By Something very mysterious happens when an intricate mix of nanites is found at the site of an underwater accident in Chris Shockowitz’s new sci-fi thriller Silent Invasion. Jeff Smith, a CIA agent, is shocked when he learns of the discovery, as he thought nanites were only theoretical. He is further surprised when the scientists working with him explain that these metal-like nanites cannot be cut, and when reshaped, they return to their original shape without any distortion. In fact, they seem capable of thinking for themselves and, more surprisingly, they have a spherical shape; these spherical shapes are impossible to manufacture on Earth and can only be created in outer space. In other words, the nanos come from another planet.
Jeff tries to tell his superior about this discovery, but his boss doesn’t believe him and, irritated by his persistence, reassigns Jeff to a new case: following sassy reporter Amber van Hosteen, who is reporting on a story in Africa. Jeff reluctantly goes, not suspecting that he will find answers to his questions about nanites as he chases down a wily reporter.
Amber and Jeff have a past. She previously tried to report a story that he prevented her from getting information about. She wouldn’t be amused to know that he was following her, but when she finds herself in a dangerous situation and he comes to her rescue, she is relieved. At first, Amber is somewhat hostile towards Jeff, but when he explains to her that the population of an entire town has disappeared and that a mysterious factory is operating in the area, he begins to listen to her and soon accompanies her to the factory.
The factory turns out to be more like a laboratory where experiments are performed. Jeff and Amber pose as doctors so they can explore the facility until another doctor questions them. This doctor reveals that he is working for people whose identity he does not even know, but that he does not care because he can carry out scientific experiments of extreme importance, at the cost of human lives. What Amber and Jeff discover at the factory is shocking and shocking. Ultimately, it is nothing less than being part of a worldwide plot to kill billions of humans. Soon, Jeff and Amber discover that a secret organization, the Hidden Hand, is behind these factories, and has bribed or brainwashed countless high-ranking government officials from numerous countries, including the United States, China, France, and Russia, and built several other factories around. the globe, to carry out his nefarious plans.
Jeff and Amber no longer know who to trust, especially when their superiors tell Jeff’s French and African allies, who were investigating the situation with him, to call off the investigation. When Jeff is also told to go home, he refuses, saying it’s a matter of national security. He is then fired and before long he learns that there is a bounty on his head.
Jeff and Amber are now forced to go into hiding. Through Jeff’s intelligence and skill, they are able to stay alive, despite the hitmen hunting them, all the while trying to find someone they can trust to listen and help them. Meanwhile, Amber anonymously writes various news stories revealing cover-ups being made about factories and other questionable actions occurring within the US and other governments. She sends them to various news organizations to expose the international conspiracy that threatens to destroy the human race.
Chris Shockowitz’s story is truly exciting on every page. Amber and Jeff are likeable and have a magical chemistry that makes the reader enjoy the romance added to what would otherwise be a terrifying plot. The Hidden Hand’s actions are disgusting and the motivations behind them are astounding. Even more mind-boggling is the latest discovery of who is behind the Hidden Hand. In addition, Shockowitz knows how to use scientific theories like nanites and cloaking devices in a plot so that both the novice and experienced science fiction reader understand them and add suspense and fun to the novel. In short, Silent Invasion is science fiction at its finest. He reminded me of the classic sci-fi TV show The Invaders, mixed with all the suspense of a John Grisham novel and the action of a James Bond movie.
Before Jeff and Amber’s adventure ends, a deadly ultimatum will be given that will leave the reader desperately wanting to know how it will all turn out. Fortunately, Silent Invasion is only the first book in the Zalthuras trilogy. The second book, Earth’s Zero Hour, will be out soon.
Any sci-fi, horror, or spy thriller lover will love Silent Invasion. I can’t wait for the sequels.