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Gone Viral
What if you could rule the world ... from your phone?
Computer science graduate Lenny Driver dreams of working at Blahst, a top social media company. But when the company steals his code during a job interview, he lashes back by creating an algorithm to spread fake rumors about the company. The algorithm works better than he ever intended, and Lenny is stunned to discover that he has created a weapon of mass manipulation. As he explores his newfound power, the unintended consequences spiral out of control, and Lenny finds himself hunted not only by Blahst but by a rogue intelligence agent who will stop at nothing to obtain the algorithm's secret.
Computer science graduate Lenny Driver dreams of working at Blahst, a top social media company. But when the company steals his code during a job interview, he lashes back by creating an algorithm to spread fake rumors about the company. The algorithm works better than he ever intended, and Lenny is stunned to discover that he has created a weapon of mass manipulation. As he explores his newfound power, the unintended consequences spiral out of control, and Lenny finds himself hunted not only by Blahst but by a rogue intelligence agent who will stop at nothing to obtain the algorithm's secret.
319 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2018
2 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Knight
3 books4 followersJ.A. Knight is a writer and technology advisor. She helps large companies imagine the impact of new technologies and guides them in becoming more innovative and creative. Gone Viral is her first novel.
When not working, she enjoys watching science fiction movies, walking barefoot on the beach, traveling to new places, making spreadsheets, hiking in pine forests, and researching the mysteries of the human mind.
When not working, she enjoys watching science fiction movies, walking barefoot on the beach, traveling to new places, making spreadsheets, hiking in pine forests, and researching the mysteries of the human mind.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
November 22, 2024
This story will have you hooked! I was at the edge of my seat, i love the writing and the main character is very interesting. It's such a great mix of technology and thriller, and it feels realistic and routed in reality given how technology is advancing. I highly suggest this book!
August 16, 2018
This is a compelling high-tech thriller with a sense of humor. The starred review from Publishers Weekly (see below) is truly deserved!
Every now and then you come across a self-published thriller that could easily be on the New York Times Bestsellers list---and this is one of them. The characters are memorable (and likable), the dialogue is snappy, and the author brings the Boston and Route 128 high-tech setting to life. You don't need to be tech-savvy to enjoy this swift-paced novel. There are moments you'll laugh out loud, and moments when the political and technological scenarios seem so believable you'll wonder if this will happen or has already happened in real life.
Don't let the "self-published" aspect fool you---this author can write, and this book is a winner.
"Fans of intelligent thrillers about potential technological threats will relish Knight's promising debut . . . Knight maintains suspense throughout while making her projections about viral social media both plausible and comprehensible to the lay reader." - Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)
Every now and then you come across a self-published thriller that could easily be on the New York Times Bestsellers list---and this is one of them. The characters are memorable (and likable), the dialogue is snappy, and the author brings the Boston and Route 128 high-tech setting to life. You don't need to be tech-savvy to enjoy this swift-paced novel. There are moments you'll laugh out loud, and moments when the political and technological scenarios seem so believable you'll wonder if this will happen or has already happened in real life.
Don't let the "self-published" aspect fool you---this author can write, and this book is a winner.
"Fans of intelligent thrillers about potential technological threats will relish Knight's promising debut . . . Knight maintains suspense throughout while making her projections about viral social media both plausible and comprehensible to the lay reader." - Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)
August 19, 2018
I had a lot of fun with this story! I was visiting a friend in Boston and wanted to read something set in the area. I picked it up on recommendation from the clerk at Bookends in Winchester, MA. I am a bit of a technophobe, so this played right into my fears. The smart but socially inept main character was super awkward, just like a lot of people i have met who work in tech and IT. Great vacation read!
August 20, 2018
Right out of today's headlines. Fantastic retelling of the secrets behind real world cyber activities in a fictional setting - And not all that far fetched!
A great summer page turner perfect for the beach, with all the right ingredients: a young couple in love, bad guys that stop at nothing, an ambitious startup CEO, global political brinkmanship, deep state paranoia, unintended consequences, and all set in our n
A great summer page turner perfect for the beach, with all the right ingredients: a young couple in love, bad guys that stop at nothing, an ambitious startup CEO, global political brinkmanship, deep state paranoia, unintended consequences, and all set in our n
December 31, 2023
I couldn’t put this book down, I got hooked very quickly and it was a great thriller with twists and surprises that kept me interested. I completely binged it and finished in just a few days.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews