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Cerberus #2

Terminal Secrets

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Nolan Garrett is on the hunt for traitors, and it just got personal!

His targets: a pair of thieves who broke into a military armory. Already, the stolen high-grade weapons have flooded the streets of New Avalon with blood.

Nolan’s pursuit brings him to the last place in the universe he’d want to go…home.

On the planet he thought he’d left behind forever, he is swept up in a local war between his first love and his oldest enemy.

In the heat of battle, he will uncover dark secrets that, if brought to light, could destroy him—and the woman he loved—forever.

425 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 12, 2020

223 people are currently reading
89 people want to read

About the author

Andy Peloquin

89 books1,295 followers
I am, first and foremost, a storyteller and an artist--words are my palette. Fantasy is my genre of choice, and I love to explore the darker side of human nature through the filter of fantasy heroes, villains, and everything in between. I'm also a freelance writer, a book lover, and a guy who just loves to meet new people and spend hours talking about my fascination for the worlds I encounter in the pages of fantasy novels.

Fantasy provides us with an escape, a way to forget about our mundane problems and step into worlds where anything is possible. It transcends age, gender, religion, race, or lifestyle--it is our way of believing what cannot be, delving into the unknowable, and discovering hidden truths about ourselves and our world in a brand new way. Fiction at its very best!

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5 stars
179 (52%)
4 stars
115 (33%)
3 stars
40 (11%)
2 stars
7 (2%)
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3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for C.T. Phipps.
Author 93 books670 followers
May 2, 2022
I was a big fan of CERBERUS: ASSASSINATION PROTOCOL when it came out a few months ago and pre-ordered the sequel after I finished it. It was a solid gritty space opera story about an assassin working for a corrupt government and it ended on a cliffhanger. Now the sequel has arrived on my Kindle and I swiftly read it through in a single day. I very much enjoyed it and while I have a few issues, I am all ready for the third book in the series.

The premise is Nolan Garret is the assassin Cerberus. A former space marine called a Silverguard, he rids the galaxy of its worst scum for his employer. Unfortunately, Nolan is over a barrel as his brother is imprisoned for treason and his boss doesn't mind using that for leverage. Having uncovered his boss is involved in criminal dealings, he's decided to play it cool and continue to investigate while pretending to be a loyal employee. This sends him back to his homeworld, currently in a mining dispute between corporations, and causes him to face his past.

I like Nolan Garret as a protagonist and think he's always entertaining to read. He's a man fanatically devoted to the honor of the Silverguard, even when it's increasingly clear that not all of them hold the same degree of nobility that he ascribes to its members. He's also an assassin who makes ample use of technology as well as his wits to do some truly thrilling action scenes. He's a bit too noble but has enough flaws that it's still believable. I also like his relationship with his A.I. who provides a kind of sounding board for a lot of inner character development that wouldn't otherwise be possible.

This book has a strong contrast to the first one as instead of taking place in a densely packed urban cityscape, it goes to a rural mining community that isn't too far removed from the 20th century. The book takes on the features of a Neo-Western, really, with Nolan being the gunslinger who needs to protect the locals from the big bad newcomers that are polluting the area by extracting heavy metals. They have military grade weapons and a bunch of goons that our hero is going to have to go through one-by-one in order to stop it. Thankfully, this doesn't have to be done on his own time since his target as a government assassin is one of them.

Complicating this issue is the fact that Moabus is his hometown and it's full of uncomfortable relationships he's left behind like his ex-girlfriend Callie as well as school rival Gavin that is now part of the bad guy's mooks. He's also still suffering from the traumatic death of his parents in a car accident that he was part of. Enough of an event that he never wanted to return to Moabus again despite his lingering feelings for Callie. There's a lot of good action, mystery, adventure, and crazy sci-fi battle scenes through the book. Fans of progressive fiction will also note there's a trans character that Garret knew as a child growing up whose existence gets a, "Oh that's neat. Good for you" reaction.

Criticism-wise, I have to say I much preferred the gritty megacity setting of the first book. Moabus feels a little too normal and while farmers like Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru can exist in science fiction, it hurt the feel of the book I believe to have things so similar to present times. I will admit to finding humor that flannel and Daisy Dukes survive to the 41st century. I also feel the narrative made an excellent twist about something one of Garret's love interests did to him that was genuinely shocking, only to roll it back and reduce the impact of the event. Finally, there's a character named Hal that I very much liked but didn't think they got nearly enough screen-time.

In conclusion, I definitely am going to be picking up the second volume. If you like audiobooks, I also recommend picking up the Audible version as the narrator did a fantastic job.
Profile Image for Shivani McFarland.
295 reviews2 followers
April 27, 2020
Andy Peloquin's (Cerberus#2) "Terminal Secrets" has Nolan Garrett in his next assignment off world tracking a supposed terrorist. If you are familiar with Andy's work then you know it will be exciting, action packed, and every which way emotionally. Nobody said going home was easy, with ghost from his past and the urge to leave your old self behind and reinvent yourself, returning can be a very soul searching experience if not painful. The story has very relatable characters and reminds me a little of a western on a small backwoods planet, it's fun, it's fast and entertaining as heck.
Profile Image for Lara R..
384 reviews10 followers
November 1, 2025
This series just keeps getting better! Terminal Secrets pulled me right back into Nolan’s world, and I couldn’t put it down. The action, the tension, and those little emotional punches along the way were all spot on.

I really like how the story keeps expanding, showing more of the world and the people around Nolan while still keeping that gritty, personal feel. Andy Peloquin knows exactly how to balance heart, action, and moral grayness — I’m already itching to read the next one!
Profile Image for K.D. Marchesi.
Author 1 book88 followers
July 10, 2025
3.5 rounded up

Another enjoyable instalment of this fast paced sci-fi series. I enjoyed that we got a little more backstory of the main character Nolan while building intrigue for the assumed dead, secret agent he had to leave behind.

Looking forward to book three!
272 reviews5 followers
May 12, 2020
Andy has done it again. Nolan Garrets take no prisoners attitude is cold and conscience just as he is when he gets down to business taking out the bad guys. Going back to his beginnings and having to face some self demons whilst getting his next mission done. He faces the odds against him with the help of Taia and a few people from his past. Terminal Secrets will take you on a wild ride full of adventure, action, difficult situations and Nolan doing what he does best.
Profile Image for R.
360 reviews5 followers
May 12, 2020
Extremely easy to get totally drawn into.

This 'grab you by the b***s' story got my attention from the get go.

I like how seamlessly the story rolled straight from the previous book. It was like watching a film, then going to make a coffee and get a snack, and finally sitting back down and pressing play to take up where you left off, which I really enjoy in a series. It's a different story of course, but the main character is still the same, the landscape is still battered and damaged from the previous books fighting, yeah I like that sorta thing.

So Nolan aka Cerberus, has a new mission, but he has a house guest to leave his Ai Taia to watch over as he heads off and gets into the stride of this mission, but things are more personal this time around. You see, the unsettling thing is; he's going home.

His new target is suspected of being on planet Moabus. That is where Nolan spent the first 18 yrs of his life and where he ran from to join the Imperial Assault Forces as soon as he was old enough, leaving behind many painful memories. Memories of his parents death, the orphanage where he and his younger brother grew up and where he left the first real love of his life. Whom he left behind without even saying goodbye.

Now imagine going back but no one must know who you work for or what you do. And of course now he's an invalid in a wheelchair. No one on Moabus knows about that. Nolan must play the part of an old medded out soldier looking for a job. Whilst all the while seeking out his target. Sounds simple, but of course it really isn't, in fact it couldn't be more complicated for him.
All the old feelings he thought he left behind for ever are being churned up within hours of his arrival, complicating things. And feelings he has no time for are resurfacing at the worst possible time. He has a job to do and nothing can be allowed to get in the way of that.

This story will blow your socks off. All the info I have given you is literally just the tip of the iceberg. There is a huge amount of gun blazing action, teeth grinding danger and pain, lots of pain!

There's a secret or two to uncover, and lots of baggage from the past to deal with. There is so much good stuff to enjoy!

Do I think it's worth a read? Hell yeah, I totally do! It's b**s to the wall, hard as nails and I loved every minute of it!
Profile Image for Lana.
2,776 reviews59 followers
May 2, 2020
Nolan is tested to his limits in this 2nd book in the Cerberus series, as he is sent to assassinate someone for the Protection Bureau, for an apparent terrorist attack but he gets sent on his mission to his own home planet Moabus. A planet he had enrolled in the army to escape from, because it held only emotional heartbreak for him, he had lost his parents in what was supposed to be a car accident, had spent his youth in an orphanage trying to watch out for his younger brother Jared, whilst being bullied mercilessly by the town bully Gavin, the son of the local chief of security. In this book Nolan is tested to his limits not just through the physical challenge of putting a stop to what was going on, but in facing his biggest fears and nightmares, little knowing that the truth was even worse than he could have ever imagined. Once in Moabus he encounters his first love Callie and his biggest enemy Gavin in a situation he became embroiled in as soon as he set foot back home. I really enjoy Taia, Nolan's AI who is getting more and more snarky and sarcastic as she learns from Nolan. I also love that Nolan, though tough as nails, has such a soft core inside and looks out for people he cares for, this time round he cares for Callie, Hal and Bex and does his utmost for all three. This book is jam packed with action and great fighting scenes which are so brilliantly synchronised through Taia's input which give Nolan the edge he needs to face such disadvantageous odds. The book also gives us another cliff hanger ending and this time the one thing Nolan depends on, his one security in life has just been tempered with and he is feeling all it's pain! I just have to get my hands on book 3 asap as I cannot wait to see what happens next!
37 reviews
October 19, 2020
Didn't take much to get hooked into this one. Third book although listed as Book 2 because there is a Prequel. All shoot 'em action as Cerberus is sent to his home world, a world he left 20 years ago, for an assignment he only knows pieces about.
Twisty-turny.
Profile Image for E.A..
Author 12 books192 followers
October 27, 2024
Enjoyed this as much, if not more, than the first.

Getting a look into Nolan’s roots in this book was really interesting as well as him reuniting with a former flame, finding a just cause, and walking a fine line between his job and his desires.

On to book 3!

Notes: Language & violence
1,311 reviews4 followers
April 17, 2024
This is an action packed, fairly violent, military sci-fi. I wasn’t sure about reading the sci-fi but Peloquin doesn’t fail to entertain
Profile Image for Tabitha Ormiston-Smith.
Author 54 books59 followers
April 20, 2020
This was a fantastically exciting read, roller-coaster edge-of-the seat action combined with a powerful moral dimension, the hallmark of Peloquin's work. I'd have given it the full five stars had it not been for the cliffhanger ending, which pissed me off so much that I'd have given the book two stars if it were not so excellent apart from that. What I really recommend for optimal reading pleasure is that readers stop at the end of Chapter 31, which gives you a beautifully stand-alone novel with a very satisfying resolution, and leave the last chapter to be read as a kind of prologue to the next book in the series when it comes out. If the book had ended there, I'd have given it five stars, because it really is that good.
1,188 reviews17 followers
May 23, 2020
Good book, but it ends on a cliffhanger.

This is an excellent book, full of plenty of action good sci-fi elements and good character development.It is a continuous page turner from beginning to end. The action is fast and phonetic and you really do come to root for the main protagonist and his artificial intelligence partner. The only thing I did not like in the book which caused me to remove a star is that it is a cliff hanger.No book should end as a cliffhanger if the story is that good we will go on and read the next one. It is the height of hubris for an author to think that they will be around to write the next book, nobody is promised tomorrow. Therefore the author should think about The readers and right self contain stories. I have read stories where the author has shuffled off this mortal coil and left the story unfinished and the book hanging in mid air. At least if each story is self-contained we have a beginning and an ending to that particular story. We are not left in the lurch wondering what happened to my favorite character.Aside that the book is that good and I will read the next one I hope the author gets off his cliffhanger jag and starts writing self-contained stories. If the next one ends in a cliffhanger unfortunately I will probably stop reading the series even though I think the books are that good.
Profile Image for Bertha Alicia .
649 reviews58 followers
May 8, 2020
OMG! This series is more addictive than Blitz, Gunk, Whisperdream or any other drug found on the streets of Shimmertown! I can't wait to read the next book!
Terminal Secrets has more twists and turns than a tornado and enough action to keep you from reading it, however the plot is very well thought out, the characters excellently well designed and the story is fit for any reader who likes a kind of James Bond with license to kill in a science fiction world.
As another reader previously said, this book ends in a cliffhanger, which is not to worry about, as the next book in the series will most likely start right where Terminal Secrets has ended. And I could assure you that the next book would be as good or maybe even better than this one.
I have already read several books written by Andy Peloquin, and I can recommend any of them. They are all excellent!
Profile Image for Frances Law.
1,123 reviews14 followers
June 22, 2020
Nemesis

Nolan Garrett is an ex Silverguard who was invalided out with a piece of shrapnel lodged in his spine. He was saved from killing himself with the drug Blitz by Tanis, another ex Silverguard. He finds himself working for The Protection Agency a black operation of the empire. This story is very introspective as he is ordered to his home planet Moabus. But the situation is not as he was told by his handler, Agent Styver. In fact a lot of things are not adding up and he is becoming suspicious of Styver. He is going to have to get his AI Taia to investigate, carefully. Meantime, he’s proving that he’s stronger than Superman and probably faster. It amazes me how he manages to take on a person twice his size plus about twenty opponents all while his lungs have been damaged! Really over the top but good fun!
Profile Image for Aaron Byers.
242 reviews4 followers
January 1, 2021
Same problem as the first book. Not much into thinking about self preservation as a trained sniper should have. He relies on equipment and intel that he can't (or just doesn't try to) verify. The whole thing with Bex is still a MacGuffin throughout the 2nd book. The 2nd book left on a cliff-hanger and I wanted to see what happened with Nolan and Bex. How the 2nd book ends...I just don't care now. If an author yanks the audience around enough...they stop playing the game. These books are 2nd class to Dalzelle, Kloos, and Scalzi, and many, many other authors. I'm not going to proceed with this series because it's just not that good. I'm sure I can find better with very little effort. Sorry...not sorry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
132 reviews1 follower
June 29, 2020
Cereberus is given a new assignment. To track and eliminate two thieves who have stolen high grade armor and weapons from a military facility. Nolan ran into some of the guns in the first book. One of the thieves has been spotted on Nolan’s home world. Going home brings back a lot of good and bad memories. Nolan and his brother were orphaned at a young age. His brother is incarcerated and his first love as far as he knows is still there. But he can’t go home without thinking about the death of his parents.

The world has very limited technology and is mostly mining communities. How will Nolan be able to sneak in, do recon without being discovered and why is the criminal there?
102 reviews
April 4, 2021
Cliffhanger!

Twist after twist, fight after fight. I don't know how Andy Peloquin keeps it up so well but the Cerebus series is a real buzz. Written like a TV series with a cliff hanger at the the end of each book (the first two anyway) this was a great read. Part Spaghetti Western, part Starlord but with plenty of depth to keep you interested, Book 2 starts at the end of Book 1 and heads straight to Book 4 through a large pile of dead bodies and a dollop of backstory. Brilliant!
Profile Image for Patti.
1,502 reviews13 followers
May 12, 2020
Overall rating: 4.7

This amazing character, Cerberus aka Nolan, once again held me captive throughout this book 2. So many emotional ups and downs, so many uncovered secrets from the past. And yet again, I want my own Taia. This starts with a shocking surprise, and yet an entirely different tale unfolds leaving us with more unanswered questions. Totally hooked me waiting for book three! Loving this so far. All my reviews are always voluntarily written.
Profile Image for Scott.
1,486 reviews12 followers
May 14, 2020
Action Read well worth getting

I like Peloquins writing style and the jarred and scarred tough veteran with a mission fits my style perfectly. The realism is pretty good and the character and AI stand out for me, some is a little obvious i think but overall it doesnt detract from the overall enjoyment and entertainment value so carrying on with this series is a must.
406 reviews1 follower
August 15, 2020
A Fan.

I am a fan of Mr. Peloquin, I'm not a fan of long morbid ramblings of people in distress and that's the reason for a 4 and not a 5 for my liking of the book. It's well written and properly edited so it's smooth reading dispite the fast pace of the action. I've just ordered book three in the series so I must like it quite a lot overall, actually.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
419 reviews2 followers
May 1, 2020
Great story! Cerberus is sent on a mission to his home world. A world that holds nothing but pain for him that he never intended to set foot on again. We learn a lot about Nolan as he figures out mysteries and kicks some butt! I’m really looking forward to book 3.
224 reviews2 followers
May 12, 2020
The mysteries are increasing for Nolan as
he tries to make sense of what's going on.
It's a high-speed run for answers to the
questions both he and Bex have.
Settle in for a ** good ** read.
Enjoy !!

Phyllis S.
181 reviews2 followers
May 30, 2020
Great adventure!

A good story, with a good plot. Lots of action with a goodly amount of future technology. I also like the lead in to the next adventure in the series. Looking forward to the next portion.
267 reviews
July 13, 2020
Gripping

2nd book that does not fail to dissapoint, well written action series that the main charachter struggle with his past returning to his homeworld , almost reminds me of a fistful of dollars!
238 reviews
October 2, 2020
Great action

Thus like a Bourne in space adventure in a lot of ways, the second book in series and just as good as the first. This have elements of space marine, Jason Bourne and mystery thriller, good story line and characters. A good series of you like sci-fi action
Profile Image for Jeff Harlow.
8 reviews
January 16, 2021
Excellent

An excellent follow up to book 1 of the series. Pick it up, you won't be disappointed. If you haven't read book 1, I'd suggest starting there, or with the prequel novella.
Profile Image for Jerry Banks.
16 reviews
April 20, 2021
Excellent read

There was an adventure going all the time. Kept my attention throughout, also there were mysteries that kept me guessing. On my way to read the next book in the series right away.
937 reviews8 followers
July 18, 2020
Another excellent adventure

Loved this new book and I can't wait for the next installment.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action and adventure.
Profile Image for Nigel Frankcom.
398 reviews4 followers
July 19, 2020
Entertaining...

A fun continuation of the story that fills in more of the Cerberus back story while enmeshed in new adventures.
Profile Image for Curtis Long Jr..
8 reviews
August 26, 2020
Good book

Excellent book. Lots of tech, strong lead and I like the Clif hangers. The length of the book could be longer but it's ok.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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