Shutdown - Hardcover

Pineiro, R. J.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0312869096 ISBN 13: 9780312869090

Publisher: Forge Books, 2000

Synopsis

The silicon chip, the soul of todays machines, governs every aspect of our modern society. Dominance in semiconductors equates dominance in the new millennium. But, something has gone wrong. A terrible railway accident in Florida, leaving dozens dead, and countless more injured is traced to faulty computer chips. One woman figures out that the faulty chips werent due to negligence, but to sabatoge. Erika Conklin was forced to work for the FBI due to her hacking abilities. Enlisting the seasoned abilities of FBI Agent Brent McClaine, they launch an investigation that spans two continents. From Silicon Valley to the ruthless Far East markets, Erika and Brent must combine their computer and field talents before the next shutdown.

About this title

Reviews

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 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Forge Books
• Publication date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0312869096
• ISBN 13: 9780312869090
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 320