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Interface

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Technology will change us

When Tom Faraday joined internationally renowned CERUS Biotech, he thought he’d landed his dream job. A chance to work with their famous CEO, William Bern, perhaps to change the world.
But Tom has found himself in an organisation in crisis. The company bet the house on a radical neural interface project, only to be blocked by a government with reasons of its own. Now CERUS is running on vapour and the corporate vultures are gathering. Bern isn’t one to go down without a fight. He’s turned things around before, and he has a plan to do it again.
The problem is, twenty-five years ago CERUS made a similar mistake. And if history is repeating itself, Tom might be the only one who can stop it.

511 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 9, 2016

389 people are currently reading
952 people want to read

About the author

Tony Batton

8 books32 followers
TONY BATTON worked in international law firms, media companies and Formula One motorsport, before turning his hand to writing novels. He is passionate about great stories, gadgets and coffee, and probably consumes too much of each.
Tony’s novels explore the possibilities and dangers of new technology, and how that can change lives. When not writing, or talking about gadgets, Tony likes to play basketball, guitar, and computer games with his two young sons. He lives in Twickenham with his family.

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5 stars
324 (40%)
4 stars
311 (38%)
3 stars
126 (15%)
2 stars
31 (3%)
1 star
10 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for Kristen Richeal.
31 reviews11 followers
February 16, 2019
I received this as a Goodreads giveaway. Excellent thriller that has a slow start.
Profile Image for Vicky.
118 reviews11 followers
June 22, 2016
When choosing an evil antagonist, thriller writers can select from a vast array of institutions that have the ability to create cataclysmic, mind-shattering, and horrific events on a global scale. A list of establishments that have great potential for being a host to Satan include government entities such as the British MI5, the FBI, the CIA, or my personal favorite, the ever present NSA. But one institution that stands above all others and can bring forth the worst that humanity has to offer is none other than the corrupt and greedy corporation. The corporations of today have money, lots of money, and with it power. For some corporations the bottom line is profit and sometimes at any cost, whether it be environmental destruction, price gouging, slave labor, and I am sure many other fun-filled destructive measures, all of which ultimately lead to monetary revenue and satisfaction for corporate investors. Thriller author Tony Batton has created a particularly wicked corporation that in its quest for monetary gains and recognition, develops a technology that can have tremendous adverse effects on society, and they go about in not a very nice way.

The villainous corporation is Cerus Biotech run by CEO William Bern, who has a vision of being the next corporate leader to bring the world into the modern age and he is not about to let anyone or anything stand in his way. One victim of his plan is Tom Faraday, a newly hired lawyer for Cerus Biotech. Faraday takes on a job with Cerus Biotech believing that it would be a great boost for his resume, but instead of getting great dental insurance, he enters into a nightmare. During his trip into hell, he gets to meet a number of folks that take a great interest in him. A couple of the good guys include Kate Turner, a journalist, who has taken an interest in Cerus Biotech and Tom Faraday may be the ticket to a great exposé, and then there is Dominique Lentz, a former employee of Cerus Biotech, who 25 year ago started a project that eventually she learned to regret.

Batton’s novel, Interface, is the first of a series and I do have to say that Batton seems to be a natural in writing a good thriller as Interface has more twist and turns than the Pacific Coast Highway. Just as you think you have figured out the plot, Batton throws yet another curve ball. Even though the premise of Interface is emerging technology, Batton doesn’t use a lot of techno-speak. This should please those of you that like to read thrillers, but shy away from techno-thrillers because of the overly complicated lingo, yet at the same time, Interface keeps those of us that do like the techno in techno-thrillers intrigued. For those of you that like a good thriller, Interface will be sure to please.

Tony Batton is planning to release the next in the series, Resurface, sometime in September.

If you are interested in learning more about the Interface Series check it out on my blog A-Thrill-A-Week
Profile Image for Pete.
Author 8 books80 followers
March 5, 2017
I write novels in the technothriller space. I’m not sure whether that makes me more likely to enjoy or to be critical of fiction written in a similar vein. I just thought I’d put that out there before saying that this was a very good example of the genre that kept me engaged and turning pages.

The McGuffin--nanotechnology that enhances a human brain, is current and close enough to warrant speculation. The technical details never bog down the story. The characters were believable. The CERUS HQ was futuristic and very cool. The main character, Tom, went through an interesting story arc that moved him from unsuspecting victim to… well that would be an unnecessary spoiler. Tom was often in danger, as were those who supported him, and yet he managed to extricate himself from most situations without some miraculous external intervention, so the tension remained taut throughout.

Although this is Book One of a series, the story is complete in its own right. We are left with a hook for the second book but, thank heavens, not a cliffhanger! If I didn’t have such a large backlog in my TBR list, I’d read the second installment.

Disclaimer: This review was originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. I may have received a free review copy.
Profile Image for Brian's Book Blog.
805 reviews60 followers
September 14, 2016
Check out this and all my reviews at Brian's Book Blog

A terrifyingly real feeling Technothriller


CERUS is the company to work for, and Tom Faraday has just been headhunted to work for them. His career couldn’t get any better. But after Faraday attends the opening ceremony for the new CERUS Tower he cannot remember much. He wakes up 2 days later and is almost late for work. And that’s just the beginning of his problems.

The narration for Interface was done by Daniel Philpott who I’ve never listened to before. Philpott does a really great job turning a technical book into one that is easy to read and listen to. When you can do that with a detailed book like Interface, I think that you will have a long and enjoyable career narrating Technothrillers and Hard Science Fiction novels.

If Tony Batton hasn’t worked in high-tech fields I would be amazed. The amount of accuracy within the pages and minutes of Interface were just amazing. I know that there was (and will be) some speculative parts, but that’s what makes it fiction. The scariest kind of fiction is that which feels like it’s either already true or could become true any moment.

Batton takes one of those scary “what if” scenarios and turns it into a “woah” kind of story. The characters within were really well thought out and played their parts perfectly. Their strengths and weaknesses were on full display and Batton made full use of each character.

The feel of the book was what got me. I honestly felt like I couldn’t put it down. The pages and minutes just absolutely flew by. Sure, the narration helped this a bit, but the story-telling is just great. I honestly hope that Batton continues to write within this genre (or one similar to it). I feel like he could be the next Crichton or Douglas E Richards.

I just have one thing to say. Tony Batton is a force to be reckoned out for in the Technothriller genre. Seriously, be on the lookout for more from him.

I was given a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
Profile Image for Iyas AlQasem.
2 reviews
May 9, 2016
The only time I can remember feeling lucky to be ill. Because it allowed me the luxury of being able to read this book in one day in bed. It reads like a "Person of Interest" meets "The Matrix", and was pretty unputdownable once I'd got going, so I'm pleased I didn't have to be doing anything else until I'd finished it!

Really intelligently written - several strands playing out in parallel before weaving together in a pretty unpredictable way. The characters are (mostly) people you know. Lawyers, journos, corporate folk, scientists. So far so normal. But set against these characters is a plot drawn by a technology that is also frighteningly believable. In fact, many of the technical themes here, including the core one of direct interaction between brain and computer, are well under way, and this novel paints one direction in which that could go. Especially if left at the hands of a corporation which has led itself down an Enronesque need to put financial performance above any nod to ethics.

Really enjoyed it - if you're into tech-flics, or thrillers, or just gripping reads, then I'd recommend it. I'm wondering whether there will be a sequel. Hope so.
Profile Image for Jacob Peled.
512 reviews11 followers
August 28, 2016
Great book. Yes. It is a science fiction book, but during the time I read it, I stumbled upon science article, that was about the same phenomena mention in the book. You can find lots of similar verticals on the net. Here is one example:

http://www.techinsider.io/we-are-in-t...

Sure the book makes it much more fictional, but it’s all already here. The book itself is a very very fast pacing kind of book; I liked the way it was divided into 120 small chapters. Lots of twists in the story. Loved it.
11 reviews
April 16, 2016
This debut release from Tony Batton is an exciting, well-written, page-turner of a techno-thriller. The way the different threads kept twisting meant that I read it in a single session. The technology is plausible and consistent with today's headlines. I'm already looking forward to a sequel and a movie, or maybe even a "Person of Interest" type tv-series.
Profile Image for Damian Hope.
35 reviews1 follower
August 24, 2016
Brilliant, fast paced thriller that will keep you turning the pages until the very end! Tony is a great writer and this book has so many plots going through it! The characters were all well rounded and there is so much going on. The books is easy to read, the scene setting is great and the last part of the book is action packed! I won't say any more as not to spoil it for anyone else!
Profile Image for M..
2,460 reviews
June 10, 2016
A good story of a man trying to do what he thinks is right and those trying to stop him. I won it in a contest and it was a good read.
Profile Image for Wesley.
91 reviews5 followers
August 19, 2016
The story and subject were interesting and entertaining, the writing seemed not as well done as more experienced authors.
28 reviews
February 14, 2020
This was an interesting and entertaining story. The techno implications are amazing (and scary). I like that the characters seemed real, not stereotyped. The stakes kept growing. Lots of twists, turns, and impossible situations to keep the pages turning.

It was a bit long, and several times the plot seemed to zig zag or take a convenient side step. The tech was plausible, just sometimes seemed a little too convenient. A few plot developments were predictable or hinted at, so those moments didn’t catch me off guard as I might have wished.

Some action scenes had too much description while others didn’t have enough. Didn’t have quite the same intensity as my favorite thrillers, although it certainly had those hold-your-breath moments of “I wonder how they’ll get out of this ... or will they?”

But all in all, the story kept me intrigued and the plot was mostly well-developed and tight. Many of the characters were interesting or likeable enough, and that was a big draw to keep me reading.

It took me several days to read, but I picked it up when I had a few minutes here and there. It wasn’t one of those “stay up all night, can’t put down” stories. But I was compelled to finish it so I could find out what happened. I had three books in progress and kept choosing to read more of this story till it was done.

I have to admit I almost didn’t make it past the prologue, but only because it seemed like it was heading in the direction of a medical thriller, and I don’t like those. I’m glad I stuck with it because it’s not that type of story. I say that for the sake of others like me who might misunderstand from the prologue and miss a good book.

While the ending is complete, it seems ripe for a sequel and I think there is one. I’ll be moving on to that next. While this story has a tech premise, it’s not heavy on the tech (I might have wished for a bit more there). It is more focused on the plot twists and the larger technology/society implications, with a good dose of action scenes. The character interaction was good and there were some priceless moments of dialogue. Very entertaining. Worth the time investment. Glad I read it.
15 reviews
May 23, 2017
It's a James Bond style of book about "spies", MI-5, movie like gadgets, bombs, truth serum, spectacular escapes and most of all, James Bond-like villains (the only things missing are the elegance of the main character, martinies and sexy "ladies"). Don't hope for any character development, world building or at least a single original or surprising ideea.
Sure you could like it if you are a James Bond fan but this book has nothing to do with Sci Fi, the title is just misleading. (It tries to use some sci fi themes like mind-computer inferface and nanites but it does this poorly (not understanding the concept) just to set up the stage for the "James Bond Movie" experience).
This book could be ok for it's intended audience looking for a very-easy read and I may be the wrong reader for this stuff (I am a Sci Fi fan and I don't care about James Bond movies).
Profile Image for Colin Campbell.
5 reviews
June 4, 2018
I’ve marked this as containing spoilers but I'm still going to try and avoid giving too many details.

Let me first say I enjoyed the book. As a techno - thriller it excited and leaves a tantalising view for more. The language felt fluid, the story fast paced and the author appears to do a great job of creating an affinity for the characters.

I've only given three stars however because of some highly convenient plot points that spoiled the story a little.
The guide booklet solution. Really?
A happenstance mugging / rescue?

There were a couple of others but I did say I would try not to spoil. I'll still happily read more from the author and hope he can weave his next narrative a little tighter than this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for N.V. Cefalo.
162 reviews5 followers
June 28, 2018
100% fantastic read. 5/5

I am a HUGE fan of techno-thrillers, and no-one is better at them than Crichton is..but this story stands right up there with the best of them.

I binged this book, I couldn't put it down. The characters were believable, the tech and story was very plausible, and it checked off all the things I love about a techno-thriller. The elements of the story -the question the author poses in it, is spot on. Technology will change us, but at what cost? These type of questions are the backbone of techno-thrillers, and Batton does an incredible job putting this together. I am very pleased with the setup for continuation to a book two, and I am ordering it today.

Bravo, Batton!
Profile Image for Patrick Pilz.
621 reviews
July 21, 2018
I got this book from goodreads.com as a giveaway, and been asked to provide a review.

This said, I was pleasantly surprised. Most giveaways you actually get, especially the Kindle ebooks are somewhat improvable, authors trying the make the cut but not quite ready yet.

This book feels different, it is a thriller which is progressive, embrace a vision of the future that is actually closer to reality than you like. I am not granting it 5 points, it was still too British, not too developed characters, but I must say the best Kindle ebook I have ever gotten from Goodreads.

I hope that there will be a continuing story, the characters have definitely potential for the future.
682 reviews9 followers
August 6, 2018
INTERFACE:TECHNOLOGY WILL CHANGE US BY TONY BATTON.

What more can one say about this book than WOW! I didnt want to put it down! If I could have read it in one sitting I would have.

INTERFACE has everything an adrenalin reading junkie like me wants: believable characters, action, conspiracies heroes and villains! INTERFACE crosses genres as well. Mystery, spy, sci-fi with just a tad bit of romance tossed in for good measure. You CAN'T miss this one folks!

I recieved this ebook free from goodreads in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for John.
335 reviews3 followers
December 11, 2020
Choices are over rated

Oh, don’t get your shorts in a wad, having choices beats the options. But the responsibility.... You’d better be right. If there is such a thing as “right”.
You know all the things people worry about with AI? How about biologic based? With warts and all... The road to hell - is absolute power. And the type that actually wants that level of power is the very last person that should get anywhere near it.

Choice for all is messy, sure, but the best thing I can think of. How about you?
Profile Image for The Humpo Show [ Richard ].
153 reviews4 followers
January 23, 2022
Loved it. Just my type of book.

Interface is a fast-paced techno-thriller that has countless twists, hidden plots and tons of action. Batton is great at getting to the point, especially when explaining futuristic technology, which makes Interface a smooth and effortless read.

And the semi-cliffhangers that appear plenty of times makes you want to carry on and read the next chapter.

I'm definitely intrigued to see what he has produced in his sequel...
Profile Image for Marcos.
19 reviews
March 31, 2022
I couldn't do it. The writing is pretty scattered. For instance the protagonist lives with someone who texts him 25 messages about why he stood them up on Saturday. And then he shows up, and she says nothing to him, that just feels poorly conceived. I have no idea if that's his significant other, his sister, his friend, his roommate. It just feels sloppy. I got about 40% of the way through, and I realized I didn't want to continue, so I gave up.
Profile Image for LeighAnne Cully.
10 reviews
June 8, 2018
Not my usual read...

No spoiler here. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. character development was a bit thin. I am not a huge fan of jumping from story line to story line either
That being said, it was fast paced and caught my interest in the first 20 pages. I got this free off an ebook site. I will be buying the next book!
Profile Image for Cajjha.
20 reviews
June 29, 2018
Well-crafted

Interface is a hard wired steeplechase of a novel as technical as it is human. It was difficult to put down instead of reading it straight through in one sitting. For those who like thrillers, Interface is strongly recommended. For those who like techno thrillers, it is a must.
241 reviews
June 23, 2021
Nanites injected into the base of our skulls

How would you react if you were to suddenly find out that you've started having accidents w/memory
loss & other strange occurrences taking place every day now with medical complications. A fascinating story about using nano technology inside human brains so we can think commands rather than manually perform commands. Fantastic book!
3,946 reviews14 followers
January 7, 2017
"From the top, we can see the future."
This is a thriller which builds pace as it proceeds. Initially it is obvious that something wrong is happening to new employee, Tom Faraday, which must surely be connected to the illegal experiments planned by his new company boss, the famous William Bern, CEO of CERUS Biotech. There are rumours of insolvency and drastic measures are required to save the firm. including making a deal with a Russian multi millionaire
Exciting stuff, and well presented, the outcome is often in doubt, keeping the suspense high. Then unexpected twists take over and elevate the story beyond its earlier apparent simplicity.

Perhaps not entirely realistic throughout, but this is certainly a book to first lure in the reader from the start then hold on tight to the very last words. The sort of book which would make an excellent action film. Recommended to any techno thriller fan as well as those just looking for an unusual and visual action story
117 reviews2 followers
October 30, 2020
A great thriller

This was definitely hard to put down. Nano technology at its finest with a touch of intrigue. Lots of deception and twists and turns throughout this novel. A great read I definitely will continue reading this authors books.
Profile Image for Ken Barrett.
Author 7 books5 followers
April 30, 2021
Loved it.

An excellent read, with an intriguing storyline and compelling characters. In our computer and data driven world what would happen if if a select few could interface directly with it? This book starts to answer that question. Highly recommended.
10 reviews
June 9, 2021
Could not put it down!

This author is new to me, however, he has been added to my Favorites list. I enjoyed the intricacies of the dialogue and the plot so much that I am immediately going to look for more books by Mr. Batton.
42 reviews
November 19, 2021
Excellent

I always enjoy the almost possible, especially when it is included in a mystery crime novel with so many twists it was impossible to guess the conclusion. Could it happen?
Profile Image for Iain Lyall.
9 reviews
January 13, 2022
Technological rollercoaster

This is a fast paced and detailed technothriller where every angle appears covered by the bad guys. Threat and danger are close and the ending is spectacular.
Profile Image for Scott Shjefte.
2,177 reviews74 followers
July 14, 2024
Read Kindle book using Alexa audio asset.
A lot of human brain interfacing experiments gone wrong. Many greedy and uncaring people. Read Kindle book using Alexa audio asset. I borrowed with kindle unlimited.
Profile Image for Phoenix Robles.
199 reviews10 followers
July 14, 2018
A fun, fast paced techno-thriller. It was not completely original, but plausible and engaging enough to keep me engaged until the very end. *...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews

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