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The Cyclops Effect
When Asha said she wanted to give the Chinese hackers a piece of her mind, she didn’t mean it literally. But that’s what happens when medical technology goes awry. Doctors promised they could teach her brain to read digital signals. They gave her a fully functional visual prosthetic that transmits images across her optic nerve directly to the visual cortex. The module even has wi-fi so they can monitor the signal traffic to her brain. They didn’t anticipate her brain would figure out how to use the wi-fi connection both ways. Asha can now see the Internet.
ASHA BECOMES THE ULTIMATE HACKER
As her digital brain develops, she creates an online alter ego, a true artificial intelligence. In fact, she can access every bit of data in the world, even files that are supposed to be secret. Since the FBI promises handsome rewards for capturing criminals on their Most Wanted list, Asha becomes a bounty hunter. The AI she calls Abbot becomes her right hand as she goes to work tracking down international terrorists. Unfortunately, she is so effective, the government believes she may be a co-conspirator. When they refuse to pay her, she walks out.
IT’S NOT JUST THE FBI WHO SUSPECT HER
When Asha crosses paths with Chinese military hackers, she stops them by taking out Shanghai’s electrical grid. The communist government wants to know who did it and how. After Asha gives a copy of Abbot to her husband’s company, things go downhill. The Chinese military steals a copy of it and immediately recognizes its military significance. Their top priority, however, is to take out the woman who came up with it in the first place.
CHINA FLEXES ITS NEW CYBER WARFARE TOOL
Using her own technology against her, the Chinese suddenly become a serious threat to the US. The FBI calls Asha back and asks a stop the Chinese attack. She agrees, but this time there are conditions. Either they pay upfront, or she will take care of the Asian threat in her own way, and knowing Asha, that could mean World War Three.
ASHA BECOMES THE ULTIMATE HACKER
As her digital brain develops, she creates an online alter ego, a true artificial intelligence. In fact, she can access every bit of data in the world, even files that are supposed to be secret. Since the FBI promises handsome rewards for capturing criminals on their Most Wanted list, Asha becomes a bounty hunter. The AI she calls Abbot becomes her right hand as she goes to work tracking down international terrorists. Unfortunately, she is so effective, the government believes she may be a co-conspirator. When they refuse to pay her, she walks out.
IT’S NOT JUST THE FBI WHO SUSPECT HER
When Asha crosses paths with Chinese military hackers, she stops them by taking out Shanghai’s electrical grid. The communist government wants to know who did it and how. After Asha gives a copy of Abbot to her husband’s company, things go downhill. The Chinese military steals a copy of it and immediately recognizes its military significance. Their top priority, however, is to take out the woman who came up with it in the first place.
CHINA FLEXES ITS NEW CYBER WARFARE TOOL
Using her own technology against her, the Chinese suddenly become a serious threat to the US. The FBI calls Asha back and asks a stop the Chinese attack. She agrees, but this time there are conditions. Either they pay upfront, or she will take care of the Asian threat in her own way, and knowing Asha, that could mean World War Three.
- GenresScience Fiction
390 pages, Paperback
Published December 19, 2019
110 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Williams
18 books1 followerCJ Williams is a husband and wife writing team. He was a military pilot, and she was an artist. Today, they live in Washington State, enjoy hiking in the Olympic Mountains, boating in the Salish Sea, and writing.
Librarian note: There are multiple authors by this name in the GR database.
Librarian note: There are multiple authors by this name in the GR database.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 20, 2020
The rating doesn’t reflect the reality
I grade hard. On purpose. 5 star ratings all read like a gushing mess.
This is a very high quality plot and a solid set of characters. I read the whole book in a single day. More thriller than SF, though that works in its favor.
The problems: the beginning labors a bit. Not the plot, more the writing itself. A bit clunky, some of the shorter sentences don’t lend themselves to the narrative. Short sentences are emphatic and active, and make it feel like things are moving fast. Which is a problem when it’s not an action scene. This isn’t a problem throughout the book, but it cropped up occasionally, and specifically at the very beginning.
The geo-political aspect was good, but just a touch heavy handed. It was well designed, it simply felt like the plot was trying too hard.
All of that sounds very bad, but remember: I grade hard. Most of what I point out as flaws will be invisible to a lot of readers.
I highly recommend this novel. In fact, I got it and read it through KU, and now I am going to go *buy* it. That is a recommendation you can take to the bank.
I grade hard. On purpose. 5 star ratings all read like a gushing mess.
This is a very high quality plot and a solid set of characters. I read the whole book in a single day. More thriller than SF, though that works in its favor.
The problems: the beginning labors a bit. Not the plot, more the writing itself. A bit clunky, some of the shorter sentences don’t lend themselves to the narrative. Short sentences are emphatic and active, and make it feel like things are moving fast. Which is a problem when it’s not an action scene. This isn’t a problem throughout the book, but it cropped up occasionally, and specifically at the very beginning.
The geo-political aspect was good, but just a touch heavy handed. It was well designed, it simply felt like the plot was trying too hard.
All of that sounds very bad, but remember: I grade hard. Most of what I point out as flaws will be invisible to a lot of readers.
I highly recommend this novel. In fact, I got it and read it through KU, and now I am going to go *buy* it. That is a recommendation you can take to the bank.
November 8, 2025
Incredible book!
I've read several of this author's works, but this is my first posted review.
What CJ does really well is weave a comprehensive plot and background with very believable motivations of the characters.
He portraits the governmental entities with (what I think) is a pinpoint accurate representation of the workings of our government institutions. He does a great job laying out personal motivations of his characters.
About halfway through these books I find it difficult to put the reading down.
I've found extremely few typographical errors that are normally present in today's literature. Kudos to his editor and proof reader friends!
A joy to read! I look forward to more of this author's work!
Don R.
I've read several of this author's works, but this is my first posted review.
What CJ does really well is weave a comprehensive plot and background with very believable motivations of the characters.
He portraits the governmental entities with (what I think) is a pinpoint accurate representation of the workings of our government institutions. He does a great job laying out personal motivations of his characters.
About halfway through these books I find it difficult to put the reading down.
I've found extremely few typographical errors that are normally present in today's literature. Kudos to his editor and proof reader friends!
A joy to read! I look forward to more of this author's work!
Don R.
August 15, 2021
I enjoyed the concept and the story itself. I feel like the actual damage and loss of life As he's actions would have caused was glossed over in favor of a happy ending. I'm all for a happily ever after but this layer of icing g was a bit to much. I think I've read too many "the power is out forever" books to believe that no one would die if all the power in China's as the turned off.
The ending felt rushed. Maybe that is why all the actual damage was glossed over.
Still I really enjoyed the one women vs the government aspect and the cool tech.
The ending felt rushed. Maybe that is why all the actual damage was glossed over.
Still I really enjoyed the one women vs the government aspect and the cool tech.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2020
It COULD have happened
Often, sci/fi poses a 'what if' question for something plausible but not yet anyway a reality. Cyclops Effect does this too, but starts with the reality of cyber-warfare that most of us have heard of but know little of the big-scale. Williams creates a real possibility of advanced computer networking. It sound s real enough that it COULD have happened (maybe it did!).
Often, sci/fi poses a 'what if' question for something plausible but not yet anyway a reality. Cyclops Effect does this too, but starts with the reality of cyber-warfare that most of us have heard of but know little of the big-scale. Williams creates a real possibility of advanced computer networking. It sound s real enough that it COULD have happened (maybe it did!).
November 23, 2021
Enjoyable reading time - escape!
It was well written and enjoyable reading! Believe able on some fronts yes but doubt that violence would not have happened either for US or China to get results desired. Overall I was entertained so goal was achieved in reading!
Not first book by authors team I have read and will definitely not be the last! As my grandfather said about storytelling ‘they spin a good yarn’!
It was well written and enjoyable reading! Believe able on some fronts yes but doubt that violence would not have happened either for US or China to get results desired. Overall I was entertained so goal was achieved in reading!
Not first book by authors team I have read and will definitely not be the last! As my grandfather said about storytelling ‘they spin a good yarn’!
February 23, 2020
Superior writing, engaging characters and plausible situations.
I have a new favorite writing team! I'm always excited to find someone that fully engages me in their story. I didn't feel like I was being talked down to and I felt a real connection to the characters. I hope this is the beginning of a series.
I have a new favorite writing team! I'm always excited to find someone that fully engages me in their story. I didn't feel like I was being talked down to and I felt a real connection to the characters. I hope this is the beginning of a series.
February 24, 2020
Outstanding cyber warfare novel
Having 25 years in software development, none of it in security, I have listened to lots of worries about embedded back doors from the menus of the hardware and with software being outsourced I hope the cyberwars never happen in my lifetime. Enjoy the novel and think ahead how to protect yourself.
Having 25 years in software development, none of it in security, I have listened to lots of worries about embedded back doors from the menus of the hardware and with software being outsourced I hope the cyberwars never happen in my lifetime. Enjoy the novel and think ahead how to protect yourself.
February 3, 2020
Fun book
I’m not a computer geek so there were probably things in the book that are not logical but to me it was great. Yes I know it was science fiction but in such a believable way. Well written easily followed and definitely fun.
I’m not a computer geek so there were probably things in the book that are not logical but to me it was great. Yes I know it was science fiction but in such a believable way. Well written easily followed and definitely fun.
October 28, 2020
Good
I enjoyed this story a lot. The storyline is one of my favorites. There is a hole here and there but generally the plot moves quite well. Anyone enjoying internet related, AI, or mental surfing should give it a read.
I enjoyed this story a lot. The storyline is one of my favorites. There is a hole here and there but generally the plot moves quite well. Anyone enjoying internet related, AI, or mental surfing should give it a read.
December 13, 2020
Good read
The book was a good read and a fun story. It started out slow, but it kept me interested. The story really reeled me when she tackled the several criminal cases in the book. They were very good and exciting. The ending was good and wrapped up nicely.
The book was a good read and a fun story. It started out slow, but it kept me interested. The story really reeled me when she tackled the several criminal cases in the book. They were very good and exciting. The ending was good and wrapped up nicely.
February 6, 2021
Very good!
Characters were real and believable. The action was exciting and well done. Loss of memory like described was reasonable. The government actions were spot on. Don't get me started on those idiots.
Characters were real and believable. The action was exciting and well done. Loss of memory like described was reasonable. The government actions were spot on. Don't get me started on those idiots.
December 22, 2021
excellent
I enjoyed this story from the beginning to the end, and honestly was hoping for a lot more at the end. The story is almost a prediction of what could be possible in the future...
I enjoyed this story from the beginning to the end, and honestly was hoping for a lot more at the end. The story is almost a prediction of what could be possible in the future...
April 7, 2024
scary possibilities
Different, keeps you in suspense, but happy ending, sometimes scary what could be just around the next upgrade to any system. Still amazes me how much the internet know about me.
Different, keeps you in suspense, but happy ending, sometimes scary what could be just around the next upgrade to any system. Still amazes me how much the internet know about me.
July 7, 2024
Great!
The main character loses her memory and ends up with a prosthetic eye that allows her to interface with anything that is connected via internet or radio waves. Features the usual government ineptness and China cyperwarfare. I would recommend this book.
The main character loses her memory and ends up with a prosthetic eye that allows her to interface with anything that is connected via internet or radio waves. Features the usual government ineptness and China cyperwarfare. I would recommend this book.
August 9, 2024
Great read
Fantastically exciting story with wide detailed views and Intrigue. Combined authors give a view from both a male and a female point. Very spellbinding along with surprising twists.
Fantastically exciting story with wide detailed views and Intrigue. Combined authors give a view from both a male and a female point. Very spellbinding along with surprising twists.
February 9, 2020
Wow
Through out reading this book I would get frustrated and excited by the characters. But like most of there writings I could not put the book down.
Through out reading this book I would get frustrated and excited by the characters. But like most of there writings I could not put the book down.
February 23, 2020
Good Read
Well this was definitely different. Slow to start but got better as I read along. Wish this was a series.
Well this was definitely different. Slow to start but got better as I read along. Wish this was a series.
March 8, 2020
Super
Nice change of pace from the standard sword/sorcery and post apocalyptic stories. Creative plot development combined with likable characters and “happy” ending.
Nice change of pace from the standard sword/sorcery and post apocalyptic stories. Creative plot development combined with likable characters and “happy” ending.
April 27, 2020
Good book
This is another good book from this author. Loved the characters and the storyline.I'll be reading more from this author
This is another good book from this author. Loved the characters and the storyline.I'll be reading more from this author
May 10, 2020
I enjoyed.
January 26, 2022
Makes a person wonder!
Fun read-well paced-- C J has and continues to impress me and I'm sure most of his readers, if you haven't yet read Joe Angel
Fun read-well paced-- C J has and continues to impress me and I'm sure most of his readers, if you haven't yet read Joe Angel
March 1, 2023
Fantastic
The only criticism I have is that there weren't another few books. The characters were outstanding, lots of action and a great storyline. Who could ask for more.
The only criticism I have is that there weren't another few books. The characters were outstanding, lots of action and a great storyline. Who could ask for more.
March 26, 2024
A Keeper
This book joins only a few others in my permanent library. My top three are this one, Childhoods End and Babel 17.
This book joins only a few others in my permanent library. My top three are this one, Childhoods End and Babel 17.
April 29, 2024
A good read!
The pace moves fairly quickly and the tech isn't, well, too technical. The plot was good and it kept me interested until the end. I recommend reading this book.
The pace moves fairly quickly and the tech isn't, well, too technical. The plot was good and it kept me interested until the end. I recommend reading this book.
January 21, 2025
Great reading!!
A very good story well
worth the time to read. The author was creative and fairly realistic in describing governmental foolishness and self damaging.
A very good story well
worth the time to read. The author was creative and fairly realistic in describing governmental foolishness and self damaging.
October 8, 2021
Another great novel.
I really your writing. It is exciting, different and altogether at times something that could definitely be a reality in another time. Always looking forward to your series and what you will release in the future. Keep it fresh! Thank you
I really your writing. It is exciting, different and altogether at times something that could definitely be a reality in another time. Always looking forward to your series and what you will release in the future. Keep it fresh! Thank you
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews