we learn more about the parties involved in everything going on.

There are many moving pieces by this point but it doesn't feel overstuffed. Each storyline has the right amount of time dedicated to it to tell the individual story. In many cases these moving pieces are now colliding, bringing together all of these storylines and characters. The interactions range from tense to explosive and will propel our main characters in some new and interesting directions come the next installment!

This is one of the most fascinating fast paced action series coming out right now and if that is your interest I would encourage you to pick up this series!

[Shubhra · Rating 5 out of 5]

As seen in the works of Nathan Farrugia - The Fifth Column series and this continuing Helix series - Sophia, Jay, Damien and her friends are former operatives of the hidden, eponymous Fifth Column, which controls world future by shadows. With enhanced bio genes born with, or introduced, they are the super fighters. Extremely efficient and supremely lethal.
A continuation of the past books, Sophia has to try to join forces with a former adversary Olesya, operative from the other side of the cold war, while the others need to contact a hidden corporate group to get Jay's genes active again.
This is an fast-paced sci-fi thriller of epic proportions! It's not a stand alone read, so recommend that you read The Fifth Column and Helix series for a better understanding of all the characters. Extremely action-oriented, a superb read!
Awaiting the next in series - hoping that Sophia, Olesya, Jay, Damien et al. achieve powerful allies, who are true till the end.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must say, I really love this series. Action packed and fast paced. I'm not sure how he is able to do it but Mr. Farrugia keeps outdoing himself with each story. So much to keep you interested that it ends way too soon. The characters are brilliant. Damien is a particular favourite of mine. But Jay is definitely a comic relief. The banter is fantastic. I love the relationship between the characters and how they are able to poke fun at each other. But each group of characters have their own agenda and some are in conflict with others. How many of them are going to survive? I'm anxious to find out what will happen to them once their paths cross. I appreciate just how much detail Mr. Farrugia weaves into all of his stories. The ending has certainly left us on the edge of our seats and I don't know how I'll manage until the next episode! I highly recommend this series and eagerly await the next book.

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Nathan Farrugia!
This series is like an adrenaline shot and I couldn't stop reading. Like a perfect game of chess which stakes couldn't be any higher, all the pieces are lining up and I just want all the operatives to choose sides and fight together against the big baddies. I'm sure I've mentioned this before but I love that we don't have one or two strong female characters... we have a whole cast of heroines that could literally kill a bad guy with their bare hands. The interactions amongst the characters are also so much fun. Will Jay get his mojo back? Will Ark and Oleysha track Val? Who will be maimed or killed? You need to read this excellent short story to find out.

[Isabelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ride gets even more dizzying, as we hurl through twists and turns that frankly leave me confused. I have no doubt, though, that it is precisely the author's design: this series unfolds like a natural disaster, with each offering getting more intense and dangerous. This time we learn of seemingly immortal enemies; former enemies that offer catch-22 deals, and mistaken enemies that could be lifesavers if not for the past that haunt them. Intron is explained - or is it? And there is a new power that despises all operatives - rogue, Fifth Column or not: Purity. The biggest bombshell, however, is the one within: the inescapable kill switch literally flowing inside each operative - friend and foe alike...

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helix, like the 5th Column series, is a fast paced, edge of your seat, jaw clenching action packed series guaranteed to please the most adrenaline craving readers. Nathan’s writing is excellent, you fly through the books. The action scenes are so detailed you can picture every movement, action and counter action in your mind’s eye – but not to tedium like other action stories I have read that get so bogged down in the blow by blow you skip pages. The plot continuously evolves and the characters are well developed. I am totally emotionally invested in Sophia, Jay, Damien, Nasira and now Oleysa and Arc. A must read for all sci-fi fans that are looking for a break from outer-space and are up for a great biotech-espionage save the world adventure.

[Iah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great episode with loads of action and excitement, i love the way Nathan answers questions and poses new ones with ease. there is a lot going on in this series and its a good balance of action moving the story along, new elements, and expanding the cast. a great read

Merged review:

im excited to read these books and really enjoy the action, and love that Nathan unfolds the story slowly adding layers answering questions and making even more so you always have stuff you need to know the answers to. he is able to keep the action going without overwhelming the reader with action for no reason, when its needed the characters take time to figure stuff out and get on with things.

you dont need to have read anything before Helix but you probably should as they are super!

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful continuation to the story though some parts confused me as to how they fit into the overall story. I eagerly await the continuing books to see how this is answered.

In some ways it does seem formulaic/repetitive. Some characters devise a plan. The plan unravels during implementation, endangering the characters. They then have to improvise to escape. Sometimes the improvisation continues after they are 'captured'. I understand that most plans never come to complete fruition and this does show the characters ability to think on their feet. It still feels a bit repetitive to me.

I would still highly recommend the Helix series to all fans of techno-thrillers. I believe they will enjoy the series.

[dennis barron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helix: Episode three Interceptor

Sophia and her crew are former fifth column. They directly and indirectly, covertly control everything. A new bio gene has been introduced, brought into play. The ultimate warrior. Extremely strong and lethal. Now Sophia has to try to join forces with a former adversary. This is an action packed sci-fi thriller of epic proportions! It's a stand alone read, but I would recommend you read in order for a better understanding of all the characters. Extremely fast paced, a superb read! I can't wait to start reading the next book in the series! My highest recommendation!

[JB · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Your destiny awaits." This is the third book in the Helix serial and things are heating up. Sophia and Oleysa are closing in on their targets. Damian, Nasira and Aviary are doing what they can to save Jay. Denton reveals that DC is a double agent and An Intron executive denies any involvement wth the FifthColumn. So what about Purity or the Sixth Column? Whew- operatives galore, plans within plans and lots more to happen. Cannot wait to see what happens next. Stay tuned campers, stuff just got even more interesting. Favorite line in the book, "Hogwarts for soldiers?" Enjoy! I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Judee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great thriller in the Helix series! I found I could barely put this one down once I started it. Shifting back and forth from the different story lines was quick and relatively seamless, and I never felt lost in what was going on. The characters are the same, but trying to guess as to where the action was moving kept me intrigued. I am looking forward to the next installment, and anxious to see how everything ends up.

[Carolyn Walkden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this exciting new episode of Nathan Farrugia's Helix series which is consistently well written with familiar characters and new ones emerging. As always, this episode is packed with action and the storyline is evolving into a web of intrigue. I'm looking forward to Episode 4. Keep them coming Nathan!

[Ananthatejas Raghavan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things are starting to heat up at a very fast pace now and the whole set up is great. All the characters story arcs are converging.

It's like waiting for the next TV series episode which is much more easier to follow because of the fast release schedule by Nathan compared to waiting for more than an year for the next book to release. Waiting for the next one :)

[Tony Fecteau · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series. The small episodes are good and allow me to read other stories in between. The action was excellent and the story is expanding its boundaries at the same time. More please.

[Jim Kratzok · Rating 4 out of 5]

A twisted plot.

Another good one. Once again I find myself scrambling to keep up with the character list and the factions they belong to. Other than that it's non stop action and loads of fun.

[PJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This continues to be a great series. I can't wait for the next book!

[Katrina Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual for Nathan, action packed, fast paced and gripping from go to woe. Can't wait for the next instalment in the Helix series.

[Phyllis M. Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

More? There are more? Where? Are they available now?

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in the series does not disappoint.

[Christof Damian · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am giving up on this series. The fights are just too long and the story doesn't make any sense.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very fast paced. This would be a great movie with all the sction