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Prediction: Big Data, big danger
- A stolen top-secret nuclear reactor
- A young lawyer falsely accused of murder
- A government project to build a quantum supercomputer
- A secretive consultancy that can fix any problem
All connected by invisible strings, but who are the puppets and who is the puppeteer?
When someone steals a top secret experimental nuclear reactor, the British intelligence services have no leads. Their hopes rest on a new quantum super computer, one capable of interpreting patterns in the oceans of intelligence data. There’s just the small challenge of building it.
Gregory Jenson, CEO of ZAT Systems, is tasked by MI5 to create the computer, but ghosts in his past could thwart matters before he even begins. Young lawyer, Michael Adams, is given the task of helping Jenson, but he soon has problems of his own.
And they’ll soon learn that a hidden player wants to use the new system for their own plans – someone incredibly well-informed, and prepared to go to any lengths to achieve their goals.
And if they succeed, the recovery of the nuclear reactor will be the least of everyone’s problems.
- A young lawyer falsely accused of murder
- A government project to build a quantum supercomputer
- A secretive consultancy that can fix any problem
All connected by invisible strings, but who are the puppets and who is the puppeteer?
When someone steals a top secret experimental nuclear reactor, the British intelligence services have no leads. Their hopes rest on a new quantum super computer, one capable of interpreting patterns in the oceans of intelligence data. There’s just the small challenge of building it.
Gregory Jenson, CEO of ZAT Systems, is tasked by MI5 to create the computer, but ghosts in his past could thwart matters before he even begins. Young lawyer, Michael Adams, is given the task of helping Jenson, but he soon has problems of his own.
And they’ll soon learn that a hidden player wants to use the new system for their own plans – someone incredibly well-informed, and prepared to go to any lengths to achieve their goals.
And if they succeed, the recovery of the nuclear reactor will be the least of everyone’s problems.
471 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2019
63 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Tony Batton
8 books32 followersTONY 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.
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.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 10, 2019
I highly recommend this book. It starts out with a bang and keeps on going. The story is well thought out and has a lot of action and expense. There are twists and turns and traitorous actions. Thanks to Tony Batton for the ARC for an unbiased review.
May 29, 2021
Good book
The complex plot and far too many characters made this book hard to follow; at times I struggled to remember who was who and what was what. Still a very entertaining read though. Recommended.
The complex plot and far too many characters made this book hard to follow; at times I struggled to remember who was who and what was what. Still a very entertaining read though. Recommended.
September 18, 2019
This is the second book by thriller writer Tony Batton that I have read and thoroughly enjoyed. The first, “Unstolen”, was a gripping read. “Prediction”, in my opinion beats it hands down. The writing has ‘matured’ as have the plots and characters. This read had me guessing at every turn of the page.
AND I was wrong every damn time!!
I love this genre, especially if it involves anything to do with computers/programming and AI technology.
A Formula 1 fast paced thriller with many twists and turns. A brilliant mention of Grisham’s “The Firm” added to my utter enjoyment of this book.
Five ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars for this edgy thriller.
AND I was wrong every damn time!!
I love this genre, especially if it involves anything to do with computers/programming and AI technology.
A Formula 1 fast paced thriller with many twists and turns. A brilliant mention of Grisham’s “The Firm” added to my utter enjoyment of this book.
Five ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars for this edgy thriller.
October 18, 2019
Almost perfect, thanks again for the ARC, the first half seemed a bit confusing and misguided on where it was going, or I may have been, not sure which actually.
Anyway, picked up about half way through and was great thereafter.
Thanks again Tony, great job and did enjoy the story and characters.
Anyway, picked up about half way through and was great thereafter.
Thanks again Tony, great job and did enjoy the story and characters.
June 12, 2021
I wish I could give this book zero stars.
I wish this guy would tell us who all these gddamned people are ahead of time!!!
—WHO THE FCK IS “MILLIE WRIGHT???”
“Millie Wright shuffled off the train with a hundred other commuters and made her way out to the waiting shuttle bus.”
Also, I have NO FCKING IDEA what the hell is going on here. This book is wasting my time.
I have NO idea who are Kelly, Jenson, and Regina. NONE! Or what they hell they are doing. And that is never a Reader’s fault.
I quit at page 79. This book stinks.
.
I wish this guy would tell us who all these gddamned people are ahead of time!!!
—WHO THE FCK IS “MILLIE WRIGHT???”
“Millie Wright shuffled off the train with a hundred other commuters and made her way out to the waiting shuttle bus.”
Also, I have NO FCKING IDEA what the hell is going on here. This book is wasting my time.
I have NO idea who are Kelly, Jenson, and Regina. NONE! Or what they hell they are doing. And that is never a Reader’s fault.
I quit at page 79. This book stinks.
.
November 29, 2020
Purely just ok
The story hummed along brilliantly until it came time to end it. The only person not thinking they were in control was the cab driver that took Michael to the airport 6 years prior, and I'm not sure about him. Not going to bash the effort to badly. My only wish would be that when it comes time to end the story, end it.
The story hummed along brilliantly until it came time to end it. The only person not thinking they were in control was the cab driver that took Michael to the airport 6 years prior, and I'm not sure about him. Not going to bash the effort to badly. My only wish would be that when it comes time to end the story, end it.
March 5, 2021
Prediction - Tony Bratton
A hugely entertaining techno-thriller which may inspire readers to question the use and abuse of global connectivity. Perhaps presciently, it raises questions as to how AI or Quantum systems could be used to shape world-wide beliefs & opinions. Not too technical, but an engaging read.
A hugely entertaining techno-thriller which may inspire readers to question the use and abuse of global connectivity. Perhaps presciently, it raises questions as to how AI or Quantum systems could be used to shape world-wide beliefs & opinions. Not too technical, but an engaging read.
August 17, 2021
Fabulous. This book deserves 10 stars. Loved every breathtaking moment. Twists and turns. Scary as this could really happen (if it hasn't already0
Loved every minute. If I could award 10 stars I would. Twists and turns. Scary as this really could happen (if it hasn't happened already).
Loved every minute. If I could award 10 stars I would. Twists and turns. Scary as this really could happen (if it hasn't happened already).
February 16, 2021
For the genre, a good read.
June 22, 2021
Kept my attention!
Kept my attention for days to read what was going to happen next. The ending was a surprise, as it should be in any good book.
Kept my attention for days to read what was going to happen next. The ending was a surprise, as it should be in any good book.
May 5, 2023
apt subject
Anyone who doesn’t appreciate the message here isn’t paying attention. The story is a little far fetched, but the message is clear.
Anyone who doesn’t appreciate the message here isn’t paying attention. The story is a little far fetched, but the message is clear.
October 27, 2019
Thanks to the author for a copy to review! You can find my full review at https://spinesinaline.wordpress.com
Don’t worry if you’re not knowledgeable on all things tech. I’m not (though I did learn a little about big data in my program) and I’ve been able to follow along with all of Batton’s books because he gives a good overview throughout. If you already love these areas, you’ll probably get even more out of them but if not, it’s not the kind of book that’ll leave you behind.
Very pleased to find this one met all that I’ve come to expect from Batton, especially as I’ve been disappointed by a couple of favourite authors recently. A fast-paced intense thriller that teaches me SO MUCH and one with no unnecessary romance or women in less-than-ideal positions (read: love interest and/or dead). I think the author’s own background in law must have made more of an appearance in this one that the others I’ve read because a lawyer and his firm are at the heart of this story so it was interesting to get that take.
I found I enjoyed this one slightly less than his others mostly because of the first several chapters. There are so many characters (with different companies, coworkers, friends etc) and we meet a new one every chapter and there were so many names, I got so lost! It was a total overload of information (which was maybe to make a point about big data?). Once I got into it, it was easy to keep everyone straight, even with a big cast, but it was a little too much, too fast.
I did like having a bunch of players from very different areas though – tech developers, a hacker, lawyers, the government, weapons manufacturers – so I’m not against a big cast, just the way of introducing them.
Don’t worry if you’re not knowledgeable on all things tech. I’m not (though I did learn a little about big data in my program) and I’ve been able to follow along with all of Batton’s books because he gives a good overview throughout. If you already love these areas, you’ll probably get even more out of them but if not, it’s not the kind of book that’ll leave you behind.
Very pleased to find this one met all that I’ve come to expect from Batton, especially as I’ve been disappointed by a couple of favourite authors recently. A fast-paced intense thriller that teaches me SO MUCH and one with no unnecessary romance or women in less-than-ideal positions (read: love interest and/or dead). I think the author’s own background in law must have made more of an appearance in this one that the others I’ve read because a lawyer and his firm are at the heart of this story so it was interesting to get that take.
I found I enjoyed this one slightly less than his others mostly because of the first several chapters. There are so many characters (with different companies, coworkers, friends etc) and we meet a new one every chapter and there were so many names, I got so lost! It was a total overload of information (which was maybe to make a point about big data?). Once I got into it, it was easy to keep everyone straight, even with a big cast, but it was a little too much, too fast.
I did like having a bunch of players from very different areas though – tech developers, a hacker, lawyers, the government, weapons manufacturers – so I’m not against a big cast, just the way of introducing them.
September 22, 2019
This is a tightly woven tale that blends action, intrigue and science into one of those stories that makes you go hmmm. Sneaky businesses and government vacuuming up every bit of data on every person and weaponizing it, isn’t so much fiction anymore as a real worry.
The characters come to life quite nicely and the circumstances of their lives are believable and well fleshed out. And there’s enough twists, turns and surprises to have you shaking your head pretty darned often.
I wish I could settle for saying that this is a cautionary tale...and a rollicking good one at that...but it’s story line is probably developing in real life as you read this.
The characters come to life quite nicely and the circumstances of their lives are believable and well fleshed out. And there’s enough twists, turns and surprises to have you shaking your head pretty darned often.
I wish I could settle for saying that this is a cautionary tale...and a rollicking good one at that...but it’s story line is probably developing in real life as you read this.
October 17, 2019
An intense technothriller that might creep into near future science fiction. The reason I say might is that it’s hard to know what is and isn’t possible in today’s world and what might become possible in the near future. The concept here is that the use of “big data” will make it possible not only to figure out how to influence the masses in what to buy and who to vote for, but also to predict the future.
It’s a fast-paced, unpredictable and intense story. But more importantly it should get you thinking, pondering what the future might hold.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
It’s a fast-paced, unpredictable and intense story. But more importantly it should get you thinking, pondering what the future might hold.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
October 8, 2019
I loved this book! Another great novel from Tony Batton the master of technological thrillers!
It starts with a situation we all dread being accused of something we didn’t do but that was the foundation for a great thriller!
There are more twist and turns than the ‘corkscrew’ at Alton Towers!
We researched and a great imagined story, I like the fact it was almost James Bond like towards the end!
And at the end there was another few twists! But I’ll let you get to those by yourself!
A great read!
It starts with a situation we all dread being accused of something we didn’t do but that was the foundation for a great thriller!
There are more twist and turns than the ‘corkscrew’ at Alton Towers!
We researched and a great imagined story, I like the fact it was almost James Bond like towards the end!
And at the end there was another few twists! But I’ll let you get to those by yourself!
A great read!
October 14, 2019
Prediction: Big Data, big danger is an awesome technological thriller by a new-to-me author. I found this to be a well-crafted book that grabbed my attention from the start and kept it until the very end. The ideas in this story are probably living somewhere in today's world, which is a scary idea in itself. This is a fast-paced story with lots of action, suspense, and intrigue. I loved it!
I would love to read more books by this talented author.
I read and reviewed a copy of this book with no obligation.
I would love to read more books by this talented author.
I read and reviewed a copy of this book with no obligation.
September 4, 2019
EXCELLENT, CAPTIVATING AND INNOVATIVE
PREDICTION is a perfect example of multiple interconnected Labyrinths built into a complex spider-web. It opens with a shocker and they keep rolling in. Page by riveting page tension mounting, holding you in heart racing suspense. Following the maze to the heart of the baffling mystery is truly a challenge, culminating in stunning events of cataclysmic proportions.
PREDICTION IS NOT TO BE MISSED!!
PREDICTION is a perfect example of multiple interconnected Labyrinths built into a complex spider-web. It opens with a shocker and they keep rolling in. Page by riveting page tension mounting, holding you in heart racing suspense. Following the maze to the heart of the baffling mystery is truly a challenge, culminating in stunning events of cataclysmic proportions.
PREDICTION IS NOT TO BE MISSED!!
September 9, 2019
Love it... as usual - plot is 4 to 5 steps ahead of me so Tony absolutely keeps my attention from start to finish. A clever roller-coaster of a book, built on (I suspect!) the author's love of technology, cool big-boys toys and adrenaline sports... ;c) Well written, fast-paced, enjoyable and well worth the read!
September 17, 2019
Yet again a fantastic book that I couldn't put down with edge of my seat suspense to the very end I extremely recommend this book I have read all the other books Tony has written and they have never failed to deliver the same as this one and extremely look forward to reading future titles he publishes
October 2, 2019
OUTSTANDING
O have immensely enjoyed this author's other books and this latest offering was no exception, in fact the best recommendation I which is i have lost a whole day of my life to it lol
Once I started reading I just couldn't stop so I pushed life aside , gave up and read it in one sitting, fantastic story, great characters and I thoroughly enjoyed it 😉
O have immensely enjoyed this author's other books and this latest offering was no exception, in fact the best recommendation I which is i have lost a whole day of my life to it lol
Once I started reading I just couldn't stop so I pushed life aside , gave up and read it in one sitting, fantastic story, great characters and I thoroughly enjoyed it 😉
October 3, 2019
Another great page-turner from Tony Batton! I love the short, snappy chapters, each one ending with a dramatic turn leading you straight in to the next! This story also brings with it a new dimension concerning the ethics of machines that can learn and predict -- a topic that we we will all need to start grappling with in the near future.
September 8, 2019
An excellent mystery that was very well written and had well developed characters. Contains a great storyline with plenty of suspense and the action is fast paced. A book that was hard to put down and one that I would highly recommend.
September 12, 2019
Another fun techno-thriller from Tony Batton!
Batton's ideas across his books are reminiscent of Silver Age comics with unique heroes being created by unexpected and unrepeatable, but believable, scientific success.
Batton's ideas across his books are reminiscent of Silver Age comics with unique heroes being created by unexpected and unrepeatable, but believable, scientific success.
September 13, 2019
This is an incredible story that is as original as it is compelling. I could not put it down from the first page. Awesome and well-developed characters that I really cared about, this is a fabulous read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 16, 2019
Move over 007
Prediction is my first book by this author . It is is a very hi tech James Bond style thriller with some family drama thrown in. . Can't wait to read more by Tony Batton
Prediction is my first book by this author . It is is a very hi tech James Bond style thriller with some family drama thrown in. . Can't wait to read more by Tony Batton
September 25, 2019
Another solid addition to the series. I read it on the Kindle - similar in vein/style to "Interface" and "Resurface". If you like this kind of genre you'll also like Tony Batton's "Prediction" (I still haven't gotten to finishing "Unstolen").
September 11, 2019
I found the book captivating from page one. Easy read. Layered characters, twists, turns and hazards. Well written!
September 25, 2019
Absolutely brilliant. He builds the tension perfectly. So difficult to put down from the moment I started to when I finished. Has made me go back and revisit his previous novels.
October 12, 2019
Fantastic read, thrilling and thought provoking in equal measure. Read it and check out his other stuff, which is equally good.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews