Maybe it’s the Sheldon Cooper factor; or even, “The Big Bang Theory” effect. So, it is not surprising that geeks, who used to be behind the scenes, have now taken center stage. And thus, paving the way to the birth of a new anti-hero, a computer genius turned assassin.
Because, that is what Netwars is all about. A serial in six installments, Netwars – The Code 1 
It is a mystery thriller, with actions happening both in cyberspace and the real world. And yes, I will continue to read the next 5 installments.
So, why am I rating this book three stars? It’s because of TMI and the information that was given could have been parceled out in the next installments without losing a beat. With only 69 pages in the book, about 5 was used to discuss Strider’s background and about 3 was used to discuss Rebecca, the heroine’s background.
Though, the information about Strider and Rebecca is “nice to know”, it was also distracting at the least and pandering at its worst. It was as if the book is trying to be politically correct and trying to stroke the ego of certain segments of the population.
Ironically, computers do not see age, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, and all the other things listed by the equal opportunity employment law. To quote Star Trek’s computer, to them, “it does not compute.”
Hence, instead of adding to the story at this introductory stage, having to read the leading characters life story distracted me from totally enjoying the adrenaline rush the book gave.
Nevertheless, I would still recommend that you read this book if you are into mystery thrillers. After all, a geek having all of Jason Bourne’s skills is not something I can pass up.
Netwars: The Code. A high-tech serial thriller from the dark side of the net. Episode 1.
Welcome to the Deep Web. Those parts of the internet no search engine explores. The place where you can buy anything. Drugs, children, weapons.
Anyone can do it. And get away free.
Anthony Prince, head of PrinceSec, a firm which provides high-tech security for the government and major corporations, dies in a plane crash when crossing the English Channel. Responsible for Prince’s death is a hacker named Strider. His real name is Scott Mitchell and in his day job at the National Cyber Crime Unit he uses legitimate means to get the bad guys. As Strider, his means are less legal. On the same night, PrinceSec is the target of a cyber-attack. When the NCCU is called to assess the damage, a link is found between Prince and a criminal hacker group called Black Flag. The race is on for Mitchell to protect his identity as Strider and to stop Black Flag before it’s too late.
The App for this book has been produced by award-winning production company FilmTank, which creates documentaries and crossmedial content. For more information on their company, please visit: http://www.filmtank.co.uk/
