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The Helios Deception
In 1859, the Earth was struck by a massive solar flare which ignited telegraph stations and disrupted the nascent communications system - an event now known as the Carrington Event. In 2012, a solar flare narrowly missed Earth by just nine days. Now, the world stands on the precipice of another imminent threat—a direct strike capable of crippling all communications and computer systems, plunging the global economy into chaos.
In America, a powerful faction of 'space weather deniers' dismisses the threat of a solar flare strike as a 'Big Hoax by Big Tech,' obstructing any action by the Federal Government. Meanwhile, China stands ready and prepared, having protected itself against the impending disaster. America's lack of preparation could lead to economic ruin and political humiliation, paving the way for China to emerge as the new global superpower.
To counter this looming catastrophe, US and UK intelligence agencies join forces with the US President, devising a covert plan to protect America and its allies. Failure is not an option.
Author Charles R. Marlow, drawing on his extensive experience at the highest levels of government service, crafts a gripping geopolitical thriller that will both inform and captivate readers. While a work of fiction, 'The Helios Deception' underscores the genuine threat posed by a massive solar flare strike, one that could devastate the world economy. Set in the near future, the novel explores pressing contemporary political polarization, science denial, truth and deceit in public life, foreign election influence, and global power rivalry.
Notably, this thriller features two formidable female protagonists, each excelling in their respective fields and harboring opposing political beliefs. Despite their differences, they must collaborate on a plan to safeguard the US and its allies from impending disaster. The evolution of their relationship lies at the heart of the narrative.
'The Helios Deception' is a heart-pounding page-turner that will stimulate your intellect while keeping you on the edge of your seat.
In America, a powerful faction of 'space weather deniers' dismisses the threat of a solar flare strike as a 'Big Hoax by Big Tech,' obstructing any action by the Federal Government. Meanwhile, China stands ready and prepared, having protected itself against the impending disaster. America's lack of preparation could lead to economic ruin and political humiliation, paving the way for China to emerge as the new global superpower.
To counter this looming catastrophe, US and UK intelligence agencies join forces with the US President, devising a covert plan to protect America and its allies. Failure is not an option.
Author Charles R. Marlow, drawing on his extensive experience at the highest levels of government service, crafts a gripping geopolitical thriller that will both inform and captivate readers. While a work of fiction, 'The Helios Deception' underscores the genuine threat posed by a massive solar flare strike, one that could devastate the world economy. Set in the near future, the novel explores pressing contemporary political polarization, science denial, truth and deceit in public life, foreign election influence, and global power rivalry.
Notably, this thriller features two formidable female protagonists, each excelling in their respective fields and harboring opposing political beliefs. Despite their differences, they must collaborate on a plan to safeguard the US and its allies from impending disaster. The evolution of their relationship lies at the heart of the narrative.
'The Helios Deception' is a heart-pounding page-turner that will stimulate your intellect while keeping you on the edge of your seat.
275 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 17, 2023
9 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
September 8, 2024
“The Helios Deception” is a near futuristic thriller regarding an international race between nations to meet the danger of solar flares while jockeying for global supremacy. This is the debut novel of the author who has worked as a senior official in government.
The story is well-planned, the “Helios deception” is cleverly thought out, and the last 75 pages of the novel are incredibly well-paced and force you to keep reading to see how the story turns out (much like Tom Clancy novels do).
As with many debut novels, the pacing is a bit uneven. The story is slow to set up, which is not uncommon with the thriller genre as pieces need to be set on the chess board, as it were, before the author can start moving them. The characters’ inner thoughts and feelings sometimes sound like they are being force-fed to you, but I find this a common issue among male authors and the genre—well rounded character development is not their thing.
The strength of the book (in addition to the plot and pacing) is the authoritative and knowledgeable tone of how governments and countries jockey for power and how intelligence agencies both angle for knowledge and try to deceive others. Think of this book as a “thriller for the non-violent.” 😊 Not a lot of dead bodies strewn around, but an intricately plotted, scientifically grounded thriller.
All in all, this is an extremely strong debut novel and a really fun and enjoyable read! I look forward to reading the author’s next book!
The story is well-planned, the “Helios deception” is cleverly thought out, and the last 75 pages of the novel are incredibly well-paced and force you to keep reading to see how the story turns out (much like Tom Clancy novels do).
As with many debut novels, the pacing is a bit uneven. The story is slow to set up, which is not uncommon with the thriller genre as pieces need to be set on the chess board, as it were, before the author can start moving them. The characters’ inner thoughts and feelings sometimes sound like they are being force-fed to you, but I find this a common issue among male authors and the genre—well rounded character development is not their thing.
The strength of the book (in addition to the plot and pacing) is the authoritative and knowledgeable tone of how governments and countries jockey for power and how intelligence agencies both angle for knowledge and try to deceive others. Think of this book as a “thriller for the non-violent.” 😊 Not a lot of dead bodies strewn around, but an intricately plotted, scientifically grounded thriller.
All in all, this is an extremely strong debut novel and a really fun and enjoyable read! I look forward to reading the author’s next book!
May 5, 2024
I thought it would be a thriller but it’s a bit more of a comedy - lots of MI6/CIA venture capital investments in science, a pantomime villain (or is she?) as President of the United States, and some great dialogue from a corrupt US Senator inadvertently helping our protagonists by manufacturing US flags that actually block solar flares. A fun Bank Holiday read!
June 1, 2024
Very entertaining, funny and a interesting although occasionally deeply fictional I assume look into spy and statecraft.
August 10, 2024
An engaging political thriller with a blend of sci-fi. A real page turner, perfect for a flight or train ride! I really liked all the characters (well, apart from one particular Senator...) and I suspect they were all based on folks that the author has come across in his professional life. The plot was well crafted and the pace was perfect. Hat tip to the author for a splendid debut novel. I look forward to the film version!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews