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Cerberus #4
Paragon Slayer
One man, one AI, and three guns versus a spaceship full of armed enemies--what could possibly go wrong?
Nolan Garrett has a new target: Captain Drexel of the SSE Armada, smuggler, enemy combatant, and suspected terrorist.
All it takes is a bit of clever bluffing and some fast cyber-work by Taia, the AI in his brain, to get him close enough to pull the trigger.
Nothing can ever be that easy…
The “cakewalk” mission goes quickly off the rails with the arrival of a friend that should have been dead, a series of brutal assaults and murders, mysterious armored foes with tech capable of vanishing into thin air, and a cargo so valuable, rivers of blood will be spilled to safeguard it.
Alone and surrounded by hostiles, Nolan has only his skill-at-arms, his armor, and his AI to keep him alive in this deadly game of cat-and-mouse.
Nolan Garrett has a new target: Captain Drexel of the SSE Armada, smuggler, enemy combatant, and suspected terrorist.
All it takes is a bit of clever bluffing and some fast cyber-work by Taia, the AI in his brain, to get him close enough to pull the trigger.
Nothing can ever be that easy…
The “cakewalk” mission goes quickly off the rails with the arrival of a friend that should have been dead, a series of brutal assaults and murders, mysterious armored foes with tech capable of vanishing into thin air, and a cargo so valuable, rivers of blood will be spilled to safeguard it.
Alone and surrounded by hostiles, Nolan has only his skill-at-arms, his armor, and his AI to keep him alive in this deadly game of cat-and-mouse.
399 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 14, 2020
About the author
Andy Peloquin
95 books1,364 followersI 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!
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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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 11, 2020
PARAGON SLAYER is the fourth volume of the Cerberus series by Andy Peloquin. The books follow the events of Nolan Garrett, an assassin working for the Empire. He and his A.I. companion as well as a former Silverguard have joined together in an alliance to try to get all they want. None of them are particularly loyal to the Empire but they aren't against it either.
This book has Nolan assigned to kill a famous pirate and stops only when he discovers that his close friend from the Great War is his target's second in command. Infiltrating the captain's ship against his better judgement, he finds himself in a complicated plot involving terrorists as well as a rival infiltrator.
This is a solid and entertaining piece of space opera that I strongly recommend. It is perhaps my favorite of the Cerberus series and reminds me a lot of a MARVEL Star Wars comic. I always love space pirates and this actually touches on some real world issues like refugees, peaceful protestors being labeled terrorists, and other matters.
In conclusion, this is an excellent novel and while not much in the way of character development, it is a solid stand-alone novel. I really liked Nolan's friendship and his questioning of the actions he's taken on behalf of the empire.
This book has Nolan assigned to kill a famous pirate and stops only when he discovers that his close friend from the Great War is his target's second in command. Infiltrating the captain's ship against his better judgement, he finds himself in a complicated plot involving terrorists as well as a rival infiltrator.
This is a solid and entertaining piece of space opera that I strongly recommend. It is perhaps my favorite of the Cerberus series and reminds me a lot of a MARVEL Star Wars comic. I always love space pirates and this actually touches on some real world issues like refugees, peaceful protestors being labeled terrorists, and other matters.
In conclusion, this is an excellent novel and while not much in the way of character development, it is a solid stand-alone novel. I really liked Nolan's friendship and his questioning of the actions he's taken on behalf of the empire.
June 25, 2020
Another thrilling and nerve wrecking read in the Cerberus series, as we travel on yet another mission with Nolan, Taia and Bex to track down the Armada and Captain Drexel who was supposedly working for the terrorist organisation Sic Semper Tyrannis known as SST. However a mission which was supposed to be very straight forward turns extremely dangerous as Nolan sights a very good friend of his, who he thought had been dead, on the Armada next to Drexel. Nolan fakes an accident on the Scorpicus, and sends out a help signal, which the Armada answers and they haul him in. Once on the Armada the shit hits the fan, as Nolan finds himself embroiled in more trouble than he'd bargained for. He found himself dealing with Liberationist refugees, a murder, a bloody assault and a sabotaged ship. He knew he just had to roll with the punches if he was to survive, and if Drexel was really a terrorist as Agent Styver believed, there might be other terrorists on board and he was sitting on a powder keg set to blow. Nolan ends up suspecting his friend of the murder and assault and ends up walking a tightrope on two fronts. This book is a real heart stopper as Nolan faces off with a Voidmarine, who is not only as well trained and armed as he is, but also very cybernatically enhanced, and Nolan knows he is facing his worse threat ever. This book had me riveted till the last line was read. I cannot wait to read the next book in this thrilling series which has me hooked.
April 18, 2024
It’s definite, I’m enjoying these books. Peloquin doesn’t fail to provide books that are full of action , interesting story and characters. That they are also easy to read is an additional bonus. There is also a mystery involved to add to the enjoyment
July 18, 2020
Strong, dark, and brooding. This book throws up many questions, and to get answers, we have to go way back.
Nolan Garrett hates the dark, brooding, and above all, icy depths of space. However, in order to complete the contract he has been given, he has to go out into the icy depths of space, into the middle of an asteroid belt, known as The
Rock Patch. His mission is simple: take out a man called Captain Willem Drexel who is a known terrorist and is supposedly smuggling weapons to the enemies of the Nyzarian Empire, known as Sic Semper Tyrranus. A violent and ideologistic group, violently opposed to the Nyzanian Empire. Whose tactics include bombing civilians and other soft targets.
So Nolan gets ready and settles on an asteroid in the optimum position in the Rock Patch, and waits for the man to come to him. His target appears and Nolan gets ready to take the shot, but just as he goes to pull the trigger, a ghost walks directly across his view and he hesitates. The ghost was once a great friend and colleague of Nolan's, Ripkin Wallace.
Ripkin was a specialist like Nolan way back, before Nolan's body was shredded by the grenade that he though had killed Rip.
Now Nolan has missed the shot to take out the enemy he was sent to eliminate and he has to come up with an excuse to be near the target and somehow find out what happened to Rip all those years ago.
Nolan makes an excuse for why he's in the spot he's in and his excuse is accepted by Captain Drexel. Now he is aboard the enemy's spaceship and has a chance to talk to his friend Rip. All is tension as they feel their way back into their old friendship again. Now Rip is asking for Nolan's help to deal with strange goings on in the ship. Nolan reluctantly agrees to look into things, whilst keeping his eyes open for proof that the captain, Nolan's original target, is indeed the enemy of the Nyzanian Empire that Nolan has been informed he is.
This story was well written and kept my full attention from beginning to end.
Nolan Garrett hates the dark, brooding, and above all, icy depths of space. However, in order to complete the contract he has been given, he has to go out into the icy depths of space, into the middle of an asteroid belt, known as The
Rock Patch. His mission is simple: take out a man called Captain Willem Drexel who is a known terrorist and is supposedly smuggling weapons to the enemies of the Nyzarian Empire, known as Sic Semper Tyrranus. A violent and ideologistic group, violently opposed to the Nyzanian Empire. Whose tactics include bombing civilians and other soft targets.
So Nolan gets ready and settles on an asteroid in the optimum position in the Rock Patch, and waits for the man to come to him. His target appears and Nolan gets ready to take the shot, but just as he goes to pull the trigger, a ghost walks directly across his view and he hesitates. The ghost was once a great friend and colleague of Nolan's, Ripkin Wallace.
Ripkin was a specialist like Nolan way back, before Nolan's body was shredded by the grenade that he though had killed Rip.
Now Nolan has missed the shot to take out the enemy he was sent to eliminate and he has to come up with an excuse to be near the target and somehow find out what happened to Rip all those years ago.
Nolan makes an excuse for why he's in the spot he's in and his excuse is accepted by Captain Drexel. Now he is aboard the enemy's spaceship and has a chance to talk to his friend Rip. All is tension as they feel their way back into their old friendship again. Now Rip is asking for Nolan's help to deal with strange goings on in the ship. Nolan reluctantly agrees to look into things, whilst keeping his eyes open for proof that the captain, Nolan's original target, is indeed the enemy of the Nyzanian Empire that Nolan has been informed he is.
This story was well written and kept my full attention from beginning to end.
June 25, 2020
Once again Nolan finds himself fighting against all odds! This time he is to take down a terrorist but holds his shot at the last moment when he sees an old friend standing next to the man. The plot is full of twists and turns with Nolan having to rethink everything he knows. As usual there are moments that suspend belief and I’m taken back to an old favourite of mine ‘Galaxy Quest’. The timer always has to get down to the last few seconds! I have to say that this series is good fun space opera.
July 12, 2020
Another awesome Cerberus Book "Paragon Slayer" by Andy Peloquin. It's a mystery Sci-fi as Nolan investigates the captain of a ship and whether he is he a terrorist? But his best friend Rip is on board and is he involved too? This was suppose to be a simple assignment get in and get out. But there lots of unanswered question, lots of self doubt, what is truth and what isn't. A great 'who did it' novel with action galore and a thrilling story line. I could not put it down. I definitely recommend this one.
July 14, 2020
There is just so very much to say about this book, but I feel I have said everything already. It’s true, I am no writer, so I believe I have run out of creative ways to express...read this series...and...it’s totally intense. Nolan Garrett and Taia are a unique experience, and then when I think about the addition of Bex once she is recovered.....YIKES! The action is heart pounding and many times gut wrenching so be prepared. Reading books written by this author can and will devour your day away. All my reviews are always voluntarily written.
July 14, 2020
What an action-packed space mystery! Cerberus the detective in this one, solving mystery after mystery as everything in his op goes sideways. Took less than 8 hours to read…I couldn’t put it down. Every time you think he’s on the verge of figuring out his current mystery, boom, another mystery to solve. All to end up finding the antagonist is almost equally as skilled as our Silverguard but with way more augmentations. What a page-turner!
June 23, 2020
Once again Peloquin ups the ante, with a sinister medical condition threatening Nolan's life in the slightly longer term, even as he battles almost impossible odds in the immediate short term. This new book was as exciting as anything I've read. The ending will knock your socks off!
June 30, 2020
This sci-fi series is really hitting the mark. From someone who was seriously indifferent to it to me being wholly into it. This author just cannot do any wrong, he pens hit after hit after hit. Roll on the next one. Highly recommended.
July 14, 2020
Received as an arc.
Another great story. Nolan who plans never go the way he wants them is again against the odds. Full of action, intrigue, bolts flying all about. Great read, kept me on the edge throughout. Some nice twists and turns.
Another great story. Nolan who plans never go the way he wants them is again against the odds. Full of action, intrigue, bolts flying all about. Great read, kept me on the edge throughout. Some nice twists and turns.
July 19, 2020
What a read !!
Cerberus is on the hunt again,
chasing down the bad guys,
solving mysteries and kicking
evil butt enthusiastically.
This is a superb read with a
great puzzle, a ruthless,
relentless, homicidal villain
and a surprise ending.
Enjoy !!
Phyllis S.
Cerberus is on the hunt again,
chasing down the bad guys,
solving mysteries and kicking
evil butt enthusiastically.
This is a superb read with a
great puzzle, a ruthless,
relentless, homicidal villain
and a surprise ending.
Enjoy !!
Phyllis S.
July 19, 2020
Great read
Another enjoyable trip and another enlightening glimpse into Garrets past and a few more hints as to whats happening in the background. Hopefully the book 5 shall finally give us more as it appears time is running out
Another enjoyable trip and another enlightening glimpse into Garrets past and a few more hints as to whats happening in the background. Hopefully the book 5 shall finally give us more as it appears time is running out
July 19, 2020
A fantastic adventure
Another excellent installment in the series and I couldn't put it down.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action and adventure
I look forward to more from this series 😁
Another excellent installment in the series and I couldn't put it down.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action and adventure
I look forward to more from this series 😁
September 8, 2020
Excellent! Cerberus’ latest mission goes sideways fast with the appearance of a ghost from his past. Great story and action as he try’s to figure things out and stay alive. And the mystery of the protection bureau gets even more mysterious. Love this series!
May 16, 2021
Back on form.
Much improved on the last book. A better story, more thoughtful and even nudges into a murder mystery for a while. After 4 books the background story arc is also starting to build well and, as usual, an interesting cliffhanger ending. What's next?
Much improved on the last book. A better story, more thoughtful and even nudges into a murder mystery for a while. After 4 books the background story arc is also starting to build well and, as usual, an interesting cliffhanger ending. What's next?
July 14, 2020
Andy is an excellent storyteller and this is an excellent book. Love it. Well written, full of action & adrenaline, great characters. Great job.
August 14, 2020
Great series! Characters are real, plots twist, never a dull moment. Starting the next book, worried I’ll read faster than Andy can write!
August 17, 2020
With Interest
I am busy watching, with great interest, the development of AI in this action packed series. Good reading to pass the time away.
I am busy watching, with great interest, the development of AI in this action packed series. Good reading to pass the time away.
September 10, 2020
Best book so far
This has everything,now that we are invested so much in cerebus we are getting to know him better. Andy's humour does make me laugh quite a bit.
This has everything,now that we are invested so much in cerebus we are getting to know him better. Andy's humour does make me laugh quite a bit.
September 23, 2020
Pretty good
I like the main characters. This book ends with a lot of suspicious things taking place. This series has a good story line. On to book 5.
I like the main characters. This book ends with a lot of suspicious things taking place. This series has a good story line. On to book 5.
April 22, 2021
Enjoying the series, a good read
January 4, 2026
The flash of light just before he was hit... then blackness!
Nolan is ordered to a new target off world, only this time it just seems -off- and TAIA is unsettled as well!
Nolan is ordered to a new target off world, only this time it just seems -off- and TAIA is unsettled as well!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews