Customer Reviews

Spyware

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

My high hopes for Spyware were dashed against the rocky shore of The Land of Disbelief. (You didn't know it had a rocky shore?). The Internet (both servers and infrastructure) is attacked by a self-replicating/network-aware worm written and released by a stereotypical pasty, fat, over-eating hacker with his filthy apartment windows foiled over. Larson takes a shot at the technology that would be involved in this scenario but he shoots wild. The first indication of Larsen's technological half-heartedness is that the book is mistitled. (Pointed out by reviewer: James Bell) It's not spyware that is being described in the novel. OK, most people don't know and don't care what the difference is between Spyware and Internet Worms, I get it. In Larson's defense, "Self-replicating/Network Aware Worm", isn't nearly as good a title as "Spyware". In short, the technology amounted to little more than words like, Firewall and router and acronyms like VPN and FTP. I kept wanting Larson to create his own technological world, not try to work within the constraints of the current one.

I did however enjoy the pace and I think the characterization was good. The mad genius's perfect plan botched by his fumbling henchmen and the budding love affair between the incongruously characterized FBI agents carry the plot along wonderfully.

And this plan does just that. This is a great book; well written, well plotted and full of excitement. Both plot and characters evolve like the evil computer virus: mutating and invading all servers and computers in its path.

This novel is built on a foundation of realism - making it all the more frightening.

Larson is a gifted writer; knowledgeable of computers, personalities and what makes the reader want a second helping.

I'd never read anything by the author before 'Spyware' and was pleasantly surprised by how well written and realistic the book was. The action was great and I LOVED the gradual build of sexual tension between Agents Vasquez and Johanson. I do wish that relationship had been explored a bit more but can understand why it wasn't since it really wasn't central to the plot in any way.

The action was fantastic. The hunt for Dr. Vance while he searched for his son kept you on the edge of your seat the entire time. There's really not much you can say bad about this book besides the ending. As some have noted here, the ending was a bit of a letdown. It was written in such a way where it would have better suited the end of a movie or television drama than a book. Still, even with the soft ending, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone into cyberpunk and suspense.

i was pleasantly surprised at how good this book was. i had already read one of his vampire books, one of the seeker books and i wasnt impressed. but i really liked one of his other short stories so i thought i would give oneofhis non vampire books a try. im glad i did. the plot seemed very plausible and unlike one of the other reviewers i liked the ending. when the story was over he didnt drag it out. he stopped writing after quickly wrapping up the loose endings. im looking forward to the next book!

Mr. Bell said it best in his review. i enjoyed Larsons other wrks but it seems he utterly gave up on this one.

What an exciting plot. It developed throughout the story and ended up with a bang! The characters were consistent and believable as was the underlying technical part of the story. I enjoyed it all immensely. Quick, even sharp in it's focus, I was totally taken into the world the author created and beyond.

Cover Art: I hope I'm not the only one that's able to see the pyramid of Giza at twilight during a sandstorm when I squint? Very cool!
Flow: This author has a gift for describing complex technical topics to a blended technical & non-technical audience.
Gripe #1: Malware is a catch-all term meant to describe all forms of malicious software. Likewise, virus is a catch-all term whose definition includes worms and Trojans - but not spyware. Viruses are fundamentally different from spyware because they're designed to propagate while causing havoc and/or destroying data. By comparison, spyware is meant to propagate while surreptitiously transmitting stolen data/user credentials in order to monetize exploited systems/networks. Assuming you agree with my definitions, you must agree that this book is obviously mistitled. Single-word titles tend to set high expectations because of the absence of scope limiters. It is for that reason that I believe this book represents an epic failure to deliver. Whether you believe the author chose the title in good faith or you believe the title was selected due to a combination of an over-sized ego and weak moral compass - that's up to you.
Gripe #1a: The author utterly failed to provide a satisfying explanation as to HOW the malware was adaptive. The ending was preposterous and unsatisfying.
Gripe #2: The author was unsuccessful in his attempts to develop sympathetic characters. The author totally failed to provide the reader even the slimmest empathy for either antagonist. Furthermore, the author failed to convince the reader that either of the antagonists were geniuses while also failing to describe `turning points' in their lives that would explain such zealous allegiance to each other and such a demonstrably flawed plan. The author failed to write persuasive dialogue. I never laughed. I cannot recall a single interesting turn of phrase.

I'll stop there.

The book started out interesting, became disorganised 3/4 of the way through, then it ended like a dud firecracker. I enjoyed the storyline, however I felt as if the author stopped mid story and said "Ok, I'm done". As this was the first book I have read on my new kindle, I was quite disappointed in how it ended, I wondered if I had only downloaded half a book, however it did state ''The end''.

Good plot line...however...all the swearing wasn't necessary. I agree with another review...starts out ok...then falls apart. Plot almost lost in the latter pages of useless 'fluff'. Story could have been more focused. Guess I expected more and found a whole lot less.