It’s a question FBI Special Agent Zack Wilder has battled with most of his life. And when he’s visited by an old army buddy, Zack must decide how far he is willing to go to maintain the illusion. Because his friend is the only survivor of a suspicious plane crash that killed Zack’s former unit, and now someone is trying to finish the job.
As Zack investigates the crash—and struggles to keep the lone survivor alive—he uncovers evidence that the victims were all unknowing participants in an unauthorized and sinister experiment perpetrated by a clandestine organization, the Fulcrum.
Then he’s ordered to back off.
Now he has a choice. He can follow orders, or he can attempt to save the world from a future where any free will is totally obliterated—and face the consequences.
After a number of years wandering the world in search of adventure, N.J. Croft finally settled on a farm in the mountains and now lives off-grid, growing almonds, drinking cold beer, taking in stray dogs, and writing stories where the stakes are huge and absolutely anything can happen.
First and foremost, a large thank you to N.J. Croft for providing me with a copy of this novel, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
I was pleased and excited when N.J. Croft asked me to personally read a copy of her latest publication, a novella to begin a new and exciting series. Always one to push the limits of science and add a powerful thriller to propel the story forward, Croft has again found success in this piece. When FBI Agent Zack Wilder is contacted by an old Army buddy, he’s intrigued. The man was the sole survivor of a plane crash that is not quite as it seems. Pushing a little deeper, Agent Wilder discovers that there were some experiments being undertaken by a group known as The Fulcrum, one Wilder knows all too well. After coming face to face with a woman from his past, Wilder realises that there’s more going on and no one is safe unless success is guaranteed. A chilling tale that paves the way for Croft’s new thriller series.
FBI Agent Zack Wilder wants nothing more than a decent partner and regular work. Both of those wishes are stymied when he is assigned a new partner who has targeted him for harassment and outright criticism. When Wilder receives a random call from an old friend he knew during his time in the military, it’s time for a meeting. Little does Wilder know, but it’s about to open a can of worms like no other.
Sergeant Ethan Hawkins tells the story of a mysterious plane crash that killed everyone else on board, all members of Wilder’s former military unit. While it’s being reported as an accident, Hawkins is sure there is more to the story and that it was an attempt to wipe everyone out. Wilder listens and discovers that Hawkins had been subject to debilitating headaches prior to the trip. Could there be a connection?
While trying to keep Hawkins safe, Wilder and his partner seek to put some of the pieces together. They soon encounter Layla Perrault, who is an old friend of Wilder’s and is the first to blow the lid on his ‘orphanage upbringing’. Wilder and Layla were both handed over by their parents to The Fulcrum, a group seeking to hone the intelligence of families, particularly their children. It would seem The Fulcrum has been using soldiers in some of their new technology testing, seeking to create those who have no free will and can do anything they are told.
As Wilder digs a little deeper, he discovers that it’s got something to do with controlling the brain with a tiny device. This may seem innocent enough on the surface, as the technology has been used to help others in a variety of situations, but in the hands of the wrong people and it could be deadly. Wilder must try to bring The Fulcrum down, knowing full well the power they possess and the implications of his learning too much. A wonderful way to begin a new and exciting series for N.J. Croft.
While science and scientific discovery has never been my area of greatest interest, N.J. Croft has always piqued my curiosity with the books she writes on the subject. There is much to her storytelling, which mixes scientific explanation alongside controversial uses, always sure to generate a stellar thriller. The story moved quickly and has just enough twists to keep the reader intrigued, particularly with the ending.
Agent Zack Wilder storms onto the scene effectively, offering a little backstory and some development to whet the appetite of any curious reader. He’s gritty and determined, but also hungry for answers, which propels his investigation and the story forward. Croft has left many threads dangling, which i hope will be handled as the series progresses.
Strong supporting characters offer the reader some insight into what’s going on, while also pushing a number of questions to the forefront. There’s so much to learn and so many moving pieces, Croft hints at what is to come and challenges the reader to guess at the direction things will take.
While this was only an introductory novella, there was much action throughout. The backstory is developed well and there’s much left to the imagination for the time being. The narrative moves at a quick pace and allows the reader to gather some of the basic information, while also wondering what’s to come. Short chapters keep the reader on point and forging ahead, while the twists throughout keep the story from being too linear. I found the pace just to my liking and the ending opens up many possibilities about where The Fulcrum is headed and how the series might progress, given time.
Kudos, Madam Croft, for a great start to a series. I hope you have more with these characters soon, as I am quite curious.
The Fulcrum by N. J. Croft is a non stop , hard hitting thriller that will keep you locked to your chair until you are finished.
I love her characters, particularly the lead detectives. Both a man and a woman, equally as human with strengths and weaknesses, their struggles become your own.
The Fulcrum has an ending you wouldn't expect. I liked it, I won't say it was a happy ever after but it was perfect for the story. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
Quite a well done mystery thriller. The Fulcrum is a tight novella that has all the earmarks of a series to follow.
A gritty FBI agent gets himself and his partner embroiled in preventing a scheme by an element of an international force meant to preserve the good in world governments. The agent’s past is pulling him into a dark place, and his partner and an old colleague can only try their best to prevent disaster.
Very good read, engaging from the start and has multiple twists throughout. I loved the concept of a secret society overseeing the safety of the world without any prejudices. There has to be more, this one has only whet the appetite.
The Fulcrum, #1 - Disappointing. Silly dialog. Could care less about the characters. Author not knowledgeable about subject matters although topic was interesting and with the right author would have made an interesting read. Bad hollywood movies influences. Not realistic. 1*
Water, #2 - This book is not an improvement from the first book. It is comparable to watching a really bad, low budget hollywood. Silly dialog and poor characters. Interesting topic and with the right author would have made an interesting read. 1*
Deepfake, #3 - Finally, finished with this series. Some improvement in story lines, writing style, and characters but the silly dialog still appears here and there. Plenty of hollywood influence with everything working out at the last second. Again, an interesting topic and the author did improve compared to the first two books of this series. 4*
The Lost Spear - Not bad. Interesting characters and story lines. 4*
THE FULCRUM is the first instalment in NJ Croft’s contemporary, adult ZACK WILDER suspense series focusing on thirty-four year old, former US Army Ranger turned FBI Special Agent Zack Wilder.
SOME BACKGROUND: The Fulcrum is a ‘clandestine’ organization that has remained hidden from society for hundreds of years, an organization that hopes to maintain order in a world precariously balancing between chaos and harmony.
Told from third person perspective THE FULCRUM follows an off-books investigation in the ‘plane accident’ that took out all but 2 members of a government dark ops team of former soldiers and Marines. A call to Zack Wilder from a former military buddy, the lone survivor of the crash, pulled Zack into a science-fiction nightmare, a nightmare wherein our hero knows more than anyone can imagine. With the unwelcome help of his FBI partner Anna Monroe, Zack goes on the hunt for the truth, only to discover he recognizes the game players, from his time spent with the organization known as the Fulcrum.
FBI Special Agent Zack Wilder’s past is mired in buried secrets of which very few people are aware. Having spent half of his life in training, Zack finds his time with the FBI a little less indicative of his true talents, talents intended for something much bigger and more powerful. As Zack begins to unravel the who, what, and why, our hero begins to uncover a deadly experiment, a experiment hoping to create the ultimate soldier.
THE FULCRUM is a story of power and control; secrets and lies, betrayal and revenge, family and loss. The premise is intriguing and compelling with a little bit of science fiction thrown into the mix; the characters are charismatic, energetic and purposeful.
This is the 1st book in the series by this author and I definitely looked to reading more of them.
This story begins with a group of Spec. Ops. personnel on a plane flying to a mission. As the flight is over the ocean an explosion occurs which kills several, but the flight is still in the air when another explosion happens, one individual is thrown from the plane before the entire plane is blasted to pieces. The one individual, Hawk, was supposed to be killed as well. When he finally is rescued and recovered, he contacts an old friend, Zack who is now with the FBI, who had previously commanded the unit that was killed.
Zack after meeting with his friend begins looking into who was responsible for blowing up the plane. His partner, Anne, was left in the dark initially as Zack made his hunt. Zack's main objective also included making sure Hawk lived. As Zack started getting closer, the group responsible began to try to dissuade him. Zack did not want to formally begin an investigation because it would put Hawk in trouble. Zack using connections he had from his earlier years began to get close. As a result, both he and Anne were abducted by the organization. In addition, Hawk was there as well.
To learn what organization was behind the explosion, why they wanted Hawk dead, what Zack and Anne learned while in captivity, what connections Zack had and what support was received in their escape, then you need to read this book. You won't be disappointed.
Dear author, Greetings. I have finished reading The Fulcrum this afternoon. I greatly appreciate the core concerns that you are addressing in your book. A mixture of philosophy and the futuristic bio-use of artificial intelligence. I came across this book after stumbling upon Water. I highly appreciate your efforts to come up with a completely new, terrifying possibility(ies) that may not be so distant, after all. I also appreciate the fact that you have left behind the cliche issue of mass murders. In fact, this is what prompted me to write a review. However, I would appreciate it if you elaborated some facts a bit more. the smells that assault the characters' nostrils, the minor details of their environment--without it, the story has a fairy tale quality, which is unfair given the reality that the book is indicating, that the human race is racing toward. I felt the story was way too fast, but I am certain that ththe addition of more description would improve that. I sincerely wish you all the best. I look forward to reading Water, and any other Zack Wilder thrillers that you may publish in the future. Thank you for your innovative perspective. Warm regards, Porkkodi Ganeshpandian.
Wow! This fast-paced new novella from N. J. Croft is so full of action, suspense, adventure, and surprises that I just kept flipping pages until I had finished the story in one sitting. I would like to say the premise of an ultra-secret organization exerting control over an unknowing populace is fantastical but….. well, who knows? Regardless, this intriguing story features a complex and unusual “hero” figure who clearly has good intentions but whose past has left him undeniably influenced by an enigmatic group with questionable morals. Zack Wilder’s military and FBI training, along with whatever his mysterious past may have entailed, make him an obvious target for trouble. I look forward to seeing what the author has planned for his next adventure.
A fast-paced new novella from N. J. Croft is the start of a new series which from the first page had me gripped. Action, adventure and suspense that had me immediately looking towards books 2, 3 and so forth. This first outing has our complex and troubled hero with a secret and interesting past, certainly influenced by an shadowy group he was involved with at an early age before joining the military, trying to help out an old army buddy whilst battling said shadowy organisation and his current "inquisitive" partner at the FBI. So looking forward to reading more of Zack Wilder's adventures.
A man trained in the art of war by a super secret agency now works as an FBI agent. When all but one of his former military attachment are killed in a mysterious plane crash, he knows he must revisit the past. Soon he is up against a former friend who is as determined to destroy him as she us about seizing power.
This is a fun read. High action it is somewhat predictable. Zack's partner is really annoying and unprofessional. There is violence but not graphic or especially stomach turning. Good book.
A secret organization to keep world order and a scheme to control minds and actions are dangerous things
Without moral constraints there are huge opportunities for total control and the consequences of neural implants are stunning at every level of life. Fascinating characters and a secret setting with limitless opportunities opens the door for murder and revenge. Fascinating and worth the time.
I guess I'm used to heroes acting heroic instead of being crazy. I suppose Zack Wilder isn't himself responsible for his actions and mental state, but I didn't really like him. I'm glad the book didn't take more than a couple of days to read. Much of the story was good to read, but Wilder always disappointed me. I wavered between 3 and 4 stars, but decided on 4 because there isn't a 3 and a half.
What a great read. Immediately grabs you from the start and never lets up.
I liked the secret society controlling the population and the consequences of their actions. If you like a lot of action and shady goings-on, then this is the book for you. It's a decent novella that packs a punch and will entice you to read more in the seris.
The characters were believable and the good guys were great to root for. The bad guys were kind of scary because what they were doing appears plausible! I couldn’t stop snd the book went so fast!
This tight story makes you think about who and what is out there. Are there people who are in-charge of a greater picture of the world than we think? Is there a way to define who is better at running the world? Fast paste and interesting ideas here. I hope this is a beginning of a series.
FBI Special Agent Zack realized that his friend was in danger when he came for a visit. He’s the last from the plane disaster. Is someone trying to kill him, what really happened. Absolutely intriguing.
This is a brilliant read ... well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start. Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable. Great suspense and action with and wonderful world building.
Well written story about a secret organization that trains members from a very young age, grooming them to be controlling forces in various arms of government. When a member goes rogue and a unit of military personnel ends up dead, the action doesn't stop.
FBI special agent Zack Wilder must stop them, risking his live, our future and liberty in his hands,action in every page can't stop reading till the end!
Really a great read with likeable characters almost unputdownable. The action is rather sparse but really good when it happens. There are however a few typography issues that need corrections but otherwise a nice read.
It works behind closed doors, making decisions for mankind. Everyone heard of this idea at some point. Author gives it another spin. It's about choices and their price. Great storyline, great characters, great read.
Although this plot has been explored in a TV series and also by other writers, The Fulcrum is well-written, fast-paced, has a lot of action, and leaves the reader wanting to know what will come next. Good entertainment!
I've read other books that have the same premise. This story is far superior. The characters come alive and still have the ability to make choices. Fantasy thriller made real by the author, N.J. Croft
Fast paced action. A megalomaniac, a secret organisation, and an all-action mystery hero, all thrown together in this pacy, if shallow, thriller. Passed the time easily enough but won’t stick in the memory long.
THE FULCRUM is a real rollercoaster ride. Zack Wilder is an interesting character, and the plot is fairly complex as well as frightening in its implications. The story is very well written; it sucks you in and never lets you go!
The Fulcrum is exciting and easy to read, with strong suspense and interesting questions about human freedom. Zack Wilder is a compelling hero, and the mystery keeps the story moving quickly. Readers who enjoy conspiracy thrillers will find it engaging.
Many twists and turns. Great plot! Characters were introduced and developed well. The main character and his relationship to The Fulcrum were unfolded well.