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The Undernet
Milton (Milt) Edwards, eighteen, high school graduate and gamer supreme, lives for the next game to be played on the internet. His friend, Simon Smith, is no different, and together they rule the world of war simulations and zombie invasions.
When Simon tells Milt about the newest site he’s heard of—the Undernet—Milt is intrigued. However, when Simon turns up dead shortly after telling him, Milt is determined to find out why. Was it the Undernet, a shadowy cyber world, or simply a maniac with a vendetta? He is soon recruited by Ramon, a former prisoner turned FBI hacker, and Larry Caldwell, an FBI agent. Ramon introduces Milt to the Darknet, and soon the clues fall into place, or at least Milt thinks they do.
Against the counsel of his girlfriend, Roberta Jones, Milt goes deeper and deeper into the netherworld known as the Undernet, finding out that reality isn’t what he thinks it is. More deaths happen, and when Milt discovers the truth behind who killed Simon—and others—it may be too late. Log onto the Undernet. Don’t think about logging out.
When Simon tells Milt about the newest site he’s heard of—the Undernet—Milt is intrigued. However, when Simon turns up dead shortly after telling him, Milt is determined to find out why. Was it the Undernet, a shadowy cyber world, or simply a maniac with a vendetta? He is soon recruited by Ramon, a former prisoner turned FBI hacker, and Larry Caldwell, an FBI agent. Ramon introduces Milt to the Darknet, and soon the clues fall into place, or at least Milt thinks they do.
Against the counsel of his girlfriend, Roberta Jones, Milt goes deeper and deeper into the netherworld known as the Undernet, finding out that reality isn’t what he thinks it is. More deaths happen, and when Milt discovers the truth behind who killed Simon—and others—it may be too late. Log onto the Undernet. Don’t think about logging out.
385 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 28, 2017
1 person is currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
J.S. Frankel
92 books237 followersJ.S. Frankel was born in Toronto, Canada, many moons ago and managed to scrape through high school and university, earning a BA in English Literature and leaving no book unopened during his time at the University of Toronto. Shortly after graduation, he moved to Japan in order to teach English to the hapless residents of whichever city he happened to be living at the time.
In 1997, he married the charming Akiko Koike and their union produced two rather interesting children. Frankel and his family make their home in Osaka where he teaches during the day and attempts to write YA fiction at night.
In 1997, he married the charming Akiko Koike and their union produced two rather interesting children. Frankel and his family make their home in Osaka where he teaches during the day and attempts to write YA fiction at night.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 10, 2019
Action-Packed Thriller
The Undernet will leave you breathless, often making you want to cover your eyes as events transpire. While some parts I found unrealistic, others presented as too much so, to the point where, not for the first time in my life, I found myself questioning humanity. Frankel has an often-whimsical style, which makes some of the horrors depicted in The Undernet that much more horrific. While I wouldn’t say this is my normal fare when choosing a book, I did find the story and the characters compelling, and am curious to see what else this author has to offer.
The Undernet will leave you breathless, often making you want to cover your eyes as events transpire. While some parts I found unrealistic, others presented as too much so, to the point where, not for the first time in my life, I found myself questioning humanity. Frankel has an often-whimsical style, which makes some of the horrors depicted in The Undernet that much more horrific. While I wouldn’t say this is my normal fare when choosing a book, I did find the story and the characters compelling, and am curious to see what else this author has to offer.
February 6, 2018
The Undernet
By: J.S. Frankel
If you like intense thrillers…then get ready to go on an emotional roller coaster with The Undernet by J.S. Frankel. This book is definitely not your typical piece of YA fiction!
The story follows the main character, Milt Edwards, who has just completed his final year of high school and is looking forward to the next phase of his life. Indeed, with his girlfriend Robbie and his best friend Simon at his side, he is ready to tackle the world. No longer will he have to worry about the taunts of oversized jocks who enjoy referring to him as “some nerd gamer.” Nope…it was Milt’s time now, and he was going to thrive. Until Simon shows up dead in the most horrific fashion that is!
Things soon take on an even darker turn as the lack of any solid leads in the case by the police lead to Milt deciding to launch his own investigation. The only thing he has to go on is Simon’s last conversation with him about something called the “Undernet.” Indeed, Milt soon finds himself embroiled in a case which involves the police, FBI and the illegal, disturbing worlds of the Darknet and Undernet. What follows is an explosive and very dark and disturbing series of events.
Frankel delivers a very tight and exciting plot. It is literally one of those books which you simply cannot put down. Even though it gets darker and more evil with each passing page, you will be hooked! Frankel is undoubtedly an author who knows how to work his craft.
The theme is based upon the classic good versus evil dilemma. However, that may be a bit too simplistic. In actuality it thoroughly explores the depth which human depravity can sink, and the struggle one must undergo to overcome it.
As for character development, there are a number of characters in the story who are developed very well. Milt himself grows a great deal throughout the book as a result of his experiences and he is accompanied in this growth by his feisty girlfriend Robbie. There are also the FBI characters of Ramon and Caldwell who take secondary roles, but are well developed and described. If I had one suggestion it would be that more time could have been spent developing Simon, and in particular his relationship with Milt. This would in turn easily justify the lengths and sacrifices Milt made to find justice for his friend.
Make no mistake, The Undernet is not a book for the faint of heart. There are actually some very dark and disturbing scenes. As such, the age of those who read it should be carefully considered. While it is still in the YA genre in many respects, I would tend to classify it more in the NA range.
Overall, this is a thrilling and exciting ride which allows the reader to examine the good and evil traits of human nature in a perpetually “on the edge of your seat” manner. 5 creepy stars for this superb story!
By: J.S. Frankel
If you like intense thrillers…then get ready to go on an emotional roller coaster with The Undernet by J.S. Frankel. This book is definitely not your typical piece of YA fiction!
The story follows the main character, Milt Edwards, who has just completed his final year of high school and is looking forward to the next phase of his life. Indeed, with his girlfriend Robbie and his best friend Simon at his side, he is ready to tackle the world. No longer will he have to worry about the taunts of oversized jocks who enjoy referring to him as “some nerd gamer.” Nope…it was Milt’s time now, and he was going to thrive. Until Simon shows up dead in the most horrific fashion that is!
Things soon take on an even darker turn as the lack of any solid leads in the case by the police lead to Milt deciding to launch his own investigation. The only thing he has to go on is Simon’s last conversation with him about something called the “Undernet.” Indeed, Milt soon finds himself embroiled in a case which involves the police, FBI and the illegal, disturbing worlds of the Darknet and Undernet. What follows is an explosive and very dark and disturbing series of events.
Frankel delivers a very tight and exciting plot. It is literally one of those books which you simply cannot put down. Even though it gets darker and more evil with each passing page, you will be hooked! Frankel is undoubtedly an author who knows how to work his craft.
The theme is based upon the classic good versus evil dilemma. However, that may be a bit too simplistic. In actuality it thoroughly explores the depth which human depravity can sink, and the struggle one must undergo to overcome it.
As for character development, there are a number of characters in the story who are developed very well. Milt himself grows a great deal throughout the book as a result of his experiences and he is accompanied in this growth by his feisty girlfriend Robbie. There are also the FBI characters of Ramon and Caldwell who take secondary roles, but are well developed and described. If I had one suggestion it would be that more time could have been spent developing Simon, and in particular his relationship with Milt. This would in turn easily justify the lengths and sacrifices Milt made to find justice for his friend.
Make no mistake, The Undernet is not a book for the faint of heart. There are actually some very dark and disturbing scenes. As such, the age of those who read it should be carefully considered. While it is still in the YA genre in many respects, I would tend to classify it more in the NA range.
Overall, this is a thrilling and exciting ride which allows the reader to examine the good and evil traits of human nature in a perpetually “on the edge of your seat” manner. 5 creepy stars for this superb story!
November 9, 2019
What happens when you take a wholesome, good-hearted Frankel protagonist and put him in the worst situation with the worst people ever? The answer is this book.
The MC, Milton is a good guy who is loyal to his friends. So when his best friend is murdered, he naturally wants to find out what happened. He gets a lot more than he bargained for when his investigation leads him to the undernet—an even worse version of the darknet.
The story twists and turns and we are introduced to a whole host of characters, some nicer than others, but all with layered personalities and described in Frankel’s succinct, honest voice. This story goes to some very dark places and has a more adult feel than other YA books by this author.
It’s a fascinating read that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Five stars!
The MC, Milton is a good guy who is loyal to his friends. So when his best friend is murdered, he naturally wants to find out what happened. He gets a lot more than he bargained for when his investigation leads him to the undernet—an even worse version of the darknet.
The story twists and turns and we are introduced to a whole host of characters, some nicer than others, but all with layered personalities and described in Frankel’s succinct, honest voice. This story goes to some very dark places and has a more adult feel than other YA books by this author.
It’s a fascinating read that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Five stars!
August 16, 2017
'The Undernet' brings new definition to the age-old contest between good and evil, and between truth and deceit as a young man seeks answers that seem determined to remain hidden.
Frankel has crafted realistic, likeable and engaging central characters in Milt and his girlfriend, Robbie. They're not perfect, and their mistakes have consequences, which makes them easier to empathise with and understand. Insights into Milt's thoughts and gut reactions, and his feelings about Robbie, draw the reader into the often very confronting story of his quest for justice and truth. Part of Frankel's genius in casting this story is designing characters who live and work in the shadows, so that the reader has to keep questioning whether they are the good guys or the bad guys. There are so many layers of intrigue and concealment in this story that the reader is kept curious and wanting to know, much like Milt throughout this story, seeing the truth despite layers of concealment and misinformation. In this sense, the Undernet and the Dark Net take on the roles of additional impersonal characters that deliberately obscure reality in this story, just as they seem to in actual fact.
Some parts of The Undernet are definitely uncomfortable to read. In graphic contrast to the sincere and honest friendship Milt has with Robbie and with his best friend, Simon, Frankel gives his readers a solidly-written exposè of the dark side of human nature as one is likely to find it on the dark side of the internet - or anywhere. This is delivered with confronting realism and honesty. Through all of this, It was the strong identification I felt with with Milt's "ordinary person" response to the ugly side of life that enabled me to keep reading and hoping for him to find the resolution he was so desperate to find.
Frankel has crafted realistic, likeable and engaging central characters in Milt and his girlfriend, Robbie. They're not perfect, and their mistakes have consequences, which makes them easier to empathise with and understand. Insights into Milt's thoughts and gut reactions, and his feelings about Robbie, draw the reader into the often very confronting story of his quest for justice and truth. Part of Frankel's genius in casting this story is designing characters who live and work in the shadows, so that the reader has to keep questioning whether they are the good guys or the bad guys. There are so many layers of intrigue and concealment in this story that the reader is kept curious and wanting to know, much like Milt throughout this story, seeing the truth despite layers of concealment and misinformation. In this sense, the Undernet and the Dark Net take on the roles of additional impersonal characters that deliberately obscure reality in this story, just as they seem to in actual fact.
Some parts of The Undernet are definitely uncomfortable to read. In graphic contrast to the sincere and honest friendship Milt has with Robbie and with his best friend, Simon, Frankel gives his readers a solidly-written exposè of the dark side of human nature as one is likely to find it on the dark side of the internet - or anywhere. This is delivered with confronting realism and honesty. Through all of this, It was the strong identification I felt with with Milt's "ordinary person" response to the ugly side of life that enabled me to keep reading and hoping for him to find the resolution he was so desperate to find.
January 29, 2019
From the start to the end, this book gave me a tense feeling. What will happen next, how Milton and his girlfriend Robbie will deal with the world of darkness and crime? As an internet addict, I know well how is to search for something and could not get eyes away, especially if you are a curious nature. Characters are very well described, with all faults and imperfections, but with a strong personality. If you save lives, people will not always be grateful, they will judge you for not according to their standards. The author stands firmly on the ground, this is not a story about heroes, this is a story about human nature, as he said: "someone looks like a human, but we can't consider him as human". Despite the shocking story, lines are filled with sarcasm and witty humor which gives this book a special charm. Thanks for the great experience.
August 10, 2017
I have read a lot of YA books, and this is one of the best. I really enjoyed this read. The book is very well written with a plot that is clever and tight. The characters within are also very engaging. The author makes his characters very believable, and when you are writing about kids this age that is no mean feat! Add that to a very dark and twisted world that exists outside of the internet as we know it, and Milton soon comes face to face with monsters of the very human kind. The relation between Milton and Robbie, his girlfriend, is also very refreshing. And boy, did I want to give Milton's mother a good talking to! Every character has depth and growth and the author handles them expertly.
This is dark, twisted, and intriguing, and a beautiful crafted work from a very talented author. I highly recommend this absorbing book. Five stars well deserved.
This is dark, twisted, and intriguing, and a beautiful crafted work from a very talented author. I highly recommend this absorbing book. Five stars well deserved.
March 14, 2019
Although something of a diversion for me, I was interested to see what the YA genre has to offer. It was the subject matter of this book that drew me in. I feel ambivalent towards the Internet - on the one hand, grateful for the benefits it brings to all our lives, but at the same time, horrified by the opportunities it presents for the sick and depraved. It’s the latter that this story deals with and an eye-opener into the evil that exists within the dark web and beyond. There are some graphic scenes that make for uncomfortable reading, but, hopefully, this will serve as a deterrent for curious teenagers who spend a lot of time online and are tempted to explore. The author has done a good job in that the warning comes across loud and clear.
The synopsis has been well covered in the previous reviews; suffice to say that ‘The Undernet’ has a convincing plot which doesn’t become too complicated, making it easy to follow. The author has a relaxed, straightforward style and good character depiction, in particular, that of Ramon with his uncouth habits and ungainly demeanour. I was a little puzzled by Milton’s mother, always at the back of my mind a sense that there was more to her continual absences than meets the eye and that it would surface later; whether or not this was the author’s intention is unclear – just one small point I felt was worth a mention.
The climax came as a surprise, and though not for the faint-hearted, it gives weight to a story that had me engrossed throughout and reading until the early hours. A great YA novel that will also appeal to adults and which I can highly recommend.
September 28, 2017
This is the third book by this author I have read, and it started out in pretty much his familiar format. Geeky teenage boy, Milton, with an absent parental figure, one close best friend and a surprisingly cool and pretty girlfriend. However, The Undernet soon took a darker twist than his previous alien inspired reads, when his best friend is found brutally murdered early on in the book. Following the failure of the police to solve the case, or even find any leads, Milt decides to investigate himself, and soon finds himself sucked into the murky world of the illegal Darknet and the even less salubrious world of the Undernet.
By basing his book on the internet, J.S. Frankel successfully tapped into the fears of every parent across the world, and, as the mother of a teenage daughter, it certainly hit a poignant note with me. Much as we stress to our children to be careful, much as we drum the whole issue of cyber safety into them, with the innocent recklessness of so many young people, many of them ignore those warnings, with sometimes tragic consequences. Although I have cautioned my daughter that the cool guy/girl she's chatting to online, who claims they're 14 and in the next town, might actually be a 45 year old sleazebag sitting in his underwear on the other side of the world, I do sometimes suspect she thinks she knows better than me, that I'm just being a worrywart.
I strongly believe that The Undernet should be compulsory reading for all teenagers, should perhaps be issued to them at school, as a grim warning of what can happen, when you delve too deeply into certain sites online, and take at face value the people you meet there.
The book is a reasonably quick read, although I did feel it lagged slightly in the middle, as Milt spends weeks trying to discover what happened to his friend, assisted by Ramon, a rather disgusting character, whom the author describes in vivid detail - perhaps a little too vivid at times. However, it soon picked up again and then set off at the cracking pace for the last quarter of the book.
I won't give any spoilers, but, will just say the plot descends into a level of brutality and darkness that I found a little surprising coming from this author. At first, I wondered whether it was in the right category, worried its YA tag would attract a reader younger than the subject matter was appropriate for, if it wouldn't be better in the NA category. But then I reflected that maybe, catching the readers young enough for the cautionary message this book contains to be effective, was the author's plan all along.
J.S. Frankel writes very well. His style is simplistic and direct, perfect for the age range it is directed at, and he has an uncanny knack of getting inside the mind and motives of a teenage boy and translating them to readers of different ages and genders.
Overall, a neat and clever read, which teenagers will enjoy, but which can also be appreciated on a different level by older readers.
By basing his book on the internet, J.S. Frankel successfully tapped into the fears of every parent across the world, and, as the mother of a teenage daughter, it certainly hit a poignant note with me. Much as we stress to our children to be careful, much as we drum the whole issue of cyber safety into them, with the innocent recklessness of so many young people, many of them ignore those warnings, with sometimes tragic consequences. Although I have cautioned my daughter that the cool guy/girl she's chatting to online, who claims they're 14 and in the next town, might actually be a 45 year old sleazebag sitting in his underwear on the other side of the world, I do sometimes suspect she thinks she knows better than me, that I'm just being a worrywart.
I strongly believe that The Undernet should be compulsory reading for all teenagers, should perhaps be issued to them at school, as a grim warning of what can happen, when you delve too deeply into certain sites online, and take at face value the people you meet there.
The book is a reasonably quick read, although I did feel it lagged slightly in the middle, as Milt spends weeks trying to discover what happened to his friend, assisted by Ramon, a rather disgusting character, whom the author describes in vivid detail - perhaps a little too vivid at times. However, it soon picked up again and then set off at the cracking pace for the last quarter of the book.
I won't give any spoilers, but, will just say the plot descends into a level of brutality and darkness that I found a little surprising coming from this author. At first, I wondered whether it was in the right category, worried its YA tag would attract a reader younger than the subject matter was appropriate for, if it wouldn't be better in the NA category. But then I reflected that maybe, catching the readers young enough for the cautionary message this book contains to be effective, was the author's plan all along.
J.S. Frankel writes very well. His style is simplistic and direct, perfect for the age range it is directed at, and he has an uncanny knack of getting inside the mind and motives of a teenage boy and translating them to readers of different ages and genders.
Overall, a neat and clever read, which teenagers will enjoy, but which can also be appreciated on a different level by older readers.
July 31, 2017
Title: The Undernet
Author: J. S. Frankel
Publisher: Devine Destinies
ISBN: 978-1-4874-1267-8
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0746861TT/...
http://www.devinedestinies.com/the-un...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
Milton (Milt) Edwards, eighteen, high school graduate and gamer supreme, lives for the next game to be played on the internet. His friend, Simon Smith, is no different, and together they rule the world of war simulations and zombie invasions.
When Simon tells Milt about the newest site he’s heard of—the Undernet—Milt is intrigued. However, when Simon turns up dead shortly after telling him, Milt is determined to find out why. Was it the Undernet, a shadowy cyber world, or simply a maniac with a vendetta? He is soon recruited by Ramon, a former prisoner turned FBI hacker, and Larry Caldwell, an FBI agent. Ramon introduces Milt to the Darknet, and soon the clues fall into place, or at least Milt thinks they do.
Against the counsel of his girlfriend, Roberta Jones, Milt goes deeper and deeper into the netherworld known as the Undernet, finding out that reality isn’t what he thinks it is. More deaths happen, and when Milt discovers the truth behind who killed Simon—and others—it may be too late. Log onto the Undernet. Don’t think about logging out.
Total Score: 5/5
Summary:
Received for an honest review.
Milt's world was filled with his gaming buddy Simon and his girlfriend Robbie. What else could any red blooded nerd want out of life that is until the day Simon went out looking for new free software from some place called the Undernet and was missing until he turned up dead. Milt determination lead him in Ramon who at first glance seemed to be only interested in uncovering secrets in the Darknet, a shadow of the internet where all manner of unsavory individuals hang out, but there was so much more to his story. Milt soon learns that there was a hidden agenda and if he was willing to work with him Ramon would allow him into the Undernet where he found individuals basest desires could be fulfilled. As this story unfolded Milt was taken into a world where individuals could have or take anything they wanted without worry about any consequences or so they thought. This knowledge can change a person, but how you use this information, for good or bad, remains to be seen.
This book was filled with unique and complex characters who experience a dark world that few will ever seen. This story has a much darker plot than Mr. Frankel's usual books and I for one think he has another hit on his hands. Blending together a young adult story with dark and mature themes isn't easy, but it flowed into an incredible book that I will never forget.
Author: J. S. Frankel
Publisher: Devine Destinies
ISBN: 978-1-4874-1267-8
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0746861TT/...
http://www.devinedestinies.com/the-un...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
Milton (Milt) Edwards, eighteen, high school graduate and gamer supreme, lives for the next game to be played on the internet. His friend, Simon Smith, is no different, and together they rule the world of war simulations and zombie invasions.
When Simon tells Milt about the newest site he’s heard of—the Undernet—Milt is intrigued. However, when Simon turns up dead shortly after telling him, Milt is determined to find out why. Was it the Undernet, a shadowy cyber world, or simply a maniac with a vendetta? He is soon recruited by Ramon, a former prisoner turned FBI hacker, and Larry Caldwell, an FBI agent. Ramon introduces Milt to the Darknet, and soon the clues fall into place, or at least Milt thinks they do.
Against the counsel of his girlfriend, Roberta Jones, Milt goes deeper and deeper into the netherworld known as the Undernet, finding out that reality isn’t what he thinks it is. More deaths happen, and when Milt discovers the truth behind who killed Simon—and others—it may be too late. Log onto the Undernet. Don’t think about logging out.
Total Score: 5/5
Summary:
Received for an honest review.
Milt's world was filled with his gaming buddy Simon and his girlfriend Robbie. What else could any red blooded nerd want out of life that is until the day Simon went out looking for new free software from some place called the Undernet and was missing until he turned up dead. Milt determination lead him in Ramon who at first glance seemed to be only interested in uncovering secrets in the Darknet, a shadow of the internet where all manner of unsavory individuals hang out, but there was so much more to his story. Milt soon learns that there was a hidden agenda and if he was willing to work with him Ramon would allow him into the Undernet where he found individuals basest desires could be fulfilled. As this story unfolded Milt was taken into a world where individuals could have or take anything they wanted without worry about any consequences or so they thought. This knowledge can change a person, but how you use this information, for good or bad, remains to be seen.
This book was filled with unique and complex characters who experience a dark world that few will ever seen. This story has a much darker plot than Mr. Frankel's usual books and I for one think he has another hit on his hands. Blending together a young adult story with dark and mature themes isn't easy, but it flowed into an incredible book that I will never forget.
December 31, 2018
Fast paced and exciting
This is the first book I've read by this author, it won't be the last. From the first page to the end it hurls you along in the fast lane. The dark web exists and it is superbly dragged to the forefront of Milt's world. The student is a geek, a game fanatic and nothing out of the ordinary. He's not a superhero, a macho man or a genius. What he does possess, is enough curiosity, courage and determination to track down the serial killer/s who violently killed his best friend. With his faithful, gutsy girlfriend by his side - the not so smart FBI, and the help of an ex-con in poor health, the young man attempts the seemingly impossible. He breaks into a depraved side of life, the underbelly of society to find justice. At what cost?
This is the first book I've read by this author, it won't be the last. From the first page to the end it hurls you along in the fast lane. The dark web exists and it is superbly dragged to the forefront of Milt's world. The student is a geek, a game fanatic and nothing out of the ordinary. He's not a superhero, a macho man or a genius. What he does possess, is enough curiosity, courage and determination to track down the serial killer/s who violently killed his best friend. With his faithful, gutsy girlfriend by his side - the not so smart FBI, and the help of an ex-con in poor health, the young man attempts the seemingly impossible. He breaks into a depraved side of life, the underbelly of society to find justice. At what cost?
June 11, 2021
The Undernet won't let you put down the book
From the very first sentence this book attracts the reader. The high momentum, fun and endearing characters will cause you to fall for this book. But the plot and the twists and schemes will keep the mightnight oil burning. This is a boon where you have to finish in one sitting. There is no other way to go. A fantastic read!
From the very first sentence this book attracts the reader. The high momentum, fun and endearing characters will cause you to fall for this book. But the plot and the twists and schemes will keep the mightnight oil burning. This is a boon where you have to finish in one sitting. There is no other way to go. A fantastic read!
November 4, 2022
The young adult genre, as with most literary categories, is a moving target, and the designation sometimes feels arbitrary. Frankel’s The Undernet fits comfortably in the YA category—the novel features bullies, teen romance, nerds vs. jocks, and a bit of angst about the future—but the story stretches the boundaries of the genre. Not an easy task, but Frankel pulls it off with plenty of skill and aplomb.
The story is told through the point of view of recent high school graduate, Milt Edwards, a top-level gamer with an obsession with the internet. That doesn’t separate him much from a whole lot of teens. The situation he gets caught up in, though, is anything but the normal young adult experience. Milt’s character feels real despite his incredible gaming and internet skills, and he’s far from perfect. His decisions are often suspect and his reasoning shows a lack of experience in the world. In many ways that makes him a typical teenager.
The novel features a number of well-drawn characters. Milt’s girlfriend, Robbie Jones is feisty and brave beyond her years. Ramon Melendez is an ex-con computer hacker with disgusting personal habits but a kind heart. Larry Caldwell, Milt’s FBI handler protects Milt as well as he can. You may find yourself wanting to slap some sense into Milt’s absentee mother. Others are hard to forget because of the levels of sick depravity they drag us through. All are memorable, well-developed characters.
Much like viewers of teen horror movies, readers of The Undernet may well find themselves yelling at Milt to stop and think about what he’s doing. He doesn’t often do that. His mistakes in judgment don’t help his cause, and he soon enough loses control of the situation he thought he had well in hand. The plot is complex and compelling to the end, and Frankel’s physical descriptions put us right in the middle of the action. And readers are on the edge of their seats the whole time. I defy others to try to put it down once the tension-filled momentum is established. As the narrative becomes darker and more depraved toward the end, we’re hoping for a dramatic nick-of-time rescue, but we’re never all that confident it will come.
The novel takes us into the sick, evil underbelly of humanity. The acts of torture and depravity that Milt observes online are horrendous, and Frankel doesn’t hold back many details. There are scenes here that will horrify and disgust even the most jaded of readers. Perhaps the novel is meant to be a cautionary tale for teens and adults alike. If that was Frankel’s purpose, he accomplished it nicely.
This novel is a terrific read. I highly recommend The Undernet.
The story is told through the point of view of recent high school graduate, Milt Edwards, a top-level gamer with an obsession with the internet. That doesn’t separate him much from a whole lot of teens. The situation he gets caught up in, though, is anything but the normal young adult experience. Milt’s character feels real despite his incredible gaming and internet skills, and he’s far from perfect. His decisions are often suspect and his reasoning shows a lack of experience in the world. In many ways that makes him a typical teenager.
The novel features a number of well-drawn characters. Milt’s girlfriend, Robbie Jones is feisty and brave beyond her years. Ramon Melendez is an ex-con computer hacker with disgusting personal habits but a kind heart. Larry Caldwell, Milt’s FBI handler protects Milt as well as he can. You may find yourself wanting to slap some sense into Milt’s absentee mother. Others are hard to forget because of the levels of sick depravity they drag us through. All are memorable, well-developed characters.
Much like viewers of teen horror movies, readers of The Undernet may well find themselves yelling at Milt to stop and think about what he’s doing. He doesn’t often do that. His mistakes in judgment don’t help his cause, and he soon enough loses control of the situation he thought he had well in hand. The plot is complex and compelling to the end, and Frankel’s physical descriptions put us right in the middle of the action. And readers are on the edge of their seats the whole time. I defy others to try to put it down once the tension-filled momentum is established. As the narrative becomes darker and more depraved toward the end, we’re hoping for a dramatic nick-of-time rescue, but we’re never all that confident it will come.
The novel takes us into the sick, evil underbelly of humanity. The acts of torture and depravity that Milt observes online are horrendous, and Frankel doesn’t hold back many details. There are scenes here that will horrify and disgust even the most jaded of readers. Perhaps the novel is meant to be a cautionary tale for teens and adults alike. If that was Frankel’s purpose, he accomplished it nicely.
This novel is a terrific read. I highly recommend The Undernet.
July 17, 2021
Milton is a gamer who finds more than he bargained for on the Internet. In this powerful book by J. S. Frankel mystery reigns. I loved how we are drawn into the hunt for the killer of the teenagers!
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