Rating: 
Summary: Mediocre knock-off, like Clancy's OpCenter
Review: [sigh] I guess one of the downsides of our capitalist economy is that what passes for art must inevitably end up being sacrificed on the alter of economics. Ludlum, who really is unrivaled as a thriller writer but can only knock one out every couple of years, has thus joined the ranks of those best-selling authors who are selling their name for the money. As with Clancy and Cussler, or the posthumous "collaborations" of Ian Flemming and Alistair Maclean, this new book is attempting to leverage another stream of revenue off the Ludlum franchise.The success or failure of these third-party corporate franchises is, as one would expect, completely dependent on the skill of semi-ghost. In some cases, as with the Alistair MacNeil attempt to carry on the Maclean legacy, it was a still-born disaster. In others, such as Cussler's NUMA spin-off written by Paul Kemprecos, you can welcome a decent new series with a familiar feel. With this first book in a new "Covert-One" series, however, Ludlum's chosen author lets the team down somewhat, although nowhere near as badly as Pieczenik squanders the Clancy name in selling the deprecable Op-Center series. Gayle Lynds' "Hades Factor" attempts to reuse some of the usual Ludlum conspiracy approaches and undercover violence, but unlike the master, the book is not particularly well written, the plot (the thesis of which is very similar to Rainbow Six) is laughably implausible and obvious, the characters are two dimensional and stereotypical, and the set-up for the rest of the series too pat. It should be pretty easy to figure out ahead of time whether or not you'll like this one: if you have an insatiable appetite for thrillers, are more concerned with the usual "good guys overcome obstacles using cool violence to save the world" genre than you are with a particular author, and are the kind of person who happily gobbles up the Clancy/Pieczenik OpCenter series, you'll find this an acceptable book. It's OK for a summer beach read, and has the usual quotient of ingredients that you would expect from the Ludlum/Clancy/Cussler camps, as written through the keyboard of a romance novelist (ie, a lot more romantic introspection and longing than the usual Ludlum). But if you are a true afficiando of good thriller writing, who really appreciates Ludlum's finely honed paranoia, be forewarned that you will be disappointed. The bottom line is that it's an OK-but-not-particularly-great book, much better than OpCenter but not as good as NUMA. I'm not sure if I'll get any future books in this series...it probably depends on how desperate I get for my thriller fix.
Rating: 
Summary: I'll be..., this Hades book is good!
Review: Three people in different parts of the U.S. die suddenly and dramatically of a bizarre, unknown virus. What connection could there be between them? And how can this virus be stopped before it claims more victims? That's the set-up for this collaboration between thriller-meister Robert Ludlum and relative newcomer Gayle Lynds. This is something new for Ludlum, a series written in conjunction with other authors (ala Tom Clancy's Op-Center books). This is to be the first in a series of adventure-thrillers about a government action squad called "Covert One." I'm withholding judgment on the concept until more books come out, but for now I'm cautiously optimistic. The story is solid, although familiar. It's obviously reminiscent of Richard Preston's "The Hot Zone," along with dozens of thrillers. That's not to say it's bad, though. I enjoyed the swiftly-moving plot, and found the characters to be interesting. The protagonist is Lt. Col. Jon Smith, a medical doctor, expert on killer viruses, and all-around man-of-action. He's a fairly typical lead character for a book of this sort. Smith is interesting enough, though, and smarter than the norm, which was a nice change. Even better was the character of Smith's sidekick, Martin Zellerbach, a computer genius with a rare form of autism. I hope he returns in subsequent books because I found him fascinating. This reads like Ludlum-lite, featuring his brand of paranoid action and suspense, but without the depth of plotting and sophistication that characterizes his best work. It's noticeably different from the rest of his output, although maybe that's a plus given the quality of his last few books. "The Hades Factor" is recommended for thriller lovers and anyone looking for an exciting summer read.
Rating:
Summary: Certainly not dull
Review: Let me begin by saying that I love books with the premise on which "The Hades Factor" is built. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to see an apocalypse that will wipe out humaniity, but given the state of the world today something drastic like this could happen in our country or the world. From early on in Ludlum's new book you know the whole plot and the eventual conclusion. Did I hate this book? NO! Getting from start to finish in this book is a breath taking experience. The ploys the antagonisits use, to ensure that Colonel John Smith and his band of cohorts do not stop their plan to obtain riches beyond the imagination, are innovative, exciting, but always failing. This book is a page turner that I finished in two days. The characters all all interesting, and I enjoyed the way Ludlum paired opposite personalities that added tension to the story. I have been an occasional reader of Ludlum's work - The Matarese Circle being my favorite. "The Hades Factor" opens a new series which I hope will continue the quality and excitement of this first effort in the Covert One books.
Rating:
Summary: TREMENDOUS! This book is "vintage" Ludlum!
Review: In a nutshell, this book is sharp, fast and moves at lightningspeed all over the globe. To be quite honest, Robert Ludlum had mea bit worried with his last four efforts but he has redeemed himself with the Hades Factor (with the help of Gayle Lynds, of course). This book is good...I mean reeeeally good! Don't let the plot summary turn you off. Forget the fact that this has been played out before and leave your worries at the door. This duo pounces on you with a story line you will never forget. The Hades Factor delivers everything you want in an international thriller plus more; clandestine meetings in exotic locations (including a few unusual and truly beautiful respites on US soil), three-dimensional characters that literally bounce off every page, and a skillfully written plot that moves at warp speed. This is definitely NOT one for the faint of heart! Ludlum and Lynds will take you on a literary roller coaster of intrigue and deception that will leave you breathless...and with a renewed sense of the true meaning of forgiveness (yes, he has turned a bit sentimental on us, but it works!) This was truly a great read. It will become a permanent fixture in my library and I look forward to picking it up again someday. Ludlum and Lynds truly deliver...DON'T MISS THIS ONE!
Rating: 
Summary: Reviting, involving, highly recommended.
Review: Hades Factor provides the first in a projected new series and opens with a series of terrible deaths from an unknown viral agent. A doctor assigned to solve the mystery faces a rising death roll as he finds himself involved in unexpected intrigue. Joseph Campanella provides a riveting reading in this involving first 'covert-one' novel.
Rating:
Summary: Gripping thriller
Review: Ripping good read! I used to read Ludlum years ago but his last few books I found rather boring and contrived. I am happy to say that with this novel the writer is back in form! Plot is well thought out and the writing is tight. Best of all I liked the character development, something I think was lost in the most recent novels. Buy it you'll like it! Also recommended: 'A Tourist in thge Yucatan' adventure/thriller
Rating:
Summary: Bad Guys with a Virus!
Review: This book is about a group that spreads a deadly virus just so they can be the ones to cure it. Their objective is, of course, money. The ideas here are vintage Ludlum -- heartbreak, betrayal, blackmail, murder. Although the writing is not as clear and compelling as Ludlum's earlier books, this is a quick and enjoyable read. It is definitely better than his last two books. Perhaps the addition of Gayle Lynds is the reason why.
Rating:
Summary: The Hades Factor
Review: I am a long time Robert Ludlum fan - this book did not disappoint. The story grabs you from the first page - I read it in two days! A likeable hero and great characters backing him up - some humor, lots of adventure, everything Robert Ludlum is famous for. Definitely worth reading! I can't wait for the next one!
Rating:
Summary: Derivative, but with potential
Review: When THE MATARESE COUNTDOWN appeared, I wrote a scathing (and well-deserved) review of the worst book Robert Ludlum had ever written. In that review, I suggested that Ludlum either retire or rediscover the passion and inventiveness that marked his early work. With the help of Gayle Lynds, he seems to be making a comeback. THE HADES FACTOR will be familiar to long-time Ludlum readers. The protagonist, Lt. Colonel Jonathan Smith, M.D., faces a conspiracy of monumental proportions aided by only a few long-time acquaintances and a beautiful sidekick. Yet the Ludlum-Lynds tandem breathes new life into this somewhat stale framework. The result is a story that moves along fairly well (although too hastily at times) with much better character development than his most recent work (although one would like to see a little bit more of Smith's background, it will likely be covered later in the series). In particular, I very much enjoyed Martin Zellerbach, the computer genius with Asperger's Syndrome who I sincerely hope will make appearances in other Covert-One novels. Unfortunately, the plot remains problematic. Indeed, THE HADES FACTOR's storyline is almost a mirror image of the most recent Tom Clancy offering, RAINBOW SIX. Without giving too much away, you have a killer virus sprung on the world with ulterior motives (profit this time, not ecological purity as in Clancy's novel). The derivative plot is not the only problem here, but the others are minor in comparison--for instance, the Zellerbach character is drawn a bit too cartoonish despite Ludlum and Lynds's best intentions, but again, this could be touched up in later books. The book is obviously intended to be a jumping off point for a new series of books (all collaborations between Ludlum and other authors one suspects) a la Tom Clancy's OP CENTER. There is definite potential here for sequels, but let's hope that Ludlum and his future partners become more imaginative with their plotlines.
Rating:
Summary: A POWERHOUSE OF A NOVEL
Review: A homeless man in boston enters a drugstore complaining of a headache...within minutes he is dead. In California, an Army Major collapses in front of his wife...within minutes he is dead. A teenage girl in Atlanta complains to her mother of cold like symptoms...within minutes, she too, is dead. When researcher Sophia Russell began working the 3 outbreaks of this unknown virus she had no idea of what she would uncover. Expert researcher, Jonathan Smith, is returning home to help fiancee, Russell, find the source of the deadly virus, upon his arrival, after surviving several attempts on his life, he finds Russell has been murdered. Smith must put together his own team to stop the virus, and find out "who" was behind Russell's murder. To his surprise, he is being watched, and no one can be trusted, for what he will discover can decide the fate of the world. Smith must stop the evil plan, and the madman behind it. Robert Ludlum and Gayle Lynds have created a big, mean, readable thriller, complete with all the "Ludlum" trademarks, and a nasty "Hot Zone" like virus thrown in to keep readers turning the pages. It is great to see Ludlum back in top form. "The Hades Factor" is the first novel in the promising "Covert-One" series. Suspense, fast-pacing, and international intrigue make for a great summer read. Nick Gonnella
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