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Vector #1

Biostorm

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Two covert operatives stand between an insidious scientific conspiracy and global catastrophe.

Alex Wolfe is an elite agent with the CIA. He has a proven track record of stopping international bioweapons programs. Skylar Cruz is a skilled Marine whose battlefield injury sidelined her from serving her country. When they’re recruited for a brand-new covert op group, Vector, combatting biological and chemical weapons threats, their first mission had better be a success.

Because it’s not just their careers at stake. It’s all of humanity.

Wolfe and Cruz embark on a deadly race against bands of mercenaries and diabolical government forces through the bustling markets of Istanbul to crime-infested Russian port cities and Vietnamese jungles hiding forgotten conspiracies. Only they can stop a rampant airborne bioweapon unlike any the world has ever seen.

Danger is in the air. Literally.

Biostorm is Book One in the Vector series, where high-octane action and suspense collide with real science and technology.

416 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 20, 2021

225 people are currently reading
119 people want to read

About the author

Anthony J. Melchiorri

90 books358 followers
Anthony J Melchiorri is a scientist with a PhD in bioengineering. Originally from the Midwest, he now lives in Texas. By day, he develops cellular therapies and 3D-printable artificial organs. By night, he writes apocalyptic, medical, and science-fiction thrillers that blend real-world research with other-worldly possibility. When he isn't in the lab or at the keyboard, he spends his time running, reading, hiking, and traveling in search of new story ideas.

Read more at http://anthonyjmelchiorri.com and sign up for his mailing list at http://bit.ly/ajmlist to hear about his latest releases and news.

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5 stars
90 (52%)
4 stars
48 (27%)
3 stars
24 (13%)
2 stars
9 (5%)
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2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Bella.
425 reviews51 followers
June 1, 2021
A soaring terrorism thriller that is as cinematic as it is breathtaking. Highly recommended.

Scientist Felix Breners has identified a potentially deadly microorganism in China. Unfortunately, he doesn’t plan to take his discovery to the authorities. If Breners’ intercepted communications are any indication, he may sell the information to the highest bidder, creating a bioterror threat unlike the world has ever seen.

In the book’s spectacular opening, American operatives Alex Wolf and Skylar Cruz stalk Brener as he attends a clandestine meeting in Istanbul's Grand Bazaar. The plan comes apart as Russians arrive, and the scene erupts in gunfire. Unwilling to let the Russians have Brener or his lethal intelligence, Wolf intervenes at his own peril. Chaos ensues, leading to an adrenaline-fueled chase across the city that readers won't soon forget.

Author Anthony J. Mechiorri’s tale of the effort to stop an imminent bioterror threat could not be more timely. In an era when much of the world has felt helpless at the mercy of a pandemic, riding along as Wolf and Cruz risk their lives to stop a global catastrophe feels surprisingly cathartic. While the pacing is tailor-made for an action-oriented audience, Mechiorri delivers just enough detail about science and setting for the novel to rise head-and-shoulders above its contemporaries. In The Grand Bazaar, you can just about smell the apple tobacco wafting through the air. In Vietnam, you can feel the humidity rising up from the rice paddies. But most importantly, Mechiorri’s real world experience in bioengineering and research renders the book’s scientific insights believable and absorbing.

This first installment bodes well for the series. Fans of Brad Thor and Dean Koontz will love Biostorm (Vector).
Profile Image for Ziggy Nixon.
1,114 reviews35 followers
March 12, 2022
4 solid albeit all truth be told also sometimes conflicted stars. Still, I can say without hesitation that "Biostorm", the first in what seems to be a new series from the master of the apocalyptic multi-chapter series, is typical of the breathless action-adventure fans of AJ.Melchiorri know and love!

In typical AJM style, there is no "pause" button, no "let the engine warm up first" step, no "oh hi, are you new here" introductions. It is go, Go, GO!!! from page 1 and doesn't let up until the cold beers are being served on the beach at the end (don't believe me? See the end of the last book from "The Tide" epic and get back to me). And naturally that involves a story-line that finds the author beating the ever-lovin' crap out of the main players, filling them with lead, dread and quite often pathogens that should knock a charging rhino dead without hesitation. And yes, I also have to admit that like a lot of his books - including his concurrently released "Deadmen's War" saga - that we get somewhat limited character development besides what we learn when our characters - both good and bad - are feeling the effects of injury, fatigue or just outright PTSD! Tell me about your childhood while I hold this gun to your head, ok?

Whereas that is certainly a formula that works - and has kept me entertained for untold hours of reading - I found it didn't work AS WELL in this book as say the aforementioned "Tide" or "Deadmen" tales. The missing element - namely the more purist definition of "scifi" - is telling in this story, even though Melchiorri's own expertise with microbiology and all the possible terrors (and benefits, yeah yeah) surrounding it certainly can't be ignored for its value. And that alone is enough to crank the tension and horror meters up to max! Honestly, at the end of the day, we're left with a thriller that is much more Tom Clancy in nature than some of the more militaristic tomes of Robert Heinlein. But hey, some variety in life spices things up, no? Or however that saying goes?

And though it did not affect my rating of the book, I also have to say that after 2+ years of pandemic including illness and even death in my family coupled with the current illegal and outright brutal invasion of the Ukraine by Russian invaders, this was a tough read just simply because these "topics" if you will have left me exhausted to the core. I never thought I'd say this in my life about, well, ANYTHING but this book did trigger me in spots. But a few extra antacid tablets before bed (and throughout the day) will work wonders even though I'm glad that my liquor cabinet is NOT well-stocked for the time-being. No telling what damage I'd manage to do to my liver (and kidneys and entire internal microbiome system for that matter) if it were!

Bottom-line though is that fans of AJM - and his circle of like-minded and -skilled compatriots including but not limited to Nicholas Sansbury Smith - will love this incredibly and frighteningly 'believable' jaunt into the world of high-stakes global espionage for sure. Now to just decide if my nerves can take more and allow me to dive straight into the second that's already locked and loaded in my Kindle... after all, I did hold on to the first two so I'd have three ready to go at once knowing AJM's work... hmm...
Profile Image for Michael  Keller.
929 reviews10 followers
June 15, 2021
A new team for a new division tasked with finding and eliminating viral and biological threats around the world

The Vector Team, a covert operating team unofficially part of USAMRIID, the United States Army Medical Research and Development Command, was organized by Colonel Abraham Kasim to combat the burgeoning threats in the biological warfare arena. The team, led by Alex Wolfe and Skylar Cruz, was on their first mission in Istanbul to observe Felix Breners, a scientist working for EnviroProct, a company that designs and builds detectors capable of isolating and identifying airborne pathogens. He supposedly had a sample of a new pathogen their instruments had detected and was going to sell it to the highest bidder. Weaponized, this new organism could be devastating. Unknown and undetectable, it could wreak havoc on unexpecting populations.

The Istanbul operation quickly devolved into a running gun battle across the Grand Bazaar and into the city beyond. Not the best beginning for the new Vector Team, but a terrific beginning for a story! And the good news? The action never stops until the last word is read and beyond that! Nonstop action, running gun battles, wounded, beaten, infected, the Team kept going, chasing the deadly pathogen across the world. Talk about a page turner! The characters are brilliant! Perfectly fitting their roles and exceding all expectations, the chemistry between team members is intense, the characters are perfectly suited to their roles.

Because of previous experiences with the author's work, I had high expectations for the Vector Team, and Biostorm didn't let me down. Excellent characters, an exciting and action filled storyline, and a master storyteller have combined to present a masterpiece! Don't believe me? Easy enough to verify! Another great read!

372 reviews3 followers
June 27, 2021
This one checks all of the boxes

I recently downloaded Biostorm from BookBub, an ongoing habit that brings ebooks into my Kindle faster than I can read them. So, there is a lot of random chance connecting me to authors whose work I had never previously encountered.
On finishing this one, I immediately pre-ordered Demon Mind, #2 in the Vector series.
Belatedly, I then noticed that Melchiorri is shown as a co-author of a bunch of Nicholas Sansbury Smith books, an author who has yet to disappoint me when I turn to his work. And I thought, “Am I the only one who had not noticed this a long time ago?”
Biostorm was the best thing that happened to me over the last two days, as I raced through the story at about the same speed as Alex and Skyler zip from country-to-country, and from firefight-to-firefight.
I want to know so much more about the two lead characters. And I want to read a lot more by Anthony J Melchiorri. And that includes the first four books in The Tide series, which are also now on my Kindle.
One final note: At the end of Biostorm, Melchiorri takes the time to clearly explain his academic background in Bioengineering, how most of the science involved in the novel are in tune with ongoing scientific investigation, and his personal experiences in spending time in the various settings used in the book. So if you are the kind of reader who stays with a novel not just to the end of the story, but also slides automatically to the “stuff” an author includes that gives a real-world, real-time context to the story you just gobbled up, I suggest you also check out Stan C. Smith.
442 reviews8 followers
June 21, 2021
Adventure and Action Galore

This book was an side trip from my usual genre but written by an author I had read and really liked before. I was not disappointed. This is a well written story about two agents of Vector who work to keep the US free of attacks from Bioterrorism. Adam and Skylar were well written characters who take their jobs very seriously. They are chasing an unknown threat all over the world. The reader knows it is a Russian scientist who is working to develop a method using wind and weather patterns to disperse a horrible disease which has no cure. He has kidnapped scientists from all over the globe to help facilitate his plot. Adam and Skylar must track down leads to discover what the plan is and who is the mastermind without being killed in the process. This was a fascinating book and impossible to put down. I ended up reading all day to find out how the story ended. This is the beginning of a new series with these two agents of Vector working to keep the world safe and stop Bioterrorists. The second book comes out in the Fall and I will be excited to journey with Adam and Skylar in their next assignment. I hate to have to wait, the book and story was that good!
Profile Image for WyoGal.
485 reviews
October 28, 2022
Read first 2 chapters; needs more polishing

This story has potential, but it’s not at its best, yet. The author needs to work on eliminating passive verbs and boring verbs and words: was, were, had, got, went, then, etc. Otherwise the action is dulled and less intense. It’s like watching the action from a camera above the characters instead of from inside them. There are a few typos, too.

The opening scene, instead of focusing tightly on the action, is diluted with backstory details that could come later. The sensory details in the brief bazar scene and shoot out in the bar are fantastic, and the author would do well to maximize or prolong these scenes.

The dialog lacks originality. The protagonists could use some more personality in their exchanges and internal reactions to each other’s presence. The female protagonist is better developed than the male protagonist, at least in her first POV chapter. However, her “voice” needs to sound more distinct from the male’s.

This story could be fabulous with more polishing by the author, but at a first glance, the issues mentioned above detract from enjoyment of the story (at least for readers who care about such things). I hope to read this entire book later when it’s spiffed up even more.
Profile Image for Michael J. Brooks.
Author 6 books27 followers
May 4, 2022
I've been a fan of Tom-Clancy style military techno thrillers! This novel satisfied my fandom! In the novel, two agents for a special government agency called Vector, Alex and Skylar, thwart a bio-terrorism threat. Alex was CIA and Skylar was a chopper pilot in the Marines. Even though neither knows a whole lot about the other's past, the duo works well together, something I really liked. Both characters have a past, and the reader gets to learn bits and pieces about their unique pasts as the novel proceeds, which had me wanting to learn more and more about them. Both of these patriots have been through some tough times.

This novel is packed with action, adventure, and shootouts. Our heroes travel to different locales across the globe, from Vietnam to the Sahara Desert. The details about the specific bio weapon the terrorists were to deploy were thorough, which shows the author knows his stuff. If you're a fan of military-style thrillers, pick this up. If you're just someone looking for action and adventure, pick this up. Really had no issues with the novel, and I am going to purchase the next installment in Vector's adventures!
Profile Image for Lynn Hallbrooks.
Author 7 books112 followers
June 6, 2021
This international medical-techno-thriller often had me reading through the night.

If you want to see if it will do the same for you, the paperback version is available now or you can pre-order for a June 15, 2021 delivery. As this is the first in the series, you can be there from the beginning. Fair warning, there is violence and adult language.

Alex Wolfe and Skylar Cruz were recruited to be a special type of covert operators for a newly branded group. Their first mission begins with them gathering intelligence on a potential bioweapon. They soon discover nothing is as it seems on the surface.

I think this is a great book for those who love the thrills and chills of international intrigue. If they enjoy the science world too, that's icing on the proverbial cake.
Profile Image for Corinne Marshall.
391 reviews10 followers
June 16, 2021
I really love the stories Mr Melchiorri writes. He really knows how to draw you into the suspense and intrigue of the story with plenty of twists and turns right up to the end. Our two main characters Alex and Skylar, fight their way out of many dangerous situations to save the lives of millions of people before a bio weapon is released. Well written and a very scary but believable concept. A great start to this series.
22 reviews
June 23, 2021
This author is fantastic, and so is this book!

I couldn't put this book down!! It's beautifully written and rich with action, suspense, and travel. The characters faced some crazy odds that kept me wanting read just one more chapter long after I should have gone to sleep. It really shows how well the author has researched and understands the complex subject matter and conveys it to his audience easily. Great job on this book! I'm looking forward to reading the next one!
Profile Image for Aletia.
433 reviews4 followers
July 3, 2021
Action & suspense!

The first book, in this new series, starts out with high octane action and nail biting suspense! With Melchiorri's background in biomedical engineering, everything sounds so plausible. And scary. I'm having a hard time waiting for the continuation of the story!

I originally fell in love with AJM writing from his the Tide series.

Take a chance. Enjoy. Hopefully you've found your next favorite author =)
1,013 reviews11 followers
June 18, 2021
Adrenaline rush

It was such a great experience diving into Biostorm. Warfare, both chemical and bullets is behind every twist and turn. This is supported by superb world building, a variety of realistic characters and biological knowledge shared. The entire story was an enticing blend of fiction and real…stuff.
122 reviews1 follower
July 21, 2021
Biostorm is one terrific read chock full of breath-taking and high octane action. Grab your copy today

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Biostorm and look forward to reading the second installment of this awesome series. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves reading action packed, edge of your seat bio-terrorism thrillers
385 reviews5 followers
September 10, 2022
Great Thriller

A good mix of science and action with connections to current happenings in the world. I love how the character development flowed with the action of the plot. Some things felt a little rushed, but it is hard to enumerate them. I'm ready for the next in the series.
Profile Image for Laura.
339 reviews16 followers
June 28, 2021
This is an action-packed novel full of twists and turns, and supported by enough real-world science fact to make it chillingly believable. Wolfe and Cruz are fantastic characters and I can't wait for their next covert mission!
Profile Image for Barry.
199 reviews6 followers
July 11, 2021
Listened to it as an audio book while driving.

The general plot was great. But there were some plot holes, some were pretty big!

Also way too descriptive at times.

The biggest problem was the narrator! He was awful! Ruined any chance the story had!
Profile Image for Nanette Mitchell.
374 reviews
July 14, 2021
Great plotting

Enjoyed getting to know about Alex and Skylar. Glad it ended well and suspenseful to the end. Good tension with the event and the plot flowed well as well as learning more about science
4 reviews
July 28, 2021
Loved it

The only good thing about the covid-19 pandemic was extra time to read. I finished this book in one day. The characters were compelling and believable. The plot was fascinating and thought provoking. Can't wait to read Vector Book 2.
Profile Image for Darrell Martin.
14 reviews
August 10, 2021
Fantastic and Thrilling

This came recommended by Nicholas Sansbury Smith and I can see why. It's gripping, thrilling and well-written. Truly a great read. Can hardly wait for book 2!
1,245 reviews6 followers
September 18, 2021
4.0

First half was very slow for me, but I usually don’t read this genre. However the second half moved quickly from one fight scene to the next. Caught enough of my interest that I plan to read the next book.
Profile Image for Tom Anderson.
241 reviews2 followers
December 31, 2021
Those sneaky Russians.

What is a new bio threat to the world that has no cure? That is exactly agents Alex and Skylar needs. to find out. A romping stomping adventure with an intriguing story line.

3 reviews1 follower
February 5, 2022
No just another spy story

A wonderful and exciting story of adventure and intrigue. The characters are real and the places are described with enough detail to let you feel like you are there. The story is fast paced to hold my interest through to the end.
Profile Image for Carmel McKenzie.
532 reviews4 followers
June 21, 2021
good read. a little slow in some places. storyline was intriguing. It makes you realise this this could actually happen. thanks for teaching me about science..
Profile Image for Danielle.
738 reviews
July 24, 2021
Scary stuff

This is the type of book that I could see happen for real life. Very different than what I'm used to, but good.
Profile Image for Tony Fecteau.
1,499 reviews6 followers
October 28, 2021
A very interesting 1st book. This book puts some of the cutting edge medical knowledge in play. A very nice thriller.
Profile Image for John Wood.
585 reviews5 followers
June 29, 2022
Very Scary!

In the fact that is possible that a terrorist attack of this magnitude could actually happen. But a very entertaining story and I highly recommend this story.
337 reviews11 followers
August 14, 2022
Excellent

A really good read with a fast paced and fast moving plot. A well written action thriller that is quite topical. Lots of good action.
Profile Image for Sam.
2,511 reviews41 followers
September 17, 2022
This is a very fast paced, action, adventure story! Good ideas & nicely written, reasonable high tension through most of the chapters. Something to keep your interest right until the end!
Profile Image for Marsha.
452 reviews
September 22, 2022
I'm not big on shoot-em-up scenes, but there was a lit more here that I did enjoy. A whodunit with a world of possibilities. Plus, I got to learn a little science painlessly.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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