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Blake Willis Thriller #2
FALSE START
A missing ally. A sinister conspiracy. A ticking clock.
When CloudPhantom’s ex-CEO Daniel Zhu vanishes, Blake Willis and his wife Rebecca discover a terrifying an emerging evil superpower has infiltrated their security company and breached Australia’s critical infrastructure—financial markets, power grids, and the military.
Blake and Rebecca uncover a decades-old conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of power within Australia’s companies, government, and military. With time running out, they race to identify and neutralize the threats before a catastrophic conflict erupts across Asia.
Facing relentless digital attacks and mounting casualties, they face a terrible choice—protect those closest to them—or expose the truth and save the lives of millions.
With the threat of war imminent, the battle they face is unlike any a cyber-war for control of the world’s most crucial computer systems—capable of either safeguarding or sparking a global catastrophe.
Can they stop the impending disaster, or will their final effort be just another false start?
When CloudPhantom’s ex-CEO Daniel Zhu vanishes, Blake Willis and his wife Rebecca discover a terrifying an emerging evil superpower has infiltrated their security company and breached Australia’s critical infrastructure—financial markets, power grids, and the military.
Blake and Rebecca uncover a decades-old conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of power within Australia’s companies, government, and military. With time running out, they race to identify and neutralize the threats before a catastrophic conflict erupts across Asia.
Facing relentless digital attacks and mounting casualties, they face a terrible choice—protect those closest to them—or expose the truth and save the lives of millions.
With the threat of war imminent, the battle they face is unlike any a cyber-war for control of the world’s most crucial computer systems—capable of either safeguarding or sparking a global catastrophe.
Can they stop the impending disaster, or will their final effort be just another false start?
398 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 10, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 15, 2024
Book two in this series and it is a busy and action packed one as Blake and wife Becca are pushed to the brink as firstly their best friend and ex-CEO of the company they started CloudPhantom Dr. Daniel Zhu appears to have been kidnapped and what they uncover in trying to find him shocks them to the core.
Blake quickly calls in all the help he can, the people who have helped him before, people he trusts to get Daniel back and stop the takeover of CloudPhantom and in turn this political power intends to take control of Australia, Blake and the team need to work fast to stop them from infiltrating the company the enemy are already starting breakdown the firewalls that are up, decisions need to be made, protect the ones they love or lose the company, is war imminent, will Blake and his team be able to stop the threat in time?
This is a fast paced story where cyberwarfare seems to be the way a political takeover is threatening, so many things can happen in such a short space of time, danger is around every corner and many lives are at risk, will Daniel be returned safe and will they stop the takeover of firstly CloudPhantom and Australia?
If you love a good political thriller, filled with action, wonderful characters and a great plot then this is the one to pick up a great addition to this series and there is another one to come, I did thoroughly enjoy this one as I am sure you will as well.
My thanks to the author for my copy to read and review.
Blake quickly calls in all the help he can, the people who have helped him before, people he trusts to get Daniel back and stop the takeover of CloudPhantom and in turn this political power intends to take control of Australia, Blake and the team need to work fast to stop them from infiltrating the company the enemy are already starting breakdown the firewalls that are up, decisions need to be made, protect the ones they love or lose the company, is war imminent, will Blake and his team be able to stop the threat in time?
This is a fast paced story where cyberwarfare seems to be the way a political takeover is threatening, so many things can happen in such a short space of time, danger is around every corner and many lives are at risk, will Daniel be returned safe and will they stop the takeover of firstly CloudPhantom and Australia?
If you love a good political thriller, filled with action, wonderful characters and a great plot then this is the one to pick up a great addition to this series and there is another one to come, I did thoroughly enjoy this one as I am sure you will as well.
My thanks to the author for my copy to read and review.
December 8, 2024
4.5 stars
I was happy to receive this second installment of the Blake Willis series in exchange for an honest review.
This newest geopolitical thriller from Steve Shipley had excellent pacing and a compelling build-up. In this story, we are shifting from activities of Russian operatives to those of the CCP. I found that the long-game being laid out, along with the sly infiltration thru tech and infrastructure, to be reminiscent of real world events. Indeed, we've seen many similar allegations being reported in the States and across the world over the last couple of years. This made the book more relatable to me than the sinister motives that were hatched in the first book, False Trust.
I was missing a strong connection to the characters in this story, but I think my interest in the plot easily overcame my usual need to identify with someone. It certainly got my inner conspiracy theorist going. The tech descriptions were intelligently crafted, but not quite over my head. I didn't get how CloudPhantom is so connected to worldwide systems, but that may have been explained in the first book and I've forgotten. I was reading with the premise that they offer cybersecurity services and muddled along just fine with that assumption.
The author has polished his writing style and flow between the first and second installment. I maintained interest in all aspects of the story without getting distracted by overly specific local references, which I appreciated. I continue to enjoy the historical background involving whiskey and Blake's family, and look forward to more of that in future installments. I can't wait for book 3 in the coming year!
I was sorry to hear about the passing of David - the book dedication was beautifully written.
I was happy to receive this second installment of the Blake Willis series in exchange for an honest review.
This newest geopolitical thriller from Steve Shipley had excellent pacing and a compelling build-up. In this story, we are shifting from activities of Russian operatives to those of the CCP. I found that the long-game being laid out, along with the sly infiltration thru tech and infrastructure, to be reminiscent of real world events. Indeed, we've seen many similar allegations being reported in the States and across the world over the last couple of years. This made the book more relatable to me than the sinister motives that were hatched in the first book, False Trust.
I was missing a strong connection to the characters in this story, but I think my interest in the plot easily overcame my usual need to identify with someone. It certainly got my inner conspiracy theorist going. The tech descriptions were intelligently crafted, but not quite over my head. I didn't get how CloudPhantom is so connected to worldwide systems, but that may have been explained in the first book and I've forgotten. I was reading with the premise that they offer cybersecurity services and muddled along just fine with that assumption.
The author has polished his writing style and flow between the first and second installment. I maintained interest in all aspects of the story without getting distracted by overly specific local references, which I appreciated. I continue to enjoy the historical background involving whiskey and Blake's family, and look forward to more of that in future installments. I can't wait for book 3 in the coming year!
I was sorry to hear about the passing of David - the book dedication was beautifully written.
December 10, 2024
Steve has delivered another winner with the second installment in the Blake Willis series. This time, the story plunges into China’s intricate and calculated strategies, masterfully blending technological intrigue with geopolitical tension that feels strikingly relevant to the complexities of today’s global landscape. The razor-sharp pacing, combined with polished and confident storytelling, highlights Steve’s impressive growth as a writer.
What makes this book truly exceptional is its seamless ability to balance an intricate, thought-provoking plot with richly developed characters. The stakes feel real, and I found myself deeply invested in both the characters’ journeys and the unpredictable twists they face. This isn’t just another page-turner, it’s the kind of thriller that keeps you awake into the night, with every chapter demanding, “just one more chapter.”
Steve’s ability to weave realism and suspense creates an experience that’s as entertaining as it is thought provoking. Whether you’re a longtime fan of geopolitical thrillers or just looking for a book that keeps you riveted from start to finish, this one is a must read. I can not wait to see where Blake’s journey takes us next in what’s shaping up to be an unforgettable series. Don’t miss it !
What makes this book truly exceptional is its seamless ability to balance an intricate, thought-provoking plot with richly developed characters. The stakes feel real, and I found myself deeply invested in both the characters’ journeys and the unpredictable twists they face. This isn’t just another page-turner, it’s the kind of thriller that keeps you awake into the night, with every chapter demanding, “just one more chapter.”
Steve’s ability to weave realism and suspense creates an experience that’s as entertaining as it is thought provoking. Whether you’re a longtime fan of geopolitical thrillers or just looking for a book that keeps you riveted from start to finish, this one is a must read. I can not wait to see where Blake’s journey takes us next in what’s shaping up to be an unforgettable series. Don’t miss it !
December 7, 2024
I was captivated once again by the follow-up story of Becca and Blake as they worked tirelessly to save Australia from a global takeover, and I couldn't put it down, eager to see what other adventures they'd embark on.
December 16, 2024
Steve Shipley’s False Start is a fast-paced, high-stakes thriller that masterfully combines corporate espionage, global politics, and personal redemption. Set against the scenic yet tension-filled backdrop of Australia’s Hunter Valley, the story follows Black Willis and Daniel Zhu who are entangled in a web of sabotage, betrayal, and geopolitical manipulation.
The narrative plunges into the heart of corporate and technological warfare, where cyberattacks, espionage, and intellectual property theft drive the action. The protagonist faces mounting threats from the Chinese Communist Party and Russian operatives, who exploit cutting-edge technology for global domination. His fight to protect CloudPhantom, a company pivotal to the digital metaverse, mirrors a larger battle against forces that seek to upend the global balance of power.
Shipley’s strength lies in his ability to blend gripping action with emotional depth. The characters—especially Daniel Zhu and Blake Willis—are deeply human, navigating not only external conflicts but also personal struggles tied to loyalty, legacy, and sacrifice. Their challenges are made vivid through richly detailed prose and morally complex dilemmas, keeping readers engaged.
The book excels in its portrayal of modern technological warfare, making it both thrilling and unsettlingly relevant. Themes of power, control, and the consequences of technological advancement resonate throughout the story, giving it a sense of urgency and contemporary significance.
While the plot occasionally slows, the steady buildup of tension and well crafted twists ensure a satisfying payoff. The author’s exploration of human resilience and the impact of choices in a morally ambiguous world adds a layer of depth that elevates this from a standard thriller to a memorable read.
False Start is a compelling tale of intrigue and redemption, perfect for fans of intelligent thrillers and stories exploring the intersection of technology and global politics. The author has crafted a story that is as thought-provoking as it is exciting, making it a standout in its genre.
The narrative plunges into the heart of corporate and technological warfare, where cyberattacks, espionage, and intellectual property theft drive the action. The protagonist faces mounting threats from the Chinese Communist Party and Russian operatives, who exploit cutting-edge technology for global domination. His fight to protect CloudPhantom, a company pivotal to the digital metaverse, mirrors a larger battle against forces that seek to upend the global balance of power.
Shipley’s strength lies in his ability to blend gripping action with emotional depth. The characters—especially Daniel Zhu and Blake Willis—are deeply human, navigating not only external conflicts but also personal struggles tied to loyalty, legacy, and sacrifice. Their challenges are made vivid through richly detailed prose and morally complex dilemmas, keeping readers engaged.
The book excels in its portrayal of modern technological warfare, making it both thrilling and unsettlingly relevant. Themes of power, control, and the consequences of technological advancement resonate throughout the story, giving it a sense of urgency and contemporary significance.
While the plot occasionally slows, the steady buildup of tension and well crafted twists ensure a satisfying payoff. The author’s exploration of human resilience and the impact of choices in a morally ambiguous world adds a layer of depth that elevates this from a standard thriller to a memorable read.
False Start is a compelling tale of intrigue and redemption, perfect for fans of intelligent thrillers and stories exploring the intersection of technology and global politics. The author has crafted a story that is as thought-provoking as it is exciting, making it a standout in its genre.
January 5, 2025
Great paced thriller that ramps up the further in you get. Although I'm a bit of a technophobe, there was no technical jargon to make me glaze over and I was able to follow the plot. Great characters and although I felt I'd missed something as I hadn't read the previous book, it didn't stop my enjoyment of the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 19, 2025
This was a strong sequel in the Blake Willis Thriller series, it had that thriller element that I was looking for and was hooked from the first page. The characters had that feel that I wanted and was engaged with what was happening with them. Steve Shipley has a strong writing style and had that element that I wanted, I hope there is more in this series and from Steve Shipley.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 14, 2025
Really enjoyed the premise of a cyber takeover by the CCP and the stealth used to destroy a country. All very believable in the current geopolitical climate. It's a highly intelligent thriller about the slow but planned infiltration of Australian systems based on the author's work experience in the cyber world.
A solid, fast-paced read that left me thinking.
A solid, fast-paced read that left me thinking.
January 24, 2025
This was much better for me. The action, the pace. The thrill. I enjoyed this more. It flowed better for me too. I don't know if I'll read another or not but I think it's improved.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews