Customer Reviews

Virtually Eliminated (Ethan Hamilton Technothrillers Trilogy #1)

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

At first blush the idea of a Christian cyber-thriller may seem to be an oxymoron, but in the hands of Jefferson Scott, it's not. Scott's first novel, Virtually Eliminated (more correctly Virtu@lly.eliminated) deftly blends page-turner excitement with serious spiritual issues. The premise is a virtual reality programmer who finds himself on the trail of a cyberspace killer who calls himself Patriot. Patriot is using the computer networks to execute people he determines are acting against America's best interests. The "adventure" turns personal when Patriot goes after the protagonist through his son. From there, the chase is on through the twists and turns of the virtual web. So where's the religious tie-in? Just this. What happens when you find that your hobby or special interest is taking first place over things that you know SHOULD come first (i.e. family, relationships, faith)? What happens when they become an addiction? That what Scott's protagonist wrestles with. His interest in his virtual world is pushing out his family and God. Finally, he has to make a choice. But what if disregarding the choice seems to be the best way to save his son? Warning! Don't enter this book if you are unwilling to face your own "addictions" and life choices. If you do, you are reducing this to a great techno-thriller and missing out on some of the greatest satisfactions this book can offer. (And don't worry, Scott's religious messages are in no way "preachy" and work seemlessly into the narrative.) Virtu@lly.eliminated is a real page-turner and, quite possibly a life-changing experience (if you're willing to risk it). A great first novel from a very promising author.

Could not put it down. Makes you feel like your there with Ethan fighting off Patriot.

I was looking through a book sale when I found this book. It looked interesting, so I borrowed money and bought it. I had read 50 pages by the time I got home, and I have read it about 50 times (seriously.) I love it! Jefferson Scott writes incredibly well, and the reactions of Ethan are probably how I would react. I look forward to any sequels with great anticipation.

This book is a great read! Mr. Scott has captured the world of cyberspace perfectly and the plot keeps you guessing until the end. Those of you scared to touch it because it's Christian, don't worry - this is not a glorified tract. I'm looking forward to reading other great books from Mr. Scott!

Jefferson Scott sends techno-thrills that make you think and read faster all at the same
time.

I was very impressed with Mr. Scott's Firebrand novels. They depicted the military and civilian world
together for a believer coming from one to another. In this novel, the author takes us shortly into the future -- into 2005!
It is enjoyable to see what the future holds for 2005, as depicted in 1996. Not too far off, really, but some minor
descrepencies are notable. This doesn't remove interest from the story, however.

I liked this book for many reasons, the least of which was not the fact that it takes place in my home metroplex.
The main character, Ethan Hamilton, works in Irving, TX and lives in the Mid Cities Area, as do I.
The author constantly references highways and landmarks in the Ft Worth area that I recognize and see on a weekly basis.
This brought the story to a closer reality for me, causing me to visualize it right down the road.

Jefferson Scott easily turns this cyber-thriller into a family story good for everyone read, one that will
hold the interest of everyone in your clan. I recommend this book to any and all readers of any age. Jefferson Scott is climbing to the
top of the list for Author's that I constantly watch for!

I'm going to make this review simple. If you enjoy action packed movies, you'll enjoy Virtually Eliminated, Terminal Logic, and Fatal Defect by Jefferson Scott. Reading his books is like seeing a movie in your mind, it's wonderful. No joke, these books are great. If you want to encourage a young person or an adult to read more, give them Jefferson Scott's books. Once I read these 3 books, 3 of my friends read them and they all ENJOYED the books. For one of my friends, Jefferson Scott's book was his introduction to Christian Fiction. I love it!

Most authors we read understand the essential elements of good drama -- setup, pinch, big event, rising conflict, and resolution -- and have the skills to engage the reader. Now and then, however, an author comes along with something more, something which propels the story beyond the ordinary and into the realm of literature, where deeper and higher meanings dwell. In good games, such as chess, the rules are simple and the tools basic, but they allow for layers of strategy, endless permutations, and challenging engagements. So it is with good literature. In virtu@lly.eliminated, Jefferson Scott uses the simple tools of drama to engage the reader in a straightforward, entertaining thriller, while accomplishing the difficult task of creating a world of virtual reality as a metaphor for the battle between spiritual forces of good and evil. Note the "layers" of meaning: the VR interface to the GlobeNet (a superInternet) is itself a complex metaphor, like the Windows desktop. In the end, virtu@lly.eliminated is not about the thrilling conflict between Ethan Hamilton and Patriot, but rather the fecklessness of our most astonishing accomplishments when they do not serve God; for all of Patriot's skills, his intelligence, his access to great literature, and his self-sacrificing dedication to a cause noble in his own eyes, they come to naught in the face of Ethan's selfless, singular purpose -- to restore his own faith and put Jesus in the driver's seat. So put the kids to bed, kiss your spouse goodnight, and stoke up the fire, for when you pick up this book... well, you're going to stay up late to finish it.

First, you must accept that this is fantasy. When I think of techno thriller, I generally think of something that is loosely based on possibilities even if extremely unlikely. That is not the case with this book. Accepting that, just enjoy it.

It is light reading. The characters aren't very deep, but they also are more than just one dimensional as they are in so many thrillers.

Although the ending was easily predictable at least a hundred pages beforehand, I still found myself turning the page; anxious to see exactly how it would get there.

The most notable aspect of the book is the portrayal of Christians. The book wasn't at all about Christianity. Some of the main characters happened to be Christians. It is so unusual to see characters partially defined by their religion without it being a part of the plot.

I read this one first quite a while ago...loved it then; love it now. I'd forgotten how truly humorous it was.

Ethan Hamilton is a Virtual Reality expert who ends up hot on the trail of a rogue internet persona on a killing rampage. As always, it's all fun and games until it becomes personal...and personal it becomes, the instant this 'Patriot' comes after Ethan's family.

The story is excellent - and even though I'm no VR aficionado, I'd guess that the virtual aspects would be very believable to most, if not all. It's a techno-thriller without the troublesome explanations of technology. It moves at a fast clip, and you understand right away how these futuristic things work without needing extra definitions. (Now if that isn't the mark of a good author, I'd like to know what is!) Also, the supporting characters are quite engaging...even down to Ethan's nine-year-old son, Jordan. He's delightfully true to life, clever in his own right - and in his environment of choice, VR.

An issue addressed within the book is that of addiction, in this case, computers and technology. It's frighteningly close to home and yet gives hope, all at once. As well, the author pulls no punches about Christianity; that shines throughout the whole story. I admire that...and I think that it makes the novel much more thought-provoking.

This one, and its two sequels, are among my most favorites...

Jefferson Scott reels you in hook, line and cyber-sinker with this modern thriller! There is something for everyone in its pages...quality writing, humor, cutting edge technology and suspense. Buy the whole series and brew a fresh pot of coffee because you'll want to read them back to back! Enjoy....