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Crucible #4
Nexus
Former Marine Raider Max Ahlgren is on a perilous mission for the FBI. He might not live to collect his payment…
After enduring a hellish ordeal in South America, Max Ahlgren is on the hunt for one of the men who murdered his family. Desperate for leads, he enlists the help of an old friend from the Corps who is now with the FBI. But the favor doesn't come cheap—in return, Max is tasked with helping a fierce yet inexperienced female FBI agent escort a brilliant computer programmer, his young son, and his AI software Nexus safely across the country. Nexus is the most advanced AI processor in the world, able to access any computer network, no matter how secure.
But delivering Nexus may be more dangerous than Max ever imagined. From the neon streets of Vegas to the crumbling facade of Washington DC, Max's cunning and combat skills are put to the test by foreign agents, contract killers, and rogue operatives who will stop at nothing to steal the technology. He doesn't have a choice. Nexus is the key to unlocking his dark past and bringing his own brand of justice to his family's killers.
They want Nexus. Max is going to give them a war.
Max Ahlgren returns in the internationally-bestselling Crucible series. A must-read for science fiction and thriller fans alike, Nexus is a runaway freight train of action and suspense!
After enduring a hellish ordeal in South America, Max Ahlgren is on the hunt for one of the men who murdered his family. Desperate for leads, he enlists the help of an old friend from the Corps who is now with the FBI. But the favor doesn't come cheap—in return, Max is tasked with helping a fierce yet inexperienced female FBI agent escort a brilliant computer programmer, his young son, and his AI software Nexus safely across the country. Nexus is the most advanced AI processor in the world, able to access any computer network, no matter how secure.
But delivering Nexus may be more dangerous than Max ever imagined. From the neon streets of Vegas to the crumbling facade of Washington DC, Max's cunning and combat skills are put to the test by foreign agents, contract killers, and rogue operatives who will stop at nothing to steal the technology. He doesn't have a choice. Nexus is the key to unlocking his dark past and bringing his own brand of justice to his family's killers.
They want Nexus. Max is going to give them a war.
Max Ahlgren returns in the internationally-bestselling Crucible series. A must-read for science fiction and thriller fans alike, Nexus is a runaway freight train of action and suspense!
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2019
24 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Ryan W. Aslesen
36 books71 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 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 8, 2019
"Welcome to Badassery 101. I'm Max Ahlgren, your instructor. There is one required textbook for the class: Nexus."
Nexus is book four in the explosive Crucible series, penned by Ryan Aslesen, who is quickly proving himself to be a master writer in the military sf genre. I would recommend reading the other superb books in the series before tackling Nexus, so you can get the full narrative that leads up to Nexus.
Still on the hunt for his family's killers, alpha male stud muffin Max Ahlgren will not rest until the perps are six feet under. After a shocking turn of events at the end of Apex, Max is more determined than ever to track down the abhorrent Swift Carter. When an old buddy from the Corps reveals to Max that he can get some info on Carter, Max jumps at the opportunity--but there's a catch, of course. Max must escort a brilliant programmer, his son, and a revolutionary A.I. program to safety. His only assistance is from a rookie FBI agent, and beyond her, he can trust no one. What follows is a tale that only the crafty Ryan Aslesen could concoct, one of breathless action and cutting edge technology.
Nexus is much more of a conventional thriller than the previous books in the series. The tale hearkens back to classic cat and mouse spy novels, such as those by Robert Ludlum. Rather than horrifying aliens or zombies, Max gets to fend off shadowy agents, take part in car chases, and do some detective work this time around. It's a nice change up to the series, but I do hope the raw thrills that Aslesen nailed so well in the earlier books make a comeback down the road. The plot device of Max having to tackle missions to find out info on his family's killers is getting a little worn, but Nexus changes up things enough in other ways that it still feels fresh. I particularly enjoyed the change in scenery in the book. How you can you say no to a wild car chase down the Vegas strip? As always, Aslesen writes action scenes that are breathless and manic. Nexus is a nitro-charged V-12 engine that never runs out of gears--and forget about brakes! The book is very well written, with great description and believable use of real equipment, from firearms to tactical gear. There is also some interesting and thought-provoking technology presented in the book that take it in a sci-fi direction. And a well-deserved shout out to that dream sequence; psychedelic, dude!
Characterization is one element that, while excellent in the series as whole, still continues to improve. Aslesen continues to mold Max Ahlgren into a protagonist for the ages. The author delves into the compelling psyche of rage like a virtuoso psychologist. Max is a study in anger and revenge, but coupled with scruples and morals make him a tragic and relatable character. I suspect you'll find some of the author in Max; it's tough to write a character so well unless you've been there yourself.
Ok, I'll shut up, already! Read it. You'll like it. Welcome to the razor's edge of military sf. 'Nuff said.
Nexus is book four in the explosive Crucible series, penned by Ryan Aslesen, who is quickly proving himself to be a master writer in the military sf genre. I would recommend reading the other superb books in the series before tackling Nexus, so you can get the full narrative that leads up to Nexus.
Still on the hunt for his family's killers, alpha male stud muffin Max Ahlgren will not rest until the perps are six feet under. After a shocking turn of events at the end of Apex, Max is more determined than ever to track down the abhorrent Swift Carter. When an old buddy from the Corps reveals to Max that he can get some info on Carter, Max jumps at the opportunity--but there's a catch, of course. Max must escort a brilliant programmer, his son, and a revolutionary A.I. program to safety. His only assistance is from a rookie FBI agent, and beyond her, he can trust no one. What follows is a tale that only the crafty Ryan Aslesen could concoct, one of breathless action and cutting edge technology.
Nexus is much more of a conventional thriller than the previous books in the series. The tale hearkens back to classic cat and mouse spy novels, such as those by Robert Ludlum. Rather than horrifying aliens or zombies, Max gets to fend off shadowy agents, take part in car chases, and do some detective work this time around. It's a nice change up to the series, but I do hope the raw thrills that Aslesen nailed so well in the earlier books make a comeback down the road. The plot device of Max having to tackle missions to find out info on his family's killers is getting a little worn, but Nexus changes up things enough in other ways that it still feels fresh. I particularly enjoyed the change in scenery in the book. How you can you say no to a wild car chase down the Vegas strip? As always, Aslesen writes action scenes that are breathless and manic. Nexus is a nitro-charged V-12 engine that never runs out of gears--and forget about brakes! The book is very well written, with great description and believable use of real equipment, from firearms to tactical gear. There is also some interesting and thought-provoking technology presented in the book that take it in a sci-fi direction. And a well-deserved shout out to that dream sequence; psychedelic, dude!
Characterization is one element that, while excellent in the series as whole, still continues to improve. Aslesen continues to mold Max Ahlgren into a protagonist for the ages. The author delves into the compelling psyche of rage like a virtuoso psychologist. Max is a study in anger and revenge, but coupled with scruples and morals make him a tragic and relatable character. I suspect you'll find some of the author in Max; it's tough to write a character so well unless you've been there yourself.
Ok, I'll shut up, already! Read it. You'll like it. Welcome to the razor's edge of military sf. 'Nuff said.
December 14, 2019
Another Max winner!
This is fast becoming one of my favorite action series. Part special operations, part horror, and part sci-fi. But always plenty of action. Looking forward to another Max Ahlgren thriller soon.
This is fast becoming one of my favorite action series. Part special operations, part horror, and part sci-fi. But always plenty of action. Looking forward to another Max Ahlgren thriller soon.
October 21, 2019
Aslesen seems to be writing books that are episodes in the rather hectic life of Max Ahlgren. It is described as a thriller, and thrills it provides. It is essentially non-stop action with only trivial pauses (about 1 page!) to catch your breath. My guess is, Aslesen hopes Hollywood will take notice. There are two plots. The first is presumably of the series, where Max is hunting down people who murdered his wife, presumably one per book, and this book is devoted to a Mr Swift. This part is, in my opinion, not done that well. What I feel would be more appropriate would be to devote time to actually locating his quarry, etc, but there is no slowing the action. Max is a slow learner – he should not gloat because when he wins, he ends up losing, and I considered this to be merely an excuse for more of the same. Characters here are not deep.
That plot is fortunately only a minor one, more a sub-plot for the book, because it is really somewhat formulaic. The major plot involves Max having to protect a young female FBI agent and an Israeli scientist who has developed Nexus, is in San Francisco, and somehow has to get to Washington. No, don't ask how this situation arose. The naming of young females associated with Max takes a bit of getting used to too; it appears in the previous book it was Heat; this time it is Leet. However, in the matter relating to Nexus Aslesen shows real imagination and genuine skill in creating something worth reading. Unfortunately, I can't say more without spoiling. The writing is clear and very fast-paced. The characters are, well, what you expect, and basically the descriptions are sparse so as not to get in the road of the action. So if you are into action stories and can tolerate it being somewhat over the top at times, this is very much worth reading.
That plot is fortunately only a minor one, more a sub-plot for the book, because it is really somewhat formulaic. The major plot involves Max having to protect a young female FBI agent and an Israeli scientist who has developed Nexus, is in San Francisco, and somehow has to get to Washington. No, don't ask how this situation arose. The naming of young females associated with Max takes a bit of getting used to too; it appears in the previous book it was Heat; this time it is Leet. However, in the matter relating to Nexus Aslesen shows real imagination and genuine skill in creating something worth reading. Unfortunately, I can't say more without spoiling. The writing is clear and very fast-paced. The characters are, well, what you expect, and basically the descriptions are sparse so as not to get in the road of the action. So if you are into action stories and can tolerate it being somewhat over the top at times, this is very much worth reading.
September 15, 2019
Written smartly at a whip-crack pace, the Max Ahlgren novels have become a favorite series of mine. Ryan always delivers a great mix of military sci-fi and horror, and now with book 4, techno thrills as Max finds himself escorting a brilliant computer programmer, and his young son, across the country with the help of an FBI agent. Highly recommended for anyone who loves their stories full of suspense and action. Eagerly awaiting book 5.
October 17, 2019
Max is back and on the hunt
Nexus is a fast paced action packed thriller where we find our main character Max Ahlgren back and still searching for those responsible for the most tragic event in his life. This is the fourth installment and Max now finds himself helping a young inexperienced FBI agent take her charges across the country. The programmer they are delivering has brought with him his son and the most cutting edge AI software known as Nexus. Max must use his skills to insure the safe arrival of these people. Along the way Max will be tested like never before and will need all of his training to stay alive and protect the ones he travels with. This is a great story and the characters are well developed and relatable. Check this one out folks it’s an action packed fun read.
Nexus is a fast paced action packed thriller where we find our main character Max Ahlgren back and still searching for those responsible for the most tragic event in his life. This is the fourth installment and Max now finds himself helping a young inexperienced FBI agent take her charges across the country. The programmer they are delivering has brought with him his son and the most cutting edge AI software known as Nexus. Max must use his skills to insure the safe arrival of these people. Along the way Max will be tested like never before and will need all of his training to stay alive and protect the ones he travels with. This is a great story and the characters are well developed and relatable. Check this one out folks it’s an action packed fun read.
September 14, 2020
A further continuation of the life of Max Algren, and the search for truth. The truth of was behind the killing of his family, book by book he gets closer to the final answer. The main theme running thru the novel reminds of a Clint Eastwood movie called The Gauntlet. Still fairly original and entertaining. Not as paranormal as his previous novels, but still worth the read.
December 18, 2019
Another action packed hit! I love how Aslesen writes with such vivid detail, it makes me feel like I’m there. This story has a little bit of everything. Can’t wait to see what awaits Max Algren next!!!
January 30, 2020
If you enjoyed his other work this is very well done
Nice change of pace but some really interesting thoughts based on the story itself. Very well done to the author.
Thank you
Nice change of pace but some really interesting thoughts based on the story itself. Very well done to the author.
Thank you
June 18, 2020
Fue un viaje interesante hasta el final, ¡me encantó y Max siempre cumple! El final fue tan hermoso y triste que derramé una lágrima. Realmente genial y voy a extrañar al niño.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2023
Hard core action with soul.
This series rocks. Non stop
action with heart. Mr Aslesen has top tier talent and I look forward to reading everything he writes.
This series rocks. Non stop
action with heart. Mr Aslesen has top tier talent and I look forward to reading everything he writes.
October 23, 2019
Disciplined, dedicated, and very deadly Max Ahlgren is back to seek revenge for the death of his family. Nexus: A Max Ahlgren Novel by Ryan Aslesen is the fourth in the Crucible series that makes this man seem invincible. After failed attempts to get a scientist and his son to safety, they commission Max to take on this assignment to gain more information about Swift Carter, the killer Max has been after. From the beginning Max encounters adversaries as never before. Will he be able to complete this mission where others have failed miserably?
It impressed me with how well-written and descriptive Nexus is from the beginning. Ryan Aslesen starts out his novel with action and captivating battle to ensure the AI that Scientist Farber has reaches the right hands. Action moves swiftly from one scene to the next, but it is never far away. With an edgy precision, Aslesen applies all the elements that make a power-pack military thriller; personal vendetta, dedicated hero, and action that engages his readers.
It impressed me with how well-written and descriptive Nexus is from the beginning. Ryan Aslesen starts out his novel with action and captivating battle to ensure the AI that Scientist Farber has reaches the right hands. Action moves swiftly from one scene to the next, but it is never far away. With an edgy precision, Aslesen applies all the elements that make a power-pack military thriller; personal vendetta, dedicated hero, and action that engages his readers.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews