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Toby Steele #1
22:22:22: Frequency Shift
“Take any simple man and rapidly make him exceptional. Strong, intelligent, quick and effective. Remove all his fears and cowardice, replace them with bravery and confidence. In short, create a superman from any stock. We believe the brain is capable of this transition by means of applied technology.”
The tantalising brief of a secret government project from the Cold War era. But, it can’t be real, can it?
Toby Steele is a typical night shift tech support guy, working alone, mostly in peace, until something strange happens on the night of the 22nd of February, 2022.
At 22:22:22—One moment that changes his life, forever.
How will he deal with the new skills he’s acquired, and what do they mean for his future? What secrets has a one-hundred-year-old lady in a care home kept from the world for more than half a century?
What do Enigma and Bletchley Park have to do with anything? And can Toby unravel the secret cyphers and mysteries to find a missing girl?
The tantalising brief of a secret government project from the Cold War era. But, it can’t be real, can it?
Toby Steele is a typical night shift tech support guy, working alone, mostly in peace, until something strange happens on the night of the 22nd of February, 2022.
At 22:22:22—One moment that changes his life, forever.
How will he deal with the new skills he’s acquired, and what do they mean for his future? What secrets has a one-hundred-year-old lady in a care home kept from the world for more than half a century?
What do Enigma and Bletchley Park have to do with anything? And can Toby unravel the secret cyphers and mysteries to find a missing girl?
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First published January 27, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
April 27, 2024
A good holiday read!
Who knew that I.T. could be such fun? Toby Steele is an I.T. night technician working for a world wide conglomerate when he accidentally triggers a malfunction in the company's computer system. A long forgotten and deeply embedded programme comes to life and links into Toby's brainwaves. The result is that he now possesses super human powers. What follows is an amusing and quite satisfying adventure, in which Tony is able to shed his former life constraints and embark upon a quest to save the world. Well, sort of! This is probably the beginning of a series and, no doubt, will prove quite popular.
Who knew that I.T. could be such fun? Toby Steele is an I.T. night technician working for a world wide conglomerate when he accidentally triggers a malfunction in the company's computer system. A long forgotten and deeply embedded programme comes to life and links into Toby's brainwaves. The result is that he now possesses super human powers. What follows is an amusing and quite satisfying adventure, in which Tony is able to shed his former life constraints and embark upon a quest to save the world. Well, sort of! This is probably the beginning of a series and, no doubt, will prove quite popular.
May 30, 2023
Good story and great characters! I’ve read a lot of Mr Eccles books and always really enjoy them.
Not rating as high with me this time however. As I said, the story is good but I felt the language to be a little forced at times; a little over-descriptive. Almost as if it was trying too hard and this interferes with the flow. It did improve as it moved forward though.
Not rating as high with me this time however. As I said, the story is good but I felt the language to be a little forced at times; a little over-descriptive. Almost as if it was trying too hard and this interferes with the flow. It did improve as it moved forward though.
February 5, 2023
loved it!!
Really enjoyed this book, loved the characters, especially the good looking nice boss vickie 😂😂 great storyline, can’t wait to see what you come up with next 😄😄 definitely recommend 😄
Really enjoyed this book, loved the characters, especially the good looking nice boss vickie 😂😂 great storyline, can’t wait to see what you come up with next 😄😄 definitely recommend 😄
February 2, 2025
Interesting premise, too loose in the plot for me as it didn’t connect smoothly. With no real feel of conclusion or what is next if this was to be a series
September 11, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ – Intriguing Premise with Some Standout Ideas
22 22 22 hooks you immediately with its premise: a forgotten Cold War project suddenly reactivating in a regular guy, transforming him into something extraordinary. The story blends spy-thriller energy with speculative science and a dash of historical mystery, which makes for a compelling setup.
I really enjoyed Toby as an everyman protagonist. Watching him shift from an overlooked night-shift worker to a superhuman caught in a deadly conspiracy gave the book a kinetic energy. The threads connecting Bletchley Park, Alan Turing, and a missing granddaughter were especially intriguing and gave the narrative a richer historical texture.
That said, while the concept and characters were solid, the execution sometimes felt uneven. The pacing dipped here and there, and some of the world-building around Toby’s powers and “The Department” could have been fleshed out more clearly. At times I wanted just a bit more tension and higher stakes to match the incredible premise.
Still, the book is inventive and original, with flashes of something truly special. If you enjoy government conspiracies, forgotten science projects, and reluctant heroes discovering their potential, 22 22 22 is worth picking up.
22 22 22 hooks you immediately with its premise: a forgotten Cold War project suddenly reactivating in a regular guy, transforming him into something extraordinary. The story blends spy-thriller energy with speculative science and a dash of historical mystery, which makes for a compelling setup.
I really enjoyed Toby as an everyman protagonist. Watching him shift from an overlooked night-shift worker to a superhuman caught in a deadly conspiracy gave the book a kinetic energy. The threads connecting Bletchley Park, Alan Turing, and a missing granddaughter were especially intriguing and gave the narrative a richer historical texture.
That said, while the concept and characters were solid, the execution sometimes felt uneven. The pacing dipped here and there, and some of the world-building around Toby’s powers and “The Department” could have been fleshed out more clearly. At times I wanted just a bit more tension and higher stakes to match the incredible premise.
Still, the book is inventive and original, with flashes of something truly special. If you enjoy government conspiracies, forgotten science projects, and reluctant heroes discovering their potential, 22 22 22 is worth picking up.
December 24, 2025
Kind of a strange book, but readable. I liked Evelyn and her story more than Troy's.
April 5, 2023
Gripping and fun!
No synopsis here like other 'reviewer's do.. But this is a fun and engaging read especially appealing to us geeks, needs and weirdos!! 😁 tech, good sting characters and a solid story... Nice work Adam!
No synopsis here like other 'reviewer's do.. But this is a fun and engaging read especially appealing to us geeks, needs and weirdos!! 😁 tech, good sting characters and a solid story... Nice work Adam!
November 26, 2024
Toby Steele is an underachiever, working IT support on nightshift and trying to avoid a colleague who's been bullying him for years, when the facility has a power failure. He checks the server room just to fall unconscious, waking up a few hours later with no memory of what happened. Gradually, however, he realizes that something's changed how his brain is wired, and he has gained some remarkable physical aptitudes, including excellent fighting skills.
Meanwhile, fifty years earlier, a brilliant theoretician named Evelyn ["eve-lin" as the Brits pronounce it] distinguishes herself through her ultra-secret work on WWII's Enigma code at Bletchley Park. Result: She's hired by a secretive government research team. Her new project: changing how people's brains work to create super soldiers.
There are two stories here that eventually intertwine, one of which is actually interesting (Evelyn), while the other - Toby's gradual assessment of his new skills - proves rather mundane and cliché. The final third of the book, however, is pretty entertaining. Is this one to read? Maybe. There are some good ideas herein that deserve a better overall treatment than "22:22:22: Frequency Shift".
Meanwhile, fifty years earlier, a brilliant theoretician named Evelyn ["eve-lin" as the Brits pronounce it] distinguishes herself through her ultra-secret work on WWII's Enigma code at Bletchley Park. Result: She's hired by a secretive government research team. Her new project: changing how people's brains work to create super soldiers.
There are two stories here that eventually intertwine, one of which is actually interesting (Evelyn), while the other - Toby's gradual assessment of his new skills - proves rather mundane and cliché. The final third of the book, however, is pretty entertaining. Is this one to read? Maybe. There are some good ideas herein that deserve a better overall treatment than "22:22:22: Frequency Shift".
April 7, 2024
4.0 stars, (not 4.something).
I finished in almost one sitting, night before and following morning. It was definitely a fun read and I am actually lookinng at the author's page right now to see if there is another book I would want to read.
I would put it in mind of a good holiday read. Very fun concept, and I liked the central conceit and the link to the flashback pieces etc. (Not really a spoiler as it's pretty obvious from the get go). If I accidentally forgot it on the plane, would I be so distressed I would buy another one to read and find out the ending? Not sure
In a funny way, the older woman's character, (although a background foil), seemed to have more dimensions than the protagonist. Couple of areas where the MC is a bit OP. I get the science behind what they are describing, but maybe instead have something which is tied more to the realms of the physically possible, and flesh that out a bit more. Almost take a page from the Blake Crouch "upgrade" book.
The locale in the final bit was also a bit fun :-)
I finished in almost one sitting, night before and following morning. It was definitely a fun read and I am actually lookinng at the author's page right now to see if there is another book I would want to read.
I would put it in mind of a good holiday read. Very fun concept, and I liked the central conceit and the link to the flashback pieces etc. (Not really a spoiler as it's pretty obvious from the get go). If I accidentally forgot it on the plane, would I be so distressed I would buy another one to read and find out the ending? Not sure
In a funny way, the older woman's character, (although a background foil), seemed to have more dimensions than the protagonist. Couple of areas where the MC is a bit OP. I get the science behind what they are describing, but maybe instead have something which is tied more to the realms of the physically possible, and flesh that out a bit more. Almost take a page from the Blake Crouch "upgrade" book.
The locale in the final bit was also a bit fun :-)
July 12, 2023
This is a very strange book. At the beginning I wasn't sure if I liked the central character, Toby Steele, and it seemed he was acting oddly in different situations. Almost thinking of giving up on the story I struggled with the idea of giving a three star rating based only on the appreciation I had for other books I had read by this author. Then things started falling into place. The story went from being tedious to better and better. I was enthralled with the idea of frquency control creating a more or less super being. The introduction of Evelyn as a character was brilliant. In a way I don't understand why Eccles was so slow to put the pieces together but he certainly drew it to a thrilling and satisfying conclusion. I recommend this strange book.
March 1, 2024
A superb thriller from Mr Eccles
I'm used to, and have enjoyed Mr Eccles books. I thought I had read all but discovered I had missed this.
For me, it is a departure from his usual work, and it is great. An alternative 007, a nefarious government department plus a little sci-fi make for a truly enjoyable read.
And a couple of excellent quotes:
- But if I stay here, and get another dead-end job, I’ll be stuck again in the rat race. Consume, purchase, excrete, sleep and repeat.
- LinkedIn. The Facebook of the corporate world. I quickly found that the site is just a virtue signalling and oneupmanship network, rather than anything useful.
Now to find similar works.....
I'm used to, and have enjoyed Mr Eccles books. I thought I had read all but discovered I had missed this.
For me, it is a departure from his usual work, and it is great. An alternative 007, a nefarious government department plus a little sci-fi make for a truly enjoyable read.
And a couple of excellent quotes:
- But if I stay here, and get another dead-end job, I’ll be stuck again in the rat race. Consume, purchase, excrete, sleep and repeat.
- LinkedIn. The Facebook of the corporate world. I quickly found that the site is just a virtue signalling and oneupmanship network, rather than anything useful.
Now to find similar works.....
July 28, 2024
A Truly Engaging Read- On ALL LEVELS- FIVE STARS!
“22:22:22: Frequency Shift” is a constant “page turner!, Adam Eccles is a consummate writer who really knows owns how to write powerful, meaningful characters, great plot and a sense of adventure. I fell in love with his writing and would welcome further books in a “Toby Steel” series. There’s nothing pat or predictable in this book and it all feels like it really could happen- that maybe the ideas of a frequency shift implants in a person’s brain could technologically come about. The very best science fiction blends crisp writing, realistic characters who are relatable, and a sensible plot. Adam Eccles gives us that and so much more. Thank you so much, Adam! One Great Read!!!!
“22:22:22: Frequency Shift” is a constant “page turner!, Adam Eccles is a consummate writer who really knows owns how to write powerful, meaningful characters, great plot and a sense of adventure. I fell in love with his writing and would welcome further books in a “Toby Steel” series. There’s nothing pat or predictable in this book and it all feels like it really could happen- that maybe the ideas of a frequency shift implants in a person’s brain could technologically come about. The very best science fiction blends crisp writing, realistic characters who are relatable, and a sensible plot. Adam Eccles gives us that and so much more. Thank you so much, Adam! One Great Read!!!!
May 19, 2024
An interesting premise that unfortunately doesn't quite hit the mark. Despite Toby gaining these incredible abilities, he dithers around, unsure of what to do with them. I was hoping for more action and excitement, but it never materialized. I think it was an opportunity missed. I also found the flashbacks to Evelyn's past distracting and too long. Some background is fine, but not as much as was provided. However, the narrative was engaging and entertaining, though it could have been a lot better.
September 9, 2023
I always enjoy Adam’s novels. He often creates interesting plot ideas and this didn’t disappoint. I feel that he’s left this open for a sequel or series which could be good.
The concept he uses (I won’t post spoilers) is intriguing and the historic characters referenced add some validity. It’s all rather clever. I feel that the ending was perhaps a little uneventful however in the hope that there may be a sequel, that is understandable.
I’m looking forward to his next work.
The concept he uses (I won’t post spoilers) is intriguing and the historic characters referenced add some validity. It’s all rather clever. I feel that the ending was perhaps a little uneventful however in the hope that there may be a sequel, that is understandable.
I’m looking forward to his next work.
July 11, 2024
This is alright book, science behind it is not cooked or thought of even. Just went on to give powers to the protagonist who exploits them. The scale of the escallation in this story indicates that there would be a sequel. Though none has been written yet. I look forward to read it.
If it does not come, I dont think I'll read this again. It's not well thought of plotline, and average storyelling.
If it does not come, I dont think I'll read this again. It's not well thought of plotline, and average storyelling.
February 3, 2025
good concept and mostly well written
The science-y explanation was an interesting premise and the characters were interesting, so it held up well throughout the book. The weak part was that he was such a bumbling and lazy detective character, always wanting to call it quits before resolving issues and doing stupid vigilante stuff. The brain enhancements were supposed to eliminate those characteristics but failed…..
The science-y explanation was an interesting premise and the characters were interesting, so it held up well throughout the book. The weak part was that he was such a bumbling and lazy detective character, always wanting to call it quits before resolving issues and doing stupid vigilante stuff. The brain enhancements were supposed to eliminate those characteristics but failed…..
March 16, 2023
This was a really different, yet strangely compelling story.
I found myself drawn in to the tale as it developed in a number of unexpected directions, and the narrative kept me engaged to the (possibly rather abrupt) end.
And I share a birthday (nearly) with one of the protagonists.
Well-worth a read.
I found myself drawn in to the tale as it developed in a number of unexpected directions, and the narrative kept me engaged to the (possibly rather abrupt) end.
And I share a birthday (nearly) with one of the protagonists.
Well-worth a read.
December 1, 2023
A Magical Realism Adventure
This is a well written and fast-paced tale. There is more than a touch of Murakami to it. The setting is a world where most things are the same as in our world but a few things are sufficiently different to pique the reader’s interest. I hope for similar books in future publications.
This is a well written and fast-paced tale. There is more than a touch of Murakami to it. The setting is a world where most things are the same as in our world but a few things are sufficiently different to pique the reader’s interest. I hope for similar books in future publications.
April 18, 2024
Great starting gun for a series
This reminded me of Chuck (TV show) and also the book “Helm” (by Steven Gould. Not exactly the same, but a simile idea that loads of information can be imprinted in a mind.
Likable characters. Interesting solutions to challenges the main character comes up with. I’m looking forward to the next book.
This reminded me of Chuck (TV show) and also the book “Helm” (by Steven Gould. Not exactly the same, but a simile idea that loads of information can be imprinted in a mind.
Likable characters. Interesting solutions to challenges the main character comes up with. I’m looking forward to the next book.
February 1, 2023
fantastic as always
Ok so I'm a huge fan, and this book only makes me a bigger fan (almost wind farm size)
As always great story/plot lines, excellent enjoyable relatable characters and always wanting more.
Definitely need to have more from Toby
Highly recommend
Ok so I'm a huge fan, and this book only makes me a bigger fan (almost wind farm size)
As always great story/plot lines, excellent enjoyable relatable characters and always wanting more.
Definitely need to have more from Toby
Highly recommend
February 27, 2023
Wjfbtymlpn oahvqat !
What a brilliantly written book. It was so pleasing to read a story with a well constructed storyline, an interesting concept and characters you are cheering on the whole book through.
Really enjoyed this and will definitely be recommending!
What a brilliantly written book. It was so pleasing to read a story with a well constructed storyline, an interesting concept and characters you are cheering on the whole book through.
Really enjoyed this and will definitely be recommending!
April 9, 2023
Really enjoyable adventure.
Went into this book a little cynically, but very quickly warmed to the writing style and main characters personality. Well described scenes and situations with fun plot twists.
Went into this book a little cynically, but very quickly warmed to the writing style and main characters personality. Well described scenes and situations with fun plot twists.
May 13, 2023
A gem of a story
What a delightful and enjoyable tale. Written without the need to use overt sex and violence and containing beautifully rounded characters. Loved it and would like more of the same!
What a delightful and enjoyable tale. Written without the need to use overt sex and violence and containing beautifully rounded characters. Loved it and would like more of the same!
June 19, 2023
Very interesting !
A really pleasant read and well put together. The story was well thought out and kept up its pace all the way through. I look forward to the next book with interest.
A really pleasant read and well put together. The story was well thought out and kept up its pace all the way through. I look forward to the next book with interest.
June 22, 2023
brilliant
Really enjoyed this from the moment I started reading it. Fantastic story telling and not so sci-fi that it’s unbelievable. Brilliant read unlike anything I’ve read before. Thank you.
Really enjoyed this from the moment I started reading it. Fantastic story telling and not so sci-fi that it’s unbelievable. Brilliant read unlike anything I’ve read before. Thank you.
June 24, 2023
A quick read in which an IT fix-it guy suddenly becomes imbued with extra-sensory capabilities. In trying to find out what is causing this sensation, he gets pulled into a long-standing issue with the apparent creator of this extra sensory capability.
July 9, 2023
Fun optimism
Like the premise - that science can be used for good despite the dastardly corporate greed. Took a while to get going & then very fast denouement, but satisfying nonetheless.
Like the premise - that science can be used for good despite the dastardly corporate greed. Took a while to get going & then very fast denouement, but satisfying nonetheless.
July 30, 2023
Original,human,enjoyable
Interesting and unusual ideas linked to recent history and present problems. Humanity and humour drive the characters into an amusing and pacey storyline. A really good read
Interesting and unusual ideas linked to recent history and present problems. Humanity and humour drive the characters into an amusing and pacey storyline. A really good read
September 26, 2023
A fast paced Sci-fi action adventure
Most enjoyable. I highly recommend it. Action ,adventure, code breaking, experiments, secrets, science and likeable characters. What's not to like😀
Most enjoyable. I highly recommend it. Action ,adventure, code breaking, experiments, secrets, science and likeable characters. What's not to like😀
January 3, 2024
awesomely good
Well written and understandable I was worried at first but no problem understanding I hope that there are many more to follow I for one want more more more
Thank you and goodnight
Well written and understandable I was worried at first but no problem understanding I hope that there are many more to follow I for one want more more more
Thank you and goodnight
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews