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Grid Zero
Plunged into a prolonged blackout by back-to-back hurricanes, America's East Coast suffers sweltering heat, lack of food, and the beginnings of civil unrest. As Empire Energy struggles to repair its storm-damaged grid, it discovers a bigger problem: sophisticated malware has been ravaging its internal control network for weeks.
As power returns, the human toll of the outage becomes clear. Thousands of elderly and chronically ill citizens have succumbed to the heat. While the public rejoices at the return of air conditioning, fresh food and cell service, Empire Energy and federal investigators become increasingly worried. The elusive malware taking over Empire's internal networks doesn't behave like any they've seen before. Who put it there? And why?
Working independently, a persistent federal investigator and a lone hacker piece together the outlines of a plot whose effects will be far more destructive than the storms. The public is in no condition to endure another disaster, but the plot's trigger is imminent. Can two sharp minds working on opposite sides of the law unite in time to avert a catastrophe?
As power returns, the human toll of the outage becomes clear. Thousands of elderly and chronically ill citizens have succumbed to the heat. While the public rejoices at the return of air conditioning, fresh food and cell service, Empire Energy and federal investigators become increasingly worried. The elusive malware taking over Empire's internal networks doesn't behave like any they've seen before. Who put it there? And why?
Working independently, a persistent federal investigator and a lone hacker piece together the outlines of a plot whose effects will be far more destructive than the storms. The public is in no condition to endure another disaster, but the plot's trigger is imminent. Can two sharp minds working on opposite sides of the law unite in time to avert a catastrophe?
- GenresThriller
346 pages, Paperback
Published June 30, 2025
38 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Diamond
11 books106 followersAndrew Diamond writes mystery, crime, noir, and an occasional comedy. His books feature cinematic prose, strong characterization, twisting plots, and dark humor. Amazon editors named Impala a best of the month mystery, and IndieReader named it to their best of 2016 list. Impala also won the Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal for mystery and the 24th Annual Writer’s Digest award for genre fiction.
Gate 76 was named named to Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books of 2018, while BestThrillers.com selected both Gate 76 (2018) and To Hell with Johnny Manic (2019) to their best of the year lists. The Sellout (2024) won the IndieReader Discovery Award for humor.
His next book, Grid Zero, will be available on June 30, 2025.
You can follow Andrew online at https://adiamond.me
Gate 76 was named named to Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books of 2018, while BestThrillers.com selected both Gate 76 (2018) and To Hell with Johnny Manic (2019) to their best of the year lists. The Sellout (2024) won the IndieReader Discovery Award for humor.
His next book, Grid Zero, will be available on June 30, 2025.
You can follow Andrew online at https://adiamond.me
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May 12, 2025
Book Review: Grid Zero by Andrew Diamond
Andrew Diamond’s Grid Zero is a high-stakes techno-thriller that pits a lone hacker against a relentless federal agent in a race to thwart a catastrophic terrorist attack. Set against the backdrop of a vulnerable digital infrastructure, the novel explores themes of cybersecurity, moral ambiguity, and the tension between individual brilliance and systemic power. Diamond’s tight pacing and meticulous attention to technical detail will appeal to fans of Mr. Robot and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, though the novel carves its own niche with a distinctly American flavor of cyber-paranoia.
Content and Themes
The protagonist—an unaffiliated hacker with a shadowy past—uncovers a plot to destabilize the nation’s power grid, drawing the attention of a dogged federal agent whose methods blur the line between justice and obsession. Diamond deftly navigates the cat-and-mouse dynamic, weaving in critiques of institutional incompetence and the fragility of modern technology. Thematically, the novel grapples with the ethics of vigilantism, the commodification of data, and the illusion of control in an interconnected world.
Strengths
Technical Authenticity: Diamond’s portrayal of hacking and cyber-warfare feels researched and plausible, avoiding Hollywood hyperbole.
Narrative Momentum: Short chapters and escalating stakes create a propulsive read, ideal for the genre.
Moral Complexity: Neither the hacker nor the agent is purely heroic, lending depth to their conflict.
Areas for Improvement
Character Arcs: Secondary players (e.g., terrorists, law enforcement colleagues) occasionally verge on archetypes, missing opportunities for nuance.
Exposition: Early chapters lean heavily on technical jargon, which may alienate readers unfamiliar with cybersecurity concepts.
Score Breakdown (Out of 5)
Originality & Concept: 4/5 (Fresh take on cyber-thrillers but familiar tropes)
Character Development: 3.5/5 (Strong leads, weaker supporting cast)
Pacing & Suspense: 5/5 (Relentlessly engaging)
Thematic Depth: 4/5 (Smart commentary but occasionally surface-level)
Worldbuilding/Atmosphere: 4.5/5 (Vivid, immersive cyber-landscape)
Overall Rating: 4.2/5
Grid Zero delivers a gripping, thought-provoking ride that underscores Diamond’s knack for blending cutting-edge fears with classic thriller mechanics. While its characters could benefit from further layering, the novel’s urgency and relevance make it a standout in contemporary techno-thrillers.
Acknowledgments
Thank you to NetGalley and Andrew Diamond for providing an advance copy of Grid Zero. This review reflects my genuine engagement with the novel and appreciation for its contribution to the genre.
Andrew Diamond’s Grid Zero is a high-stakes techno-thriller that pits a lone hacker against a relentless federal agent in a race to thwart a catastrophic terrorist attack. Set against the backdrop of a vulnerable digital infrastructure, the novel explores themes of cybersecurity, moral ambiguity, and the tension between individual brilliance and systemic power. Diamond’s tight pacing and meticulous attention to technical detail will appeal to fans of Mr. Robot and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, though the novel carves its own niche with a distinctly American flavor of cyber-paranoia.
Content and Themes
The protagonist—an unaffiliated hacker with a shadowy past—uncovers a plot to destabilize the nation’s power grid, drawing the attention of a dogged federal agent whose methods blur the line between justice and obsession. Diamond deftly navigates the cat-and-mouse dynamic, weaving in critiques of institutional incompetence and the fragility of modern technology. Thematically, the novel grapples with the ethics of vigilantism, the commodification of data, and the illusion of control in an interconnected world.
Strengths
Technical Authenticity: Diamond’s portrayal of hacking and cyber-warfare feels researched and plausible, avoiding Hollywood hyperbole.
Narrative Momentum: Short chapters and escalating stakes create a propulsive read, ideal for the genre.
Moral Complexity: Neither the hacker nor the agent is purely heroic, lending depth to their conflict.
Areas for Improvement
Character Arcs: Secondary players (e.g., terrorists, law enforcement colleagues) occasionally verge on archetypes, missing opportunities for nuance.
Exposition: Early chapters lean heavily on technical jargon, which may alienate readers unfamiliar with cybersecurity concepts.
Score Breakdown (Out of 5)
Originality & Concept: 4/5 (Fresh take on cyber-thrillers but familiar tropes)
Character Development: 3.5/5 (Strong leads, weaker supporting cast)
Pacing & Suspense: 5/5 (Relentlessly engaging)
Thematic Depth: 4/5 (Smart commentary but occasionally surface-level)
Worldbuilding/Atmosphere: 4.5/5 (Vivid, immersive cyber-landscape)
Overall Rating: 4.2/5
Grid Zero delivers a gripping, thought-provoking ride that underscores Diamond’s knack for blending cutting-edge fears with classic thriller mechanics. While its characters could benefit from further layering, the novel’s urgency and relevance make it a standout in contemporary techno-thrillers.
Acknowledgments
Thank you to NetGalley and Andrew Diamond for providing an advance copy of Grid Zero. This review reflects my genuine engagement with the novel and appreciation for its contribution to the genre.
May 28, 2025
Grid Zero by Andrew Diamond is a cyber thriller about a terrorist attack on Empire Energy’s power grid. Following a long blackout caused by a series of hurricanes wreaking havoc on the north east coast of America, while restoring energy, the organization discovered a malware infecting their system. During the blackout, there was no respite from the unbearable summer heat. Refrigerators stopped working. Food was becoming scarce and people were starting to grow desperate. At this rate, if the security breach was not resolved quickly, there would be a possibility for another persistent power outage, leading to further civil unrest. Thousands of people were dying every day, among them elderly and children. There was no time to lose.
Set in a small town of Virginia, two people from opposite camps have to bring their heads together to solve the conspiracy behind the imminent threat to Empire Energy’s network. Sean Riggs, a formerly employed software engineer with an inquisitive mind and Anya Lakhani, a Federal investigator from Homeland Security with keen observation skills and a sharp mind find themselves working together. Danielle, Sean’s girlfriend, acts as a bridge between the two, as the young hacker tries to figure out the strange encrypted code. With temperatures rising outside under the hot sun and the impending disaster concocted by a person from inside the Empire, it’s a race against time, a battle between the good and the evil.
What makes this story even more interesting is how the author adds his personal social commentary throughout the plot, encouraging us to think about the concept of cyber security. It is also important to note how each character has their own independent personalities and undergoes their own development in the novel. Even female characters here, unlike in other mystery novels, seem to hold a central position rather than being casually side-lined. On top of that, allowing us to hear Ray’s justifications to his insane acts of violence from his own perspective gives his character some depth. Finally, Del acts as a foil to Ray and their contrast elevates their differences, illuminating the inherent flaws in Ray’s character.
Throughout the book, we find ourselves intrigued by the slow yet deliberate unraveling of the mystery, allowing us to easily stay engrossed. Towards the end, the author quickens the pace to match the level of suspense created in the story. But readers are still left wondering who will be the last one standing. Despite all the computer-related technological terms used in the book, the terms are described in such a manner that any ordinary person would be able to understand them. As a narrative, Grid Zero is very well-structured, coherent, and undoubtedly quite easy to follow. In fact, dividing the novel into bite-sized chapters was a great way of making it more accessible to readers, as its short length can improve concentration and raise interest about the next chapter. Overall, it’s a book that demands to be read and once given a chance, has the power to hold your attention.
Quill says: For those who love mystery or cyber thrillers with a realistic and terrifying plot, Grid Zero will be an absolute delight!
Set in a small town of Virginia, two people from opposite camps have to bring their heads together to solve the conspiracy behind the imminent threat to Empire Energy’s network. Sean Riggs, a formerly employed software engineer with an inquisitive mind and Anya Lakhani, a Federal investigator from Homeland Security with keen observation skills and a sharp mind find themselves working together. Danielle, Sean’s girlfriend, acts as a bridge between the two, as the young hacker tries to figure out the strange encrypted code. With temperatures rising outside under the hot sun and the impending disaster concocted by a person from inside the Empire, it’s a race against time, a battle between the good and the evil.
What makes this story even more interesting is how the author adds his personal social commentary throughout the plot, encouraging us to think about the concept of cyber security. It is also important to note how each character has their own independent personalities and undergoes their own development in the novel. Even female characters here, unlike in other mystery novels, seem to hold a central position rather than being casually side-lined. On top of that, allowing us to hear Ray’s justifications to his insane acts of violence from his own perspective gives his character some depth. Finally, Del acts as a foil to Ray and their contrast elevates their differences, illuminating the inherent flaws in Ray’s character.
Throughout the book, we find ourselves intrigued by the slow yet deliberate unraveling of the mystery, allowing us to easily stay engrossed. Towards the end, the author quickens the pace to match the level of suspense created in the story. But readers are still left wondering who will be the last one standing. Despite all the computer-related technological terms used in the book, the terms are described in such a manner that any ordinary person would be able to understand them. As a narrative, Grid Zero is very well-structured, coherent, and undoubtedly quite easy to follow. In fact, dividing the novel into bite-sized chapters was a great way of making it more accessible to readers, as its short length can improve concentration and raise interest about the next chapter. Overall, it’s a book that demands to be read and once given a chance, has the power to hold your attention.
Quill says: For those who love mystery or cyber thrillers with a realistic and terrifying plot, Grid Zero will be an absolute delight!
July 7, 2025
A brilliant cyber-disaster novel.
Grid Zero begins as America’s East Coast reels from a catastrophic power outage, plunging millions into sweltering darkness in the aftermath of two back-to-back hurricanes. Among a town of 31,000 people, Sean Riggs, a former software engineer with a history of whistleblowing, and social media manager Danielle Duval, hunt for dwindling supplies in a local supermarket. It’s a chance meeting that sparks romance amongst chaos.
As the social order teeters on the brink of complete collapse, the two must navigate the growing desperation of those around them, as well as Sean’s suspicion that the blackout could be more than just a natural disaster. Kudos to author Andrew Diamond for not turning Danielle into merely a disaster love interest trope. Instead, Danielle becomes a fellow protagonist whose empathy, wit and resilience are crucial to solving the mystery.
At the core of the story is Sean’s troubled history with the energy industry. Prior to the blackout, while working at Empire Energy, he came across a line of suspicious code embedded in what appeared to be test files. At first glance, it didn’t raise alarms, but upon closer inspection, it’s clear that the code contained encrypted values.
“Code like this has no place in a system as important as the electric grid,” he tells Danielle. It’s an allegation that won’t be easy to prove. As a disgruntled ex-employee, he’s technically unauthorized to investigate the issue, and is likely to be seen as a suspect.
Diamond has given Sean an unlikely potential ally in federal cybersecurity expert Anya Lakhani, although the two have never met. Anya is the first government worker to understand the true nature of the malware. She recognizes the code’s non-standard location and behavior, its potential to trigger systemic failure, and the indications of insider access. Soon, she asks Sean’s former manager, Ray, about Sean. His answer: “He’s a whiny little prick.”
Can Sean find a way to work with Anya to prevent an even more cataclysmic event? Or will he be framed, running from the law while he watches communities across the nation go dark?
Diamond, whose previous books include staff favorites Impala, Gate 76 and 32 Minutes, has cooked up an immersive gem with a completely new cast of characters. The investigation is captivating, but the details of a civilization in crisis make the entire experience superb. The store manager who refuses to give away spoiled food to hungry people due to liability fears. The way Danielle envisions telling her friends about how she dated the terrorist who had hacked the electric company. Or the way Anya’s boss calls her out for wearing jeans at work, refusing to admit that she’s run out of clean pantsuits – not because she’s embarrassed, but because he’s a jerk.
The culmination is a brilliant cyber-disaster thriller – within an intimate love story coded into the chaos.
Grid Zero begins as America’s East Coast reels from a catastrophic power outage, plunging millions into sweltering darkness in the aftermath of two back-to-back hurricanes. Among a town of 31,000 people, Sean Riggs, a former software engineer with a history of whistleblowing, and social media manager Danielle Duval, hunt for dwindling supplies in a local supermarket. It’s a chance meeting that sparks romance amongst chaos.
As the social order teeters on the brink of complete collapse, the two must navigate the growing desperation of those around them, as well as Sean’s suspicion that the blackout could be more than just a natural disaster. Kudos to author Andrew Diamond for not turning Danielle into merely a disaster love interest trope. Instead, Danielle becomes a fellow protagonist whose empathy, wit and resilience are crucial to solving the mystery.
At the core of the story is Sean’s troubled history with the energy industry. Prior to the blackout, while working at Empire Energy, he came across a line of suspicious code embedded in what appeared to be test files. At first glance, it didn’t raise alarms, but upon closer inspection, it’s clear that the code contained encrypted values.
“Code like this has no place in a system as important as the electric grid,” he tells Danielle. It’s an allegation that won’t be easy to prove. As a disgruntled ex-employee, he’s technically unauthorized to investigate the issue, and is likely to be seen as a suspect.
Diamond has given Sean an unlikely potential ally in federal cybersecurity expert Anya Lakhani, although the two have never met. Anya is the first government worker to understand the true nature of the malware. She recognizes the code’s non-standard location and behavior, its potential to trigger systemic failure, and the indications of insider access. Soon, she asks Sean’s former manager, Ray, about Sean. His answer: “He’s a whiny little prick.”
Can Sean find a way to work with Anya to prevent an even more cataclysmic event? Or will he be framed, running from the law while he watches communities across the nation go dark?
Diamond, whose previous books include staff favorites Impala, Gate 76 and 32 Minutes, has cooked up an immersive gem with a completely new cast of characters. The investigation is captivating, but the details of a civilization in crisis make the entire experience superb. The store manager who refuses to give away spoiled food to hungry people due to liability fears. The way Danielle envisions telling her friends about how she dated the terrorist who had hacked the electric company. Or the way Anya’s boss calls her out for wearing jeans at work, refusing to admit that she’s run out of clean pantsuits – not because she’s embarrassed, but because he’s a jerk.
The culmination is a brilliant cyber-disaster thriller – within an intimate love story coded into the chaos.
June 17, 2025
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Areas of the East Coast have been hit by two hurricanes in a row and it has caused a major power outage. The story begins with Sean, a s/w programmer, and Danielle, a digital media specialist, meeting at a grocery store which has very slim pickings. The two hit it off especially when Sean said he had air conditioning at his home while Danielle has been roasting for the last eleven days in her apartment. Shortly the two of them stayed at Sean's house. Sean had been let go from his job at Empire Energy primarily because he got in bad with hiss boss. Before leaving, he had discovered a strange code in a program and it bothered him. He brought it up to several people, but they disregarded it. Sean had a previous situation at his last job. Sean was spending his time trying to figure out what it meant. As a result of his actions, the Federal Govt. became interested in him.
Danielle was questioned by the Govt. and she started to doubt Sean. When the Govt. went to talk to Sean, he took off and eventually reconnected with Danielle. He explained to Danielle what the issue was and asked her to give him 24 hours to figure out what the code related to and at that time he would turn himself into the Govt. He was able to figure the code out and discovered that it would cause a major catastrophe. They contacted the Govt. and explained the situation. On their way back, Sean spotted someone and detoured to try and stop the event from happening.
To discover what problem the code would cause, who and why the code was created, what problem Sean ran into when trying and how everything worked out in the end, then you need to read this book.
The ending reveals all.
Areas of the East Coast have been hit by two hurricanes in a row and it has caused a major power outage. The story begins with Sean, a s/w programmer, and Danielle, a digital media specialist, meeting at a grocery store which has very slim pickings. The two hit it off especially when Sean said he had air conditioning at his home while Danielle has been roasting for the last eleven days in her apartment. Shortly the two of them stayed at Sean's house. Sean had been let go from his job at Empire Energy primarily because he got in bad with hiss boss. Before leaving, he had discovered a strange code in a program and it bothered him. He brought it up to several people, but they disregarded it. Sean had a previous situation at his last job. Sean was spending his time trying to figure out what it meant. As a result of his actions, the Federal Govt. became interested in him.
Danielle was questioned by the Govt. and she started to doubt Sean. When the Govt. went to talk to Sean, he took off and eventually reconnected with Danielle. He explained to Danielle what the issue was and asked her to give him 24 hours to figure out what the code related to and at that time he would turn himself into the Govt. He was able to figure the code out and discovered that it would cause a major catastrophe. They contacted the Govt. and explained the situation. On their way back, Sean spotted someone and detoured to try and stop the event from happening.
To discover what problem the code would cause, who and why the code was created, what problem Sean ran into when trying and how everything worked out in the end, then you need to read this book.
The ending reveals all.
May 20, 2025
Overall, a good read with very interesting, well-developed characters and an intriguing plot.
Andrew Diamond does a great job of creating characters who are relatable and relevant to the plot. In Grid Zero, protagonist Sean Riggs, an introverted intellectual is unwittingly partnered with Danielle Duval, a bubbly optimist. Placed in a setting of rural Virginia where an extended power outage is turning deadly, the initial storyline is one of basic survival. The plot quickly evolves to suspense and intrigue, as Sean uncovers a plot to cripple the Northeastern US power grid.
The story moved slowly through the first third of the book; substantial detail (too much in my opinion) was given on the workings of the electrical power system and the complexities of software code. However, the pace quickened considerably as the story moved along, eventually becoming a page turner.
I would like to have known what happened to Ray Cooper's wife, since there was much emphasis on her character early in the story. Bringing her back in at the end would have enhanced the close of the novel.
All in all, I enjoyed this book and recommend it to those who enjoy realistic mystery-thrillers. Thank you to NetGalley and Stolen Time Press for the advance reader copy, in exchange for this objective review. #netgalley #GridZero #StolenTimePress #IBPA
Andrew Diamond does a great job of creating characters who are relatable and relevant to the plot. In Grid Zero, protagonist Sean Riggs, an introverted intellectual is unwittingly partnered with Danielle Duval, a bubbly optimist. Placed in a setting of rural Virginia where an extended power outage is turning deadly, the initial storyline is one of basic survival. The plot quickly evolves to suspense and intrigue, as Sean uncovers a plot to cripple the Northeastern US power grid.
The story moved slowly through the first third of the book; substantial detail (too much in my opinion) was given on the workings of the electrical power system and the complexities of software code. However, the pace quickened considerably as the story moved along, eventually becoming a page turner.
I would like to have known what happened to Ray Cooper's wife, since there was much emphasis on her character early in the story. Bringing her back in at the end would have enhanced the close of the novel.
All in all, I enjoyed this book and recommend it to those who enjoy realistic mystery-thrillers. Thank you to NetGalley and Stolen Time Press for the advance reader copy, in exchange for this objective review. #netgalley #GridZero #StolenTimePress #IBPA
June 6, 2025
Blackouts, sweltering heat and a threat to the power grid
Grid Zero starts with a power outage affecting North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, DC, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and parts of New Jersey. Two hurricanes caused flooding and damaged trees, which took down the grid. Nine days after the second storm, Empire Energy is working nonstop to restore the power. They still don’t know the extent of the damage. Thirty million people are running out of food and water. The temperature is soaring to the high 90s. Empire discovers a virus in their power systems. Now the FBI and Homeland Security are on the hunt for the hacker.
Sean Riggs is a young computer engineer with an endless curiosity. Anya Lakhani is a persistent Homeland Security investigator following up on minor leads in Empire’s security breach. Both are urgently working to discover what is going on at Empire before a worse disaster strikes.
Andrew Diamond has created compelling characters and a plausible threat to the power grid. It is easy to imagine the desperation of people trapped in this scenario. He ratchets up the tension to keep you racing to the finale. For those who like their apocalyptic thrillers with a touch of “Oh no, that could happen!”. Guaranteed to keep you thinking long after you finish.
Thank you to Stolen Time Press and NetGalley for a digital ARC.
Grid Zero starts with a power outage affecting North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, DC, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and parts of New Jersey. Two hurricanes caused flooding and damaged trees, which took down the grid. Nine days after the second storm, Empire Energy is working nonstop to restore the power. They still don’t know the extent of the damage. Thirty million people are running out of food and water. The temperature is soaring to the high 90s. Empire discovers a virus in their power systems. Now the FBI and Homeland Security are on the hunt for the hacker.
Sean Riggs is a young computer engineer with an endless curiosity. Anya Lakhani is a persistent Homeland Security investigator following up on minor leads in Empire’s security breach. Both are urgently working to discover what is going on at Empire before a worse disaster strikes.
Andrew Diamond has created compelling characters and a plausible threat to the power grid. It is easy to imagine the desperation of people trapped in this scenario. He ratchets up the tension to keep you racing to the finale. For those who like their apocalyptic thrillers with a touch of “Oh no, that could happen!”. Guaranteed to keep you thinking long after you finish.
Thank you to Stolen Time Press and NetGalley for a digital ARC.
May 30, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 STARS!!
Firstly, I would like to thank NetGalley & Stolen Time Press for this advanced reader copy in return for an honest review.
Back-to-back hurricanes knocks out the power along the Eastern Coast, leaving thousands in the dark & dying. A breach in the system is discovered. We have Ray Cooper - a software engineer manager & Sean Riggs - a software engineer who is reckless & gone rogue by hacking with a federal agent hunting him down. Who is the real bad guy?
I absolutely loved Danielle's bubbly personality & some of the things she said had me laughing out loud! I also loved her dynamic with Sean.
It went a little slow at the start, but became a page turner around 46% in! The cyber/tech terms & explanations did take a minute to getting used to, but Andrew did a great job at explaining the complexity of it so non-tech people will also be able to understand it & also keeping the reader intrigued. The characters were well developed & lovable.
I was satisfied by the ending, though some may want to know what happened with Donna?
I can easily see this book becoming a Grade 12 book to read in schools. Very well written! I would definitely recommend this book to those who are into cyber thillers/disaster books. Quick, easy read. Well done Mr. Diamond!
Firstly, I would like to thank NetGalley & Stolen Time Press for this advanced reader copy in return for an honest review.
Back-to-back hurricanes knocks out the power along the Eastern Coast, leaving thousands in the dark & dying. A breach in the system is discovered. We have Ray Cooper - a software engineer manager & Sean Riggs - a software engineer who is reckless & gone rogue by hacking with a federal agent hunting him down. Who is the real bad guy?
I absolutely loved Danielle's bubbly personality & some of the things she said had me laughing out loud! I also loved her dynamic with Sean.
It went a little slow at the start, but became a page turner around 46% in! The cyber/tech terms & explanations did take a minute to getting used to, but Andrew did a great job at explaining the complexity of it so non-tech people will also be able to understand it & also keeping the reader intrigued. The characters were well developed & lovable.
I was satisfied by the ending, though some may want to know what happened with Donna?
I can easily see this book becoming a Grade 12 book to read in schools. Very well written! I would definitely recommend this book to those who are into cyber thillers/disaster books. Quick, easy read. Well done Mr. Diamond!
June 27, 2025
When the USA finds itself with a massive power outage, it brings out the best and worst of humanity. The temperature is soaring, food and water is running low and there are signs of a civil war beginning. Sean Riggs, a programmer/hacker, has lost his job with the energy provider, so some are reluctant to believe him when he claims to have discovered a virus in their software. The tension between Sean and Anya, a Homeland Security agent, brings a human aspect to the plot, amongst an awful lot of technical information and jargon. Sean's sort-of-girlfriend, Danielle, is a great character; feisty and determined, I liked her a lot.
In some ways, this book felt dystopian, and in others, such as the way that Ray Cooper, a vile man, treats his wife and his beliefs about women's place in society, it felt like going back in time to the 1950s! I was pleased when the story moved past the technical talk and the pace of the plot sped up.
This is the kind of book that you read and then think to yourself that it actually could happen - well it has! In Spain earlier this year, when there was a three-day blackout. Makes you think!
4 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Andrew Diamond and Stolen Time Press for an ARC of this book.
In some ways, this book felt dystopian, and in others, such as the way that Ray Cooper, a vile man, treats his wife and his beliefs about women's place in society, it felt like going back in time to the 1950s! I was pleased when the story moved past the technical talk and the pace of the plot sped up.
This is the kind of book that you read and then think to yourself that it actually could happen - well it has! In Spain earlier this year, when there was a three-day blackout. Makes you think!
4 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Andrew Diamond and Stolen Time Press for an ARC of this book.
July 21, 2025
Nine days of power outages on the East Coast have taken their toll on the populace, with society beginning to fray amid scathing heat and foot shortages. In the middle of it all, socially awkward software engineer Sean Riggs makes a new friend in amiable Danielle, who’s attracted to him for many reasons, not the least of which he has a solar-powered generator at his house with air conditioning and a refrigerator. The two hit it off right away.
But Sean is preoccupied, obsessed one might say, by some unusual code he found on the computer of his former employer, Empire Energy, who recently fired him. He goes through elaborate efforts to figure it out, drawing himself and Danielle deeper and deeper into a conspiracy to destroy the grid, as well as drawing attention from federal agents unaware of his white knight status.
The result is a compelling race against time to save the electrical grid, Sean’s relationship with Danielle, and himself. As always, Diamond does an impeccable job developing his characters, both the good guys and bad guys. Diamond’s own tech knowledge adds realism to the scenario, rendering Grid Zero a first-rate techno-thriller.
But Sean is preoccupied, obsessed one might say, by some unusual code he found on the computer of his former employer, Empire Energy, who recently fired him. He goes through elaborate efforts to figure it out, drawing himself and Danielle deeper and deeper into a conspiracy to destroy the grid, as well as drawing attention from federal agents unaware of his white knight status.
The result is a compelling race against time to save the electrical grid, Sean’s relationship with Danielle, and himself. As always, Diamond does an impeccable job developing his characters, both the good guys and bad guys. Diamond’s own tech knowledge adds realism to the scenario, rendering Grid Zero a first-rate techno-thriller.
June 3, 2025
Instead of the usual opening where the world is calm and people are going about their daily routine, this book opens with a double-hurricane-induced power outage and the main characters inside a local grocery store.
Small groups of shoppers are being supervised by store employees. Sean, a contract IT person, is deep in thought about lines of code, the current power outage, and the limited food supply. Meanwhile, Danielle is doing her best to engage the preoccupied Sean in a conversation without being too obvious that she likes him.
While chapter one may not seem a riveting start to a techno-thriller, when you read the whole book, you realize you've been given several pieces to the big-picture puzzle.
Intrigued? The book is on preorder until it's published on June 30, 2025.
How did I read it already? I am a NetGalley reader/reviewer and requested a copy to review. If you're also a review team member, then hurry, the book will be archived on June 9, 2025.
Small groups of shoppers are being supervised by store employees. Sean, a contract IT person, is deep in thought about lines of code, the current power outage, and the limited food supply. Meanwhile, Danielle is doing her best to engage the preoccupied Sean in a conversation without being too obvious that she likes him.
While chapter one may not seem a riveting start to a techno-thriller, when you read the whole book, you realize you've been given several pieces to the big-picture puzzle.
Intrigued? The book is on preorder until it's published on June 30, 2025.
How did I read it already? I am a NetGalley reader/reviewer and requested a copy to review. If you're also a review team member, then hurry, the book will be archived on June 9, 2025.
July 14, 2025
A great techno-thriller about the fragility of our power grid
When the book started, I almost couldn't read it, as it struck too close to home. I went through Hurricane Helene and this was too close to that, in so many ways. BUT, it quickly became obvious that hurricanes are but one threat to our oh-so high standard of living. A conspiracy to take down the grid is uncovered, not by the government, but by an unlikely hero.
The characters are well developed, with conflicting lifestyles and problems. They all have their own strengths and weaknesses, which are often closely related. Loved the twist half-way through with Sean - I won't say more.
I loved the technical aspects, but I don't think that would hinder less-technical readers understanding of the story. I also loved at the afterward, where Diamond explains the real-life events that inspired this book.
My first Andrew Diamond book, but not the last!
When the book started, I almost couldn't read it, as it struck too close to home. I went through Hurricane Helene and this was too close to that, in so many ways. BUT, it quickly became obvious that hurricanes are but one threat to our oh-so high standard of living. A conspiracy to take down the grid is uncovered, not by the government, but by an unlikely hero.
The characters are well developed, with conflicting lifestyles and problems. They all have their own strengths and weaknesses, which are often closely related. Loved the twist half-way through with Sean - I won't say more.
I loved the technical aspects, but I don't think that would hinder less-technical readers understanding of the story. I also loved at the afterward, where Diamond explains the real-life events that inspired this book.
My first Andrew Diamond book, but not the last!
May 25, 2025
I love a good disaster/thriller book so I picked this one up. Basically, in this book, the power grid in part of the United States has gone out due to two hurricanes back to back. People are dying, and things are getting a bit dire. You meet the main characters as they are trying to deal with this situation. There is some concern with a computer system breach at the power plant and trying to figure out if there is really something to worry about or not. This is a very thrilling book that makes you anxious to find out what’s happening. I enjoyed the main characters. They were well fleshed out. I was happy with the ending and I would recommend this book. I want to thank Net Galley and Stolen Times Press for giving me this advanced reader copy for an honest review.
May 26, 2025
Received as a review copy from Booksirens, this is and honest review. While being very realistic and sophisticated with a story of plunging millions living on the eaten coast of America into the nightmare and fallout of a massive blackout, where the best and worst of humanity coping is fully experienced. The book is just way too long in my opinion with the kind of story the author crafted; could have whittled the chapters down to 40 or 45, cut out frivolousness dialogue and paranoid internal dialogue that worn thin once it's clear yeah some men cannot stand women in positions they feel are reserved for them.
June 9, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for granting me an ARC of Grid Zero. My first book by this author and I really enjoyed it!
I liked the writing style and the story flowed well. Absolutely loved Danielle, I think we would get on well 🤣
Ray was possibly the most repulsive character I’ve ever met in a book, and I read a lot of books with murderers in!
I gave this 4 stars as I did sometimes get a bit lost in the technical jargon. I would also liked to have had a final update on Donna and her son, I hope they had a happy ending after all that time putting up with Ray and his violence and attitude.
An enjoyable read.
I liked the writing style and the story flowed well. Absolutely loved Danielle, I think we would get on well 🤣
Ray was possibly the most repulsive character I’ve ever met in a book, and I read a lot of books with murderers in!
I gave this 4 stars as I did sometimes get a bit lost in the technical jargon. I would also liked to have had a final update on Donna and her son, I hope they had a happy ending after all that time putting up with Ray and his violence and attitude.
An enjoyable read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2025
I found this book to be a very interesting read with many intriguing facets to it — power blackouts, computer viruses, budding romance and one of the most despicable characters in literature (Ray Cooper.) The character's are well defined and the reader actually feels as if he/she knows them. I can easily recommend this book and thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to publication.
June 30, 2025
GRID ZERO - This is a better read than I expected. There are several good characters that stand out amongst a variety of characters. The story lines are interesting and actually are influenced by fact. The pace is steady with bits of humor. Source: LibraryThing. 4*
July 25, 2025
Unfortunately this book just didn't do it for me despite sounding appealing from the synopsis. Short chapters with lots of waffle then short paragraphs talking computer code just didn't capture my attention and I found myself skim reading instead.
August 20, 2025
Good story that wasn’t too technical. Not what I expected but still good. Rather than focus on the aftermath of an event this focuses on the cause and the fix.
August 25, 2025
The end of life
Well thought out and fast paced. Can two people find the answer to the problem before the power grid self destruct.
Well thought out and fast paced. Can two people find the answer to the problem before the power grid self destruct.
July 11, 2025
As someone who’s read every book by Andrew Diamond, I was thrilled to get an ARC of Grid Zero. Big thanks to the author and NetGalley for the opportunity!
The book opens with a chilling, almost apocalyptic scenario—a massive power outage that throws society into chaos. It’s a stark reminder of how much we rely on systems we barely understand. Once the power is restored, we meet Sean Riggs, a hacker whose curiosity has already landed him in trouble twice. When he stumbles upon a mysterious piece of code embedded in the software running the power grid, he can’t let it go. Instead of reporting it, he dives deeper, using methods that are as illegal as they are ingenious.
Diamond does a great job explaining how power grids and cyberattacks work, grounding the story in real-world events. Some readers might find the technical details a bit dense, but I found them fascinating—though I did raise an eyebrow at the idea of printed software manuals for power grids!
The pacing and narration were a bit uneven for me. The book is written in third person, but occasionally slips into first or second person when exploring characters’ inner thoughts, which was a little jarring. Still, the core story is compelling, and the tension builds nicely as Sean gets closer to uncovering the truth.
Recommended for fans of techno-thrillers and cybercrime fiction.
The book opens with a chilling, almost apocalyptic scenario—a massive power outage that throws society into chaos. It’s a stark reminder of how much we rely on systems we barely understand. Once the power is restored, we meet Sean Riggs, a hacker whose curiosity has already landed him in trouble twice. When he stumbles upon a mysterious piece of code embedded in the software running the power grid, he can’t let it go. Instead of reporting it, he dives deeper, using methods that are as illegal as they are ingenious.
Diamond does a great job explaining how power grids and cyberattacks work, grounding the story in real-world events. Some readers might find the technical details a bit dense, but I found them fascinating—though I did raise an eyebrow at the idea of printed software manuals for power grids!
The pacing and narration were a bit uneven for me. The book is written in third person, but occasionally slips into first or second person when exploring characters’ inner thoughts, which was a little jarring. Still, the core story is compelling, and the tension builds nicely as Sean gets closer to uncovering the truth.
Recommended for fans of techno-thrillers and cybercrime fiction.
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