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Alexander Hawke #7
Phantom
“[Hawke is] a secret agent who takes you into the danger zone with a ballsy wit that had me hooked.�
—Vince Flynn “Ted Bell puts a capital A in adventure�.Commander Bond might choke on his martini next to Bell’s superlative Alex Hawke.�
� Madison County Herald Ted Bell’s remarkable literary creation, counterspy Alex Hawke, has been called, “strong, shrewd, and savvy, with an aplomb not seen since James Bond� (NPR). He’s back in the explosive blockbuster Phantom , on a breathtaking hunt for a madman about to unleash a terrifying new Artificial Intelligence-powered super weapon on the world. Another superb espionage thriller by a true, New York Times bestselling master of the fictional spy game, Bell’s Phantom explores a dark side of science while delivering non-stop action, as Hawke races across the globe in order to prevent a coming apocalypse—and the millions of fans of Bell’s Warlord , Tsar , and Spy will be breathless every perilous step along the way.
—Vince Flynn “Ted Bell puts a capital A in adventure�.Commander Bond might choke on his martini next to Bell’s superlative Alex Hawke.�
� Madison County Herald Ted Bell’s remarkable literary creation, counterspy Alex Hawke, has been called, “strong, shrewd, and savvy, with an aplomb not seen since James Bond� (NPR). He’s back in the explosive blockbuster Phantom , on a breathtaking hunt for a madman about to unleash a terrifying new Artificial Intelligence-powered super weapon on the world. Another superb espionage thriller by a true, New York Times bestselling master of the fictional spy game, Bell’s Phantom explores a dark side of science while delivering non-stop action, as Hawke races across the globe in order to prevent a coming apocalypse—and the millions of fans of Bell’s Warlord , Tsar , and Spy will be breathless every perilous step along the way.
496 pages, Hardcover
First published March 20, 2012
378 people are currently reading
1,745 people want to read
About the author
Ted Bell
42Ìýbooks850ÌýfollowersTed Bell was the author of 12 consecutive New York Times best sellers and a former advertising executive. He began his advertising career in the 1970’s as a junior copywriter at Doyle Dane Bernbach (DDB), New York. At the age of 25, he sold his first screenplay to Hollywood, as well as became the youngest vice-president in the storied history of DDB. He then joined Leo Burnett Co., Chicago, as a creative director and four years later, he was named President, Chicago Creative Officer where he was credited with developing numerous innovative and award-winning advertising campaigns. In 1982, Bell joined Young & Rubicam, London, and in 1991 he became the Vice Chairman and Worldwide Creative Director. Ted won every award the advertising industry offers, including numerous Clios and Cannes Gold Lions, and while at Young & Rubicam, the Grand Prix at the Cannes Festival. In 2001, Ted retired to write full time. He has 10 New York Times Bestsellers to his credit: The Alex Hawke series of spy thrillers published by HarperCollins and the young adult targeted time travel adventure series, Nick of Time and The Time Pirate published by St. Martins Press.
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A native Floridian, Bell graduated from Randolph-Macon College in Virginia and was a former member of the college’s Board of Trustees. He held an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from Kendall College in Michigan. Bell was also an Adjunct Professor of English Literature at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. He was a member of the Defense Orientation Conference Association (DOCA), a program run by the Department of Defense in support of America’s military. He served on the Advisory Board at George Washington’s Home at Mount Vernon, a group chaired by former Secretary of the Army, Togo West. He also served for a time as an advisor to the Undersecretary for Domestic Relations at the U.S. Department of State.
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For the 2011-2012 Academic Year, Sir Richard Dearlove, Former Chief of MI6, British Intelligence, sponsored Ted to become a Visiting Scholar at Cambridge University (UK). In addition, he was named Writer-in-Residence at Sydney-Sussex College, Cambridge and studied at the University’s Department of Political Science and International Studies (POLIS) under the tutelage of Sir Dearlove, who was the Master of Pembroke College.
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In May 2018, Ted published OVERKILL, the 10th book in the popular Alex Hawke spy thriller series.
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In January 2019, Ted and Jon Adler of Jon Adler Films formed El Dorado Entertainment, a feature film and television production company based in New York.
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In July 2019, Ted signed a two-book deal with Random House.
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In July 2020, the 11th Alex Hawke thriller, DRAGONFIRE, was published.
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On December 7, 2021, the 12th Alex Hawke thriller, SEA HAWKE was published.
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Ted appeared on numerous television and radio programs and was a featured speaker at associations, clubs, libraries and organizations across the country.
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Ted traveled the world and lived in Italy, London, France, Palm Beach, New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Maine. He last lived in a beloved 19th century farmhouse in Connecticut.
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A native Floridian, Bell graduated from Randolph-Macon College in Virginia and was a former member of the college’s Board of Trustees. He held an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from Kendall College in Michigan. Bell was also an Adjunct Professor of English Literature at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. He was a member of the Defense Orientation Conference Association (DOCA), a program run by the Department of Defense in support of America’s military. He served on the Advisory Board at George Washington’s Home at Mount Vernon, a group chaired by former Secretary of the Army, Togo West. He also served for a time as an advisor to the Undersecretary for Domestic Relations at the U.S. Department of State.
�
For the 2011-2012 Academic Year, Sir Richard Dearlove, Former Chief of MI6, British Intelligence, sponsored Ted to become a Visiting Scholar at Cambridge University (UK). In addition, he was named Writer-in-Residence at Sydney-Sussex College, Cambridge and studied at the University’s Department of Political Science and International Studies (POLIS) under the tutelage of Sir Dearlove, who was the Master of Pembroke College.
�
In May 2018, Ted published OVERKILL, the 10th book in the popular Alex Hawke spy thriller series.
�
In January 2019, Ted and Jon Adler of Jon Adler Films formed El Dorado Entertainment, a feature film and television production company based in New York.
�
In July 2019, Ted signed a two-book deal with Random House.
�
In July 2020, the 11th Alex Hawke thriller, DRAGONFIRE, was published.
�
On December 7, 2021, the 12th Alex Hawke thriller, SEA HAWKE was published.
�
Ted appeared on numerous television and radio programs and was a featured speaker at associations, clubs, libraries and organizations across the country.
�
Ted traveled the world and lived in Italy, London, France, Palm Beach, New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Maine. He last lived in a beloved 19th century farmhouse in Connecticut.
�
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews
March 30, 2012
This could really happen....scary.....exhilerating read. Alex Hawke and his side kicks are still
heroes: warriors that aren't entirely cold-blooded and calculating. There's a plausible sci-fi element, as well. When I think of people's car GPS suddenly going somewhere else, well - it's probably just a baby beta test for the big kahuna in this book...
heroes: warriors that aren't entirely cold-blooded and calculating. There's a plausible sci-fi element, as well. When I think of people's car GPS suddenly going somewhere else, well - it's probably just a baby beta test for the big kahuna in this book...
April 3, 2012
This is the 7th book by Ted Bell in the Alexander Hawke series. It's a page
turner and equally as good as the rest of the series. The books may be
read individually but I think that to understand the characters as they
come up it's better to start at the beginning. I don't think that you
will be dissapointed in any of the books.
turner and equally as good as the rest of the series. The books may be
read individually but I think that to understand the characters as they
come up it's better to start at the beginning. I don't think that you
will be dissapointed in any of the books.
March 30, 2012
I keep reading this series because I am a bit ocd and can't *not* read a series I have started. That being said, this is not one I would recommend to my friends. Plot holes and inconsistencies from page to page make it a bit annoying as far as stories go. I can forgive the over the top characters for literary licence, but when things are (literally) inconsistent from one page to another, I can't really let it go. I'm not sure what Mr. Bell's editor does, but it's apparently a job that requires no attendance.
July 3, 2012
Seems every new book is a NY Times best seller. Doesn't say much for the readers that buy/borrow those books. I quit after pages of prose containing the likes of "...waiting for him, her cheeks aglow in the frosted air, golden ringlets peeking from beneath the white mink cowl that framed her lovely face.." golden ringlets? Well, I went a bit farther and came across this "...his friend Ambrose Congreave, the famous Scotland Yard criminalist, had..." After a few more of those, I quit. Bleah.
April 4, 2012
There are many things that I'm thankful my father has shared with me. An interest in politics, my love of sailing, and my love of the Hawke series, just to name a few. Ted Bell's newest book in the Hawke series, Phantom, is a fine addition that includes all of these things.
The difficult balance in any "spy thriller" is to create a story that walks the fine line of believability and outlandish. The story must be just slightly beyond what is something you would expect to hear in the news, but not so outlandish that it's downright unbelievable. Ted Bell has hit this mark on the head with Phantom. The character of Hawke has easily been established in previous books. He's a polite, emotionally connected world superstar with the wealth to do as he would like. He has a fortune and skill set that puts Bruce Wayne to shame. He has the connections that James Bond could only dream to have. He knows how to be there emotionally for the ones he loves, yet has no problem putting those emotions aside to get a job done. In spite of all that, he still is respectful of those that he has to bring to their untimely demise. Thanks to his character's establishment in prior books, the "coincidences" and connections he has are all easily explained within his universe. It comes across as believable that he could afford mansions and mega yachts while rubbing shoulders with world leaders. He is surrounded by individuals who have the skill sets to overcome uncomfortable situations.
Ted Bell has done a masterful job crafting a villain that creates a formidable foe for even Hawke. No stranger to extreme situations, the ultimate foe in Phantom creates situations where the reader will be curious how Hawke and others can overcome. This villain creates an opportunity to evaluate philosophies of Humanism and the potential upsides or downsides of Singularity. What role does Humanity face, both now and in the future? Will current technological advancements in computing present positive or negative opportunities for Humanity? The villain will bring these questions and more to the mind of the reader and force them to be aware of an engage these philosophies. Phantom ends up being more a battle of the minds between Hawke and this villain, a new turn for the series. It is a welcome approach though, keeping the Hawke series fresh and interesting. Don't worry, though, Bell has crafted some of his best action sequences of the series. The contains some thrilling sea battles that had me wanting to head out on my 16' Compac Sailboat and storm the waters of enemies. All of this being said, though, I would have loved to see a little longer of a cat and mouse game between the villain and Hawke and a little less distraction towards the secondary villain.
Ultimately, Phantom is a welcome addition to the Hawke legacy. I once mentioned to Mr. Bell that, in spite of the fact that I buy my books on the Kindle, there are certain books that I buy an additional hard copy of because I want to be sure I have it around no matter what. Phantom easily falls into this category, and it will join the rest of the Hawke series neatly on my physical shelf.
The difficult balance in any "spy thriller" is to create a story that walks the fine line of believability and outlandish. The story must be just slightly beyond what is something you would expect to hear in the news, but not so outlandish that it's downright unbelievable. Ted Bell has hit this mark on the head with Phantom. The character of Hawke has easily been established in previous books. He's a polite, emotionally connected world superstar with the wealth to do as he would like. He has a fortune and skill set that puts Bruce Wayne to shame. He has the connections that James Bond could only dream to have. He knows how to be there emotionally for the ones he loves, yet has no problem putting those emotions aside to get a job done. In spite of all that, he still is respectful of those that he has to bring to their untimely demise. Thanks to his character's establishment in prior books, the "coincidences" and connections he has are all easily explained within his universe. It comes across as believable that he could afford mansions and mega yachts while rubbing shoulders with world leaders. He is surrounded by individuals who have the skill sets to overcome uncomfortable situations.
Ted Bell has done a masterful job crafting a villain that creates a formidable foe for even Hawke. No stranger to extreme situations, the ultimate foe in Phantom creates situations where the reader will be curious how Hawke and others can overcome. This villain creates an opportunity to evaluate philosophies of Humanism and the potential upsides or downsides of Singularity. What role does Humanity face, both now and in the future? Will current technological advancements in computing present positive or negative opportunities for Humanity? The villain will bring these questions and more to the mind of the reader and force them to be aware of an engage these philosophies. Phantom ends up being more a battle of the minds between Hawke and this villain, a new turn for the series. It is a welcome approach though, keeping the Hawke series fresh and interesting. Don't worry, though, Bell has crafted some of his best action sequences of the series. The contains some thrilling sea battles that had me wanting to head out on my 16' Compac Sailboat and storm the waters of enemies. All of this being said, though, I would have loved to see a little longer of a cat and mouse game between the villain and Hawke and a little less distraction towards the secondary villain.
Ultimately, Phantom is a welcome addition to the Hawke legacy. I once mentioned to Mr. Bell that, in spite of the fact that I buy my books on the Kindle, there are certain books that I buy an additional hard copy of because I want to be sure I have it around no matter what. Phantom easily falls into this category, and it will join the rest of the Hawke series neatly on my physical shelf.
October 6, 2012
After reading a couple of spy books that I had hoped to be intelligent works but ended up being stupidly plotted and unbelievable, I opted for one that wasn't trying to be anything other than what it was - entertaining. This was my first Alex Hawke book (No. 7 in the series) and it read like a combination of James Bond meets Tom Clancy. Alex Hawke is a British Lord and "secret" agent who has unlimited wealth and access to world leaders (Queen Elizabeth, Vladimir Putin). He works with both MI6 and the CIA and roams freely in and out of countries leaving a path of death and destruction of bad guys behind him. He's even built his own 300 foot luxury three masted schooner outfitted with turbine engines to do 40 kts., as well as equipped with armor and all the latest armament weapons usually found in one of Tom Clancy's books.
In this book, Hawke crosses swords with the secret Russian Tsarist organization out to assassinate him and his newly discovered son who is also the grandson of the former leader of that organization who had imprisoned Hawke and Putin in an earlier book and then been assassinated by Hawke after escaping. But that's just the side story. There is an evil force which has begun invading the weapons systems of countries through out the world much like the Stuxnet virus. In one instance it took control of a Russian nuclear submarine and fired it's torpedoes at an American cruise liner. In another, it took over the controls of a new Israeli advanced unmanned aircraft and turned it against the high command witnessing it's first test demonstration. Then it is noticed by Hawke and his partners that world leading experts in the field of artificial intelligence are suddenly committing suicide. Hawke and his friends discover a link between all these events and set out to save the world. They discover that someone has been successful in developing artificial intelligence to the point where a machine may be close to reaching the point of "singularity". where it can out-perform the human mind and could grow exponentially to the point where it could decide to eliminate mankind. Thus begins an all out, non-stop action (unbelievable as it may be) to find the cause and eradicate it. This was a very good high action, suspend all believeability book that delivered what it promised.
In this book, Hawke crosses swords with the secret Russian Tsarist organization out to assassinate him and his newly discovered son who is also the grandson of the former leader of that organization who had imprisoned Hawke and Putin in an earlier book and then been assassinated by Hawke after escaping. But that's just the side story. There is an evil force which has begun invading the weapons systems of countries through out the world much like the Stuxnet virus. In one instance it took control of a Russian nuclear submarine and fired it's torpedoes at an American cruise liner. In another, it took over the controls of a new Israeli advanced unmanned aircraft and turned it against the high command witnessing it's first test demonstration. Then it is noticed by Hawke and his partners that world leading experts in the field of artificial intelligence are suddenly committing suicide. Hawke and his friends discover a link between all these events and set out to save the world. They discover that someone has been successful in developing artificial intelligence to the point where a machine may be close to reaching the point of "singularity". where it can out-perform the human mind and could grow exponentially to the point where it could decide to eliminate mankind. Thus begins an all out, non-stop action (unbelievable as it may be) to find the cause and eradicate it. This was a very good high action, suspend all believeability book that delivered what it promised.
February 1, 2013
What a ride!
I receive a copy of Phantom as a giveaway through Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ as a 'first read'. Sadly, it took me a long time to read, but it was NOT because the book was not good! On the contrary, I GREATLY enjoyed it.
The main plot of the story surrounds strange goings on around the world. It starts in an amusement park where rides seemingly develop minds of their own and go out of control. Then, everyone on board a Russian submarine loses control of all systems while doing training runs, and the boat takes it upon itself to actually fire live torpedo's at a cruise ship carrying thousands of innocent people - mostly American.
Governments point fingers at their own and other people, tempers rise, and fear levels escalate as no explanations present themselves. Surely no virus has been created or intelligence developed that can allow someone to take controls out of the hands of operators of such unrelated things...right?
Alex Hawke is brought 'on board' to help track down the culprit or culprits who are causing unimaginable tragedies.
It's not as though Hawke does not already have a plateful! He has just learned he has a son, and the Tsarists society is hellbent on removing both of them by any means possible in revenge of Alex's alleged murder of their beloved leader.
The book is hard to put down - there is action in each and every chapter and it leave the reader dying to know what happens next. The only reason I put it down as often as I did is because of 'who I am'. I am an analyst by profession and by nature. This book really made me think. My favorite two questions to ask are "What if?" and "Why?". Don't get me wrong, I do not ask 'why' because I question something, I ask it to understand it. For me, Phantom filled me with 'what if' scenarios that I could turn over in my mind for quite a long time.
Phantom is a perfect example of, as stated by the author, "The difference between science and science fiction is 'time'."
For anyone who enjoys the 'what if's' of life, this is a GREAT book for you!
I receive a copy of Phantom as a giveaway through Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ as a 'first read'. Sadly, it took me a long time to read, but it was NOT because the book was not good! On the contrary, I GREATLY enjoyed it.
The main plot of the story surrounds strange goings on around the world. It starts in an amusement park where rides seemingly develop minds of their own and go out of control. Then, everyone on board a Russian submarine loses control of all systems while doing training runs, and the boat takes it upon itself to actually fire live torpedo's at a cruise ship carrying thousands of innocent people - mostly American.
Governments point fingers at their own and other people, tempers rise, and fear levels escalate as no explanations present themselves. Surely no virus has been created or intelligence developed that can allow someone to take controls out of the hands of operators of such unrelated things...right?
Alex Hawke is brought 'on board' to help track down the culprit or culprits who are causing unimaginable tragedies.
It's not as though Hawke does not already have a plateful! He has just learned he has a son, and the Tsarists society is hellbent on removing both of them by any means possible in revenge of Alex's alleged murder of their beloved leader.
The book is hard to put down - there is action in each and every chapter and it leave the reader dying to know what happens next. The only reason I put it down as often as I did is because of 'who I am'. I am an analyst by profession and by nature. This book really made me think. My favorite two questions to ask are "What if?" and "Why?". Don't get me wrong, I do not ask 'why' because I question something, I ask it to understand it. For me, Phantom filled me with 'what if' scenarios that I could turn over in my mind for quite a long time.
Phantom is a perfect example of, as stated by the author, "The difference between science and science fiction is 'time'."
For anyone who enjoys the 'what if's' of life, this is a GREAT book for you!
April 27, 2012
Alex Hawke salis again! Ted Bell's Alex Hawke series is nothing if not a study in how to write an excellent and believable thriller. Yes, Hawke is a larger than life, English billionaire who loves nothing better than going into battle under catastrophic odds. He's a statesman, a lover, a warrior, a black ops guru, and in this book a newly discovered son adds father to Hawke's list of personas. And he does everything else very well, but he finds the father role a much harder role to assume. This book has everything - a super computer, a wonderful sea battle, a search and destroy mission, and a stunt that happens in Russia that will have you laughing your head off. This stunt in Russia occurs when the wonderful Stokely Jones and his sidekick Harry Brock leave an unforgettable message for a group of very bad guys in Russia who have been operating outside the laws of Russia without impunity. I found the book a page-turner to be sure, but there were times when I had difficulty slogging through the computer jargon. James Bond pales in comparison to the irrerepressible Alex Hawke. And Bond doesn't have a Stokely Jones by his side-the one man anti-tank machine, who is in turn flanked by ex-CIA agent Harry Brock who I'm sure has ice water and not blood in his veins. These characters are wonderful and I enjoy them the most in each of the books in this wonderful series. If you are fond of a good thriller with unstoppable action and numerous and threatening bad guys, you've got to read Alex Hawke, but from the beginning to get the full effect of the artistry of Mr. Ted Bell. He can write a thriller like no one else.
May 30, 2012
In the seventh book of the Alexander Hawke series, Ted Bell ventures into the world of science fiction to create a new villain to drive the plot forward. I thought that Bell did a good job explaining the science behind the plot in the Author's note at the end of the book. It reminded me of the late Michael Crichton's affinity for starting a book with non-fiction and leading the reader into a journey of fiction based on science taken to a plausible extreme. I ended the book far more interested in artificial intelligence than I ever have been before, curious what advances are being made and how those are being manipulated for good and bad.
Of all the series that I read with a James Bond-ian character (Daniel Silva's Gabriel Allon, Vince Flynn's Mitch Rapp, Brad Thor's Scot Harvath, and Alex Berenson's John Wells), Alexander Hawke is by far the least realistic. However, there is something to be said for the over-the-top nature of the series. Things that would otherwise be unrealistic in the other series seem natural and exciting in this series. Do you want the descendant of a pirate turned British aristocrat and secret MI-6 operative? Do you want a protagonist that shares vodka with the Premier of Russia? Want to read about a 100-meter super-yacht/warship? Check, check, and check. It is this kind of literary hyperbole that makes the books enjoyable and makes me look forward to the next time Ted Bell decides to dust off Alexandar Hawke and send him on a world-saving adventure.
Of all the series that I read with a James Bond-ian character (Daniel Silva's Gabriel Allon, Vince Flynn's Mitch Rapp, Brad Thor's Scot Harvath, and Alex Berenson's John Wells), Alexander Hawke is by far the least realistic. However, there is something to be said for the over-the-top nature of the series. Things that would otherwise be unrealistic in the other series seem natural and exciting in this series. Do you want the descendant of a pirate turned British aristocrat and secret MI-6 operative? Do you want a protagonist that shares vodka with the Premier of Russia? Want to read about a 100-meter super-yacht/warship? Check, check, and check. It is this kind of literary hyperbole that makes the books enjoyable and makes me look forward to the next time Ted Bell decides to dust off Alexandar Hawke and send him on a world-saving adventure.
April 30, 2012
Downloaded from Audible.com
Narrated by John Shea
Seventh in the Alex Hawke series, Phantom, like its predecessors, is a fast-paced, action/adventure novel. To understand the main character, the previous novels should be read (in order) so that when this book starts out, previous events will have been covered and no explanation is necessary. Previous books also explain the roles that the other mentioned characters play and their importance to Alex.
Because I am a technology, engineering and computer geek, the concept of artificial intelligence always interests me. The idea of computers being able to make decisions without human input is a technology that isn't as "sci-fi" as it was 15-20 years ago. It used to be that computers were only as "smart" as the people who programmed them but that's no longer the case.
This book is based on the idea that a super-intelligent computer is capable of "taking over the world." It's not completely implausible as a concept but we've not quite reached that point yet, thank goodness.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book until the epilogue.
Narrated by John Shea
Seventh in the Alex Hawke series, Phantom, like its predecessors, is a fast-paced, action/adventure novel. To understand the main character, the previous novels should be read (in order) so that when this book starts out, previous events will have been covered and no explanation is necessary. Previous books also explain the roles that the other mentioned characters play and their importance to Alex.
Because I am a technology, engineering and computer geek, the concept of artificial intelligence always interests me. The idea of computers being able to make decisions without human input is a technology that isn't as "sci-fi" as it was 15-20 years ago. It used to be that computers were only as "smart" as the people who programmed them but that's no longer the case.
This book is based on the idea that a super-intelligent computer is capable of "taking over the world." It's not completely implausible as a concept but we've not quite reached that point yet, thank goodness.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book until the epilogue.
Want to read
March 14, 2012So excited to have won this book from Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ!
March 20, 2012
I was lucky enough to win an advanced copy through the Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ Giveaways. Just as a background, I was one that has not heard of or read any previous Ted Bell books (this being part of the Alex Hawke series). I was very curious to see if I would be lost or not since this is the seventh book in that series. I am glad to announce that this is a book that stands alone quite nicely. I'm not sure how the other books are written, but if they are similar to this book, I would say that you could pick up any one in the series and you could enjoy it without being left in the dust so to speak. There are obviously characters that are from other books, but you learn enough about them to understand the relationships. There are certain books that if they are part of a series, they seem to restate and re-introduce characters and it makes reading the series a bit boring in parts. Not reading the other books, I can only tell you my opinion of this book, but I think Ted Bell does a great job subtly introducing characters to perhaps a new reader like myself, while not repeating too much for readers who have followed the series.
The story line is very intriguing, the characters are well developed, and the story flows very well. A personal thing that I did not enjoy about the book is the foul language that is used throughout (again, just my personal preference). Cyber-warfare is very real and very scary. This book takes that and shows us just how dangerous this can be. How can you fight a war with weapons that can be controlled by your enemy? I think a bit of it was far fetched, but Ted Bell reminds us that the only difference between science fiction and science is basically timing. The book has some great action and it is well done. I would recommend to anyone who wants a good action type book. The book does have violence, language, and some sexual situations (mostly the language) - so be aware. Again, not having read the previous books, I thought Alex Hawke and other characters were great, and the story was very enjoyable.
And that is How Lou Sees It!
The story line is very intriguing, the characters are well developed, and the story flows very well. A personal thing that I did not enjoy about the book is the foul language that is used throughout (again, just my personal preference). Cyber-warfare is very real and very scary. This book takes that and shows us just how dangerous this can be. How can you fight a war with weapons that can be controlled by your enemy? I think a bit of it was far fetched, but Ted Bell reminds us that the only difference between science fiction and science is basically timing. The book has some great action and it is well done. I would recommend to anyone who wants a good action type book. The book does have violence, language, and some sexual situations (mostly the language) - so be aware. Again, not having read the previous books, I thought Alex Hawke and other characters were great, and the story was very enjoyable.
And that is How Lou Sees It!
March 6, 2012
Can AI hardware in ultra intelligent machines be capable of horrific machine warfare and cyber attacks? If we could assemble a thousand scientists, each with a mind operation at a millions times faster than our own, they could achieve an entire century's worth of scientific breakthroughs in under one hour! That could be, in the right hands, so exciting!
As far as the laws of mathematics refer to reality, they are not certain, and as far as they are certain, they do not refer to reality.
BUT,,,since prime factorization is the holy grail of mathematics, then super-intelligent machines are capable of good OR evil. I guess that becomes runaway technology.
All these exciting, and highly technical ideas make for a highly exciting read.
Merged review:
Another great book by one of my favorite authors.
This had a magically sweet beginning...until things started going wrong, kinda like life. There were great 'highs' and extreme 'lows'. George Patton said, "The object of war is not to die for your country, but to make the other bastard die for his." The beginning was too melodramatic for a book by Bell. Yet I cried.
Cyber weapons, that convert electronic firewalls and computer viruses into killers were the central theme of the story. A little bit of name dropping made things fun. The "singularity" or super computer that makes 100 trillion calculations per second is fast becoming a reality in our world. Artificial Intelligence and sound control become the new cyber weaponry. I've only researched a tiny bit into the Bin Laden missions that supposedly used cyber warfare. What part does insanity play in all this? Is there a connection? Are science fiction and artificial intelligence no longer fiction? These are very cool ideas, worth researching. The character Pereus was rather silly.
Also touched on was the natural evolution of mankind, and the idea that man will become Gods.
This book circled back to the beginning, ending a little like the series began.
Very enjoyable.
Thank you Mr. Bell.
As far as the laws of mathematics refer to reality, they are not certain, and as far as they are certain, they do not refer to reality.
BUT,,,since prime factorization is the holy grail of mathematics, then super-intelligent machines are capable of good OR evil. I guess that becomes runaway technology.
All these exciting, and highly technical ideas make for a highly exciting read.
Merged review:
Another great book by one of my favorite authors.
This had a magically sweet beginning...until things started going wrong, kinda like life. There were great 'highs' and extreme 'lows'. George Patton said, "The object of war is not to die for your country, but to make the other bastard die for his." The beginning was too melodramatic for a book by Bell. Yet I cried.
Cyber weapons, that convert electronic firewalls and computer viruses into killers were the central theme of the story. A little bit of name dropping made things fun. The "singularity" or super computer that makes 100 trillion calculations per second is fast becoming a reality in our world. Artificial Intelligence and sound control become the new cyber weaponry. I've only researched a tiny bit into the Bin Laden missions that supposedly used cyber warfare. What part does insanity play in all this? Is there a connection? Are science fiction and artificial intelligence no longer fiction? These are very cool ideas, worth researching. The character Pereus was rather silly.
Also touched on was the natural evolution of mankind, and the idea that man will become Gods.
This book circled back to the beginning, ending a little like the series began.
Very enjoyable.
Thank you Mr. Bell.
Read
August 11, 2020I listen to many books on CD because, as a high school English teacher, I spend too much time reading essays, grading homework, etc. Perhaps the recording I listened to of Ted Bell's 'Phantom' was the problem, but I think I figured out why I STOPPED listening to the book on CD after disc 9 of, I believe, 14, which I never do: Alexander Hawke is just too damned good.
Hawke cannot lose. He's an omnipotent superhero. Add to that his friendships with Vladmir Putin, the U.S. President, and seemingly every important political/power figure in the civilized world, and where's the risk? Hawke is like a rich friend who stumbles into your life and can't help dropping names, talking about his wealth, and reminding you of the amazing vehicles and toys at his disposal. It's intriguing for a while, but in time you tire of the gas-bag who won't shut up about his perfect life. Usually people like me distance themselves from people like that. And that must be why I finally gave up on 'Phantom.'
Considering that I was groaning aloud and yelling, "Oh, come ON!" as I listened to the book, I suppose it wasn't to last. I had to give up Hawke and his incredibly brave, incredibly successful, incredibly connected persona because I JUST COULDN'T TAKE IT ANY MORE! The guy knows everyone, has more money than God, and settles every conflict effortlessly. Where's the risk?
On to more human characters for this frustrated reader.
Hawke cannot lose. He's an omnipotent superhero. Add to that his friendships with Vladmir Putin, the U.S. President, and seemingly every important political/power figure in the civilized world, and where's the risk? Hawke is like a rich friend who stumbles into your life and can't help dropping names, talking about his wealth, and reminding you of the amazing vehicles and toys at his disposal. It's intriguing for a while, but in time you tire of the gas-bag who won't shut up about his perfect life. Usually people like me distance themselves from people like that. And that must be why I finally gave up on 'Phantom.'
Considering that I was groaning aloud and yelling, "Oh, come ON!" as I listened to the book, I suppose it wasn't to last. I had to give up Hawke and his incredibly brave, incredibly successful, incredibly connected persona because I JUST COULDN'T TAKE IT ANY MORE! The guy knows everyone, has more money than God, and settles every conflict effortlessly. Where's the risk?
On to more human characters for this frustrated reader.
July 19, 2012
Another interesting read by Ted Bell, with some great adventure and thriller aspects. That said, it does get a tad far-fetched at times and even silly at others. I realise that fiction is a means whereby you suspend reality and go for the gusto. Still, Bell's character being a 33 year old Bond with a personal friendship with Putin and QEII is a little too silly for my liking.
I enjoyed the story and its connection with artificial intelligence. I felt that Bell tackled this will ease and made sense of most concepts without losing the reader. The idea that computers are (or will) take over the world in such a way that we will no longer be able to contain them is not that far off. However, random control take-over by a single machine does seem quite off the charts.
I usually enjoy Bell's work, as long as I can suspend my reality enough. I suppose this one gets its three stars and I await another book, to see how well it goes.
Kudos Mr. Bell. And now... to something a tad more realistic.
I enjoyed the story and its connection with artificial intelligence. I felt that Bell tackled this will ease and made sense of most concepts without losing the reader. The idea that computers are (or will) take over the world in such a way that we will no longer be able to contain them is not that far off. However, random control take-over by a single machine does seem quite off the charts.
I usually enjoy Bell's work, as long as I can suspend my reality enough. I suppose this one gets its three stars and I await another book, to see how well it goes.
Kudos Mr. Bell. And now... to something a tad more realistic.
April 12, 2012
PHANTOM by TED BELL
Bell is an elegant writer, and I've followed his Alex Hawke series of thrillers from the start. Always solid, realistic plots. But I have to admit my first impression of this one was "he's run out of credible plots." I felt like I was getting into the unreality of sci-fi, which I do not read, because Bell was leading us into something called The Singularity.
But I finished the book just because it's Ted Bell, and I love his useage of the King's English (literally).
The I read his "Afterword."
Should have been the Foreword.
The Singularity, according to Bell and a cited book by Ray Kurzweil, the futurist, is the point at which artificial intelligence (AI) and human intelligence are equeal.
AI, it is theorized, will then go beyond human intelligence and change the world.
There is no God in this discussion, which I found disturbing, because the picture painted is possibly a grim one for the human race.
Read it -- "Afterword" first -- and see what you think.
Bell is an elegant writer, and I've followed his Alex Hawke series of thrillers from the start. Always solid, realistic plots. But I have to admit my first impression of this one was "he's run out of credible plots." I felt like I was getting into the unreality of sci-fi, which I do not read, because Bell was leading us into something called The Singularity.
But I finished the book just because it's Ted Bell, and I love his useage of the King's English (literally).
The I read his "Afterword."
Should have been the Foreword.
The Singularity, according to Bell and a cited book by Ray Kurzweil, the futurist, is the point at which artificial intelligence (AI) and human intelligence are equeal.
AI, it is theorized, will then go beyond human intelligence and change the world.
There is no God in this discussion, which I found disturbing, because the picture painted is possibly a grim one for the human race.
Read it -- "Afterword" first -- and see what you think.
June 15, 2012
I won Phantom through the Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ First Read Giveaway on 03/13/2012 and received it on 05/30/2012.
** SPOILER ALERT ** YOU'VE BEEN WARNED! **
Ted Bell put out another awesome book in the Alexander Hawke series. Bell's books are so well written that I really don't have any complaints. Usually. I do have one this time ... and it's about a very small part of the book.
So here it is ... Alexi ... is three years old ... and talks like he's an old man. That kinda threw things off for me. I'm a mother of two boys and at three years old they were speaking sentences, but not like this. He has these things that he says that just really bothered me and I guess it's because Bell is such an authentic writer - he writes things that are factually correct and for this one small part to not be was just a little annoying.
This didn't ruin the book for me. Alexi has such a small part, but it's there. I'll definitely keep reading the Hawke series because they are so engaging and entertaining.
** SPOILER ALERT ** YOU'VE BEEN WARNED! **
Ted Bell put out another awesome book in the Alexander Hawke series. Bell's books are so well written that I really don't have any complaints. Usually. I do have one this time ... and it's about a very small part of the book.
So here it is ... Alexi ... is three years old ... and talks like he's an old man. That kinda threw things off for me. I'm a mother of two boys and at three years old they were speaking sentences, but not like this. He has these things that he says that just really bothered me and I guess it's because Bell is such an authentic writer - he writes things that are factually correct and for this one small part to not be was just a little annoying.
This didn't ruin the book for me. Alexi has such a small part, but it's there. I'll definitely keep reading the Hawke series because they are so engaging and entertaining.
September 4, 2012
I haven't read a Ted Bell book for awhile so it has been nice to read another adventure of Alex Hawke. This is a great book. Bell is one of my favorite authors and Alex Hawke a great hero. Some surprises in this book, but a great story line. The information in this book about a "super computer" that is becoming an "intelligent" as man is pretty scary. The authors explanation at the end of the book about the development of AI (artificial intelligence) is also pretty interesting and revealing. If you haven't read any of Ted Bell's Alexander Hawke books, I would highly recommend them to you. Go back to the first and ready each book in the order written.
June 18, 2012
I've been a longtime fan Ted Bell's "Hawke" series. The most simple way to describe the series is a somewhat odd hybrid of John LeCarre ghostwriting for Clive Cussler. The protag, Lord Alex Hawke, is an English action hero. Requisite sidekicks, globe-threatening perils, nifty martial technology and other meticulously researched details make this a very entertaining series.
At times his work does take on a sort Wodehouse kinda feel, but I personally think it is very entertaining. This entire series is ideal beach-reading fare.
At times his work does take on a sort Wodehouse kinda feel, but I personally think it is very entertaining. This entire series is ideal beach-reading fare.
October 4, 2019
Outstanding book... a bit far fetched at the end, but still a great read.
Oh, Ted learned a new word... "wont". Not "won't" but "wont".
He uses is so often in the book... it's almost funny!
On to his next!
Oh, Ted learned a new word... "wont". Not "won't" but "wont".
He uses is so often in the book... it's almost funny!
On to his next!
July 20, 2020
An adventure agent novel that looks at the issue of Singularity. And what is that exactly? It is the time when the processing of data in computers will out process data in the human mind. We are close to that age. An age where AI machines will be a billion times more powerful then today.
Ted Bell writes an adventure novels with his character, Alex Hawke. " A hero to rival Bond by an author to rival Cussler" - The Bookseller
Ted Bell writes an adventure novels with his character, Alex Hawke. " A hero to rival Bond by an author to rival Cussler" - The Bookseller
June 29, 2015
"silly and cartoon-like" would pretty much sum up this story ... this is more of a descriptive version of a comic book adventure rather than an actual adventure / thriller novel.
This episode is linked to the storyline in "Tsar". The beginning chapters setting up the main plot were interesting but never really developed. The most interesting part of the book was the depiction of Putin, especially in light of recent world events. I checked, and this book was copyrighted in 2012. hmmm ...
This episode is linked to the storyline in "Tsar". The beginning chapters setting up the main plot were interesting but never really developed. The most interesting part of the book was the depiction of Putin, especially in light of recent world events. I checked, and this book was copyrighted in 2012. hmmm ...
June 10, 2016
I think Phantom is my favorite in the series of Alexander Hawke novels that I've read so far. It's definitely got more of a sci-fi edge. It also has extremely compelling set pieces, which Bell is masterful at, including the outstanding opening that features a sinister equipment failure at Disney World. I'm working my way backwards through the series and looking forward to the next one!
October 9, 2013
Was a five star read through most of the book. However, the last 100 pages dragged like an anchor. 717 pages was too much. Too overwhelming. Should have wrapped up around 600 pages. A great read though !! Don't miss it !
October 4, 2013
As the book jackets state, Ted Bell can really really write. This is not dime-store novel stuff. A new James Bond for modern times, with a pirate twist. High quality prose used to tell a daring tale.
December 29, 2013
Received this book from Good Reads and what a excellent book it is. Took a little while to get into but once I did I could not put it down. I was sorry to finish it.....lol move over James Patterson.
February 11, 2012
Can't wait for this book!
April 24, 2012
loving it so far...
July 12, 2012
Another good read from Ted Bell, Phantom reached out into the science-fiction realm while making you think it could actually be a possibility. I wonder where Alex Hawke will take us next?
April 29, 2013
With the exception of the tortuous graphic beginning, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Get past the beginning to reap the rewards of two stories woven into one. 8 of 10 stars
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