Great read if you like disaster movies or books. This would be a great movie. Although if you want a read with in depth character development and history this isn't the book for you.

There is deception, intrigue and murders occurring. Someone is controlling the weather and using it against the President of the United States.

Like I said a great disaster story and a fast moving story! ( )

This book was sent to me as a winner on Goodreads. This is the author's second book, so I went to the library to read his first one, Viral, before getting to this. I actually liked this book a little better than the first, so I was pleasantly surprised. The premise was really good and I like the science aspect. It brings up a lot of questions. Since this is an advanced copy, I'm not sure if the author would be adding any info if this weather stuff is really being studied by our government or other private research. I would be curious to find out. The story is well-written, very thrilling. The ending is a little ambiguous, there may be more in-store. ( )

First Line: Dr. Atul Pradhan had just poured himself a cup of black tea when he heard what he thought was distant thunder.


If you're in the mood for a fast-paced tale of science running amok, consider picking up a copy of The Leviathan Effect, the second thriller from author James Lilliefors.

Catherine Blaine, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, receives communication from a hacker named Janus that throws her right into the depths of a nightmare. This message is the latest in a series that has been correctly predicting natural disasters around the world. Janus claims that these disasters are not natural but manmade, and if the United States doesn't follow Janus's instructions, a Category 5 hurricane will hit the East Coast and destroy the lives of millions of people.

Off in his own little world, investigative journalist Jon Mallory has been given a list of seven prominent scientists who have disappeared over the past decade. When the person who gave him the list disappears herself, Jon brings his brother Charles-- a private intelligence contractor-- up to speed on the story, which makes Charles a very sought-after man indeed, since Catherine Blaine also wants his help in uncovering this threatening new weather technology.

For the most part I prefer mysteries with rich characterization and plots that unfold gradually, but now and then I just can't resist a fast-moving story loaded with lots of action and technology. The Leviathan Effect delivers. Weather has always fascinated me, and Lilliefors's description of the technology developed to control it was not only plausible but downright chilling. Even more chilling was the person holding the purse strings and his motivations for wanting this sort of capability.

Just when everything seems to be wrapped and tied up with a big pretty bow at story's end, the author throws in a nice cliffhanger, promising more action to come. This made me smile, and I doubt that I'm the only reader to do so. It may not be wise to fool (with) Mother Nature, but it's also not wise to gloss over the warnings given by a villain who's proved he can more than carry out his threats. I look forward to the next appearance of Charles Mallory with eager anticipation. ( )

The Leviathan Effect is a very interesting type of thriller. It has computer hacking, shadowy foreign agents, and weather control. The use of weather as a weapon is a truly frightening yet very believable concept. Mother nature as an implacable and capricious villain who may or may not be controllable by terrorists manages to keep the suspense ramping up throughout the novel.

The characters of Homeland Security Secretary Catherine Blaine and ex-CIA agent Charles Mallory are exceptionally well-written. From the beginning, it is clear that James Lilliefors is a very good writer who knows how to write characters. Their actions feel realistic. At times it was almost maddening how slow they were to take action, yet at the same time, it was probably a more realistic portrayal of how someone would really act in those situations.

Lilliefors also skillfully mixes a mystery of murdered scientists and journalists with a clear and growing threat to the United States in the form of a hurricane of unprecedented proportions. The merging of these storylines feels organic and well-plotted.

The Leviathan Effect is a highly intelligent thriller with great plot, great characters and plenty of suspense. Lilliefors is a writer to watch and I look forward to his next book. Highly recommended.

I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of this book. ( )

Good writing, nonsensical plot.