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Version Zero
From the brilliant mind of New York Times best-selling author David Yoon comes a lightning-fast and scorchingly observant thriller about how we can save ourselves from the very real perils of a virtual world.
Max, a data whiz at the social media company Wren, has gotten a firsthand glimpse of the dark side of big tech. When he questions what his company does with the data they collect, he's fired...then black-balled across Silicon Valley. With time on his hands and revenge on his mind, Max and his longtime friend (and secretly the love of his life), Akiko, decide to get even by rebooting the internet. After all, in order to fix things, sometimes you have to break them.
But when Max and Akiko join forces with a reclusive tech baron, they learn that breaking things can have unintended - and catastrophic - consequences.
Max, a data whiz at the social media company Wren, has gotten a firsthand glimpse of the dark side of big tech. When he questions what his company does with the data they collect, he's fired...then black-balled across Silicon Valley. With time on his hands and revenge on his mind, Max and his longtime friend (and secretly the love of his life), Akiko, decide to get even by rebooting the internet. After all, in order to fix things, sometimes you have to break them.
But when Max and Akiko join forces with a reclusive tech baron, they learn that breaking things can have unintended - and catastrophic - consequences.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 25, 2021
213 people are currently reading
8749 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 400 reviews
January 18, 2021
Imagine a world in which the entire Internet is controlled by a handful of shady CEO’s. Oh. Right. Well, imagine someone doing something about it. Imagine a high-speed, edge of your seat adventure with stakes higher than you can measure. Imagine it told in David Yoon’s unique and singularly engaging prose. That’s VERSION ZERO, an addictive, brain-hacking exploration of the tech-run world we live in, and a rollercoaster so fast it will blow your hair off.
June 7, 2021
These characters are so self righteous and boring. I couldn’t stand spending any more time with them so I skimmed the last half of the book. The blurb describes the book as “lightning fast and scorchingly observant”. No, it isn’t. It is obvious, stereotyped and lacks nuance. It definitely feels YA. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
March 21, 2021
If THE CIRCLE was the internet novel that asked "What have we done?" then VERSION ZERO is the internet novel that asks, "How do we stop it?"
The thing I enjoyed the most about this novel was that it kept on surprising me, especially when I thought I had it pinned down. This is a particular pleasure of mine and I don't encounter it often. (See also: THE HIKE by Drew Magary.) At first we start with a Silicon Valley satire, and then it seems like this is turning into a real hero's journey, there's also elements of a heist story, and the scrappy team of misfits. Knowing that it's going to pivot is part of the fun. (The book even tells you when it's doing it with its version-chapter structure.) The Big Bad is Big Tech but also the Bezos's and Zuckerberg's of the world (fictionalized here, of course) and also trolls and also maybe the entire internet.
Our protagonist, Max, starts out as a bit of an odd man out, son of undocumented Savadorean immigrants, who has risen through a Facebook-like company, Wren, through a combination of luck and skill to a relatively high position in Product. But when he's brought into a new secret project, Max starts to question the ethics of it, and then the bigger questions of what Wren is for. It's totally believable the way Max pivots from grateful and proud to be a part of Wren to hating everything it stands for, because all of us have the same ethical questions to deal with in nearly every decision we make. When he decides to do something about it, that's when things get interesting. Max is not a perfect hero, and he's not always exactly sure what it is that he wants to achieve, and that's exactly why this is such a great ride. This book gets the world we live in, it gets the internet and the apps, and while sometimes it isn't the most subtle about it, the accuracy helps to make up for its occasional bluntness.
I particularly loved the way this book handled the now-familiar trope of the Smart Guy who is obsessed with/in love with the Smart Girl mashed up with the trope of the Guy Who's In Love With His Best Friend mashed up with the other trope of Guy Who's In Love With His Best Friend's Girlfriend. All of these are things I've run into enough times to inwardly groan. (See also: the biggest weakness of a book I otherwise love, ORYX AND CRAKE by Margaret Atwood.) At times I worried because otherwise the book was really interesting and I was worried this would sabotage it. Happily it did not, even when it seems like it's about to. I expect this kind of emotional intelligence from Yoon, whose YA novel FRANKLY IN LOVE is also really emotionally intelligent and about a young guy who doesn't always make smart decisions about girls. Max is a little older and a little wiser, but not always. It doesn't quite stick the landing 100% in this particular respect, but it was still a lot better than I expected going in.
It doesn't really stick the landing 100% in any respect, but when a book takes big swings the way this one does, I am willing to tolerate a not quite perfect finish. And I suspect others will disagree and really love the ending, I just don't quite agree with the central premise it lands on so I'm not sure I was ever going to be totally behind it, but we agree to disagree and we're still friends.
I devoured this in a day, and it was such a breath of fresh air to read a thriller that doesn't feel like any other thriller out there right now. It would make a great movie, too. (FYI it does get violent, and it includes depictions of slurs and other troll behavior.)
The thing I enjoyed the most about this novel was that it kept on surprising me, especially when I thought I had it pinned down. This is a particular pleasure of mine and I don't encounter it often. (See also: THE HIKE by Drew Magary.) At first we start with a Silicon Valley satire, and then it seems like this is turning into a real hero's journey, there's also elements of a heist story, and the scrappy team of misfits. Knowing that it's going to pivot is part of the fun. (The book even tells you when it's doing it with its version-chapter structure.) The Big Bad is Big Tech but also the Bezos's and Zuckerberg's of the world (fictionalized here, of course) and also trolls and also maybe the entire internet.
Our protagonist, Max, starts out as a bit of an odd man out, son of undocumented Savadorean immigrants, who has risen through a Facebook-like company, Wren, through a combination of luck and skill to a relatively high position in Product. But when he's brought into a new secret project, Max starts to question the ethics of it, and then the bigger questions of what Wren is for. It's totally believable the way Max pivots from grateful and proud to be a part of Wren to hating everything it stands for, because all of us have the same ethical questions to deal with in nearly every decision we make. When he decides to do something about it, that's when things get interesting. Max is not a perfect hero, and he's not always exactly sure what it is that he wants to achieve, and that's exactly why this is such a great ride. This book gets the world we live in, it gets the internet and the apps, and while sometimes it isn't the most subtle about it, the accuracy helps to make up for its occasional bluntness.
I particularly loved the way this book handled the now-familiar trope of the Smart Guy who is obsessed with/in love with the Smart Girl mashed up with the trope of the Guy Who's In Love With His Best Friend mashed up with the other trope of Guy Who's In Love With His Best Friend's Girlfriend. All of these are things I've run into enough times to inwardly groan. (See also: the biggest weakness of a book I otherwise love, ORYX AND CRAKE by Margaret Atwood.) At times I worried because otherwise the book was really interesting and I was worried this would sabotage it. Happily it did not, even when it seems like it's about to. I expect this kind of emotional intelligence from Yoon, whose YA novel FRANKLY IN LOVE is also really emotionally intelligent and about a young guy who doesn't always make smart decisions about girls. Max is a little older and a little wiser, but not always. It doesn't quite stick the landing 100% in this particular respect, but it was still a lot better than I expected going in.
It doesn't really stick the landing 100% in any respect, but when a book takes big swings the way this one does, I am willing to tolerate a not quite perfect finish. And I suspect others will disagree and really love the ending, I just don't quite agree with the central premise it lands on so I'm not sure I was ever going to be totally behind it, but we agree to disagree and we're still friends.
I devoured this in a day, and it was such a breath of fresh air to read a thriller that doesn't feel like any other thriller out there right now. It would make a great movie, too. (FYI it does get violent, and it includes depictions of slurs and other troll behavior.)
May 3, 2021
If you don't read this book, I think you're a total zero.
Just kidding but also YOU REALLY SHOULD READ THIS. AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!
Alright, now that all my screaming is out of the way and I'm calm, gigantic thank you to the publisher for reaching out to me and providing me with an advanced copy of this highly anticipated book of mine.
So I've now read every single book he AND his wife have put out and I have opinions. It would appear that, no matter what, I'm just going to auto-read anything they scribble onto paper but you won't find me complaining. I LOVED Frankly in Love. That book is alwaysss going to be one of my favorites and something that I'm going to recommend to anyone with a sense of humor. Super Fake Love Song was a book that I was way too excited for and it let me down big ass time. He went from a 5 star book to a 2 star book and I think it was safe to say that I had the worry creases between my brows when it came to how THIS adult debut of his would turn out. But I read it, and woo mama!, lemme tell you, A++++++!
Dare I friggin' say it, his adult writing is even BETTER than his YA writing and I think he should stick to the more mature audience because here he doesn't have to filter or tone down his amazing sense of humor. The jokes hit harder when all the pretty swear words don't have to be changed to like motherhugging.
No, but for realsies, he and I seem to share identical senses of humor and the quirkiness is what I live for. I can definitely see a few jokes here that are going to have the more politically correct readers crying their Karen-esque eyes out, but I think the use of the things they gonna be screaming about make perfect sense given who the characters are.
Speaking of the characters, it starts out and you think you're going to be reading about some major BROS. And you kinda are. But he nailed 20-somethings right on the head. And I should know cuz I am a 20-something. Their dialogue especially was quintessential bruh if you have any idea what I'm talking about. After reading a small slew of books where the people talked like overexcited robots, it felt so good, it felt so nice, to read a book starring real live humans. Like breathing air without all the farts in it. *inhales sharply*
Alright, so I covered the sense of humor being absolutely perfect for those possessing a sense of humor. Moving on to the plot.
I found myself really sucked into the story. There was rarely a moment where I found myself checking out (even though I always have way too much on my mind and it's sometimes hard to hold my attention). The book was a welcome escape from my loudmouth mind. THAT FREAKING PLOT TWIST AT THE END THOUGHHHHHH! AAAAAHHHHHHH!!
Jeez, and here I thought I was done screaming. 'Parently not.
*inhales sharply pt 2*
It went from a funny contemporary. To a smart piece o' you-really-got-me-thinking-here-bub. To an intense, holding-mah-breath action movie. Everything I never knew I wanted in a book was here. Especially all the wiener jokes.
I actually got spooked at one point the way that all those old classic dystopians are supposed to make ya feel. I got chills thinking about how Yoon presented moral questions about the use of the internet that I hadn't even considered before. He put a fear in me but it felt so good. This is actually why I'm saying YOU SHOULD ALL READ THIS BOOK. Because it really gets you thinking and can probably help us all check ourselves before we wreck ourselves.
I don't really have anything bad to say about this book. That might make for a boring review but I'm sure if you keep scrolling you'll find other people complaining about something or other. But not me.
I loved it.
Just kidding but also YOU REALLY SHOULD READ THIS. AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!
Alright, now that all my screaming is out of the way and I'm calm, gigantic thank you to the publisher for reaching out to me and providing me with an advanced copy of this highly anticipated book of mine.
So I've now read every single book he AND his wife have put out and I have opinions. It would appear that, no matter what, I'm just going to auto-read anything they scribble onto paper but you won't find me complaining. I LOVED Frankly in Love. That book is alwaysss going to be one of my favorites and something that I'm going to recommend to anyone with a sense of humor. Super Fake Love Song was a book that I was way too excited for and it let me down big ass time. He went from a 5 star book to a 2 star book and I think it was safe to say that I had the worry creases between my brows when it came to how THIS adult debut of his would turn out. But I read it, and woo mama!, lemme tell you, A++++++!
Dare I friggin' say it, his adult writing is even BETTER than his YA writing and I think he should stick to the more mature audience because here he doesn't have to filter or tone down his amazing sense of humor. The jokes hit harder when all the pretty swear words don't have to be changed to like motherhugging.
No, but for realsies, he and I seem to share identical senses of humor and the quirkiness is what I live for. I can definitely see a few jokes here that are going to have the more politically correct readers crying their Karen-esque eyes out, but I think the use of the things they gonna be screaming about make perfect sense given who the characters are.
Speaking of the characters, it starts out and you think you're going to be reading about some major BROS. And you kinda are. But he nailed 20-somethings right on the head. And I should know cuz I am a 20-something. Their dialogue especially was quintessential bruh if you have any idea what I'm talking about. After reading a small slew of books where the people talked like overexcited robots, it felt so good, it felt so nice, to read a book starring real live humans. Like breathing air without all the farts in it. *inhales sharply*
Alright, so I covered the sense of humor being absolutely perfect for those possessing a sense of humor. Moving on to the plot.
I found myself really sucked into the story. There was rarely a moment where I found myself checking out (even though I always have way too much on my mind and it's sometimes hard to hold my attention). The book was a welcome escape from my loudmouth mind. THAT FREAKING PLOT TWIST AT THE END THOUGHHHHHH! AAAAAHHHHHHH!!
Jeez, and here I thought I was done screaming. 'Parently not.
*inhales sharply pt 2*
It went from a funny contemporary. To a smart piece o' you-really-got-me-thinking-here-bub. To an intense, holding-mah-breath action movie. Everything I never knew I wanted in a book was here. Especially all the wiener jokes.
I actually got spooked at one point the way that all those old classic dystopians are supposed to make ya feel. I got chills thinking about how Yoon presented moral questions about the use of the internet that I hadn't even considered before. He put a fear in me but it felt so good. This is actually why I'm saying YOU SHOULD ALL READ THIS BOOK. Because it really gets you thinking and can probably help us all check ourselves before we wreck ourselves.
I don't really have anything bad to say about this book. That might make for a boring review but I'm sure if you keep scrolling you'll find other people complaining about something or other. But not me.
I loved it.
July 30, 2021
The idea is good: a small group of young people go against the 5 mighty social media moguls in a timeline that's very similiar to our current one.
Yet the character writing felt rather flat and generic, so I thought this would be an average 3 stars.
But in the last hour (I was listening to the audiobook version) the writing tried to become dramatic but instead came across rather clunky and pathetic in a way that made me actually grumpy. So only 2 stars because of the last part.
Yet the character writing felt rather flat and generic, so I thought this would be an average 3 stars.
But in the last hour (I was listening to the audiobook version) the writing tried to become dramatic but instead came across rather clunky and pathetic in a way that made me actually grumpy. So only 2 stars because of the last part.
April 1, 2021
David Yoon's Version Zero Fails to Impress (READ FULL REVIEW: https://yourmoneygeek.com/review-vers...)
Have you ever read a book that so desperately wanted to be the next edgy thriller that everyone’s raving about, but it ended up feeling like that book you picked up at the airport on a layover because you forgot your phone charger and you needed something to do on the flight, but listening to screaming babies was better than reading it? Unfortunately, Version Zero is that book, and because I don’t believe in DNRs (did not read) I read through the whole depressingly unimpressive book.
Without a doubt, Version Zero will find an audience that will love every second of the journey, but I am certain that I am not that audience. Yoon is highly regarded in the Young Adult sphere, but this book did not match the acclaim of his previous titles. Which is disappointing because I was looking forward to diving into the “lightning fast and scorchingly observant” novel I was promised.
Most of the social media conscious and “observant” aspects of the novel are lost in the awkward syntax, insufferable characters, and the vague stereotypes that left me wondering how I was supposed to feel. Some people may enjoy the abruptness of the storytelling, but I found it tedious at best and unbearable at its worst. I, of course, have my own preferences when it comes to story structure and narrative styling — both of which were left untouched by Version Zero.
Some aspects of Version Zero did jive with me. I enjoyed the formatting of internet conversations and found myself trying to click the links to quizzes that don’t actually exist. These passages of the novel felt immersive and compelling but were easily overshadowed by the aspects that left me very tempted to break my self-imposed DNR vow.
I am curious to see what the widespread reaction is to the novel upon its release in May, as there were areas of the book that made me extremely uncomfortable to read and even more uncomfortable to address in this review. The tech world is filled with racism and sexism and perhaps, part of the critique, is how normalized stereotypes are found in and accepted by society. But for me, the book failed to convey its egregious stereotypes as critiques.
Version Zero is an amalgamation of The Circle, Black Mirror, and equal parts rage against the machine, without any of the memorable parts. It leans heavily into the jaded Silicon Valley techie story, with hints of large social commentary about social media’s control on our lives, but it fails to move on the most interesting aspects of the story. It’s set in a world that’s almost our own, but it’s littered with the worst parts of it.
I wanted to like David Yoon’s Version Zero, and I hope it finds the audience it deserves.
Have you ever read a book that so desperately wanted to be the next edgy thriller that everyone’s raving about, but it ended up feeling like that book you picked up at the airport on a layover because you forgot your phone charger and you needed something to do on the flight, but listening to screaming babies was better than reading it? Unfortunately, Version Zero is that book, and because I don’t believe in DNRs (did not read) I read through the whole depressingly unimpressive book.
Without a doubt, Version Zero will find an audience that will love every second of the journey, but I am certain that I am not that audience. Yoon is highly regarded in the Young Adult sphere, but this book did not match the acclaim of his previous titles. Which is disappointing because I was looking forward to diving into the “lightning fast and scorchingly observant” novel I was promised.
Most of the social media conscious and “observant” aspects of the novel are lost in the awkward syntax, insufferable characters, and the vague stereotypes that left me wondering how I was supposed to feel. Some people may enjoy the abruptness of the storytelling, but I found it tedious at best and unbearable at its worst. I, of course, have my own preferences when it comes to story structure and narrative styling — both of which were left untouched by Version Zero.
Some aspects of Version Zero did jive with me. I enjoyed the formatting of internet conversations and found myself trying to click the links to quizzes that don’t actually exist. These passages of the novel felt immersive and compelling but were easily overshadowed by the aspects that left me very tempted to break my self-imposed DNR vow.
I am curious to see what the widespread reaction is to the novel upon its release in May, as there were areas of the book that made me extremely uncomfortable to read and even more uncomfortable to address in this review. The tech world is filled with racism and sexism and perhaps, part of the critique, is how normalized stereotypes are found in and accepted by society. But for me, the book failed to convey its egregious stereotypes as critiques.
Version Zero is an amalgamation of The Circle, Black Mirror, and equal parts rage against the machine, without any of the memorable parts. It leans heavily into the jaded Silicon Valley techie story, with hints of large social commentary about social media’s control on our lives, but it fails to move on the most interesting aspects of the story. It’s set in a world that’s almost our own, but it’s littered with the worst parts of it.
I wanted to like David Yoon’s Version Zero, and I hope it finds the audience it deserves.
June 23, 2022
3.5 Stars
This book had so much potential! I loved the commentary on so many topical issues from online privacy to social media data mining.
The start of this book was incredibly strong. The narrative was so smart and on-point with so many lines I wanted to save as quotes.
However, the story took a turn and the narrative got really messy. There were still some notable quotes, but the overall story did not come together. I liked this one, but I wanted to love it.
This book had so much potential! I loved the commentary on so many topical issues from online privacy to social media data mining.
The start of this book was incredibly strong. The narrative was so smart and on-point with so many lines I wanted to save as quotes.
However, the story took a turn and the narrative got really messy. There were still some notable quotes, but the overall story did not come together. I liked this one, but I wanted to love it.
May 26, 2021
What began as a powerful, reality-checking story, soon lost momentum and I fell out of love with this plot as a result. Don’t get me wrong, Yoon’s narrative is definitely thought-provoking and encouraged me to question my use of the internet and social media. However, the delivery was not as punchy as I was hoping for and I thought it only really picked up in the final chapters.
Yoon explores how modern society is enslaved by the internet. In this narrative, there are criticisms about how addiction to social media and sharing information about ourselves. This, in turn, is then used by the big corporations to harvest data and use it to feed the addiction online. It’s a vicious cycle and it definitely had me questioning my attitude and behaviours towards what I share online. With Max and his friends, they decide that enough is enough. Desiring to crash the big corporations and stop this corruptive data-harvesting, Max and his friends meet with Pilot – a tech, millionaire mogul whose life remains a mystery after removing himself completely from the public eye.
This novel therefore follows how Max leads this destruction of how much the internet companies learn about their users. There are several “stunts” that are sent into the ether in an attempt to persuade users to delete several social media accounts. It works only temporarily before accounts are reactivated, believing that ‘Version Zero’ and their cyber attack is meaningless. Unsurprisingly, Max and his friends feel they need to do something bigger and better to ensure everyone takes notice.
You don’t need to be totally tech savvy to follow the premise of this book. I liked reading some of the social media references and the debate of how society existed before the internet, social media, smart phones etc. Indeed, I thought the closing chapter was particularly powerful as Yoon provides a glimpse into a sort of utopian society.
There were exciting, unpredictable moments to this book. On the other hand, there were also times when I thought the dialogue slowed the pace and made it a rather dull read. Furthermore, I was not sure why there were racial comments also being made in this book. For me, I think it made this a more politicised novel which is not just about how much we should protect our online privacy, but also the skin colour of people in positions of power. Personally, I think the racial references muddied the general message of the novel and I am unsure of its relevance to Yoon’s narrative.
An interesting read, it is certainly one to consider because of how provocative the narrative becomes. There’s not as much action as I wanted throughout the narrative but I really enjoyed the suggestions that come through the story. With psychological implications of using social media to consider, I think this added extra depth to the plot. However, overall, there was not enough excitement to Max’s project, despite the desire to change the world for the better.
With thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Yoon explores how modern society is enslaved by the internet. In this narrative, there are criticisms about how addiction to social media and sharing information about ourselves. This, in turn, is then used by the big corporations to harvest data and use it to feed the addiction online. It’s a vicious cycle and it definitely had me questioning my attitude and behaviours towards what I share online. With Max and his friends, they decide that enough is enough. Desiring to crash the big corporations and stop this corruptive data-harvesting, Max and his friends meet with Pilot – a tech, millionaire mogul whose life remains a mystery after removing himself completely from the public eye.
This novel therefore follows how Max leads this destruction of how much the internet companies learn about their users. There are several “stunts” that are sent into the ether in an attempt to persuade users to delete several social media accounts. It works only temporarily before accounts are reactivated, believing that ‘Version Zero’ and their cyber attack is meaningless. Unsurprisingly, Max and his friends feel they need to do something bigger and better to ensure everyone takes notice.
You don’t need to be totally tech savvy to follow the premise of this book. I liked reading some of the social media references and the debate of how society existed before the internet, social media, smart phones etc. Indeed, I thought the closing chapter was particularly powerful as Yoon provides a glimpse into a sort of utopian society.
There were exciting, unpredictable moments to this book. On the other hand, there were also times when I thought the dialogue slowed the pace and made it a rather dull read. Furthermore, I was not sure why there were racial comments also being made in this book. For me, I think it made this a more politicised novel which is not just about how much we should protect our online privacy, but also the skin colour of people in positions of power. Personally, I think the racial references muddied the general message of the novel and I am unsure of its relevance to Yoon’s narrative.
An interesting read, it is certainly one to consider because of how provocative the narrative becomes. There’s not as much action as I wanted throughout the narrative but I really enjoyed the suggestions that come through the story. With psychological implications of using social media to consider, I think this added extra depth to the plot. However, overall, there was not enough excitement to Max’s project, despite the desire to change the world for the better.
With thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 4, 2021
This is a SF mirror universe critique of internet companies’ collecting and selling data about us, violating our privacy and playing on our biases as well as a possible solution. I read it as a part of monthly reading for September 2021 at SFF Hot from Printers: New Releases group.
Recently, there are quite a few SF books that critique ‘private surveillance state’ created by companies like Facebook, Google and Amazon. It ranges from Little Brother by Cory Doctorow to QualityLand by Marc-Uwe Kling. In this novel we are in an alt-reality year 2018, where the most popular social network is Wren (a mix of Facebook and Twitter, mostly the former), most popular smartphone maker, computer giant Quartz (Apple), the retailer A2Z (Amazon), the discussion forum Knowned (Reddit/4Chan?) and the taxi and lodging service Airlift (AirBnB and Uber). The protagonist, Maximilian Portillo, who usually goes with just ‘Max’, in a programmer in Wren, who is asked to make an app that will give more info about Wren clients, so later directed ads will be more effective. He is a first generation American, with dream of becoming a CEO of his very own Wren one day. However, he accidentally finds out that Wren sells data collected by his app to ‘the National Security Agency, the Central Intelligence Agency, the Department of Homeland Security, the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service’. He decides to stop it. With help of his childhood friend (and the only true love) Akiko (who is also a great programmer in Wren) and her boyfriend Shane, they successfully stop Wren users from constantly checking their phones. Their hack is short-lived, but an internet guru Pilot Markham, who was one of greedy internet CEOs until a personal tragedy connected with trolls, made his realize that his only true life goal is to break the internet as it is, noticed them and joined them in their joint crusade for protecting privacy.
The book is uneven.
The initial setting is a one-sided critique (quite correct) of current surveillance by internet companies: “Abandoning your morals at the office. Abandoning your morals at the mall, where you might moan about the lack of a local mom-and-pop economy while buying nothing but the cheapest stuff made overseas by stone-faced corporations. Or on your smartphone, where you might give up bits of your privacy to avoid paying two dollars for an application.” What he completely misses that I wouldn’t be able to get and read his book if not for the internet and to share my thoughts here on Goodreads (owned by Amazon) – there are quite a lot quality of life improvements that only global internet provides.
The middle is the most interesting, with both discussion and possibilities to change the current WWW for better.
The final third is like a large-budget action movie, with chases, explosions, time bombs and other cliches. I don’t watch such movies and have no need to have them in a book.
Overall, it was an interesting read, even if I still disagree that internet of today made our lives, and the mankind worse. I agree there are a lot of problems, but throwing a baby with dirty water isn’t an option.
Recently, there are quite a few SF books that critique ‘private surveillance state’ created by companies like Facebook, Google and Amazon. It ranges from Little Brother by Cory Doctorow to QualityLand by Marc-Uwe Kling. In this novel we are in an alt-reality year 2018, where the most popular social network is Wren (a mix of Facebook and Twitter, mostly the former), most popular smartphone maker, computer giant Quartz (Apple), the retailer A2Z (Amazon), the discussion forum Knowned (Reddit/4Chan?) and the taxi and lodging service Airlift (AirBnB and Uber). The protagonist, Maximilian Portillo, who usually goes with just ‘Max’, in a programmer in Wren, who is asked to make an app that will give more info about Wren clients, so later directed ads will be more effective. He is a first generation American, with dream of becoming a CEO of his very own Wren one day. However, he accidentally finds out that Wren sells data collected by his app to ‘the National Security Agency, the Central Intelligence Agency, the Department of Homeland Security, the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service’. He decides to stop it. With help of his childhood friend (and the only true love) Akiko (who is also a great programmer in Wren) and her boyfriend Shane, they successfully stop Wren users from constantly checking their phones. Their hack is short-lived, but an internet guru Pilot Markham, who was one of greedy internet CEOs until a personal tragedy connected with trolls, made his realize that his only true life goal is to break the internet as it is, noticed them and joined them in their joint crusade for protecting privacy.
The book is uneven.
The initial setting is a one-sided critique (quite correct) of current surveillance by internet companies: “Abandoning your morals at the office. Abandoning your morals at the mall, where you might moan about the lack of a local mom-and-pop economy while buying nothing but the cheapest stuff made overseas by stone-faced corporations. Or on your smartphone, where you might give up bits of your privacy to avoid paying two dollars for an application.” What he completely misses that I wouldn’t be able to get and read his book if not for the internet and to share my thoughts here on Goodreads (owned by Amazon) – there are quite a lot quality of life improvements that only global internet provides.
The middle is the most interesting, with both discussion and possibilities to change the current WWW for better.
The final third is like a large-budget action movie, with chases, explosions, time bombs and other cliches. I don’t watch such movies and have no need to have them in a book.
Overall, it was an interesting read, even if I still disagree that internet of today made our lives, and the mankind worse. I agree there are a lot of problems, but throwing a baby with dirty water isn’t an option.
May 25, 2021
Version Zero is a lightning-fast and scorchingly observant novel of the moment and a thrilling, humorous adult debut from the brilliant mind of New York Times bestselling Young Adult author David Yoon. Reboot the present. Save the future. Max Portillo, a Salvadoran-American programmer and data whiz at the Facebook-like social media company Wren, has gotten a firsthand glimpse of the dark side of big tech. When he starts asking questions about what his company is doing with the data they collect, he finds himself fired…and then blackballed across all of Silicon Valley. With time on his hands and inside knowledge about the biggest tech companies, Max and his longtime friend—and sometimes crush—Akiko, decide to get even by…essentially, rebooting the internet. After all, in order to fix things, sometimes you have to break them. But when Max and Akiko join forces with a reclusive tech baron, they learn that breaking things can have unintended—and disastrous—consequences. And those consequences will ripple across the world, affecting every level of society in ways no one could have imagined no matter how well intentioned the reasoning behind the action.
This is a compulsively readable near-future thriller and plays superbly on the fears and implications of social media and the dark side of the internet. Moving at quickfire pace, it features the extremely popular bad guys versus good guys trope with them racing against time and each other in a high-stakes, adrenaline-pumping, action-packed thrill ride, and luckily it's executed adeptly enough that there's never a dull moment, plenty of unpredictable surprises and intense twisty-turns to keep you feverishly turning the pages. This is an up to the minute thriller exploring the social issues of our time and the satirical humour when addressing the high-tech business world and internet culture is a delight with some sharp observations throughout. The Faustian deal with the devil social media users are now known to have made with the companies whose main objective is to harvest data, the most sought-after and therefore profitable commodity in the world is a stark reminder of our vulnerability. A wild, high-octane ride with some thought-provoking social commentary and a palpably tense narrative. A thoroughly entertaining capitalistic technothriller. Highly recommended.
This is a compulsively readable near-future thriller and plays superbly on the fears and implications of social media and the dark side of the internet. Moving at quickfire pace, it features the extremely popular bad guys versus good guys trope with them racing against time and each other in a high-stakes, adrenaline-pumping, action-packed thrill ride, and luckily it's executed adeptly enough that there's never a dull moment, plenty of unpredictable surprises and intense twisty-turns to keep you feverishly turning the pages. This is an up to the minute thriller exploring the social issues of our time and the satirical humour when addressing the high-tech business world and internet culture is a delight with some sharp observations throughout. The Faustian deal with the devil social media users are now known to have made with the companies whose main objective is to harvest data, the most sought-after and therefore profitable commodity in the world is a stark reminder of our vulnerability. A wild, high-octane ride with some thought-provoking social commentary and a palpably tense narrative. A thoroughly entertaining capitalistic technothriller. Highly recommended.
August 6, 2021
What an absolute and total dud. This book frustrated me so greatly I had to slam-quit it. What a fun, cheeky concept with such an asinine delivery.
I am obsessed with books about silicon valley and tech jobs, super absorbed by stories about controversial data mining and coders. But this book isn't at all a thriller about the tech industry, it's just a YA novel about some kids breaking Facebook because it's evil.
It treads on being excessively "woke sounding" to the point of genuine offense. Max, the main character, is constantly referring to the Whitemen and the Mexicans and the Browns, because he himself is one of the Browns and this is just a way to lazily generate class and race struggles for nameless characters. Yoon writes his three main heist characters (super smart & hot Akiko, super dumb & jock Shane, and literally overblown martyr Max) to make "inside jokes" so that when jokes fall inevitably flat, it's alright--these characters just have...inside jokes, you wouldn't understand it, reader. So just take it from the writer, they're funny. He promises. One super funny inside joke is the use of fake-curse "motherhugging" because Yoon can't quite alienate his young adult readers.
To say this is an adult fiction debut is pretty deceptive, honestly. Maybe it's a hopeful transition, but with a writing style like this, even a more mature plot couldn't save this novel. Or a superior sense of humor. Neither of which could be found here.
I am obsessed with books about silicon valley and tech jobs, super absorbed by stories about controversial data mining and coders. But this book isn't at all a thriller about the tech industry, it's just a YA novel about some kids breaking Facebook because it's evil.
It treads on being excessively "woke sounding" to the point of genuine offense. Max, the main character, is constantly referring to the Whitemen and the Mexicans and the Browns, because he himself is one of the Browns and this is just a way to lazily generate class and race struggles for nameless characters. Yoon writes his three main heist characters (super smart & hot Akiko, super dumb & jock Shane, and literally overblown martyr Max) to make "inside jokes" so that when jokes fall inevitably flat, it's alright--these characters just have...inside jokes, you wouldn't understand it, reader. So just take it from the writer, they're funny. He promises. One super funny inside joke is the use of fake-curse "motherhugging" because Yoon can't quite alienate his young adult readers.
To say this is an adult fiction debut is pretty deceptive, honestly. Maybe it's a hopeful transition, but with a writing style like this, even a more mature plot couldn't save this novel. Or a superior sense of humor. Neither of which could be found here.
October 22, 2021
David Yoon raises a number of questions about privacy in this story about a young man and his friends going up against a facebook-like corporation when the main character discovers the unethical use of people's information by the corporation. But, it's really not just the one corporation misusing data and not being transparent about its handling of personal data. The issue isn't that people are posting personal data, because we all crave connection and validation through the sharing of opinions, photos, Likes, and other forms of information. The issue is the lack of transparency around the use and sharing of personal data by corporations, and the unwillingness to take some share of the responsibility for the harassment, abuse and in some cases, violent behaviour of users with this data.
There's a lot going on in this story, in terms of corporate ethics (seems like an oxymoron to me) and personal responsibility. I wish there had been much more nuance in the way these questions had been presented, and the way the characters themselves acted in tackling this complex problem.
There's a lot going on in this story, in terms of corporate ethics (seems like an oxymoron to me) and personal responsibility. I wish there had been much more nuance in the way these questions had been presented, and the way the characters themselves acted in tackling this complex problem.
August 28, 2020
If "Black Mirror" were funnier, you'd have "Version Zero"! This book, set in the very (VERY) near future, poses some serious questions about ethics and modern morality, but it's written with a great sense of humor and fast-paced action, is incredibly (sometimes horribly) relatable, and leaves the reader guessing. The fun action is perfectly balanced against the dark side of technology, and David Yoon's voice is witty, fresh, and authentic. I'd highly recommend this for anyone who dug "Ready Player One" or other techno-futuristic thrillers!
January 9, 2021
2.5/5 stars. This book was a mixed bag for me. Sometimes it was way too on the nose, at other times it was clever. Sometimes it was really exciting, but a bit later it would become super predictable. I can understand why other people might dig the book, it just didn’t end up being my jam. Im also definitely left with some disappointment as I like the authors first book so much (granted it was a completely different genre).
June 24, 2021
I am officially DNF'ing. This would be my 2nd DNF of my life, as I do not make this decision lightly.
I am 1/3 of the way through the book and I have not gotten to the fast paced thriller that the synopsis promised. The writing style is different... to say the least. The main character, the one whose supposedly the hero, is not very likable, and I cannot connect to the characters in general. The writing style feels strained between trying to be different things - sarcastic and hip, but then deep and thought provoking at the same time. I won't go any further because I know how sometimes you will review something you hate and then it is tied up better in the end. Since I haven't finished this book, I admit I haven't given it a fair enough shake to continue. I will still rate it because it was personally so unbearable to read. Sorry!
I believe someone who can get into this type of writing style will find themselves enjoying the book and all its quirks. I always encourage readers never to judge a book by its reviews!
I am 1/3 of the way through the book and I have not gotten to the fast paced thriller that the synopsis promised. The writing style is different... to say the least. The main character, the one whose supposedly the hero, is not very likable, and I cannot connect to the characters in general. The writing style feels strained between trying to be different things - sarcastic and hip, but then deep and thought provoking at the same time. I won't go any further because I know how sometimes you will review something you hate and then it is tied up better in the end. Since I haven't finished this book, I admit I haven't given it a fair enough shake to continue. I will still rate it because it was personally so unbearable to read. Sorry!
I believe someone who can get into this type of writing style will find themselves enjoying the book and all its quirks. I always encourage readers never to judge a book by its reviews!
January 28, 2021
*I received a copy via the publisher and NetGalley in return for an honest review. This in no way affected my opinion of the book.*
After questioning his employers, data technician Max finds himself fired and blackballed across the industry. Taking his insider knowledge, he gathers his friends in a daring plan to rip the curtains off the stage and make a stand. When they receive a mysterious invitation from a reclusive tech legend and access to his technology, their plans go further than they could ever expect. But what is the cost and is it worth the risk for Max?
I’ll apologise for this review in advance because like my reading experience, it was a jumbled up mess. There were so many moments that were quite thrilling, but in the end, Version Zero was not the one for me.
Where do I begin? I guess the setting and plot. Version Zero takes place in reality similar to our, same significant events. There are five major media companies; names are familiar enough that it doesn’t take much to know who represents which major corporation. I have to admit I didn’t understand what was going on in the beginning. Yoon introduces a pecking order that doesn’t seem to have any relevance to the book, a tidbit to make it seem more science fiction when the story could have quickly done without such information. The story didn’t work for me. Despite what appears to be an eventful plot from the synopsis, the story was messy and underwhelming. Reboot the present. Save the future. Version Zero tried very hard to be a book about human life online, and how we’ve given up privacy in the age of digital information. I was invested in the anger Max felt about these top percenter who hide from accountability on their platform, the hate that is a constant cycle that moves from site to site, taking innocent lives. I feel like it wasn’t as nuanced as it could have been and fell victim to the simple “internet bad, the time before good,” debate.
I could have forgiven this book for its flaws if the characters were remotely interesting. I wasn’t sure if the characters themselves knew what they were doing. Max, our protagonist, is our down and out, data technician who is fired when he mentions how uncomfortable he is with Wren (think Facebook) and their plans to gain more of their user’s information. There was a part of Max that I liked, the man who wanted to do good by his family, make something of himself. Every time he spoke, I could not feel any passion for the other stuff he says. The best way I could describe his voice is empty. He recruits his best friends, Akiko, and her boyfriend, Shane, in his plans to reboot the internet. It goes well, gaining the attention of Pilot Markham, a key figure in internet history, who disappeared off the face of the earth and wants to help in their fight. He’s joined alongside teen Brayden and together forms their group. I wish I knew what the hell was happening in this strange dynamic. Max harboured a crush on Akiko, partakes in emotional cheating and Shane is just there to be pure muscle and be weird. Pilot Markham was fascinating; to say the least, he’s responsible for most of the book’s thriller parts. I don’t understand how Max was willing to accept him into his plan, considering what you learn about his background. It just screamed red flags, and you would have thought Max would have picked up on it. Brayden, this poor child, why was he even there? Nothing meshed well, and everyone just contradicted each other in the worst way.
Overall, I wish I could saying something more positive that you could take away from this review. I tried to give it a chance. Max and his friends might have changed the world, but this project failed to spark any real interest in me.
After questioning his employers, data technician Max finds himself fired and blackballed across the industry. Taking his insider knowledge, he gathers his friends in a daring plan to rip the curtains off the stage and make a stand. When they receive a mysterious invitation from a reclusive tech legend and access to his technology, their plans go further than they could ever expect. But what is the cost and is it worth the risk for Max?
I’ll apologise for this review in advance because like my reading experience, it was a jumbled up mess. There were so many moments that were quite thrilling, but in the end, Version Zero was not the one for me.
Where do I begin? I guess the setting and plot. Version Zero takes place in reality similar to our, same significant events. There are five major media companies; names are familiar enough that it doesn’t take much to know who represents which major corporation. I have to admit I didn’t understand what was going on in the beginning. Yoon introduces a pecking order that doesn’t seem to have any relevance to the book, a tidbit to make it seem more science fiction when the story could have quickly done without such information. The story didn’t work for me. Despite what appears to be an eventful plot from the synopsis, the story was messy and underwhelming. Reboot the present. Save the future. Version Zero tried very hard to be a book about human life online, and how we’ve given up privacy in the age of digital information. I was invested in the anger Max felt about these top percenter who hide from accountability on their platform, the hate that is a constant cycle that moves from site to site, taking innocent lives. I feel like it wasn’t as nuanced as it could have been and fell victim to the simple “internet bad, the time before good,” debate.
I could have forgiven this book for its flaws if the characters were remotely interesting. I wasn’t sure if the characters themselves knew what they were doing. Max, our protagonist, is our down and out, data technician who is fired when he mentions how uncomfortable he is with Wren (think Facebook) and their plans to gain more of their user’s information. There was a part of Max that I liked, the man who wanted to do good by his family, make something of himself. Every time he spoke, I could not feel any passion for the other stuff he says. The best way I could describe his voice is empty. He recruits his best friends, Akiko, and her boyfriend, Shane, in his plans to reboot the internet. It goes well, gaining the attention of Pilot Markham, a key figure in internet history, who disappeared off the face of the earth and wants to help in their fight. He’s joined alongside teen Brayden and together forms their group. I wish I knew what the hell was happening in this strange dynamic. Max harboured a crush on Akiko, partakes in emotional cheating and Shane is just there to be pure muscle and be weird. Pilot Markham was fascinating; to say the least, he’s responsible for most of the book’s thriller parts. I don’t understand how Max was willing to accept him into his plan, considering what you learn about his background. It just screamed red flags, and you would have thought Max would have picked up on it. Brayden, this poor child, why was he even there? Nothing meshed well, and everyone just contradicted each other in the worst way.
Overall, I wish I could saying something more positive that you could take away from this review. I tried to give it a chance. Max and his friends might have changed the world, but this project failed to spark any real interest in me.
December 2, 2022
This novel focuses on how the internet allows Amazon, Facebook, etc, to accumulate personal data on users and possibly share that data with the government.
The hero Max is a bright young tech guru. When he learns that the company he works for is considering the sale or sharing of data it has accumulated, he blows the whistle to his immediate boss.
The plot revolves around Max and his two close friends mission to prevent this data release. The subplot is a love story. Max is in love Akiko, one of his two friends, and her boyfriend Shane is his other friend.
They are joined in their mission by a fabulous and famous Bill Gates figure named Pilot who has been living a reclusive lifestyle for the last three years. Soon the novel turns dark, as this Version Zero crew put their plans into action.
The hero Max is a bright young tech guru. When he learns that the company he works for is considering the sale or sharing of data it has accumulated, he blows the whistle to his immediate boss.
The plot revolves around Max and his two close friends mission to prevent this data release. The subplot is a love story. Max is in love Akiko, one of his two friends, and her boyfriend Shane is his other friend.
They are joined in their mission by a fabulous and famous Bill Gates figure named Pilot who has been living a reclusive lifestyle for the last three years. Soon the novel turns dark, as this Version Zero crew put their plans into action.
Read
March 9, 2020Read as manuscript - will defer review until finished copy is published.
February 6, 2023
The more I read of this, the less I enjoyed it. I was fairly excited about it at the beginning and caught definite vibes of a book I really liked, called The Circle by Dave Eggers. As the story went on, however, it just felt so...strange? I don't even know for sure. The more I got to know the characters, the more disconnected to them I became, and I found myself not wanting to pick up the book. The concept itself was cool, and I think it's really thought-provoking to think about how much we really depend on the Internet for our very existence these days. The overall execution just didn't sit right with me.
Read
May 6, 2023This is one of those with a promising premise that really didn't work at all for me. Did not finish at around 50%.
The heroes complain about the tech industry and modern society, hang out, and get high. The author does a lot of preaching through their conversations. There's no deep insights here, nothing to change my mind, and I think the author got a number of things wrong about the world we live in. It's all superficial, shallow takes.
The heroes complain about the tech industry and modern society, hang out, and get high. The author does a lot of preaching through their conversations. There's no deep insights here, nothing to change my mind, and I think the author got a number of things wrong about the world we live in. It's all superficial, shallow takes.
January 26, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of
Version Zero.
I haven't read the author's YA books but I know he's popular.
** Minor spoilers ahead **
I don't usually read thrillers based in Silicon Valley because I know the techno babble will go right over my head (and it did), but I was intrigued about a story centered around how three misfits work together to take down an establishment based on greed, privilege and status.
When Max, a talented programmer in a Facebook-like company, brings his ethical concerns about a program his company is building to management, he is unceremoniously fired.
As a result, his anger and resentment breeds into vengeance, and together with his even more talented BFF and unrequited love interest, and her boyfriend, they plan to bring down the Internet.
When an exceedingly wealthy and reclusive billionaire (think Elon Musk but creepier) seeks to join their rebellion, Max is fan-girling out of his mind and eagerly accepts the new recruit.
Eventually, the three friends will soon find out (this always happens in these situations) that their new partner has bigger plans in mind, and they're nothing short of explosive.
I liked Max, and I easily related to his immigrant background, his very hard working parents and the dreams they had for their only son and child.
I understood his anger at these Internet companies; their lack of accountability, the hate and vitriol their programs encouraged and perpetuated; the never-ending cycle users of these programs find themselves in.
You're glued to your phone, you seek validation and purpose from a tiny screen but why?
What did we do before the Internet?
We talk, we love, we play, we interact. No one does that anymore.
Max was sick of what the Internet had created; and he saw in himself the ability to create a utopian company, one that would offer goodness and do nothing evil in return.
Did that make him naive and idealistic? Sure. But it doesn't make him a bad person.
The writing is good, but the tone is odd, but in a good way.
The world Max and his friends live in sound like our present, but not quite. Sort of a multiverse version of Earth in a similar, not quite different 2020.
The slang is odd, some of the words sound made up, and if they're not, then I just dated myself and everyone knows I'm no techie.
Some readers should be aware that there's unforeseen physical violence at the end, it's graphic, and not something I was prepared for. It didn't bother me but some readers might be sensitive.
I thought the violence aligned with the personal views of Max's benefactor billionaire, and let's face it: in a story like this, some heads are bound to roll.
Version Zero isn't for everyone, but I recommend it to any reader who is looking for something different to read.
I haven't read the author's YA books but I know he's popular.
** Minor spoilers ahead **
I don't usually read thrillers based in Silicon Valley because I know the techno babble will go right over my head (and it did), but I was intrigued about a story centered around how three misfits work together to take down an establishment based on greed, privilege and status.
When Max, a talented programmer in a Facebook-like company, brings his ethical concerns about a program his company is building to management, he is unceremoniously fired.
As a result, his anger and resentment breeds into vengeance, and together with his even more talented BFF and unrequited love interest, and her boyfriend, they plan to bring down the Internet.
When an exceedingly wealthy and reclusive billionaire (think Elon Musk but creepier) seeks to join their rebellion, Max is fan-girling out of his mind and eagerly accepts the new recruit.
Eventually, the three friends will soon find out (this always happens in these situations) that their new partner has bigger plans in mind, and they're nothing short of explosive.
I liked Max, and I easily related to his immigrant background, his very hard working parents and the dreams they had for their only son and child.
I understood his anger at these Internet companies; their lack of accountability, the hate and vitriol their programs encouraged and perpetuated; the never-ending cycle users of these programs find themselves in.
You're glued to your phone, you seek validation and purpose from a tiny screen but why?
What did we do before the Internet?
We talk, we love, we play, we interact. No one does that anymore.
Max was sick of what the Internet had created; and he saw in himself the ability to create a utopian company, one that would offer goodness and do nothing evil in return.
Did that make him naive and idealistic? Sure. But it doesn't make him a bad person.
The writing is good, but the tone is odd, but in a good way.
The world Max and his friends live in sound like our present, but not quite. Sort of a multiverse version of Earth in a similar, not quite different 2020.
The slang is odd, some of the words sound made up, and if they're not, then I just dated myself and everyone knows I'm no techie.
Some readers should be aware that there's unforeseen physical violence at the end, it's graphic, and not something I was prepared for. It didn't bother me but some readers might be sensitive.
I thought the violence aligned with the personal views of Max's benefactor billionaire, and let's face it: in a story like this, some heads are bound to roll.
Version Zero isn't for everyone, but I recommend it to any reader who is looking for something different to read.
August 18, 2021
This book scarily reveals what we all secretly know about our use of social media and how those companies extract our data. The fun quizzes we play are seemingly not so innocent according to Version Zero.
Housed in the Wren company is Helix, a place reserved for secret research and projects, aptly named after the helix nebula nicknamed “The eye of God”. For Wren their number one rule is don’t be evil so when Max starts asking the wrong questions about what they are using the collected data for he finds himself fired and takes it upon himself to put a stop to them before it’s too late.
With his friends and assistance from a reclusive tech mogul this is very much a good guys vs bad guys read which is a trope I normally love. However I had some niggles here and a lot of them were down to the language used towards race descriptions. There was no need for them to be used and it detracted rather than highlighted important issues.
This isn’t a new idea as it bears resemblance to The Circle by Dave Eggers, but this is a more inclusive and I personally feel a more realistic version of the dangers of internet addiction and social media use. You will certainly think about going on Facebook and at least changing your settings after reading it.
The pace was changeable and did slow in places but it wasn’t too tech heavy so that this dinosaur could at least understand it.
The characters were the best part of the book and I think this would really appeal to Black Mirror and Nerve fans.
Housed in the Wren company is Helix, a place reserved for secret research and projects, aptly named after the helix nebula nicknamed “The eye of God”. For Wren their number one rule is don’t be evil so when Max starts asking the wrong questions about what they are using the collected data for he finds himself fired and takes it upon himself to put a stop to them before it’s too late.
With his friends and assistance from a reclusive tech mogul this is very much a good guys vs bad guys read which is a trope I normally love. However I had some niggles here and a lot of them were down to the language used towards race descriptions. There was no need for them to be used and it detracted rather than highlighted important issues.
This isn’t a new idea as it bears resemblance to The Circle by Dave Eggers, but this is a more inclusive and I personally feel a more realistic version of the dangers of internet addiction and social media use. You will certainly think about going on Facebook and at least changing your settings after reading it.
The pace was changeable and did slow in places but it wasn’t too tech heavy so that this dinosaur could at least understand it.
The characters were the best part of the book and I think this would really appeal to Black Mirror and Nerve fans.
July 26, 2021
I believed the marketing hype selling this as a "wild ride, a blazingly paced thriller," which focuses on the horrors of the internet and social media (not that we don't already know this), but unfortunately omitted the fact that the writing consists of mostly one sentence paragraphs with sparkling conversation gems like: "Lick my dick" and "Would you grab Brad's junk?" If all programmers are depicted as overgrown schoolboys, I'll pass. This is a definite DNF after a few chapters. It may appeal to YA middle school boys, but I hope that a few of them will have more discerning taste in their reading material.
September 8, 2021
This review is written as a WARNING!!
I was undecided whether to give this 4 stars or 1. What I hated was simple. There's a little tiny chapter at the beginning which foreshadows the outcome. I HATE when authors do that.
So skip the chapter at the beginning that is entitled 0.0. Read it right before the one at the very end chapter that is entitled 0.0.
Ruined the whole thing for me, and as I read it, I was aware that I partly knew that outcome and I HATE that.
Also, an exaggerated world, I believe, but not by much!
I will look for more by this author, though. However, please WARN me if that same foreshadowing thing occurs in his other books. PLEASE!
I was undecided whether to give this 4 stars or 1. What I hated was simple. There's a little tiny chapter at the beginning which foreshadows the outcome. I HATE when authors do that.
So skip the chapter at the beginning that is entitled 0.0. Read it right before the one at the very end chapter that is entitled 0.0.
Ruined the whole thing for me, and as I read it, I was aware that I partly knew that outcome and I HATE that.
Also, an exaggerated world, I believe, but not by much!
I will look for more by this author, though. However, please WARN me if that same foreshadowing thing occurs in his other books. PLEASE!
June 20, 2021
This story is “dystopian” yet is so close to our reality it’s scary. How much data does big tech really suck from you? A lot. Yoon brings his unique writer’s voice back again - this time for “adults.” As always, the character relationships are so complex and dynamic throughout the book.
Read
October 14, 2021Not rating this book.
DNF at 35%. I couldn't get into it. I picked this up because the synopsis is interesting. Sadly, I didn't enjoy it at all. I didn't know and didn't get what actually happened in the book.
DNF at 35%. I couldn't get into it. I picked this up because the synopsis is interesting. Sadly, I didn't enjoy it at all. I didn't know and didn't get what actually happened in the book.
January 20, 2025
I hope everyone reads this book. Five stars through and through.
March 27, 2022
3.5 stars
I had an interesting time reading this book. The writing style was something I never really got used to, I wasn’t a fan, but the story itself was really gripping. It was an interesting concept and I was curious to see how it would all play out, that really made me fly through the book.
I had an interesting time reading this book. The writing style was something I never really got used to, I wasn’t a fan, but the story itself was really gripping. It was an interesting concept and I was curious to see how it would all play out, that really made me fly through the book.
January 29, 2024
3.75⭐️
Although this was fiction, it also made me really think about our reliance on the internet and our relationship with it.
I really enjoyed listening to this. The ending wasn’t everything I hoped for but I’m really not sure where else it could have went.
Although this was fiction, it also made me really think about our reliance on the internet and our relationship with it.
I really enjoyed listening to this. The ending wasn’t everything I hoped for but I’m really not sure where else it could have went.
September 24, 2022
How far should we go to fix what is broken about the internet? Pros: This book is The Circle but leveled up. It goes much further in its examination of what is wrong and how we should fix it. Cons: It does read YA and I think that accounts for some of the negative reviews. Also it is overhyped as action packed thriller - the action doesn't occur until the last 1/4 so adjust expectations.
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