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Terror Byte
Street tough Detective Norton is a broken man. Still grieving the murder of his girlfriend he is called to investigate the daylight slaughter of an entire office amid rumours of a mysterious and lethal computer program. As the conspiracy unfolds the technological killer has a new target. Fighting for survival Norton must also battle his inner demons, the wrath of MI5 and a beautiful but deadly mercenary only known as Orchid. Unseen, undetectable and unstoppable. In the age of technology the most deadly weapon is a few lines of code.
Paperback
First published September 22, 2014
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About the author
J.R. Park
24 books23 followersJ. R. Park is a writer of Horror Fiction based in Bristol, UK.
Regularly citing Guy N Smith as an influence and inspiration, it was an interview with the said author in Darkside Magazine that was the catalyst for Park to begin his career in literature.
He writes his books as if they were video nasties beamed straight from the golden era of exploitation cinema.
Regularly citing Guy N Smith as an influence and inspiration, it was an interview with the said author in Darkside Magazine that was the catalyst for Park to begin his career in literature.
He writes his books as if they were video nasties beamed straight from the golden era of exploitation cinema.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 20, 2018
Computer programs gone wild!
I have been looking forward to getting to this author for a while, so when I saw an audiobook copy up for grabs, I jumped on it. The story itself is straightforward and fast moving. Nothing spectacularly original or earthshattering, but entertaining and well narrated.
"I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
I have been looking forward to getting to this author for a while, so when I saw an audiobook copy up for grabs, I jumped on it. The story itself is straightforward and fast moving. Nothing spectacularly original or earthshattering, but entertaining and well narrated.
"I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
April 25, 2015
J.R. Park wrings horror from the techno age with Terror Byte, a story about a rogue computer program with the power to kill. Fast-paced, action-packed, intricately plotted and filled with technological paranoia, Terror Byte is a great read for thriller, crime and horror fans. The scenes are written so effectively the book played like a movie in my mind, a very smart, sharp movie. Highly recommended.
December 5, 2014
Following the highly troubled Detective Norton as he attempts to unravel an initially simple case, things soon take a turn for the worse when a dark conspiracy begins to unfold. As the mystery deepens he’s equally aided and thwarted by amoral groups and characters all with their own agenda, while trying to maintain his own tenuous grip on reality.
The book has a wonderful Neo-Noir horror setting that’s dark, gritty and ostensibly atmospheric. Part Phillip K. Dick and part Guy N. Smith, brilliant balancing sci-fi and horror tropes into a fresh package.
A great debut from the author and with talent and skill displayed in this novella it’s a worthy addition to any dark fiction fan’s bookshelf. Highly recommended.
The book has a wonderful Neo-Noir horror setting that’s dark, gritty and ostensibly atmospheric. Part Phillip K. Dick and part Guy N. Smith, brilliant balancing sci-fi and horror tropes into a fresh package.
A great debut from the author and with talent and skill displayed in this novella it’s a worthy addition to any dark fiction fan’s bookshelf. Highly recommended.
January 27, 2018
Terror Byte is a techno-horror about a computer virus that has been created as a weapon. A copy of the virus ends up on a USB memory stick and then gets lost, only to be found by an unsuspecting man who is curious about what might be on the stick. He plugs it in and all hell breaks loose in the office where he works.
The story follows the progress of the detective investigating the case. When MI5 and a deadly assassin also get involved, the detective starts to put the pieces together and realises how much danger he is in.
The pace of the story is quite good, although I did feel the character's personalities were sometimes conflicted, especially the assassin. I wasn't put off by that though and continued on to finish the story.
The author left the story with an opening for a possible sequel.
The story follows the progress of the detective investigating the case. When MI5 and a deadly assassin also get involved, the detective starts to put the pieces together and realises how much danger he is in.
The pace of the story is quite good, although I did feel the character's personalities were sometimes conflicted, especially the assassin. I wasn't put off by that though and continued on to finish the story.
The author left the story with an opening for a possible sequel.
February 18, 2016
Explosive techno-horror which is beautifully written. Absolute edge of the seat story about the ultimate in destructive computer virus.
December 19, 2015
Good first novel.
This worthy first novel is an exciting and magnificently crafted book dealing with the horror of the computer age and the vulnerability that we find ourselves in if the right programme is used against us.
Starting out with a bang, the story reluctantly slows down to perpetrate a background of a main character that is flawed. His another stance suits the novel well but at times though sometimes pacing slows up at the mid point.
It is part espionage thriller and horror given it a language and knack its very own. It is interesting read as its the authors first novel which show. It is well worth the read and to see a gifted author who has a great future.
His take on the genre is fresh and exciting though compared to Punch and Upon Waking. This just slightly pales in comparison.
Saying that this is very enjoyable and I highly recommend to see a the birth of a truly great writer.
This worthy first novel is an exciting and magnificently crafted book dealing with the horror of the computer age and the vulnerability that we find ourselves in if the right programme is used against us.
Starting out with a bang, the story reluctantly slows down to perpetrate a background of a main character that is flawed. His another stance suits the novel well but at times though sometimes pacing slows up at the mid point.
It is part espionage thriller and horror given it a language and knack its very own. It is interesting read as its the authors first novel which show. It is well worth the read and to see a gifted author who has a great future.
His take on the genre is fresh and exciting though compared to Punch and Upon Waking. This just slightly pales in comparison.
Saying that this is very enjoyable and I highly recommend to see a the birth of a truly great writer.
January 26, 2018
This story started off promising: sex scene followed by several murders by unknown means. Detective Norton is assigned to look into it and initially he’s stumped. There’s no obvious motive or even murder weapon. Norton is reeling from the death of his girlfriend Mel, so he’s got that beaten down, drown-myself-in-work thing going for him. Norton is what drew me into this story.
Then the mysterious Orchid makes an appearance. She’s got skills and I wasn’t sure Norton would last the entire book. Thankfully, Orchid doesn’t want him dead right away! I went back and forth about Orchid. She’s got this ‘disguise’ and her Evil Mistress name Orchid but then some minor character easily identifies her doing her regular day job. So, not much of a disguise there. She’s fun but turns up too conveniently or gets out of handcuffs too easily. That sort of thing had me roll my eyes a few times.
While the story is indeed fast-paced, I occasionally lost interest in the story. It’s one fight or chase scene or quickie in the office supplies closet after another. There are a few quieter moments, usually when Norton is thinking about his Mel. Those helped balance some of the fast-paced nature of this tale. I did enjoy the scifi techno thriller aspect to the murders even if I found it lacked any substantial detail. The story wasn’t here to show me how such a cyber crime could be possible, but, rather, used the idea as a gimmick to set the stage and occasionally push the plot forward.
The story initially gripped my attention, but then lost it, tried to snatch it back, failed, tried again, gained a bit of interest, and then held it because I knew the ending was nigh. All together, it was OK. 3.5/5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book.
The Narration: Rick Gregory had to pronounce the word ‘whilst’ far too many times in this story. I don’t know why the author used that word so often. Gregory did give it a second syllable nearly every time which I found to be a little jarring. Other than that, Gregory gave a good performance. He had distinct voices for all the characters and his female voices were believable. 4/5 stars.
Then the mysterious Orchid makes an appearance. She’s got skills and I wasn’t sure Norton would last the entire book. Thankfully, Orchid doesn’t want him dead right away! I went back and forth about Orchid. She’s got this ‘disguise’ and her Evil Mistress name Orchid but then some minor character easily identifies her doing her regular day job. So, not much of a disguise there. She’s fun but turns up too conveniently or gets out of handcuffs too easily. That sort of thing had me roll my eyes a few times.
While the story is indeed fast-paced, I occasionally lost interest in the story. It’s one fight or chase scene or quickie in the office supplies closet after another. There are a few quieter moments, usually when Norton is thinking about his Mel. Those helped balance some of the fast-paced nature of this tale. I did enjoy the scifi techno thriller aspect to the murders even if I found it lacked any substantial detail. The story wasn’t here to show me how such a cyber crime could be possible, but, rather, used the idea as a gimmick to set the stage and occasionally push the plot forward.
The story initially gripped my attention, but then lost it, tried to snatch it back, failed, tried again, gained a bit of interest, and then held it because I knew the ending was nigh. All together, it was OK. 3.5/5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book.
The Narration: Rick Gregory had to pronounce the word ‘whilst’ far too many times in this story. I don’t know why the author used that word so often. Gregory did give it a second syllable nearly every time which I found to be a little jarring. Other than that, Gregory gave a good performance. He had distinct voices for all the characters and his female voices were believable. 4/5 stars.
April 14, 2018
Review originally published at: http://www.lomeraniel.com/audiobookre...
A virus infects all the systems at an office, causing the computers and lights to vibrate at a specific frequency that kills all the workers. Inspector Norton is assigned this case.
Despite the fact that the trigger of this story is not really believable, I found it quite entertaining. I think the author did a good job creating fleshed secondary characters, and this was one of the things that kept me going.
I had troubles nevertheless with the main character. Due to the book being short, and that detective Norton was not introduced early in the story, I found it hard to connect to him and care about his background story.
Rick Gregory’s narration was very good, delivering great characters interpretations. I just have to mention a couple of noticeable audio edits. Something that surprised me was the election of an American narrator for a book set in England and written in British English. I just find this odd when it happens. Nevertheless, Rick Gregory did a great job.
I received a copy of this book in audio format from the narrator in exchange for an honest review.
A virus infects all the systems at an office, causing the computers and lights to vibrate at a specific frequency that kills all the workers. Inspector Norton is assigned this case.
Despite the fact that the trigger of this story is not really believable, I found it quite entertaining. I think the author did a good job creating fleshed secondary characters, and this was one of the things that kept me going.
I had troubles nevertheless with the main character. Due to the book being short, and that detective Norton was not introduced early in the story, I found it hard to connect to him and care about his background story.
Rick Gregory’s narration was very good, delivering great characters interpretations. I just have to mention a couple of noticeable audio edits. Something that surprised me was the election of an American narrator for a book set in England and written in British English. I just find this odd when it happens. Nevertheless, Rick Gregory did a great job.
I received a copy of this book in audio format from the narrator in exchange for an honest review.
January 22, 2018
When Detective Norton is called to investigate the slaughter of an entire office, little did he know that it would turn his world upside down. Already grieving the death of his girlfriend, he isn't prepared to uncover the truth behind the deaths. How deep does this go?
I thoroughly enjoyed this!! The plot was fast paced and intense. Once the detective finds out about the program and what it does, it really picks up the pace. You can just imagine what that type of technology can do!! And no, I'm not telling you because it's better if you go into this blind. It's much more enjoyable, well it was for me anyway!
In all, this is a quick read, but it's a fast paced, thrilling and entertaining one. It would give you chills thinking about the program!!! If you enjoy techno-thrillers, then you're sure to enjoy this.
Rick Gregory read this really well. His cadences and tones brought the atmosphere to life and made this more enjoyable. While his voices for certain characters could do with a little more differentiation, they were still good enough that I could follow who was talking.
I was given this free audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.
I thoroughly enjoyed this!! The plot was fast paced and intense. Once the detective finds out about the program and what it does, it really picks up the pace. You can just imagine what that type of technology can do!! And no, I'm not telling you because it's better if you go into this blind. It's much more enjoyable, well it was for me anyway!
In all, this is a quick read, but it's a fast paced, thrilling and entertaining one. It would give you chills thinking about the program!!! If you enjoy techno-thrillers, then you're sure to enjoy this.
Rick Gregory read this really well. His cadences and tones brought the atmosphere to life and made this more enjoyable. While his voices for certain characters could do with a little more differentiation, they were still good enough that I could follow who was talking.
I was given this free audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.
March 11, 2018
Detective Norton is thought to be one of London’s best detectives but lately he is a haunted man. Just weeks ago his girlfriend was murdered leaving him with nothing but the job which he focuses on relentlessly. Then he is called in to investigate an office building where the entire staff is found brutally murdered. His only clue is the flash drive that curiously has his dead girlfriend’s name printed on it.
I must admit I have a lot of mixed feeling about this book. It’s short, and part me feels that it works because of it. However I also feel like the hindrance of the book is it’s brevity and that it should be longer with twists, turns, and added suspense. As it stands, it is an interesting book that is never sure what genre it wants to be a part of so it takes a limitless from each. You have the grotesque beginning with the gratuitous sex scene, and then you stumble through the noir until you find yourself reading a techno-thriller.
Now don’t get me wrong, I found the book to be engaging and worked my way through the short fiction rather quickly, however this book was not one of my favorites.
I must admit I have a lot of mixed feeling about this book. It’s short, and part me feels that it works because of it. However I also feel like the hindrance of the book is it’s brevity and that it should be longer with twists, turns, and added suspense. As it stands, it is an interesting book that is never sure what genre it wants to be a part of so it takes a limitless from each. You have the grotesque beginning with the gratuitous sex scene, and then you stumble through the noir until you find yourself reading a techno-thriller.
Now don’t get me wrong, I found the book to be engaging and worked my way through the short fiction rather quickly, however this book was not one of my favorites.
December 27, 2018
I loved the idea of a killer computer program! The program can get through any firewall and take control of any electronic devices it needs to take out it's target. The program will stop at nothing until it's target is eliminated. Excellent story and great narration. The author is new to me and I'd love to hear more of his work. The narrator is a fairly new narrator I've listened to a few times. I enjoy his work, but this is probably his best so far!
January 23, 2025
Well this was a awesome techno crime thriller about using technology as a weapon. This is a really intense and fast paced I really liked how this whole story was set up and told the characters and the scenes were so well written that this really just played like a movie in my head. I've read a couple of other books by J.R. Park but I think this one is my favorite by him that I have read so far. If you are looking for a intense thriller this one is for you
April 18, 2018
A grisley book but very interesting.A downloded flashdrive is killing people,but how?A cop with a recent loss is still on the job,but not 100%.He and an operative he doesn't know goes all in to find the truth.Rick Gregory is the perfect narrator.I was given this book by the narrator,author or publisher free for an honest review.
March 28, 2019
Fast, well written Horror. Some elements of this book could well be true, and others could be true in a not too distant future. A few lines of code is all it takes. Great plot and subplots. Nice dialogues and beat. Love this book. I recommend reading this book.
July 2, 2020
A thrilling wild ride of a killer computer program. Absolutely loved this. J. R. Park is one of those authors that I find difficult to stop reading.
February 12, 2018
Well this is just fabulous. Brilliant pacing and very effective tension build, it was like being on a ride!
Would recommend :)
Would recommend :)
April 2, 2017
This was a good read. Quite straight forward with a little mystery and some great scenes that visualised in my mind pretty well.
I'm looking forward to reading more of J.R. Park's novels.
I'm looking forward to reading more of J.R. Park's novels.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews