What do you think?
Rate this book
Crucible #6
Redemption
The endgame is at hand…
Former Marine Raider Max Ahlgren has spent years hunting the four men who killed his family. One target Burt Jarvis, the infamous Accident Man, mastermind behind the murders.
After losing Jarvis in the jungles of Brazil, Max is contacted by a mysterious tech billionaire who claims to know the elusive killer’s whereabouts. To receive the information, Max must secure a quantum research facility taken over by a rogue engineer named Rhodes.
Leading a team of elite operators, Max must fight through a company of mercenaries to take his objective. He soon discovers that researchers on the island have unlocked the secrets of time travel. When Rhodes escapes into the past, Max finds himself in a chase across time to prevent the present from being catastrophically altered. Playing for the highest stakes ever, he must decide how far he will go to get revenge and perhaps redemption for the wrongs of his past.
The clock is ticking. For Max, it’s time to kill.
A must read for science fiction and thriller fans alike, Redemption is the climactic conclusion to the critically acclaimed Crucible series. Pick up your copy and get in the fight today!
This book contains intense scenes of violence and horror. Reader discretion is advised.
Former Marine Raider Max Ahlgren has spent years hunting the four men who killed his family. One target Burt Jarvis, the infamous Accident Man, mastermind behind the murders.
After losing Jarvis in the jungles of Brazil, Max is contacted by a mysterious tech billionaire who claims to know the elusive killer’s whereabouts. To receive the information, Max must secure a quantum research facility taken over by a rogue engineer named Rhodes.
Leading a team of elite operators, Max must fight through a company of mercenaries to take his objective. He soon discovers that researchers on the island have unlocked the secrets of time travel. When Rhodes escapes into the past, Max finds himself in a chase across time to prevent the present from being catastrophically altered. Playing for the highest stakes ever, he must decide how far he will go to get revenge and perhaps redemption for the wrongs of his past.
The clock is ticking. For Max, it’s time to kill.
A must read for science fiction and thriller fans alike, Redemption is the climactic conclusion to the critically acclaimed Crucible series. Pick up your copy and get in the fight today!
This book contains intense scenes of violence and horror. Reader discretion is advised.
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 19, 2021
15 people are currently reading
15 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 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 4, 2022
Up next from Darth's Colossal Stack of Stuff is "Redemption," the sixth and final (?) novel from the Crucible series, starring one of literature's most noteworthy tough guys, Max Ahlgren. The series is penned by Marine veteran and writing maestro Ryan Aslesen.
If you've read the other books in the series (recommended before you tackle "Redemption"), you'll know that Max has one more name to cross off his hit list: Burt Jarvis. Known as the "Accident Man," Jarvis is the final perp involved in the murder of Ahlgren's family and has proven the most slippery fugitive from Max's vendetta. In what has become a familiar plot device, Max is approached by an eccentric and secretive billionaire with information on Jarvis's whereabouts. To receive said info, Max must secure a quantum research facility taken over by a rogue engineer. As Max and his team of mercenaries infiltrate the facility, Max begins to realize there is more to the equation than he realizes. What follows is a breathless tale of time travel, revenge, and ultimately, redemption.
Without a doubt, "Redemption" is my personal favorite amongst Aslesen's growing stable of winners. From page one, the book will grab you with its effectual mix of action, intrigue, mystery, and time travel. While I can't say much else in regard to the story without spoiling some of the fantastic plot twists, I can say that Aslesen treads new ground as a writer and uses some of his newfound story ideas in a big way that helps bring the series to a satisfying close. While the opening chapters of the book may seem similar to previous books, the plot takes a crazy turn once Max enters the facility, and there the similarities vanish. As always, things move at a brisk pace. I do think a bit could have been shaved off the final chapters of the book, but it's a small complaint. The ending is satisfying all the same.
I was particularly impressed with the author's rendering of setting. Aslesen writes with a sure hand wherever his characters visit. Of note is the author's adroit handling of settings of the past. Whether researched or imagined, it all seemed very real, and put a fun spin on important historical events.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: the author has crafted a real champion of a character in Max Ahlgren. Tough and rough, but embodying so much more, Max proves that an action hero can be every bit as intricate and enthralling as any other literary character. Though the books contain fun action and adventure, none of it would really matter without a great character who is developed in some impactful way. Aslesen has done that with Max, who has every right to be seated amongst history's best action heroes.
With "Redemption," Ryan Aslesen has done his fans proud. He has brought his first series to a masterful close. The series was a good length, long enough to cultivate some depth, but not so long as to become a slog. While there is a sense of closure, I can see Max back for more action in the future, perhaps several years down the road. But for now, both protagonist and author need to take a well-deserved break and give themselves a pat on the back. Congratulations, Ryan, on a job well done.
If you've read the other books in the series (recommended before you tackle "Redemption"), you'll know that Max has one more name to cross off his hit list: Burt Jarvis. Known as the "Accident Man," Jarvis is the final perp involved in the murder of Ahlgren's family and has proven the most slippery fugitive from Max's vendetta. In what has become a familiar plot device, Max is approached by an eccentric and secretive billionaire with information on Jarvis's whereabouts. To receive said info, Max must secure a quantum research facility taken over by a rogue engineer. As Max and his team of mercenaries infiltrate the facility, Max begins to realize there is more to the equation than he realizes. What follows is a breathless tale of time travel, revenge, and ultimately, redemption.
Without a doubt, "Redemption" is my personal favorite amongst Aslesen's growing stable of winners. From page one, the book will grab you with its effectual mix of action, intrigue, mystery, and time travel. While I can't say much else in regard to the story without spoiling some of the fantastic plot twists, I can say that Aslesen treads new ground as a writer and uses some of his newfound story ideas in a big way that helps bring the series to a satisfying close. While the opening chapters of the book may seem similar to previous books, the plot takes a crazy turn once Max enters the facility, and there the similarities vanish. As always, things move at a brisk pace. I do think a bit could have been shaved off the final chapters of the book, but it's a small complaint. The ending is satisfying all the same.
I was particularly impressed with the author's rendering of setting. Aslesen writes with a sure hand wherever his characters visit. Of note is the author's adroit handling of settings of the past. Whether researched or imagined, it all seemed very real, and put a fun spin on important historical events.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: the author has crafted a real champion of a character in Max Ahlgren. Tough and rough, but embodying so much more, Max proves that an action hero can be every bit as intricate and enthralling as any other literary character. Though the books contain fun action and adventure, none of it would really matter without a great character who is developed in some impactful way. Aslesen has done that with Max, who has every right to be seated amongst history's best action heroes.
With "Redemption," Ryan Aslesen has done his fans proud. He has brought his first series to a masterful close. The series was a good length, long enough to cultivate some depth, but not so long as to become a slog. While there is a sense of closure, I can see Max back for more action in the future, perhaps several years down the road. But for now, both protagonist and author need to take a well-deserved break and give themselves a pat on the back. Congratulations, Ryan, on a job well done.
February 17, 2023
Una interesante aventura con viajes en el tiempo y persecución en México terminando en un duelo con cuchillos. Quizás el final le falto un poco más de momento emotivo de Max reuniéndose con su familia o algo, además que siento que el detalle de "ese asesinato famoso" no era necesario que Max lo hiciera, hubiera sido mejor si hubieran alterado o modificado la historia para hacerla un poco más interesante, incluso que los diversos afectados en su pequeño viaje en el tiempo (si es que sobrevivieron) que lo hubieran terminado reconociendo en el futuro habría hecho la dinámica bastante interesante.
A pesar de todo, Max lo llevo ahora en mi corazón por ser un genial protagonista ¡con todo y sus fallas!
Lo voy a extrañar ;-; ay
A pesar de todo, Max lo llevo ahora en mi corazón por ser un genial protagonista ¡con todo y sus fallas!
Lo voy a extrañar ;-; ay
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2022
After somewhat stumbling with the previous book (Gateway), I'm pleased to say that this book is a return to form for Mr. Aslesen.
I remember hearing from someone that every good story throws one big "ask" of you, that is to say, a situation that's very hard to believe would happen in real life the way it is depicted but that you can accept if the story is good enough. This book does indeed throw a big "ask" of you in the first part. Whether you choose to accept it will probably tell you if you will end up enjoying the book. Personally? I did take it. For veteran fans of this series it won't be much of a leap to take, though it is perhaps one of, if not the largest leap in logic that the books have taken.
Now for the good, the main sci-fi story is pretty enjoyable (if a bit rushed) and the conclusion of Max's revenge does feel satisfying. The final fight in the book reminded me of some of those "mano-a-mano" epic showdowns in the Metal Gear Solid series of games. Though perhaps lacking MGS's more memorable dialogue and nuance to its villains.
Aside from that, my main issue with the book is a decision the author made in the first part of the story. No spoilers but a certain change regarding a very important moment in world history left a bad taste in my mouth. Specially considering it was completely unnecessary and the book could've worked pretty much exactly the same without it.
If you're a newcomer to the series, don't start here. Try the first book "Existential" and if you dig it then keep up with the books chronologically.
If you're veteran of the series who has liked the previous books then this one is a no brainer.
If you, like me, are a veteran of the series who became disatisfied with some of the last books then consider giving this one a shot. It's not perfect but it works because the same action/sci-fi mix as the first books in the series can still keep you hooked in the best ways.
If this is the last chapter in Max's story then it is a good note to end on. So long Max! You and Dutch Schaefer can enjoy a beer together along with all the other action badasses of yesteryear...
4/5
P.S.: For anyone curious, this would be my personal ranking for the books in the Crucible series:
1. Undead (5/5)
2. Existential (5/5)
3. Apex (5/5)
4. Nexus (4/5)
5. Redemption (4/5)
6. Crucible (3/5)
7. Gateway (2/5)
I remember hearing from someone that every good story throws one big "ask" of you, that is to say, a situation that's very hard to believe would happen in real life the way it is depicted but that you can accept if the story is good enough. This book does indeed throw a big "ask" of you in the first part. Whether you choose to accept it will probably tell you if you will end up enjoying the book. Personally? I did take it. For veteran fans of this series it won't be much of a leap to take, though it is perhaps one of, if not the largest leap in logic that the books have taken.
Now for the good, the main sci-fi story is pretty enjoyable (if a bit rushed) and the conclusion of Max's revenge does feel satisfying. The final fight in the book reminded me of some of those "mano-a-mano" epic showdowns in the Metal Gear Solid series of games. Though perhaps lacking MGS's more memorable dialogue and nuance to its villains.
Aside from that, my main issue with the book is a decision the author made in the first part of the story. No spoilers but a certain change regarding a very important moment in world history left a bad taste in my mouth. Specially considering it was completely unnecessary and the book could've worked pretty much exactly the same without it.
If you're a newcomer to the series, don't start here. Try the first book "Existential" and if you dig it then keep up with the books chronologically.
If you're veteran of the series who has liked the previous books then this one is a no brainer.
If you, like me, are a veteran of the series who became disatisfied with some of the last books then consider giving this one a shot. It's not perfect but it works because the same action/sci-fi mix as the first books in the series can still keep you hooked in the best ways.
If this is the last chapter in Max's story then it is a good note to end on. So long Max! You and Dutch Schaefer can enjoy a beer together along with all the other action badasses of yesteryear...
4/5
P.S.: For anyone curious, this would be my personal ranking for the books in the Crucible series:
1. Undead (5/5)
2. Existential (5/5)
3. Apex (5/5)
4. Nexus (4/5)
5. Redemption (4/5)
6. Crucible (3/5)
7. Gateway (2/5)
July 20, 2022
A lot of ups and downs throughout the novel. A couple of main story threads are intermixed during the novel, almost two separate short novellas. The first is a pretty good typical Max Algren shoot-em-up, mission-first sci-fi/time travel novella. With a creative cast of new characters and one main bad guy/objective. The second half of the novel is a typical chase and finishing off of Max's chief nemesis from previous novels, mixed with the possibility of saving Max's family. Now, overall both storylines would be decent stand-alone novellas, but together. There are too many plot holes and too much back and forth between the two separate storylines. But when it is all said and done the Max Algren saga does come full circle, if not possibly a little short of an ending.
January 24, 2022
BEST BOOK YET!!!
Max gets the ending he deserved ! In true Aslesen style great characters with detailed story telling that places you in the middle of the action. LOVE the great twists and turns this story held. I feel this is the best book to date! Can’t wait to see what the future holds!!
Max gets the ending he deserved ! In true Aslesen style great characters with detailed story telling that places you in the middle of the action. LOVE the great twists and turns this story held. I feel this is the best book to date! Can’t wait to see what the future holds!!
June 4, 2022
crash and burned
It wasn’t the best series it had it’s up and downs but this just a dumpster fire sed off has the time travel red-conned the spiritual aspects in previous books and the second half of the book was BO bad has we game for sci-fi not road rage killing of low lvs criminals to finish of the MCs kill list.
It wasn’t the best series it had it’s up and downs but this just a dumpster fire sed off has the time travel red-conned the spiritual aspects in previous books and the second half of the book was BO bad has we game for sci-fi not road rage killing of low lvs criminals to finish of the MCs kill list.
February 6, 2023
Fitting end
If you made this far, you're probably familiar with the series and the characters. The last book does not disappoint at all. Using multiple theaters and other variables (no spoilers!) Aslesen weaves his way to a crescendo of action and drama. Well done!
If you made this far, you're probably familiar with the series and the characters. The last book does not disappoint at all. Using multiple theaters and other variables (no spoilers!) Aslesen weaves his way to a crescendo of action and drama. Well done!
December 26, 2021
OMG PERFECT FINALE BOOK
I didn't realize this was the final book or at least could be but Aslesen DELIVERS! Possibly the best book in the series or book 5 is the best.
I didn't realize this was the final book or at least could be but Aslesen DELIVERS! Possibly the best book in the series or book 5 is the best.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews