#BlogTour The Minders by John Marrs

It's a pleasure to take part on the BlogTour The Minders by John Marrs.

About the Author
John Marrs is a former journalist from Northamptonshire, England, who spent 25 years interviewing celebrities from the world of television, film and music for national newspapers and magazines.

He wrote for publications including The Guardian’s Guide and Guardian Online; OK! Magazine; Total Film; Empire; Q; GT; The Independent; Star; Reveal; Company; Daily Star and News of the World’s Sunday Magazine. He recently gave up his job to write novels full time.

Follow @johnmarrs1 on Twitter, on Goodreads, on Amazon, Visit johnmarrsauthor.com, Buy The Minders

About the book
In the 21st century, information is king. But computers can be hacked and files can be broken into – so a unique government initiative has been born. Five ordinary people have been selected to become Minders – the latest weapon in thwarting cyberterrorism. Transformed by a revolutionary medical procedure, the country's most classified information has been taken offline and turned into genetic code implanted inside their heads.

Together, the five know every secret – the truth behind every government lie, conspiracy theory and cover up. In return, they’re given the chance to leave their problems behind and a blank slate to start their lives anew.

But not everyone should be trusted, especially when they each have secrets of their own they’ll do anything to protect…

Review
I can't decide which of the theories thrown around in this read was the most intriguing. Clearly the author has thought a lot about how technology may be applied to humankind in the future and then delivered those scenarios in this fascinating read.

Whether it be the idea that we are all genetically compatible with one person, which is an interesting play on the idea of soulmates or the concepts the Collective come up with to keep information safe. It's not entirely far-fetched to imagine technology like this being invented to outwit the cybercrime and cyberterrorism we are now confronted with.

Imagine becoming the container for all national information. Becoming the walking talking archive for each document and file. Inside your mind. It also means becoming a potential target for everyone intent on getting all of that information.

For me this was a read that verged from speculative into dystopian and yet was firmly grounded in the here and now. I loved the entire concept.

The set up for each individual could have done with being a little shorter and less all over the place, especially after the beginning of the story. Saying that, I can understand the need to give a rounded view on each person, because who they are and the choices they will make may be visible in those first moments with them, which in turn gives the reader plenty of clues.

I wonder if we will see Flick again in another story. Either way Marrs gives readers their pound of flesh and plenty of food for thought. I really enjoyed the way the author wanders into these futuristic ideas that are absolutely viable given the right conditions.

Buy The Minders at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Ebury Digital; pub date 23 July 2020. Buy at Waterstones.

#BlogTour Tempus Project by Antony Johnston

It's my turn on the BlogTour The Tempus Project by Antony Johnston - the second book in the Brigitte Sharp series.

About the Author
Antony Johnston is a New York Times bestselling writer. The Charlize Theron movie Atomic Blonde is based on his graphic novel; his Brigitte Sharp thriller novels are critically acclaimed; and his first videogame, Dead Space, redefined its genre.

Antony’s books, graphic novels, and videogames include The Exphoria Code, The Tempus Project, The Fuse, Daredevil, Shang-Chi, Shadow of Mordor, the Alex Rider graphic novels and the adaptation of Alan Moore‘s ‘lost screenplay’ Fashion Beast. He also hosts the podcast Writing And Breathing.

Follow @antonyjohnston on Twitter, on Goodreads, on Amazon, on Instagram, on Facebook, Visit antonyjohnston.com, Click here to sign up to receive Antony Johnston's newsletter, Buy The Tempus Project

About the book
In The Exphoria Code, MI6 officer and elite hacker Brigitte Sharp foiled a terror attack on London that used stolen military drone software to deliver a ‘dirty bomb’.

Now Bridge is back, battling a series of hacks and ransom-ware attacks, masterminded by a hacker known only as ‘Tempus’, who is targeting politicians and government officials with impunity.

Discovering that this campaign is linked to a cyber-attack on the London G20 summit, she is drawn into the dark-web world of crypto-currencies, Russian hackers and an African rebel militia.

In another compelling cyber-thriller from the creator of Atomic Blonde, Bridge races against time to prevent a disaster that could alter the balance of global power forever.

Review
Brigitte Sharp is a hacker who likes to ignore the chain of command, which usually ends with herself and others being in a lot of danger. Her impulsiveness has consequences, and yet it still doesn't change her approach to her job, which is protecting her country from cyber threats.

Bridge is an interesting person when it comes to her personal life. She tends to see things one-sided and never from an outsiders perspective. She makes decisions whilst angry that result in the kind of mistakes that are unforgivable.

This time she is dealing with a very clever cyber criminal called Tempus who appears to be targeting government officials. Blackmail via ransomware. A popular and profitable cyber crime.

It's a fast-paced cyber crime thriller - techno thriller at it's finest.

This is what the world of crime has evolved into. Something you can't see, smell or hear- insidious in nature with repercussions that cause huge tidal waves of destruction. Technology has allowed us to connect, work and make progress in a way that allows communication and development across borders and continents. The downside is that the technology also makes us vulnerable. Every device connected to the web can become a target and a weapon, which is a pivotal part of this plot.

Johnston gives his readers the reality of the threats without wading too much into paranoia, fear or the common lackadaisical attitudes of the layperson when it comes to cyber threats. Instead it is hardcore cyber language, attacks and crimes, but simultaneously written in a way everyone can understand.

I thought it was fascinating and an eye-opener, especially in regards to how the world of spydom has had to adjust to this new era of crime. Johnston writes a captivating thriller and manages to keep the reader engrossed, despite the subject matter being very technical. Brigitte Sharp is a spy to watch out for.

Buy The Tempus Project at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Lightning Books; pub date 25 May 2020 in paperback and digital formats. Buy at Amazon com. Buy at Lightning Books. At Waterstones. At Foyles. On Google. On Kobo.