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Codon Zero
Jason Stouter, a U.S. intelligence officer forced into retirement by the Mossad, confronts an old nemesis, Kahlil Zufar, during a Middle East conflict final solution. A secret group of genetic engineers tricks Jaason into embarking upon blackmail of Israel and the Arab nations to achieve peace throughout the Middle East. The geneticists engineer a very selective virus, but Jason's nemesis hijacks the virus for his own purposes, imperiling the mission for peace. Through the cooperative efforts of his friend in the FBI and two sexy but dangerous women he meets along the way, Jason now has to stop the spread of the virus yet allow the dream of peace to go forward. Through the Florida Keys, Jackson Hole, Boston, Israel and Jordan, Jason struggles to find out why Zufar needs to wield the deadliest weapon the Middle East has ever seen to realize his ultimate vision.
334 pages, Paperback
First published July 30, 2011
17 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
About the author
Jim Hendee
2 books34 followersDr. James C. "Jim" Hendee worked as a Marine Ecologist, Oceanographer and Supervisory Physical Scientist for the U.S. Government (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA) for 30 years before retiring in September, 2020, after starting the Coral Health and Monitoring Program (group of researchers, first coral-related Website in the world), originating Coral-List (currently about 10,000 subscribers), the Coral Reef Early Warning System (artificial intelligence monitoring of coral reef ecosystems), and finally became the Director of the Ocean Chemistry and Ecosystems Division (over 40 researchers) for his final seven years of U.S. government service. He has authored or co-authored 63 scientific publications (so far), written two novels (working on two more, including an autobiography), been a halibut fisherman, kelp diver and Dungeness crab diver in Alaska, an aquaculturist in Hawaii (Oceanic Institute) and Texas (Texas Parks & Wildlife Department), a snake-hunter and orchid collector in the Florida Everglades, worked on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, served in Belize in the Peace Corps, worked for four universities (Univ. Miami, Univ. Hawaii, Univ. Alaska, Harvard), and dove SCUBA in the Arctic (Prudhoe Bay), the Pacific (Hawaii, Saipan, Australia), the Indian (Sri Lanka, Bali), and Atlantic Oceans (too many Caribbean countries to list). He currently lives in Pompano Beach, Florida.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 29, 2012
The amount of research that went into this novel is mind boggling. If I could give more than 5 stars for the novel I certainly would.
James (as in James Bond) better watch out. Jason Stouter is here, the action hero of our time, the time of Middle East chaos. Jason is pulled into a complex plot targeting people with genetic middle eastern heritage, with a deadly biological agent.
The details about the weapons, the travel, the weather and the training necessary for fighting a dangerous megalomaniac terrorist are totally realistic. The action scenes are exciting and dramatic. The wonderful twist at the end will leave you wondering about the future, when scientists rather than politicians decide a possible new fate for the world.
James (as in James Bond) better watch out. Jason Stouter is here, the action hero of our time, the time of Middle East chaos. Jason is pulled into a complex plot targeting people with genetic middle eastern heritage, with a deadly biological agent.
The details about the weapons, the travel, the weather and the training necessary for fighting a dangerous megalomaniac terrorist are totally realistic. The action scenes are exciting and dramatic. The wonderful twist at the end will leave you wondering about the future, when scientists rather than politicians decide a possible new fate for the world.
January 28, 2026
Codon Zero is a gripping techno-thriller that blends international espionage, political tension, and speculative science into a fast-moving, high-risk narrative. The premise of a selectively engineered virus used as leverage for peace immediately raises the stakes, while the global scope from the United States to the Middle East adds urgency and realism. The story’s pacing keeps the tension tight as events spiral beyond anyone’s control.
What truly sets the novel apart is its ambition. By combining intelligence operations, genetic engineering, and moral uncertainty, the author explores the thin line between peacekeeping and catastrophe. The layered characters, shifting alliances, and ethical dilemmas give the story depth beyond pure action. Codon Zero will strongly appeal to readers who enjoy intelligent thrillers that challenge assumptions while delivering suspense on a global scale.
What truly sets the novel apart is its ambition. By combining intelligence operations, genetic engineering, and moral uncertainty, the author explores the thin line between peacekeeping and catastrophe. The layered characters, shifting alliances, and ethical dilemmas give the story depth beyond pure action. Codon Zero will strongly appeal to readers who enjoy intelligent thrillers that challenge assumptions while delivering suspense on a global scale.
March 20, 2020
A real covid isolation time book to read. A little fantastic but full of action with 3 main stars to continue the excitement.
April 12, 2016
This was an intense story primarily because of the science aspect. I liked all the spy stuff and it was interesting to see the interactions between various intelligence agencies. I loved the relationship between Jason and Sali. They were both intelligent, experienced, and had complete trust in each other.
The idea of small groups of people with power and money having access to the science and technology to create biological weapons is terrifying. I have no doubt this is actually happening in the world right now. Even though they had good intentions, the power wielded by the Dalton Gang is still morally wrong. Their little group decided how the world should be and created a weapon to make it that way. I don't know if the ends justify the means. They basically carried out biological warfare against groups of people. They had to know their creation would be hijacked by others and that mutation was always possible. That is the scary part. Research is going on all over the world into gene therapy and gene manipulation with the best intentions--to cure disease, to end suffering, to make the world a better place. It reminds me of the scene from "the dinosaur movie" where one of the characters says that they took the work of others and used it to suit their purposes. That is exactly what terrorists will do with this technology.
It's a moral dilemma. The Dalton Gang did what it did for what they thought was a very good reason. Unfortunately, terrorists do what they do for what they also consider to be good reasons, and this book also told us that story by adding in the character of Zufar. There is no turning back science, however. The genetic code has been cracked and is available to anyone with a scientific background. Who knows what horrors they are cooking up?
I liked the way each chapter started with "Breaking News" because it showed how vitally important the roles of the characters were in the overall world picture. I especially liked the one that talked about women taking to the streets, against religious and political rules, to demonstrate for peace. Of course, that also helped to spread the disease, but the effects of the disease allowed them to do it in the first place.
This was a very good book with a terrifying message about the potential uses of genetic manipulation. I thought that was the main purpose of the book. All the intelligence, weapons, agents and double agents were part of the secondary storyline, even though it included the majority of action, conversation, planning, and violent confrontations. Genetic manipulation was shown as both good and bad and the consequences of each were shown. The world has moved one more step forward in its ability to destroy itself.
The only reason I am giving it four stars, instead of five, is because of the way the book ended. Once again, someone used genetics to achieve a purpose he believed in. The characters in the book seemed to think this was a good thing (which, over the long-term, it would be) without considering the immediate consequences to the world. It would be in chaos and more people would die. The action solved one problem, while creating another huge one and the characters seemed to take that pretty lightly. One of the last scenes of the book talks about one of the characters getting into his car and driving home. It didn't seem that he was thinking that doing so would become increasingly rare in the days ahead.
Also, very few people suffered any consequences for their actions. The Dalton Gang was still out there doing its thing. Jason helped bring the situation under control, but he suffered no consequences for starting the whole thing. Did he have a good reason? I'm sure it seemed that way to him, but in the words of another movie character, "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few or the one".
The idea of small groups of people with power and money having access to the science and technology to create biological weapons is terrifying. I have no doubt this is actually happening in the world right now. Even though they had good intentions, the power wielded by the Dalton Gang is still morally wrong. Their little group decided how the world should be and created a weapon to make it that way. I don't know if the ends justify the means. They basically carried out biological warfare against groups of people. They had to know their creation would be hijacked by others and that mutation was always possible. That is the scary part. Research is going on all over the world into gene therapy and gene manipulation with the best intentions--to cure disease, to end suffering, to make the world a better place. It reminds me of the scene from "the dinosaur movie" where one of the characters says that they took the work of others and used it to suit their purposes. That is exactly what terrorists will do with this technology.
It's a moral dilemma. The Dalton Gang did what it did for what they thought was a very good reason. Unfortunately, terrorists do what they do for what they also consider to be good reasons, and this book also told us that story by adding in the character of Zufar. There is no turning back science, however. The genetic code has been cracked and is available to anyone with a scientific background. Who knows what horrors they are cooking up?
I liked the way each chapter started with "Breaking News" because it showed how vitally important the roles of the characters were in the overall world picture. I especially liked the one that talked about women taking to the streets, against religious and political rules, to demonstrate for peace. Of course, that also helped to spread the disease, but the effects of the disease allowed them to do it in the first place.
This was a very good book with a terrifying message about the potential uses of genetic manipulation. I thought that was the main purpose of the book. All the intelligence, weapons, agents and double agents were part of the secondary storyline, even though it included the majority of action, conversation, planning, and violent confrontations. Genetic manipulation was shown as both good and bad and the consequences of each were shown. The world has moved one more step forward in its ability to destroy itself.
The only reason I am giving it four stars, instead of five, is because of the way the book ended. Once again, someone used genetics to achieve a purpose he believed in. The characters in the book seemed to think this was a good thing (which, over the long-term, it would be) without considering the immediate consequences to the world. It would be in chaos and more people would die. The action solved one problem, while creating another huge one and the characters seemed to take that pretty lightly. One of the last scenes of the book talks about one of the characters getting into his car and driving home. It didn't seem that he was thinking that doing so would become increasingly rare in the days ahead.
Also, very few people suffered any consequences for their actions. The Dalton Gang was still out there doing its thing. Jason helped bring the situation under control, but he suffered no consequences for starting the whole thing. Did he have a good reason? I'm sure it seemed that way to him, but in the words of another movie character, "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few or the one".
October 9, 2012
I wanted to read this book because the science sounded promising. And actually, the science was great. The characters... not so much. I tried to finish this. I made it 40% through. I don't know if it got any better by the end, but I feel like I gave it a fair chance, at least.
So, the good: Jim Hendee knows what he's talking about in terms of genetics and viruses. Considering some of his publications, this probably makes sense -- but it's really, really nice to see someone who isn't just like "omg! virus! magic things happen!" because that's what a lot of authors seem to do. The story itself also seems like a pretty quick read. The plot is fast-paced, lots of action/adventure, lots of mystery, lots of bad guys, lots of women.
And... that brings me to the reason I had to stop reading. A majority of the book can be summarized by the following quote, which happened after a diatribe on women and how getting laid was this guy's new goal in life:
"You know," he said wistfully, as though talking about the family dog, "I love my dick."
"Yeah, I love my dick, too, Holz. Go on."
This book is clearly written by a man, for other men. Some things I can overlook: e.g. detailed descriptions of boats, machines, and weapons. Other things, I can't: e.g. most of the women are either bitches or sluts, and the one exception is the hot young secretary who seems to be the primary love interest. Let's recap the women so far:
Susie -- Jason's ex-wife. Not really a true bitch except for the fact of the "ex." She is beaten and raped by the bad guys. She is in a coma for the rest of what I read. Why was she raped? Because the bad guys wanted to have fun. The rape is not dealt with emotionally in any way -- it's like it just happened, and oh, that's too bad I guess, but let's move on to other, more exciting things. Why not just leave it out? It's like the "raped" part was added in just because, you know, that's what happens when there's a woman involved in a crime.
Candy -- actually a bitch. Jason's co-worker/friend's ex-wife. Completely unhelpful, has very few appearances, only ever calls Jason an asshole and that's about it.
Missy -- someone's something. Missy? Really? After Susie and Candy, I didn't think the names could get any more childish.
Celine -- the hot young secretary. She is a bombshell and perfect in every way. Jason doesn't want to admit to having feelings for her, but he totally wants to bang her. Along with everyone else. Her clothing and appearance is described in detail multiple times.
Roxanne -- a hot young spy. She follows Jason for a very long time, then gets stuck in an elevator with them, during which time they have sex because she isn't wearing a bra and it's hot in that elevator and her sweat is making her nipples show through her blouse. After the sexcapade, she joins Jason in his mission because "I'd rather fuck you than kill you, Jason." I CANNOT MAKE THIS SHIT UP.
At this point, I realized that this is clearly the author's wet dream. I really, REALLY do not want to know any more about it, especially if that's how women are viewed/portrayed. Call me a feminazi or overly-sensitive, but I found this book disgusting.
So, the good: Jim Hendee knows what he's talking about in terms of genetics and viruses. Considering some of his publications, this probably makes sense -- but it's really, really nice to see someone who isn't just like "omg! virus! magic things happen!" because that's what a lot of authors seem to do. The story itself also seems like a pretty quick read. The plot is fast-paced, lots of action/adventure, lots of mystery, lots of bad guys, lots of women.
And... that brings me to the reason I had to stop reading. A majority of the book can be summarized by the following quote, which happened after a diatribe on women and how getting laid was this guy's new goal in life:
"You know," he said wistfully, as though talking about the family dog, "I love my dick."
"Yeah, I love my dick, too, Holz. Go on."
This book is clearly written by a man, for other men. Some things I can overlook: e.g. detailed descriptions of boats, machines, and weapons. Other things, I can't: e.g. most of the women are either bitches or sluts, and the one exception is the hot young secretary who seems to be the primary love interest. Let's recap the women so far:
Susie -- Jason's ex-wife. Not really a true bitch except for the fact of the "ex." She is beaten and raped by the bad guys. She is in a coma for the rest of what I read. Why was she raped? Because the bad guys wanted to have fun. The rape is not dealt with emotionally in any way -- it's like it just happened, and oh, that's too bad I guess, but let's move on to other, more exciting things. Why not just leave it out? It's like the "raped" part was added in just because, you know, that's what happens when there's a woman involved in a crime.
Candy -- actually a bitch. Jason's co-worker/friend's ex-wife. Completely unhelpful, has very few appearances, only ever calls Jason an asshole and that's about it.
Missy -- someone's something. Missy? Really? After Susie and Candy, I didn't think the names could get any more childish.
Celine -- the hot young secretary. She is a bombshell and perfect in every way. Jason doesn't want to admit to having feelings for her, but he totally wants to bang her. Along with everyone else. Her clothing and appearance is described in detail multiple times.
Roxanne -- a hot young spy. She follows Jason for a very long time, then gets stuck in an elevator with them, during which time they have sex because she isn't wearing a bra and it's hot in that elevator and her sweat is making her nipples show through her blouse. After the sexcapade, she joins Jason in his mission because "I'd rather fuck you than kill you, Jason." I CANNOT MAKE THIS SHIT UP.
At this point, I realized that this is clearly the author's wet dream. I really, REALLY do not want to know any more about it, especially if that's how women are viewed/portrayed. Call me a feminazi or overly-sensitive, but I found this book disgusting.
July 19, 2012
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and although this typically isn't the type of book I enjoy, I thought I'd give it a fair one-over. There are a lot of things going for it but there is also a lot I didn't enjoy. I felt that the same reasons I generally don't enjoy spy action novels is the reason I didn't enjoy this one as much as I could have.
I thought that the story was well thought out and it is clear that Jim Hendee spent a fair amount time researching the subjects he discusses. There were a few thought-provoking ideas and the book was admittedly very easy and quick to read without being overly simplistic. I can't say that I was ever particularly bored while reading it, I just wasn't blown away.
The thinks what made it just a mediocre book for me were the characters. Sometimes their thought patterns seemed really juvenile and almost silly. The main character, Jason, was supposed to be a top-notch spy but there were too many times that his own stupidity in things spy-related caused problems. It felt like the situations he got himself into would have been unbelievable for someone of his credentials. I also thought the scientists who were part of the Dalton Gang were more than slightly simple-minded in their decisions. These are supposedly the most intelligent scientists in the world yet their decisions seem like those you'd see from a group of teenage activists.
Overall I thought the book was entertaining and my wife would probably love it since this type of story is more her style. I just couldn't buy some of the details of the story so it made it a flop in some areas. Not bad but not great. Just a quick read that I'd rate "OK."
I thought that the story was well thought out and it is clear that Jim Hendee spent a fair amount time researching the subjects he discusses. There were a few thought-provoking ideas and the book was admittedly very easy and quick to read without being overly simplistic. I can't say that I was ever particularly bored while reading it, I just wasn't blown away.
The thinks what made it just a mediocre book for me were the characters. Sometimes their thought patterns seemed really juvenile and almost silly. The main character, Jason, was supposed to be a top-notch spy but there were too many times that his own stupidity in things spy-related caused problems. It felt like the situations he got himself into would have been unbelievable for someone of his credentials. I also thought the scientists who were part of the Dalton Gang were more than slightly simple-minded in their decisions. These are supposedly the most intelligent scientists in the world yet their decisions seem like those you'd see from a group of teenage activists.
Overall I thought the book was entertaining and my wife would probably love it since this type of story is more her style. I just couldn't buy some of the details of the story so it made it a flop in some areas. Not bad but not great. Just a quick read that I'd rate "OK."
September 28, 2012
This was one of the best books I've read. I really loved how everything played together -- the science, the politics, the espionage, all of it. I think what I liked best about the book is that it showed that people still care -- and, by "people", I mean the author, specifically and the characters he presents -- about trying to get people to look at a bigger cause and realize that, regardless of your world views, it's possible to come together for the common good.
I was disappointed to see that there are no other books out by Jim Hendee, but when more come out, he is definitely an author I would follow.
I was disappointed to see that there are no other books out by Jim Hendee, but when more come out, he is definitely an author I would follow.
August 13, 2012
Surprisingly GREAT 'read'. You know something is really good, when one whips thru reading it, then cannot get it out of ones' thoughts, or not very far out of ones' thoughts. Plus, picking up another or any other book after reading this one - - not easy to do after such a satisfying 'read'.
September 19, 2012
A James Bond type clone of a book. It was entertaining but nothing new or adventurous. I liked the pace of the book and the characters. It's a nice, quick, fun read that doesn't require a lot of thought.
April 7, 2013
Very fast-paced book. A lot of action and there is good character development. The technical explanations do not detract from the story. The open ending leaves the reader wondering what will happen in the future.
March 19, 2013
Jim Hendee is to be one of the up and coming writers in this century. Developed characters great plot and put together well. A must read!!!!!!!
November 24, 2013
This was a excellent story with plots within plots. This was a real page turner.
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May 20, 2012Kindle free download 5/20/12
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July 1, 2012[2012-06-29] Yay!! My book arrived :-)
December 27, 2012
Lots of science in here, premise is a bit scary. Jumps around quite a bit, but entertaining
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews