What do you think?
Rate this book
Crucible #5
Gateway
The fate of humanity rests on a man with nothing to lose.
Former Marine Raider Max Ahlgren trails those responsible for his family's murders to an antiquities dealer in Brazil. When that operation goes south, he must team up with Anna Kedrova, an enigmatic Russian archaeologist with a possible lead on the killers. She reveals a shared enemy: the mysterious and sinister Council of Osiris.
Fighting their way through treacherous jungles and ancient Mayan tombs, Max and Anna follow a bloody trail of clues to the lost city of Zet. At the heart of the ruins lies the Gateway, a legendary artifact that the Council goes to monstrous lengths to locate and exploit. Whoever controls the Gateway determines the fate of the world. Facing an army of mercenaries and a horde of horrific creatures, Max must decide how deep into hell is he willing to go to have his revenge.
Former Marine Raider Max Ahlgren trails those responsible for his family's murders to an antiquities dealer in Brazil. When that operation goes south, he must team up with Anna Kedrova, an enigmatic Russian archaeologist with a possible lead on the killers. She reveals a shared enemy: the mysterious and sinister Council of Osiris.
Fighting their way through treacherous jungles and ancient Mayan tombs, Max and Anna follow a bloody trail of clues to the lost city of Zet. At the heart of the ruins lies the Gateway, a legendary artifact that the Council goes to monstrous lengths to locate and exploit. Whoever controls the Gateway determines the fate of the world. Facing an army of mercenaries and a horde of horrific creatures, Max must decide how deep into hell is he willing to go to have his revenge.
278 pages, Paperback
First published August 28, 2020
28 people are currently reading
27 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 2, 2022
Not my favorite of the series. But then again it has been a few years since I read a Crucible. My favorties in this series are the first two:
and
I gave them both 4 stars. Excellent sci-fi action. Books 3, 4, and now 5 slowed way down and seemed to go off-course on the whole revenge thing (only 3 stars). Actually, I had to force myself to finish reading this one.
I was using Kindle Unlimited to read this book, but I only do that a few times a year whenever a good offer comes out. My current run expires soon and I am NOT anxious at all to move on to Book #6. Sorry.
and
I gave them both 4 stars. Excellent sci-fi action. Books 3, 4, and now 5 slowed way down and seemed to go off-course on the whole revenge thing (only 3 stars). Actually, I had to force myself to finish reading this one.
I was using Kindle Unlimited to read this book, but I only do that a few times a year whenever a good offer comes out. My current run expires soon and I am NOT anxious at all to move on to Book #6. Sorry.
September 18, 2020
Another step in the trail to avenge his families' murder, Max is on the way. Either fighting humans or other worldly beings he excels at both. A very imaginative story line and easy to follow. Throw in an Indiana Jones reference and mix with Matthew Reilly's ( Jack West Jr.) series and this story tells itself. I cannot wait until the next installment from this author.
July 7, 2021
Another action-filled journey alongside revenge-fueled man-of-action Max Ahlgren. I've been a fan since the first book and I must say that the ride is losing a bit of steam by now.
While the action remains thrilling, Crucible's stories are starting to become quite repetitive and predictable. There wasn't anything surprising in the story and I felt that there was a distinct lack of character development as well as memorable dramatic moments.
That isn't to say that the book isn't fun, if you've read the others then you know you can expect Mr. Aslesen to bring spectacular set-pieces, erotic escapades along with gruesome deaths to the combat that is the main bread & butter of his books.
If you are a fan of the previous four books, I say give this one a shot but don't expect any radical departures to the Crucible formula.
If you're a new reader, you're better of starting with Existential (Book 1) to see if the series is for you.
A shake-up in the formula is needed by now. I sure hope Mr. Aslesen tries something different for the next one.
3/5
While the action remains thrilling, Crucible's stories are starting to become quite repetitive and predictable. There wasn't anything surprising in the story and I felt that there was a distinct lack of character development as well as memorable dramatic moments.
That isn't to say that the book isn't fun, if you've read the others then you know you can expect Mr. Aslesen to bring spectacular set-pieces, erotic escapades along with gruesome deaths to the combat that is the main bread & butter of his books.
If you are a fan of the previous four books, I say give this one a shot but don't expect any radical departures to the Crucible formula.
If you're a new reader, you're better of starting with Existential (Book 1) to see if the series is for you.
A shake-up in the formula is needed by now. I sure hope Mr. Aslesen tries something different for the next one.
3/5
October 30, 2020
Fall in! The Master of Mayhem has arrived. Professor Ahlgren will show how you too can man up and be that beefcake you've always wanted to be. Let's get moving - clock's tickin'!
"Gateway" is book five of the fabulous Crucible series, starring tough-as-nails protagonist Max Ahlgren. It was penned by Marine vet Ryan Aslesen. I would read the other superlative books in the series before checking out "Gateway."
The novel opens with Max in Brazil, hot on the trail of yet another perp involved in his family's death. When Max closes in on the desperado, the op goes bad, almost resulting in Max's death - and the unfortunate escape of the murderer. Fortunately, mysterious allies come to Max's aid, who are employed by tantalizing archaeologist Anna Kedrova. Kedrova reveals to Max that she can help him locate the man he's looking for, but Max must assist in her quest to beat the arcane Council of Osiris to the lost city of Tet. In the lost city rests the fabled Gateway, a portal to terrors beyond our realm, terrors that can forever alter our society if hero Max Ahlgren and his newfound partner cannot save the day.
If you've read the other books in the Crucible series, you're already well-versed in the intense, furious, mile-a-minute fun of the series, and "Gateway" brings it once again. Part Indiana Jones, part Tomb Raider, part Doom, - "Gateway" is pure Aslesen, and pure awesomeness. "Gateway" is a return to form; it brings back the gritty intensity of the early Crucible books and reminds you of exactly what drew you to the series in the first place. The book is a total blast to read, and you won't want to put it down, as you follow Max on his inexorable, rage-filled quest to bring his family's killers to justice.
As always, you can expect a well-written tale with great description, plotting, and true-to-life equipment and tactics. Not just a fun read, author Aslesen writes with a sense of realism that lends credibility to an otherwise over-the-top idea. "Gateway" also brings back some elements from previous books, and starts to bring the whole series full-circle. A sort of meta-plot is coming together, and I like where it is going. I particularly enjoyed the setting of "Gateway." The author brings some interesting ideas to the table when it comes to the layout of the lost city of Tet, and the traps in particular are devilishly well done. There was also some aptly-timed humor sprinkled throughout the book, which worked well within the context of the story.
Strong characterization has been a hallmark of the series from the very beginning, and "Gateway" continues that standard of excellence. While main protagonist Max is the alpha male, eat thumbtacks for breakfast, kind of tough guy you see in a lot of books, he is also much more. Beneath the rough-hewn exterior is a multi-dimensional character who deals with loss, rage, and the ghosts of his past. The author explores Max's pneuma in a way that is incredibly believable and feels dredged up, at least in part, from personal experience.
All right, turn off Tiger King, set down the remote, and pick up some real entertainment. "Gateway" is the sci-fi action novel you've been looking for. It's a man's man of a novel, replete with all the violence, profanity, sex, gunplay, and action you can handle. But beyond those qualities, the book has heart, and shows why Ryan Aslesen is one of the best writers working today.
"Gateway" is book five of the fabulous Crucible series, starring tough-as-nails protagonist Max Ahlgren. It was penned by Marine vet Ryan Aslesen. I would read the other superlative books in the series before checking out "Gateway."
The novel opens with Max in Brazil, hot on the trail of yet another perp involved in his family's death. When Max closes in on the desperado, the op goes bad, almost resulting in Max's death - and the unfortunate escape of the murderer. Fortunately, mysterious allies come to Max's aid, who are employed by tantalizing archaeologist Anna Kedrova. Kedrova reveals to Max that she can help him locate the man he's looking for, but Max must assist in her quest to beat the arcane Council of Osiris to the lost city of Tet. In the lost city rests the fabled Gateway, a portal to terrors beyond our realm, terrors that can forever alter our society if hero Max Ahlgren and his newfound partner cannot save the day.
If you've read the other books in the Crucible series, you're already well-versed in the intense, furious, mile-a-minute fun of the series, and "Gateway" brings it once again. Part Indiana Jones, part Tomb Raider, part Doom, - "Gateway" is pure Aslesen, and pure awesomeness. "Gateway" is a return to form; it brings back the gritty intensity of the early Crucible books and reminds you of exactly what drew you to the series in the first place. The book is a total blast to read, and you won't want to put it down, as you follow Max on his inexorable, rage-filled quest to bring his family's killers to justice.
As always, you can expect a well-written tale with great description, plotting, and true-to-life equipment and tactics. Not just a fun read, author Aslesen writes with a sense of realism that lends credibility to an otherwise over-the-top idea. "Gateway" also brings back some elements from previous books, and starts to bring the whole series full-circle. A sort of meta-plot is coming together, and I like where it is going. I particularly enjoyed the setting of "Gateway." The author brings some interesting ideas to the table when it comes to the layout of the lost city of Tet, and the traps in particular are devilishly well done. There was also some aptly-timed humor sprinkled throughout the book, which worked well within the context of the story.
Strong characterization has been a hallmark of the series from the very beginning, and "Gateway" continues that standard of excellence. While main protagonist Max is the alpha male, eat thumbtacks for breakfast, kind of tough guy you see in a lot of books, he is also much more. Beneath the rough-hewn exterior is a multi-dimensional character who deals with loss, rage, and the ghosts of his past. The author explores Max's pneuma in a way that is incredibly believable and feels dredged up, at least in part, from personal experience.
All right, turn off Tiger King, set down the remote, and pick up some real entertainment. "Gateway" is the sci-fi action novel you've been looking for. It's a man's man of a novel, replete with all the violence, profanity, sex, gunplay, and action you can handle. But beyond those qualities, the book has heart, and shows why Ryan Aslesen is one of the best writers working today.
July 7, 2021
Si tuviera que describir este libro... podría ser una combinación de Indiana Jones con un toque de Sci-Fi. Se sintió como otra historia mas del famoso Max Ahlgren cargado de la misma acción de siempre y sus momentos de sensualidad.
Me sigue gustando el personaje en si, pero siento que ya ocupa cambiar de ambiente o tener otro tipo de aventuras que no solo sean un reto para su persona como profesional sino también como ser humano y quizás lidiar con algún día callar a sus propios demonios, verlo quizás estabilizarse un día con una pareja y volver a tener hijos, que se yo, que la saga continúe con uno de sus hijos seria muy entretenido de ver cambiando la dinámica un poco. En pocas palabras que el prota sea FELIZ... ¿es mucho pedir acaso?
Me sigue gustando el personaje en si, pero siento que ya ocupa cambiar de ambiente o tener otro tipo de aventuras que no solo sean un reto para su persona como profesional sino también como ser humano y quizás lidiar con algún día callar a sus propios demonios, verlo quizás estabilizarse un día con una pareja y volver a tener hijos, que se yo, que la saga continúe con uno de sus hijos seria muy entretenido de ver cambiando la dinámica un poco. En pocas palabras que el prota sea FELIZ... ¿es mucho pedir acaso?
May 29, 2022
Lara Croft - sexy aid
It was funny how the story had a Lara Croft noke-off with a similar backstory to that chacther has instead of her being the lead she’s the aid to the MC of the series for this book it made laugh more then be thrilled in the action.
I did find it interesting has the story links back up with a previous book in series not just the family revenge plotline but inter-plot twist to get the book a deep depth in world building.
It was funny how the story had a Lara Croft noke-off with a similar backstory to that chacther has instead of her being the lead she’s the aid to the MC of the series for this book it made laugh more then be thrilled in the action.
I did find it interesting has the story links back up with a previous book in series not just the family revenge plotline but inter-plot twist to get the book a deep depth in world building.
January 19, 2023
5 for 5...
This author just doesn't seem to miss. I'm in my fifth book, just completed it and I can truly say that no matter how he spins it, no matter the sub plots, it still continues the same hard pounding pace that is there in all of the preceding books. Some loose ends are tied up while others are still outstanding and as it should be. I'm on to the next one!!
This author just doesn't seem to miss. I'm in my fifth book, just completed it and I can truly say that no matter how he spins it, no matter the sub plots, it still continues the same hard pounding pace that is there in all of the preceding books. Some loose ends are tied up while others are still outstanding and as it should be. I'm on to the next one!!
November 28, 2020
Enjoying Max Ahlgren!!!!
This series is pretty awesome. It's crazy how you keep reaching for something and you miss it but you felt it's the energy around it.
This series is pretty awesome. It's crazy how you keep reaching for something and you miss it but you felt it's the energy around it.
January 28, 2021
My favorite so far! Aslesen delivers again with non-stop twists and turns. I love his wide array of characters. And his descriptive storytelling puts you in the heart of the action. Careful not to get splattered!! Can’t wait to see what Max’s next mission will be...
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews