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Cerberus #3
Cyber Strike
Nolan Garrett is at war...with his own ordnance!
His cutting-edge combat hacked.
His high-tech dismantled.
His inoperative.
All he has left are his wits and the help of the drugged-out Silverguard he rescued from her addiction.
His enemy is one he can’t see, can’t stab, can’t shoot. Hidden behind the technology that made Nolan the Nyzarian Empire’s deadliest assassin, the mysterious hacker known only as Ex-Umbra is a threat his elite soldier training could never prepare him for.
Unless Nolan can put him down in time, Ex-Umbra is out to reveal the truth about his existence to the entire galaxy...
His cutting-edge combat hacked.
His high-tech dismantled.
His inoperative.
All he has left are his wits and the help of the drugged-out Silverguard he rescued from her addiction.
His enemy is one he can’t see, can’t stab, can’t shoot. Hidden behind the technology that made Nolan the Nyzarian Empire’s deadliest assassin, the mysterious hacker known only as Ex-Umbra is a threat his elite soldier training could never prepare him for.
Unless Nolan can put him down in time, Ex-Umbra is out to reveal the truth about his existence to the entire galaxy...
373 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 16, 2020
About the author
Andy Peloquin
87 books1,404 followersI 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!
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 5, 2020
4/5
CYBER STRIKE is the third novel in the Cerberus series. Nolan Garrett is a cybernetically enhanced assassin who was crippled during the last great interstellar war. Now employed by the Nyzarian Empire's security bureau, he kills their enemies in order to try to negotiate for his brother's release from a maximum security prison. Aiding him in this plan is his artificial intelligence, Taia, and his newly acquired Space Marine companion Bex.
Nolan has managed to keep his partner from being discovered despite the fact she has a bounty on her head. He's also managed to steam roll most of his opponents due to the tremendous technological advantage he possesses with Taia. Unfortunately, that completely falls apart when he fights an opponent who not only is a master of dealing with A.I. but may have been the one to create Taia in the first place.
Ex-Umbra is a figure who has numerous conspiracy theories about the Nyzarian Empire's secret plans. He's basically a follower of the "Q" phenomenon except dealing with interstellar space matters. Unfortunately, being a deranged conspiracy theorist doesn't prevent him from being a master hacker and Nolan finds himself under assault not only via his A.I. but also androids programmed with all of his combat data. Worse, an evil cybernetic cult is serving Ex-Umbra and have access to the most advanced cybernetics in the universe.
This is definitely the most challenging mission of Garrett's career as there's no advantage that he possesses that Ex-Umbra can't turn against him. Watching Nolan have to find solutions that aren't technology-based is really interesting. Indeed, I was kind of disappointed when Taia was repaired as I would have appreciated Garrett having to come up with a low-tech solution to Ex-Umbra's various evil plots.
The one complaint I did have about this book was the fact that Ex-Umbra is pretty much 100% right about how corrupt and evil the Nyzarian Empire is. I really expected Nolan to have more hesitation when offered to work with him. Certainly, he owes his employers very little given they're extorting him over his brother and Ex-Umbra could have helped him spring it.
I really enjoy the relationship between Bex and Nolan. I keep expecting it to start blossoming into a romantic one but they remain platonic so far. They have an easy-going chemistry and the fact she's a recovering addict, Marine, and single mom makes me think of her as the kind of character Gina Carano would play.
In conclusion, this is a great novel and full of amazing science fiction mixed with explosive action. I could have used a bit more character development for the main characters over shooting but that's just my personal tastes. Nolan and Bex are interesting people and I would have liked to have seen them interact more on their own down time (which barely exists in this novel).
CYBER STRIKE is the third novel in the Cerberus series. Nolan Garrett is a cybernetically enhanced assassin who was crippled during the last great interstellar war. Now employed by the Nyzarian Empire's security bureau, he kills their enemies in order to try to negotiate for his brother's release from a maximum security prison. Aiding him in this plan is his artificial intelligence, Taia, and his newly acquired Space Marine companion Bex.
Nolan has managed to keep his partner from being discovered despite the fact she has a bounty on her head. He's also managed to steam roll most of his opponents due to the tremendous technological advantage he possesses with Taia. Unfortunately, that completely falls apart when he fights an opponent who not only is a master of dealing with A.I. but may have been the one to create Taia in the first place.
Ex-Umbra is a figure who has numerous conspiracy theories about the Nyzarian Empire's secret plans. He's basically a follower of the "Q" phenomenon except dealing with interstellar space matters. Unfortunately, being a deranged conspiracy theorist doesn't prevent him from being a master hacker and Nolan finds himself under assault not only via his A.I. but also androids programmed with all of his combat data. Worse, an evil cybernetic cult is serving Ex-Umbra and have access to the most advanced cybernetics in the universe.
This is definitely the most challenging mission of Garrett's career as there's no advantage that he possesses that Ex-Umbra can't turn against him. Watching Nolan have to find solutions that aren't technology-based is really interesting. Indeed, I was kind of disappointed when Taia was repaired as I would have appreciated Garrett having to come up with a low-tech solution to Ex-Umbra's various evil plots.
The one complaint I did have about this book was the fact that Ex-Umbra is pretty much 100% right about how corrupt and evil the Nyzarian Empire is. I really expected Nolan to have more hesitation when offered to work with him. Certainly, he owes his employers very little given they're extorting him over his brother and Ex-Umbra could have helped him spring it.
I really enjoy the relationship between Bex and Nolan. I keep expecting it to start blossoming into a romantic one but they remain platonic so far. They have an easy-going chemistry and the fact she's a recovering addict, Marine, and single mom makes me think of her as the kind of character Gina Carano would play.
In conclusion, this is a great novel and full of amazing science fiction mixed with explosive action. I could have used a bit more character development for the main characters over shooting but that's just my personal tastes. Nolan and Bex are interesting people and I would have liked to have seen them interact more on their own down time (which barely exists in this novel).
May 31, 2020
This the 3rd book in this gut wrenching and heart stopping series, Cyber Strike I found to be one of the most powerful challenges Nolan Garrett had to face so far. He and Taia, his AI, who is also his sole companion and his eyes, ears and legs come up against a hacker who calls himself Ex-Umbra and his own AI and his intent is to take Taia out of action because in so doing Nolan would stand no chance at all. Ex-Umbra says that he is on the side of truth and justice and out to fight those like Nolan who he labels defenders of the status quo and a hero of Imperial Omnipotency, he believes his cause is righteous as he is a zealot who wants to wake up humanity. He pretends to give Nolan a chance to come clean by confessing his sins to the people and speaking out against the Bureau to save his life, however he then goes back on his word as soon as he realises Nolan will fight him before capitulating to his demands. Then there is Bex, the woman Nolan had saved and helped get clean from drugs who is living in hiding in his flat and who had previously also been a Silverguard. She came with her own baggage, and in the same way that the Bureau were keeping Nolan working for them because they held his brother Jared in the rehabilitation tank, so did Oversight, the military police Bex was working undercover for, keep her from being with her daughter Rosette. Once they come clean about their mutual secrets and start to build trust between them, Bex and Nolan go all out to fight their biggest challenge yet. I just loved the tension building of the story, as usual I really enjoy the growing repertoire of sarcasm Taia is managing to learn and use and am really looking forward to reading Book 4 in this captivating Series written in the usual Peloquin style which focuses as much on emotions and the humanity of it’s characters as it does on the magnificent fighting scenes which are described down to the minute details of weaponry used, and high tech gear which turn Nolan, a paraplegic into Cerberus, our great heroic assassin.
April 17, 2024
This series is getting better every book. I’m thoroughly enjoying this, great action, interesting stories, a bit of a mystery. It’s working for me. Good sci-fi
June 16, 2020
This book will grab you by the throat from the start...
...and have your absolute, undivided attention till the end credits roll.
Someone is trying to get at Nolan Garrett, that much is obvious by the numbers of dead all around him, but he has no idea who it is? What can you do when all angles to get at the enemy are blocked against you? Nolan has been attacked more than once by soldiers who are unrelenting and who have scarily fast reflexes. He almost 'bought the farm' as they say; whist practicing his shooting, alone at a shooting range, when suddenly, out of the blue, four soldiers smash the door down, then start shooting up the place. Nolan fights them, sensing that there is something rather strange about them and it's not just their unusual armour or helmets. Each time they come after Nolan, Taia, Nolan's implanted AI; is attacked electronically and is having a really hard time protecting herself..
Nolan has taken responsibility for helping a colleague called Bex, to get clean of drugs; he has to trust her and help her, even as he hides many secrets from her. She is an ex soldier of the same type as he himself once was, and just as another ex soldier helped him in the past to get clean of drugs; he is now trying to get Bex completely clean, and help her find a purpose in life to stay clean.
I loved the deceptively simple, yet complex plot to this story. The mysterious attacker, the damage being done to Taia the AI, the needs of Bex; it all adds up to a wonderful story and I was moved with compassion at certain times in the story. I sympathise with Nolan's situation in one respect; as someone who recently became a paraplegic myself, I can really relate to the story on a personal level. When Nolan talks of his struggles after the incident when he became a paraplegic, I was deeply moved.
The idea of having an AI in your head is incredible enough, but to have that AI, who has become a friend to you; attacked, and suddenly feel vulnerable to a hacker, has got be awful in the extreme.
I love this series and I think using a paraplegic in this story is a very good idea because it's an unusual stepping off point.
I like that about this author. He's not afraid to push the boundaries of writing and therefore he produces some really gripping, exciting books!
Full of drama, scenes of battles, and extreme violence; this book has it all in bucket loads!
...and have your absolute, undivided attention till the end credits roll.
Someone is trying to get at Nolan Garrett, that much is obvious by the numbers of dead all around him, but he has no idea who it is? What can you do when all angles to get at the enemy are blocked against you? Nolan has been attacked more than once by soldiers who are unrelenting and who have scarily fast reflexes. He almost 'bought the farm' as they say; whist practicing his shooting, alone at a shooting range, when suddenly, out of the blue, four soldiers smash the door down, then start shooting up the place. Nolan fights them, sensing that there is something rather strange about them and it's not just their unusual armour or helmets. Each time they come after Nolan, Taia, Nolan's implanted AI; is attacked electronically and is having a really hard time protecting herself..
Nolan has taken responsibility for helping a colleague called Bex, to get clean of drugs; he has to trust her and help her, even as he hides many secrets from her. She is an ex soldier of the same type as he himself once was, and just as another ex soldier helped him in the past to get clean of drugs; he is now trying to get Bex completely clean, and help her find a purpose in life to stay clean.
I loved the deceptively simple, yet complex plot to this story. The mysterious attacker, the damage being done to Taia the AI, the needs of Bex; it all adds up to a wonderful story and I was moved with compassion at certain times in the story. I sympathise with Nolan's situation in one respect; as someone who recently became a paraplegic myself, I can really relate to the story on a personal level. When Nolan talks of his struggles after the incident when he became a paraplegic, I was deeply moved.
The idea of having an AI in your head is incredible enough, but to have that AI, who has become a friend to you; attacked, and suddenly feel vulnerable to a hacker, has got be awful in the extreme.
I love this series and I think using a paraplegic in this story is a very good idea because it's an unusual stepping off point.
I like that about this author. He's not afraid to push the boundaries of writing and therefore he produces some really gripping, exciting books!
Full of drama, scenes of battles, and extreme violence; this book has it all in bucket loads!
June 4, 2020
First of all, I want to thank Andy Peloquin for writing those fantastic stories and giving me the opportunity to be on his ARC team. Having said that, I want to clarify that my opinions are not based on the fact that I received a copy of his book, but on the quality of the story itself.
Although the Cerberus series lacks the lyricism found in other Mr. Peloquin series, it is nonetheless equally intense and charged with the action that the reader may find in his other books.
Like all his books, his reading is suitable for all readers who like stories with very well elaborated plots with strong characters and that are developed in fictional worlds but that we seem to know or be watching in a movie.
Even though the main character is Cerberus, Nolan Garret's nom de guerre, my favorite character in this series is without a doubt, Taia. If anyone wants to know the reason for my preference, just read the series!
And that cover... Wow!
Although the Cerberus series lacks the lyricism found in other Mr. Peloquin series, it is nonetheless equally intense and charged with the action that the reader may find in his other books.
Like all his books, his reading is suitable for all readers who like stories with very well elaborated plots with strong characters and that are developed in fictional worlds but that we seem to know or be watching in a movie.
Even though the main character is Cerberus, Nolan Garret's nom de guerre, my favorite character in this series is without a doubt, Taia. If anyone wants to know the reason for my preference, just read the series!
And that cover... Wow!
June 11, 2020
Fascinating!! I'm not a tech geek at all but I have a tiny bit of understanding to what it takes to create such a world as the Nyzarian Empire, and New Avalon. Mr Peloquin uses superb world building, computer and military strategy and includes a deep understanding of human emotions in his writing. Reading Cyber Strike is like watching an Iron Man movie with all the hi-tech gear or MIB and their unusual array of weapons and a good 'who did it' mystery. I don't imagine the main character Nolan Garrett's flat as being large but it is packed with every type of ultra modern arsenal he can get his hands on plus his amazing combat armor. Taia is Nolans AI implant that is connected to his brain and nervous system and his armor. Taia allows him to go from wheelchair bound to the walking, flying, fighting assassin Cerberus. In this installment Taia is under attack by a hacker and he is physically crippling Nolan and frying Taia. Bex was introduced in the last novel Terminal Secrets. In Cyber Strike we get more of her background and somehow she may be linked to Nolan's and Taia's crippling attacks, we don"t know. It's a mental cat and mouse game between the mysterious hacker and Nolan. Nolan is running out of time and it's down to the wire for him in this life and death situation. There's a lot of fast action with tons of surprises.
November 14, 2025
Cyber Strike delivers everything I love about this series—and then cranks it up even further. The action in this installment somehow tops the first two books, and that’s saying something. It’s fast-paced from start to finish, packed with intense confrontations, sharp twists, and stakes that feel impossibly high.
Nolan’s journey continues to evolve in compelling ways, and the constant sense of danger kept me glued to the pages. The author balances adrenaline-fueled battles with character depth and tension, making every moment hit hard.
If you enjoy explosive sci-fi action, smart storytelling, and a protagonist who refuses to back down no matter how bad things get, this one won’t disappoint. An outstanding addition to an already addictive series.
Nolan’s journey continues to evolve in compelling ways, and the constant sense of danger kept me glued to the pages. The author balances adrenaline-fueled battles with character depth and tension, making every moment hit hard.
If you enjoy explosive sci-fi action, smart storytelling, and a protagonist who refuses to back down no matter how bad things get, this one won’t disappoint. An outstanding addition to an already addictive series.
June 24, 2020
Attack of the cyber monster!
Our Silverguard hero does it again, with a little help from TAIA and a friend. How Nolan manages to get himself shot up and beat up but still keeps going is a miracle. Not only that but The Protection Bureau, in the guise of Agent Styver, doesn’t give him time to recover before sending him on another mission! And what about his armour? Talk about Speedy Gonzales! How he’d manage anything without TAIA is a mystery. How does Styver think he pulls off all these miracles because TAIA has evolved beyond anything the Bureau could have ever imagined.
This is a fun series that is very much a Boy’s Own type of story.
Our Silverguard hero does it again, with a little help from TAIA and a friend. How Nolan manages to get himself shot up and beat up but still keeps going is a miracle. Not only that but The Protection Bureau, in the guise of Agent Styver, doesn’t give him time to recover before sending him on another mission! And what about his armour? Talk about Speedy Gonzales! How he’d manage anything without TAIA is a mystery. How does Styver think he pulls off all these miracles because TAIA has evolved beyond anything the Bureau could have ever imagined.
This is a fun series that is very much a Boy’s Own type of story.
June 29, 2020
Cereberus is back but TAIA is having issues. She keeps having glitches until Nolan gets zapped. When TAIA recovers she says that the last four years of his data has been downloaded. On a mission, he is looking for heat signatures until he realizes it is a cyber entity and it knows his every move. Ex-Umbra is a hacker who is out to get him. He wants Nolan to come out and admit he is Cereberus and confess to everything he has done, otherwise TAIA will be terminated. But how do you fight someone who knows your every move?
April 25, 2021
Fast and too furious.
I loved the first three Cerebus books (That's 0-2) and I liked this one too, but it didn't quite do it for me. Sorry, Andy.
Still fast moving and as battle strewn as the others but there lies the problem. While the last three included good storylines lines and reasons for the action, this one was just a bit meh on the story and far too long with the action. I still liked it, but I did get a bit of the 'come on get on with the story' blues in the last half of the book. I'm still locked and loaded for Book 3 though.
I loved the first three Cerebus books (That's 0-2) and I liked this one too, but it didn't quite do it for me. Sorry, Andy.
Still fast moving and as battle strewn as the others but there lies the problem. While the last three included good storylines lines and reasons for the action, this one was just a bit meh on the story and far too long with the action. I still liked it, but I did get a bit of the 'come on get on with the story' blues in the last half of the book. I'm still locked and loaded for Book 3 though.
May 17, 2020
This book is real edge-of-the-seat stuff. Don't start reading it late at night if you have to work next day! There's not a dull page in it, the pace is fast and the action intense and, at times, downright terrifying. Peloquin just keeps on getting better and better; I love this series now as much as the Hunter of Voramis books, and I really, really love those. Highly recommended for anyone who craves excitement.
June 16, 2020
Having to face an adversary that can accurately predict your every movement, no average joe would survive. But This main character is not your average joe. I am thoroughly enjoying the heart pounding action of this series, as well as this authors ability to weave touchy subject life challenges into these tales. Definitely want more of Nolan, Kali, and Taia. All my reviews are always voluntarily written.
August 4, 2020
Excellent series, plenty of action fast paced.
I enjoyed this book. It is fast paste and full of action. The tech is pretty good I think it could use some improvement. I think Nolan needs some more toys. He needed a human partner as well as his great A I partner now he has one. The story is getting even more interesting and intricate, this book is well worth the read going on to the next one.
I enjoyed this book. It is fast paste and full of action. The tech is pretty good I think it could use some improvement. I think Nolan needs some more toys. He needed a human partner as well as his great A I partner now he has one. The story is getting even more interesting and intricate, this book is well worth the read going on to the next one.
August 30, 2020
Another great story
I actually read the book that comes after this before this one by accident so I had some minor aspects of knowledge before they get into it the author does a good job leaving the story and is consistent with character development so you don't think the character has changed other than what should naturally happen start reading this 2 days ago and just committed the time because I enjoyed the story so much.
I actually read the book that comes after this before this one by accident so I had some minor aspects of knowledge before they get into it the author does a good job leaving the story and is consistent with character development so you don't think the character has changed other than what should naturally happen start reading this 2 days ago and just committed the time because I enjoyed the story so much.
May 19, 2020
Nolan has ** MAJOR ** problems.
Taia is compromised, Bex has
increasingly serious health issues
and a nasty cyber-villain is making
** far ** too much trouble.
Gripping, involving and entertaining
are only some of the adjectives applicable
to this story.
Read it to find out the resolution.
Enjoy !!
Phyllis S.
Taia is compromised, Bex has
increasingly serious health issues
and a nasty cyber-villain is making
** far ** too much trouble.
Gripping, involving and entertaining
are only some of the adjectives applicable
to this story.
Read it to find out the resolution.
Enjoy !!
Phyllis S.
May 25, 2020
Striking! Nolan & Taia are under attack and Bex is still recovering from her detox. Great story, non-stop action, and wonderful character development. The author does a great job of writing an intriguing self contained story while also moving forward with plot lines that run through the whole series. This series going to be epic!
June 16, 2020
What an action-packed cyber thriller! No clue who the antagonist is until the end, out of this world tech, the protagonist running for his life… What a ride! The protagonist using Cerberus’ own strength and skills against him, using proxies to attack, and never revealing himself until he makes that fatal mistake. I couldn’t put it down.
June 16, 2020
Received as an arc
Andy has done it again! Book 3 in the Cerberus series is explosive. Much mystery is behind this story and it's Nolan's, Taia's and Bex's Job to figure it out. Action, excitement, banter, truths, weapons, world building, skim skating, throw in grenades and some really odd people are just a few things you will read about in this book.
Andy has done it again! Book 3 in the Cerberus series is explosive. Much mystery is behind this story and it's Nolan's, Taia's and Bex's Job to figure it out. Action, excitement, banter, truths, weapons, world building, skim skating, throw in grenades and some really odd people are just a few things you will read about in this book.
February 4, 2026
Dude! I’m so selective on my sci fi and at this point I like it either super dark or super fun. This series is fun, has me yelling in parts that I’m pretty certain that not everyone else is but the weirdest things resonate with me. There is something about this hook line and sinker that just has me yearning for more.
NEXT!
NEXT!
July 21, 2020
Nolan is the key
The characters in these storylines really make this series interesting and entertaining. It is definitely a page turner that keeps you wondering what can this guy do next. Great series to get in
The characters in these storylines really make this series interesting and entertaining. It is definitely a page turner that keeps you wondering what can this guy do next. Great series to get in
July 26, 2020
I liked it...
Another fun addition to the series sees our hero once more battling madness and mayhem in his continued attempts to rescue his brother.
Good characters and a punchy story make this a fun and easy read.
Another fun addition to the series sees our hero once more battling madness and mayhem in his continued attempts to rescue his brother.
Good characters and a punchy story make this a fun and easy read.
August 16, 2020
Better
This series just gets better and better! This time there are no tear jerker sob scenes to waste reading time on. Just action, lots and lots off action. Good combat, man against android, although it is very cowboy and indian style.
This series just gets better and better! This time there are no tear jerker sob scenes to waste reading time on. Just action, lots and lots off action. Good combat, man against android, although it is very cowboy and indian style.
September 21, 2020
Better than book 2
The characters are more defined in this book. The plot moves at a relatively fast pace. It had me waiting to know what the hell was going on. So I think I'll read book 4.
The characters are more defined in this book. The plot moves at a relatively fast pace. It had me waiting to know what the hell was going on. So I think I'll read book 4.
October 5, 2020
Fun series
A sci-fi action thriller with plenty of mystery mixed with action. It’s has elements of any space marine fiction mixed in with spy and crime plots. It’s a good series to binge on
A sci-fi action thriller with plenty of mystery mixed with action. It’s has elements of any space marine fiction mixed in with spy and crime plots. It’s a good series to binge on
June 16, 2020
Excellent book. Love it. Full of action & adrenaline, great characters, page turner. Excellent job.
June 23, 2020
Better and Better
Nolan just gets better and better after this latest threat and a few more truths that have come to light.
Love how it all turns out and how the future looks
Nolan just gets better and better after this latest threat and a few more truths that have come to light.
Love how it all turns out and how the future looks
June 28, 2020
Better and better
Honestly this series just gets better and better I am glad I got hooked on it. James bond fans will love iy
Honestly this series just gets better and better I am glad I got hooked on it. James bond fans will love iy
August 17, 2020
Cracking
Fast paced sci fi with a good cast of characters with a well thought out plot and written in an easy style that draws you in!
Fast paced sci fi with a good cast of characters with a well thought out plot and written in an easy style that draws you in!
January 3, 2026
T.A.I.A. not just a girl's name...!
Cerberus is in deep water! His cover has been blown and his phantom roommate is public enemy number one! ooo one....
Cerberus is in deep water! His cover has been blown and his phantom roommate is public enemy number one! ooo one....
May 31, 2020
Wow, book three in the series and very good it is too. This time it's different in the fact that Nolan isn't alone. Nevertheless a cracking book in a cracking series series as always. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews