The Persona Protocol

Mission Impossible for the 21st centrury

I quite liked this despite the obvious flaws. The premise is that the CIA have a super-spy who they can download other people's personalities into. Due to a series of unfortunate events, they have to hire an English doctor to help the CIA team of assorted stereotypes out on their missions to stop the terrorists. It's all-action, leave your brain at home stuff and that is OK by me but if you normally read things short-listed for the booker prize, leave this well alone.

The writing style is like an early Tom Wood, OK, but a little unpolished. there are some ludicrous bits of description (as Adam speeds his Ford Mustang at 80mph into oncoming traffic, we are treated to 'drivers swerved out of the way, thoughts of insurance excesses in their minds'....). Saying that, as an action thriller, it holds it's own and is worth a listen if you like a David Baldacci, Lee Child, Tom Wood or Vince Flynn novel.

The narration. Where do I start! Tim Flavin is 50% excellent and 50% awful. He captures the urgency of the story well - but his interpretation of some characters, especially 'English Woman' are absolutely hilarious. He seems to be doing a poor imitation of Lady Penelope from Thunderbirds doe Dr Childs. At first I found it quite irritating but eventually I started to look forward to hearing it for comic value, especially during the dull parts of the book.

Overall, not the worst book I've listened to from Audible and not the best but a perfectly good thriller nonetheless.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

The performance ruins the book

The performance of this audiobook really ruins the book and I found it hard to enjoy the book.

It is stilled and over acted. The accents are laughable, particularly the English accent.

You can tell the different people talking so that is my one positive.

The story is pretty far fetched, but the overreaction to every tiny thing makes it hard to make the best of it.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Gripping story

I was totally wrapped up in the story for the duration of the audible book. Brilliant characters and a great story.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Better than expected

Picked this up on a daily deal a couple months - and I'm glad I got round to listening as I very much enjoyed it.

The concept is neat, transferring a personality from one person to another with all the problems that causes and the storyline - whilst a little predictable - races along with plenty of action.

The performances starts off a little over the top, dramatic pauses that feel that detract from the story but soon the performer settles down and in the end delivers an enjoyable read.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Good Book

I enjoyed this story, but it did take me a while to really get into it, once I was engrossed it was a fast paced action thriller with very descriptive action scenes

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Gripping!

Although I've been a member for some time mainly due to not cancelling my trial, this is the first book I've finished! couldn't put it down. I'ts encouraged me to catch up on the many unread books in my collection.
Well read by Tim.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A good book but.....

Overall a good story albeit a bit long.
The performance by Bianca was disappointing. The majority of English speaking people do not have an accent like that portrayed.

Jolly good Spy-Fi

Would you listen to The Persona Protocol again? Why?

It's a good action romp

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes- if I ever had 16hrs non-stop available .

Any additional comments?

If you can suspend disbelief & buy into the book's conceit then this is a great action romp. The idea is that US intelligence has invented a device that can transfer all the memories, attitudes & thoughts I.E 'the Persona' of any individual, into the mind of a specially trained agent, then use the info obtained to thwart terrorism etc.

I've read the other reviews, many of which ridicule the Narrator. I say, give him some latitude, he did a pretty good job considering the challenges he confronted.Yes his 'English PhD woman Chemist' voice ( & a major character ) was rather 'lady Penelope from thunder-birds' but ,sadly, quite a lot of her lines were 'oh gosh! or similar even though she is a gal with balls. More importantly he had to convey, Russian, Afghan &Pakistani accents in variety as American. There is a big cast of Northern, Southern, Black, white, Young, old Junior, powerful, sympathetic & unlikable characters etc to differentiate. I reckon he did a pretty good job as I always knew who was speaking.

The criticism from others that the hero's voice changed each time he had a new 'persona' implanted seems to miss the point of the book/device. When our hero has absorbed the foreign persons brain then, of course, he will speak/sound as well as thinking like them until he returns to normal/himself. If his team hear him speaking differently then so should we.
Go for it! I had fun & was gripped. Who doesn't want the good guys to prevail?....but who are the good & who are the bad?.

good book

took bit of time to get into not ny type of book but still well writen just not for me

Not for me!

Is there anything you would change about this book?

To many voices. Seemed like it was written for a movie script. When the main character changes his voice every five mins it's hard to follow.

Has The Persona Protocol put you off other books in this genre?

No

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Constantly changing voices!

Do you think The Persona Protocol needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

It sure. It was open to it!