Protocol Zero

A Joe Rush Novel

By: James Abel

Narrated by: Ray Porter

Length: 13 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's Summary

New from the author of White Plague.

Marine doctor and bio-terror expert Joe Rush returns in an electrifying new arctic adventure..."sure to wow fans of Michael Crichton and James Rollins" (Mark Greaney, number one New York Times best-selling author of Tom Clancy Full Force and Effect).

When authorities in Alaska receive a disturbing call from a teenage girl, their investigation leads them to discover an entire family of researchers dead. Joe Rush is called to help examine the bodies. On the surface, it looks like a brutal murder/suicide. But the situation is nowhere near that simple - nor is it over.

Upon closer investigation, Rush discovers the terrifying truth. The research team has fallen victim to something that seems impossible at first, yet the evidence looks undeniable in the lab. Now the danger may threaten thousands more.

Unfortunately, he’s not the only one with knowledge of the looming disaster. The army has cordoned off part of Alaska, and Rush soon finds himself the target of trained killers. Someone suspects Rush of betraying his country. To save countless lives - starting with his own - Rush must uncover the answers hidden in the Arctic. The question is - will he find them in time?

©2015 James Abel (P)2015 Penguin Audio

Critic Reviews

"James Abel is a superb story-teller who writes intelligent and fast-paced thrillers sure to wow fans of Michael Crichton and James Rollins." (Mark Greaney, number-one New York Times best-selling author of Tom Clancy Full Force and Effect and the Gray Man novels)

“Clive Cussler fans will relish the pseudonymous Abel’s sequel to White Plague…Abel nicely blends action and science in the service of a plausible, but terrifying, plot, peopled with well-developed characters.” (Publishers Weekly)

 “The science and sheer isolation of the story is gripping, and Rush is still a formidable hero.” (Associated Press)

Rush/Abel/Porter a kick butt combination!

What made the experience of listening to Protocol Zero the most enjoyable?

Ray Porter! What more can I say but that RP's laconic delivery, amazing dialects and pacing are a true delight and make the listening experience something to look forward to daily.

That said, the character, and the creativity of Abel are equally refreshing and worth while.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Protocol Zero?

The epilogue is both justified and juicy!

Have you listened to any of Ray Porter’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes, as many as I can, and it is stunning EVERYTIME. He owns Joe Rush, and is a remarkable narrator. This offering qualifies as one of his very best.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Laugh yes, as Rush's attitude is frequently worth a LOL or 3.

Any additional comments?

This is not a book for the squeamish or someone who prefers non-violence in their books. It does require some leaps of faith as it regards to US government conspiracies and coverups as well. On balance, it is very very listenable and definitely worth the credit.

Great Read!

I quickly became a Joe Rush fan with "White Plague".. This one, however, was twice as well written and read and I am now officially obsessed.. The mix of drama, intrigue, emotion all brought to life by the absolute GREATEST narrator in the world, Ray Porter... In my honest opinion, there wasn't anything about this book that I would change... Well, there is ONE thing but I'll read further reviews after mine to see if anyone else agrees... I can only hope and pray that James Abel continues to write this series! Either way it has been an awesome journey!

Good arctic adventure novel

Being Alaskan, I was worried there would be the inevitable outstanding geographical, social, environmental mistakes in facts and descriptions: not so! The author did a very good job at keeping to the 'real' while creating this storyline.
Good pace, good characters. Couldn't guess the end, which is always nice. Plus: Ray Porter is one of the best narrators out there right now.

Another winner

What did you love best about Protocol Zero?

I loved the entire plot. Who EVER would have thunk?

Which scene was your favorite?

Unfortunately, the scene in the hospital at the end.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Don't make this book into a movie. Movies are never as good.

Any additional comments?

I'm going to have to actively go out and see when Book 3 will be released. I hope it's soon.

Pandora had a little lost box and now it's found

Would you try another book from James Abel and/or Ray Porter?

Yes they were able to contain the mystery throughout the book without allowing boredom to take over the story line.

What did you like best about this story?

The author always made me think?..Really can that really happen? No way that cannot happen! What? Why? How did that happen? This goes on thought the book... There are plenty of suspects and liars in the book and you never know who to trust.

Have you listened to any of Ray Porter’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Was Protocol Zero worth the listening time?

I can only say I enjoyed the book, I only wish the ending had been expanded a little more, but maybe there will be another book that will spin off this title.

Engaging suspense/thriller

Well written. Interesting plot. Only criticism is the end was way too drawn out needlessly. Sometimes less is more.

NEW FAVORITE

What made the experience of listening to Protocol Zero the most enjoyable?

Love the characters, the setting in Alaska and the people there.

What about Ray Porter’s performance did you like?

MUST keep him as narrator on future books.

Any additional comments?

WANT MORE!

Frosty Thriller

A lot to like about this novel... The medicine and science was fascinating... The martial aspect and government/political themes were a nice mix w/ the medicine and science... The glimpse into the native mindset and history of the area was thoughtful and educational... Good characters, tricky plot, and evocatively described setting... The pace and understated action kept my attention - devoured it in a day... Some might see the dialogue and character byplay as stilted or forced, but I believe that to be a more a function of the narration rather than the quality of writing... The narrator didn't speak all that naturally, or w/ any decent flow... I had to listen to it at 1.5x, and that really made the narration fluid, even improving the accenting of the local figures... If I hadn't benn able to speed it up it wouldn't have been anywhere near as enjoyable... The climax/ending could have been a tad tighter, but no doubt a very good read from front to back... Worth a credit...

Great story in a great series

I came into this series unsure of what to expect and have loved every minute. The story is solid and engaging but I have to say, Ray Porter does an amazing job. The range of characters and accents is superb, its a masterclass in how to perform an audiobook. His portrayal of the men and women in this thrilling series is something to be heard.

Almost ,"Too" wordy.

I would have loved to give this book four, even five stars, but I almost stopped listening and returned it before listening to the whole thing. The subject matter was great, the narration was good, but the book was overdrawn and the ending kind of a letdown.