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Cerberus #0

Kill Order

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Broke and trapped by addiction, he is a shade of the elite Silverguard sniper he was before a grenade shattered his spine and bound him to a wheelchair.

In his desperation, he will take any opportunity offered him—even if means joining an old army comrade to on a paramilitary operation to assassinate a witness protected by the full might of the Imperial Defense Force.

The bounty for the hit is simply too good to ignore. Enough money to feed his habit, a chance to get back into action, and a specially-designed cybernetic suit that restores full mobility to his paralyzed legs.

But when the shadow op goes sideways, Nolan will be forced to decide: save his friend, or cling to his newfound ability to walk.

In a battle of life and death, even the smallest decision can have fatal consequences.

Cerberus: Kill Order is the thrilling, action-packed prequel to the Cerberus military scifi series. If you like flawed and hardened heroes, epic futuristic combat, and gritty intrigue, you’ll love Andy Peloquin’s gripping space opera epic.

ebook

Published January 1, 2019

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About the author

Andy Peloquin

95 books1,364 followers
I 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!

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5 stars
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19 (30%)
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7 (11%)
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Marie.
1,140 reviews395 followers
January 4, 2020
WOW! THIS BOOK ROCKED!!!

I have found a new urban fantasy/science fiction author that can grab the reader and pull them into their world as I was entranced from the first chapter all the way to the end. Also I really stepped out of my comfort zone with this book as normally I don't read space books, but after a recommendation from a friend I decided to try it out and I can tell you this, I was not disappointed!

A little back story for you readers.

The main character of the story, Nolan Garrett is crippled and in a wheelchair. He use to be a highly decorated Silverguard sniper until in the line of duty he was put out of commission with a spinal injury losing the use of his legs.

Sniper-gif.gif

Nolan is down on his luck and he is addicted to pain killers to the point that he lives only to have the next fix to ease the pain along with numbing his mind as he has sunk low into a depressed state of mind.

When Nolan gets himself into some trouble in a back alleyway with some bad guys he just wishes his life was over as he just feels like he cannot go on, but all is not lost as coming to his rescue is Tanis Janssen who use to be a former Silverguard team member. Tanis helps him to the point of taking him back to her place with fixing his wounds and getting him cleaned up.

After a much needed discussion on his life and what he has had to endure for a long time, Tanis offers Nolan a way out of this life that he has made for himself by offering him something that will change his life around and make him feel like he belongs in this world. When she lets him know what she has proposed, Nolan is dumbstruck as he cannot believe what she has just told him.

What did Tanis tell Nolan? What is the life changing offer? What does Nolan have to accomplish to get his life back on track? No spoilers here as you will just have to read the book to find out the details of Nolan's offer!

This book was exciting, fast paced and action packed to the hilt!

From the first chapter you just are drawn to Nolan Garrett and his circumstances where you feel his pain along with feeling his depression of his life being over.

The author, Andy Peloquin just draws the reader into this world of intrigue and mystery that surrounds the character, Nolan Garrett. Loved the character, Tanis Janssen as she just has a take control type of attitude and will fight for her friend, Nolan Garrett to the end. She will do whatever it takes to get him back on a track and get his life turned around. This book receives five "glowing" stars from me! I will be looking forward to the next installment in the series along with checking out other books by Andy Peloquin.
Profile Image for Laura.
852 reviews100 followers
December 28, 2019
5 brilliant stars

In a battle of life and death, even the smallest decision can have fatal consequences.

Now this is what I call One hell of a ride!!

I received this book as a gift from the author a little while back and was able to pick it up and start reading it yesterday evening. Evening became night and I didn't even notice how the hours flew until I turned the last page. I simply couldn't set it down.
Thank you Andy Peloquin! This one went straight onto my shelf of favorites!


Cerberus: Kill Order - cover art - image from the author's site - andypeloquin.com

Nolan Garrett is a ghost. A former elite Silverguard sniper, he had been among the best. That was before a grenade shattered his spine and bound him to a wheelchair. Now he is nothing but 'a shattered wreck and the hollow husk of the man he'd been. He'd cut off all the contact with everyone he knew - everyone from his old life - so they wouldn't have to see what he's become. What he'd been reduced to now that his purpose in life had been ripped away.'

Wrestling with the memories of who he'd been and what he'd lost is a battle he cannot win, without the help of something strong that helps him forget and dulls the pain. Whatever is available on the streets and he can afford.
He's desperately trying to bury the past under a haze. Until one day, when things go too far and the only thing that Nolan can think of is: What a shitty way to die.

That day the past returns to him in a way that makes Nolan's jaw drop wide open. Because Cruella de Vil herself suddenly shows up and saves his sorry ass. No! Not that Cruella who wants to kill all those sweet puppies. But Tanis Jansssen, an old army comrade and former Silverguard.
Over six feet tall and impossibly broad in the back and the shoulders, with arms that bulged with far more muscle than any human should possess, Tannis aka Cruella is one absolutely awesome woman that you can't help but adore. Blunt, direct and fuck delicate sensibilities is the Cruella way - and she rocks at it.

Tanis picks Nolan up and offers him a chance to have a purpose again. A chance to get back into action, and a specially-designed cybernetic suit that restores full mobility to his paralyzed legs.

'Where do I sign up?' is the only possible answer to such an offer as far as Nolan's concerned. Because the bounty is simply too good to ignore. The possibility of walking on his own again is just like a dream. One he never thought would ever be fulfilled.

Never mind that the mission felt shadier than a cloudy night and the name of the Bureau that wants it done sends chills down Nolan's spine. He had a purpose again.
Gone was the helpless cripple that had been condemned to a wheelchair, the pathetic wretch Tanis had found. Armed, armored, with a mission and moving around, it was like the old Nolan Garrett had been resurrected.

But when the shadow op goes sideways, Nolan will be forced to decide: save his friend, or cling to his newfound ability to walk. A decision not at all easy to make. Especially since Nolan's cravings from his acquired habit still hold a huge sway on him. Their allure is too strong for Nolan to resist.

What he will choose and how it will all go down, I'm not gonna breathe a word on it. But know this. It will be one hell of a ride and you won't see it coming.

Cerberus: Kill Order is a thrilling, action-packed prequel to the Cerberus military scifi series and I have to just say WOW! It completely blew my socks off.

Smooth writing combines with kick-ass action scenes and the result is so unbelievably cinematic, that you can practically see the bullets flying and the scenes unfolding before your eyes. Believable and with a real feel, not the extra super hero stuff that makes one roll the eyes at times.
And then we have the characters. Few but wonderfully developed.
Tanis with her no nonsense attitude makes you want her in your corner from the very first moment you meet her. And if not then, I'll bet you, that will happen by the time she ends up chiding to be 'done with this wussy touchy feely stuff.'

And Nolan... Masterfully done. With him Andy performs a perfectly balanced dance on a razor blade. And he pulls it off like a charm. The way he describes Nolan's inner turmoil and his feeling ranging from shame and disgust to hope and determination... The way he lets us know how the addiction ravages not only the body but also the mind... Brilliantly done!

Cerberus: Kill Order is an edge of the seat, gripping and addictive tale that you won't be able to set down. And I am already itching to get my fingers on the sequel.

If you like flawed and hardened heroes, epic futuristic combat, and gritty intrigue, YOU HAVE GOT TO READ THIS!

It's freaking awesome!



Find this review and more on my book review and cover art blog The Magic Book Corner
776 reviews2 followers
December 16, 2019
This is a epic fantasy author (one of the best) writing sci-fi. And I have to say this is a little cracker. Yet another hit series is on the way. How on earth does this author keep penning such great books time after time. Cannot wait for the next one. Highly recommended.
1 review
December 27, 2019
This book is an amazing si fi romp with an amazing story and great characters
Profile Image for Lana.
2,877 reviews61 followers
December 15, 2019
Wow what a strong prequel to start off a new series to what I envisage becoming a massive sci-fi military action packed saga. In this prequel we meet Nolan Garret a once highly trained Silverguard who was part of the Warbeast team till he got hit by shrapnel on one of the ops and became paralysed never to walk again. Discharged from the army and the job he loved to do and which gave him a purpose in life and comrades worth dying for he felt useless and hated seeing his limp legs, so he gave up and gave in to a drug habit which literally dragged him into the mire. Blitz became his fix though he would try anything that gave him a high, however, just when his life hit rock bottom he was saved by an old friend Tanis, a military medic, who he had worked with before, the last woman he had seen before he lost the use of his legs and she offered him a way out and something he had completely lost, hope! She introduced him to the Sentry Division and asked him to join her on a top secret and highly dangerous mission in order to watch her back. Tanis had faith in him as she knew he had been the best there was, but could he see the mission through without endangering his friend's life, when all he could think about was his next fix? Nolan though a drug addict and a total mess in this book, is a great character who wants to take charge of his life once again and find his purpose but can he do this, will his anger be enough to change his life around? Wow this book is an edge of the seat thrilling read and I just cannot wait to read the first book in the series!
Profile Image for Tabitha Ormiston-Smith.
Author 54 books60 followers
December 2, 2019
I wasn't sure about this book when I started it. I was quite disgusted by the weak-minded, drug-addicted protagonist. But as the action heated up, as the protagonist was affected by events and finally grew into his life-changing decision, I developed more and more sympathy for him.
The writing, as always, is smooth, the action sequences believable and gut-wrenchingly exciting. Peloquin excels at action and this book is a great showcase for that. I'll definitely read more in this series.
Profile Image for R.
361 reviews5 followers
January 14, 2020
This unusual story introduces us to a man in a bad way due to being in a wheelchair. He had been an active man in the armed forces till a piece of shrapnel ended up in his spine, which ended the use of his legs.

This story resonated hugely with me, as I was an active woman until an accident robbed me of most of the use of my legs. I also use a wheelchair.

This character was floored by what he had lost, he was not taking care of himself and was deeply depressed, until a chance encounter with an old colleague changed his life forever. I felt so emotionally moved when I read that.

Without giving too much away, this story is about lies, pain and a whole world of guilt.

If you like stories that leave you feeling that life can indeed get better out of the blue, that devastating loss can be turned on its head, then this book will definitely appeal to you.

1,437 reviews8 followers
April 15, 2024
This is not my normal genre of reading. I’m more for fantasy but as this is by one of my favourite authors I thought I’d give it a try. Didn’t disappoint, action, interesting characters and story. On to the next one
210 reviews31 followers
November 15, 2020
This was a giveaway prequel to the Cerberus series.
I expected something short, light and somewhat akin to an introductory novella. What I got was an almost full length novel full of adrenaline, intrigue, fantastic character building and absolutely unputdownable.
I was not ready to have a connection with the characters so quickly, now I'm hooked.
Looking forward to the rest of the series. Definitely recommended.
759 reviews5 followers
January 13, 2020
It will come as no surprise to anybody that war is hell for all soldiers and you seldom escape unscathed. That is the case also for Nolan who got a piece of shrapnel pressing on a nerve in his back, causing paralysis from the waist down and keeping him in a.wheel chair. And no surgeon will touch.his case as it is too dangerous and the odds definitely against his surviving surgery lest in a state paralysis.
But for Nolan the pain and shakes is unacceptable even now and so he became a junkie to try and control that.
So, when offered a chance to join the Sentry Organisation, be given the means to walk again, in exchange for his assassinating a witness in a huge legal case, all sanctioned in a hush hush undercover government mission, he accepts with alacrity.
Now, with author Andy Peloquin there is always more than is immediately evident. Like: this is all happening on a remote planet with different customs and systems. Hi tech is evident in odd ways.
Except sleaze is and remain sleaze.
Somewhat reminiscent too of Iron Man, Nolan might very well have been Iron Man's son...even down to an iron suit and null grav thrusters in his boots.
The real eye opener as to what may lay ahead in this series, only lies in the final chapter of Cerberus: Kill Order, very much under emphasized and casually mentioned.
Does this means nothing much happened in Cerberus: Kill Shot? Au contraire. This Sci Fi thriller is action packed.
But it is also a prequel. And this series promises to be something even more extraordinary in the subsequent books to be released. I simply cannot wait to see what author Andy Peloquin has in mind for the rest of the books in this series.
Enjoy!
Profile Image for Christina Morley.
Author 5 books21 followers
March 27, 2020
Kill Order, is a prequel to Andy Peloquin's soon-to-be released Assassination Protocol, which I have already pre-ordered. I received the prequel via Andy's author newsletter. It's how Nolan Garret goes from wheelchair bound druggie to a government assassin wearing a cybernetic suit. His character is compelling and the story draws you in. It gets very intense and I was tied up in knots for Nolan, but I won’t say more, because of spoilers. Be sure to grab Book 1!
406 reviews1 follower
January 3, 2020
I finished this book today, I started it today. Yes the missus was cross that I was late for supper buy this happens when it's a good book and she knows that she has to shout in my ear when I'm reading a book. It's her profile picture, her shouting in my ear. I say I'm going deaf. Careful, your missus might think the same when you read this book!
Profile Image for Charles Cavendish.
55 reviews11 followers
February 27, 2024
What a brilliant introduction to the series!

This a fast paced military sci-fi story that also has a very human element.

Brilliant action scenes are set against our protagonist battle with addiction. You are quickly drawn into a world of elite military operatives in a dark and murky cyber punk world.

Safe to say I'm hooked and cant wait to dive into the rest of the 12 book series.
37 reviews
October 19, 2020
Read this after I read book 1, so it cleared up a lot of bits and pieces that had confused me in Book 1. Very well written. Clear, consistent, compelling, and creative.
274 reviews5 followers
October 23, 2020
This prequel gives a look at Nolan down and out and how his addiction turned him from being one of the best to being a junkie. Well written.
637 reviews5 followers
December 15, 2020
After reading book 1 in the series, it was good to read this prequel. Fully matched the quality of book 1, perhaps slightly less constant stress and excitement but well done never the less.
Profile Image for Laura Cremers.
484 reviews1 follower
April 4, 2026
Well..this explains why my mom always to me not to do drugs. Lesson learned!
Profile Image for Frances Law.
1,123 reviews16 followers
January 15, 2020
This is AP’s first venture into Sci-fi and he’s done a fantastic job! This is set in the far future and revolves around a flawed MC. Nolan Garrett was once a sniper with an elite unit, that is until he was wounded so badly that he lost the use of his legs. Then, as now, veterans aren’t given the past service care that they deserve and Nolan found himself in such deep despair that he turned to drugs. There are a few questions that you have to ask about a future in which nothing much seems to have changed but, more importantly, questions are raised about the lack of care TODAY! It might seem obvious that veterans (of any country) should be given treatment for both physical and mental trauma on discharge but the sad fact of the matter is that they are not. Nolan is found in a very bad state by a former comrade, Tanis a medic. To say that he felt shame to be found as he was by her is true but, unfortunately, his drug addiction was paramount to him. It is Tanis who ends up saving him in more ways than one.
This story is fast paced and action filled but also thought provoking. 5 stars.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
420 reviews2 followers
February 9, 2020
I like it! The story of a former elite operator who’s in-the-line-of-duty injury costs him his legs and eventually his dignity. A former comrade offers him hope and redemption before he is unable to prevent her murder before his eyes. Thus is born Cerberus - clandestine operative for the Protection Bureau - willing or not. This is an interesting story with well developed characters that sets the stage for what should be a very interesting series.
146 reviews2 followers
February 22, 2020
A nonstop fast-action story with fascinating characters. The first of a series, the main character is a drug-soaked veteran not dealing well with his medical discharge from his military unit. See how his life is changed by a blast from the past, and follow his ups and downs, written with vivid word descriptions. I can’t wait for the next installment, and I bet you won’t either!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Joel.
31 reviews1 follower
June 25, 2020
Thoroughly good read, polished off in one sitting. Has a bit of John Wick some Jason Bourne , and even a bit of Baldacci's Will Robie, swirled into a good hard SF story. I assume the next book will pickup the pace even more. Read it and enjoy.
Profile Image for Jim Sechrengost.
14 reviews
April 27, 2020
Andy's foray into the Sci Fi genre is nothing short of amazing. He creates a very believable and relatable character. Nice action packed and well researched start.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews