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The Persona Protocol

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The latest thriller from bestselling author, Andy McDermott. For fans of Tom Clancy and Matthew Reilly.

Adam Gray is the ultimate spy.

As the lead agent of the US government's top-secret Persona project, he is its most valuable weapon in the War on Terror. Experimental technology enables him to take on the personality - and memories - of anyone; be it a Russian arms dealer, a high-stakes gambler or a nuclear scientist. Whatever secrets they know, he knows.

But the most dangerous secrets of all... are his own.

When Adam hunts a terrorist plotting to murder millions, he begins to realize that, although he can delve into the minds of others, his own memories are a mystery. Hidden in his past is the key to a deadly conspiracy - and its masterminds will stop at nothing to conceal their crimes...

544 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2013

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880 people want to read

About the author

Andy McDermott

59 books1,250 followers
Andy McDermott was born in Halifax, West Yorkshire, and now lives in Bournemouth. As a journalist and magazine editor, amongst other titles he edited DVD Review and the iconoclastic film publication Hotdog. Andy is now a full-time writer.

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5 stars
376 (35%)
4 stars
427 (40%)
3 stars
199 (18%)
2 stars
45 (4%)
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16 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
Profile Image for Tim The Enchanter.
360 reviews201 followers
March 3, 2014
A Fast Paced Thriller - 3.5 Stars

A fast pace, plenty of action, international espionage and some futuristic technology make this an exciting read. While it stumbles from time to time as the story progresses, the unrelenting pace will keep you turning the pages.

Plot summary

A British Scientist, in the midst of ground-breaking research into Alzheimer's pharmaceuticals is called upon to the US government to assist in some classified work. Due to her specific skill set, she find herself paired with a group of Black OPS agents for a Program called PERSONA. The Lead Agent, Adam Gray, through a combination of technology and drugs is able to have the personality and memories of any person "uploaded" into his own mind. In doing so, he is able to speak and think as any person from which their personality can be downloaded. The story follows several plotlines that included mission using the PERSONA technology and a search into the past and for the memories of Adam Gray.

The Good

Action, Science and Technology!

The action in the story is its greatest strength. The author has a wonderful sense of pacing and never fails to keep the reader from turning pages. In particular, there is an excellent car chase at the end of the book which is very vivid and cinematic. I wouldn't be surprised if the author wrote the story with a film script in mind.

The PERSONA concept was quite intriguing. While the technology was cumbersome and difficult to execute (the characters had to carry around heavy equipment, kidnap and subdue the subject, inject the agent and subject with a precise cocktail of drugs, wait a period of time to for the persona to download, then inject the subject with drugs to wipe their short term memory while setting up the scene to make the subject think he an accident) the result was original and intruding. The idea that a person's memories and essentially their personality can be taken from their mind, stored and transferred to another person was novel and filled with possibility. In order to take new personality, the main character had to have his own memories and personalities wiped, essentially leaving a blank slate for the imprinting of other personas. This allowed for some excellent espionage and plotlines where the bad guys are hunted for their minds.

The Bad

I Know You want me to Suspend my Disbelief, But...

While the action was wonderful and the pacing superb, the supporting cast left much to be desired. I have always wondered why authors don't "stick to the stuff they know". Here we have a British author who begins the story in a British location with a British character. He then takes that characters, flies her to the US where she is inserted into a group of US Black Op agents. The entire setup for this absurd beginning was weak and poorly executed. As a result, the main female character never seems to fit within the story. She is a catalyst for drama in the second half of the book but her inclusion and influence on the characters was never justified. I simply don't understand why the author went out of his way to set the story in the US. It would have been more believable had the story involved Americans or British only. Throughout the story, I had the distinct impression that the story was not written by an American as the phrasing and terms often felt "British" and the "Americanisms" felt stereotypical and occasionally obnoxious. For example, one character CONSTANTLY referred to others as "Brah" which made me wish my kindle had a feature to block obnoxious words.


Final Thoughts

While I enjoyed novel, I couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. There idea was excellent and the technology was interested. The book description was accurate in portraying the story as Jason "Bourn-esce" Unfortunately, the character development was weak the main female character was completely out of place and unbelievable. In the end, the book was saved by the excellent action, an interesting main character in Adam Gray and some novel technology.



Content Advisories

It is difficult to find commentary on the sex/violence/language content of book if you are interested. I make an effort to give you the information so you can make an informed decision before reading. *Disclaimer* I do not take note or count the occurrences of adult language as I read. I am simply giving approximations.

Scale 1 - Lowest 5 - Highest

Sex - 1.5

There were one or two comments were sexual content was implied. Outside of this, the sexual content was very low and suitable for all ages.

Language - 2.5

I may be erring on the low side in this instance. I was forced to put this book down for a week and lost a sense of the overall occurrences of adult language. There is some use of mild obscenities and there may be a couple of f-words but the overall impression was that content would be acceptable for network TV.

Violence - 3

While there are many occurrences of violence throughout the book, it seemed as if the author wanted the book to be appropriate to younger readers are well as more mature readers. The descriptions of the violence were not graphic and I think they would be acceptable for a young adult reader.

Posted To The Literary Lawyer
Profile Image for Lisa B..
1,369 reviews6 followers
September 17, 2014
My Thoughts

I have always been a fan of under cover, spy type novels and The Shadow Protocol really filled the bill.
Adam Gray is part of a government team whose activities are supposed to fly under the radar. A neuro-scientist has developed the ability to transfer one persons thoughts and memories to another person. Adam is the only person surgically enhanced to receive the transfer information. The good guys use this information against the bad guys/terrorist to find out about future attack plans.

Wow - talk about action packed - this story was relentless. At a little over 600 pages, I was pleasantly surprised out how quickly I got to the end. I thought the basis for the story was an interesting idea. There were some good plot twist along the way the helped to keep the this moving along. This was my first Andy McDermott novel but won’t be my last.
I’d like to thank Random House-Bantam Dell, via Netgalley, for allowing me to read this in exchange for an unbiased review.
Profile Image for Claire.
2,324 reviews739 followers
January 14, 2014
4 Stars.

I am a great fan of Andy McDermott, and have to say that the Wilde/Chase series of books would definitely figure on the list of books I would want to take with me if I was stranded on a desert island. That-said the last couple of books in the series left me feeling that a little something was lacking, they were still great reads, but just weren’t as thrilling as their predecessors.

The Shadow Protocol/Persona Project (depending on what country you are reading it in) is a step away from the Wilde/Chase series and has bought Andy’s high octane, edge of your seat, thrill a minute writing back to its peak. I couldn’t put this book down, and it kept me up well past my bedtime because I was dying to know what was coming next.

Adam Gray is the ultimate spy, and being able to transform himself into anyone through their personality and memories aids him in his mission to prevent a terrorist plot that could if realized kill millions. So the adventure begins and it is one that you won’t want to miss.

This book is written a little differently to the Chase/Wilde series and although it did get a little overly “techy” in parts, I on the whole really enjoyed it. I hope that this will be a continuing series, as I am interested to see where Andy will take Adam Gray next.

ARC provided through Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
86 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2014
I KNOW BUT YOU DON’T KNOW IT. I have read all of Andy’s previous works and found them both engaging and extremely entertaining, especially since they were action- filled, Indiana Jones-like adventures of protagonists seeking mythical treasures under extreme and dangerous conditions. Does that imply that I am a fan? Better believe it! The Shadow Protocol once again exhibits his innate ability to create strong, believable characters and place them in fast-paced, believable situations. You know all will be well, it has to be; but you can never be entirely certain. This offering adds current day elements, specifically terrorists and intelligence operations to stop the worst-of-the-worst and bring down their infrastructure. Imagine the damage you could do to him and his organization if you could share the mind of the leader of al-Qaida without his knowledge. The Shadow Protocol. You will love it as much as I did.
Profile Image for Luke Conoulty.
1 review
December 24, 2014
Brilliant concept, not at all difficult to imagine the technology being available to imprint an enemies personality & memories into an agent! !!! a vital weapon in the fight against terror. clever politically motivated twist. some cool gadgets ie: an umbrella that performs like a parachute to jump off a rooftop
Profile Image for Tulay.
1,202 reviews2 followers
September 28, 2016
Very disappointed.

Love reading political and medical thrillers, but this story with lots of action scenes went on and on. Even after just skimming twenty pages it was still going on. Adam don't have any past memories, erased by the PERSONA project, to cover up the real reason. Half of the book could be edited out.
Profile Image for Travis Starnes.
Author 45 books90 followers
September 3, 2014
The book jacket compares this to Robert Ludlum’s Bourne series and there are definite parallels, although the character and the writing are both less interesting them what you find in Ludlum’s original books. The actual writing of the book, the dialogue, characterizations, etc. are all pretty much on par with the average of this genre so that isn’t a big knock on McDermott’s work. Ludlum does stand as the gold standard of the spy thriller genre so it isn’t fair to hold McDermott to that level.

The added tech/sci-fi twist of being able to copy the memory and personality of a subject into Adam Grey, the books protagonist, is a pretty interesting idea. While I have seen it before in pure sci-fi it is a nice crossing over of genres making The Shadow Protocol stand out from the pack a little bit. The actual execution of the idea could have been done better but that doesn’t keep it from helping give the story other places to go beyond “chase the terrorist, capture the terrorist”.

As is expected from a thriller novel the story is fast paced with a strong focused on the action. There are lots of good chases and fire fights, enough to keep fans of the genre engaged. There are portions that get bogged down in techno-babble as McDermott walks the reader through how the memory transfer takes place and trying to ground those elements for the reader.

Full Review at: http://homeofreading.com/the-shadow-protocol/
Profile Image for Liz Alexander.
Author 20 books18 followers
October 24, 2021
Although this isn't normally the kind of book I read, having picked it up by chance, it didn't take me long to get into the world of the PERSONA team and their secret contribution to the War on Terror. The futuristic experimental technology used throughout the plot put me in mind of The Minority Report. Except, in this case, super-spy Adam Gray has his mind erased and imprinted with the thoughts, feelings, and knowledge of whomever his team has deemed necessary to grab. Certainly saves time and effort interrogating these terrorists -- even at the expense of Adam Gray's non-existent personality.

I'm not a big fan of car chases in films and had never read one in a book before. Andy McDermott certainly kept my heart pounding as I read the bad guys' chase through the streets of Washington, and Gray's skillful handling of a Ford Mustang (great advertisement!) that surely would have fallen apart long before the 30+ pages of description came to a close.

My only misgiving was the character of Dr. Bianca Childs, the Brit brought in to cover for the injured --and duplicitous -- Dr. Albion, co-creator of the PERSONA project. I don't know if this is a problem with a male author writing a major female character, but I didn't think her actions in the field warranted all the praise she received afterwards. In fact, she came across as a bit of a ditz at times. But a key ditz since it's thanks to her "meddling" that Adam begins to question who he was before joining this special, highly-secretive team.

Nevertheless, this was a fun read.
Profile Image for Rob Smith, Jr..
1,294 reviews35 followers
July 24, 2020
This is just another standard actioner with some interesting science fiction turns. The real problem is the poor writing and really poor dialogue that drowns this book early on. Every contemporary trite term (and haven't there been a ton created due to American's limited vocabulary.) is used, at least, once.

The story is OK, but waaaaay drawn out. There are three or four books here. Why on earth is this over 500 pages? Again, another absent editor.

The clunky tale is never smooth as the writer clearly had trouble intertwining the science fiction parts with the story. The way out was to enact the science fiction part over and over and over again, all while including an element that multiple uses can be dangerous. The author was also trying to underlay a strong emotion over reason message that, for me, didn't work. Basically a rehash of man emerging beyond machine message. After hundreds of pages, who would care if a man emerged? The author failed to build up the sympathy needed for that. This was really the lack of writing ability holding the author back. If the story had been less linear and had an active editor who could have guided the author to create a more involving narrative. Instead there are action scenes worth two pages expanding beyond the need while leaving characters only partially developed.

Bottom line: I don't recommend the book. 4 out of ten points.
Profile Image for Steven Batty.
121 reviews1 follower
August 29, 2025
I originally purchased this book back in 2013 when it was released. I remember reading maybe two or three chapters before deciding it wasn't for me. The book went on the book case with the Wilde and Chase books by the author and was forgotten about.

Cue twelve years later and whilst in the book section of a charity shop, I espied a novel by Andy McDermott called 'The Shadow Protocol' and having not heard the title, I promptly bought it on the premise that I must have missed it on release.

Anyway, I settled down to read 'The Shadow Protocol' and after a couple of chapters, I started getting a sense of deja-vu that I've previously read some of the book before. A quick Google search later tells me that 'The Shadow Protocol' is only the American/Canadian title of The Persona Protocol.

With now having two books, I thought I might as well read one cover to cover. Boy, am I glad I did. The story makes an excellent spy/espionage novel. I'm quite staggered I dismissed it back in 2013. The notion of having a machine that can transplant a person's thoughts and persona into another human's mind to garner intelligence is worthy of a Connery Bond film.

I'll give 'The Shadow Protocol' back to the charity shop and keep my original hardback of The Persona Protocol on the bookcase. A win-win.
2 reviews
September 24, 2017
I so enjoyed 'Shadow Protocol', that when I discovered another of his books from a UK dealer called "Persona Protocol' I ordered it right away. I thought it might carry on the interesting storyline. Lo and behold it turned out to be the very same book. Buyer beware, I guess. But it stinks that they re-title books like this and don't say something on the cover like 'Previously published as Shadow Protocol'.
Profile Image for Gary.
204 reviews
April 19, 2020
This was a nice, unexpected surprise! It's unique synopsis, fleshed-out characters and a well written storyline all come together to create an awesome standalone novel. McDermott exploded onto the book scene with his first novel "The Hunt for Atlantis". His ability to create a masterful thriller has been proven time and again by anyone who has read any of his other novels. This standalone novel continues that same skill.
Profile Image for Zachary Creasman.
151 reviews
October 27, 2020
This book was a very fun read. I have to say it reminded me a bit of The Hunt for Atlantis, Andy McDermott’s first book. I loved trying to figure out the mystery of Adam’s lost memories. The whole persona swapping idea was a very interesting premise. I really enjoyed reading this book especially after not having read any of Andy McDermott books in a while.
Profile Image for Iain.
Author 2 books12 followers
December 17, 2017
Nice to see McDermott having a bash at some new characters after following the Wilde and Chase series from the beginning. All the action sequences are there, and he character interaction and humour are also present.

He really should branch out more often - a refreshing change.
217 reviews2 followers
October 22, 2016
Suspenseful futuristic story

Very suspenseful , lots of twists and turns. Somewhat futuristic but very exciting. This would make an excellent movie great
Profile Image for Sean Goh.
1,526 reviews90 followers
May 25, 2017
Interesting premise that I think would have been worth a sequel. The silent rebellion towards the end was especially hilarious, as they get busted one by one.
204 reviews
July 9, 2017
A swift, easy to read thriller with some genuinely intriguing, and human, characters.
Profile Image for David Devine.
167 reviews1 follower
August 25, 2017
Andy McDermott knows how to keep you in suspense with his Shadow Protocol. A great read for those who like spy thrillers.
Profile Image for Ежко Таралежко.
218 reviews5 followers
March 15, 2018
Доста по-слаба от предишните ми срещи с този автор, "Протоколът "Персона"" все пак е нелош военен кибертрилър, повдигащ интересни морални въпроси - било то и по не най-добрият начин.
63 reviews3 followers
June 6, 2019
Good spec ops thriller with authentic detail from the experienced McDermott. Fast moving action never lets up
1 review
June 26, 2019
Enjoyable read

It took a little while for me to get into the book but after a while I couldn't put it down
Profile Image for Emma Thackray.
5 reviews
January 2, 2020
If you like Jason Bourne, Jack Ryan and James Bond all rolled into one, this Is a book for you. Really enjoyable thriller.
Profile Image for Sue.
168 reviews
October 26, 2020
Guessed part of explanation but loved every page of book.
4 reviews
February 23, 2021
Scifi/terrorist-fighting - just did not enjoy first few chapters so stopped.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
51 reviews
January 16, 2022
An excellent read, character is strong and easy to like, thus making it easy and enjoyable to read
Profile Image for Jodi.
132 reviews1 follower
August 12, 2023
3.5 This was a decent read. Mainly read to find out what would happen with this unique plot premise.
183 reviews
January 14, 2025
This is an action packed page turner that was perfect for a rainy day. As long as you can suspend disbelief it is quite enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews

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