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Performance Anomalies
Victor Robert Lee’s provocative debut spy thriller PERFORMANCE ANOMALIES introduces a protagonist to rival the most memorable espionage heroes. Cono is a startling young man of mixed and haunting heritage who has been gifted – or cursed – with an accelerated nervous system. An orphan from the streets of Brazil, he acts as a freelance spy, happy to use his strange talents in the service of dubious organizations and governments – until, in Kazakhstan, on a personal mission to rescue a former lover, he is sucked into a deadly maelstrom of betrayal that forces him to question all notions of friendship and allegiance.
Relevant to our times, PERFORMANCE ANOMALIES explores the expansion of Beijing’s imperial reach into Central Asia, and the takeover of Kazakhstan. Cono’s main adversary is a brutal Beijing agent whose personality has been twisted by the Cultural Revolution’s devastation of his family. Victor Robert Lee’s topical depiction of a Beijing government pursuing territorial expansion resonates with current tensions over China’s claims on the entire South China Sea.
PERFORMANCE ANOMALIES travels from Brazil and Stanford to Almaty and the Tian Shan mountains, covering a tumultuous emotional landscape along the way. The fate of an oil-rich nation the size of Western Europe is at stake. So, too, is a hidden stockpile of weapons-grade uranium. The Beijing agent craves Cono's suffering; a jihadi cell wants him dead. As the human cost of his mission escalates, Cono realizes that he must turn his strange talents toward higher deeds in the future - if by his guile he can survive the explosive present.
Relevant to our times, PERFORMANCE ANOMALIES explores the expansion of Beijing’s imperial reach into Central Asia, and the takeover of Kazakhstan. Cono’s main adversary is a brutal Beijing agent whose personality has been twisted by the Cultural Revolution’s devastation of his family. Victor Robert Lee’s topical depiction of a Beijing government pursuing territorial expansion resonates with current tensions over China’s claims on the entire South China Sea.
PERFORMANCE ANOMALIES travels from Brazil and Stanford to Almaty and the Tian Shan mountains, covering a tumultuous emotional landscape along the way. The fate of an oil-rich nation the size of Western Europe is at stake. So, too, is a hidden stockpile of weapons-grade uranium. The Beijing agent craves Cono's suffering; a jihadi cell wants him dead. As the human cost of his mission escalates, Cono realizes that he must turn his strange talents toward higher deeds in the future - if by his guile he can survive the explosive present.
290 pages, Hardcover
First published December 20, 2012
10 people are currently reading
785 people want to read
About the author
Victor Robert Lee
2 books16 followersVictor Robert Lee writes on the Asia-Pacific region and is the author of the espionage novel Performance Anomalies, described by The Japan Times as “a thoroughly original work of fiction” and by Singapore's Best of Talking Books as "un-put-down-able." His recent field reporting from the South China Sea and East China Sea can be found in The Diplomat and elsewhere. His reporting has been cited by The Economist, Bloomberg View, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Guardian, Mainichi Shimbun, BBC News, CNN, Asahi Shimbun, The Straits Times, National Geographic and other media, as well as in hearings of the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. He uses a pen name to avoid being denied travel visas by authoritarian governments.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
July 12, 2023
I'll leave you to read the synopsis and just get right down to the nitty gritty! I have to say that initially I didn't think I was going to like this book, but hands up I was wrong. As the story progressed I found that I really didn't want to put it down. It was complex, intriguing, exciting, and I got to the point where I couldn't read it quickly enough.
It's an impressive debut novel, and it's certain that there's going to be a lot more going on in Cono's world in future novels. Well done Victor and thank you for my signed copy.
It's an impressive debut novel, and it's certain that there's going to be a lot more going on in Cono's world in future novels. Well done Victor and thank you for my signed copy.
January 5, 2013
I read a lot--four-eight books a week, primarily thrillers (because that's what I write). After a while, they start sounding alike:
* powerful but flawed hero stands against evil
* a crisis storms in that only s/he can solve and s/he is pulled out of retirement/another job/a satisfying domestic life to assist his/her country/a friend/a stranger
* despite herculean efforts, it threatens to destroy him/her
* at the last minute (sometimes, literally), s/he prevails, a better person because of this trial by fire
I'm always on the look out for a writer who can break out of that template and still provide the fast-moving, gut-wrenching action that makes thrillers the favorite of millions of readers.
I've found him.
Enter Victor Robert Lee and his debut novel, Performance Anomalies (Perimeter Six 2013) where Mr. Lee sets the stage for what could be one of the most riveting series in recent years. I'm not a fan of opening a novel with a dream sequence, but in this case, it worked.
The story is about an unusual man-without-a-country named Cono NLN. Cono has the gift of a hyper-fast neurological system (a genetic mutation), which he uses for good and evil, ambivalent to the purpose. As the book opens, he finds himself haplessly helping a criminal mastermind whom he calls 'friend' to destroy the world. It's not faceless death that forces a second look from this unexpected crime fighter, but that it would destroy what few friends he has, and thus, Cono finds himself re-evaluating his life path. There is lots of back story, but it is so instructive in understanding this man who considers himself a freak, it doesn't detract from the momentum of the plot.
This is a character-driven story, the plot interwoven with the hero's essence. Don't misunderstand: This isn't an introspective account of a man's moral evolution. Yes, that does happen, but what keeps the reader turning pages is the action, the adventure, the power of Lee's voice. The author--through Cono's eyes--treats everyone who populates this fictitious world as though he knows them, with a sense of place and a respect for their culture and attitudes. His writing is crisp, tight, with lots of sensory details to put readers right in the middle of Kazakhstan, a torture session, a sensuous walk along exotic streets. The words are magnetic, making readers want to get to know this man who can slow time like a stop-motion camera, despite his questionable morals and bias for violence. Quickly, readers feel connected to this world, one which most of us will never experience.
A side note: I was curious about Mr. Lee so Googled him and found a wonderful website sharing insight into his world, aka Cono's world. It includes pictures (see below) and sources he uses for his writing--real world performance anomalies, the works of Dr. Oliver Sachs (a personal favorite), brain research. If you are the reader who wants to learn from what you consume rather than escape reality, you will love this.
It is clear from the construction of this story, this is no stand-alone novel. Cono has metamorphosed and we will see the future Him as a protector of good, enemy of evil. I can't wait.
* powerful but flawed hero stands against evil
* a crisis storms in that only s/he can solve and s/he is pulled out of retirement/another job/a satisfying domestic life to assist his/her country/a friend/a stranger
* despite herculean efforts, it threatens to destroy him/her
* at the last minute (sometimes, literally), s/he prevails, a better person because of this trial by fire
I'm always on the look out for a writer who can break out of that template and still provide the fast-moving, gut-wrenching action that makes thrillers the favorite of millions of readers.
I've found him.
Enter Victor Robert Lee and his debut novel, Performance Anomalies (Perimeter Six 2013) where Mr. Lee sets the stage for what could be one of the most riveting series in recent years. I'm not a fan of opening a novel with a dream sequence, but in this case, it worked.
The story is about an unusual man-without-a-country named Cono NLN. Cono has the gift of a hyper-fast neurological system (a genetic mutation), which he uses for good and evil, ambivalent to the purpose. As the book opens, he finds himself haplessly helping a criminal mastermind whom he calls 'friend' to destroy the world. It's not faceless death that forces a second look from this unexpected crime fighter, but that it would destroy what few friends he has, and thus, Cono finds himself re-evaluating his life path. There is lots of back story, but it is so instructive in understanding this man who considers himself a freak, it doesn't detract from the momentum of the plot.
This is a character-driven story, the plot interwoven with the hero's essence. Don't misunderstand: This isn't an introspective account of a man's moral evolution. Yes, that does happen, but what keeps the reader turning pages is the action, the adventure, the power of Lee's voice. The author--through Cono's eyes--treats everyone who populates this fictitious world as though he knows them, with a sense of place and a respect for their culture and attitudes. His writing is crisp, tight, with lots of sensory details to put readers right in the middle of Kazakhstan, a torture session, a sensuous walk along exotic streets. The words are magnetic, making readers want to get to know this man who can slow time like a stop-motion camera, despite his questionable morals and bias for violence. Quickly, readers feel connected to this world, one which most of us will never experience.
A side note: I was curious about Mr. Lee so Googled him and found a wonderful website sharing insight into his world, aka Cono's world. It includes pictures (see below) and sources he uses for his writing--real world performance anomalies, the works of Dr. Oliver Sachs (a personal favorite), brain research. If you are the reader who wants to learn from what you consume rather than escape reality, you will love this.
It is clear from the construction of this story, this is no stand-alone novel. Cono has metamorphosed and we will see the future Him as a protector of good, enemy of evil. I can't wait.
December 4, 2012
Meet Cono, a young man of mixed heritage, born with a genetic anomaly that allows him to perceive time slower than normal. A facial tic tells him someone is to be trusted, a twitch telegraphs friendship or subterfuge.
Born in Brazil, he witnessed his father murder his mother, a beloved woman who taught him to live free and dance. He hasn't a country, but believes that wherever his feet touch soil is where he is supposed to be.
He has few friends, but to those he has, he is fiercely loyal. His job is espionage, and for a man without borders any country is game. He is a mediator, a messenger, sometimes a doer and fixer.
A frantic phone call from Xiao Li, a favored friend and paramour of Chinese descent, starts Performance Anomalies in motion. She has been abducted, so Cono calls in favors to free his lover from the arms of radicals determined to destroy her for reasons unknown.
A race across nations brings Cono to Kazakhstan, a country we learn is at the center of Chinese, American, and Western Europe's hunger for oil and... uranium.
Someone has a store of the powerful metal, and that someone wants to sell it to the jihadists. Cono must stop the transfer, discovering too late, that sometimes the cost is more than the price.
I gave Performance Anomalies a five star review because for a first novel--it was outstanding. The nuance and wisdom culled from the pages are best read with little distraction.
For an American like me, Victor Robert Lee offers a unique world view--one we know little about. The information contained within should be savored like a fine wine, the hidden truths mulled and considered.
While I would not call the novel fast-paced, it is certainly well done with lots of twists and turns. The writing is elegant, and the author is either an extremely talented young man, or someone with a world of experience.
I for one, would like to know this mysterious Victor Robert Lee, who is described as:
Living on the road and writing under a pseudonym.
Well done!
Born in Brazil, he witnessed his father murder his mother, a beloved woman who taught him to live free and dance. He hasn't a country, but believes that wherever his feet touch soil is where he is supposed to be.
He has few friends, but to those he has, he is fiercely loyal. His job is espionage, and for a man without borders any country is game. He is a mediator, a messenger, sometimes a doer and fixer.
A frantic phone call from Xiao Li, a favored friend and paramour of Chinese descent, starts Performance Anomalies in motion. She has been abducted, so Cono calls in favors to free his lover from the arms of radicals determined to destroy her for reasons unknown.
A race across nations brings Cono to Kazakhstan, a country we learn is at the center of Chinese, American, and Western Europe's hunger for oil and... uranium.
Someone has a store of the powerful metal, and that someone wants to sell it to the jihadists. Cono must stop the transfer, discovering too late, that sometimes the cost is more than the price.
I gave Performance Anomalies a five star review because for a first novel--it was outstanding. The nuance and wisdom culled from the pages are best read with little distraction.
For an American like me, Victor Robert Lee offers a unique world view--one we know little about. The information contained within should be savored like a fine wine, the hidden truths mulled and considered.
While I would not call the novel fast-paced, it is certainly well done with lots of twists and turns. The writing is elegant, and the author is either an extremely talented young man, or someone with a world of experience.
I for one, would like to know this mysterious Victor Robert Lee, who is described as:
Living on the road and writing under a pseudonym.
Well done!
August 24, 2013
Performance Anomalies is presented as a spy novel, but it is intelligent fiction that defies categorization. On the one hand there is the swiftly moving story of Cono, the freelance spy, as he takes on a mission in Kazakhstan that soon spins wildly out of control, and on the other hand we get a series of hints, through flashbacks and/or dream sequences, of his bizarre but strangely realistic childhood, starting with surfing as an impoverished child on the beaches of Brazil. There are several other characters in the story, at least two too many, but they all leave a sharp impression. And then there is the writing. Xiao Li, the tough and beautiful woman whom Cono must try to save, was abandoned by her mother when she was thirteen. "And yet Xiao Li always spoke of her mother as if her image were mounted in a red-and-gold picture frame resting on a shrine in the corner of a tidy house, to be venerated and pleased at all times, like a deceased ancestor ever-present and scrutinizing her progeny."
August 26, 2016
The protagonist, Cono, is a freelance spy who has a nervous system which operates about 10 times faster than the normal nervous system. Thus the title "Performance Anomalies". Cono is an incredible anomaly who I would nominate to be the next new X-Man... I'd also nominate this incredible story to be made into a movie.
Cono is called in to action to rescue a lover being held captive by a brutal, tyrannical Chinese agent, and is being used as a political pawn in an attempt to manipulate and gain control of oil resources from a country the size of Western Europe, Kazakhstan.
However, the fate of Kazakhstan is not the only thing at stake... there's a hidden stockpile of uranium...
The cruel Beijing agent not only wants Cono to suffer, but craves it. A Jihadi cell wants him dead...
A very pleasantly written, easily readable (but not dumbed down), hard to categorize work of art. A movie producer would be smart to snag this one up fast. Contains all the elements a reader could want, with lots of action, varying exotic locales, a beyond unique story line, and a hero who you cannot put into a typical "spy box".
I really enjoyed this book, and would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a great, unpredictable, steadily paced read.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free through Goodreads. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Cono is called in to action to rescue a lover being held captive by a brutal, tyrannical Chinese agent, and is being used as a political pawn in an attempt to manipulate and gain control of oil resources from a country the size of Western Europe, Kazakhstan.
However, the fate of Kazakhstan is not the only thing at stake... there's a hidden stockpile of uranium...
The cruel Beijing agent not only wants Cono to suffer, but craves it. A Jihadi cell wants him dead...
A very pleasantly written, easily readable (but not dumbed down), hard to categorize work of art. A movie producer would be smart to snag this one up fast. Contains all the elements a reader could want, with lots of action, varying exotic locales, a beyond unique story line, and a hero who you cannot put into a typical "spy box".
I really enjoyed this book, and would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a great, unpredictable, steadily paced read.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free through Goodreads. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
July 23, 2016
My cousin got this book from a Goodreads give-out, and she gave it to me. I'm in computer science (mostly php), and she thought "Performance Anomalies" might have a computer meaning, which it turns out it does, but in the story the term performance anomalies means the strange and special abilities that this spy Cono has. These abilities (and some related weaknesses) come from a different kind of code than what I deal with-- meaning genetic code. Cono has some genetic differences from other humans, and these give account for an acceleration of his nervous/brain system. The genes involved are on chromosome number 7, that's why the doctors at stanford uni called him CONO 7Q. The way the author writes it, it all sounds believable. And I guess there is so much happening with genes these days that maybe somebody is out there who really is like him, sort of, and just hasn't been discovered yet. There is a lot more to the story than genes and neuro, though, and the way the science is tied to a bigger theme reminds me of Michael Crichton. Margaret Atwood is also really good at using science and what might happen with scientific research. In this book, there is the espionage world Cono lives in, his history as a very poor boy in Brazil, the wild goings on in Kazakhstan with his buddy who is now the head of the BUREAU (like KGB) in Almaty, a sexy woman agent for the CIA from Ukraine, the tough but loveable Xiao Li (Cono's lifelong friend and former girlfriend), the disturbed Chinese secret service guy, the geopolitics of China expanding and taking over other parts of the world, and best of all the weird personality of the hero called Cono. All these concepts and pieces and personalities make for a lot to keep in your mind at the same time, which is why I think this book is best for intelligent readers. (I'm not counting myself because i'm sure there is a lot I missed.) I wish I could have spent more time in the story with the Chinese lady named Xiao Li, who also has quite a different kind of way of thinking and is a little bit nasty to others and foul-mouthed. But I won't say more because I don't want to spoil the ending. Truly enjoyable and smart book. Thank u goodreads.
February 13, 2013
"Performance Anomalies" was a very interesting read! Normally I read mysteries, cozy mysteries, a few suspense romance novels but Spy books just has never been my cup of tea. I did win this book and it really was good.
Cono, the main character has a gifted ability that helps him be great at his job --- which he chases all over the world trying to accomplish. The ending was good and not what I figured would happen. The whole book was nothing predictable making it a thoroughly enjoyable read! Would recommend to anyone who likes any kind of suspense book. Am looking forward to another adventure by Cono! For a first time book, GREAT job to Mr. Victor Robert Lee!
Cono, the main character has a gifted ability that helps him be great at his job --- which he chases all over the world trying to accomplish. The ending was good and not what I figured would happen. The whole book was nothing predictable making it a thoroughly enjoyable read! Would recommend to anyone who likes any kind of suspense book. Am looking forward to another adventure by Cono! For a first time book, GREAT job to Mr. Victor Robert Lee!
August 14, 2016
"The reader is warned that s/he must put on her/his mental running shoes." That's what a reviewer said about one of my favorite books by Richard Dawkins (non-fiction), and it goes the same for this novel. The main character, a spy called Cono, has a complicated history that is revisited at various points in the story, and his time being studied by the scientists and doctors at a university gives a look into genetics and neuroscience. Then comes the whole Kazakhstan & China & jihadis & oil & government takeover and the drama around the woman Xiao Li, who is Cono's past lover, who has her own complex past. A very satisfying and absorbing read that demanded my attention.
November 24, 2012
CONO is the perfect wheeler and dealer. He's a loner who's got several girls he cares for but no attachments stopping him from globe-trotting to each new, dangerous job. The story begins when he gets an early morning telephone call in Istanbul, Turkey, that a woman, Xiao Lin, is being held captive in Kazakhstan. He sets out to rescue her, only to be sucked into a business deal that will involve bidders for oil-rich Kazakhstan. Xiao Lin is kidnapped again, to make sure he doesn't back out of the deal and to assure he will be successful. He knows there's something way out of the ordinary about this job but his feelings for Xiao Lin keep him proceeding according to the plans he's been given.
There's plenty of blood, guts and gore for the addicted spy thriller fans and an added piece to the mystery that involves getting uranium for nuclear weapons. As the story develops, CONO makes plenty of enemies, including the Chinese who will do anything to get what they want and a jihadist whose mission and goals CONO understands but is not willing to assist. What CONO sees as just a business deal for money is to others power that is far-reaching beyond oil-rich fields. The reader has to be sharp with the number of names and places that appear without a moment's notice in this fast-paced thriller, but it's well worth the effort.
Performance Anomalies is a roller-coaster ride through a relatively unknown part of the world to most Westerners but it is all the more real because it bears so much factual basis that could just be happening today or in the near future. CONO is a cool, highly skilled dealer and killer when he has to be who does the job so well that the political future of Kazakhstan changes because of his action. Neatly done, Victor Robert Lee!
There's plenty of blood, guts and gore for the addicted spy thriller fans and an added piece to the mystery that involves getting uranium for nuclear weapons. As the story develops, CONO makes plenty of enemies, including the Chinese who will do anything to get what they want and a jihadist whose mission and goals CONO understands but is not willing to assist. What CONO sees as just a business deal for money is to others power that is far-reaching beyond oil-rich fields. The reader has to be sharp with the number of names and places that appear without a moment's notice in this fast-paced thriller, but it's well worth the effort.
Performance Anomalies is a roller-coaster ride through a relatively unknown part of the world to most Westerners but it is all the more real because it bears so much factual basis that could just be happening today or in the near future. CONO is a cool, highly skilled dealer and killer when he has to be who does the job so well that the political future of Kazakhstan changes because of his action. Neatly done, Victor Robert Lee!
August 27, 2013
DISCLOSURE: I was given a copy of this novel by Victor Robert Lee in exchange for an honest review. :)
This book needs to be a movie. That's all I could think while reading it, from start to finish. I'll tell you right now, I don't usually read spy or thriller style novels, but after reading this I think I might need to look into reading more of them. The characters in this book are a masterpiece.
Cono breaks the mould of every sort of stereotypical spy hero. He manages to be simultaneously a cut above the rest of us, while still maintaining human flaws. I feel Mr. Lee managed a feat seldom achieved by even seasoned authors, and this is his first novel!
The story is interesting and fast paced for almost the entire book - the only thing that really kept this from being a five-star read for me is that there are some slight pacing issues before the first half. I am confident in future work the author will get even better in this regard. Overall, it's a minor flaw in a really enjoyable read.
My favourite part of this book, though, is simply how cinematic it all is. The author is a master of non-cluttered description, particularly of action scenes and geography. I can't wait to read about future travels of Cono - I felt like I really learned about new places as I read.
I really, really, really want this book to be a film.
This book needs to be a movie. That's all I could think while reading it, from start to finish. I'll tell you right now, I don't usually read spy or thriller style novels, but after reading this I think I might need to look into reading more of them. The characters in this book are a masterpiece.
Cono breaks the mould of every sort of stereotypical spy hero. He manages to be simultaneously a cut above the rest of us, while still maintaining human flaws. I feel Mr. Lee managed a feat seldom achieved by even seasoned authors, and this is his first novel!
The story is interesting and fast paced for almost the entire book - the only thing that really kept this from being a five-star read for me is that there are some slight pacing issues before the first half. I am confident in future work the author will get even better in this regard. Overall, it's a minor flaw in a really enjoyable read.
My favourite part of this book, though, is simply how cinematic it all is. The author is a master of non-cluttered description, particularly of action scenes and geography. I can't wait to read about future travels of Cono - I felt like I really learned about new places as I read.
I really, really, really want this book to be a film.
October 12, 2013
The story involves Cono, a spy who's an orphan from Brazil and has a neurological condition that makes him view the world like he's watching it through one of those high speed video cameras, causing everything to appear slowed down, like the way they shot the movie Inception. Very interesting set-up, just wish the author had shown us more abilities that come with that neurological condition. Cono is tough and it takes a while to like him; for me, it was the same way at the beginning with Walt in Breaking Bad.
January 5, 2014
This novel made me think about so many different things. Genetics and whether the genetic differences between humans are significant. What it would really be like to grow up as a total orphan, getting by in the wild. The exotic and corrupt country of Kazakhstan (which I never thought about visiting but now I do, and Istanbul too). What it would be like to have the mental and physical high-speed processing that the hero "Cono" has. How to decide who to help in your life. What is friendship. And all of those things are embedded in an intriguing espionage tale with lots of twisted, complicated characters. Problem: there are two connected characters, Irina and Katerina, and I wish it had been clear what the connection was; not enough explanation there. But a superb novel that I can easily see being turned into a Bourne-type movie.
April 28, 2013
I was delighted to receive this book from Goodreads Giveaways!
The author, "Victor Robert Lee", creates a story line about Cono, a young man of mixed heritage, born with a genetic mutation, which translates to having the gift of a hyper-fast neurological system. His job is that of espionage, with a race across nations brings Cono to Kazakhstan, a country we learn is at the center of Chinese, American, and Western Europe's hunger for oil and uranium.
This book is a fast-paced Thriller with lots of twists and turns, I did not want to put this book down.
I would highly recommend this book as a "Must Read" for any person who loves to read Thrillers.
The author, "Victor Robert Lee", creates a story line about Cono, a young man of mixed heritage, born with a genetic mutation, which translates to having the gift of a hyper-fast neurological system. His job is that of espionage, with a race across nations brings Cono to Kazakhstan, a country we learn is at the center of Chinese, American, and Western Europe's hunger for oil and uranium.
This book is a fast-paced Thriller with lots of twists and turns, I did not want to put this book down.
I would highly recommend this book as a "Must Read" for any person who loves to read Thrillers.
April 20, 2013
I loved it. Takes you to a different world, and into a very different mind-- of the spy character Cono. One of a kind. Makes me think of the Go-playing hero Nicholai Hel in Shibumi.
August 15, 2013
I received this book thanks to a FirstReads giveaway, I'm thankful for the quick response and the book reached me within a few days.
Cono is a young man who is a freelance spy, he offers his skills to all kinds of organisations. He has a troubled heritage and he is gifted (or cursed) with an advanced neurological system. He travels to Kazakhstan after a call to rescue the beautiful Xiao Li. In doing this, Cono is sucked into bigger matters. There are plenty of people who want him dead and there is a lot at stake including a hidden stockpile of weapon-grade uranium. Through the course of the book he has to question all of his current alliances and friendships.
This is the first sort of book like this I have read and I'm glad I took the chance. This is a very good first novel from Victor Robert Lee. I found it to be well-paced considering how much was fitted in. Nothing ever dragged on for too long and it was never rushed either.
I liked Cono, he was interesting and stood out from all other characters, obviously because of his appearance but also the type of person he is. He made a great main character and we were given plenty of information about him so we are interested to know more about him.
I of course liked Xiao Li. I can't imagine anybody that doesn't like the sexy, fiece female character.
All other characters were given enough detail for me to give an opinion about them and imagine their actions more vividly.
Perhaps maybe a few of them I would consider to be stereotypical, but I can look over this as I feel each one fitted well in the story in the way they were written.
I enjoyed reading a story set in areas that I don't really know much about. Having it set in an unfamiliar land to me made me think even more about the story and its inspiring to read up more about the places. It's also refreshing to not read about something set in the U.S.A for once.
I am not yet used to this sort of book so at times I found it hard to keep up with plot details. However, I'm putting this down to my inexperience with the genre.
I'm glad I had the chance to read this new thriller release and I look forward to seeing what else Victor Robert Lee may produce.
Cono is a young man who is a freelance spy, he offers his skills to all kinds of organisations. He has a troubled heritage and he is gifted (or cursed) with an advanced neurological system. He travels to Kazakhstan after a call to rescue the beautiful Xiao Li. In doing this, Cono is sucked into bigger matters. There are plenty of people who want him dead and there is a lot at stake including a hidden stockpile of weapon-grade uranium. Through the course of the book he has to question all of his current alliances and friendships.
This is the first sort of book like this I have read and I'm glad I took the chance. This is a very good first novel from Victor Robert Lee. I found it to be well-paced considering how much was fitted in. Nothing ever dragged on for too long and it was never rushed either.
I liked Cono, he was interesting and stood out from all other characters, obviously because of his appearance but also the type of person he is. He made a great main character and we were given plenty of information about him so we are interested to know more about him.
I of course liked Xiao Li. I can't imagine anybody that doesn't like the sexy, fiece female character.
All other characters were given enough detail for me to give an opinion about them and imagine their actions more vividly.
Perhaps maybe a few of them I would consider to be stereotypical, but I can look over this as I feel each one fitted well in the story in the way they were written.
I enjoyed reading a story set in areas that I don't really know much about. Having it set in an unfamiliar land to me made me think even more about the story and its inspiring to read up more about the places. It's also refreshing to not read about something set in the U.S.A for once.
I am not yet used to this sort of book so at times I found it hard to keep up with plot details. However, I'm putting this down to my inexperience with the genre.
I'm glad I had the chance to read this new thriller release and I look forward to seeing what else Victor Robert Lee may produce.
February 13, 2013
This debut novel is definitely a literary cloak and dagger thriller and I hope it is just the start of a captivating series. The story is fast paced and very intriguing, I found it a bit hard to get into at first but within a few chapters I had grasped the style and I had a feeling the author would expand on the pertinent details in the following paragraphs. Elegantly written this spy novel introduces Cono a protagonist who can run with the best. This young man of mixed heritage is blessed with a hyper-fast neurological system. With this asset and other natural talents he acts as a freelance spy offering his services to dubious organizations and governments. This is not a drawn out story with excess information or a book you can read a few pages at a time. I feel concentration is a must, the more you are into the storyline, the more you will enjoy connecting the dots and see the whole picture and not miss anything along the way.
“Performance Anomalies” brings Cono to Kazakhstan on a personal mission to rescue a former lover who has a habit of following the rich and famous who run the line between corrupt and good business. The country is rich in natural resources, oil for one with Beijing as its main buyer and uranium which is coveted by the Soviet market. These resources are also highly targeted by jihadists who will go to extremes to gain control of them.
Once there he is sucked into a maelstrom of troubling events, some very explosive and violent. He also quickly finds himself targeted by this growing underground force. As the plot thickens there is no shortage of action and details that are guaranteed to stimulate ones imagination. The mystery reaches far beyond the confines of one country and a hefty price awaits anyone who interferes.
I would consider this debut novel to be an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys thrillers with a twist
“Performance Anomalies” brings Cono to Kazakhstan on a personal mission to rescue a former lover who has a habit of following the rich and famous who run the line between corrupt and good business. The country is rich in natural resources, oil for one with Beijing as its main buyer and uranium which is coveted by the Soviet market. These resources are also highly targeted by jihadists who will go to extremes to gain control of them.
Once there he is sucked into a maelstrom of troubling events, some very explosive and violent. He also quickly finds himself targeted by this growing underground force. As the plot thickens there is no shortage of action and details that are guaranteed to stimulate ones imagination. The mystery reaches far beyond the confines of one country and a hefty price awaits anyone who interferes.
I would consider this debut novel to be an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys thrillers with a twist
January 3, 2014
Performance Anomalies! This is another book that I received as a giveaway, especially for India. Thank you, Victor Robert Lee. It is indeed proud to see the autograph of author on a book that touches all events on the timeline of Cono. It was a grand welcome to Cono’s World. Everything from his childhood, his adolescence, his anomalies, and now when he is fully a man has been inked very interestingly. Characters (Cono, Xiao Li, Dimira, Timur Betov, Katerina, Mukhtar, Tamaris, Azmat, Zheng, Nurbek, Bulat) are carved with much care to bring the right thing out of them. Cono’s relation with Xiao Li was most interesting part for me. I was always ready to read how he got up to Xiao Li and how their relation became intense, until Timur appeared as a villain – cum – friend to Cono. Cono’s efforts to free Xiao Li from the room above The General (Chapter 7) would be my anytime-wakeup-to-read chapter. The research done by the author to write this novel has no words to be described. There have been a lot of informative parts about countries like Kazakhstan, Krygystan, Russia and China as well as Cities like Almaty, Zelyony, Dostyk, Bishkek and few others that I am missing . A person like me, who is totally unaware of the USSR and the history of Weapons of Mass Destruction, has got a great insight. Now with help of Google and Performance Anomalies, I can get into more understanding of what had happened. The climax was totally unbearable around Xiao Li and I would not like to elaborate much as that would open the entire book for you. It would be good if you put your efforts to get one, read and then know what happened to Cono, Xiao Li, Dimira, Timur, Mukhtar, Tamaris and all others. I would certainly want this to be a BEST SELLER with 5 stars from me. Hope to see a sequel soon.
July 24, 2013
I must begin by saying that 'Performance Anomalies' is a finely crafted book. Detective or Special Agent novels are not generally my cup of tea but this book surely has my appreciation.
The story revolves around the protagonist Cono, and spans through time and countries. The plot unfolds at a brisk rate initially but picks up speed soon and the author takes care not to leave too many loose ends, it surely has the ability to bind the reader. The language is also not too vocabulary-intensive.
By the parameters of a debut novel this is some great stuff and I'm all praise for the author.
The story revolves around the protagonist Cono, and spans through time and countries. The plot unfolds at a brisk rate initially but picks up speed soon and the author takes care not to leave too many loose ends, it surely has the ability to bind the reader. The language is also not too vocabulary-intensive.
By the parameters of a debut novel this is some great stuff and I'm all praise for the author.
May 20, 2024
“Performance Anomalies” by Victor Robert Lee was and interesting and enjoyable read. A great first novel. Lee has created a character named Cono, that has a past as unique as his vamped up neurological system. (Something that is both good and bad with the character.) Cono is not American Pie good, nor is he dastardly evil. He's somewhere in the confusing quagmire of life. Good? Bad? Indifferent? Does it just depend?
Cono is a character that is hard to figure out at times, but maybe that is because Cono doesn't know himself at times either. That is part of what makes this story so interesting. The story is set in Kazakhstan and features a number of interesting characters, some of whom you feel sorry for and others that you feel the would would have been better if they never existed. All are woven into a story that contains suspense, action, and intrigue.
While I've lived and traveled throughout Asia, I'm unfamiliar with the part of the world this story takes place. I'm sure most Americans are. I felt the author did a great job of capturing the feel of the locations from what I can only guess from movies and other books was fairly accurate. Regardless, I liked how he wrote about the locations and people living there.
It wasn't a super fast-paced shoot 'em up type of thriller, but it had enough action along with twists and turns to keep your attention and make you want to keep turning pages. Again, a great first novel and I'll look forward to more from Victor Robert Lee, who is living on the road and writing under a pseudonym.
Cono is a character that is hard to figure out at times, but maybe that is because Cono doesn't know himself at times either. That is part of what makes this story so interesting. The story is set in Kazakhstan and features a number of interesting characters, some of whom you feel sorry for and others that you feel the would would have been better if they never existed. All are woven into a story that contains suspense, action, and intrigue.
While I've lived and traveled throughout Asia, I'm unfamiliar with the part of the world this story takes place. I'm sure most Americans are. I felt the author did a great job of capturing the feel of the locations from what I can only guess from movies and other books was fairly accurate. Regardless, I liked how he wrote about the locations and people living there.
It wasn't a super fast-paced shoot 'em up type of thriller, but it had enough action along with twists and turns to keep your attention and make you want to keep turning pages. Again, a great first novel and I'll look forward to more from Victor Robert Lee, who is living on the road and writing under a pseudonym.
July 7, 2014
Interesting, exciting, strange. Three things you can say are true about this first in a series thriller. An independent operator, who has more money than he will ever need because of a computer adaptation of a genetic difference of his own nervous system, bounces around the world playing at being a covert agent until he runs into the reality of the world. When games turn into real pain for real people that he knows, things change. It was a wild ride.
June 9, 2013
Performance Anomalies is about Cono, a man without any ties or citizenship to any country. The only thing that makes him special is is ability to see motion quicker than a normal person could see. His neurological system is wired to see movement and not still object. This gives him the ability to react quicker to his situations. However his ability required him to go into a deep sleep to be functional.
Cono received a call out of the blue from Xiao Li, his ex-lover, in Kazakhstan. Instead of calling his connection to help her, he went to Kazakhstan to get her out of the country. He is pulled into deeper into political circumstances surrounding China, the jihad cell, and the Kazakhstan government to be the neutral party for an oil transaction between China and Kazakhstan. But things are not what they seemed.
Cono has asked his friend Timur Betov to aid him. But Xiao Li got herself into situation when one of her client told her too much information that the Chinese wants her dead to keep their secret. Cono, now needs to deal with whom he could trust in this international spy thriller.
Performance Anomalies has so much details. There is a flashback for Cono's past life that provides the foundation to his character and that leads to his current situation. Cono has no alliance with any countries. Cono is put to a test of whether friendship or politics will survive. It is the question what is the price of freedom.
Performance Anomalies also shows how quick China is building their infrastructures. It shows that each country will put their agendas first no matter what the consequences are. The only check and balance is humiliation (aka "to save face").
Cono received a call out of the blue from Xiao Li, his ex-lover, in Kazakhstan. Instead of calling his connection to help her, he went to Kazakhstan to get her out of the country. He is pulled into deeper into political circumstances surrounding China, the jihad cell, and the Kazakhstan government to be the neutral party for an oil transaction between China and Kazakhstan. But things are not what they seemed.
Cono has asked his friend Timur Betov to aid him. But Xiao Li got herself into situation when one of her client told her too much information that the Chinese wants her dead to keep their secret. Cono, now needs to deal with whom he could trust in this international spy thriller.
Performance Anomalies has so much details. There is a flashback for Cono's past life that provides the foundation to his character and that leads to his current situation. Cono has no alliance with any countries. Cono is put to a test of whether friendship or politics will survive. It is the question what is the price of freedom.
Performance Anomalies also shows how quick China is building their infrastructures. It shows that each country will put their agendas first no matter what the consequences are. The only check and balance is humiliation (aka "to save face").
December 23, 2013
Great book! Doesn't seem like it came from a debutant author. The plot is excellent, and very unpredictable. As mentioned, Cono(the protagonist) is betrayed by people whom he believed to be his friends. Cono has the superpowers of superfast reflexes, which we may think of as a gift, but after the reading the novel, you will seriously doubt it. The author has made use of betrayal, I would say, in the best way possible. It has many beautiful and original quotes like: "A kite only flies if it’s tethered." or "“To make a friend you must close one eye. And to keep a friend, you must close both eyes.” which give an insight to human nature. It is an excellent read for people searching for non stop thrill. Cono, even though has the power of superfast reflexes, still gets beaten up and falls in all sorts of trouble, i.e. the story is practical! The language used by the author is also very good. Overall It is a must read. Thumbs up to Victor, for such an awesome novel!
June 26, 2014
A friend gave me this for summer vacation-- for action, adventure, and exotic places. It was action-packed, but it was also packed with ideas and inspirations. What a weird "spy novel". The main character, Cono, is weird like the book, but I'm still thinking about him. His brain is a bit loco, but mostly in a good way, reacting to the world in a way no one else can. In the book the supposed reason is his strange genetical background, but I think it may be because of his early life in South America, so primitive, living in the forest. Well anyway, I hope I see this spy hero some more. I'll miss him.
July 29, 2014
wow. I really liked the book a lot..mainly because of cono. he is a superhero. "A friend in need is a friend indeed.".. and i guess cono aptly justifies this above mentioned line.. he can do whatever, go anywhere and do anything to save his friends. well i somehow wanted cono to honor Xiao Li by accepting his son.. but at last i realized cono did the right thing..after all there was no proof and he is such an independent soul..anyways this book was wonderfully written.. and thank you Victor Robert Lee.. i learned a lot about Kazakhstan. I've recommended this book to all my friends.
August 3, 2016
Performance Anomalies is a thrilling debut novel by Victor Robert Lee. Plunged into Almaty, Kazakhstan this twisted plot of love, friendship, and betrayal takes the reader for a thrilling roller coaster journey to see who you and the main character, Cono can really trust. A very surprising ending that shows the good guys can't always win, but it could have been a little stronger.
Cono and Lee's book have the potential to be made into a series that will be sure to grab the attention of any special mission/ thriller reader or thinker.
Cono and Lee's book have the potential to be made into a series that will be sure to grab the attention of any special mission/ thriller reader or thinker.
December 9, 2015
A memorable start for a first novel and what can easily become an espionage thriller series. This book is not something I typically enjoy, but for the right kind of (niche) reader, it can easily be a hit.
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I'd like to thank Lindsey James from Perimeter Six Press for sending me a copy to enjoy.
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Review moved to https://covers2covers.wordpress.com/2...
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I'd like to thank Lindsey James from Perimeter Six Press for sending me a copy to enjoy.
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Review moved to https://covers2covers.wordpress.com/2...
February 14, 2013
A wonderfully different kind of novel. For a spy story, it has an unusual degree of sexual tension, which added a lot. I identified with Dimira, the school teacher, even though she is from far-away Kazakhstan and has had a much rougher life than me. A powerful and moving tale that went by too fast. I just wish that one particular character had lived.
April 16, 2017
Performance Anomalies by Victor Lee Robert Our hero, Cono, is a free-lance spy. With his heightened nervous system, mixed heritage, and gift for languages, he makes a great spy. Now he’s on a personal mission to assist a friend out of a heap of trouble. In Kazakhstan, the stakes are raised as European oil resources are threatened and weapons-grade uranium comes into play.
I was easily swept up by this book. Cono is perfect for espionage and it was refreshing to have a non-Caucasian hero. His mixed heritage and linguistic skills allow him to blend into so many different cultures. Cono is sometimes referred to as Cono 7Q and there’s a short flashback that explains this. He has a rare mutation on gene 7Q that accelerates his nervous system, giving him an extra edge. He can pick up on minutia and interpret their meanings quickly. Also, he has lightning fast reflexes. He’s just on the edge of being a superhero.
Early in the story, he receives a desperate call from his former lover Xiao Li. She’s currently working as a classy prostitute and unfortunately she witnessed something she shouldn’t have. Now her life is in jeopardy. Cono is several countries away but he calls in a favor with his long-time friend Timur who can get to Xiao Li quickly.
Once Cono meets up with Timur, things get messy. There are plenty of things that Cono and Xiao Li are unaware of, making it difficult to figure out who is on their side or against them. I really enjoyed the changing allegiances as people make backroom alliances. It made it so much harder for Cono and Xiao Li to untangle themselves from this mess.
My one quibble with this story is how the ladies are sexual objects or love interests, each of them. Now they are a bit better than Bond Women in that each of them has their own personality and a role that affects the plot. Still, I couldn’t help giggling and rolling my eyes a bit as each woman wanted to bed Cono. Maybe that 7Q gene also puts out an irresistible pheromone. Dimira is a teacher and has known Cono for some years. She provides a temporary safe house and some contacts for Cono. Katerina, a Russian asset, has also known Cono for some years and has enjoyed his personal company on their dealings. Xiao Li struck me as rather petulant and self-centered. While I didn’t like her character very much, I did like how she was a catalyst for the story and how Cono risked much for her safety.
There’s this torture scene that had me laughing quite a bit. Now that makes me sound a bit demented but Cono came up with an excellent way to get under the skin of his captor. The torture was harsh but Cono’s response was all defiance but defiance with a solid understanding of how to demean his captor in front of his lackeys. It was great. That is my favorite scene from this book.
I’m definitely looking forward to more adventures of Cono 7Q. This book kept me up to 1am as I didn’t want to put it down.
I received a free copy of this book.
The Narration: David Pittu was a very good fit for this book. He did an excellent Cono, giving him a vague, unplaceable accent (as the book describes it). There were a ton of accents in this book and to my untrained ear, he did a good job of keeping each one distinct. There were also plenty of characters who yelled and Pittu used skill in making it sound like yelling without actually raising his voice and blowing out my ear drums. His female voices were varied and believable. There were a few tender moments and he did a good job working with those emotions.
I was easily swept up by this book. Cono is perfect for espionage and it was refreshing to have a non-Caucasian hero. His mixed heritage and linguistic skills allow him to blend into so many different cultures. Cono is sometimes referred to as Cono 7Q and there’s a short flashback that explains this. He has a rare mutation on gene 7Q that accelerates his nervous system, giving him an extra edge. He can pick up on minutia and interpret their meanings quickly. Also, he has lightning fast reflexes. He’s just on the edge of being a superhero.
Early in the story, he receives a desperate call from his former lover Xiao Li. She’s currently working as a classy prostitute and unfortunately she witnessed something she shouldn’t have. Now her life is in jeopardy. Cono is several countries away but he calls in a favor with his long-time friend Timur who can get to Xiao Li quickly.
Once Cono meets up with Timur, things get messy. There are plenty of things that Cono and Xiao Li are unaware of, making it difficult to figure out who is on their side or against them. I really enjoyed the changing allegiances as people make backroom alliances. It made it so much harder for Cono and Xiao Li to untangle themselves from this mess.
My one quibble with this story is how the ladies are sexual objects or love interests, each of them. Now they are a bit better than Bond Women in that each of them has their own personality and a role that affects the plot. Still, I couldn’t help giggling and rolling my eyes a bit as each woman wanted to bed Cono. Maybe that 7Q gene also puts out an irresistible pheromone. Dimira is a teacher and has known Cono for some years. She provides a temporary safe house and some contacts for Cono. Katerina, a Russian asset, has also known Cono for some years and has enjoyed his personal company on their dealings. Xiao Li struck me as rather petulant and self-centered. While I didn’t like her character very much, I did like how she was a catalyst for the story and how Cono risked much for her safety.
There’s this torture scene that had me laughing quite a bit. Now that makes me sound a bit demented but Cono came up with an excellent way to get under the skin of his captor. The torture was harsh but Cono’s response was all defiance but defiance with a solid understanding of how to demean his captor in front of his lackeys. It was great. That is my favorite scene from this book.
I’m definitely looking forward to more adventures of Cono 7Q. This book kept me up to 1am as I didn’t want to put it down.
I received a free copy of this book.
The Narration: David Pittu was a very good fit for this book. He did an excellent Cono, giving him a vague, unplaceable accent (as the book describes it). There were a ton of accents in this book and to my untrained ear, he did a good job of keeping each one distinct. There were also plenty of characters who yelled and Pittu used skill in making it sound like yelling without actually raising his voice and blowing out my ear drums. His female voices were varied and believable. There were a few tender moments and he did a good job working with those emotions.
September 3, 2013
Well after reading Performance Anomalies I'd have to say that Victor Robert Lee has created an interesting new male lead in the spy genre with his Cono character. Cono is gifted with lighting fast processing skills & reflexes which he uses to help out various international interests. You can't help but feel for Cono & his drifting life style. But I also found myself disliking him too...he seems to flit through life without laws. He is an interesting blend of personalities. I look forward to seeing how Lee decides to expand the character & the series.
August 5, 2013
I won this book as part of Goodreads' First Reads program.
On the outside, this book should have appealed to me more. It is short, fast paced, lots of action, some twists and turns, and had a James Bond-esque protagonist. But I just had a hard time sitting down to read it. What should have taken me 2 days lasted almost a week. The main problem was Cono just didn't resonate with me. If James Bond was able to have a child with one of his super villains, that kid would be Cono, sexually charged without any discernable loyalties or morals. He really only cares about 2 things: women and thrills. And in that order. Through out the whole novel we see Cono being led around by everyone else. He never really takes charge and tries to get in front of the plot in front of him. He reacts far too much for this type of novel. And what he is reacting too is a confusing plot line where everyone has questionable motivations. I just stopped trying to determine what was driving everyone, what side they were on, and ignored the plot holes to just try and enjoy the book.
I think Cono himself is an interesting character if used right. His performance anomaly is an interesting twist in the action genre. Would love to see this fleshed out more, maybe add in a few other people with their own performance anomalies and see what happens.
I gave the book 2 stars. It had a lot of potential, but I just wasn't drawn in. If there is another book, I will probably check it out just to see if Cono can reel me in.
On the outside, this book should have appealed to me more. It is short, fast paced, lots of action, some twists and turns, and had a James Bond-esque protagonist. But I just had a hard time sitting down to read it. What should have taken me 2 days lasted almost a week. The main problem was Cono just didn't resonate with me. If James Bond was able to have a child with one of his super villains, that kid would be Cono, sexually charged without any discernable loyalties or morals. He really only cares about 2 things: women and thrills. And in that order. Through out the whole novel we see Cono being led around by everyone else. He never really takes charge and tries to get in front of the plot in front of him. He reacts far too much for this type of novel. And what he is reacting too is a confusing plot line where everyone has questionable motivations. I just stopped trying to determine what was driving everyone, what side they were on, and ignored the plot holes to just try and enjoy the book.
I think Cono himself is an interesting character if used right. His performance anomaly is an interesting twist in the action genre. Would love to see this fleshed out more, maybe add in a few other people with their own performance anomalies and see what happens.
I gave the book 2 stars. It had a lot of potential, but I just wasn't drawn in. If there is another book, I will probably check it out just to see if Cono can reel me in.
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