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CCC Part 1
Part one of a four part series
Three brilliant young adults are forcibly recruited by a secret agency, one that has unlimited funding and technology decades ahead of anyone else on the planet. While they were always a focus of the agency, their recruitment was expedited to stop a serious attack about to happen. China plans on attacking the U.S. with a computer virus, a Stuxnet variation, designed to sink the economy. The three young adults, Al, Kerry and John, have but a day to stop the virus before the U.S. is placed in a financial crisis it will never come back from.
Three brilliant young adults are forcibly recruited by a secret agency, one that has unlimited funding and technology decades ahead of anyone else on the planet. While they were always a focus of the agency, their recruitment was expedited to stop a serious attack about to happen. China plans on attacking the U.S. with a computer virus, a Stuxnet variation, designed to sink the economy. The three young adults, Al, Kerry and John, have but a day to stop the virus before the U.S. is placed in a financial crisis it will never come back from.
248 pages, Paperback
First published April 6, 2015
27 people are currently reading
834 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 28, 2015
I tried very hard to get through this book, but unfortunately I just couldn't get past about halfway. I gave up on it 3-4 times and kept coming back, determined to push through, but I decided that reading for pleasure shouldn't be a chore and just let it go.
My biggest complaint by far would be the constant editing issues. A book should never go to print with so many grammatical errors or misprints. I might have convinced myself to go on otherwise.
As far as the story goes, it is a very interesting concept. Three gifted friends are recruited by a secret government agency to solve a crisis in a short period of time. I was very interested in the story for the first part of the book, when the focus was on the characters. Once they actually got to the agency though, the story lost its luster. The dialogue was very stilted and felt unnatural. Too much focus was put on the agency and what they do (which felt like I was reading from a conspiracy theory website), and not enough was spent on character development. Granted, I didn't make it the whole way through and that might have improved farther into the story, but I feel that by halfway through, I should at least have some kind of feeling about the major players.
Judging from other reviews here and on Amazon, it may be that this just isn't my kind of story. Other than the issues listed above, it was just too political and technical for my tastes. Perhaps I will revisit it after a palette cleansing and can update this review.
My biggest complaint by far would be the constant editing issues. A book should never go to print with so many grammatical errors or misprints. I might have convinced myself to go on otherwise.
As far as the story goes, it is a very interesting concept. Three gifted friends are recruited by a secret government agency to solve a crisis in a short period of time. I was very interested in the story for the first part of the book, when the focus was on the characters. Once they actually got to the agency though, the story lost its luster. The dialogue was very stilted and felt unnatural. Too much focus was put on the agency and what they do (which felt like I was reading from a conspiracy theory website), and not enough was spent on character development. Granted, I didn't make it the whole way through and that might have improved farther into the story, but I feel that by halfway through, I should at least have some kind of feeling about the major players.
Judging from other reviews here and on Amazon, it may be that this just isn't my kind of story. Other than the issues listed above, it was just too political and technical for my tastes. Perhaps I will revisit it after a palette cleansing and can update this review.
May 15, 2025
Became the Genius Bastard of a Noble Dark Clan
February 9, 2016
I received this book for free via Goodreads First Reads.
great plot, enjoyable read and feel this would make a great movie. look forward to the sequel
great plot, enjoyable read and feel this would make a great movie. look forward to the sequel
October 22, 2017
Good story line
Kind of strange in the way it is constructed, verbally that is, but overall a good read. I actually look forward to the second installment.
Kind of strange in the way it is constructed, verbally that is, but overall a good read. I actually look forward to the second installment.
November 3, 2019
Good book
June 24, 2016
"CCC Part 1" is apparently the first book in a four-part series (although I've only seen Part 2 available yet). Unfortunately, this intro book doesn't convince me to go any further with the series.
Al, John, and Kerry are a close-knit group of ethically challenged geniuses who've been friends since childhood. As they are scamming a Vegas casino (counting cards only, but playing with the casino security to avoid being caught), they are drugged and kidnapped by a Secret Government Agency™ and given a choice: join or die. The Agency (CCC, short for Citizen's Control Center!) is trying to head off a computer virus which is threatening to destroy US financial markets (from the Evil Chinese Government™) within 24 hours. Somehow, our 3 young heroes are expected to figure out the problem, the solution, and the Agency's inner workings in 1 day. But hey, they are geniuses and have the stamina of youth -- and apparently no real difficulty with the manner in which they were brought on board.
The Agency characters and others are somewhat robotic in their dialog and actions, and yet some descriptions get such extended details as clothes and shoes -- color, brand, and age. It's not a bad book, I guess, just not my cup of tea. 2 stars.
Al, John, and Kerry are a close-knit group of ethically challenged geniuses who've been friends since childhood. As they are scamming a Vegas casino (counting cards only, but playing with the casino security to avoid being caught), they are drugged and kidnapped by a Secret Government Agency™ and given a choice: join or die. The Agency (CCC, short for Citizen's Control Center!) is trying to head off a computer virus which is threatening to destroy US financial markets (from the Evil Chinese Government™) within 24 hours. Somehow, our 3 young heroes are expected to figure out the problem, the solution, and the Agency's inner workings in 1 day. But hey, they are geniuses and have the stamina of youth -- and apparently no real difficulty with the manner in which they were brought on board.
The Agency characters and others are somewhat robotic in their dialog and actions, and yet some descriptions get such extended details as clothes and shoes -- color, brand, and age. It's not a bad book, I guess, just not my cup of tea. 2 stars.
August 27, 2015
I received this book for free via Goodreads First Reads.
It is about three people who are 'recruited' (by means of kidnapping) into a secret US government organisation. They all have talents and all are given tasks to stop the Chinese collapsing the US economy.
It is brilliantly done and extremely well written. Each character shines (and the supporting cast are believable too). It has action, philosophy and it works its way to a good ending that will mean I will read any sequels.
It is one of the books with the shortest title (and shortest author names) I have ever read but I would not be surprised to one day see the letters 'CCC' on a billboard advertising the latest Hollywood blockbuster. It could make a great movie too!
It is about three people who are 'recruited' (by means of kidnapping) into a secret US government organisation. They all have talents and all are given tasks to stop the Chinese collapsing the US economy.
It is brilliantly done and extremely well written. Each character shines (and the supporting cast are believable too). It has action, philosophy and it works its way to a good ending that will mean I will read any sequels.
It is one of the books with the shortest title (and shortest author names) I have ever read but I would not be surprised to one day see the letters 'CCC' on a billboard advertising the latest Hollywood blockbuster. It could make a great movie too!
April 10, 2016
This was a book that I really wanted to like. Three young ethical off-the-charts geniuses kidnapped and forced by the government to its bidding. I could not, however, get past the extremely stilted, awkward writing.
"They all stiffen. Dr. Zon is very serious in tone and body language. The smoothness with which these harsh words rolls off his tongue conveys his meaning well. He has certainly spoken these words to people before."
The character are as robotic as their words. Every new character's clothing and looks are tediously described down to color and state of their shoes. They are just packages with no real emotions inside.
"They all stiffen. Dr. Zon is very serious in tone and body language. The smoothness with which these harsh words rolls off his tongue conveys his meaning well. He has certainly spoken these words to people before."
The character are as robotic as their words. Every new character's clothing and looks are tediously described down to color and state of their shoes. They are just packages with no real emotions inside.
October 21, 2015
I received this book from the Goodreads First Reads program.
I am sitting in awe of this book trying to think of what I can possibly say that will convey the magnitude of what I just read. Compulsively readable doesn't even begin to describe what I felt. A thriller with spy and government aspects that also makes the nerdy, exceptionally smart kids cool. Three best friends forced to help a clandestine agency save the United States using only their intellect. I loved it and can't wait to recommend it to friends.
I am sitting in awe of this book trying to think of what I can possibly say that will convey the magnitude of what I just read. Compulsively readable doesn't even begin to describe what I felt. A thriller with spy and government aspects that also makes the nerdy, exceptionally smart kids cool. Three best friends forced to help a clandestine agency save the United States using only their intellect. I loved it and can't wait to recommend it to friends.
January 25, 2016
A fast paced story - I love a story that moves! - that takes us along with the three friends, Kerry, John and Al through their scams and schemes to their kidnapping and career change. The safety of the country and maybe the world depends on their abilities. Will they be willing to give up their lives to become part of the CCC?
August 27, 2015
Great tech triller
I enjoyed this book. Not sure if I would call main characters "kids" so much. Kind of annoying. Needs some polish grammatically. Scary premise. Wonder how much is plausible. Cannot wait for rest in series.
I enjoyed this book. Not sure if I would call main characters "kids" so much. Kind of annoying. Needs some polish grammatically. Scary premise. Wonder how much is plausible. Cannot wait for rest in series.
September 4, 2016
Rivetting
This book is fiction with enough real world reality to make it engaging and believable. I couldn't put it down. This is the first time I read a book that makes me want to read the next one. It is a complete story in itself and stands on its own.
This book is fiction with enough real world reality to make it engaging and believable. I couldn't put it down. This is the first time I read a book that makes me want to read the next one. It is a complete story in itself and stands on its own.
July 26, 2015
Great book. Fast paced action that feels like a Hollywood Summer Blockbuster. Pick up a copy and get ready for an exciting ride. You will not want to put down the book.
September 21, 2015
A secret government agency recruits three gifted young adults to help prevent a horrific attack on The U.S. economy.
This book is a mesmerizing thriller that is fast paced and entertaining.
This book is a mesmerizing thriller that is fast paced and entertaining.
August 24, 2015
Great read! Good material for a movie.
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March 17, 2016This was a fun read
Great fun! Good pace and interesting concept, loved the characters. Starting book 2 now, hopefully it will be just as good
Great fun! Good pace and interesting concept, loved the characters. Starting book 2 now, hopefully it will be just as good
April 6, 2016
Ok
Choppy writing leads to a lack of clarity for the reader. Story premise is good though I am not sure I will be getting the next book.
Choppy writing leads to a lack of clarity for the reader. Story premise is good though I am not sure I will be getting the next book.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews