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Chris Bruen #1
The Adversary
“Reece Hirsch is writing and running with the big boys.” – John Lescroart, New York Times bestselling author
Former DOJ cybercrimes prosecutor Chris Bruen walks into a dark Amsterdam apartment to confront a hacker known as Black Vector. This should have been a routine assignment for Bruen, but instead of obtaining a confession, Bruen finds the hacker’s dead body and uncovers a hidden flash drive that contains the code for a remarkably sophisticated computer virus known as Lurker.
Upon returning home, Bruen finds himself the target of a shadowy group of hackers who plan on unleashing Lurker, which will bring a major US city to its knees in seven days. Suddenly, Bruen finds that he’s become the top suspect in an international manhunt, and he must stay ahead of the FBI and CIA while he tries to decode the virus, find the hackers, and clear his name. With the lives of tens of thousands of people hanging in the balance, Bruen must go beyond the brink to stop the hackers.
Former DOJ cybercrimes prosecutor Chris Bruen walks into a dark Amsterdam apartment to confront a hacker known as Black Vector. This should have been a routine assignment for Bruen, but instead of obtaining a confession, Bruen finds the hacker’s dead body and uncovers a hidden flash drive that contains the code for a remarkably sophisticated computer virus known as Lurker.
Upon returning home, Bruen finds himself the target of a shadowy group of hackers who plan on unleashing Lurker, which will bring a major US city to its knees in seven days. Suddenly, Bruen finds that he’s become the top suspect in an international manhunt, and he must stay ahead of the FBI and CIA while he tries to decode the virus, find the hackers, and clear his name. With the lives of tens of thousands of people hanging in the balance, Bruen must go beyond the brink to stop the hackers.
396 pages, Paperback
First published August 6, 2013
256 people are currently reading
1668 people want to read
About the author
Reece Hirsch
7 books589 followersReece Hirsch is the author of six thrillers that draw upon his background as a privacy attorney. His first book, The Insider, was a finalist for the International Thriller Writers Award for Best First Novel. His two most recent books, Black Nowhere and Dark Tomorrow, feature FBI Special Agent Lisa Tanchik, who investigates cybercrimes. Hirsch was a partner in the San Francisco office of an international law firm and cochair of its privacy and cybersecurity practice. He lives in the Bay Area with his wife. His website is www.reecehirsch.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
April 15, 2018
The Adversary by Reece Hirsch is the first book in the Chris Bruen mystery series. Former cybercrimes prosecutor, Chris Bruen is now employed by his law firm to protect large companies from hackers and cyberattacks. He comes up against super hackers known as Enigma and Ripley who have developed a Lurker virus and are threatening a major cyber attack to bring down New York city at the same time while framing him for the attack. I enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would. Even with not understanding a lot of the technology, there was a lot of suspence and action with plenty of twists. Cybercriminals attack from a distance and hide behind their computers and it was difficult to know who to trust. An amazing start to the series.
February 24, 2014
I won a copy of "The Adversary" by Reece Hirsch through the Goodreads Giveaway Contest.If you like fast paced thrillers, this is the book for you. I loved it! The plot centers around computer hackers...and the battle against cybercriminals.
Chris Bruen is a partner in the San Francisco law firm Reynolds, Fincher and McComb, and an expert in data security law. Before that he had been a chief prosecutor in the Department of Justice's computer crimes section...his job had been to convict hackers. Chris was a kid hacker, and now continued to battle cybercriminals.
Chris makes a trip to Amsterdam, for his client to pay a visit to a sophisticated hacker, to retrieve the stolen source code for an operating system...but what he found was murder, a flash drive, a deadly cyber virus, and Chris Bruen finds he is the target of a group of hackers and wanted for murder. The flash drive contains the code for a sophisticated computer virus known as Lurker.
Chris comes back to United States, when it is revealed that the hacker/killer is behind a planned attack on New York, and is trying to frame it on Chris. Chris needed to close the gap and catch the perpetrator.
From someone who works in IT, I recognize the extensive research that would have gone into writing this novel, but the author leads the reader through this journey by explaining the computer terms in simple English.
This book is non-stop fast-paced action, with great characters and lots of twists and turns. The irony of this plot is that this situation could really happen! Definitely a 5 Star Thriller!
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February 19, 2024
1-Star DNF @ 26% - "I Didn't Like It"
Unfortunately the narrative hasn't 'grabbed' me, nor has the narrator. The book was written in 2013 and it shows. A "techno-thriller" full of words like "VPN", "virus, viral", "cyber attack", "hacker, hacking", all of them pretty much everyday words in 2024. *snore*
Reece Hirsch - Chris Bruen #1 - The Adversary
Audiobook: 09:01 Hours - Narrator: Benjamin L Darcie
Heard: 02:20 Hours - Balance: 06:41 Hours
Unfortunately the narrative hasn't 'grabbed' me, nor has the narrator. The book was written in 2013 and it shows. A "techno-thriller" full of words like "VPN", "virus, viral", "cyber attack", "hacker, hacking", all of them pretty much everyday words in 2024. *snore*
Reece Hirsch - Chris Bruen #1 - The Adversary
Audiobook: 09:01 Hours - Narrator: Benjamin L Darcie
Heard: 02:20 Hours - Balance: 06:41 Hours
November 4, 2014
I need to start by saying that this particular style of book is not my normal cup of tea. I prefer thrillers set in a historical context. However, this title may have changed that particular interest. Overall, this was a quick read not because I wanted to get it over with but because it held my attention for a continuous span of time. I finish with a feeling of entertained satisfaction as well as mental stimulation.
If you have not bothered to delve into the cyber world of hacking and online security then do not be dissuaded, this book is an excellent introduction into a subculture to the formerly uninformed. It includes enough fluid action to keep adventure seekers hooked while intertwining enough supportive background information to stand up to a more critical reviewer. I will be suggesting this book to friends of mine who enjoy the following genre's: thriller, crime, mystery, international crime, action/adventure & who-done-its.
Completed casually within a couple of days
*This is my first review of a book I received from a Goodreads giveaway with the request that I complete an honest review upon completion of the book. All opinions or views expressed in this review are honest and based strictly on the content of the novel being reviewed.
If you have not bothered to delve into the cyber world of hacking and online security then do not be dissuaded, this book is an excellent introduction into a subculture to the formerly uninformed. It includes enough fluid action to keep adventure seekers hooked while intertwining enough supportive background information to stand up to a more critical reviewer. I will be suggesting this book to friends of mine who enjoy the following genre's: thriller, crime, mystery, international crime, action/adventure & who-done-its.
Completed casually within a couple of days
*This is my first review of a book I received from a Goodreads giveaway with the request that I complete an honest review upon completion of the book. All opinions or views expressed in this review are honest and based strictly on the content of the novel being reviewed.
May 24, 2017
I thought this was a very good novel. I thought it was a good start for a new series. I read the first novel he wrote the insiders which was a stand alone---it was good but it was raw and the main character (I really had no feelings for . The main character in this series you could root for and be engaged with. I did not feel that there were to many fillers in the story and a couple of neat twist. I was worried how the novel was going to end but for the most part he pulled it off-it might have been a little bit of a stretch but was still good. I don't give many novels 5 stars or do many go on my favorite shelf but this one gets both. I would say read it. I will read the next one in the series.
September 8, 2016
Excellent, fast-paced technothriller by an author who knows his stuff.
December 19, 2019
Page turning techno thriller had a "been there, done that" story arc.
October 24, 2013
This was a great book that I won on Goodreads Giveaway. It took me a day to read. I learned a lot about technology, but in a good way. The story was very well done. It kept me interested even when they got into the technical stuff. Now I want to get The Insider to read.
November 23, 2013
Reece Hirsch's first book hooked me on Tech Thrillers. I have been fascinated by the Internet ever since my son guided my toe into cyberspace. But Reece Hirsh opens the world of hackers for all of us.
In The Adversary, Chris Bruen, a former DO prosecutor works for a law firm that specializes in date security laws. He was sent to Amsterdam to retrieve all stolen copies of a source code from a hacker known as the Lurker. The settlement papers were a good deal for the hacker since he could avert criminal prosecution. But when Chris arrived at the hacker’s apartment, someone had beaten him to the hacker. He heard a shot ring out and found the hacker tied to a bicycle rack with a bullet hole through his head. Usually this type of assignment did not end that way! He thought that would be all the excitement for a while but he was wrong.
When he arrived back in San Francisco, he found him pursued by a truly evil black hat hacker group. They were determined to set him up as the designer of computer virus that could spell death for thousands of people in New York in so many ways.
With flashbacks into Chris Bruen’s childhood and easy to understand explanations hacker terminology, Reece Hirsch lead me on a thrilling adventure that kept me turning the pages. I am really looking forward to the next book in this series. I want to know more about Chris Bruen, what happened during his DOJ career, what about his wife who died of breast cancer, what about the background of any characters carried over from this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this Tech thriller and want to read the next one in the series. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Tech thrillers or hacker culture.
I won this book from GoodReads but that in no way influenced my thoughts or feelings in this review.
In The Adversary, Chris Bruen, a former DO prosecutor works for a law firm that specializes in date security laws. He was sent to Amsterdam to retrieve all stolen copies of a source code from a hacker known as the Lurker. The settlement papers were a good deal for the hacker since he could avert criminal prosecution. But when Chris arrived at the hacker’s apartment, someone had beaten him to the hacker. He heard a shot ring out and found the hacker tied to a bicycle rack with a bullet hole through his head. Usually this type of assignment did not end that way! He thought that would be all the excitement for a while but he was wrong.
When he arrived back in San Francisco, he found him pursued by a truly evil black hat hacker group. They were determined to set him up as the designer of computer virus that could spell death for thousands of people in New York in so many ways.
With flashbacks into Chris Bruen’s childhood and easy to understand explanations hacker terminology, Reece Hirsch lead me on a thrilling adventure that kept me turning the pages. I am really looking forward to the next book in this series. I want to know more about Chris Bruen, what happened during his DOJ career, what about his wife who died of breast cancer, what about the background of any characters carried over from this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this Tech thriller and want to read the next one in the series. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Tech thrillers or hacker culture.
I won this book from GoodReads but that in no way influenced my thoughts or feelings in this review.
April 15, 2014
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
I don't know where to begin. This book is full of suspense but it is informative at the same time. On the one hand you spend the time moving around the world chasing after answers to a crime that is getting ready to be committed. On the other hand you learn things about computer viruses that open your eyes to how easily a cyber-attack could happen to us today. While Hirsch takes us behind the scenes of computer programming and virus attacks, he doesn't get so detailed as to be over our heads. I am not a computer whiz but I didn't have to be to enjoy and understand the storyline.
Hirsch also lets us enter into the tight network circle that hackers have. We get to see the personalities of hackers, we see why they do what they do and we see that hackers are not just people locked up in rooms trying to break into governement computers. No, hackers are far worse than that...they are men and women on a mission...people who feel it is their responsibility to bring not just governments down but also big businesses. While you may sympathize with their reasoning you have to draw the line at their illegal means.
About Chris Bruen, he is one cool dude. He may come off a little cocky because of his abilities but it is not so much that you don't like him. He is very likeable and very knowledgeable in his craft. He and Zoey make a wonderful team and I hope there is more of this duo in our future. I really enjoyed this book. On the cover a reviewer states that Hirsch is writing with the big dogs. I assume he is referring to the more mainstream authors and I will gladly agree with that as this book could go up against anything Crichton put out. This is a good book and you should check it out because it looks like Hirsch is going to be around for a long time.
I don't know where to begin. This book is full of suspense but it is informative at the same time. On the one hand you spend the time moving around the world chasing after answers to a crime that is getting ready to be committed. On the other hand you learn things about computer viruses that open your eyes to how easily a cyber-attack could happen to us today. While Hirsch takes us behind the scenes of computer programming and virus attacks, he doesn't get so detailed as to be over our heads. I am not a computer whiz but I didn't have to be to enjoy and understand the storyline.
Hirsch also lets us enter into the tight network circle that hackers have. We get to see the personalities of hackers, we see why they do what they do and we see that hackers are not just people locked up in rooms trying to break into governement computers. No, hackers are far worse than that...they are men and women on a mission...people who feel it is their responsibility to bring not just governments down but also big businesses. While you may sympathize with their reasoning you have to draw the line at their illegal means.
About Chris Bruen, he is one cool dude. He may come off a little cocky because of his abilities but it is not so much that you don't like him. He is very likeable and very knowledgeable in his craft. He and Zoey make a wonderful team and I hope there is more of this duo in our future. I really enjoyed this book. On the cover a reviewer states that Hirsch is writing with the big dogs. I assume he is referring to the more mainstream authors and I will gladly agree with that as this book could go up against anything Crichton put out. This is a good book and you should check it out because it looks like Hirsch is going to be around for a long time.
December 5, 2015
This was a very intriguing and intricate suspense thriller about cyber terrorism. the hero is a former DOJ cybercrimes investigator, now at the top of his field in the private sector. He is rather removed with personal relationships, citing his own personal firewall he won't let anyone penetrate. Abruptly, however, his sane world turns upset down when his girl friend is kidnapped and he finds himself on the run as he tries to find her before he is arrested for a massive cyber attack for which he is being masterfully framed. It is a deadly game of cat and mouse as the unknown terrorist, Enigma, pulls all the strings in a macabre trap that Chris can just not seem to escape. Adding to the tension is the fact that time is running out to stop the catastrophic cyber attack on the US. Only Chris can stop it.
Chris is a hard to get to know character, and the reader learns of his backstory as the novel proceeds. He is blessed with friends that help him when all seems lost--and just as often is brutally betrayed by others. I enjoyed Zoey. The storyline is scary-possible and frightening. The pace of the novel is nerve-wrackingly rapid, and the panic and sense of impending doom last until the end of the book. I enjoyed the journey and recommend the book to those who enjoy thrillers. I received the book on a Goodreads giveaway, but the opinions expressed are solely mine.
Chris is a hard to get to know character, and the reader learns of his backstory as the novel proceeds. He is blessed with friends that help him when all seems lost--and just as often is brutally betrayed by others. I enjoyed Zoey. The storyline is scary-possible and frightening. The pace of the novel is nerve-wrackingly rapid, and the panic and sense of impending doom last until the end of the book. I enjoyed the journey and recommend the book to those who enjoy thrillers. I received the book on a Goodreads giveaway, but the opinions expressed are solely mine.
February 7, 2014
With THE INSIDER Reece Hirsch delivered an amazing first novel with tons of promise. With his second, THE ADVERSARY, he delivers on that promise by giving his readers a new and many faceted narrative that provides both mystery and suspense. His protagonist, Chris Bruen, is a realistically flawed man with secrets in his past who finds himself plagued by a shadowy group of computer hackers and under investigation by FBI and CIA. He and his unlikely sidekick, Zoey, race across two continents in search of the culprits bent on corrupting vital computer operating systems with a devastating virus known as Lurker.
The story begins with a bang and never lets up. The pacing is amazing with Hirsch slowing down when the reader needs to catch a quick breath, but maintaining the energy and tension perfectly. With the sophisticated new generation of computer viruses "lurking" on the horizon author Hirsch is amply provided with substantial fodder with which to exercise his imagination and writing ability in the arena of cyber-crime. This reader, for one, is awaiting with wonderful anticipation the next adventure in the life of former DOJ cybercrimes prosecutor Chris Bruen as he and Zoey match wits with those bent on cyber-terrorism.
The story begins with a bang and never lets up. The pacing is amazing with Hirsch slowing down when the reader needs to catch a quick breath, but maintaining the energy and tension perfectly. With the sophisticated new generation of computer viruses "lurking" on the horizon author Hirsch is amply provided with substantial fodder with which to exercise his imagination and writing ability in the arena of cyber-crime. This reader, for one, is awaiting with wonderful anticipation the next adventure in the life of former DOJ cybercrimes prosecutor Chris Bruen as he and Zoey match wits with those bent on cyber-terrorism.
January 21, 2014
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaways.
I have to admit, I'm a sucker for hacker/technical books, and normally most books don't deliver. This one does. It describes actual hacking methods, which I found enjoyable and plausible. The action portion seemed a bit over the top, with some superfluous globe-trotting tossed in (perhaps a nod to those who aren't as keen on hacking and just wanted action).
So for those who watched that cult classic Hackers, this book seems to pick up from there, posing the following scenario: What would happen if Dade/Chris grew up and took a job with corporate America? Oh, and don't forget his perfect partner Kate/Zoey (but with a twist ... she's younger), who joins him in his quest to save the world?
Yep, he's still chasing computer viruses, but now for the guys who have money to fund his endeavors. Yes, the FBI is still as bumbling as ever. Yes, the girls are still pretty. Yes, there's an evil computer genius intent on destroying the world. And yes (spoiler alert) it all ends happily ever after.
All in all, a fun read.
I have to admit, I'm a sucker for hacker/technical books, and normally most books don't deliver. This one does. It describes actual hacking methods, which I found enjoyable and plausible. The action portion seemed a bit over the top, with some superfluous globe-trotting tossed in (perhaps a nod to those who aren't as keen on hacking and just wanted action).
So for those who watched that cult classic Hackers, this book seems to pick up from there, posing the following scenario: What would happen if Dade/Chris grew up and took a job with corporate America? Oh, and don't forget his perfect partner Kate/Zoey (but with a twist ... she's younger), who joins him in his quest to save the world?
Yep, he's still chasing computer viruses, but now for the guys who have money to fund his endeavors. Yes, the FBI is still as bumbling as ever. Yes, the girls are still pretty. Yes, there's an evil computer genius intent on destroying the world. And yes (spoiler alert) it all ends happily ever after.
All in all, a fun read.
April 21, 2014
This was my first book won from Goodreads; and it turned out to be a very good one.
Don't let its subject - cyber-terrorism - scare you off if you think you are not tech savvy enough to comprehend what's going on. Mr. Hirsch doesn't try to impress with massive amounts of technical jargon that add nothing to the ultimate story or outcome. He explains - in very understandable detail - essentially just those technical aspects of computers and programming that are needed to understand and advance the story. There is nothing superfluous here.
Very good characters, although I would have liked more of a backstory on Zoey. Maybe in a future book, since she's a really interesting character. There are also few good surprises along the way. A very good techno-thriller.
Don't let its subject - cyber-terrorism - scare you off if you think you are not tech savvy enough to comprehend what's going on. Mr. Hirsch doesn't try to impress with massive amounts of technical jargon that add nothing to the ultimate story or outcome. He explains - in very understandable detail - essentially just those technical aspects of computers and programming that are needed to understand and advance the story. There is nothing superfluous here.
Very good characters, although I would have liked more of a backstory on Zoey. Maybe in a future book, since she's a really interesting character. There are also few good surprises along the way. A very good techno-thriller.
September 29, 2013
I read and liked Reece Hirsch first book, The Insider. This one is no different on the like level; but I don't think I'm cut out for serials. With more than a week apart, and several other books read in between, I had to backtrack before I could start on the new installment. Lesson learned and note to self: don't start reading until all the episodes are in.
I would love to read more of this author, so I would be watching out for his next book - hopefully, it's not a serial :)
I would love to read more of this author, so I would be watching out for his next book - hopefully, it's not a serial :)
January 17, 2015
This is a totally well-written, smooth, exciting, hold your breath, tension filled, what's going to happen next read. Great character interaction and characters. You're there every step of the way throughout this thrilling, believable story. It gave me as a reader a lot to think about.
I'm so very glad I won this book from Reece Hirsch through GoodReads, first-reads giveaway. Thank you. ***Highly Recommend***
I'm so very glad I won this book from Reece Hirsch through GoodReads, first-reads giveaway. Thank you. ***Highly Recommend***
January 2, 2014
This is the second novel by Reece Hirsch. I had the pleasure of being introduced to this author by winning a copy of his first novel in a goodreads giveaway. This second novel definitely doesn't disappoint. The reader is immersed in the world of hackers. It is hard to guess who can be trusted. A definite page turner and I can't wait for the next book!
December 27, 2013
This is a well-written, fast-paced tale about computer hacking and cyber terrorism. The characters are believable and the subject matter is very timely. Anyone who thought that the recent trouble at the Target stores is scary should read this book.
November 12, 2015
Not bought, lent with Amazon Prime.
Not enough twists for me, but ok read.
Reasonably fast read, not too long.
As this is a series, I might read the next book in the series: Intrusion
Recommended.
Not enough twists for me, but ok read.
Reasonably fast read, not too long.
As this is a series, I might read the next book in the series: Intrusion
Recommended.
June 2, 2017
Chris Bruen is a former DOJ cybercrimes prosecutor and is now a partner in a San Francisco law firm. Bruen’s client is Blue Cloud, a company that owns the world’s most popular operating system and whose source code was stolen by hackers. They want the hackers found and prosecuted. Bruen tracks hacker Pietr Middendorf to Amsterdam and finds him dead when he gets there. He finds a flashdrive hidden by Pietr that his murderer wanted. Chris is unaware of a hidden camera where the murderer is watching him and knows he has the flashdrive he was looking for. Chris’ nightmare is just beginning. Anonymous files appear on his computer linking him to a terrorist network and now an international manhunt for him is underway. He knows he can’t be caught and it’s up to him to find and stop the hacker known as Enigma before he unleashes the virus known as Lurker.
This was a well-written book that will keep you on the edge of your seat!
This was a well-written book that will keep you on the edge of your seat!
June 27, 2015
[Note: This is a joint review of the first two books in this series, Intrusion and The Adversary.]
Using computers, social media and the Internet are a part of the daily lives of nearly 3 billion people. That’s a staggering number, but one that makes it easy to understand why controlling the online world and, more importantly, the ways people access it and the information that can gleaned from those who use it, are things some will stop at nothing to achieve.
Enter Chris Bruen, former Department of Justice prosecutor and current partner in the law firm Reynolds, Fincher and McComb, where he specializes in data security. In his position at the DOJ it was Chris’s job to track down and prosecute big-time hackers. He’s parlayed that experience, as well as some personal hands-on hacking experimentation during his early teen years, into now showing massive corporations how they can protect themselves from the kinds of people he used to run to ground.
That’s the setup for a new series from Reece Hirsch, author of the previous standalone legal thriller The Insider, which was a finalist for the 2011 International Thriller Writers Award for Best First Novel.
The first novel featuring Bruen, The Adversary, finds him dispatched to Amsterdam to retrieve a stolen source code. More than simply the ripoff of a proprietary piece of software, however, the code in question is the one that runs the majority of the operating systems in the world: small and large, commercial and private, even some governmental and military. Upon arriving at the location the suspected hacker had been tracked to, Bruen finds not the stolen code, but a dead body. Things spin quickly out of control from there, with Bruen finding himself personally targeted, and set up, by a group of black hat hackers intent on releasing a devastating computer virus known as Lurker. In order to stop the potentially globally crippling plot, Bruen has to both decode the virus and figure out why he has been placed in the group’s crosshairs, all while managing not to get caught by the multiple law enforcement agencies mistakenly hunting him as the cyber attack’s mastermind.
The second in the series, Intrusion, finds Bruen once again dealing with high-level hackers, though the potential fallout this time has international political ramifications. The book opens with the CEO of Zapper, the world’s largest search engine, summoning Bruen to a mysterious meeting in the wee hours of the night. Upon his arrival, Bruen can’t help but notice Zapper has assembled a Who’s Who of white hat hackers and cyber security experts. It seems Zapper has been hacked, its coveted search algorithms stolen.
Far more insidious than simply some rogue black hat hacker showing off for fun or ransom, the trail appears to lead back to someone in the People’s Liberation Army of China. Accordingly, Bruen heads to China, where he ends up with a hard drive containing information people are willing to kill for, people who won’t let pesky details like borders and laws stop them from trying to prevent Bruen from exposing the information he finds.
In addition to simply being damn good thrillers, Hirsch has tapped into areas of concern about cyber crime and data security that are either already happening, or are frighteningly on the verge of doing so. The Sony Pictures hack, cyber attacks on The White House that have been traced to both Russian and Chinese hackers over the past few years, cyber security consultant Chris Roberts’s claim that he can hack into and take over the flight control systems of airliners, millions of people’s personal data being compromised, Virgina-based cyber security firm Mandiant’s report identifying Unit 61398 of the People’s Liberation Army as the source of cyber attacks against over 100 corporations—events reminiscent of all appear in The Adversary and Intrusion.
And in that regard, both books make for reads that are more than merely page-turners; they are actually informative. While at the same time weaving an intriguing web of fiction, Hirsch also explores the very real potentially devastating economic effects that could occur as the result of theft of proprietary U.S. corporate technology by a rival nation, as well as the complex ethics of hacking in general—what right, if any, is there for information to be “free” to the world? Hirsch, himself a nationally recognized privacy and security law expert, brings a level of detail and ripped from the headlines urgency to the storytelling that will cause you to rethink everything you thought you knew about your online playground and just how safe it is…or isn’t, as the case may be.
Using computers, social media and the Internet are a part of the daily lives of nearly 3 billion people. That’s a staggering number, but one that makes it easy to understand why controlling the online world and, more importantly, the ways people access it and the information that can gleaned from those who use it, are things some will stop at nothing to achieve.
Enter Chris Bruen, former Department of Justice prosecutor and current partner in the law firm Reynolds, Fincher and McComb, where he specializes in data security. In his position at the DOJ it was Chris’s job to track down and prosecute big-time hackers. He’s parlayed that experience, as well as some personal hands-on hacking experimentation during his early teen years, into now showing massive corporations how they can protect themselves from the kinds of people he used to run to ground.
That’s the setup for a new series from Reece Hirsch, author of the previous standalone legal thriller The Insider, which was a finalist for the 2011 International Thriller Writers Award for Best First Novel.
The first novel featuring Bruen, The Adversary, finds him dispatched to Amsterdam to retrieve a stolen source code. More than simply the ripoff of a proprietary piece of software, however, the code in question is the one that runs the majority of the operating systems in the world: small and large, commercial and private, even some governmental and military. Upon arriving at the location the suspected hacker had been tracked to, Bruen finds not the stolen code, but a dead body. Things spin quickly out of control from there, with Bruen finding himself personally targeted, and set up, by a group of black hat hackers intent on releasing a devastating computer virus known as Lurker. In order to stop the potentially globally crippling plot, Bruen has to both decode the virus and figure out why he has been placed in the group’s crosshairs, all while managing not to get caught by the multiple law enforcement agencies mistakenly hunting him as the cyber attack’s mastermind.
The second in the series, Intrusion, finds Bruen once again dealing with high-level hackers, though the potential fallout this time has international political ramifications. The book opens with the CEO of Zapper, the world’s largest search engine, summoning Bruen to a mysterious meeting in the wee hours of the night. Upon his arrival, Bruen can’t help but notice Zapper has assembled a Who’s Who of white hat hackers and cyber security experts. It seems Zapper has been hacked, its coveted search algorithms stolen.
Far more insidious than simply some rogue black hat hacker showing off for fun or ransom, the trail appears to lead back to someone in the People’s Liberation Army of China. Accordingly, Bruen heads to China, where he ends up with a hard drive containing information people are willing to kill for, people who won’t let pesky details like borders and laws stop them from trying to prevent Bruen from exposing the information he finds.
In addition to simply being damn good thrillers, Hirsch has tapped into areas of concern about cyber crime and data security that are either already happening, or are frighteningly on the verge of doing so. The Sony Pictures hack, cyber attacks on The White House that have been traced to both Russian and Chinese hackers over the past few years, cyber security consultant Chris Roberts’s claim that he can hack into and take over the flight control systems of airliners, millions of people’s personal data being compromised, Virgina-based cyber security firm Mandiant’s report identifying Unit 61398 of the People’s Liberation Army as the source of cyber attacks against over 100 corporations—events reminiscent of all appear in The Adversary and Intrusion.
And in that regard, both books make for reads that are more than merely page-turners; they are actually informative. While at the same time weaving an intriguing web of fiction, Hirsch also explores the very real potentially devastating economic effects that could occur as the result of theft of proprietary U.S. corporate technology by a rival nation, as well as the complex ethics of hacking in general—what right, if any, is there for information to be “free” to the world? Hirsch, himself a nationally recognized privacy and security law expert, brings a level of detail and ripped from the headlines urgency to the storytelling that will cause you to rethink everything you thought you knew about your online playground and just how safe it is…or isn’t, as the case may be.
October 25, 2013
A solid piece of writing from Reece Hirsch; compelling and well-developed, the characters were believable and the style was hugely enjoyable.
The Adversary is everything that Hollywood looks for in its next summer blockbusters: easy to follow, enjoyable characters, and formulaic enough to not require too much critical thinking. This may sound like a slight, but it's not intended that way. This was a fun book that was easy to read, and fun to ride along with. There's nothing wrong with a book being fun.
I did not, personally, find it to be very suspenseful or mysterious (the big reveal at the end was exactly what I assumed about 50 pages in, and the minor twists and turns along the way were all pretty well lit up with giant warning signs from the start of the book). However, this book was so well written and the characters were compelling, so this lack of surprise did not bother me. It succeeds as an excellent book, even though it failed as a suspense novel (for me).
One of the other reviews mentions something about how Hirsch is "running with the big boys" now, and I would have to agree. I agree, though, b/c I find all most mainstream suspense/thriller/mystery authors to be formulaic and predictable. Again, this doesn't necessarily make them less enjoyable, it just makes them less suspenseful.
My only real complaint about this book is weird choices Hirsch makes in regards to his attention to detail. I'm not familiar enough with every city visited in the book, but
Much larger spoiler. Do NOT read this if you have not read the book, or if you do not want a pretty huge spoiler!
For an author that is so focused on details (nearly 400 pages of details), he should spend more time making sure they are accurate and make sense. But again, that really is my only actual complaint. And, honestly, I could have missed some revelations/information that would explain these inconsistencies. Otherwise the book was a fun, well-paced ride through one man's nightmare. This book gets, and deserves the four stars, and I'd love to read more of Reece Hirsch's work.
The Adversary is everything that Hollywood looks for in its next summer blockbusters: easy to follow, enjoyable characters, and formulaic enough to not require too much critical thinking. This may sound like a slight, but it's not intended that way. This was a fun book that was easy to read, and fun to ride along with. There's nothing wrong with a book being fun.
I did not, personally, find it to be very suspenseful or mysterious (the big reveal at the end was exactly what I assumed about 50 pages in, and the minor twists and turns along the way were all pretty well lit up with giant warning signs from the start of the book). However, this book was so well written and the characters were compelling, so this lack of surprise did not bother me. It succeeds as an excellent book, even though it failed as a suspense novel (for me).
One of the other reviews mentions something about how Hirsch is "running with the big boys" now, and I would have to agree. I agree, though, b/c I find all most mainstream suspense/thriller/mystery authors to be formulaic and predictable. Again, this doesn't necessarily make them less enjoyable, it just makes them less suspenseful.
My only real complaint about this book is weird choices Hirsch makes in regards to his attention to detail. I'm not familiar enough with every city visited in the book, but
Much larger spoiler. Do NOT read this if you have not read the book, or if you do not want a pretty huge spoiler!
For an author that is so focused on details (nearly 400 pages of details), he should spend more time making sure they are accurate and make sense. But again, that really is my only actual complaint. And, honestly, I could have missed some revelations/information that would explain these inconsistencies. Otherwise the book was a fun, well-paced ride through one man's nightmare. This book gets, and deserves the four stars, and I'd love to read more of Reece Hirsch's work.
June 15, 2015
"The Adversary" is a very well written techno-thriller reminiscent of the movie "Die Hard," where computer hackers try to take over a city and cause widespread death and destruction. Trying to stop this mayhem is ex-hacker Chris Bruen, who gets involved whether he wants to or not.
Chris was a former Department of Justice attorney working on cyber crimes. He decided to take his skills private and joined a law firm where he basically did the same thing, only he could offer offenders with options other than going to prison. Since he was previously a hacker, Chris sympathized with many of those he was sent to corral. The book delves a little into Chris's background and tells the tale of a simple prank gone bad. But Chris turned his life around, went to law school, and never went back to hacking. The same can not be said for others in his position.
The book starts out with Chris traveling to Europe to retrieve the source code for an operating system used by almost everyone. Chris's client (think Microsoft) wanted the code returned because if it became widely available, hackers could find holes to insert viruses and this would in turn impact the trust of those using their product. But someone had beaten Chris to his target and as he stands knocking on the door, he hears a gunshot. Upon gaining entrance to the apartment, he finds the hacker dead, but also finds a copy of the source code along with a virus they called LURKER.
Upon returning to San Francisco, Chris finds himself in the middle of the attempt to find those responsible for the Lurker virus. Enlisting the help of Zoey. a local hacker, they return to Europe in order to follow up a lead. It is then they find out that the mastermind behind the virus has targeted a major city for the virus and that he has implicated Chris in the conspiracy. Believing he needed to remain free in order to clear his name, Chris and Zoey must evade Interpol, the CIA, the DOJ, and the real hacker as well.
I thought this was a very good book. The pace was steady, picking up toward the end and the final climax. It was written in a way that non tech savvy readers would understand what was going on and gave a little insight into the world of hacking. I hope Mr. Hirsch includes Zoey in his subsequent novels as I thought she made a good companion to Chris. I am looking forward to reading more about Chris Bruen and his future exploits.
Chris was a former Department of Justice attorney working on cyber crimes. He decided to take his skills private and joined a law firm where he basically did the same thing, only he could offer offenders with options other than going to prison. Since he was previously a hacker, Chris sympathized with many of those he was sent to corral. The book delves a little into Chris's background and tells the tale of a simple prank gone bad. But Chris turned his life around, went to law school, and never went back to hacking. The same can not be said for others in his position.
The book starts out with Chris traveling to Europe to retrieve the source code for an operating system used by almost everyone. Chris's client (think Microsoft) wanted the code returned because if it became widely available, hackers could find holes to insert viruses and this would in turn impact the trust of those using their product. But someone had beaten Chris to his target and as he stands knocking on the door, he hears a gunshot. Upon gaining entrance to the apartment, he finds the hacker dead, but also finds a copy of the source code along with a virus they called LURKER.
Upon returning to San Francisco, Chris finds himself in the middle of the attempt to find those responsible for the Lurker virus. Enlisting the help of Zoey. a local hacker, they return to Europe in order to follow up a lead. It is then they find out that the mastermind behind the virus has targeted a major city for the virus and that he has implicated Chris in the conspiracy. Believing he needed to remain free in order to clear his name, Chris and Zoey must evade Interpol, the CIA, the DOJ, and the real hacker as well.
I thought this was a very good book. The pace was steady, picking up toward the end and the final climax. It was written in a way that non tech savvy readers would understand what was going on and gave a little insight into the world of hacking. I hope Mr. Hirsch includes Zoey in his subsequent novels as I thought she made a good companion to Chris. I am looking forward to reading more about Chris Bruen and his future exploits.
February 20, 2014
I was literally swept away with suspense in this book.
Most authors have their own unique way of telling a story. Some go to great lengths with extremely descriptive adjectives. Others feel they must have numerous subplots to make the story interesting. Usually when that occurs, I find myself having to refer back to the last time the author referenced that particular subplot to refresh my memory with those characters. Reece Hirsch lets the story flow smoothly, without interruption, from chapter to chapter. If you put this book down for a brief period, when you pick it up again you remember exactly where you left off. I hope he continues writing in this manner.
If you're interested in computers, computer codes, IT, & hacking, you'll love this story. Chris, the main character, had affiliations with government entities which brought down computer hackers. This experience allowed him to be employed as an attorney working for a large firm which suspects its widely-used program is being hacked. Because of a hacking episode of the DOD that he was involved with when he was a teenager, as an adult he became knowledgeable as to how to catch others who did same.
As the drama unfolds, Chris learns his girlfriend has been kidnapped because of his involvement in trying to stop this particular hacker. In trying to locate her, he's accompanied by a girl who was also a previous hacker & they find themselves having to travel to Spain & France, then back to the U.S. The electrical grid of New York City is the target for the hack. The suspense includes a complete power outage for NYC & its vividly described repercussions, along with an attempted attack at a nearby nuclear site.
I read a lot of books & this was one of the very few I was only able to put down for brief periods. It's smooth reading even for those not knowledgeable about subjects related to computers.
Most authors have their own unique way of telling a story. Some go to great lengths with extremely descriptive adjectives. Others feel they must have numerous subplots to make the story interesting. Usually when that occurs, I find myself having to refer back to the last time the author referenced that particular subplot to refresh my memory with those characters. Reece Hirsch lets the story flow smoothly, without interruption, from chapter to chapter. If you put this book down for a brief period, when you pick it up again you remember exactly where you left off. I hope he continues writing in this manner.
If you're interested in computers, computer codes, IT, & hacking, you'll love this story. Chris, the main character, had affiliations with government entities which brought down computer hackers. This experience allowed him to be employed as an attorney working for a large firm which suspects its widely-used program is being hacked. Because of a hacking episode of the DOD that he was involved with when he was a teenager, as an adult he became knowledgeable as to how to catch others who did same.
As the drama unfolds, Chris learns his girlfriend has been kidnapped because of his involvement in trying to stop this particular hacker. In trying to locate her, he's accompanied by a girl who was also a previous hacker & they find themselves having to travel to Spain & France, then back to the U.S. The electrical grid of New York City is the target for the hack. The suspense includes a complete power outage for NYC & its vividly described repercussions, along with an attempted attack at a nearby nuclear site.
I read a lot of books & this was one of the very few I was only able to put down for brief periods. It's smooth reading even for those not knowledgeable about subjects related to computers.
November 1, 2016
I rarely comment on the physical aspects of a book but this one is very cool. The artwork is amazing- very Graphic Novelesque. The texture of the book is different too, it almost feels like rubber. But the best part of this book is on the inside. I was riveted. I absolutely love Reece Hirsch's writing style. He's an author who makes you feel like you're living the story rather than reading it.
Chris Bruen is an Attorney specializing in Data Security law. He's been hired by the firm's client, BlueCloud, to track down a hacker who had stolen their source code. But it is soon apparent to Chris that this time it was personal and he enlists the help of a talented hacker named Zoey. Together they try to prevent one of the world's worst cyber-crimes from happening on US soil.
I was prepared to give The Adversary a 4 or even 5 star rating but there were several things I got hung up on and I hate when that happens. For example, Chris and Zoey tell Agents Hazlitt and Falacci where they think the hacker suspect is and you fully expect them to sound the alarm and go after him asap. After all, he holds the key to bringing New York to it's knees and they are the agents closest to where he has been tracked. But instead you read that the agents have been told to stay put to see if there is anything they can do to help stop the impending crisis. Really? Also, earlier in the book Chris talks about how he's surprised 25 year old Sarah is interested in a man his age. But after Sarah, aka Ripley, is taken into custody, you learn that she and Dylan, aka Enigma, had been hacking partners for over 20 years.
But even so, I enjoyed the book and can't wait for the movie to come out :). I also just ordered "The Insider" and look forward to future publications by Reece Hirsch.
Chris Bruen is an Attorney specializing in Data Security law. He's been hired by the firm's client, BlueCloud, to track down a hacker who had stolen their source code. But it is soon apparent to Chris that this time it was personal and he enlists the help of a talented hacker named Zoey. Together they try to prevent one of the world's worst cyber-crimes from happening on US soil.
I was prepared to give The Adversary a 4 or even 5 star rating but there were several things I got hung up on and I hate when that happens. For example, Chris and Zoey tell Agents Hazlitt and Falacci where they think the hacker suspect is and you fully expect them to sound the alarm and go after him asap. After all, he holds the key to bringing New York to it's knees and they are the agents closest to where he has been tracked. But instead you read that the agents have been told to stay put to see if there is anything they can do to help stop the impending crisis. Really? Also, earlier in the book Chris talks about how he's surprised 25 year old Sarah is interested in a man his age. But after Sarah, aka Ripley, is taken into custody, you learn that she and Dylan, aka Enigma, had been hacking partners for over 20 years.
But even so, I enjoyed the book and can't wait for the movie to come out :). I also just ordered "The Insider" and look forward to future publications by Reece Hirsch.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2014
This novel starts with a big bang and the action doesn’t slow down, but there is something about this story that nags at me. First to the story itself which is mostly action packed with pacing that will keep you turning the pages long after you should have turned out the lights for the night. Our hero is Chris Bruen, once of the Department Of Justice who now works for a law firm where he specializes in data security laws. After a mission to stop a hacker in Amsterdam fails, he heads back to San Francisco only to find that his mission isn’t really over and the true “Black Hat” hackers will stop at nothing to destroy Bruen and retrieve the code that Bruen had collected while overseas.
The book is enhanced by tons of computer technology explanations that give greater insight to the world of the programmer and hacker alike. There is a kidnapping, Bruen teams up with an unlikely ally, and they head back to Europe in hoes of resolving the kidnapping, rescuing the girl and destroying the evil ones. These sections read almost like travel guides if one were to include a chase scene and some gunfire just for fun.
All this is well and good, the book is a good, entertaining read, etc., etc., etc., but there is the one thing that catches me. It’s not the book. It’s the genre. I see a future where every other story in the Action/Adventure line will be a techno thriller and I know I’ll have to wade though paragraph after paragraph, ad nausea, of stilted definitions of arcane hacker terms and I will look back on this reading and reminisce over how skillfully these very definitions were woven into the overall tapestry. From here out adventure stories will have to reside next to reference manuals of all kinds.
Well, there is no going back now, is there?
This was a Goodreads win.
The book is enhanced by tons of computer technology explanations that give greater insight to the world of the programmer and hacker alike. There is a kidnapping, Bruen teams up with an unlikely ally, and they head back to Europe in hoes of resolving the kidnapping, rescuing the girl and destroying the evil ones. These sections read almost like travel guides if one were to include a chase scene and some gunfire just for fun.
All this is well and good, the book is a good, entertaining read, etc., etc., etc., but there is the one thing that catches me. It’s not the book. It’s the genre. I see a future where every other story in the Action/Adventure line will be a techno thriller and I know I’ll have to wade though paragraph after paragraph, ad nausea, of stilted definitions of arcane hacker terms and I will look back on this reading and reminisce over how skillfully these very definitions were woven into the overall tapestry. From here out adventure stories will have to reside next to reference manuals of all kinds.
Well, there is no going back now, is there?
This was a Goodreads win.
June 30, 2014
This review is based on the autographed FirstReads copy I was lucky enough to win. The author included a personalized, signed letter with the book, which made me appreciate my win even more. As was the case with The Insider, the protagonist (Chris Bruen) is a corporate attorney who specializes in cyber-security and becomes embroiled in a mystery that threatens his job and his life. The story begins with Bruen traveling to Amsterdam to confront a hacker; however, the hacker is murdered. Shortly afterwards, Bruen finds a flash drive with a malicious virus that is linked to a threat against a major U.S. city. A group of "black hat" hackers turns the tables on Bruen who soon becomes the FBI's top suspect for both the murder and the virus, and he must quickly determine who to trust as he attempts to stop the release of the virus and clear his name. Bruen travels across the U.S. and Europe in this action-packed story that blends elements of a legal thriller with an international treasure hunt. I enjoyed the writing and pacing of the book, and found it to be a fun read -- a nice bit of escapism at the start of summer. It should appeal to fans of Dan Brown and John Grisham, and will keep you turning the pages until the very end. I look forward to reading the next offering from this author and am grateful to the FirstReads program for introducing me to his first two books.
April 15, 2014
Winning a copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads was a blessing. Usually I don't pick up a new author unless he or she comes highly recommended by a friend. Yet, something about this book grabbed my attention and I was delighted to win a copy.
First, the pacing of this book is insane. I know it's 400 pages, but it is the definition of a page turner. I haven't had much time to read lately, but the book fit nicely into the free moments I've had to spare. I ended up reading it in 3 large chunks.
Second, the protagonist is very well thought out. Although he is a lawyer (been there, done that), he has a compelling backstory and a niche specialty that makes him unlike other lawyer protagonists I've read. This isn't a legal thriller. It's an informative and adventurous look into the real world of cyber terrorism.
Third, I found the book to be very easy to understand, with just the right amount of educational material. Mr. Hirsch doesn't beat you over the head with his knowledge, but he always gives you what you need and does it in an engaging writing style.
If there was anything I found fault with in the book, it was the relatively light way the murder of Chris' co-worker was handled. Although the author did mention this at the end, I was sad to see a good character killed off without really adding more by way of explanation.
Overall I really loved the book and can't wait to see what's next for Chris Bruen and Mr. Hirsch. I guess I need to go back and pick up his first book too. Thanks again, Reece, for the great story.
First, the pacing of this book is insane. I know it's 400 pages, but it is the definition of a page turner. I haven't had much time to read lately, but the book fit nicely into the free moments I've had to spare. I ended up reading it in 3 large chunks.
Second, the protagonist is very well thought out. Although he is a lawyer (been there, done that), he has a compelling backstory and a niche specialty that makes him unlike other lawyer protagonists I've read. This isn't a legal thriller. It's an informative and adventurous look into the real world of cyber terrorism.
Third, I found the book to be very easy to understand, with just the right amount of educational material. Mr. Hirsch doesn't beat you over the head with his knowledge, but he always gives you what you need and does it in an engaging writing style.
If there was anything I found fault with in the book, it was the relatively light way the murder of Chris' co-worker was handled. Although the author did mention this at the end, I was sad to see a good character killed off without really adding more by way of explanation.
Overall I really loved the book and can't wait to see what's next for Chris Bruen and Mr. Hirsch. I guess I need to go back and pick up his first book too. Thanks again, Reece, for the great story.
November 23, 2013
I received this book from a first reads giveaway. I must say that I am not a big computer fan and generally do not read books that revolve around this type of thing but this book was very exciting and entertaining. I found myself unable to put it down and will be buying his first book because I loved this one. He made it so easy to understand what was going on, even if you have no knowledge of computer terms and the way it was presented was interesting not boring. I sincerely hope that he goes on to write a 3rd book because the ending of the book just left you wanting to know what was going to happen next. He is a very talented author and I look forward to reading the book prior to this. If you get a chance to read it please do not pass up on the opportunity. I promise you will not be disappointed. Its about a former DOJ investigator who finds himself on the opposite side of the law, after the private law firm he works for asks him to obtain some things that were stolen from them. Once he arrives at the home of the thief, his life takes a turn for the worst but he doesn't give up and recovers a virus known as the Lurker. This book really makes you think about the real possibilities we could face if something like this were to happen. The amount of things we use on a daily basis that rely on technology alone is scary and the damage that could be caused is even scarier if the wrong person got their hands on it.
September 23, 2015
I enjoyed Reece Hirsch's first book, The Insider, so I decided to give The Adversary a try. I'm glad that I did.
This is a good start to this kindle serial.
Chris Bruen, an attorney, travels to the Netherlands for a major client to confront a computer hacker that has stolen program codes only to find him dead. What should have been a quick and simple job turns out to be a problem that could cost more lives then it already has. 5 stars
This is going to be a great story and I look forward to episode 2.
Episode 2 is slow paced but ends with a horrible surprise. 4 stars
Episode 3 has more action. The hackers, Enigma and Ripley are always one step ahead of Chris and have framed him for the hacking job and domestic terrorism that they themselves are responsible for. 5 stars
Episode 4 has Chris and Zoey crossing the border from Spain to France with the help of a hacker "friend". Chris' friend and co-worker, Ed, who was trying to break the Lurker virus so a patch could be created may not be of help much longer. 5 stars
Episode 5 has quite a twist. I was so busy suspecting one person that the other surprised me. 5 stars
Episode 6 has Chris and Zoey returning to the states. Chris cracked the code and knows who Enigma is. I think I know who he is and why he has framed Chris. I wonder if I'm right! 5 stars
Episode 7 winding down to the end 5 stars
Episode 8 what a finale! 5 stars
This is a good start to this kindle serial.
Chris Bruen, an attorney, travels to the Netherlands for a major client to confront a computer hacker that has stolen program codes only to find him dead. What should have been a quick and simple job turns out to be a problem that could cost more lives then it already has. 5 stars
This is going to be a great story and I look forward to episode 2.
Episode 2 is slow paced but ends with a horrible surprise. 4 stars
Episode 3 has more action. The hackers, Enigma and Ripley are always one step ahead of Chris and have framed him for the hacking job and domestic terrorism that they themselves are responsible for. 5 stars
Episode 4 has Chris and Zoey crossing the border from Spain to France with the help of a hacker "friend". Chris' friend and co-worker, Ed, who was trying to break the Lurker virus so a patch could be created may not be of help much longer. 5 stars
Episode 5 has quite a twist. I was so busy suspecting one person that the other surprised me. 5 stars
Episode 6 has Chris and Zoey returning to the states. Chris cracked the code and knows who Enigma is. I think I know who he is and why he has framed Chris. I wonder if I'm right! 5 stars
Episode 7 winding down to the end 5 stars
Episode 8 what a finale! 5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews