The Antaeus Factor

by Joe Prentis

For many centuries it was necessary for a country to have thousands of men at arms in order to conduct warfare with an enemy nation. The industrial revolution brought about a tremendous change when warring nations were required to put millions of soldiers into the field to engage a foreign power in battle. The nuclear arms race that soon followed carried such a frightening consequence that leaders everywhere stepped back from the brink and sought negotiations with their former enemies.


Our government agencies have warned us that through the power of the Internet, as few as 50 knowledgeable cyber terrorists could do far more damage in a matter of days, than the combined power of the western nations could do in years with conventional warfare. There are tens of thousands of sites on the Internet that teach cyber techniques, and many of the worms, viruses, and Trojan horses are being perfected with malicious intent. The wide dissemination of this type of knowledge has empowered fanatical groups who are not restrained by the frightening consequences of their irresponsible behavior.


Every area of our lives is vulnerable. Our medical infrastructure, manufacturing, commerce, data processing, travel, financial institutions, the military and our communications, are controlled over the Internet. The system that does this is called SCADA, and the leading company in the field is Cable Incorporated in Memphis.
Ron Cable is the son of the owner, and it was the intention of management to place him at the head of the corporation when he completed his law degree. A bitter argument with his fiancée brought about a change in plans and his relocation to Rome to study international law. Ron soon discovers that what he thought was nothing more than a run of bad luck, is something far more sinister. He soon finds himself in a desperate race to stay one step ahead of an unseen enemy. If you like suspense that keeps you glued to the edge of your seat, this may be the book for you.

ebook

First published November 26, 2011

About the author

I cannot remember a time when I was not reading. Books have always been an important part of my life, and I continue to be fascinated by the many wonderful things I discover each time I sit down in my favorite chair and open a book. When I was growing up, we moved frequently, living in cities, as well as in small towns, and on a working farm in a rural area. The sharp contrast of each of these places caused me to love and appreciate the busy and varied experience cities had to offer, but also the quiet life of being close to nature in the countryside. I was impressed early on by the vast differences between the geographic areas of the country, and the part ethnic background, social differences, and education played in the lives of people. Books about history, science, romance, mystery and suspense, have always presented an irresistible attraction to me. Writing is my way of introducing others to the things I have observed and experienced. I mostly read and write suspense novels, but cannot resist the temptation of Historical Fiction, or anything that deals with nature. I have just finished a suspense novel called ‘Innocent’ which will be out before the end of September, 2009. I am currently working on ‘The Relic,’ the second book in a series about the religious and political problems in the Middle East. I am doing research on a novel about the Colonial era.

Reviews

[Grace Elliot · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually rated this book 4.5 stars out of 5.

The Antaeus Factor is a thriller that opens with the brutal murder of Thomas Allard, which sets the pace for this tense and intricately plotted novel of cyber terrorism and physical jeopardy.
One of the things the author excels at is planting a feeling of insecurity - that no character is safe or immune to attack. I also found the details fascinating and added credibility to the plot (such as the bullet dipped in faeces to create a life-threatening infection if the gunshot wasn't immediately fatal.)
Whilst reading The Antaeus Factor I had the pleasant feeling of being in the hands of a skilled writer, fully confident in his ability to keep me enthralled and unable to guess the next plot twist. The author is particularly gifted at creating characters: not always totally likeable people but with real problems who react in a believable manner who you care just enough about to keep reading.
I can honesty say there is a never a dull moment in this book and the short, snappy chapters kept me reading to find out what happened next.

[P.S. Winn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a twisted story of cyber attacks, blackmail, corporate entanglements, murder and mystery. That sounds like a lot because this intriguing novel contains a lot, all well worth the read. Beginning with the murder of Thomas Allard in Memphis and the attempted murder of Ron Cable, who also happens to be in line to take over Cable Incorporated, an industrial automation company, this thriller never stops. Lori Turner is a homicide detective investigating Thomas Allard's murder, she also has a connection with Ron Cable. Readers are going to love the twists, turns and mystery in the pages of this hard to put down book. The author does a great job keeping the long list of characters recognizable and the story line flowing.

[Ian Welch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I certainly did not regret my decision to purchase Antaeus Factor.
It is a skillfully constructed thriller, and at the same time it is a murder mystery, with an intricate plot and well developed characters. The action takes the reader on a whirlwind ride across the globe.
The scene is set in the first chapter with the unexplained murder of reporter Thomas Allard in Memphis. A mysterious set of events seem to be conspiring to hinder the police investigations. Ron Cable, working in Rome, Italy is approached out of the blue to replace his step father as CEO of the hugely influential company Cable Incorporated. A mysterious series of events sees Ron deported from Italy. This is just one of numerous damaging and unexplained events that seem to be plaguing Cable Incorporated and anyone with any connection to the company.
Lies, deceit, murders, computer hacking and manipulated events designed to shame and embarrass conspire to destroy Cable Corporation. Everyone appears to be working to different agendas.
Antaeus Factor is a thoroughly enjoyable read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The plot is first rate, scene settings and characters are cleverly constructed with a professional panache. The author has done a skilful job in creating an easy reading novel that ticks all the boxes.