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 the 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, what is most surprising, 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: tailing sassy reporter Amber van Hosteen, who is reporting on a story in Africa. Jeff reluctantly goes, unaware that he will find answers to his questions about nanites while he chases down a cunning 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 rescue her from her, she is relieved. At first, Amber is somewhat hostile to Jeff, but when he explains that an entire town’s population 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 conducted. Jeff and Amber pose as doctors so they can scout the facility until questioned by another doctor. This doctor reveals that he is working for people whose identity he doesn’t even know, but that he doesn’t care because he can carry out extremely important scientific experiments, at the cost of human lives. What Amber and Jeff discover at the factory is terrifying 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 don’t know who to trust anymore, especially when Jeff’s French and African allies, who were looking into the situation with him, are told by their superiors to call off the investigation. When they also tell Jeff to come 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 after them, while trying to find someone they can trust to listen and help them. Meanwhile, Amber anonymously writes various news stories revealing the cover-ups being done about the 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 magical chemistry that makes the reader enjoy the romance added to an otherwise 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. Furthermore, Shockowitz knows how to use scientific theories like nanites and cloaking devices in a plot so that both the novice and seasoned sci-fi reader will understand them and add suspense and fun to the novel. In short, Silent Invasion is science fiction at its best. 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 delivered 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 lover of science fiction, horror or spy thrillers will be delighted with Silent Invasion. I can’t wait for the aftermath.