Digital Winter

by Mark Hitchcock, Alton Gansky

Prophecy expert Mark Hitchcock and award-winning novelist Alton Gansky provide a suspenseful and fast-moving story of life after a massive cyber attack.

Twenty-two-year-old savant Donny Elton can’t tie his shoes, but his computer skills are unsurpassed. Egged on by a shadowy figure only he can see and hear, Donny creates an evolving computer virus that knocks out satellites, power grids, and communication systems. The world is thrown back into a lifestyle it hasn’t known for a hundred years. Surgeons find themselves operating without electricity. The military can’t use its computers…

This gripping story of darkness and heroism highlights prophetic themes and the very real danger of a cyber attack.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Science Fiction, Thriller, Post Apocalyptic, Speculative Fiction

354 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2012

About the author

Mark Hitchcock was born and raised in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He attended Oklahoma State University and graduated from law school in 1984. After working for a judge at the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals for four years, Mark was led to attend Dallas Theological Seminary, graduating in 1991. Since that time, he has served as senior pastor of Faith Bible Church in Edmond, Oklahoma. He completed his PhD at Dallas Theological Seminary in 2005 and serves as an associate professor of Bible exposition at DTS. He has authored over thirty books related to end-time Bible prophecy that have sold over one million copies. His books have been translated into over ten languages. Mark is a frequent speaker at churches and prophecy conferences both in the United States and internationally. Mark and his wife, Cheryl, live in Edmond, Oklahoma. They have two sons, Justin (married to Natalee) and Samuel, and two grandchildren..
You can also connect with Mark on Facebook

Reviews

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing in this novel was spot-on; it felt more like a mainstream techno thriller than anything within the Christian genre. The lack of a happy ending also made things more realistic. It was slightly slow at times, but...it still made for great reading.

[Sharon Snyder · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first half of this book was an interesting post-apocalyptic world without power book. Unfortunately I need to look at the publisher before checking out ebooks from the library because the second half turned out to be an end-times prophecy tribulation book. I don't mind those if I know before hand that's what I'm going to be reading, but the brief description didn't mention it and I didn't notice that it was published by Harvest House. It was really frustrating to read a book that started as a cyber-thriller but then just turned into a not-as-engaging Left Behind story.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any other time a writer writes end times fiction, it'll always follow 2 focused cliches.
1. The main character's a news journalist.
2. The story is a series franchise.
Thankfully, this end times story is a standalone story that doesn't feature news journalists. Then again, when I think about it, there were no journalists at all, and in the span of 341 pages, I could tell it spanned the areas of medical, military, political, and technothriller fiction and put in a heavily condensed amount of Biblical prophecy and several "what if"s in the story for extra thought provocation. And, one of my favorite elements in a dark story- anarchy all around. As I would expect from a Christian book that pulls no punches, nothing is held back, not even pulse-throbbing scenes of impossible odds with desperate people doing things that are considered taboo. Then there's plenty of humorous moments in small talk that, at times, made me smirk and, at times, made me laugh quite well.
Also, there were substantial characters (whether from the start or just around for a few chapters) that I felt like I could have been great friends with, so for certain characters to die was completely unsettling and heartbreaking, so I knew how surrounding characters felt.
Though the end lets it be known this is standalone, it does make me kinda wish there would be sequels while being glad there was just this one.

[Lizzy Bueckert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good! Sure makes you think about all the things we take for granted every day. Also how huge having hydro actually is in our world.

[Kent Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Suggested by my lovely wife!

[Den Warren · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise is very plausible and interesting. I would have liked it better if the storyline followed the more relevant characters.

[Martha Stoddard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prophetic!

One of the best end times book I have read. It seems a very realistic scenario of events after an EMP pulse takes out everything electronic. I liked the way the book is not overly dramatic in presenting the aftermath of such a devastating event.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

How would civilization react if everything controlled by computers and electronics were disrupted? How quickly would confusion turn to chaos? Very intriguing story based on just this scenario, and the potential of “wickedness in high places” to step in...

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of the last days, when chaos covers the world and only one man can promise to fix it all - and the world is ready to listen.

Two families play key roles in this story, but Donny Elton is at the heart of it all. He is a savant and he sees the "Shadows" that are telling him what to compute that turns the world dark, but he can't tell anyone what is really happening because he just doesn't have the words for that, but he does give them a short poem - now, if they can just figure it out. The other family is a surgeon, an orphan boy, and a Colonel who quickly becomes a General, and he is the only man who can figure out who is behind the blackout (both who's).

I struggled to get into the story, confusing the two families at the beginning. I think part of the problem near the end was the darkness in the story took form and it was kind of creepy - but then again, it is even more than creepy in reality! I appreciated that the author mentioned that the tribulation is a judgment on the world and that Christians (the Church - people, not buildings) will not be here for that judgment so the story doesn't take place during that time, but we will see tribulation and persecution and many bad things happening even before those days; we also know that the Anti-Christ will already be on the earth ready to take over before the rapture happens, and this story gives us a picture of what could be happening in the background.

This isn't an easy read, but overall it's a good read, and it's clean. Thank you!

[Gophergirl58 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of those books that I literally couldn't put down! But, finishing this at 0130 in the morning, I'm also afraid that I will have nightmares.

As a Christian in these darker days of the world, I have been mostly reading EMP apocalyptic books interspersed with non-fiction books with some of the latter being books based on the book of Revelation. I have to say that this apocalyptic fiction story had been different in many ways of others that I have read.

First, the book centers mostly upon the Presidential and military aspects of an apocalyptic event. And while it briefly touches upon the horrors that comes from a devastating EMP event, it also centers upon [MAJOR SPOILER AHEAD!!!] satanic forces being at work in reference to the book of Revelation, hence the possible nightmares for me. Lastly, the book has an epilogue, but not a real ending, and there was one thing I longed for, that of seeing lost people come to Christ. I'm sorry for so many spoilers, but as is the norm for my reviews, I write what I am feeling, what is n my heart. Still, I couldn't stop reading this book, and powered through it. Whew...now to give my eyes, and mind, a rest!

I would love to read more by this duo of authors, and am happy that I came across this book. Still, it leaves me with great sadness do the world at large because of the present state of our world, the US in particular. Folks, we need to pray for our country, and hard.

[Trisha · Rating 1 out of 5]

I saw this book in my local library's list of ebooks. I was drawn in by the name "Digital Winter". It reminded me of Neal Stephenson's "Snow Crash". I was sorely disappointed. This book could have been great. It had a few things going for it such as a world-wide conflict, suspects, heroes, and the true villain. All of that was interesting and even scary to think about. Then about 60% into the book characters became more verbal about bible verses and what they believe. When it seemed like I was going to get to the meat of the story..it just ends. It made all the good things going for the story a waste of building up. There was nothing to build up to. This is probably the lowest rating I've given to a book. I've given a two star rating here and there. I don't give them lightly. Usually I don't finish the book to earn it a rating. I finished this one. I was not happy about it. If my review can help a few readers avoid wasting their time, then it's done it's job.

[CindyHunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

End times

This book really grabs hold and doesn't let go!!! You really get to know all the people in this story and come to realize that their story could become our story. The rapture could happen any moment and Satan and his minions could already have their Anti Christ in the wings. Look to Jesus, because you don't want to be left behind!!!

[David Yount · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much technical jargon, not enough plot. Plus, it doesn't really end - it just leaves you waiting for the sequel. But I'm not sure there is one yet...

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set up for book 2? Seems like it, but there is no book 2.

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

Most of the book was engaging and builds up the suspense nicely, but the ending portion was a fizzle-out, in my opinion.

[John Muriango · Rating 4 out of 5]

Speculative

[W. Franklin Lattimore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worth the read because of the uniqueness of the story. Not Gansky's or Hitchcock's best, but it held my attention.

[Joni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrifyingly possible

[Trina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has everything: digital warfare, commentary on our dependence on the power grid, the inner workings of government, and conspiracy theories. This is a slow burn with a satisfying ending.

[Kristal Holtzclaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

I enjoyed every bit of this well written end times thriller. Really made me think and kept me on the edge of my chair.

[ACS Book-finder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prophecy expert Mark Hitchcock and award-winning novelist Alton Gansky provide a suspenseful and fast-moving story of life after a massive cyber attack.

Twenty-two-year-old savant Donny Elton can’t tie his shoes, but his computer skills are unsurpassed. Egged on by a shadowy figure only he can see and hear, Donny creates an evolving computer virus that knocks out satellites, power grids, and communication systems. The world is thrown back into a lifestyle it hasn’t known for a hundred years. Surgeons find themselves operating without electricity. The military can’t use its computers…

This gripping story of darkness and heroism highlights prophetic themes and the very real danger of a cyber attack.

Review: This is a story of a digital or cyber attack on the east coast of the United States. Cars and all other forms of transpiortation come to a stand still. People are hurt and killed during this breakdown. The one company that is in charge of finding out the problem is USCYBERCOM. Eventually, the problem results in power outage for all of North America in only 8 minutes. Only one household retained power. This was the household of a Godly man and his family. God uses this man's mentally challenged son to find the answer to fix the problem and get the person responsible for the chaos punished.

But do they catch the person? This seems to be a continued story.

Suitable for grades 7 and up and entails mystery and puzzle solving as the reader delves into the story. (--reviewed by L.Barker)

About the authors:
Mark Hitchcock is the author of nearly 20 books related to end-time Bible prophecy, including the bestselling 2012, the Bible, and the End of the World. He earned a ThM and PhD from Dallas Theological Seminary and is the senior pastor of Faith Bible Church in Edmond, Oklahoma. He has worked as an adjunct professor at DTS, and he and his wife, Cheryl, have two sons.
Alton Gansky is the author of 30 books—24 of them novels, including the Angel Award winner Terminal Justice and Christy Award finalist A Ship Possessed. A frequent speaker at writing conferences, he holds BA and MA degrees in biblical studies. Alton and his wife reside in Southern California.

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy of "8 Minutes to... Digital Winter" was provided by Harvest House Publishing on behalf of the authors for the purpose of an honest review. Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer.

[Iola · Rating 3 out of 5]

One January day in the very near future, the power goes out in San Diego. Then in Washington DC, and everywhere in between. At first, everyone thinks the blackouts are localised accidents, but it soon becomes apparent that the country is the victim of a cyberterrorism attack. The US military then realises the problem is global, so who is behind the attacks? And how will people in this digital age survive without electricity?

The first half of Digital Winter, detailing the initial power cuts from the viewpoints of different characters, was excellent. It was apocalyptic fiction of the best kind, both entertaining and thought-provoking (what would I do without electricity, even temporarily?). It was everything that Terri Blackstock’s Last Light wasn’t – scientifically plausible (at least to me), and featuring strong, intelligent and likeable characters.

But then Digital Winter moved from the immediate problem into the aftermath, eight days, eight weeks and (very briefly) eight months later. I found these later sections less compelling. They were more Christian tribulation fiction, like the start of the Left Behind series, but there is a flavour of Titanic there: we know how the story is supposed to go, and that takes something away from it. I wanted that element of surprise, and although it was there in the detail, the big picture is a bit obvious.

Now, I am fully aware of how ironic this sounds coming from me. I read a lot of romance, and the romance genre is defined by the need for a HEA (Happy Ever After) ending. In a romance novel, you can pretty much tell from the first chapter how it is going to end, and that doesn’t bother me because that is what I expect. But the beginning of Digital Winter was one thing while the end was another. And I liked the beginning more.

Thanks to Harvest House and NetGalley for providing a free book for review.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is not very often that I struggle to write a review for a book. Usually I am able to find the words with ease, as I recall the story line and remember the characters that captivated my attention. This book was very challenging for me to read. It was at times very fast paced and easy, but at other times I wanted to throw the book in sheer frustration. I have never had a book that I have had such a love/hate relationship with. It is probably the first time for me. I was also thrown off by the introduction of an oncoming religious theme toward the end of the book. By this I mean the standard, “end times”, scenario. I still found the scenes to be interesting, but was irritated that the story was a cliff hanger. I was really hoping for the book to continue on. However, I felt like I really made a genuine effort to get into the book and by the time I got to know the characters, it was all over with and nothing was accomplished.

I think those that are into books that are based on themes about ‘end times’ scenarios would enjoy this paperback. Also this book would be best for those who would prefer to read Christian based novels. My grandmother loved Christian novels so I have a deep respect for the community. I believe that the book could still use a lot of polishing. I was confused with all of the jumping from one person to another in the story. I also was not happy that the ‘shadow’ character was not explained more. I feel certain key elements were left out that could of helped the reader more. I kept waiting for an answer and never got one. By the end of the book I actually was disappointed and have not felt that in a long time. I won’t recommend the book, but I won’t deny the book. I understand that this story might be better suited toward another person who likes this type of genre.

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

My perspectives: Initially I was disappointed that the whole book didn't focus on Donny, the savant. But then, if it had, we wouldn't have seen how the rest of the nation and the world was affected by the cyberattack. Other characters we meet are:

Donny's father Stanley lives in a $3.5 million dollar condo and works for OPM Accounting (OPM stands for Other People's Money)
Dr. Roni Matisse works in a hospital in Washington, D.C.
Her husband is Colonel Matisse who specializes in cyber security and is stationed at USCYBERCOM in Fort Meade.
Plus many more minor characters.

The lights flicker, the lights go out, they come back on. Finally all power goes off around the world. Automobiles and planes are affected. The world is DARK. Is this an act of terrorism? But it is impossible to control 100% of the power grids at the same time. Colonel Matisse is called to an underground site where the US government officials go in times of dire emergency. Dr. Matisse has to perform surgery without electricity.

Dystopia fiction is one of my favorite genres, however I had never read end-times novels until this one.

Sidenote: way back in the mid-1970's I discovered a short story The Waveries written in 1945 by Fredric Brown. Some "aliens" eat all electrical and radio waves. The humans in that time era (1950's) have to go back to the way they lived 50 years before. Horses become valuable again. Every time a lightning storm causes the power to go out, I think of The Waveries. It is my top favorite short story, no longer available free on the Internet, alas. However it is in several anthologies. Therefore, I was interested to compare this short story written in 1945 with Digital Winter written almost 70 years later.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read books like this one before and the thought is frightening...what would happen to us if we lost all power? Anything with computer chips would stop working...no transportation, no way to get medications for the sick, and our food supply dwindling. Total darkness. It would be scary!
It was interesting to see how our nation and the world was affected by the cyberattack.

Digital Winter was a bit boring, I felt it would've been better if the author had focused on what the people did to survive instead of what our government did. Their goal was to save the well educated, healthy people and let everyone else die. Too much military jargon, meetings, and conversations were just uninteresting to me.

It's funny how surgeons kept operating and a select few had power and transportation, just wasn't realistic to me. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

I received an ecopy of this book free from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Chantel · Rating 2 out of 5]

It wasn't extremely well-written, but I liked the basic plot. I love that Hitchcock takes Bible prophesy and then writes a fictional account of something that COULD be plausible in the unfolding events leading to the Second Coming. I enjoy reading books that take a snippet of scripture and form a "what if" scenario because it makes the reader want to understand the scriptures better. This book, however, doesn't really end. The military discovers the source of the worm, but the reader knows that from the very beginning. What we have no idea about is who Eli is and how he coerced Donny into writing the program in the first place. For me that is very frustrating. The epilogue makes a perfect lead in for a sequel, but it doesn't look like there is one planned.

[Al Cormier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Apparently I read the author profile on the back cover, but I didn't comprehend what I read.

That being said, I thought this was a very good read. As speculative fiction, the basic premise was absolutely believable to a point, as was the catastrophic progression of world conditions. The authors hook the reader and reel him in right away. It isn't until more than half way in, that the reader finally recognizes what is really happening. By that time we are pretty much fully committed, and willing to see this through to the open-ended finale.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty accurately describes how dependent we are on electronics. Great story involving computer espionage--is it man or another evil, as well as those who believe in God, those who falter, and those who don't. What is one willing to give up for money and power. Keeps your attention throughout the whole book. Won this book from faithfulReader.com--thank you for the opportunity to read this book.

[Janet Moulton · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasn't a fan, overall. The plot does address how dependent our world has become on electronics, computers, power, etc. and how devastating life would be for most without power and the devices we rely on working everyday. I was glad I chose a large print version because I was able to read it twice as fast. This isn't just about life without tech, it is also a christian fiction take on end of days in our modern times.

[Carlos Rodríguez · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hope it was more about hacking and less about world's end of times doom...

It had some interesting points about interdependency of our current way of life and technology and power in absolutely everything we do, including the most basic needs: getting food for your family, going to work, being sick in a hospital, etc. That's why I have it 2 starts and not just the 1.

Overall, I am happy I loaned it from the local library and did not spent the money to buy it.