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Ziva Payvan #2
Nexus
"Someone out there chose the wrong person to start this fight with, and it will have been the last mistake they ever made."
It has been two months since the mission to Dakiti that brought Ziva Payvan and her special operations team face-to-face with death. But like any other mission, she has put it behind her and keeps her focus directed toward whatever comes next. Life for HSP’s Alpha spec ops team has essentially returned to normal.
But then a Haphezian dignitary is found murdered in his private residence, and Ziva is shocked to find herself at the center of the investigation. The mark of a professional killer. The irrefutable evidence. Even the motive. All of it seems to point directly to her. There’s just one problem: she didn’t do it.
Hunted by a ruthless HSP captain, Ziva must go on the run from the very people who taught her everything she knows. The agency that once had her back is now her biggest threat; those she considered allies have turned against her or have their hands tied. As a skilled assassin who has been trained to be invisible, evading her pursuers seems like an easy task, but her own skills can only take her so far. Desperate to clear her name and find the real killer, Ziva turns to an old acquaintance, a man who saved her life once…and the last person she ever planned on asking for help.
It has been two months since the mission to Dakiti that brought Ziva Payvan and her special operations team face-to-face with death. But like any other mission, she has put it behind her and keeps her focus directed toward whatever comes next. Life for HSP’s Alpha spec ops team has essentially returned to normal.
But then a Haphezian dignitary is found murdered in his private residence, and Ziva is shocked to find herself at the center of the investigation. The mark of a professional killer. The irrefutable evidence. Even the motive. All of it seems to point directly to her. There’s just one problem: she didn’t do it.
Hunted by a ruthless HSP captain, Ziva must go on the run from the very people who taught her everything she knows. The agency that once had her back is now her biggest threat; those she considered allies have turned against her or have their hands tied. As a skilled assassin who has been trained to be invisible, evading her pursuers seems like an easy task, but her own skills can only take her so far. Desperate to clear her name and find the real killer, Ziva turns to an old acquaintance, a man who saved her life once…and the last person she ever planned on asking for help.
Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2014
About the author
E.J. Fisch
12 books122 followersEJ Fisch is a long-time action junkie and fan of the science fiction genre. She’ll readily admit that she has a vivid imagination, which can be both a blessing and a curse. She has been writing as a hobby since junior high and began publishing in the spring of 2014. They say write what you like to read, so her Ziva Payvan series combines her two favorite genres—space opera and spy thriller—and has been lauded for its grit, compelling character development, and many twists and turns.
When she’s not busy writing or working her day job as a data analyst in the medical field, she enjoys listening to music, working on concept art, reading, gaming, and spending time with her animals. She currently resides in southern Oregon.
Visit www.ejfisch.com or subscribe to the Updates From EJ newsletter to stay up to date on the progress of her work. Catch the occasional writing excerpt, view concept art, and more!
Have questions? Comments? Thoughts about characters or plot points? Drop a note on the website, here on Goodreads, or email at ej@ejfisch.com!
When she’s not busy writing or working her day job as a data analyst in the medical field, she enjoys listening to music, working on concept art, reading, gaming, and spending time with her animals. She currently resides in southern Oregon.
Visit www.ejfisch.com or subscribe to the Updates From EJ newsletter to stay up to date on the progress of her work. Catch the occasional writing excerpt, view concept art, and more!
Have questions? Comments? Thoughts about characters or plot points? Drop a note on the website, here on Goodreads, or email at ej@ejfisch.com!
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 8, 2020
I enjoyed reviewing the first book in this series, Dakiti, so when the offered offered me this one as well, I was happy to accept!
Right off the bat, this book actually fixes a lot of the little problems I had with the first one. In that one, Ziva felt like this great untouchable badass. And while she was very close to her teammates, it felt like it never crossed the line between professional colleagues and a found family. This book, however, puts Ziva in a much more vulnerable place and tests the bonds of those around her, creating a much more rounded character and a greater sense of found family.
The plot continues to be as action-packed and quick moving as it was before. There was a ton of tension and twists and turns, with major reveals. Admittedly, there was a secondary plot that seemed a bit slow-placed. The scenes on Argall for most of the first two-thirds of the book felt more like a reminder that it was there, with it's own particular conflict. Although once it was tied together, it made more sense.
The worldbuilding was also much more in depth on this one. I don't tend to be the quickest to pick up those little setting details, so a lot of them escaped me. But the descriptions of the various locations was well thought out. It was easy to imagine where they were at all times, which added a real sense of place. For some reason, I can't help but appreciate their curse words as well. Low key want to add "sheyss" in my day to day life.
The relationship between Ziva and Aroska definitely seems to have grown and I can't get the best handle on where the author is going with it next. Although if it does end up turning romantic, I'm a sucker for a slow-burn, so I don't mind it taking it's time. Still, I would like more emphasis on Ziva's relationship with Skeet and Zinni. Or between Skeet and Zinni. Something out of the military, action-focused plotting that the first two books gave them and something more emotional, like the scenes Ziva got with Aroska and Kat. They're definitely closer to a found family than they were before, but not quite LOOK HOW MUCH THEY LOVE EACH OTHER territory yet. (Although, to be fair, that could be due to where Ziva is in her character arc.)
The ending wasn't quite as gigantic as the first one (wherein the action seemed to take up a full third of the book) but it did wrap everything up nicely. I also appreciated the set up for the third book, Ronan, that is also on my review list.
All in all, it continues to be a fast-paced military sci-fi, giving you more of what you (presumably) liked in Dakiti. But this book adds a lot more emotions into the story, and to it's credit. I, for one, prefer my sci-fi to be filled with weirdness, action, AND feelings.
Right off the bat, this book actually fixes a lot of the little problems I had with the first one. In that one, Ziva felt like this great untouchable badass. And while she was very close to her teammates, it felt like it never crossed the line between professional colleagues and a found family. This book, however, puts Ziva in a much more vulnerable place and tests the bonds of those around her, creating a much more rounded character and a greater sense of found family.
The plot continues to be as action-packed and quick moving as it was before. There was a ton of tension and twists and turns, with major reveals. Admittedly, there was a secondary plot that seemed a bit slow-placed. The scenes on Argall for most of the first two-thirds of the book felt more like a reminder that it was there, with it's own particular conflict. Although once it was tied together, it made more sense.
The worldbuilding was also much more in depth on this one. I don't tend to be the quickest to pick up those little setting details, so a lot of them escaped me. But the descriptions of the various locations was well thought out. It was easy to imagine where they were at all times, which added a real sense of place. For some reason, I can't help but appreciate their curse words as well. Low key want to add "sheyss" in my day to day life.
The relationship between Ziva and Aroska definitely seems to have grown and I can't get the best handle on where the author is going with it next. Although if it does end up turning romantic, I'm a sucker for a slow-burn, so I don't mind it taking it's time. Still, I would like more emphasis on Ziva's relationship with Skeet and Zinni. Or between Skeet and Zinni. Something out of the military, action-focused plotting that the first two books gave them and something more emotional, like the scenes Ziva got with Aroska and Kat. They're definitely closer to a found family than they were before, but not quite LOOK HOW MUCH THEY LOVE EACH OTHER territory yet. (Although, to be fair, that could be due to where Ziva is in her character arc.)
The ending wasn't quite as gigantic as the first one (wherein the action seemed to take up a full third of the book) but it did wrap everything up nicely. I also appreciated the set up for the third book, Ronan, that is also on my review list.
All in all, it continues to be a fast-paced military sci-fi, giving you more of what you (presumably) liked in Dakiti. But this book adds a lot more emotions into the story, and to it's credit. I, for one, prefer my sci-fi to be filled with weirdness, action, AND feelings.
December 18, 2014
How's this for a book recommendation: I purposely read other books for my challenge setup so I wouldn't finish this one too quickly.
Biggest endorsement I can give is now this whole series will be on my instabuy list. Save my wallet!
I'm a sucker for character driven sci fi with new and interesting worlds.
Biggest endorsement I can give is now this whole series will be on my instabuy list. Save my wallet!
I'm a sucker for character driven sci fi with new and interesting worlds.
November 19, 2016
Gripping from start to finish, this second book in the Ziva Payvan series is a mix of crime mystery and fugitive thriller set in a sci-fi space world. The main characters only grew in depth, and I am ready to read the third installment!
November 1, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyable story, with plenty of interesting people but not so many as to get confusing. Not too much techno babble either.
The main character is still quite difficult to sympathise with, but progress is being made!
Definitely worth a read if you're into space/crime type novels.
The main character is still quite difficult to sympathise with, but progress is being made!
Definitely worth a read if you're into space/crime type novels.
October 14, 2025
fantastic sequel
I had so much fun reading the next installment in this series. It grabs from the beginning and has you wondering through each chapter how Ziva is going to get out of her jam. Great side characters push the quest through to a nice conclusion. Very excited to read book 3.
I had so much fun reading the next installment in this series. It grabs from the beginning and has you wondering through each chapter how Ziva is going to get out of her jam. Great side characters push the quest through to a nice conclusion. Very excited to read book 3.
September 18, 2020
Don't mess with Ziva...
January 13, 2024
Excellent story and extremely captivating writing.
Very well written. The perfect amount of action, suspense and mystery keeping you captivated to get to the next page but making sure you read every word before turning to it.
Very well written. The perfect amount of action, suspense and mystery keeping you captivated to get to the next page but making sure you read every word before turning to it.
July 9, 2015
As the second book in the brilliant Ziva Payvan series, Nexus not only lived up to its predecessor (Dakiti), but also surpassed it by demonstrating how much the author has grown since writing her first book. Though the plots of the two books can be considered separate, and don't /directly/ crossover, it is highly recommended that you first read Dakiti before taking on Nexus. To fully appreciate the development of characters and their evolving relationships, in my opinion, the first book /needs/ to be read.
E. J. Fisch tackles characters and their arcs in a way that gives the reader a sense of an overarching story. This is simultaneously separate from the main plot and interwoven throughout it - the way she focuses on dialogue and body language, as well as individual character interaction and reactions is brilliant. You can't help but fall in love with the characters she has crafted. And it's not only the protagonist that receives all the love! No - she pays close attention to the supporting cast as well (i.e. Zinni, Skeet, Kat, Kade, etc.), and they are just as nuanced and /real/ as the main characters (Ziva and Aroska). It's Fisch's masterful grip on character that impresses me most. That, and her ability to create tension and engage the reader in the wonderfully fast-paced action scenes that make an awesome "movie" in your mind (speaking of movies, this series could be kickass as a film trilogy).
The sci-fi aspects of the book were also done super-well - I love the way Fisch created settings that felt /alive/. Bustling spaceports, cramped quarters, ALIENS!!, fully sick weaponry & an awesome alien culture - it all reminded me of what I love about Star Wars and science fiction in general.
The ending was both satisfying and open-ended, which (I'm sure) will lead into the next book (Ronan). It left me with a feeling of more to come, of present contentment, but future strife. Fisch also did a wonderful job of piquing my interest in the third book, by sprinkling mentions of this mysterious "Ronan" - I look forward to seeing the foreshadowing come to fruition.
Wrapping this review up with a little bit of a TL;DR (even if you skim this review, you should DEFINITELY read this series!):
- Read Dakiti before you take on Nexus!! (highly recommended)
- Fisch's character connections & relationships is what makes her stories beautiful & real
- Nexus demonstrates how much she has grown as a writer - I'm sure the next book will show even more progression
- The action sequences are fast-paced and, in a word, AWESOME
- Somebody make this series into a film trilogy, stat!
E. J. Fisch tackles characters and their arcs in a way that gives the reader a sense of an overarching story. This is simultaneously separate from the main plot and interwoven throughout it - the way she focuses on dialogue and body language, as well as individual character interaction and reactions is brilliant. You can't help but fall in love with the characters she has crafted. And it's not only the protagonist that receives all the love! No - she pays close attention to the supporting cast as well (i.e. Zinni, Skeet, Kat, Kade, etc.), and they are just as nuanced and /real/ as the main characters (Ziva and Aroska). It's Fisch's masterful grip on character that impresses me most. That, and her ability to create tension and engage the reader in the wonderfully fast-paced action scenes that make an awesome "movie" in your mind (speaking of movies, this series could be kickass as a film trilogy).
The sci-fi aspects of the book were also done super-well - I love the way Fisch created settings that felt /alive/. Bustling spaceports, cramped quarters, ALIENS!!, fully sick weaponry & an awesome alien culture - it all reminded me of what I love about Star Wars and science fiction in general.
The ending was both satisfying and open-ended, which (I'm sure) will lead into the next book (Ronan). It left me with a feeling of more to come, of present contentment, but future strife. Fisch also did a wonderful job of piquing my interest in the third book, by sprinkling mentions of this mysterious "Ronan" - I look forward to seeing the foreshadowing come to fruition.
Wrapping this review up with a little bit of a TL;DR (even if you skim this review, you should DEFINITELY read this series!):
- Read Dakiti before you take on Nexus!! (highly recommended)
- Fisch's character connections & relationships is what makes her stories beautiful & real
- Nexus demonstrates how much she has grown as a writer - I'm sure the next book will show even more progression
- The action sequences are fast-paced and, in a word, AWESOME
- Somebody make this series into a film trilogy, stat!
Read
September 22, 2023Great sci-fi, great story
I was introduced to Ziva Payvan as one book in a group of 7, and had to continue the series. Great, complex characters, lots of twists and turns, and excellent storytelling. Looking forward to continuing this series.
I was introduced to Ziva Payvan as one book in a group of 7, and had to continue the series. Great, complex characters, lots of twists and turns, and excellent storytelling. Looking forward to continuing this series.
December 20, 2014
Another fantastic book in this series!
I loved this new book and getting to see more of Ziva and her friends again. In this new story Ziva is faced with a plot by unknown bad guys to set her up for the assassination of an important HSP official. Ziva is soon forced on the run and ends up going to Aroska for help. The story goes on from there as Ziva and her friends gradually uncover the plot and figure out what is really going on. There is plenty of action, unexpected twists and turns, and also a set-up for the next book in the series. I won’t say more than that or it will spoil it for you.
I liked the way this book showed more of Ziva’s character and revealed a bit more of the why behind the way she is. There is still plenty of mystery around her past but a few more snippets were uncovered in this book that reveal a bit of Ziva’s vulnerabilities. There isn’t too much further detail on the political state of the universe at large, the Nosti, or the Haphezian culture, but I again felt that this made the focus of the story more about the plot surrounding Ziva than the sci-fi world the author created. Which was good in terms of getting into the story, but still a bit frustrating in terms of understanding the world Ziva and the other characters in the book live in.
Overall this was another great read with fantastic characters, good plot development, and plenty of thrilling plot twists and action scenes. The only thing I was hoping to see in here that wasn’t there was a bit more romance between Ziva and Aroska – but if the way things went over in this book is any indication I don’t think that will be happening anytime soon. I’d recommend picking this up if you’re looking for a very well written sci-fi action/thriller/mystery kind of book and have read Dakiti – the first book in this series. Note that this book is actually a standalone story not necessarily tied to the first book, but it helps to be familiar with the main characters and the world to really get into this story.
I loved this new book and getting to see more of Ziva and her friends again. In this new story Ziva is faced with a plot by unknown bad guys to set her up for the assassination of an important HSP official. Ziva is soon forced on the run and ends up going to Aroska for help. The story goes on from there as Ziva and her friends gradually uncover the plot and figure out what is really going on. There is plenty of action, unexpected twists and turns, and also a set-up for the next book in the series. I won’t say more than that or it will spoil it for you.
I liked the way this book showed more of Ziva’s character and revealed a bit more of the why behind the way she is. There is still plenty of mystery around her past but a few more snippets were uncovered in this book that reveal a bit of Ziva’s vulnerabilities. There isn’t too much further detail on the political state of the universe at large, the Nosti, or the Haphezian culture, but I again felt that this made the focus of the story more about the plot surrounding Ziva than the sci-fi world the author created. Which was good in terms of getting into the story, but still a bit frustrating in terms of understanding the world Ziva and the other characters in the book live in.
Overall this was another great read with fantastic characters, good plot development, and plenty of thrilling plot twists and action scenes. The only thing I was hoping to see in here that wasn’t there was a bit more romance between Ziva and Aroska – but if the way things went over in this book is any indication I don’t think that will be happening anytime soon. I’d recommend picking this up if you’re looking for a very well written sci-fi action/thriller/mystery kind of book and have read Dakiti – the first book in this series. Note that this book is actually a standalone story not necessarily tied to the first book, but it helps to be familiar with the main characters and the world to really get into this story.
October 13, 2014
How far will you go to survive?
NEXUS is above all a story about survival – physical survival, but also emotional survival. Anyone who has read DAKITI will not be surprised to discover that Ziva Payvan possesses a very, very strong survival instinct, but to see it in action is nevertheless an impressive sight.
Yet for all her formidable strength and determination, we also begin to see hints of her inner fragility. In Book One, Ziva was a force of nature; in Book Two that force of nature is revealed to be ‘human’ (so to speak). NEXUS asks the question of *why* one fights to survive, and the answers prove quite interesting.
The other characters we met in DAKITI are by no means forgotten; on the contrary, they are given the opportunity to shine both alongside Ziva and outside of her shadow. Aroska Tarbic continues to be an intriguing, complex and ever-evolving character as he and Ziva struggle against one another and themselves. We also get to know several new characters, the most refreshing and heartbreaking of which is Kat Reilly.
Oh, the plot! (sorry, I got caught up in the characters). The plot is a detective story disguised as a thrilling, frenetic, dangerous race across multiple planets and locales. It careens forward at a breakneck pace almost from the first page and definitely through the last. The moments when you and the characters are allowed to take a breath often arrive unexpectedly, and are all the more powerful for it.
Now that we know these characters so well, I am very much looking forward to following them on to what I’m certain will be another wild ride in Book Three.
NEXUS is above all a story about survival – physical survival, but also emotional survival. Anyone who has read DAKITI will not be surprised to discover that Ziva Payvan possesses a very, very strong survival instinct, but to see it in action is nevertheless an impressive sight.
Yet for all her formidable strength and determination, we also begin to see hints of her inner fragility. In Book One, Ziva was a force of nature; in Book Two that force of nature is revealed to be ‘human’ (so to speak). NEXUS asks the question of *why* one fights to survive, and the answers prove quite interesting.
The other characters we met in DAKITI are by no means forgotten; on the contrary, they are given the opportunity to shine both alongside Ziva and outside of her shadow. Aroska Tarbic continues to be an intriguing, complex and ever-evolving character as he and Ziva struggle against one another and themselves. We also get to know several new characters, the most refreshing and heartbreaking of which is Kat Reilly.
Oh, the plot! (sorry, I got caught up in the characters). The plot is a detective story disguised as a thrilling, frenetic, dangerous race across multiple planets and locales. It careens forward at a breakneck pace almost from the first page and definitely through the last. The moments when you and the characters are allowed to take a breath often arrive unexpectedly, and are all the more powerful for it.
Now that we know these characters so well, I am very much looking forward to following them on to what I’m certain will be another wild ride in Book Three.
October 27, 2014
The characters in this series just keep getting better and better. I really love how the author does not rush things in that respect, particularly between Ziva and Aroska. And while those two certainly take centre stage, I love that the other surrounding characters are so much a part of the story and as a reader, I feel as attached to them as the two main characters. The story itself was interesting with a fair bit of action. There was only one place I really had to go back and re-read, and that was in the staged death and escape. I couldn't figure out why Diago wouldn't want to actually have the body or why Ziva wouldn't have considered that he may want concrete proof of her death. In my mind, she left a lot to chance. I also could not figure out why Aroska left her lying down in the river bed once all the cameras and other agents were gone. Other than that and the fact that I felt Ziva should have had more backing from the get go from the Director, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. The whole "guilty until proven innocent" also provides and interesting read. I think the author hits the nail on the head with the way people seem less motivated to prove someone innocent than to prove someone guilty. Food for thought. I'm definitely looking forward to the next in the series and I feel that the characters are so strong that the series could continue on for a long time. I secretly hope this will be the case!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2014
Nexus is the exciting sequel to Dakiti that takes readers on a new adventure with Ziva, Aroska, and the rest of the gang while introducing several new and interesting characters. This time, the story takes us beyond Haphez as Ziva tries to stay one step ahead of her enemy, an adversary who is arguably much more cunning and dangerous than the one she encountered in Dakiti, and someone with whom Ziva has a rather troublesome history. That dynamic would make for a very interesting plot on it's own, but it's delving deeper into Ziva's past and the introduction of new characters who are just as captivating as the ones we met in the first book that make this story one you won't want to put down.
EJ Fisch knows how to create strong characters and forge very real and dynamic connections between all of them, but it's the relationship between Ziva and Aroska that takes center stage here. At times heartbreaking, at others humorous, and always complicated, watching the relationship develop as two characters interact is intriguing. If you're looking for a fast-paced story with characters that are just as strong as it's plot, then this is the book for you.
EJ Fisch knows how to create strong characters and forge very real and dynamic connections between all of them, but it's the relationship between Ziva and Aroska that takes center stage here. At times heartbreaking, at others humorous, and always complicated, watching the relationship develop as two characters interact is intriguing. If you're looking for a fast-paced story with characters that are just as strong as it's plot, then this is the book for you.
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Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Nexus-Audi...
Chirp: https://www.chirpbooks.com/audiobooks...
Apple: https://books.apple.com/.../nexus-ziv...
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/audiobook/...
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2qlOXDK...
Also available in ebook, paperback, and hardcover. Find it at your favorite retailer!
books2read.com/nexus
May 23, 2016
Using the GR scale - I Liked This. But it wasn't as good as the first one. The build-up and challenges were toned down, though the ending was strong.
I'll read the next one.
I'll read the next one.
August 3, 2024
Non-stop read; a big conspiracy and plenty of action.
Did Not Finish
April 3, 2025DNF 10%
June 2, 2016
An enjoyable book. The best is that the characters are such that they continue to grow on you. Each book is like revisiting old friends.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews