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The Last Message #2
The Silent Protocol
A city still scarred. A signal that could end everything.
Twelve years after the VEGA incident, London teeters on the edge of chaos. When investigative journalist Maya Dalton finds encrypted files hinting at a top-secret operation—Protocol Silence, a plan to blackout global communications—she becomes a target. DS Bhatti warns a kill order is out. Meanwhile, Alex Rennie, living under a false identity, receives a chilling “Protocol activated. Berlin. 48 hours.”
Forced out of hiding, Alex reunites with Maya and plunges into Berlin’s hacker underworld, where the ghosts of VEGA rise again. Tech mogul Lionel Gage is back, orchestrating a “digital coup” to hijack satellites and reboot VEGA in a new, decentralized form. A rogue ex-Stasi cryptographer offers their only chance to stop it.
As the clock ticks down, betrayals cut deep. MI5 may be compromised, and Alex’s own dark past—code-named ‘Nightfall’—comes to light. Their mission hurtles toward a rooftop showdown, where one must make the ultimate sacrifice.
The satellites are watching. The silence is coming.
And behind it all, a darker force waits to be revealed.
Twelve years after the VEGA incident, London teeters on the edge of chaos. When investigative journalist Maya Dalton finds encrypted files hinting at a top-secret operation—Protocol Silence, a plan to blackout global communications—she becomes a target. DS Bhatti warns a kill order is out. Meanwhile, Alex Rennie, living under a false identity, receives a chilling “Protocol activated. Berlin. 48 hours.”
Forced out of hiding, Alex reunites with Maya and plunges into Berlin’s hacker underworld, where the ghosts of VEGA rise again. Tech mogul Lionel Gage is back, orchestrating a “digital coup” to hijack satellites and reboot VEGA in a new, decentralized form. A rogue ex-Stasi cryptographer offers their only chance to stop it.
As the clock ticks down, betrayals cut deep. MI5 may be compromised, and Alex’s own dark past—code-named ‘Nightfall’—comes to light. Their mission hurtles toward a rooftop showdown, where one must make the ultimate sacrifice.
The satellites are watching. The silence is coming.
And behind it all, a darker force waits to be revealed.
148 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 29, 2025
About the author
Stephen Bentley
51 books269 followersStephen Bentley is an award-winning author. Of his Operation Julie true crime book, screenwriter and novelist, writer of 'Julie' BBC Drama, Rob Gittins, said, "The fascinating and extraordinary inside story from the man who was actually there.”
Of his later fiction works, British crime author, Pat MacDonald said, “I knew when I read the author’s first book although non-fiction that he could make the transition to writing fiction; I was right. He has an ease of language that lends itself to storytelling; he tells it as if he was there in the plot and why shouldn’t he having been an undercover cop in the real world? Not that Steve Regan is meant to be him, but having the experience means he can do whatever he wants with his fictional characters, and they will always be believable.”
Like some other authors, his life experience is broad and unconventional. He spent 30 years in the legal system, first as a detective for 15 years then as barrister plying his trade as “a wig for hire” in London and the English provinces. He was a pioneering undercover cop on Operation Julie and as a barrister defended in trials involving murder, rape, drug importation, other serious crimes and defended soldiers at courts-martial.
He worked in a warehouse. Rode a big motorbike as a London courier. He drove big articulated trucks and taught how to drive them. He also worked as a hospital porter twice. He drove chilled delivery vans in London in the 1990s to fund his law degree and bar school studies. He spent the last two years of his working life driving plant and operating heavy filtration machinery for Europe’s largest water company. His work mates soon recognised his advocacy skills and elected him as their shop steward.
He has now written over twenty books. Two of them have been optioned and in development; one as a TV drama series, and one as a drama doc.
You can find Stephen at stephenbentley.info
His wife is a better person than him in all regards and is a source of support in his goal of entertaining readers. She has also made him a better person.
Stephen Bentley's book recommendations
Of his later fiction works, British crime author, Pat MacDonald said, “I knew when I read the author’s first book although non-fiction that he could make the transition to writing fiction; I was right. He has an ease of language that lends itself to storytelling; he tells it as if he was there in the plot and why shouldn’t he having been an undercover cop in the real world? Not that Steve Regan is meant to be him, but having the experience means he can do whatever he wants with his fictional characters, and they will always be believable.”
Like some other authors, his life experience is broad and unconventional. He spent 30 years in the legal system, first as a detective for 15 years then as barrister plying his trade as “a wig for hire” in London and the English provinces. He was a pioneering undercover cop on Operation Julie and as a barrister defended in trials involving murder, rape, drug importation, other serious crimes and defended soldiers at courts-martial.
He worked in a warehouse. Rode a big motorbike as a London courier. He drove big articulated trucks and taught how to drive them. He also worked as a hospital porter twice. He drove chilled delivery vans in London in the 1990s to fund his law degree and bar school studies. He spent the last two years of his working life driving plant and operating heavy filtration machinery for Europe’s largest water company. His work mates soon recognised his advocacy skills and elected him as their shop steward.
He has now written over twenty books. Two of them have been optioned and in development; one as a TV drama series, and one as a drama doc.
You can find Stephen at stephenbentley.info
His wife is a better person than him in all regards and is a source of support in his goal of entertaining readers. She has also made him a better person.
Stephen Bentley's book recommendations
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 1, 2025
A Thriller for the Digital Age.
The Silent Protocol is a gripping techno-thriller where a journalist on the run and a fugitive hacker face a global blackout plot. Berlin’s hacker underworld, a rogue ex-Stasi cryptographer, and a digital coup collide in a race against time.
This book is fast-paced, intelligent, and full of twists perfect for readers who love espionage and cyber-thrillers. This is the second book in the series. Thank you to Stephen Bentley for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Silent Protocol is a gripping techno-thriller where a journalist on the run and a fugitive hacker face a global blackout plot. Berlin’s hacker underworld, a rogue ex-Stasi cryptographer, and a digital coup collide in a race against time.
This book is fast-paced, intelligent, and full of twists perfect for readers who love espionage and cyber-thrillers. This is the second book in the series. Thank you to Stephen Bentley for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 9, 2025
Just finished this ARC read and wow what a journey this book had me on, I've read all the books by Stephen Bentley that's been released so far and I can honestly say that this has been my favourite series so far, his other ones have been excellent but for me this takes it to another level. Easiest 5⭐️ ever!
June 18, 2025
Audiobook: I enjoyed book two more than the first book in the series. The story was longer and there was more character development. I liked Maya's fierce spirit and Alex's careful personality as they seemed realistic in their chosen fields. There was a lot of action which kept my attention. I was surprised by some of the twists. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. The digital narrative which was provided by several digital narration voices was acceptable, although Digital Voice Daniel's presentation was a little choppy, while the other voices were fine. I was given a copy of the audiobook through Spotify. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.
June 20, 2025
The Last Message book 2 picks up a decade or so after book 1 and once again our heroes are called upon to stop a global conspiracy. As with the first in the series the style is short, sharp, staccato sentences that keep the suspense and pace at a frantic level. I genuinely felt my heart rate increase as I read this. This series is very unlike the author's other books and has a style and charm of it's own.
June 22, 2025
Heart thumping chills as a seemingly unending race to block the full installation of a programme from which there is no respite, recommences. Only to find there are more twists and turns than anticipated and the battle is not even fairly matched.
Prepare to sweat as the odds continue to be stacked against Maya and co. Great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Prepare to sweat as the odds continue to be stacked against Maya and co. Great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 14, 2025
The Silent Protocol is the second book in The Last Message trilogy.
This chapter in the trilogy takes place twelve years after the first journey into the world of cybercrime. Alex and Maya have to deal with a fresh threat to their lives and to the world around them.
I am waiting on tenterhooks for the finale to this intriguing trilogy.
This chapter in the trilogy takes place twelve years after the first journey into the world of cybercrime. Alex and Maya have to deal with a fresh threat to their lives and to the world around them.
I am waiting on tenterhooks for the finale to this intriguing trilogy.
May 29, 2025
The Silent Protocol is the second book in the Last Message trilogy. Like the first book, it's a tightly-packed, very intense thriller that showcases Stephen Bentley's wide-ranging creative writing skills. If you're a fan of techno thrillers, then you'll love this trilogy. If you've never tried a techno thriller, this would be a great place to start.
June 2, 2025
The Silent Protocol, my ninteenth read from author Stephen Bentley, an action-packed technothriller follow-up to The Last Message. “I received a complementary Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from this author. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
October 24, 2025
Maya and Alex are still attempting to let the world know of the danger hidden in the background. It's a gripping tale of the lengths to which some unethical bodies might go to have control of the digital world. Some disturbing revelations come to light, which brings the enemy's focus back on them. They have to lift their game further to combat the threat. An enjoyable read.
January 16, 2026
Audiobook review: Narration was done by AI and it was ok.
Story review: I liked the storyline. It is a real threat in my opinion based on how computers and now AI are taking over our everyday life.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Story review: I liked the storyline. It is a real threat in my opinion based on how computers and now AI are taking over our everyday life.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
May 17, 2025
So, book two in this thrilling cyber war. I was engrossed from the start right through to the end. Maya and Alex are right up against it that’s for sure. What’s going to happen in the next one I wonder. Highly recommended.
May 29, 2025
Gripping thriller.
An action packed, gripping thriller that had me on the edge of my seat. Fear, terror, intrigue come together in this second book in the series.
I read this book as part of an advance reader team. I am voluntarily writing this review.
An action packed, gripping thriller that had me on the edge of my seat. Fear, terror, intrigue come together in this second book in the series.
I read this book as part of an advance reader team. I am voluntarily writing this review.
May 29, 2025
The story starts 12 years after The last message ended.
Alex reunites with Maya to stop a global blackout in communications.
I enjoyed this book with good storyline and good characters. Plenty of action.
I am looking forward to the final book in this series.
Alex reunites with Maya to stop a global blackout in communications.
I enjoyed this book with good storyline and good characters. Plenty of action.
I am looking forward to the final book in this series.
June 18, 2025
the battles are not over, as new threats rise, and old foes and forces take new shapes.
death and cyber threats in extraordinary forms.
death and cyber threats in extraordinary forms.
July 9, 2025
Thrilling!
12 years later and the threat hasn't gone away. Can they stop a global conspiracy?
Great read!
12 years later and the threat hasn't gone away. Can they stop a global conspiracy?
Great read!
October 16, 2025
Well, this is perhaps a foretelling of the future, cos you never know do you. Short, sharp tense and compelling reads if ever there was. Rennie and Maya certainly had their work cut out for them that’s for sure. I was engrossed from the start right through to the end. This is a cracking boxset. Highly recommended.
May 14, 2025
A City scarred but running scared? Vega was twelve years ago .wounds were licked and up themselves people picked . Maya Dalton,for whom not much has changed but yet everything did when she decided to oust the fight that was hid . She sits in a room that is stale and she herself pale ,stuck inside those walls ,her cave ,empty coffee cups littering her desk ,of this next virus she’s not impressed. She is keeping track of what’s going on . So they’ll be ready to get the job done. London does teeter on the edge of silence ,the aftermath. Maya and Alex though, they’ve done the math. The encrypted files than Maya has unearthed of The Silent Protocol and its birth.She becomes its target as DS Bhakti warns a kill order is out. Alex Rennie who has assumed a new name,gets a warning and inserts himself in the game. Berlin 48hrs is the protocol message that he receives. What’s this new thing that deceives? The ghosts of Vega are rising like the Phoenix from the ashes ,born again. So both Maya and he have to investigate again, there’s no time to waste ,so. Feling is the place they need to come face to face. Lionel Gage,yeah him,he’s back and it’s looking grim. Betrayals that they don’t know how deep are causing these two to lose some sleep. As hijacking satellites seems to be on the rise and the plan to oversee MI5’s demise. A rooftop showdown but who’s being brought down and who wears the crown. This ain’t no ordinary coup . Good job the two rogue agent and investigative reporter have their wits and a bit of grit because about them their wits they need to have. This is another gripping and enthralling installation. Straight away it’s action stations and high alert. This they need to be truly fit as the senses the situation lends to exerts. Good job ,they’re the experts in their field ….But will it all come to yield? I guess we’ll find out on the next shout. The protocol may lay silent for now ,but what comes next ,this whole situation has us all vexed. Splendid storyline! Simply divine interventional reading you’re feeding us Stephen Bentley it’s awesome and then some, thinking and eyebrows arched for this gritty book I was parched ,with thirst for more from,the first book and wow ,all the way through reading ,this has me on it’s hook. Thanks Stephen Bentley ,what a wonderful read,I devoured with greed.
May 14, 2025
A City scarred but running scared? Vega was twelve years ago .wounds were licked and up themselves people picked . Maya Dalton,for whom not much has changed but yet everything did when she decided to oust the fight that was hid . She sits in a room that is stale and she herself pale ,stuck inside those walls ,her cave ,empty coffee cups littering her desk ,of this next virus she’s not impressed. She is keeping track of what’s going on . So they’ll be ready to get the job done. London does teeter on the edge of silence ,the aftermath. Maya and Alex though, they’ve done the math. The encrypted files than Maya has unearthed of The Silent Protocol and its birth.She becomes its target as DS Bhakti warns a kill order is out. Alex Rennie who has assumed a new name,gets a warning and inserts himself in the game. Berlin 48hrs is the protocol message that he receives. What’s this new thing that deceives? The ghosts of Vega are rising like the Phoenix from the ashes ,born again. So both Maya and he have to investigate again, there’s no time to waste ,so. Feling is the place they need to come face to face. Lionel Gage,yeah him,he’s back and it’s looking grim. Betrayals that they don’t know how deep are causing these two to lose some sleep. As hijacking satellites seems to be on the rise and the plan to oversee MI5’s demise. A rooftop showdown but who’s being brought down and who wears the crown. This ain’t no ordinary coup . Good job the two rogue agent and investigative reporter have their wits and a bit of grit because about them their wits they need to have. This is another gripping and enthralling installation. Straight away it’s action stations and high alert. This they need to be truly fit as the senses the situation lends to exerts. Good job ,they’re the experts in their field ….But will it all come to yield? I guess we’ll find out on the next shout. The protocol may lay silent for now ,but what comes next ,this whole situation has us all vexed. Splendid storyline! Simply divine interventional reading you’re feeding us Stephen Bentley it’s awesome and then some, thinking and eyebrows arched for this gritty book I was parched ,with thirst for more from,the first book and wow ,all the way through reading ,this has me on it’s hook. Thanks Stephen Bentley ,what a wonderful read,I devoured with greed.
October 16, 2025
This book is filled with excitement and adventure as Maya and Alex get together after Alex receives a cryptic message. They race to Berlin searching for clues to stop Protocol Silence. They flee to Berlin. Once there they go to several locations and speak with people in their quest for the truth and how to stop Gage, who has many people on his payroll, including MI5.
They race through a hail of bullets in their attempt to stay alive to prevent a Vega variant disaster from happening again. Revelations about Alex shock Maya but they forge on together to stop Protocol Silence. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
I would definitely recommend this book to others.
They race through a hail of bullets in their attempt to stay alive to prevent a Vega variant disaster from happening again. Revelations about Alex shock Maya but they forge on together to stop Protocol Silence. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
I would definitely recommend this book to others.
May 30, 2025
Fast and furious.
This is the second book in Stephen Bentley's "The Last Message" trilogy. It follows the same framework as the earlier novelette with its hacking, frantic chases, and desperate fights, but it is by no means repetitive as there are new scenarios. it all takes place twelve years on after journalist Maya Dalton and whit hat hacker and ex MI5 man Alex Rennie thought they had destroyed all vestiges of the invasive computer control system VEGA.Hoverever, there mogul Lionel Gage has resurrected VEGA in in a different and even more dangerous form.
There are thrills gaĺour here.
This is the second book in Stephen Bentley's "The Last Message" trilogy. It follows the same framework as the earlier novelette with its hacking, frantic chases, and desperate fights, but it is by no means repetitive as there are new scenarios. it all takes place twelve years on after journalist Maya Dalton and whit hat hacker and ex MI5 man Alex Rennie thought they had destroyed all vestiges of the invasive computer control system VEGA.Hoverever, there mogul Lionel Gage has resurrected VEGA in in a different and even more dangerous form.
There are thrills gaĺour here.
May 7, 2025
Will Alex and Maya ever get out from under? One crisis after another and still they fight. Waiting for book three will be torture because book two of this Trilogy has laid the groundwork for a major explosive ending. Will Maya and Alex win or has the fight been in vain? An Outstanding story, Superbly written. Highly Recommended.
May 7, 2025
Maya Dalton is warned by detective D S Bhatti . She meets up with Alex Rennie to fight against cyber crime that was working behind the scenes to bring destruction and chaos . A fast-pace suspense thriller that has you on the edge of seat finish. The publisher sent me the book for review consideration but all opinions are my own. I recommend this book to other readers.
May 4, 2025
Dare I say? Cyber thriller of the year so far?
12 years after Vega another attack is on the horizon. A race against time, Maya and Alex have to get themselves to Berlin.
Action packed and fast paced, full of punches.
12 years after Vega another attack is on the horizon. A race against time, Maya and Alex have to get themselves to Berlin.
Action packed and fast paced, full of punches.
May 4, 2025
I liked this book. It was full of computers, hackers, and the bad guys. The twists and turns kept me guessing.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews