This is the first book in a brand new series featuring ‘The Phoenix’, a man rescued from a watery grave by strangers. He has been headhunted because of his particular skill set; that of a super efficient stone cold killer.
The stories throughout the series will cover the activities of the secret organisation which recruited the man they have named ‘The Phoenix’ as they send their agents across the world removing anyone who poses a threat to political or economic stability.
In this fast paced thriller we follow 'The Phoenix' as he exacts revenge and rights wrongs in his inimitable style. ‘The Phoenix’ has always been a loner; can he and his new colleagues work together as a team to prevent a terrorist cell from causing havoc in Central London?
Ted Tayler is the international best-selling indie author of the Freeman Files and Phoenix series. Ted lives in the English West country, where his stories are based. He was born in 1945 and has been married to Lynne since 1971. They have three children and four grandchildren.
His thought-provoking mysteries appeal to readers of Sally Rigby, Joy Ellis, Pauline Rowson, and Faith Martin. His action-packed thrillers are a must for fans of Mark Dawson and J C Ryan.
Gus Freeman’s cold case investigations are carried out with reasoned deduction rather than bursts of frantic action. In each of the 24 books, unsolved murders are accompanied by romance, humour, and country life. The core message in the 12 Phoenix novels is that criminals should pay for their crimes. Unfortunately, the current system fails to deliver the correct punishment, so Phoenix helps redress the balance.
When is a bad guy not really a bad guy? When he is Phoenix in Ted Tayler’s exciting book “The Olympus Project”. Tayler wastes no time in getting the action started in this high tech, guns blazing story of Colin Bailey. When I picked this book I didn’t realize Colin Bailey had made his initial appearance in an earlier Tayler book. This says a lot for “The Olympus Project” since it stands perfectly on its own. Tayler does a great job of giving Colin’s back story while weaving a tale of political intrigue, secret organizations, and romance. From the moment Colin Bailey is saved from drowning the story moves forward fluidly. Each new character is introduced and developed cleverly. Colin is drawn into the secret organization, The Olympus Project, and is re-named Phoenix. This seems a particularly brilliant choice since the rest of the world does not know that Colin is still alive. He has in fact, been raised from the ashes of his past life to be reborn as a trained and efficient killing machine. These killings are assigned by the mysterious group of British gentlemen and one very sexy woman based on the evil doings of the targets. These targets have escaped more conventional methods of punishment so the Project steps forward to take out the trash. Over the years they have developed a trained group of operatives with the demand their work remain secret. As Phoenix embarks on his assignments he perfects his already excellent skills and becomes a top champion of good versus evil. Using brilliant details and plans Tayler creates missions that are both exciting and believable. Underneath it all he generates a sexual tension between Phoenix and the emotionally wounded but very sensual Athena. Carrying painful baggage from her past she is reluctant to become involved with Phoenix but the desire increases and soon she has to admit what her fellow cabal members already know. Using current issues of political and economic concern Tayler gives the story an intensely realistic feel. By the end of the book I was panting for more. I can’t wait to read the next installment. Tayler wisely leaves the reader with questions that demand answers. While I’m waiting for the sequel I plan to go back to Colin Bailey’s roots to learn more about what makes this fascinating character tick.
Colin Bailey is a man on a mission. His wife and daughter were murdered. Because the killer got off with a slap on the wrist, he has been a one-man killing machine, plotting and planning and killing those who have not been touched by justice. These could be pedophiles or crooked cops.
His most recent job didn't go as planned ...and now he's been rescued from the police and a watery grace by a total stranger.
His savior is head of a secret organization run and operated by ex-military men and women, who are stationed all across the nation removing anyone who poses a threat to the country, to the economy, to justice.
Renamed Phoenix, he is offered a job with a lot of perks ... money, clothes, a little face reconstruction ... arms ... and best of all, he gets to do what he does best ... kill.
This is a great set-up for a series. He gets to exact revenge and right wrongs his own way. He's cunning and diabolical. He's actually more of a anti-hero. I found myself rooting for him as he dispatched the terrorist cell, and the crooked cop with a penchant for young girls.
The one thing he must not do .... is put this organization in the lime light. If he gets caught in any way, he will be totally on his own. All killings must be made to look like accidents or suicide. And always, leave enough rope so law enforcement will be forced to see the evil one of their own did.
This is a fast-paced well-written thriller. Some of the activities mimic things that are going on in our country today. So the question is .... when is enough more than enough?
I really look forward to reading the rest of the series!
Many thanks to the author who furnished a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Author Ted Tayler is generous to his readers with dynamic characters and intricate plots. Redemption alone is a powerful force to shape a compelling story. But author Ted Tayler is generous to his reader, and adds a substantial dose of vigilantism, a lead character drowning in past vices, and a privately-funded secretive spy / counter terrorism group to the already charged mix. Cleverly he avoids a cast of mere caricatures, but devotes a chapter each, to fleshing out the motivations and scars of the principal characters driving the Olympus Project (we get to know their real names, but Colin Bailey will only know them by their pseudonyms....a nice touch).
Bailey comes to the task well skilled in eliminating people, but under the direction of his new masters his nihilistic instincts are more productively applied; disposing in creative ways those in positions of power that prey on the weak. And then the sub rosa efforts to provide crucial intelligence and counter terrorism support to Great Britain's official security apparatus (without them knowing about it!). Needless to say creative solutions are required, and this makes "The Olympus Project" immensely more intriguing than conventional spy/vigilante faire.
But these well laid plans may be in jeopardy due to the temptations of a sensual but troubled female, which brings a new level of spice to an already boiling pot. So I look forward to reading next "Gold, Silver, and Bombs"-- author Ted Tayler's sequel in his Colin Bailey "The Phoenix Series.”
Well plotted and written beginning of a series. Contains a lot of backstory for all of the major players as well as the subjects to be eliminated. Plenty of rationale for the actions of the Olympus Group.
The Olympus Project (The Phonex Book 1) by Ted Tayler is one that when you open to page one, it will grab you and hold you down on the edge of your seat as you watch the pages turn and turn and turn some more. You'll even watch a few twists and turns thrown in for good measure. This book is an OMG story. As you read it, you will find yourself pulled in and become a part of the story. This is the first book of a new series by Ted Taylor. I am one who wants more, more, more! Be sure you hold on because you will be starting on a bumpy ride into a fantastic adventure into the world of Phoenix. Colin Baily nearly drowns but was rescued by an extremely right-winged group. He is re-trained and used as a serial killer pointed at targets they choose. Colin is no more ..... Phoenix has risen. He is a loner and a stone cold killer. This is such a great book. I enjoyed reading it very much. It would make a great gift. This book would look good on your bookshelf. I gave it 5 stars but it deserves many, many more. I highly recommend this book to everyone, especially if you enjoy reading suspense, drama, action and fast paced thrillers. You will not regret picking up and reading this book. I look for more by Ted Tayler and am anxiously waiting to read the next book in this series.
Being a fan of vigilante thrillers, I knew the Olympus Project would be right up my alley. It’s a surprisingly fast read and several notches above other books in its genre. The location descriptions and credible characters only add to the thrill, and the enticing mood will stay with you for days.
Colin Bailey is half submerged in the icy waters below the Pulteney Weir, gripping to a nearby branch. He has escaped death and so far evaded the police, but not without swallowing a lungful of water. You can appreciate the fine quality of the writing as each chapter never loses momentum and true to form, Tayler has sculptured an ideal action hero in Bailey. As he listens to the throbbing blades of a police helicopter and darkness approaches, we can only hope the probing search lights won’t find him and that he’s safe amongst the trees. A starched suit only adds to the mystery as well as a few good men.
There’s a magical lure about this book which echoes Tayler’s earlier novels, establishing a style and pattern most readers have come to love. Bailey is so life-like I begin to wonder if he has been fashioned in Tayler’s likeness. It’s easy to picture each scene, not only through outstanding story-telling, but convincing dialogue. Bailey finds himself in a Grade One listed manor house near Bath outfitted with a range of military hardware fit to blow a mind or two. He might have truly thought he had perished in the waters of the Pulteney Weir, only to wake up to an array of new faces which may have been surgically reconstructed in the medical unit. Bailey is as curious as his captors who quite expect him to make the most of his surroundings; ostensibly the SAS elite of the Olympus Project. Perhaps he’s amongst family.
Tayler certainly knows how to hold a reader’s attention. It wouldn’t surprise me if this book found itself in the forefront of a long standing film series with people clambering for a front seat!
The Olympus Project endeavors to reach some lofty heights …no pun intended. A very well written book describing the antics of a few British gents who have decided enough is enough by setting up an organization dedicated to wiping out the world’s evils, one strike at a time. And they never leave any trace of their handy work once the job is done. Add a crafty new member to the team named Colin a.k.a. Phoenix and a sexy co-assassinator named Athena certainly provided some spice, killing skills and tension to the whole ball of wax. Very entertaining, I personally would have liked to see a lot more action and intrigue although the depictions of various British and abroad locations kept things moving smoothly along. An enjoyable book.
I received this book for a honest review. Let me start by saying what a fantastic, fast-paced, and thrilling book to read. I enjoyed into through to the end.
You’re drawn you into the thrilling life of codename: The Phoenix from page 1. A group, each one with their own skill sets, founded an organization to help rid the world of those the law lets off too easy. The Olympus Project deals with real world issues that upset our everyday lives. The characters and story are full of richness. As the author weaves the story you’re right there with the characters.
Mr. Tayler has captured my interest. I can’t wait to read the continuation of this series as well as his first two books that delve into life of who The Phoenix was before The Olympus Project.
Imagine James Bond as a crime-eradicating vigilante, employed not by national security but by an extremely wealthy, extremely right-wing private group dedicated to upholding the high standards of the UK--standards that in their view have been rigorously eroded in the past several decades. Colin Bailey, a vigilante serial killer, has literally been resurrected from near-death by this group, to be retrained and used as their tool, pointed at any targets of their choosing. While the world thinks the killer drowned, he will be effective in whatever killing scenario this group decides. This is the first in a new series.
A nonstop action packed page turner! This action thriller brings vigilante justice to the readers via a bad guy you can't help but love. Colin Bailey does the unsavory with finesse.
Main character is very well written and supporting characters jump off the page as well.
Ted Taylor's serves up this thriller with continuous action and a few steamy little episodes to keep the reader turning pages.
I look forward to getting to know Colin Bailey better in the next book. Great writing and descriptive detail that doesn't bore.
Although an interesting tale, this story is not well-told, at least not to my tastes. The author presumes a familiarity with British parlance which most of us in the U.S. don’t have. For instance, his use of, “HMG,” refers, I infer, to, “Her Majesty’s Government.” I additionally take issue with his abrupt opening, leaving out backstory plot points to the confusion of the reader.
Finally, an editor needs to massage the manuscript for flow and conventions. There are multiple fragmented sentences, okay in some contexts but confusing in this story. The transitions between characters’ actions would also benefit from something as simple as better spacing.
I’ve almost put this down several times and may yet abandon it. I tend, however, to soldier on in even bad books, hoping they will eventually get better. We shall see.
Colin Bailey is a man out for revenge of the senseless loss of his wife and daughter. A one man vigilante squad determined to make the world a better place. He is hunted down by a police officer, they fall over a railing and are washed down stream. Colin is fished out by a group of mercenaries and is brought into a world much bigger than the one he had just occupied. Colin is given a new face and new identity, as the Phoenix, and that is where our story begins. Love lost, love found and always work to be done. The book is set in the early 21st century and uses news stories of the time to create a backdrop. "The Olympus Project" is well written, and leaves you guessing as to what the next turn of the page will bring. This is a decent read worth the modest price tag and didn't put me to sleep.
I just couldn't get into this book. The first few chapters are filled with such unrealistic character actions I simply didn't buy anything else that happened after it. The protagonist is, for all intents and purposes, abducted by a secret society and told, "Hey, we've chosen you to join us... don't ask questions, answers will come in time" and the protagonist is like, "Okay cool. I'm in!" After a start like that, I just can't take the rest of the book seriously. I will say that the writing was fast-paced and dynamic, which is why I gave it an extra star. Those readers who aren't bothered by unrealistic setups and character actions might very well find this an intriguing, easy read. For me personally, I won't be continuing with the series.
A very good book and also thoroughly investigated to give the reader a lovely start to the full series of books which I am sure will ensure that Phoenix lives up to his nom de plume. Recommended without any problems apart from stating that 4th Armoured Division was in Detmold when it should have been Herford along with the Signal Regiment across the road. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
What started as a question/discussion with my teenage son about characters based in UK, led me to Ted Tayler. It's not rocket science (if it was I wouldn't read it), but The Phoenix Series is an enjoyable take on action novels. I particularly enjoyed the various fates that the villains succumb to. I'm currently reading #2 in the series and recommend The Phoenix to anyone who likes engaging action stories. Good stuff, Maynard.
The book was fairly exciting, with a good pace of danger and action interspersed with plot development. Main characters were believable and having believable motives. I did not like the sudden change of scene in the middle of the page with no transistion or extra line between. This is not the best action novel I've read, but not the worst either.
This book is so bad. I have no idea how it has 11 more books. The writing itself is dry, the perspective changes between characters in the middle of a scene made it annoying--omniscience is not fun to read. The action is so slow that it dragggggggs on. This book gets added to the awful pile. And the rest of the series will remain unread.
I really enjoyed this book. The main character is very interesting and so was the premise of the story. There are a number of other books in this series and I will have to read them, as well, but this book stands on its own and tells a complete and compelling story.
I’ve read some of Ted’s books and this series is the greatest so far. It keeps you on the edge of your seat as you are turning page after page. Twists and turns and plots come one after the other. Will be reading the next one. If you enjoy drama and suspense you will not be disappointed in this series.
There are 12 books in this series about an organization that is fed up with the evil in this world and gives new meaning to vigilante justice. This first book was a fun read learning about the organization and "Phoenix" an agent that the company "head-hunted".
Interesting, set in the U.K., and our hero is hired by a group that rights wrongs, even though they are not sanctioned by the government. Vigilante justice at best, murder at worst, eh? I thought the book had a good pace, between training and "projects" and lady conquests. You won't be bored.
To boring from the beginning, to unbelievable that such a covert organisation has his headquarter in a mansion. Everbody got a code name for security reasons if they get tortured, but then they introduce themselves with their real names ..............not even funny! Not for me ......
Entertaining premise, but the many awkward sentence constructions, typos and poor word choices shoe the dire need for an editor. Also does every male protagonist have to think about having sex with every woman he encounters? This is fiction after all.
Tablet must enjoy writing to have created such unusually entertaining and pure fun reading! Readers cannot possibly guess where the story is heading but will find it worth cintinuing!
Interesting story of adventure and intrigue. Phoenix and Athena provide some sexual tension as the story develops. The twists and turns are not overdone. Considering the next novel.
Awesome concept. I can not wait to see where this series goes. This first book is a wonderful back drop for the series. The chars. have great back stories and are being built in this first book... fine job.
I usually HATE English novels. This one's language is the closest to "my" English as I've ever read. Very quick read... enjoyed all the characters... and am ready to embark on the next book in this series.
If an organisation like this does not exist, it should. Moves along at quite a pace with good descriptive passages and just the right amount of tongue in cheek humour to laugh out loud to. Cannot wait to read the next book.
The main character is so cold that when he runs into an old lover, he wonders whether to kill her now or screw her first. All the characters are written as fairly cold and lacking human traits.