Phantom

Alex Hawke, Book 7

By: Ted Bell

Narrated by: John Shea

Length: 16 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

The first and most bizarre event nearly becomes a monumental catastrophe when something goes awry at an American theme park, wreaking havoc on visitors looking for nothing more than a sun-splashed holiday.

In a different part of the country, a USAF F-15 pilot, escorting another jet in the skies over the Midwest, inexplicably loses control of his plane, endangering the lives of several people and deeply puzzling those following his mission on the ground.

Then, in the misty calm of a coastal California evening, the world’s premier scientist on the subject of artificial intelligence gets a strange phone call. When he hangs up, he quietly grabs his coat and leaves for an after-dinner stroll from which he never returns.

It’s up to Hawke and the brilliant former inspector Ambrose Congreve to find out what could possibly be happening. But how does one identify—and fight—an enemy one can’t see, a real phantom? Even these seasoned operatives are mystified. Is there really such a thing as an ultra-intelligent machine, a cyberweapon that can shift the geopolitical balance of power?

In a hunt that takes him from Palo Alto, California, to the Russian frontier, to Cambridge University and the glistening Mediterranean aboard his newly christened and armed super-yacht Blackhawke, Alex Hawke is joined by the unstoppable Stokely Jones and his ex-CIA buddy Harry Brock. As he moves closer to unmasking the scientist behind these extraordinary events, he goes nose-to-nose with an enemy unlike any he’s fought before—and may never again.

©2012 Ted Bell (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“A hero to rival Bond by an author to rival Cussler.” ( The Bookseller)

Hawke book

Great book, very exciting. ATed Bell thriller. I want to read more of the Hawke series

Love it

Amazing store line yesssssss if you want a book to get for a trip this is it.

Stretching suspended disbelief

In the afterword, the author explains his intention concerning AI and what it means for our future. How Alex Hawk "gets" the bad guys was a bit of torture for the listener. I've enjoyed number of Bell's writings, but perhaps I'm too familiar. The reader did a pretty good job, but from time to time, he mixes up his accents. I'm wondering that the post-production can't fix this with 're-dubbing', or is it too costly? Poor Stokely sounds like a Brit sometimes - and it's unintentional.

Interesting story line but not my favorite

What did you like best about Phantom? What did you like least?

Alex Hawke is ever the warrior but now with a new twist. He adjusts well into his new role and still gets the job done.

If you’ve listened to books by Ted Bell before, how does this one compare?

This is my first audio version of Ted Bell's Hawke series. It was performed very well.

Any additional comments?

This latest offering wasn't as action packed as some of the prior books in my opinion. The final chapters were by far the best of the book.

Hawk entertaining,mostly Cliche,Narrator is STRONG

All of Hawke books are kinda cliché & although he may have some cool toys no one beats the original bond, especially when the character involved is based off of him!? This particular book brings a bit of a twist but many books it seems have been using a technology based Armageddon as part of the draw... for Bell's book this makes this book a bit better compared to all the other ones which are entertaining if your into the 'good guy' winning all the time with incredible weapons & wealth beyond economic imagination then these books are for u

Overall though, thru all the books I find his supporting characters to be much more enjoyable to hear then Hawke himself... like Stokley Jones for sure, Congrieve (wanna be Sherlock who worked for Scotland yard), & Brock who is the USA's CIA NOC. Without them the books would not have the same appeal. Some books have great supporting characters in this case he NEEDs the characters to help create a better story

I use all of Bell's books as a substitute for Bond now because that's basically what it is, except Bond was ALL about Queen & England while there is more of an international taste to all the stories, I might be forgetting about an Israeli team member but I read one of the funnier things another critic wrote & that was about one of Bells earlier books, I think it was is 'Warlord' or 'Spy' but when he beats up a professional sumo wrestler.... um... yeaaaa, its parts like that which keep Bell in the entertaining, candy isle instead of moving anywhere near a work of art/Novel category... fun, just fun. As usual though the Narrator 'Shea' who only has a handful of books he's done is fantastic & wish he was used for more books

Goofy in places

The artificial intelligence (Perseus) points out that Hawke is a warrior with empathy. That phrase provides all of the insight you need into the story dynamics. Bell is a good writer, he just needs a little editorial guidance.

all over the place

There is so much going on, it is hard to believe or follow.

Despite the author's afterword, this reads too much like a sci-fi nightmare of computer takeover ala 2001's Hal and others. Alex used to be so clean and honorable and has now just become another man-whore like 007 and Capt. Kirk. It's easy to be a super spy when you personally can build a 200 million dollar boat. Money makes so many things easy. And it's tiring to have all the women be so beautiful with thin thighs. Do normal women have no engaging qualities?

Stokely Jones is becoming more attractive than Alex Hawke.

Disappointed!

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

People who have not read any of the Alex Hawke novels may enjoy this book.

Would you ever listen to anything by Ted Bell again?

Yes if Mr. Bell returns to the great espionage thrillers he's known for.

What does John Shea bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He's a great narrator and makes you believe Hawke really exists

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

Not Really

AI Gone Amok

I found the plot of this book extraordinarily unbelievable. Yes, I realize it is fiction. But, I really don't think artificial intelligence is anywhere near the capabilities described. The story, based on the improbably AI gone amok premise is very hard to get in to. I listened to the entire novel but frankly, couldn't wait for it to end. The narration is terrible and sleep inducing. Don't recommend this one.

Love the characters, story not so much

What did you like best about Phantom? What did you like least?

I have listened to a few of the Ted Bell books about the adventures of Hawk. I enjoyed the performance because it brings each character to life and provides an easy to follow format. The storyline itself seemed to be incongruous. Two stories are unfolding that if done correctly could stand on their own. The book seemed to be an after thought by the author and the storylines did not do justice to either of the two story lines involved.

What was most disappointing about Ted Bell’s story?

The usual care he puts into the plot was not realized. Very short for an unabridged version.

What about John Shea’s performance did you like?

John Shea's character portrayals were spot on as usual, I just wish he had a better story line to work with.

Was Phantom worth the listening time?

No not really. Normally I will rewind if I miss a sentance but here I just let the story play more as background noise and to keep up with the changes in the lives of the characters.