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#Hacker #3

Digital Horizon: Geek Girl Mysteries, Book 3

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One wants justice.

One wants redemption.

One just wants revenge.

Still reeling from her devastating loss, Farris is barely holding it together when she's approached by a covert government agency. The IDC is recruiting the best hackers in the country to form a team capable of tracking down and thwarting cyber terrorists. When they make her an offer she can't refuse - a shot at catching the people responsible for the death of her father - she's all in. But success will mean forging new alliances, betraying the people she loves, and trusting an old enemy. If she succeeds, she might finally get the closure she needs. If she fails, the digital world will crumble at her feet, putting thousands of lives at risk and exposing the world's most dangerous secrets.

In the dark web, where anything can be bought and sold, this talented young hacker just might have to sell her soul to get what she's after.

Audible Audio

First published February 8, 2016

7 people are currently reading
96 people want to read

About the author

Sherry D. Ficklin

44 books671 followers
Sherry is the author of over a dozen novels for teens and young adults including the best selling Stolen Empire series. She can often be found browsing her local bookstore with a large white hot chocolate in one hand and a towering stack of books in the other. That is, unless she's on deadline at which time she, like the Loch Ness monster, is only seen in blurry photographs.
Sherry also writes contemporary romance under the pen name SJ Noble. You can find her at her official website, www.sherryficklin.com, or stalk her on her Facebook page www.facebook.com/sherry.ficklin.

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5 stars
74 (66%)
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26 (23%)
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11 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Brit.
166 reviews7 followers
February 4, 2016
Sherry. Sherry. Sherry.

What have you done? You have hook, line and sucker-punch-sunk me into this hacker world of yours. And I can’t get enough. It just gets better.

In book 3 of the series, Farris, our main character (and my personal snarkasm hero) is presented with an opportunity to put her skills to use for the highest stakes yet. But it will take everything she knows, and her ability to quickly figure out what she doesn’t know, to muddle her way through the challenges and come out on the other side alive.

The stakes are higher, the relationships harder, the feels bigger. Oh my stars. THE FEELS.

And as for the techno-hacker-lingo, I have this to say: Accessible. Understandable. Maintains her genius without dumbing it down. Sherry has taken cyber threats that are feasible for real-life that are above the average person’s head and not only made them comprehendible but created an incredible plot for her amazing characters to puzzle through without losing the signature dialogue style of the characters. As always, the snarky, quick-witted dialogue had me snorting into my chai.

Speaking of characters, be on the look out for some awesome new cast members as well as some returning cast from book 1, Playing With Fire (which by the way is FREE right now). That definitely threw me for a loop.

And can we just talk about Cole and the new boss character, Oz, for a minute.

Also, I will be adding this line to my personal repertoire of quips:

“You look exhausted.” “Flattery will get you nowhere."


All this to say, Digital Horizon, although shorter than the other two books, has me dying for more of this story line. Sherry, I hope you have book 4 ready to come out soon! Seriously. I want it, like, TOMORROW. You’ve turned me into a raving, dependent lunatic on your next written word. I’m a mess. I’m going to go drink chai and make obsessive fan art while I wait.
Profile Image for Joood Hooligan.
518 reviews35 followers
March 5, 2016
http://www.platypire.com/j-hooligan/d...

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The end of the second book left me needing to read this one, because that ending! I needed answers... and oh man, I got them.

Farris frustrates me so much in this one. Although she countered it by being so much cooler than in the last two. Also, this one focuses less on romance and much more on her skills. There's so crazy action going on.

For those of you less interested in the romantical parts, you'll probably like this one a lot. I know I found myself more absorbed because I was afraid everyone was going to die!

Toward the beginning bits, I just wanted to roll into a ball and cry. It hurt me so many! Then there was somethings in the middle that made me want to scream and throw things. And finally, that ending! It's like the author WANTS the readers to suffer.

So, here I am again, having finished another of the #Hacker books, and now I have more questions and a great need for book 4.
Profile Image for Melanie's.
566 reviews30 followers
January 18, 2016
This is the 3rd installment in the #Hacker series and after the end of book 2 I could not WAIT to get this in my hands and let me tell you this book does not disappoint! Without giving away any spoilers I have to say this is my favorite so far with the most action, but more importantly the most growth by these teenager characters. I am constantly amazed at how this author continues to impress with real insight into young adults that is often overlooked in these sorts of books.

A total page turner I could not put it down. Fans of the series will love the plot twists and those that haven't started the series yet - what are you waiting for? Book one is FREE so you have nothing to lose!

An easy 5 stars from me and BRING ON BOOK 4!!!!

V""V
Profile Image for Eccentric  Editions.
492 reviews16 followers
February 8, 2016
I loved it!!! The plot had me flying through the pages. The action and suspense dang so totally cool.
And Oz I want to fan myself, lol have a little crush on him ;p
After how the second book ended I was eager to know more and was excited to read this book. I love Farris for being her and I've adored her from beginning her for that.
So totally COOL!!! Loved and enjoyed the book and am even more excited to read the sequel! Got an arc in exchange of an honest review.
Profile Image for Jenny  Zimmerman.
1,678 reviews72 followers
February 6, 2016
As everybody has learned by now, I am a true YA Paranormal fan, but from time to time, you can find me venturing out of my comfort zone and diving into other genres…….

Well, I have once again devoured another phenomenal read by this amazing author. It took me six hours straight, non stop reading, but it has taken me twenty-four hours to gather my thoughts to write this review. I needed time to wrap my brain around the turn of events that happened in this story. Now, I still don’t have my brain wrapped completely around it, but I am ready to share my opinion on this book.

This book starts off where the ending of book two left us, full of raw emotions and completely in shock. I love how the author started off this book. I was hooked, of course, from the very first sentence. This book is full of raw emotions, and yet the main character just keeps chugging through and keeping it together.

Farris
Farris is a strong willed girl, who is smart and sassy, but also quite broken. I actually could feel the feelings of this character pour off the pages and into my mind. I felt as if I was actually the character and not a shadow of the character. This is a very lovable character and no matter what this author did to this character, she stayed strong and made sure her feelings never slipped, and above all, she tried to keep people safe. It’s a lot of the shoulders of a seventeen year old with an old soul.



The story line
The author was spot on with the title for this book. It’s all about the Digital Horizon and how it all works. The author really did her homework while writing this story and I give her a standing ovation for her hard work in bringing this story to life. Of course, we are left with another cliffhanger and I am sure the next book will be just as thrilling as this one was. We met new characters and old in this story, which made this story extremely interesting to read. I really haven’t known of this author for very long, but she is very good at twisting a story and keeping you on the edge of your seat throughout the whole thing. I am very anxious to read more from this author in the months to come. This author has shown all her blood, sweat, and tears in this book and has opened us up to a whole new world, that we behind the scenes, didn’t know really existed. I highly recommend you read this series and get ready to have your mind blown!! I have never in my whole life read anything so mind blowing, spine tingling, edge of your seat writing like this before!!

I give this book my five book review, though this book does deserve more than that!! My proverbial hat goes off to the and this remarkably well written story!!

The author provided me with a digital ARC copy of the book for review purposes only. No remuneration was exchanged.

9 reviews2 followers
February 7, 2016
Sherry has done it again, from the first page I couldn't put this book down. The end of the last book had me counting down the days until this one came out and even though I hate waiting, it was well worth the wait. This book started where the last one left off and left me on a roller coaster ride of emotions with each turn the story took. It has everything all bottled into one book, and we even get to revisit a character from the beginning. Now I'm just waiting for the next book to come out to continue my obsession for her writing and this series!
Profile Image for Keagan.
23 reviews1 follower
January 31, 2016
http://www.platypire.com/keagan-rae/d...
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I don't know how Sherry does it, but Digital Horizon was even better than In Too Deep. This series just keeps getting better and better. We get more action and of course, a few more emotional bits, because apparently, we have to be a little broken by the end of the book, too.

I'm ready for book 4, any time now.

5/5 Platypires
Profile Image for Brad.
810 reviews18 followers
September 14, 2017
I LOVE this series, but I'm kind of disappointed in this installment :(

For two books, I have loved Farris and have supported her in every decision she's made (especially with men). But in Digital Horizons, she really irked me when it came to relationships. I got the sense that she treated Cole poorly the entire book for no good reason--as she fawned over someone else (not to mention that person was her superior).

I also don't know if I ever grieved the loss of Farris' father at the end of Book 2. It happened so suddenly, especially when he wasn't even in Book 2 at all really. I wasn't connected as much as I feel like I should have been.

I liked the conflict that Kayla faced, but again, I wish her story was drawn out more.

I feel like the book was rushed in some aspects. It centered mostly around the hacker storyline and what Farris and Oz had to do during the Intelligence's assignment. There wasn't a lot of personal story surrounding Farris and the rest of the characters as there was in Book 1 and Book 2.

Last book, I complained that there wasn't much Hackery language, and this one there wasn't enough character development. One positive is that Sherry has the skill to speak "hacker" and still speak "regular people" ;)

I wish the book was a little longer to draw out the story more. I really missed the minor characters that have been in development since book 1. I felt forced into liking Oz and, as a listener (because I listened to the audiobook), I want to make my own opinions about a potential love interest for the main character--not feel forced into liking this stud muffin because she's around him all the time now.

Another positive is that I loved the surprise return of one character--it made me queezy to know he/she was near Farris at times. I also loved the revelation at the end--looking forward to reading more about that in Book 4.

Overall, I really enjoyed listening to Digital Horizons. I liked the story set up, but I wasn't a fan of how it was carried out. I'm giving it a 3 because I was honestly disappointed because I LOVED the first one and really enjoyed the second. The third was slightly lackluster for me but I'm glad I read it and continued on with the story. I seriously can't wait for the fourth book to come out and I'm still a fan of Ms. Ficklin.

Narration by Andrea Emmes was great. Her voice used for Farris is growing on me. I'd like to see her change up her voices used for different genders more, but I still enjoyed her narration.
Profile Image for Annie.
938 reviews32 followers
April 25, 2018
** I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review **

I honestly liked this very much...its kind of a cozy mystery...it had a little hacking, a little mystery, some danger and some romance...all wrapped up in a very well narrated package!! I will check out the rest of the series soon..i recommend!!
Profile Image for Bekah the Awesome.
161 reviews2 followers
January 3, 2019
I had to read this immediately because of what book 2 did to me. IT. TRAUMATIZED. ME. This was great. Just like, really, there’s so many levels to this story. The action is great, the feels are feel-y, and the end leaves you on the edge of your seat, FIENDING for the next book.

Which brings me to my next point, OMF SHERRY, can we talk about these bleeping endings?! Why you gotta be so cruel?!
Profile Image for Mimi Davis Hopkins.
676 reviews3 followers
November 22, 2018
Adventures Of A Teenage Geek

Once again great writing by sherry Ficklin, with the same well defined characters, with a new and exciting twist to their adventures. This is a must read. Hoping now are published, it so on to the next adventure!😀
Profile Image for Sydney.
118 reviews
May 20, 2020
I absolutely love this series. I am incredibly frustrated right now though because I want another but there isn’t but there better be. Wow. This one wasn’t as good as the two before it but it was still amazing!
Profile Image for Fiorela.
781 reviews19 followers
December 29, 2022
I Totally love it!! Solo sweet. And the mystery is amazing.
Profile Image for Ethan Gregory.
223 reviews8 followers
March 16, 2016
Full review and more available at: http://oneguysguidetogoodreads.blogsp...

*****
My Thoughts:

As my readers well know, Sherry D. Ficklin is one of my all-time favorite young adult authors. Her works transcend across genres and shatter boundaries, leaving only awe in their paths. Back in the fall she released her newest series, a YA mystery sci-fi thriller that set the stage for a saga I wasn't too sure about. While book one and I may not have seen eye to eye, book two really upped the ante and had me singing its' praises. But could Ficklin continue the trend?

Absolutely!

Digital Horizon is my favorite in the series thus far, by-far! Wow!

Rather than rehash the events of the previous two novels, I'd like to jump right in with my thoughts on this one.

First and foremost, HOLY YA. Woah people. Ficklin didn't play around this time. This is one mature YA novel, definitely pushing the boundaries in only the way Ficklin can. Adult themes, situations, and language are prevalent, but in such a way that make this YA hard hitting and so much more realistic from others we see int he same genre. I continue to be absolutely astounded by Ficklin's writing style.

Anyone who is following this series will well remember than book two, In Too Deep, ended on one of the most emotional notes imaginable, changing Farris' life forever. That heartbreak and emotion aided Digital Horizon in becoming one of Ficklin's most well-written stories to-date.

When it comes to the plot of Digital Horizon, I was thoroughly impressed. I'll be honest, I'm not much for the spy/James Bond-esque novels, but Ficklin changed thoughts with this one. Unlike the previous two novels, this 'mystery' isn't quite the same. While we're definitely still hunting a villain, the stakes are much higher. And our girl Farris definitely has some work to do. Not even old enough to drink and Farris is handling matters of international security like a champ. She's truly the perfect heroine! Digital Horizon packed such a huge punch in terms of the plotline that I couldn't set it down. I absolutely devoured this one. It's action-packed and fast-paced so any reader will fly through this one.

Not only did Digital Horizon see a much more mature plot, it also so a much more mature Farris. The biggest issue I had with the beginning of this series was the immaturity I saw in our main characters and their struggles, it wasn't the type of writing I was used to from Ficklin. Through three amazing stories now, Farris has grown and really come into her own. She's fierce in every aspect of the word and truly an incredible character role model for an entire generation of readers. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for Farris in future installments of this series.

As I've already mentioned several times now, this novel is definitely more for the mature-YA readers. Sex, violence, and language are all present here and help to contribute to some of the novel's most hard-hitting themes. While definitely something to take note of, it definitely did not hinder my reading experience in the least bit. In fact, I was loving every second. It's authors like Ficklin who understand the capacities of our youth who are moving the industry forward by not sugar coating the realities of young adult life in the twenty-first century.

This story really touched me in an awesome way and left me with incredible hope for the remainder of the series. I absolutely cannot wait to see what we can expect in book four of the series. It should come as absolutely no surprise that I am granting Digital Horizon by Sherry D. Ficklin a near-perfect 5-star review. I couldn't recommend this series more highly if I tried. To anyone looking to add something a bit different to your TBR, look no more! Check out the #Hacker series today!

*****
Profile Image for Holly Bryan.
665 reviews150 followers
February 29, 2016
Oh. My. Lord. I did not think it was possible for me to love the #HACKER series from Sherry Ficklin more than I already did. Well, guess what? IT IS! This is the third installment in the series, and it is quite possibly my favorite of them all.

Sherry's writing just keeps getting more and more amazing with every single book she releases. I'm not sure if she could write something that I *didn't* like. And DIGITAL HORIZON is absolutely no exception. If you've read (or go check out) my reviews for book 1 and book 2, then you know that I loved those first two. I think that this book, though, takes things to a whole new level. I was bawling, laughing, swooning, saying "OH MY GOD NO WAY", predicting something that seemed nuts (but which just might turn out to be true, yeah!), and basically running the gamut of every emotion that one could possibly feel, all while reading this book. WHOA.

I will say that this book is different from the first two in that the mystery at its heart is NOT wrapped up in this one book; you will definitely have to read the next book to find out what's really going on. That doesn't bother me one bit, though, because Sherry has me hooked no matter what. Not to mention that the "mystery" being investigated is even bigger than those we watched unfold in the first two books, so it makes sense that it will take longer to resolve it. I think this book has possibly the strongest writing of the three; it definitely elicits the strongest emotional reactions, which is saying a LOT (especially after the ending of book 2, ahem).

Okay, I don't want to say more for fear of accidentally revealing something, so I'll stop here. Just know that this is a series that I think you MUST read. It's an awesome set of mysteries featuring a kick-ass young woman with whom I identify on several levels. I think you will find yourself rooting for Farris just as much as I do! Do yourself a favor and READ THIS SERIES. I defy you to NOT get caught up in Farris' life and to NOT be moved by Sherry's writing. You'll love it, I promise.
27 reviews1 follower
Read
March 20, 2016
Decent plot and writing, best of the three

More plot and a little fewer relationships than the first two books in the series. The balance was good; still on the fluffy side but the tech was a bit more realistic than the other books as well. Still no tech details; it's all hand-wavy but sticks at least in part to somewhat realistic stuff. The action is a little contrived but the suspension of disbelief was easy enough and I read it straight through in about 2.5 hours.

It's kind of nice to read through a YA series after reading several Mark Russinovich and Ian Sutherland thrillers. They're longer and more twisted. This is short and to the point...one major plot focus, a drive to the action and climax and a bit of an epilogue including a hook for the next book (that's not out yet). Nice and simple, but fun. Less meandering than the first two as well. A pop fiction YA tech thriller :-)
Profile Image for K.M. Robinson.
63 reviews2 followers
February 10, 2016
See, NOW we’re talking. This is what I’ve been waiting for-the story to fill the Eye Candy shaped hole in my heart from when MTV canceled my awesome hacker show. I loved Digital Horizon, especially since Farris is into the real hacking at this point, finding herself working for the government to find the people responsible for the terrible attack at the end of the last book. We meet a fabulous new cast of characters, relive old trauma, run into an old enemy, and keep secrets through the entire book. Ahh, young love and secrets. I definitely messaged one of my friends several times while reading to tell her that I was impressed with how much the excitement picked up throughout the story. This is definitely the book I have been waiting for in this series. I highly recommend! Can’t wait until book four.
Profile Image for Stephenee.
1,930 reviews49 followers
June 6, 2016
OMG...Author Sherry Ficklin has done an amazing job with this series so far and I can't wait to see what will happen next! I have fallen in love with these amazing characters and the plot and have been impatiently hounding the author for book 4!

Farris, Cole, Oz, Kayla and the rest of the crew don't disappoint in this amazing installment! They continue to maintain their school lives, their friendships and the plenty of drama that makes up this amazing series. Farris is working a special assignment with Oz and there is plenty of drama, death and secrets that happen in this book. Cole makes a life changing decision that impacts both his life and Farris's life and then BAM the book ends.....yep, enter cursing, yelling, and all out upset with the author at this point....

If you haven't started reading this series yet, there is NO excuse!! Book 1 is perm-free!! Go get it today!!!
43 reviews4 followers
May 25, 2016
Couldn't put it down!

I love strong female protagonists. Farris is grounded and competent even though she is only seventeen. There is enough of a romance to satisfy, without being graphic. The technical parts seem believable (to a non-techie) but not so overwhelming as to make the reader's eyes glaze over! I am looking forward to the next installment to see what life throws at Farris and her friends. Although billed as YA fiction, adult reader's will enjoy it too, as I did. Although this book stands alone, why deny yourself the pleasure of reading them all, in order?
Profile Image for Jan farnworth.
1,715 reviews149 followers
February 8, 2016
Totally loved this book it one of my favorite of the series by far. As you read along with the others book in the series you really get to know Farris and you fall in love with her and you cheer along as she grown into this incredible character that is so strong, brave and dam right fearless. This one has a lot of action, some sweet romance and the end you be saying what in the box what in the box :) A must read for the hacker series.
Profile Image for Erin.
710 reviews
February 17, 2020
This is good

This has a faster pace as Farris an her new team are racing against a big bad hacker. The author is able to make plunking away in computers seem very action packed. The dialogue remains strong as this book adds more action to the mix.

What is unique about the romance of this book is that it's very much a part of the story, but it's also how her love life changes as she grows into the woman she is becoming.
Profile Image for Lindsey.
172 reviews
November 6, 2016
So good! All the suspense. Can't wait to read the next book.
Profile Image for Cary B.
141 reviews7 followers
December 12, 2017
Best in the series so far

Sherry really excelled herself in this book and I read it avidly, it never slowed down. I loved everything in it. The main characters came alive for me and I really enjoyed all the computer detail, that's my favourite thing, but it also has such a well worked out and interesting plot. Five stars, well deserved. I'm looking forward to the next part in the series.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews