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Crucible #3
Apex
As former Marine Raider Max Ahlgren continues the hunt for his family's killers and tracks down leads in Washington, D.C., a face from the past emerges with the information Max needs to continue his quest for vengeance. There's just one catch—he must first agree to help locate and rescue a powerful Senator's son. The clues lead Max to an alluring reporter and a mysterious organization providing one-of-a-kind trophy hunts on a remote island off the coast of South America. There Max comes face-to-face with a threat that can dethrone man from the top of the evolutionary pyramid. Fighting a dangerous web of deceit through a deadly jungle hell, Max unearths a secret that changes everything he thought he knew about his past. And his future…
In this thrilling installment in the Crucible series, the world's most dangerous man becomes the world's most dangerous prey.
In this thrilling installment in the Crucible series, the world's most dangerous man becomes the world's most dangerous prey.
391 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2019
33 people are currently reading
42 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 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 12, 2019
Ryan keeps knocking these out of the park with each new book. They're a great mix of gnarly military horror with a sci-fi edge. This one plunges Max deep into the jungles of South America where he faces off against something that threatens to "dethrone man off the top of the evolutionary pyramid," as the blurb teases. And yes, it is truly terrifying. The intense action and pacing make Apex a worthy and awesome addition to the Max Ahlgren series. Looking forward to more.
June 16, 2019
This book is the third in a series, and the good news is it makes complete sense as a stand-alone. There are references to things that presumably occurred previously, but they are not critical to the book. The story starts with Max Ahlgren on some sort of vengeance quest. There is only one problem: he does not know who he is after. A General contacts him, and gives him a mission: find and if necessary rescue one Josh Pierce for his mother, a wealthy senator. After a bit of trouble he gains a clue that Josh is on an island off the coast of French Guiana, and working for someone he hates. A bonus! Josh is a geneticist, and his boss, Wilde, is also a geneticist. The island is in some sort of exclusion zone, and, while this may seem something of a spoiler, since it becomes evident in the prologue and is illustrated on the cover, I shall risk it. Wilde has a sport: for a million dollars you can hunt and kill humans. He has also genetically engineered something resembling a dinosaur, so we have a sort of Dr Moreau/Jurassic Park type situation.
The story is primarily action. Max and a small group of mercenaries end up on the island, and there is a lot of fireworks. The first two thirds to three quarters of the book, where Max is trying to find out what is what, is excellent. Good tension, realistic action, and good plot structure. Apparently Aslesen was once a Marine officer, and that presumably helped. The last part, unfortunately, becomes less plausible. Max takes horrific injuries, but that does not stop him one bit. He has been warned that there are some "unspecified monsters" on the island, but the ammunition he takes seemingly does little. He should have taken something with more stopping power, since his equipment order could still be modified. Worse, Wilde's guards patrol the island seemingly unaffected by the monsters. Why, and if they have some sort of repellant, why does Max not search a guard to see? The fights go on and on. The problem here is that the author wants to keep the tension going, and if you don't care about plausibility, he does an excellent job. There should be a warning about explicit language and violence. The writing style is casual, and while bad language has a place in speech to show character, when it drifts into plain text, it may feel like lazy description. Overall, fast moving with plenty of action. Just turn down the plausibility button towards the end.
The story is primarily action. Max and a small group of mercenaries end up on the island, and there is a lot of fireworks. The first two thirds to three quarters of the book, where Max is trying to find out what is what, is excellent. Good tension, realistic action, and good plot structure. Apparently Aslesen was once a Marine officer, and that presumably helped. The last part, unfortunately, becomes less plausible. Max takes horrific injuries, but that does not stop him one bit. He has been warned that there are some "unspecified monsters" on the island, but the ammunition he takes seemingly does little. He should have taken something with more stopping power, since his equipment order could still be modified. Worse, Wilde's guards patrol the island seemingly unaffected by the monsters. Why, and if they have some sort of repellant, why does Max not search a guard to see? The fights go on and on. The problem here is that the author wants to keep the tension going, and if you don't care about plausibility, he does an excellent job. There should be a warning about explicit language and violence. The writing style is casual, and while bad language has a place in speech to show character, when it drifts into plain text, it may feel like lazy description. Overall, fast moving with plenty of action. Just turn down the plausibility button towards the end.
May 24, 2019
Great book, my favorite in the series so far! Packed full of action and such vivid detail you feel like your right there. So much so that I was squirming in some scenes. Great cliff hanger. My only question is when is the next book coming out?!
August 9, 2019
The Diet Mountain Dew swizzling chunk of manhood is back! Jack Reacher who? Mitch Crapp, you say? Jason Bourne? Never heard of her...
Name's Ahlgren.
Apex is a 2019 novel by Marine veteran Ryan Aslesen. It is book three of the outstanding Crucible series, featuring protagonist Max Ahlgren. I would read the first two books in the series before reading Apex.
Apex picks up with Max Ahlgren aggressively searching for the perpetrators behind his family's demise. When an old contact of Max (who is familiar to readers who have read the prequel novella Crucible) comes forward with information, he reveals it comes with a price: Max must first rescue the son of a powerful U.S. Senator before said contact will give up the info. After Max's latest adventures, he is in no hurry to head back into the field, but eventually comes around, despite his misgivings. As Max begins to dig into the disappearance of the Senator's son, he begins to untangle a nefarious plot and comes face-to-face with a madman who could spell doom for the world as we know it.
Apex begins as more of a detective novel than the other entries in the series, a welcome change of pace. However, you don't have to wait long for the action, and boy does Aslesen bring it! The novel very quickly accelerates to breakneck speed, and doesn't slow down until the very last sentence. I am consistently amazed by the author's ability to ratchet up the thrills and keep them at 100%. Apex reads like a Red Bull-fueled adrenaline sprint that will leave you gasping for air--but still having one heck of a good time all the while. The author doesn't pull many punches when it comes to intense action, so squeamish readers take note.
Apex is well-written, with great description and vocabulary. The action scenes in particular are dynamite. They are tightly written, and make you feel like you are right in the thick of things along with Ahlgren and company. Apex does not feature as many of the creepy horror elements as the other books in the series, but rather comes across as more of a straight action thriller with some sci-fi elements. I hope the author brings some of the scary stuff back in future volumes, but I enjoyed the change of pace this time around.
Not only does the action shine in Apex, but so do the characters. Author Aslesen has crafted Max Ahlgren into a John Rambo for our times. More than a generic tough guy, Ahlgren is a character who exemplifies what happens when the system does wrong to a dangerous man. The author's obvious expertise in the military arena helps to lend a certain truth that rings very strongly in the character of Max, and makes him one of the most compelling fictional heroes out there.
In case you can't tell, I enjoyed the book. You will too, and it's a steal at 4 bucks. Pick it up, and I think you'll agree that Ryan Aslesen can run with the best.
Name's Ahlgren.
Apex is a 2019 novel by Marine veteran Ryan Aslesen. It is book three of the outstanding Crucible series, featuring protagonist Max Ahlgren. I would read the first two books in the series before reading Apex.
Apex picks up with Max Ahlgren aggressively searching for the perpetrators behind his family's demise. When an old contact of Max (who is familiar to readers who have read the prequel novella Crucible) comes forward with information, he reveals it comes with a price: Max must first rescue the son of a powerful U.S. Senator before said contact will give up the info. After Max's latest adventures, he is in no hurry to head back into the field, but eventually comes around, despite his misgivings. As Max begins to dig into the disappearance of the Senator's son, he begins to untangle a nefarious plot and comes face-to-face with a madman who could spell doom for the world as we know it.
Apex begins as more of a detective novel than the other entries in the series, a welcome change of pace. However, you don't have to wait long for the action, and boy does Aslesen bring it! The novel very quickly accelerates to breakneck speed, and doesn't slow down until the very last sentence. I am consistently amazed by the author's ability to ratchet up the thrills and keep them at 100%. Apex reads like a Red Bull-fueled adrenaline sprint that will leave you gasping for air--but still having one heck of a good time all the while. The author doesn't pull many punches when it comes to intense action, so squeamish readers take note.
Apex is well-written, with great description and vocabulary. The action scenes in particular are dynamite. They are tightly written, and make you feel like you are right in the thick of things along with Ahlgren and company. Apex does not feature as many of the creepy horror elements as the other books in the series, but rather comes across as more of a straight action thriller with some sci-fi elements. I hope the author brings some of the scary stuff back in future volumes, but I enjoyed the change of pace this time around.
Not only does the action shine in Apex, but so do the characters. Author Aslesen has crafted Max Ahlgren into a John Rambo for our times. More than a generic tough guy, Ahlgren is a character who exemplifies what happens when the system does wrong to a dangerous man. The author's obvious expertise in the military arena helps to lend a certain truth that rings very strongly in the character of Max, and makes him one of the most compelling fictional heroes out there.
In case you can't tell, I enjoyed the book. You will too, and it's a steal at 4 bucks. Pick it up, and I think you'll agree that Ryan Aslesen can run with the best.
June 18, 2019
Apex is gripping. Max Ahlgren is believable as a survivor who takes no prisoners through the way he's written, and in this book, his introduction is great.
This book is not perfect, but it's absolutely great fun. For example, some of the time it's tongue in cheek when it shouldn't necessarily be, if it's a serious situation that comes off as a bit misread or miscommunicated on Aslesen's part.
That being said, Aslesen is great at realising his characters and letting them run around the world, chasing each other. It's gripping, it's knowledgeable when it comes to the nitty gritty Marine information, and it's a fantastic ride to be a part of.
The dialogue itself is fun and exciting, offering a rare insight into each character through subtext. I thought this was especially well done because it elevates the book above just an ordinary, standard read about espionage, Marines, and conspiracy.
The settings are also well realised and blossoming with life.
I would recommend this book to anyone who just wants a bit of fun over the weekend.
This book is not perfect, but it's absolutely great fun. For example, some of the time it's tongue in cheek when it shouldn't necessarily be, if it's a serious situation that comes off as a bit misread or miscommunicated on Aslesen's part.
That being said, Aslesen is great at realising his characters and letting them run around the world, chasing each other. It's gripping, it's knowledgeable when it comes to the nitty gritty Marine information, and it's a fantastic ride to be a part of.
The dialogue itself is fun and exciting, offering a rare insight into each character through subtext. I thought this was especially well done because it elevates the book above just an ordinary, standard read about espionage, Marines, and conspiracy.
The settings are also well realised and blossoming with life.
I would recommend this book to anyone who just wants a bit of fun over the weekend.
July 2, 2019
Heart thumping action… An Exciting book 3
The author Ryan has mastered what it takes to tell a quality detective story with loads of action. I would recommend you read the book one and two before jumping to book three in this crucible series.
Apex is one book that does not waste your time, it opens with an action scene like a Hollywood movie with Max fiercely searching for those behind the death of his family. Deep down the novel, we find Max digging deep to rescue a senator’s kidnapped son at the same time, a lot of hidden plots begins to unearth. He comes one on one with a man whose existence alone meant doom to the world.
This detective novel is fast-paced, it’s the kind of novel I love reading. I love it when the author introduces us to the actions swiftly while at the same time leaving us with many twists to ponder on.
The actions hit you straight to the face just when you barely expect it. Ryan uses a rich vocabulary and good descriptions to put out his points. I definitely had fun reading the pages of this book. You definitely will love it.
The author Ryan has mastered what it takes to tell a quality detective story with loads of action. I would recommend you read the book one and two before jumping to book three in this crucible series.
Apex is one book that does not waste your time, it opens with an action scene like a Hollywood movie with Max fiercely searching for those behind the death of his family. Deep down the novel, we find Max digging deep to rescue a senator’s kidnapped son at the same time, a lot of hidden plots begins to unearth. He comes one on one with a man whose existence alone meant doom to the world.
This detective novel is fast-paced, it’s the kind of novel I love reading. I love it when the author introduces us to the actions swiftly while at the same time leaving us with many twists to ponder on.
The actions hit you straight to the face just when you barely expect it. Ryan uses a rich vocabulary and good descriptions to put out his points. I definitely had fun reading the pages of this book. You definitely will love it.
June 17, 2019
Action meets gore
Apex is the 3rd novel in the Crucible series, and we continue to follow Max as he mourns his murdered family. He gets swept up in a new adventure as he embarks on a mission to save a senator’s son to gain access on information to further his desire to avenge his family’s death. The result is a thrilling action adventure that is rich in well fleshed out characters and a believable plot. Be warned that the author spares no detail in his descriptions so the gore presented isn’t for the faint of heart. Readers of the series will thoroughly enjoy this next chapter. New readers would be advised to read the other two books first as it helps provide some necessary background. If they choose not to, it’s still an understandable novel by itself.
Apex is the 3rd novel in the Crucible series, and we continue to follow Max as he mourns his murdered family. He gets swept up in a new adventure as he embarks on a mission to save a senator’s son to gain access on information to further his desire to avenge his family’s death. The result is a thrilling action adventure that is rich in well fleshed out characters and a believable plot. Be warned that the author spares no detail in his descriptions so the gore presented isn’t for the faint of heart. Readers of the series will thoroughly enjoy this next chapter. New readers would be advised to read the other two books first as it helps provide some necessary background. If they choose not to, it’s still an understandable novel by itself.
May 26, 2019
Okay, but not up to the previous books.
I liked it, it not nearly as exciting as Existential or Undead. Story had lots of promise but the monsters were weak and not nearly as scary as the in the other books. Did not really care for the reporter character, and I guess the author did not either by the way he wrote her. Weak ending.
I liked it, it not nearly as exciting as Existential or Undead. Story had lots of promise but the monsters were weak and not nearly as scary as the in the other books. Did not really care for the reporter character, and I guess the author did not either by the way he wrote her. Weak ending.
January 16, 2020
I enjoyed the series but the formula is getting stale so I couldn't quite find myself loving this one.
December 27, 2022
Well, the perfect streak couldn't last forever.
I've read all of the books in the Crucible series and I've always ended up tremendously satisfied. Both Existential and Undead are amazing books, specially Existential, providing a great mix of action, sci-fi and enough drama to give it that extra oomph and 5 stars outta me. The third book on the series, Apex, just couldn't reach that 5th star.
Now don't get me wrong, Apex is a really awesome book filled with great action and an interesting story before one even reaches the main mission at the halfway mark. However... parts of the story ended up feeling over the top and silly. Readers of the series know that the Crucible world is willing to dip its feet into really "out-there" sci-fi stuff but I honestly found the first two books grounded enough in reality so my immersion in the story didn't suffer one bit. Not so much with Apex.
If you're familiar with the Metal Gear Solid video game series or have at least heard how wacky its story can get, well that's the kind of tone Apex reaches. There's some really, really, REALLY out there stuff in this book that made my enjoyment go from "This is awesome and I can take it seriously" to "Okay, this is kinda dumb but I can still enjoy it."
Again, I enjoyed the book and the action on it is top notch. However, the wacky parts of the plot kinda brought my enjoyment down. If this series continues (and it sure seems like it from the ending) I do hope the author refrains from delving into over-the-top wacky stuff or the rest of the series could go down a really silly, "so bad it's good" path. That may be fine for some but I'd like to take it seriously as much as I can.
4/5
I've read all of the books in the Crucible series and I've always ended up tremendously satisfied. Both Existential and Undead are amazing books, specially Existential, providing a great mix of action, sci-fi and enough drama to give it that extra oomph and 5 stars outta me. The third book on the series, Apex, just couldn't reach that 5th star.
Now don't get me wrong, Apex is a really awesome book filled with great action and an interesting story before one even reaches the main mission at the halfway mark. However... parts of the story ended up feeling over the top and silly. Readers of the series know that the Crucible world is willing to dip its feet into really "out-there" sci-fi stuff but I honestly found the first two books grounded enough in reality so my immersion in the story didn't suffer one bit. Not so much with Apex.
If you're familiar with the Metal Gear Solid video game series or have at least heard how wacky its story can get, well that's the kind of tone Apex reaches. There's some really, really, REALLY out there stuff in this book that made my enjoyment go from "This is awesome and I can take it seriously" to "Okay, this is kinda dumb but I can still enjoy it."
Again, I enjoyed the book and the action on it is top notch. However, the wacky parts of the plot kinda brought my enjoyment down. If this series continues (and it sure seems like it from the ending) I do hope the author refrains from delving into over-the-top wacky stuff or the rest of the series could go down a really silly, "so bad it's good" path. That may be fine for some but I'd like to take it seriously as much as I can.
4/5
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews