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Code Red #3
Outbreak
Thirteen-year-old Ben is spending the summer in the Congo where his father is examining a valuable mineral mining operation. But a mysterious killer virus is spreading throughout the country which the mine manager is trying to hush up. It’s up to Ben and his friend, Halima, to prevent disaster.
296 pages, Hardcover
First published October 23, 2007
33 people are currently reading
264 people want to read
About the author
Chris Ryan
327Ìýbooks991ÌýfollowersColin Armstrong (b. 1961), usually known by the pen-name Chris Ryan, is a British author, television presenter, security consultant and former Special Air Service sergeant.
After the publication of fellow patrol member Andy McNab's Bravo Two Zero in 1993, Ryan published his own account of his experiences during the Bravo Two Zero mission in 1995, entitled The One That Got Away. Since retiring from the British Army Ryan has published several fiction and non-fiction books, including Strike Back, which was subsequently adapted into a television series for Sky 1, and co-created the ITV action series Ultimate Force. He has also presented or appeared in numerous television documentaries connected to the military or law enforcement.
After the publication of fellow patrol member Andy McNab's Bravo Two Zero in 1993, Ryan published his own account of his experiences during the Bravo Two Zero mission in 1995, entitled The One That Got Away. Since retiring from the British Army Ryan has published several fiction and non-fiction books, including Strike Back, which was subsequently adapted into a television series for Sky 1, and co-created the ITV action series Ultimate Force. He has also presented or appeared in numerous television documentaries connected to the military or law enforcement.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 26, 2013
It was an amazing book. I read it in 2 days becasue i could not put it down
November 22, 2015
This was one of my favourite books.I rated five out of five because it wass a well intense story that gave me mixed emotions. I was sad when some the part hapened and happy for the others.
This book is about a boy called Ben Tracey who I think is a rebel, because he always does the opposite he is told, he goes to Democratic Republic of Congo with his fathers in the worst time possible. A virus is spreading
This book is about a boy called Ben Tracey who I think is a rebel, because he always does the opposite he is told, he goes to Democratic Republic of Congo with his fathers in the worst time possible. A virus is spreading
August 4, 2009
Best Code Red so far. Simple.
November 26, 2023
I enjoyed this book. I have not read any of the Code Red Series and if this is an example of the others, I can't wait to get my hands on them.
The story focuses on Ben Tracey the son of Russell Tracey and his trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo, an extremely dangerous part of the world. His job is to inspect a mine and determine if the ore is of a high quality, but the mine has something dangerous hidden in its depths.
Ben teams up with a local girl (Halima), to expose the mine employees and owners who are hiding the potential disaster for the world.
The story focuses on Ben Tracey the son of Russell Tracey and his trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo, an extremely dangerous part of the world. His job is to inspect a mine and determine if the ore is of a high quality, but the mine has something dangerous hidden in its depths.
Ben teams up with a local girl (Halima), to expose the mine employees and owners who are hiding the potential disaster for the world.
April 25, 2020
Another great little book from Chris Ryan - for younger readers. An expert with his adult themed work, Ryan's younger audience can look forward to terrific stories and until then enjoy amazing heroics from his young heroes and heroines. I still enjoy them too - even at my old age!
March 19, 2025
I read this when I was very young. Out of all the Chris Ryan books I remember this one the best. I rated all of them 3 as I vaguely recall it but this one 4 as I can still remember the time I read it .
March 25, 2019
Best of the first three books.
October 21, 2019
Mostly gripping. I wish I knew what happened next...
October 31, 2020
Good adventure read.
Can be read as standalone.
Can be read as standalone.
January 20, 2021
Thoughtless
Predictable more of less from the outset. I would rate this as a comic without pictures. Should I carry on reading Chris Ryan books?
Predictable more of less from the outset. I would rate this as a comic without pictures. Should I carry on reading Chris Ryan books?
May 10, 2021
Reminds me of Coronavirus
June 21, 2021
Awesome novel ,no words to praise the Author
,I was not able to keep the book away still I finished .
,I was not able to keep the book away still I finished .
October 18, 2021
The real Africa
Eddie74 a quite enjoyable read. I think it could develop into a series about Ben and Halima as they grow up and keep in touch.
Eddie74 a quite enjoyable read. I think it could develop into a series about Ben and Halima as they grow up and keep in touch.
December 14, 2023
it was horrible don't recomend
August 8, 2024
Definitely an entertaining series.
I enjoyed the story in this one more than the first two, so I'm hoping this continues with the following ones.
I enjoyed the story in this one more than the first two, so I'm hoping this continues with the following ones.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2024
A bit like the famous five
Hero a teenage boy, made the book a bit like a young persons story. A good read non the less
Hero a teenage boy, made the book a bit like a young persons story. A good read non the less
January 19, 2025
Mistakenly picked this up not realising it's a young adult book, still a good read regardless.
June 30, 2014
Must say I'm surprised by how much i truly enjoyed this book. There where a few eye rolling coincidence moments towards the end but over all what a remarkable story about strong willed and incredible individuals!
I still think it seems a little egotistical for Chris Ryan to have his name in such ginormous print on all his books - other much more famous writers seem to do well enough without resorting to this type of thing, But for now I'll try not to pass judgement and just sit confused pondering as to the possible reasons why....
Anyways throughout this book there where hints and nuggets of information about previous books to do with Ben - Seems impossible, how can anywhere else be as fantastically dangerous as Africa? so I'm quite intrigued. Especially how one is based in Australia. So I'm going to hunt those down.
As for this book, I'm going to rate it a solid 4 stars based purely on enjoyment and ignore all the other details of a rating system. Fun Read.
Enjoy action and kids surviving the almost impossible?
Read this book then!!
I still think it seems a little egotistical for Chris Ryan to have his name in such ginormous print on all his books - other much more famous writers seem to do well enough without resorting to this type of thing, But for now I'll try not to pass judgement and just sit confused pondering as to the possible reasons why....
Anyways throughout this book there where hints and nuggets of information about previous books to do with Ben - Seems impossible, how can anywhere else be as fantastically dangerous as Africa? so I'm quite intrigued. Especially how one is based in Australia. So I'm going to hunt those down.
As for this book, I'm going to rate it a solid 4 stars based purely on enjoyment and ignore all the other details of a rating system. Fun Read.
Enjoy action and kids surviving the almost impossible?
Read this book then!!
December 17, 2015
Scientist and his son visit the Congo to investigate a new mine and end up stuck in a village where a deadly Ebola-like virus has been unleashed. Told from the son's perspective this was an exciting listen. His father contracts the virus so young Ben has to fight the unscrupulous mine owners who are hell bent on making money, regardless of the horrific risk. Not read Chris Ryan before, but may see what else he has written now.
October 14, 2015
4.5 STARS
Read from 16/7/15 - 23/7/15
All I have to say is my favourite character is Abele. He is so strong, certain and willing to protect others as well as himself. I can't believe he died - but obviously someone had to otherwise the story wouldn't have been realistic.
Then again, Ben seemed to really find himself throughout this book. He learned what really matters and changed so much.
Throughout I was intrigued - I've never read anything so extravagant, raw and colourful.
Read from 16/7/15 - 23/7/15
All I have to say is my favourite character is Abele. He is so strong, certain and willing to protect others as well as himself. I can't believe he died - but obviously someone had to otherwise the story wouldn't have been realistic.
Then again, Ben seemed to really find himself throughout this book. He learned what really matters and changed so much.
Throughout I was intrigued - I've never read anything so extravagant, raw and colourful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2014
Fantastic read! The book kept me entertained and at the same time it touched a very serious topic of such scary virus as Ebola. The description of African jungles and animals that live in it was amazing.
January 29, 2008
An exciting pageturner!
March 13, 2011
It's kind of interesting at some parts but I just couldn't get into the book any quicker.
February 21, 2014
didn't really like the series.
April 2, 2015
This was a great read!
April 2, 2016
Considering it is aimed at younger readers (and I'm 27) I couldn't put it down. Got very engrossed in it :-) Some cheesy parts though and far fetched in parts. Still really enjoyed it though :-)
September 25, 2016
Good storyline really interesting bits you know he knows his stuff but some really slow parts
June 19, 2010
Very intense story . However , very disappointing at some parts as it is boring.
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August 23, 2018Thirteen-year-old Ben Tracey is looking forward to spending the summer in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where his father has been hired to examine the valuable mineral Coltan that's being mined there. They soon realise that the people living in the village near the mine are frightened and it doesn't take long for Ben and his father to discover why- behind the door of every hut there is at least one person dying or seriously ill, and no one seems to be doing anything to help. As Ben's father falls ill, it's up to Ben and his new friend from the village, Halima, to try and tell the government what's going on so the village can be isolated before the sickness spreads further. Will they be able to prevent disaster?
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
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