YA-Fast paced and cutting edge, this novel grabs readers early on and presents a truly frightening scenario. In an effort to wrest the international technology lead from the U.S., a rogue faction within the Japanese Defense Agency has put a diabolical plan into action. Using disgruntled loner engineers as pawns, the Yamoto Ichizotu plants defects in U.S.-manufactured semiconductors. Two years later, the faulty products begin to break down and cause strategic computer systems to malfunction. A train crashes, killing hundreds; two planes collide and incinerate their passengers; and Detroit experiences a complete blackout. Enter the protagonist, FBI analyst Erika Conklin. Caught hacking into computer systems as she was graduating from Berkeley, she was given the opportunity to avoid federal prison by serving a six-year stint in the FBI, enabling the agency to combat technocriminals like herself more effectively. Her knowledge proves crucial to victory in this new technological battlefield. The appeal to young adults stems from the personalities of Erika and the government forces with which she works. No mere computer nerd, she can take care of herself, as a harrowing escapade with a rat demonstrates. Readers are taken along on a mission by a crack Navy SEAL team whose exploits, abilities, and bravery are compelling and illuminating. The explanations of system attacks, computer-virus operations, and technological exploits should appeal to teens who have grown up in a world that has become frighteningly technology dependent.-Carol DeAngelo, Kings Park Library, Burke, VA Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.|
Shelf Life
"When people talk of high-tech thrillers, I guess this is what they mean. Make way, Michael Crichton."
"The main plot is simple. It starts with a railway accident in Florida. Suddenly, there are a rash of such accidents all over the country, on the road, in the air; every place."
"Enter Erika Conklin, a super hacker who was caught by the FBI and forced to work for them. She discovers that behind all the accidents are faulty computer chips made by American corporations. American tech stocks plummet. The whole economy of the country seems to be faltering. Once again it is Erika who finds evidence that the faulty computer chips may be the result of sabotage engineered in Japan."
"Within this framework, Pineiro weaves a network of events, action and character interactions. Erika and Brent form a good pair. The interactions between them, professionally and personally, is well handled. The touch of romance is interesting."
