Technology has taken over the world. Quite literally.

Lord Alexander Hawke and his MI6 colleagues are fighting a phantom enemy, one that uses the world's technology to cause confusion and terror. But the only men who know how to stop such a rapidly growing power are methodically being eliminated. It is only a matter of time before this powerful new technology will become unstoppable and Alex and his team race to find it before it's too late.

If you're a fan of James Bond's larger than life actions, exotic and beautiful locations not to mention the women of the same description, and men who will thrive upon the life and death thrill of combat, then PHANTOM by Ted Bell is for you. If on the other hand, you like your military men more realistic and with a complex character, then this novel won't be the best choice for you like it wasn't for me. Alex is very much like the vintage James Bond in that there is very little character growth, but that's because Alex is the man he wants to be. His confidence is what allows him to live and thrive in the life that he's chosen, but it also means that the physical action carries the entire plot instead of having a combination of internal and external conflict.

There is a lot of action and as the book is over 600 pages long, that action suffers towards the end. The climax of the story was well done but there's still 100 pages left to go while Alex and his team dodge the enemy naval force and I couldn't help but skim through it because the really important battle had already finished.

All the men in PHANTOM are larger than life, sustaining and even smiling through injuries that would kill lesser mortals. Hard-core, arrogant, and always willing to risk their life for their country, liberty and justice and not necessarily in that order, they're extremely masculine and thrive on the fight. On the other hand, female characters tend to be portrayed as supportive, beautiful helpmates who acquiesce to the male hero even if they should be equally strong based upon their skill and training. This inequality of characterization was frustrating for me.

PHANTOM by Ted Bell is all about pitting humanity against the coming age of an Artificially Intelligent superpower. It's an extremely relevant topic and one that I find fascinating because of the various ethical and moral questions that are brought to light, but PHANTOM focuses mainly upon the absolute destruction such an advanced 'being' could bring upon the world because there is no logic for the human races existence. Again, if you're a fan of the spy, action-packed adventures like those of James Bond, then Ted Bell will not disappoint. If on the other hand, you're like me and want a more humble view of the world, then I suggest you skip this one.