Agent of Influence

The Firewall Spies #2

by Andrew Watts

In a world where artificial intelligence offers unlimited power, government spies and tech giants fight a ruthless battle to come out on top.

When an undercover Mossad agent is killed on a private Caribbean island, the death sets off alarm bells in Washington, Tel Aviv, and Moscow. The island is owned by Guy Hawkinson, the controversial CEO of Hawk Enterprises, and member of one of America’s most powerful family dynasties.

Within hours of the agent’s death, multiple agencies set new plans in motion.

Israeli Intelligence Officer Ava Klein is ordered to Washington, D.C. Tasked with salvaging their operation, she’ll need to infiltrate the Hawkinson’s inner circle.
To beat Mossad to the punch, CIA officer Colt McShane must steer clear of Ava—a former love interest—and recruit a fresh face with no former ties to the intelligence community: a young female veteran who is just finishing up a masters degree in machine learning.

And a Russian SVR chief has agreed to provide counterintelligence support for the Hawkinsons—at a price.

Each side is playing the world’s most dangerous game of espionage, attempting to win the ultimate technological victory. But with foreign agents and Hawkinson private security violently eliminating threats, any false move will be deadly.

Genres: Thriller, Espionage

329 pages, Library Binding

First published February 15, 2022

About the author

Andrew Watts graduated from the US Naval Academy in 2003 and served as a naval officer and helicopter pilot until 2013. During that time, he flew counter-narcotic missions in the Eastern Pacific and counter-piracy missions off the Horn of Africa. He was a flight instructor in Pensacola, FL, and helped to run ship and flight operations while embarked on a nuclear aircraft carrier deployed in the Middle East.

Today, he lives with his family in Ohio.

Reviews

[Jim Rickard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Loved this book. The plot was good and I enjoyed the character development. I will read the next one in the series

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Private island owned by CEO of Hawk Securities,
where an undercover agent is killed
Different teams in a game of espionage with the goal
of. technological victory.. He has a new team member
she hasn’t been trained yet, will Colt be able to stay in
this game. A great plot, with many agencies wanting to
come out on top. Fast action and plenty of it, to enjoy
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion

[Martin Pingree · Rating 5 out of 5]

AI (artificial intelligence) is being both pioneered and subverted by various people and countries. In book 2 of this series, we find AI advancements were not destroyed as previously thought. A truly international of what people and countries are willing to sacrifice for ultimate power. This will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. An engaging cast of players, non stop action/intrigue/mystery and an awesome story line will keep you riveted.

[JGrant '71 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Inasmuch as I thoroughly enjoyed the first episode (Firewall/4*), I found Agent of Influence far less engaging.
As we know from Firewall, Guy Hawkinson has obtained/stolen the systems from PaxAI and has launched his own initiative to become the leader in the Artificial General Intelligence race. Ahh, he suspects that the MOSSAD is onto him and trying to infiltrate his organization and so he reaches out to Korlov/SVR for his help. In parallel, Colt & company want to infiltrate Hawkinson’s operation – Hawk Technologies - mainly to learn how the group is advancing and (later on, as they learn) to be able to identify Russian implication in the group. A long-winded search & development of an (admittedly, intriguing) inexperienced young agent then ensues. Initially, they are not aware of the possible MOSSAD operation.
Everything I mention above, while logical, is rather tedious, especially the parts related to the training of Nadia, the new agent. It is only until we are two-thirds through the story that any truly intriguing actions happen. The last part of the story was more fun, but I find that the machinations (my word) of the authors in their depiction of events too stretched and borderline believable, even if a piece of fiction.
I know that I am in the minority, but I have no interest in pursuing the series.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exceptional and picks up after Pax AI technology was burned in the fire in San Francisco at the Mountain Research Facility. The author provides enough back up to remember what happened in Book 1 but in a flawless manner. But is that technology truly lost?
How does one create an agent quickly when a specific skill set or knowledge is needed, but they have not gone to the Farm...or a very short period but immersion timeline changes. How do you ensure the safety of the agent? This was very interesting in the backdrop of the events occurring in society - the pushback of advancing technologies, splinter groups, everything we have lived during and after Trump - QAnon comes to mind.
I was immersed immediately and resurfaced three days later - it was a fascinating read, and it leaves you thinking about the mistrust we have with the government, media, etc. It left me thinking history should not repeat itself - but in this book, it is.
Cannot wait until the next one in the series. I pray Andrew is already working on it, because I am invested in this storyline.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Agent of Influence is the second book in the new Firewall series. I enjoyed reading the first book Firewall. I like that Andrew Watts writes series’s. When I choose to read fiction. I like military, spy, or techno-thrillers. Watts has real military experience. For me that gives his plots an air of believability. This book is no exception. I like the characters and it is entertaining to follow them through their trials and solutions. If you like Tom Clancy, Larry Bond, Vince Flynn, and Brad Thor novels. I think you will enjoy this book as well as others by this author. I highly recommend that you read Firewall before Agent of influence. Although Watts alludes to how his protagonists and antagonists end up where they are currently. The original set up makes this book more interesting.

[jeremy dierst · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thrilling techno-spy novel from beginning to end. The plot moves very quickly and is easy to follow. The techno-babble is kept to a minimum and very relatable if not scary technologic future. The AI concept has been a very central theme in a lot of novels over the years, all with the same ending per se. The "Terminator" storyline has been over-used but not so much in this novel. The AI mentioned is still in its infancy stage and not a threat yet. The ending definitely is left open for a follow on series, but still well done overall.

I received an advance reader copy for free and I am leaving this review.

[Pat Percival · Rating 5 out of 5]

The scary part about this book is that the events are probably already happening in the real world. How will we use artificial intelligence, and who will control it? Politics, technology, multinational involvement and spies are all part of this well crafted and well written book. There’s good balance among the elements of action, dialogue and details. “Agent of Influence” can be enjoyed without having read “Firewall”, the first book in the series; but, do yourself a favor and read both books. The story in “Agent of Influence” will be all that much richer if you read “Firewall” first. I read an ARC version of both books.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Agent of Influence (The Firewall Spies Book 2), my ninth read from author Andrew Watts. Reminiscent of the best works of Tom Clancy and Robert Ludlum, an incredibly well-developed, well-written book that takes off like a jet fighter from an aircraft carrier. The primary characters are well developed. A captivating, page-turning, well-written read. A must-read book! “I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from this author. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

America, Israel, Russia, spies, Artificial Intelligence, all come together in this sequel in the Firewall spies series. The characters are great, especially the introduction of Nadia, a new CIA recruit, although I had hoped for a little more development in the personal stores from the first book. While the plot is possibly a bit predictable, there was just enough mystery in the plot to keep me interested to want to read the next book in the series. A definite must for any fan of techno-political-spy thrillers.

[Tim Mullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

We're back with Colt McShane in the follow up to the excellent Firewall. Many of the previous characters are reassembled, and there's a continuation of the subplot about how beneficial or detrimental developments in Artificial Intelligence might be. If there's a major downside to this book it's that it's very obviously setting the scene for the next instalment in the series and, as such, doesn't really do much more than scene set. I'd recommend reading Firewall before this, and only pursuing this if you're prepared for what I suspect may be a protracted series.

[Eric Cousineau · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great follow up to the initial book in the series, Firewall! This techno thriller grabs you from the first page and doesn’t give you a moments rest until the last page. His characters are wonderfully developed and the taut story line makes this a book that is hard to put down. The ethical and moral arguments on Artificial Intelligence and the lengths to which countries are willing to go to achieve total power and dominance are compelling and leave you with a lot to think about.

Thank you to the author who provided me with a copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Ronaele Whittington, D.S.W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Complex layers of competition for global control

The newest recruit to clandestine service faces swift training, intricate logistics, and life threatening encounters. What a trip. One challenger seeks to perfect a ruling class. Another seeks to control people through machines. Another seeks to stop development of artificial intelligence. Some players seek revenge, personal or political, for past failures and defeat. What a mess for a new recruit to sort out and survive. Very interesting and thought provoking narrative.

[MR CHRISTOPHER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

Just finished book 2 and can honestly say that this is a super and very enjoyable series of books. Sometimes you get a new series of books that from the start look like being a winner, only to find that book 2 onwards are on a downward journey, not here though. The first book delivered a great start with a good plot and sound characters, book 2 builds on that and delivers even more intriguing possibilities for book 3. Bravo.

[Jim Flagg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book for my honest review. This is the second book in this series and could be read as a stand alone book. However, the reader would gain knowledge of the characters by reading it in order. The story moves fast and keeps the reader wanting more and guessing how it will end. This is an excellent series and I can’t wait for the next book.

[Frank Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read, with a story line about Artificial Intelligence with the effects and influence possible on our population. The characters developed in the first book in the series are expanded very effectively.
I'm a fan, and look forward to the next novel in the series.

[Bruce Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read the advance copy and thoroughly enjoyed it. The primary characters (Colt and Ava) are developing steadily and are an integral part of a frightening-yet-believable plot. I’ll be looking for the 3rd volume in this series. Well worth your time!

[Ev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Agent of Influence

Wow!! Talk about holding your interest this story is hard to put down. The characters are well developed and make you feel as if you are there with them. Well done now the part that drives me nuts I have to wait for the next story.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrify read

Memorable characters, well written, a story that could well be happening....be prepared to not put the book down until finished...highly recommend... Eagerly awaiting the sequel.

[Tom Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific suspense.

How fast is technology changing? What new ways are being discovered to control the masses? Scary stuff, all of this. Spies and counter spies. Want more, buy this book.

[Steve Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again an amazing read. Thank you Andrew! If I wasn't so busy I would have read it 4 days (that's right- I'm a slow reader). It was very suspenseful and kept my interest. Hope to see the whole gang return for the next series book.

[David A. Rosow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intense and overly complicated

The CIA, FBI, Mossad and the Russians combine in complicated and action less thriller. I won’t read book 3 and instead read Ben Porter’s 4th book, Vital Deception.

[Matt Beaty · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not nearly as good as the first. Boring enough to put me off the rest of the series. Amusing enough, I guess, but the character development just doesn’t ever seem to show up. Instead we get all action all the time… meh

[andrew hickman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series, suffers from the wait until the next book problem by book 4, book 5 is April 2023🙁. Worth reading though it won’t help make anyone feel better in regard to the competence of those who are in positions of power.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting look at AI ( artificial intelligence) and the future. Frightening uses as we progress. Several agents are in place within the Hawkinson organization to determine exactly what has been developed and how it will be used. A thriller for sure.

[jimmy robson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Island

These books are very descriptive, get a lot of information which can be be very interesting. The world of spies, might be 10% of actual action in the book, a lot of talking and different characters with their angles.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

Plenty of drama and suspense. Well thought out story line and characters. Hard to put down once you start reading.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read for both professional and amateur techno-nerds

[David Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great second book in the series.

[Liupua Andrew Sunia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spy fix

When you need your Spy fix, Andrew Watts shall deliver. Not too much city hopping. But its str8 up dope.