.com In most thrillers, "hardware" consists of big guns, airplanes, military vehicles, and weapons that make things explode. Dan Brown has written a thriller for those of us who like our hardware with disc drives and who rate our heroes by big brainpower rather than big firepower. It's an Internet user's spy novel where the good guys and bad guys struggle over secrets somewhat more intellectual than just where the secret formula is hidden--they have to gain understanding of what the secret formula actually is. In this case, the secret formula is a new means of encryption, capable of changing the balance of international power. Part of the fun is that the book takes the reader along into an understanding of encryption technologies. You'll find yourself better understanding the political battles over such real-life technologies as the Clipper Chip and PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) software even though the book looks at the issues through the eyes of fiction. Although there's enough globehopping in this book for James Bond, the real battleground is cyberspace, because that's where the "bomb" (or rather, the new encryption algorithm) will explode. Yes, there are a few flaws in the plot if you look too closely, but the cleverness and the sheer fun of it all more than make up for them. There are enough twists and turns to keep you guessing and a lot of high, gee-whiz-level information about encryption, code breaking, and the role they play in international politics. Set aside the whole afternoon and evening for it and have finger food on hand for supper--you may want to read this one straight through.From BooklistThe National Security Agency (NSA) is one setting for this exciting thriller; the other is Seville, where on page 1 the protagonist, lately dismissed from NSA, drops dead of a supposed heart attack. Though dead, he enjoys a dramaturgical afterlife in the form of his computer program. Digital Fortress creates unbreakable codes, which could render useless NSA's code-cracking supercomputer called TRANSLTR, but the deceased programmer slyly embossed a decryption key on a ring he wore. Pursuit of this ring is the engine of the plot. NSA cryptology boss Trevor Strathmore dispatches linguist Dave Becker to recover the ring, while he and Becker's lover, senior code-cracker Susan Fletcher, ponder the vulnerability of TRANSLTR. In Seville, over-the-top chase scenes abound; meanwhile, the critical events unfold at NSA. In a crescendo of murder, infernos, and explosions, it emerges that Strathmore has as agenda that goes beyond breaching Digital Fortress, and Brown's skill at hinting and concealing Strathmore's deceit will rivet cyber-minded readers. Gilbert Taylor "In this fast-paced, plausible tale, Brown blurs the line between good and evil enough to delight patriots and paranoids alike." -Publishers Weekly"Digital Fortress is the best and most realistic techno-thriller to reach the market in years... A chilling thrill a minute." -The Midwest Book "Digital Fortress is smart and reads with all the pace of a hit movie." -Larry Lasker, Screenwriter, Wargames and Sneakers"Exciting...will rivet cyber-minded readers." -Booklist what books should a beginner read Digital Fortress: A Thriller
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A real page turner!By Doctorw2This is a riveting high tech thriller that I couldn't put down. The writing is excellent, the story plot was highly plausible, and the characters were realistic and intriguing. A very enjoyable read.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Riveting, high tech fun - typical Dan BrownBy Fran ClemensWrought with twist and turns that holds you 'til the last 3 seconds. This stuff drives our world and while I clearly don't know it, trust there's a modicum of truth thought out. They watch all the time...0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I thoroughly enjoyed "Deception PointBy CustomerIn my opinion, Dan Brown is an outstanding author. I thoroughly enjoyed "Deception Point." It is definitely a thriller. As a first time Kindle reader, this book was the perfect choice. It caught my attention from page one. It's one of those stories that you can't wait to find out what is going to happen next. I enjoyed "Digital Fortress" so much, I am now reading "Deception Point" which is also by Dan Brown. From the very beginning it promises to be a great read too.