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Crucible #2
Undead
The explosive sequel to the super-selling landmark horror-thriller Existential. Max Ahlgren thought the nightmare he had endured in Alaska was over. He was wrong.
Consumed with finding those responsible for the death of his family ten years earlier, Max is approached by Juno Rey, a seductive CIA agent with a tantalizing offer--information on the killers in exchange for Max's help on a top-secret mission. The target: a covert biomedical research facility located deep in North Korea, where scientists are attempting to reverse engineer the alien life form discovered in Alaska.
An elite team of CIA operatives accompanies him, but even their advanced weapons cannot ensure survival against the murderous abominations created at the facility. Max must decide who he can trust as the devastating secret of their mission unravels. To unlock the secrets of his past, Max must again face his nightmares as he fights to save humanity from an unearthly terror.
Undead is a perfect cocktail of horror, science fiction, and thrilling military action. Fast-paced, terrifying, and visceral, it contains intense scenes of graphic violence and horror. Reader discretion is advised.
Consumed with finding those responsible for the death of his family ten years earlier, Max is approached by Juno Rey, a seductive CIA agent with a tantalizing offer--information on the killers in exchange for Max's help on a top-secret mission. The target: a covert biomedical research facility located deep in North Korea, where scientists are attempting to reverse engineer the alien life form discovered in Alaska.
An elite team of CIA operatives accompanies him, but even their advanced weapons cannot ensure survival against the murderous abominations created at the facility. Max must decide who he can trust as the devastating secret of their mission unravels. To unlock the secrets of his past, Max must again face his nightmares as he fights to save humanity from an unearthly terror.
Undead is a perfect cocktail of horror, science fiction, and thrilling military action. Fast-paced, terrifying, and visceral, it contains intense scenes of graphic violence and horror. Reader discretion is advised.
184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2018
72 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Ryan W. Aslesen
35 books70 followersRyan Aslesen is a bestselling author based out of Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a former Marine officer, veteran of the War on Terror, and a graduate of Presentation College and American Military University. His military and work experience have made him one of the premier writers of military science fiction and fantasy. His bestselling Crucible and War's Edge series are highly regarded for their authenticity, explosive action, and military realism. When not writing or out protecting the world, you will find him spending quality time with his family.
Get a free ebook and sign up to receive exclusive content and updates at: www.ryanaslesen.com
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 3, 2018
I read Existential, the first of the Max Ahlgren (Crucible Book #1) novels, and it worked very well as a stand-alone. Undead picks up with Max, shortly after the end of Existential, and the action moves to North Korea.
There has been some character development since the first novel, and the pace is fast, and advanced weaponry plays a part. And there is a lot of gore and mayhem. I did check out most of the other reviews for Existential, and even the most critical ones had legitimate points to make. But I really liked the lead character, his internal demons, and his sense of honour, and look forward to whatever comes after Undead.
If you are familiar with Jonathan Maberry’s Joe Ledger stories and enjoyed them (which start off with “Patient Zero”), you will likely appreciate Ryan W. Aslesen’s series. Conversely, if you appreciated the Max Ahlgren novels, The Joe Ledger series should work well for you.
Minor Spoiler – A katana finds its way into the plot, and I found it incongruous and distracting. At the same time, I imagined this story, WITH the katana, and could picture how a graphic novel might have treated Undead.
There is a novella – Crucible – that is a prequel to Existential. I also bought it, but missed out in reading it previously. I will rectify that omission shortly.
There has been some character development since the first novel, and the pace is fast, and advanced weaponry plays a part. And there is a lot of gore and mayhem. I did check out most of the other reviews for Existential, and even the most critical ones had legitimate points to make. But I really liked the lead character, his internal demons, and his sense of honour, and look forward to whatever comes after Undead.
If you are familiar with Jonathan Maberry’s Joe Ledger stories and enjoyed them (which start off with “Patient Zero”), you will likely appreciate Ryan W. Aslesen’s series. Conversely, if you appreciated the Max Ahlgren novels, The Joe Ledger series should work well for you.
Minor Spoiler – A katana finds its way into the plot, and I found it incongruous and distracting. At the same time, I imagined this story, WITH the katana, and could picture how a graphic novel might have treated Undead.
There is a novella – Crucible – that is a prequel to Existential. I also bought it, but missed out in reading it previously. I will rectify that omission shortly.
January 14, 2019
As good as the first...just different
A tad different from book 1, but exciting nonetheless. The build-up took a bit longer and the creatures were not the same....But close. Looking forward to more Max Ahlgren adventures. Lots of military style and sci-fi action!
A tad different from book 1, but exciting nonetheless. The build-up took a bit longer and the creatures were not the same....But close. Looking forward to more Max Ahlgren adventures. Lots of military style and sci-fi action!
March 1, 2020
Very Good!
I like books with a lot of action. And this is one of those kinds of books. Lots of great suspense and horror too.
I like books with a lot of action. And this is one of those kinds of books. Lots of great suspense and horror too.
July 19, 2021
"Undead: A Max Ahlgren Novel" is a 2018 publication penned by Marine veteran Ryan Aslesen. It is the second book in the Crucible series, preceded by the excellent novel "Existential," which I would recommend reading before tackling "Undead."
I was blown away by Mr. Aslesen's first novel and was most excited to get my hands on his new novel, which is also a Max Ahlgren story. "Undead" picks up several months after the events of "Existential." We find a nearly-broken Max dealing with and trying to forget the traumatizing events in Alaska; he is also consumed with rage over the suspicious and not-exactly-accidental death of his family a number of years prior. Eager to find more information about his family's death, Ahlgren begrugdingly accepts an offer to come along on a clandestine mission into North Korea, where scientists at a biogenetic facility are attempting to reverse-engineer none other than the alien life form Max encountered in Alaska. In exchange, Max is supposed to receive information about his family's death. What follows is a breathless tale of intrigue, seduction, action, horror, and duplicity that you won't be able to put down!
In "Undead," author Ryan Aslesen takes what was great about "Existential" and runs with it again. I love that the book blends the genres of action, espionage, horror, and science fiction into a unique and thoroughly enertaining package. From the beginning, the book will grab you and never let go. Even though the real action and terror doesn't begin until pretty far into the novel, you will be hooked on the book's characters and the intrigue swirling around Max and his family. I also like that Aslesen took the alien creatures from the first book and decided to bring them into "Undead." When the action does start, you'd better put on your seatbelt! The action scenes are tightly written, with great description, and are brimming with terror; they also have a real visceral and manic quality to them. Frankly, I wish more time had been spent in the North Korean facility, because it was quite delicious in its frights and horror.
In addition to great plotting and writing, "Undead" continues to explore and unpack a great character, Max Ahlgren. I don't know that I've read about a fictional action hero that is quite as cynical with as much baggage as Max, but he makes for a very compelling character, one that also serves to bring attention to the struggles of America's veterans. No doubt that Marine vet author Aslesen has put some of himself in Ahlgren, perhaps why the character feels so real. Aslesen's experience in the military also helps give the novel a genuinely realistic feel that is lacking in many books with a military angle.
Is the next Max Ahlgren tale here yet? How about now? I look forward to seeing Max again, because there are still some loose ends from "Undead" that need to be tied up, and there is most definitely still room for new stories to be told. The formula might need to be changed up slightly in the next book to keep things fresh, but I'm a sucker for any kind of military horror sci-fi, so it never gets old to me. I'm sure you will enjoy "Undead" as I did, and will be able to see why Ryan Aslesen is one of the most exciting writers working today!
Check out book 3 of the series, "Apex."
I was blown away by Mr. Aslesen's first novel and was most excited to get my hands on his new novel, which is also a Max Ahlgren story. "Undead" picks up several months after the events of "Existential." We find a nearly-broken Max dealing with and trying to forget the traumatizing events in Alaska; he is also consumed with rage over the suspicious and not-exactly-accidental death of his family a number of years prior. Eager to find more information about his family's death, Ahlgren begrugdingly accepts an offer to come along on a clandestine mission into North Korea, where scientists at a biogenetic facility are attempting to reverse-engineer none other than the alien life form Max encountered in Alaska. In exchange, Max is supposed to receive information about his family's death. What follows is a breathless tale of intrigue, seduction, action, horror, and duplicity that you won't be able to put down!
In "Undead," author Ryan Aslesen takes what was great about "Existential" and runs with it again. I love that the book blends the genres of action, espionage, horror, and science fiction into a unique and thoroughly enertaining package. From the beginning, the book will grab you and never let go. Even though the real action and terror doesn't begin until pretty far into the novel, you will be hooked on the book's characters and the intrigue swirling around Max and his family. I also like that Aslesen took the alien creatures from the first book and decided to bring them into "Undead." When the action does start, you'd better put on your seatbelt! The action scenes are tightly written, with great description, and are brimming with terror; they also have a real visceral and manic quality to them. Frankly, I wish more time had been spent in the North Korean facility, because it was quite delicious in its frights and horror.
In addition to great plotting and writing, "Undead" continues to explore and unpack a great character, Max Ahlgren. I don't know that I've read about a fictional action hero that is quite as cynical with as much baggage as Max, but he makes for a very compelling character, one that also serves to bring attention to the struggles of America's veterans. No doubt that Marine vet author Aslesen has put some of himself in Ahlgren, perhaps why the character feels so real. Aslesen's experience in the military also helps give the novel a genuinely realistic feel that is lacking in many books with a military angle.
Is the next Max Ahlgren tale here yet? How about now? I look forward to seeing Max again, because there are still some loose ends from "Undead" that need to be tied up, and there is most definitely still room for new stories to be told. The formula might need to be changed up slightly in the next book to keep things fresh, but I'm a sucker for any kind of military horror sci-fi, so it never gets old to me. I'm sure you will enjoy "Undead" as I did, and will be able to see why Ryan Aslesen is one of the most exciting writers working today!
Check out book 3 of the series, "Apex."
December 24, 2018
Part 2 of a series, this book is about Max Ahlgren, CIA/black ops agent. In the previous novel, Max was part of an armed squad that traveled to Alaska to see why a mining operation had suddenly stopped. There, they faced people who had turned into hideous creatures, with extra arms and horns and a need to kill everything. The mining operation was vaporized, and Max was the only survivor of the squad.
In this novel, the North Koreans have gotten hold of the test data from the Alaskan mining operation, and plan to use it to, at minimum, give immortality to Kim Jong-Un. Max is seduced by a Korean woman named Juno to join a super-secret operation. The intention is to parachute into North Korea, find the (mostly underground) installation, get the test data, and destroy everything, with help from a backpack thermonuclear bomb.
The squad arrives at their target, but things start going wrong soon after. Juno, the leader of the mission, has a private set of objectives. The safe return of all members of the squad is not necessarily among them. After the squad survives attacks by North Korean soldiers, the practically indestructible monsters are unleashed. Perhaps they were political dissidents, or just "test subjects". The nuke is armed, and the test data is found. Can Max, and his rapidly dwindling number of squad mates, make it out alive? After that is the small problem of reaching the coast and activating the rescue beacon.
This is a pretty violent story (the body count gets pretty high by the end), but it is a really good story. Max learns, pretty quickly, just who he can, and cannot, trust. I look forward to more books in this series.
In this novel, the North Koreans have gotten hold of the test data from the Alaskan mining operation, and plan to use it to, at minimum, give immortality to Kim Jong-Un. Max is seduced by a Korean woman named Juno to join a super-secret operation. The intention is to parachute into North Korea, find the (mostly underground) installation, get the test data, and destroy everything, with help from a backpack thermonuclear bomb.
The squad arrives at their target, but things start going wrong soon after. Juno, the leader of the mission, has a private set of objectives. The safe return of all members of the squad is not necessarily among them. After the squad survives attacks by North Korean soldiers, the practically indestructible monsters are unleashed. Perhaps they were political dissidents, or just "test subjects". The nuke is armed, and the test data is found. Can Max, and his rapidly dwindling number of squad mates, make it out alive? After that is the small problem of reaching the coast and activating the rescue beacon.
This is a pretty violent story (the body count gets pretty high by the end), but it is a really good story. Max learns, pretty quickly, just who he can, and cannot, trust. I look forward to more books in this series.
November 11, 2018
Thrilling
Undead is the continued story of Max’s life post Alaska. While he is physically free, emotionally, he is still tied to the mysterious and seemingly not accidental death of his family. When presented with the opportunity to learn more about their deaths, he makes a life-altering choice to go back for a secret mission regarding the aliens. It was quite a suspenseful book. A little gory, yes, but the author warns of it in advance so I skipped over when it got to be a little too much for me. I didn’t read the first novel but there was enough background given in the beginning that I was able to understand what was going on. I’d recommend it if you like thriller books.
Undead is the continued story of Max’s life post Alaska. While he is physically free, emotionally, he is still tied to the mysterious and seemingly not accidental death of his family. When presented with the opportunity to learn more about their deaths, he makes a life-altering choice to go back for a secret mission regarding the aliens. It was quite a suspenseful book. A little gory, yes, but the author warns of it in advance so I skipped over when it got to be a little too much for me. I didn’t read the first novel but there was enough background given in the beginning that I was able to understand what was going on. I’d recommend it if you like thriller books.
May 14, 2019
As said previously, this book is just as good as the original though a bit different. Although it has a sci-fi monster element, it's less prevalent than the first book so there's a lot more realistic military action. The gunfights are well written and the last part of the book felt griping and so stealth focused. It kinda reminded me of Metal Gear Solid, haha.
I think I still prefer Existential more since the emotional element is stronger there but this book has no real flaws aside from that. It also features a few Bond-like elements to the story that I digged a lot since I'm a huge Bond fan.
5/5
I think I still prefer Existential more since the emotional element is stronger there but this book has no real flaws aside from that. It also features a few Bond-like elements to the story that I digged a lot since I'm a huge Bond fan.
5/5
May 8, 2020
Bastante acción como era de esperarse, aunque en esta ocasión por el setting me dio una vibra muy como la serie de 24 combinado con algo de Metal Gear Solid, la situación de Max fue más precaria que de costumbre y además con una antagonista que sacó a relucir sus frias intenciones y el arte de la manipulación.
Debo confesar que antes de terminar, me leí la precuela que es 0.5 ya que no sabia que existia y fue grata la sorpresa al final de este libro, me dejó sonriendo porque fue muy dulce para variar.
Pobre Max solo se la pasó corre y corre. Este es el libro que más he disfrutado de la saga.
Debo confesar que antes de terminar, me leí la precuela que es 0.5 ya que no sabia que existia y fue grata la sorpresa al final de este libro, me dejó sonriendo porque fue muy dulce para variar.
Pobre Max solo se la pasó corre y corre. Este es el libro que más he disfrutado de la saga.
November 16, 2018
Not disappointed. Another blast.
Fast moving, action packed. From the mind of someone who knows how it feels to be put through the wringer. Existential is the author's debut book. First, read that book. Afterwards no prodding will be necessary for you to want to read this one. Secondly, read Crucible, a short novella that further sets the stage and gives you a little background to the main character. Try them, you'll like them. Highly recommended to any fan of the military/action/ horror genre.
Fast moving, action packed. From the mind of someone who knows how it feels to be put through the wringer. Existential is the author's debut book. First, read that book. Afterwards no prodding will be necessary for you to want to read this one. Secondly, read Crucible, a short novella that further sets the stage and gives you a little background to the main character. Try them, you'll like them. Highly recommended to any fan of the military/action/ horror genre.
November 19, 2018
An action-packed whirlwind of a thrilling military feast!
I thoroughly enjoyed this installment of the Max Ahlgren world! Ryan Aslesen did it again...writing so vividly, so colorfully that the images leap to life; a style seeming to be one of the calling-cards of this author!
I like that Max brings his personal baggage and history with him on this mission, as well. He’s a guy that’s easy to cheer for and I can’t wait for his next adventure!
I thoroughly enjoyed this installment of the Max Ahlgren world! Ryan Aslesen did it again...writing so vividly, so colorfully that the images leap to life; a style seeming to be one of the calling-cards of this author!
I like that Max brings his personal baggage and history with him on this mission, as well. He’s a guy that’s easy to cheer for and I can’t wait for his next adventure!
October 22, 2018
Enjoyable read and kept me coming back to finish it
Just as my review heading says. This was a great read. It had a lot of good action and the pacing was spot on. There were a couple of grammatical errors but nothing big. It was entertaining enough that I wanted to keep reading and left me wishing the next book was out. I also bought this at full price, which is a bit unusual for me. Worth a purchase
Just as my review heading says. This was a great read. It had a lot of good action and the pacing was spot on. There were a couple of grammatical errors but nothing big. It was entertaining enough that I wanted to keep reading and left me wishing the next book was out. I also bought this at full price, which is a bit unusual for me. Worth a purchase
November 6, 2018
Just Wow
This book was full of nonstop action, twists and turns, betrayals, and the loss of fellow teammates. Max gets drawn in to help. He wants this information and testing destroyed. He knows firsthand the death and dismay it can cause. Government agencies are greedy and may have tried to use Max. I enjoyed this book and it was extremely hard to put down. I highly recommend this series and look forward to more from this talented author!
This book was full of nonstop action, twists and turns, betrayals, and the loss of fellow teammates. Max gets drawn in to help. He wants this information and testing destroyed. He knows firsthand the death and dismay it can cause. Government agencies are greedy and may have tried to use Max. I enjoyed this book and it was extremely hard to put down. I highly recommend this series and look forward to more from this talented author!
May 11, 2019
Max is on the move again!
This is a series that reaches out and locks you in. Dreams become reality. Who can you trust? Max is pulled into another mission but is it worth it? Again, never a dull moment with man and animals being reanimated into abominations. But, these abominations, while quite gruesome, are not the only enemies. Who can you trust? This is definitely a series that will pull you in and keep you wanting more.
This is a series that reaches out and locks you in. Dreams become reality. Who can you trust? Max is pulled into another mission but is it worth it? Again, never a dull moment with man and animals being reanimated into abominations. But, these abominations, while quite gruesome, are not the only enemies. Who can you trust? This is definitely a series that will pull you in and keep you wanting more.
September 21, 2020
Repetitive, repetitive and repetitive...
The first book in series was a decent read, this one fell off a cliff.
This is Jack Reacher on steroids. Max, the main character should be inducted into The Avengers... He is that indestructible.
I had to skim the pages for the last third of the book.
The first book in series was a decent read, this one fell off a cliff.
This is Jack Reacher on steroids. Max, the main character should be inducted into The Avengers... He is that indestructible.
I had to skim the pages for the last third of the book.
November 14, 2018
A TALE OF CREEPY CRAWLY BITEY SPOOKABLES IT IS.......
Hello, this is a neat story. Enjoyable to read. Good guys, bad guys, really bad guys and spookables. Oh yeah, lots of bullets. Thanks.
Hello, this is a neat story. Enjoyable to read. Good guys, bad guys, really bad guys and spookables. Oh yeah, lots of bullets. Thanks.
May 11, 2019
ALGHREN 2ND BOOK
Max character is growing on me. Yes, if he stop feeling blue "poor ol'me" it will be better. CIA operation and a lot of misdeeds. Still problems from Alaska follow Max.
How will he played this time. Action, gore and military probes!
Max character is growing on me. Yes, if he stop feeling blue "poor ol'me" it will be better. CIA operation and a lot of misdeeds. Still problems from Alaska follow Max.
How will he played this time. Action, gore and military probes!
November 2, 2018
For me a great read
Keep them coming. I am loving this series.
Hopefully you are finishing up the next book as I'm writing this review.
Keep them coming. I am loving this series.
Hopefully you are finishing up the next book as I'm writing this review.
March 8, 2019
Wow! Action packed and great twists and turns. Love the complex issues of the characters. My favorite female is Katherine Dugan. I hope to see more of her and Max together in the next book!
April 28, 2019
Another hit
Another great book. Am really looking forward for the next book in the series. Keep up the great work !
Another great book. Am really looking forward for the next book in the series. Keep up the great work !
January 25, 2021
I would say it is better than book one and has a better story line.
November 15, 2023
Thought this was a great story and glad to see some old faces, and I will miss some of the new ones
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews