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Rob Stone #1
The Ares Virus
At a US research facility funded by the military and clandestine agencies a super-virus has been created as a first strike military weapon. During its conception the anti-virus has furthered the possibilities of medical research by decades. Such is its potential, treachery has struck from within. If the virus is released, then the anti-virus will be worth billions to the pharmaceutical industry. Isobel Bartlett worked on the project and knows its potential. After the suspicious death of her mentor, and upon hearing part of an audacious plan to make money from the project she flees the facility with the information needed to culture the viruses to seek help from a contact with the FBI. Up against rogue government forces, she is helped by Agent Rob Stone of the Secret Service who has been tasked by the president to investigate a disbanded assassination program after his investigation led him to the bio research facility. The two are hunted mercilessly by an assassin from Washington to the streets of New York. Only when the hunt reaches the wild forests of Vermont can ex-special forces soldier Stone take the fight to the enemy.
- GenresFiction
ebook
First published February 5, 2015
410 people are currently reading
231 people want to read
About the author
A.P. Bateman
44 books79 followersA P Bateman is the author of seventeen novels, with twelve of his titles reaching No.1 in Amazon's paid top 100 categories in all Amazon regions and four titles reaching No.1 in Kindle sales in the USA, UK, Canada and Australia.
He has a background in close protection and investigations which has given him a unique insight into the scenarios and locations his characters find themselves in.
His hobbies are swimming, driving, archery, shooting and food; his passions are travel and writing.
He has recently released his seventeenth novel - "Hunter Killer" - the twelfth book in the highly acclaimed Alex King series.
You can keep up with A P Bateman and discover more at his Facebook page: @authorapbateman or his website: www.apbateman.com
Reading Order:
The Rob Stone Series:
1) The Ares Virus
2) The Town
3) The Island
The Alex King Series:
1) The Contract Man
2) Lies and Retribution
3) Shadows of Good Friday (A series prequel)
4) The Five
5) Reaper
6) Stormbound
7) Breakout
8) From the Shadows
9) Rogue
10) The Asset
11) Last Man Standing
12) Hunter Killer
Standalone Novels:
Hell's Mouth
Unforgotten
Short Stories:
The Perfect Murder?
Atonement (an Alex King thriller)
He has a background in close protection and investigations which has given him a unique insight into the scenarios and locations his characters find themselves in.
His hobbies are swimming, driving, archery, shooting and food; his passions are travel and writing.
He has recently released his seventeenth novel - "Hunter Killer" - the twelfth book in the highly acclaimed Alex King series.
You can keep up with A P Bateman and discover more at his Facebook page: @authorapbateman or his website: www.apbateman.com
Reading Order:
The Rob Stone Series:
1) The Ares Virus
2) The Town
3) The Island
The Alex King Series:
1) The Contract Man
2) Lies and Retribution
3) Shadows of Good Friday (A series prequel)
4) The Five
5) Reaper
6) Stormbound
7) Breakout
8) From the Shadows
9) Rogue
10) The Asset
11) Last Man Standing
12) Hunter Killer
Standalone Novels:
Hell's Mouth
Unforgotten
Short Stories:
The Perfect Murder?
Atonement (an Alex King thriller)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
October 25, 2021
The Ares Virus, book 1 Rob Stone
Great to catch a first in the series, a new series with A P Bateman.
At a US research facility funded by the military and clandestine agencies a super-virus has been created as a first strike military weapon. During its conception the anti-virus has furthered the possibilities of medical research by decades. Such is its potential, treachery has struck from within. If the virus is released, then the anti-virus will be worth billions to the pharmaceutical industry. Isobel Bartlett worked on the project and knows its potential. After the suspicious death of her mentor, and upon hearing part of an audacious plan to make money from the project she flees the facility with the information needed to culture the viruses to seek help from a contact with the FBI. Up against rogue government forces, she is helped by Agent Rob Stone of the Secret Service who has been tasked by the president to investigate a disbanded assassination program after his investigation led him to the bio research facility. The two are hunted mercilessly by an assassin from Washington to the streets of New York. Only when the hunt reaches the wild forests of Vermont can ex-special forces soldier Stone take the fight to the enemy.
The is the definition of action thriller, action from the start to the finish, non stop, fast paced, great tension, great characters, two great lead characters especially, strong plot, good shocks and strong finish, well what more can I say, bought series 2,3 and 4 in the series...
Enjoy, five stars. Now I have to read his Alex King books which I have a few of....Well and the other 500 on my kindle, and 500 on my bookshelf.
Great to catch a first in the series, a new series with A P Bateman.
At a US research facility funded by the military and clandestine agencies a super-virus has been created as a first strike military weapon. During its conception the anti-virus has furthered the possibilities of medical research by decades. Such is its potential, treachery has struck from within. If the virus is released, then the anti-virus will be worth billions to the pharmaceutical industry. Isobel Bartlett worked on the project and knows its potential. After the suspicious death of her mentor, and upon hearing part of an audacious plan to make money from the project she flees the facility with the information needed to culture the viruses to seek help from a contact with the FBI. Up against rogue government forces, she is helped by Agent Rob Stone of the Secret Service who has been tasked by the president to investigate a disbanded assassination program after his investigation led him to the bio research facility. The two are hunted mercilessly by an assassin from Washington to the streets of New York. Only when the hunt reaches the wild forests of Vermont can ex-special forces soldier Stone take the fight to the enemy.
The is the definition of action thriller, action from the start to the finish, non stop, fast paced, great tension, great characters, two great lead characters especially, strong plot, good shocks and strong finish, well what more can I say, bought series 2,3 and 4 in the series...
Enjoy, five stars. Now I have to read his Alex King books which I have a few of....Well and the other 500 on my kindle, and 500 on my bookshelf.
September 4, 2017
You think it’s all over – but it isn’t!
This is the first in the Rob Stone series and I shall be reading the others very soon…...
Don’t you just hate those thrillers where with one bound the hero is free? If you do then you will love this story. A P Bateman is a master of his art and his stories are, without exception, superbly well-crafted and very believable. The plot grabs the reader by the throat and doesn’t let go although there is sufficient change of pace to allow the occasional gasp of breath.
Isobel Bartlett works for a research facility which has developed the Ares virus – a super virus which could quickly decimate the world. However, there are those who seek to make billions out of its illegal use by holding the US government to ransom after plans to steal both the virus and the antidote, which was developed in parallel.
The suspicious death of the lead scientist, for whom Isobel works, and other spoiler occurrences, leads Isobel to steal half of the recipes and so the chase starts. Unbeknown to her, Rob Stone has been personally charged by the US President to investigate certain illegal activities. It transpires his interest in the individual hunting down Isobel is very personal. Will Rob reach her first or will the killer complete his contract?
There are plots within plots in this thriller which bodes well for subsequent books in the series (I already have The Island on my kindle and will be buying The Town next). The characters are very real and human and their actions remain consistent throughout the novel. Don’t relax towards the denouement though as there are several false endings and quite a few surprises along the way.
First class.
mr zorg
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
This is the first in the Rob Stone series and I shall be reading the others very soon…...
Don’t you just hate those thrillers where with one bound the hero is free? If you do then you will love this story. A P Bateman is a master of his art and his stories are, without exception, superbly well-crafted and very believable. The plot grabs the reader by the throat and doesn’t let go although there is sufficient change of pace to allow the occasional gasp of breath.
Isobel Bartlett works for a research facility which has developed the Ares virus – a super virus which could quickly decimate the world. However, there are those who seek to make billions out of its illegal use by holding the US government to ransom after plans to steal both the virus and the antidote, which was developed in parallel.
The suspicious death of the lead scientist, for whom Isobel works, and other spoiler occurrences, leads Isobel to steal half of the recipes and so the chase starts. Unbeknown to her, Rob Stone has been personally charged by the US President to investigate certain illegal activities. It transpires his interest in the individual hunting down Isobel is very personal. Will Rob reach her first or will the killer complete his contract?
There are plots within plots in this thriller which bodes well for subsequent books in the series (I already have The Island on my kindle and will be buying The Town next). The characters are very real and human and their actions remain consistent throughout the novel. Don’t relax towards the denouement though as there are several false endings and quite a few surprises along the way.
First class.
mr zorg
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
May 28, 2025
A mere 10% into the book, the story's trajectory was already glaringly obvious. Consequently, all the plot twists the author introduced failed to surprise, they were entirely predictable.
It read like a novel penned by artificial intelligence; one might wager that within a year, even ChatGPT could produce a more captivating narrative.
The author's pronounced affinity for weaponry is manifest in his lengthy and meticulous descriptions. Indeed, one gets the distinct impression of excessive padding throughout the various depictions, seemingly a deliberate effort to inflate the book's word and page count.
Entire pages can be skipped with ease, without any detriment to comprehending the narrative flow.
The book garnered a three-star rating solely by virtue of my managing to complete it. Had the novel been condensed to perhaps two-thirds of its current length, it might well have warranted four stars.
It read like a novel penned by artificial intelligence; one might wager that within a year, even ChatGPT could produce a more captivating narrative.
The author's pronounced affinity for weaponry is manifest in his lengthy and meticulous descriptions. Indeed, one gets the distinct impression of excessive padding throughout the various depictions, seemingly a deliberate effort to inflate the book's word and page count.
Entire pages can be skipped with ease, without any detriment to comprehending the narrative flow.
The book garnered a three-star rating solely by virtue of my managing to complete it. Had the novel been condensed to perhaps two-thirds of its current length, it might well have warranted four stars.
May 15, 2025
This book started out a bit slow and took a while to get going. But once Agent Stone was introduced, it moved at a rapid pace. I really enjoyed the story. There were a few things I wondered about. Why did Agent Stone not check for a tracking device while being chased all over by the assassin? He checked his car over for booby traps when he got back to it. I found out in the ending why. I also thought that the sleeper assassin was a lot like the Charles Bronson movie " Telefon". Was that where the author got this idea? I also thought that the main object being chased through out the story could have been anything, not necessarily the Ares Virus. It could have been proof of crime by a high ranking official or an underhanded plot to collapse the economy, etc. But all in all, a great story that entertained me thoroughly.
March 6, 2022
Good premise
The author must be from the UK or have a strong background in European riding........... There was some words used that More towards the UK Such as using lift instead of elevator. This was done throughout the book. The story was good the premise was there, however I just feel that some of The pages We're used to filler with long drawn out descriptions or irrelevant storyline. Somethings didn't flow as easy, such as when they were Going back and forth from past to present, Or memory to current moment. I loved the scenerios, but the storyline could have been more cohesive.
The author must be from the UK or have a strong background in European riding........... There was some words used that More towards the UK Such as using lift instead of elevator. This was done throughout the book. The story was good the premise was there, however I just feel that some of The pages We're used to filler with long drawn out descriptions or irrelevant storyline. Somethings didn't flow as easy, such as when they were Going back and forth from past to present, Or memory to current moment. I loved the scenerios, but the storyline could have been more cohesive.
June 1, 2023
I'm not sure where to begin. I barely was able to make it through this book which is a rarity for me. The writing was disjointed, the characters were flat and not cohesive. I could find some redeeming qualities in Rob Stone but not the type of character to hold my attention or want to make me read about him again
The absolute worst part of this book for me was the fact it could have been half as long if the author didn't describe every single little detail about what was going on Sometimes twice. It took five pages to let us know that a young boy was catching a fish and a paragraph as to why.
The absolute worst part of this book for me was the fact it could have been half as long if the author didn't describe every single little detail about what was going on Sometimes twice. It took five pages to let us know that a young boy was catching a fish and a paragraph as to why.
June 30, 2020
A pulsating read from start to finish...
Great story... relevant and believable. Great characters, especially the ‘leads’. Unexpected twist(s) at the end. Already purchased the next book in the series (The Town) albeit slightly disappointed that it’s only just over 300 pages but, bearing in mind that I usually won’t purchase a book if it’s less than 400 pages in length, you can take this as another sigh that I really, really enjoyed The Ares Virus. Highly recommended to fans of the genre.
Great story... relevant and believable. Great characters, especially the ‘leads’. Unexpected twist(s) at the end. Already purchased the next book in the series (The Town) albeit slightly disappointed that it’s only just over 300 pages but, bearing in mind that I usually won’t purchase a book if it’s less than 400 pages in length, you can take this as another sigh that I really, really enjoyed The Ares Virus. Highly recommended to fans of the genre.
April 27, 2021
A.P. Bateman writes an excellent story, his storyline is believable and revenant. His lead and support characters are very believable and come across as real people. There are subplots within the main plot which makes this novel more interesting. Unlike many authors on Kindle Unlimited, A. P. Bateman does not repeat information about the lead character. This novel is refreshing and a page turner. Highly recommended this author and look forward to read his second novel in the Rob Stone series.
November 11, 2023
The author needs a better editor
Not a bad storyline. I have read a number of the author's books and always been pleased I read them.
It is sad though that the book is riddled with grammar and spelling mistakes. Additionally there are numerous cases of double sentences. By this I mean, the unedited sentence has only been partially deleted before the replacement sentence is added. This is quite irritating and shows a lack of professionalism from the editor.
Recommendation: Change the editor ASAP.
Not a bad storyline. I have read a number of the author's books and always been pleased I read them.
It is sad though that the book is riddled with grammar and spelling mistakes. Additionally there are numerous cases of double sentences. By this I mean, the unedited sentence has only been partially deleted before the replacement sentence is added. This is quite irritating and shows a lack of professionalism from the editor.
Recommendation: Change the editor ASAP.
September 4, 2024
I don't understand how this book rates so highly. It's actually not very good at all. It's a paint by numbers thriller with an almost all powerful hero, a wimpyish heroine, an assassin that's Bourne's twin, and a conspiracy with corrupt officials. There are plot holes and quite a few editing mistakes.
The best part is that it reads quickly because it takes you over well trodden terrain from other books. You really don't have to think about it. But, I gave up about 70% of the way to the end. I just thought to myself, why bother?
The best part is that it reads quickly because it takes you over well trodden terrain from other books. You really don't have to think about it. But, I gave up about 70% of the way to the end. I just thought to myself, why bother?
July 14, 2018
Hooked
I was looking for something for my husband to read whilst on holiday and came across A P Bateman and thought he might like the story. I read the first couple of chapters just to make sure and read the whole book. Love the characters , the fast pace and the twist at the end. I couldn’t wait to finish the book but now I’m a bit sad it’s over - the mark of a great book in my opinion.
I was looking for something for my husband to read whilst on holiday and came across A P Bateman and thought he might like the story. I read the first couple of chapters just to make sure and read the whole book. Love the characters , the fast pace and the twist at the end. I couldn’t wait to finish the book but now I’m a bit sad it’s over - the mark of a great book in my opinion.
July 24, 2019
Another cracking read from A P Bateman!
Wow! What an absolutely brilliant story that keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end! I found it nearly impossible to put down. There was a really good storyline which flowed right throughout the book and was equally as good as the Alex King books. Can't wait to read more!
Wow! What an absolutely brilliant story that keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end! I found it nearly impossible to put down. There was a really good storyline which flowed right throughout the book and was equally as good as the Alex King books. Can't wait to read more!
November 19, 2023
A thrilling adventure
I love Rob Stone just as I have loved many smart, tough, sensitive hero's! He is a Secret Service man who guards the president and also works on special projects. Very little romance (which I am grateful for) just excitement, thrills and good dialogue. I will read all Mr. Batman's novels. Love his style.
I love Rob Stone just as I have loved many smart, tough, sensitive hero's! He is a Secret Service man who guards the president and also works on special projects. Very little romance (which I am grateful for) just excitement, thrills and good dialogue. I will read all Mr. Batman's novels. Love his style.
November 30, 2023
An exciting read!
I loved the book. I had to give four stars solely for the consistent British dialect. None of the characters were from England, and the entire story takes place in the United States, so the dialect was puzzling. I would encourage you to read The Ares Virus in spite of this flaw. I plan to read the rest of the series.
I loved the book. I had to give four stars solely for the consistent British dialect. None of the characters were from England, and the entire story takes place in the United States, so the dialect was puzzling. I would encourage you to read The Ares Virus in spite of this flaw. I plan to read the rest of the series.
April 21, 2024
First in a series. Excellent start off. Great plot & action. Kind of spooky on how close to current events it is or could be. Scary, in fact. Rob Stone is a great character, just doing his job for The President, and he gets caught up in a plot against mankind. Believe me, when you read it, you’ll tell yourself “this could happen”.
June 19, 2025
Death all around
This starts out as two researchers discover a lethal virus, and a multi viral cure for it and many other lethal viruses. Then it turns into a murdering spree, with the virus creator running away. Well written and intense, it captured my attention and kept it till the end.
This starts out as two researchers discover a lethal virus, and a multi viral cure for it and many other lethal viruses. Then it turns into a murdering spree, with the virus creator running away. Well written and intense, it captured my attention and kept it till the end.
October 3, 2018
Mission Impossible?
Started reading this and couldn't get Tom.Cruise out of my head! Shame really as this book is awesome! Great story and was actually excited to pick it up each evening to.read the next chapter! Just bought book two immediately!
Started reading this and couldn't get Tom.Cruise out of my head! Shame really as this book is awesome! Great story and was actually excited to pick it up each evening to.read the next chapter! Just bought book two immediately!
December 19, 2018
Hooks you from the very first pages
Another great read from this author who is fast becoming a firm favourite. Fast paced thriller with interesting twists and turns that keep you engrossed until the very last page. Go on, great yourself - you won't be disappointed!
Another great read from this author who is fast becoming a firm favourite. Fast paced thriller with interesting twists and turns that keep you engrossed until the very last page. Go on, great yourself - you won't be disappointed!
February 23, 2020
Spelling and swearing
Too much unnecessary swearing and you seriously need to get someone to check your spelling and grammar!! Shame as story seemed quite good. Have up half way through.
Too much unnecessary swearing and you seriously need to get someone to check your spelling and grammar!! Shame as story seemed quite good. Have up half way through.
August 25, 2021
Last book in series that I read
I started with the the Town instead of this one and read 3and 4. I knew that they both made it, but this held my attention till the last page. Can't wait for more of Rob Stone.
I started with the the Town instead of this one and read 3and 4. I knew that they both made it, but this held my attention till the last page. Can't wait for more of Rob Stone.
December 10, 2023
Excellent read
I was very pleased with the way this book read. I am looking forward to more installments in the Rob Stone series. The cliffhanger was to be expected, but the ending was a total surprise. It is well worth the time to read.
I was very pleased with the way this book read. I am looking forward to more installments in the Rob Stone series. The cliffhanger was to be expected, but the ending was a total surprise. It is well worth the time to read.
June 27, 2017
Another good read
As always a good story, with some good twists and turns. As with his other books the story flows nicely.
As always a good story, with some good twists and turns. As with his other books the story flows nicely.
September 21, 2017
gripping
First time I have read anything by Bateman and thoroughly recommend, plenty of tension , twists , what's not to like.
First time I have read anything by Bateman and thoroughly recommend, plenty of tension , twists , what's not to like.
May 25, 2018
The Ares Virus.
Great read got my attention in the first chapter and held it to the last.would recommend this book to all who enjoy a good action book.
Great read got my attention in the first chapter and held it to the last.would recommend this book to all who enjoy a good action book.
March 1, 2019
Great characters both good and bad guys
Looking forward to the next book will there be a return or is he gone. No more clues as it's worth the read
Looking forward to the next book will there be a return or is he gone. No more clues as it's worth the read
September 9, 2019
Couldn’t put it down
First time reading this author, kept me intrigued, the ending was ok I was hoping for a little more resolution.
First time reading this author, kept me intrigued, the ending was ok I was hoping for a little more resolution.
August 24, 2020
Thriller superb
All the bells and whistles,keeps you engaged and wanting more. I can't wait to read more missions with Mr Stone
All the bells and whistles,keeps you engaged and wanting more. I can't wait to read more missions with Mr Stone
December 29, 2021
Action packed
Another action packed novel from this author following the Alex King series,can't wait to read the next in the series
Another action packed novel from this author following the Alex King series,can't wait to read the next in the series
January 14, 2022
Spellbinding start to finish
Deadly virus, killers want the formula. Lovely scientist and brave Secret Service agent say "no." And the story continues! Read on!
Deadly virus, killers want the formula. Lovely scientist and brave Secret Service agent say "no." And the story continues! Read on!
April 26, 2023
Entertaining read written by a British(?) author set in America. Ammunition should have been researched a little bit better.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews