Book Review: Cerberus: Kill Order

My rating: 5 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!


Check out this book and more of Andy Peloquin over at andypeloquin.com