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Max Austin #5
The Abyss
Every betrayal begins with trust.
A man fighting to save his heritage. A race to find a secret cache of documents. A deadly family secret revealed.
It’s Christmas eve. Max and Kate are convalescing in the snowy woods of Colorado when violence strikes. On the run again, the ragtag family must trade their deepest secrets for safety.
Tormented by mysteries from his past, Max learns the truth about his father’s treachery. A vast cache of documents that expose the inner workings of the Russian government are hidden from sight. The CIA, MI6, China’s Ministry of State Security, and other clandestine groups are hunting for the secret archive along with Max’s mortal enemies.
In a race against time, Max visits the grandiose ski resort of Chamonix and escapes a fateful train ride through the South of France before trekking across the treacherous borders of southern Russia. Deep in the heart of Siberia, Max must confront his past to decrypt his father’s mysteries before his enemies beat him to the prize.
Will Max uncover the Vienna Archive and reverse his family’s fortunes before it’s too late?
A man fighting to save his heritage. A race to find a secret cache of documents. A deadly family secret revealed.
It’s Christmas eve. Max and Kate are convalescing in the snowy woods of Colorado when violence strikes. On the run again, the ragtag family must trade their deepest secrets for safety.
Tormented by mysteries from his past, Max learns the truth about his father’s treachery. A vast cache of documents that expose the inner workings of the Russian government are hidden from sight. The CIA, MI6, China’s Ministry of State Security, and other clandestine groups are hunting for the secret archive along with Max’s mortal enemies.
In a race against time, Max visits the grandiose ski resort of Chamonix and escapes a fateful train ride through the South of France before trekking across the treacherous borders of southern Russia. Deep in the heart of Siberia, Max must confront his past to decrypt his father’s mysteries before his enemies beat him to the prize.
Will Max uncover the Vienna Archive and reverse his family’s fortunes before it’s too late?
343 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 8, 2020
521 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Jack Arbor
12 books143 followersJack Arbor is the Amazon bestselling author of six thrillers featuring the wayward KGB assassin Max Austin. The stories follow Max as he comes to terms with his past and tries to extricate himself from a destiny he desperately wants to avoid.
Jack works as a digital technologist during the day and writes at night and on weekends, with much love and support from his lovely wife, Jill.
Jill and Jack live outside Aspen, Colorado, where they enjoy trail running and hiking through the natural beauty of the Roaring Fork Valley. Jack also likes to taste new bourbons and grill meat, usually at the same time. They both miss the coffee on the East Coast.
You can get free books as well as pre-release specials and sign up for Jack’s mailing list at www.jackarbor.com.
Jack works as a digital technologist during the day and writes at night and on weekends, with much love and support from his lovely wife, Jill.
Jill and Jack live outside Aspen, Colorado, where they enjoy trail running and hiking through the natural beauty of the Roaring Fork Valley. Jack also likes to taste new bourbons and grill meat, usually at the same time. They both miss the coffee on the East Coast.
You can get free books as well as pre-release specials and sign up for Jack’s mailing list at www.jackarbor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
January 3, 2021
We learn new information about Max's father and the consortium, but much remains in shadow. As the consortium turns on itself, Max meets an old nemesis. Treachery and deception remains a theme in this spy thriller about the dual history of brutality and secrecy in Russian government and the unofficial halls of power. Power that leads grasping souls to the precipice and beyond; into the abyss.
Some good twists and turns, but in real life Max would have sustained one too many concussions.
Some good twists and turns, but in real life Max would have sustained one too many concussions.
November 11, 2020
I found Jack Arbor, when I went searching for a new author (at least new to me). After reading the synopses of the Russian Assassin I decided to give it a try. Boy am I ever glad I did. After the first several chapters I was hooked. After finishing the first book in the series I went on to read the next three. Now I consider Jack Arbor one of my favorite authors. Now he has his fifth book “The Abyss” completed. Thanks to Mr. Arbor for giving me an advanced copy to read I am able to review it earlier than I otherwise would.
Jack Arbor defines all of his characters well. I find that I do not have to search back through my reading to remind myself who a minor character is because he makes them memorable to begin with.
As the story progresses through each volume Max Austin’s background becomes more clear. I must say the thought of a KGB assassin being a loving family oriented person came as a surprise to me based on how the KGB is always portrayed in books and movies.
I think anyone who likes the genre of spy/thriller with lots of action should read this series, but begin with the first book “Russian Assassin” then continue on to “The Pursuit,” “The Attack,” “The Hunt,” and “The Abyss.” You won’t be sorry. It is a great series.
Jack Arbor defines all of his characters well. I find that I do not have to search back through my reading to remind myself who a minor character is because he makes them memorable to begin with.
As the story progresses through each volume Max Austin’s background becomes more clear. I must say the thought of a KGB assassin being a loving family oriented person came as a surprise to me based on how the KGB is always portrayed in books and movies.
I think anyone who likes the genre of spy/thriller with lots of action should read this series, but begin with the first book “Russian Assassin” then continue on to “The Pursuit,” “The Attack,” “The Hunt,” and “The Abyss.” You won’t be sorry. It is a great series.
November 10, 2020
Max and his team are at a safe house in Aspen. It was compromised, the house burned and his sister, Arina critically injured. The only one that knew their location is Goshalk, their computer expert. They have sanctuary in London and Max receives some disturbing information. Before his father died, he hid thousands of documents that became known as the Vienna Archive. Very detrimental to a Russian group called kammissariat. Now everyone wants to find it, but the only one that can decipher the clues, is Max. The one person that can help him is a Mongolian currently in a Russian prison. No problem, right? Get sent to a Russian prison, rescue the asset and escape. Meanwhile, former CIA Kate Shaw, is on her way To St. Petersburg to retrieve the one-time pad, an old school way of decoding. Tons of action throughout the book, which will leave you wonder how long we will have to wait for the next one. Excellent read!
November 12, 2020
A happy reader that was provided with an advanced reading copy. I have read the 4 previous books in this series and as asked, was looking to find discrepancies, anomalies, or fact issues (of course, I am definitely not an expert in weapons or espionage). The Abyss was a continuation of the story line with characters that have been introduced previously. At the center of this series is the Consortium – a dark and covert entity that is controlling government and business in Russia and perhaps even internationally. Max Austin, assassin extraordinaire, gets involved via family connections. Throw in the mix major intelligence agencies and the adventure begins. As an adventure / espionage book, sometimes a character or events can start to become redundant and I think the best thing about book #5 is the story line remains exciting and the scenarios don’t seem repetitive. I was wondering what more the author could generate to keep this saga going; however, Jack Arbor delivers. I enjoy the series, and especially this book. I look forward to continuing to read more.
November 10, 2020
Max is at it again.
A real insight into the life of Max as a youngster and how things, scattered throughout the book, shaped him to the man he is today.
There are many twists to this book. Some jump at you and others are quite subtle.
Jack Arbor has another great read for you. He ties many people together for you.
You find out who is to be trusted and who is not to be trusted and those who are only there for the ride.
Find out who is and is not family to him.
You need to read this to the end to find the final twist.
Read this book and the previous books as they work well with each other.
A real insight into the life of Max as a youngster and how things, scattered throughout the book, shaped him to the man he is today.
There are many twists to this book. Some jump at you and others are quite subtle.
Jack Arbor has another great read for you. He ties many people together for you.
You find out who is to be trusted and who is not to be trusted and those who are only there for the ride.
Find out who is and is not family to him.
You need to read this to the end to find the final twist.
Read this book and the previous books as they work well with each other.
November 10, 2020
First of all I have to thank Jack Arbor for giving me this advance copy of The Abyss, it's the fifth book about Max Austin the Russian Assassin. In this book we get to follow Max as he tries to save his family from the Consortium the secret Russian organization that killed his father. He hunts for the Vienna Archive that will expose them. During this hunt all the major intelligence agencies are trying to get their hands on this file and the Consortium is trying to eradicate Max family. I really enjoy this series and think it's well written. It will be available on the 10th of November.
November 19, 2020
Another excellent Max Austin story
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series since the novelist sent me “Cat and Mouse” as a free gift when I found his website. I’ve read them all and all were excellent. This latest one has more turns in the plot, but are all good and brought light to the story. Full of adventure and danger. I was disappointed in the character Goshawk since she has been one of my favorite characters. I won’t spoil it though. Highly recommended and I can’t wait for the next one. By the way, what happens with the Vienna files?
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series since the novelist sent me “Cat and Mouse” as a free gift when I found his website. I’ve read them all and all were excellent. This latest one has more turns in the plot, but are all good and brought light to the story. Full of adventure and danger. I was disappointed in the character Goshawk since she has been one of my favorite characters. I won’t spoil it though. Highly recommended and I can’t wait for the next one. By the way, what happens with the Vienna files?
December 10, 2020
Excellent Read
I've been favoring spy books for 20some years. I stumbled upon the Max Austin series through Kindle Unlimited, but kept reading the books even after I cancelled it. The characters are well developed, the pacing is right on, and I find myself rooting for Max and his friends despite the things they've done (and still do) in the name of national security (whichever nation that happens to be). I really enjoy this series and anxiously await what Max's fate will be in book 6.
I've been favoring spy books for 20some years. I stumbled upon the Max Austin series through Kindle Unlimited, but kept reading the books even after I cancelled it. The characters are well developed, the pacing is right on, and I find myself rooting for Max and his friends despite the things they've done (and still do) in the name of national security (whichever nation that happens to be). I really enjoy this series and anxiously await what Max's fate will be in book 6.
August 15, 2021
This had none of the past content/style that kept me mildly interested in the series. Everything feels rushed and there’s a feeling of a forced attempt to tie up loose ends. Ridiculous coincidences and all too convenient twists had me chuckling at times.
Max’s dad miraculously alive but shot by his caretaker shortly after Max gets to talk to him, pretty silly stuff.
Did like the train scene and cat and mouse game with new character Gabrieli but that lasted only 30 pages. Other than that….
Certainly not reading a book 6
Max’s dad miraculously alive but shot by his caretaker shortly after Max gets to talk to him, pretty silly stuff.
Did like the train scene and cat and mouse game with new character Gabrieli but that lasted only 30 pages. Other than that….
Certainly not reading a book 6
March 9, 2022
Riveting, intelligent
Thanks to Amazon first read program, I downloaded the first Max Austin book. I haven’t put my kindle down since. This series is the best thing I have read in a quite some time. Incredibly researched & educational. There were times I felt the author really is Max, it’s that well- written. Thank you for the journeys around the world - cities and cultures described with incredible accuracy. I will follow you, Mr. Arbor and hope every day you create a new character that can take me on another incredible adventure.
Thanks to Amazon first read program, I downloaded the first Max Austin book. I haven’t put my kindle down since. This series is the best thing I have read in a quite some time. Incredibly researched & educational. There were times I felt the author really is Max, it’s that well- written. Thank you for the journeys around the world - cities and cultures described with incredible accuracy. I will follow you, Mr. Arbor and hope every day you create a new character that can take me on another incredible adventure.
March 27, 2021
The End
From success to failure and back again. Max fights his way out of impossible situations with some assistance from sources unknown. Where is the archive and, with the world searching for it, can Max get there first? As the search continues, he discovers an inside source but is it enough? I truly enjoyed the series,watching the protagonists win some and lose some as I'm sure real life works.
From success to failure and back again. Max fights his way out of impossible situations with some assistance from sources unknown. Where is the archive and, with the world searching for it, can Max get there first? As the search continues, he discovers an inside source but is it enough? I truly enjoyed the series,watching the protagonists win some and lose some as I'm sure real life works.
November 10, 2020
An excellent thriller with a complex storyline and great characters. Max Austin's character continues to be developed in this story. This fast paced thriller has lots of action, plenty of suspense, and several twists. A very well written book that was hard to put down. Highly recommended book and series. Bring on the next Max Austin adventure.
January 7, 2021
Total Shock
I don’t want to spoil the conclusion but there was a big shock to it! It’s hard to put Jack Arbor’s books down. They’re just what I need to move from everyday reality to a place where I have no worries of my own... I just worry about my favorite characters! I’ll be keeping my eye out for more of Max Austin.
I don’t want to spoil the conclusion but there was a big shock to it! It’s hard to put Jack Arbor’s books down. They’re just what I need to move from everyday reality to a place where I have no worries of my own... I just worry about my favorite characters! I’ll be keeping my eye out for more of Max Austin.
March 5, 2021
Hard to put down!!
I chose the rating of five because the story caused me to keep wanting g to find out what was going to happen. The mixture of characters also kept me wanting to know their part in the story, where they stood in relation to the main character. I'm ready for TBE next one!!
I chose the rating of five because the story caused me to keep wanting g to find out what was going to happen. The mixture of characters also kept me wanting to know their part in the story, where they stood in relation to the main character. I'm ready for TBE next one!!
June 24, 2021
Hmmm... did not like as well as the previous 4 books. There were SEVERAL situations that were just not believable. Yes, I know it's fiction, but the first 4 books were not "out there" in the realm of possibilities. I will stop there rather than provide details aka spoilers! I am looking forward to reading Book 6! I do like Jack Arbor's writing style!
November 29, 2020
Who can Max trust?
The Abyss continues the excitement from the previous Max Austin books. With lies and betrayal a constant theme, Max must decide who he can really trust. This book was action packed and hard to put down!!
The Abyss continues the excitement from the previous Max Austin books. With lies and betrayal a constant theme, Max must decide who he can really trust. This book was action packed and hard to put down!!
December 1, 2020
An appropriate closing of the Asimov sequel series. Or will there be a 6th story in the pen ?
Convoluted triple-crossing kept me off-balance, up until the very end. I did not see it coming and neither did the protagonists, including Max.
Highly recommended 👍
Convoluted triple-crossing kept me off-balance, up until the very end. I did not see it coming and neither did the protagonists, including Max.
Highly recommended 👍
December 5, 2020
If you made it this far...
I'm not sure I would read a sixth book as this series jumped the shark in book 2. I'm hoping the character is retired.
The action is still well written but the story telling suffered in this installment with multiple convenient almost twists.
I'm not sure I would read a sixth book as this series jumped the shark in book 2. I'm hoping the character is retired.
The action is still well written but the story telling suffered in this installment with multiple convenient almost twists.
December 10, 2020
The abyss
I completed the story in spite of getting lost and confused every other chapter. The. hero was able to absorb tremendous damage but recover to be close to full capability within a matter of days.
I completed the story in spite of getting lost and confused every other chapter. The. hero was able to absorb tremendous damage but recover to be close to full capability within a matter of days.
December 10, 2020
Must Read
I have read all of the Max Austin series. They are excellent books and this one didn’t disappoint! I can’t wait to read the next in the series, but don’t know what I’ll do when this series comes to a close! Keep writing!
I have read all of the Max Austin series. They are excellent books and this one didn’t disappoint! I can’t wait to read the next in the series, but don’t know what I’ll do when this series comes to a close! Keep writing!
January 1, 2021
Jack Arbor Keeps Going Strong
Book 5 in the Max Austin series was equal to what I've come to expect from Jack Arbor books; lots of plot twists and page turning suspense. I am addicted. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
Book 5 in the Max Austin series was equal to what I've come to expect from Jack Arbor books; lots of plot twists and page turning suspense. I am addicted. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
January 12, 2021
The best of the bunch!
A real page turner, the Abyss kept me up late at night. It’s a great read with constant action but plot and character development that make it truly feel real
A real page turner, the Abyss kept me up late at night. It’s a great read with constant action but plot and character development that make it truly feel real
January 29, 2021
Another enjoyable read
I have always been a fan of Cold War spy novels. The post cold war era novels brought to life through Max Austin bring the tensions between countries into today’s world. The characters continue to be more complex.
I have always been a fan of Cold War spy novels. The post cold war era novels brought to life through Max Austin bring the tensions between countries into today’s world. The characters continue to be more complex.
April 2, 2021
An awesome thriller book
Series of events that were executed starting from Max’s trail with his friends in Aspen to the uncovering of archives in the Minsk were flawless. What a fantastic character Mr. Arbor has portrayed in the book. Kudos to Mr. Arbor
Series of events that were executed starting from Max’s trail with his friends in Aspen to the uncovering of archives in the Minsk were flawless. What a fantastic character Mr. Arbor has portrayed in the book. Kudos to Mr. Arbor
April 26, 2021
Is it the finale
Man, the luck of an assassin/spy living through hell and escaping to heaven. If he’s done I’m my sons grandfather or not. I was glued to the stories like a chimp to a termite mound with a straw.
Man, the luck of an assassin/spy living through hell and escaping to heaven. If he’s done I’m my sons grandfather or not. I was glued to the stories like a chimp to a termite mound with a straw.
August 12, 2021
Exciting and very intriguing. A must read.
Very intriguing series. Excellently written and delivers great excitement page after page.
Recommended for all who love an enthralling story.
Very intriguing series. Excellently written and delivers great excitement page after page.
Recommended for all who love an enthralling story.
September 8, 2021
Best series I have read in a long time.
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading every word of the Russian Assassin series. These books were true page turners. The icing on the cake was in the last sentence of the last book. Great Read.
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading every word of the Russian Assassin series. These books were true page turners. The icing on the cake was in the last sentence of the last book. Great Read.
September 27, 2021
It is an interesting journey from book 1, The Assassin, to book 5, Abyss. Number five completed Max's pursuits, except you know there is more to come. I hope Jack Arbor continues to write more about the main character's personality. Enough has been expanded in Max's profile, but there has to be more. Perhaps an expansion of his espionage ways. He teamed up with MI6, which gave him security and help to pursue the consortium.
October 19, 2021
Good read
I really like the action and the character i wish the action take me more to European countries
Like Paris or london also after I finish a book i will like to know the name of the next.
I really like the action and the character i wish the action take me more to European countries
Like Paris or london also after I finish a book i will like to know the name of the next.
December 6, 2021
Max is the Man
From beginning to end, the life of Max and those around him twists and turns as Russian history and characters of the alphabet soup Agencies hit head on with never-ending surprises.
From beginning to end, the life of Max and those around him twists and turns as Russian history and characters of the alphabet soup Agencies hit head on with never-ending surprises.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews