The thrilling conclusion to the series, where the mysteries of CyberStorm will finally be revealed.
Terrorists unleashed an attack that destroy everything in orbit, but they've finally been stopped. Or have they?
Mike saves the life of his father-in-law Senator Seymour in Washington, when a wave of autonomous killer drones are unleashed in the capital. They flee the city with a secret service detail attached to the Vice-President, and peel off once they get into the countryside--but discover that the machines seem to be following them. Worse, the terrorists have kidnapped Chuck's wife and children and are barricaded in his cottage in the hilltops of the Shenandoah mountains.
Mike and Lauren make a desperate decision to help their friend before escaping into the Kentucky foothills, chased by a mysterious military unit. With American armed forces almost completely disabled, police and emergency services gone and Washington burning...can Mike find a way to overcome the deadly intelligent machines hunting them, to save both his family and his country?
Matthew is the million-copy bestselling author of CyberStorm and Darknet, and the hit series Nomad and Atopia Chronicles. He started out his career working at the McGill Center for Intelligent Machines, going on to become one of the world's leading members of the cybersecurity community. In between he's worked in a variety of start-ups,everything from computational nanotechnology to electronic health records to weather prediction systems. He spends his time between Montreal and Charlotte, NC.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in this trilogy. They were exciting with "keep you on the edge of your seat" suspense. The plot lines were horrifyingly plausible, especially now with all the things happening this past year around the world with the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this one, the final of the three, took a decidedly downward turn....at least in my opinion. It wasn't really a third book, more like the author decided to split the second book into two books to make this a trilogy and it devolved quickly. What were believable plot lines in the first two books became an implausible one with conspiracy after conspiracy after conspiracy. So much so that I was beginning to wonder if the author is some kind of Qanon member. I have never seen so many characters "almost" die so many times in a series or trilogy. Nor have I seen so many characters that may be the "bad guy", but then maybe not, over and over again. It got to be ridiculous frankly, to the point that I started to skim through the book after getting through it half way. So while I gave the first two books 4 stars, this one gets 1.5 from me. Very disappointing.
5 stars. A book that simply thrilled me from the first page to the last. Knocked it out of the friggin' ballpark!
This, nay, THIS is what I had been expecting from the get-go from M2 for this trilogy, based in no small part on the recommendation of his renowned peer Nicholas Sansbury Smith. However, after what I felt were 2 decidedly - not sub-par, no, but below the par level I was expecting for sure - efforts, I had serious doubts about this concluding chapter, which I in fact started reading without pause after the middle tome. But for every nit that I had been picking about those first 2 books, some of which were in my eyes thorough and legitimate weaknesses in plot or character development or even execution, "CyberWar" gets them all right and even managed to put a pretty nice little bow on the total package as well.
First and foremost: thank goodness we get away from the überdetails of the technology in this book. Look, I don't need to know exactly how a drone or even my car's GPS system work. If they're aiming FREAKIN' LASERS at my head, that's enough. Here they come, oh shit! That's enough for me! Keep moving! And luckily that's what this book contains. A lot of 'oh shit' and a lot of 'run away' when folks don't just turn around and go all Rambo on the bad guys. You know, though, speaking of the engineering stuff: I do have a feeling that a lot of that detail made it into the previous books as to acknowledge the support given by very able and respected experts. But again I just wasn't into it.
Yes, the more advanced battle scenes held up nicely, too, in this volume. Who knew Susie would wind up being such a bad-ass? - so that certainly helped. Even Lauren's character was much more rounded, as were a host of the new supporting cast that were brought into the mix logically and smoothly. Good stuff. Still a little weird to wonder how Chuck got all that money from just being a restaurateur, but hey, what does it matter right (hello IRS? Yes, I have a tip...)?
Speaking of our resident "does the Pope poop in the woods" pun maker, thank the freakin' stars that M2 also pulled Chuck's irritating personality back a few notches. Sure, just about everyone got in on the conspiracy stuff this time but here it worked and didn't just come across as JUST some hippie wannabe repeating what he'd seen on FOX Entertainment (ahem) earlier and then mostly only to piss everyone off! So anyway, yay for less Chucky stuff (even the kids had more personality) and yay for giving others a chance to shine!
But whoa nelly, that final big battle scene - and even the tongue-in-cheek, misleading final few pages - really did the trick! Way to go! That had me seriously psyched by the time I closed down shop after sneaking in reading time whenever I could! In the end, I have to say this was easily one of the best books I've read in a long while and one that has put M2's collection back into my focus for further consideration. Enjoy!
After destroying most of the satellites in orbit, a foreign agency declared cyber-warfare against the US, creating mass confusion, performing targeted assassinations of American leadership, and shifting the blame to China. A lucky group of patriots were able to fight back against the nefarious evildoers trying to bring down Democracy. If left with few choices, choose freedom!
Michael Mitchell and his wife Lauren, Damon Indigo, Chuck and Susie Mumford, Senator Leo Seymour and children in an invisible high-tech van organized defenses to fight back against an enemy they were just beginning to uncover. Against them were a cloud of thousands of small, but lethal, drones and an unknown number of enemy combatants. It will be up to them and the residents of Vanceburg, Tennessee to fight back and save everyone.
Terrific characters following an amazing storyline told by a master storyteller brings us a fantastic read!
I am pleased. This was an overall fine ending to an adventurously thrilling series. Bit of advice, though: reread CyberSpace, particularly if it's been awhile since doing so. This book picks up where that second installment left off and doesn't waste too much time rehashing those events. Normally this is a FANTASTIC thing, and still is, but good grief. It sorta sucked being this rusty even with people's NAMES, and I wish I gave myself a refresher course. In my defense, though, I DID read 75 books since finishing CyberSpace in July of 2020, so there's LOTS of stories crammed in my cranium that are just taking up all the room. :)
Oh well. I digress.
Fortunately, the pacing of this book and story still did what was supposed to be done, and that is to draw me right back in. My rustiness became irrelevant after awhile, as the important things surfaced again in time. I didn't realize how much I missed this world until I entered back into it, and man, what fun I remember this story being. The action is top-notch in this series, but especially with this entry. Drones, missiles, cloaking. I loved the graphic visuals and intense moments, as well as all the character interactions/conversations. The blatant "sci-fi-ness" of this story is absolutely my favorite feature. It's so doused in sci-fi goodness, even in some ridiculousness that can be hard to buy (though not impossible). I wouldn't mind seeing this series on the big screen one day. What an adventure that'd be.
The best thing I will say about this third entry of the series is how much it reminded me of why why I loved the first entry, CyberStorm (which I also gave four stars). Both books really do a good job in bringing me into the smaller, intimate world of a select group of people going through chaotic times. CyberStorm made me feel like I'm a PART of it all as a reader. Got me more attached to people. Book two, CyberSpace, was more vast in scale, taking me beyond the familial element and sorta went a bit more over my head and I was trying to keep up. It was still a decent entry, but with how it made me feel more detached than its predecessor, I gave it three stars instead of four. Enter CyberWar, and yay. I feel like I'm right back involved on a smaller scale and I was super invested again. Back to four stars.
Now this thing ain't perfect. There were certain parts I didn't like too much, such as certain scenes being hard to follow or understand. But I more blame that on my own desperation to find out what will happen, so I sorta was flying through the pages without actually absorbing them. Still, there are also moments that I feel were a little incomplete, transitionally speaking. Periodically when something thrilling or crazy happens, the moment ends abruptly on a sort of cliff-hanger and then poof, we're on to something else. The buzz it generated in me would sometimes be purged like THAT. That's frustrating as crap. Take me through it ALL! Don't skip around. Now this wasn't everywhere, thank goodness, but it was often enough to be noticeable.
All in all, I enjoyed the hell outta this series and see myself returning to it one day. A fine, futuristic sci-fi escapade even in its imperfections.
Action Packed Finale. This book picks up moments after the ending of Book 2 (CyberSpace), and therefore you *really* need to read at minimum that book before reading this one. (Reading Book 1, CyberStorm, isn't *as* imperative, as most of what you need to know from that book is explained in CyberSpace - but you should absolutely read that book as well anyway. :D)
That noted, this really is an action packed finale, with levels of action similar to Matthew Reilly or Jeremy Robinson's craziest stories - which is high praise indeed, as I've rarely seen any other author even approach that level of insanity. Indeed, this book feels a lot like riding the Kraken rollercoaster at SeaWorld Orlando - absolutely insane, your mind is never really sure what the hell is going on or what is coming next. It misses the overall sense of dread that CyberStorm invoked, and it largely even misses the overall sense of scale that CyberSpace at least attempted to invoke. But what you *do* get here is an intensely personal tale that manages to balance the personal and the larger impact a bit better than either of the two previous books. Several shocking revelations, a few solid points about real-world politics (though absolutely in service of the particular story being told here, rather than being preachy), and a bit of a mind bending finish that is explained in the extended epilogues. (Though nowhere *near* as extended as The Return Of The King from Lord of the Rings, where it feels like half the dang tale is epilogue. This is more 3 ish chapter epilogue rather than short coda most books do there.) Ultimately a fun and satisfying read if you've made it this far, and thus very much recommended.
The CyberStorm series is masterfully plotted and written and, I found, impossible to put down. While labelled ScFi, it is so much more than that. Any reader, whatever their preference of genre, will love it. It is primarily, I believe, a tale of humanity, of the power of love, and of bravery and courage in the face of tremendous adversity and uncertainty. But it also puts a human face on a subject, AI, that many of us consider an abstraction, if we think of it at all. Like all great technological advancements, it can be used to greatly improve our existence and to also threaten that existence in ways we can barely imagine. Mr. Mather's books will, hopefully, inform the reader about about the latter. For that, we are most indebted to him.
This book will make you think hard about our country's drone and AI capabilities. If you are interested in drones, artificial intelligence, and/or their capabilities, you will max out on information reading this book. One of the last lines of Mr. Mathers explanation of how much was real about the war machines, and those who control them in CYBER WAR C, I wish everyone on earth would read, and truly appreciate. "I’m personally optimistic that this diplomatic solution will yield results to contain the spread of autonomous weapons systems, although I’m afraid that it will take a tragedy to wake up the international community to get it done." Myself, I agree with him.
I love post apocalyptic novels with deal with actual know issues, such as supply chain, inflation, economic disaster, etc. The author is well versed in the science of these areas, and sadly, today we are seeing real world results mimicking the same areas in this trilogy. Excellent character development with amazing plot twists. Three separate sets of circumstances, cascading into apocalyptic disaster, yet all tied together. At times, it felt like a commentary about our government, our division, our politics, etc-yet there is much truth in the varied viewpoints. A great read, and wonderful diversion, and at the same time a cautionary warning of where we might find ourselves!
I've read all three of these books in the Cyber series from Matthew Mather. Like the other books, this book is very entertaining. The characters are all relatable. Some of the scenes throughout these book are a little far-fetched, but the technology is believable and properly researched.
It's scary to think about how dependent we are on GPS and satellites - from cell phone service, to electricity and navigation. Elon Musk and Space X's latest efforts, with Starlink, are highlighted in this book.
Another great book from Matthew Mather and I'll definitely keep reading his books. I recommend this book to anyone looking for an entertaining, easy-to-read techno-thriller.
The conclusion of the series is the definition of all action; our protagonists Michael, Chuck and their wives, children and others are ensconced in Senator Seymour’s Virginia home two days after the previous satellite war had ended. Within minutes they’re under attack, and the book is basically one long battle through the Appalachians. There’s not much in the way of character development, just a whole bucketload of mistrust. As the conclusion to a series this just about works, although it can be overly technical to those of us who aren’t regular sci-fi readers. You’ll have probably guessed by now that this series needs to be read in order to avoid complete bewilderment.
Who do you trust? Will technology become the bane or the salvation? This techno-thriller mashes world politics, a technology driven society, and personal relationships and trust into a character driven and fast paced story. Not all stories end happily ever after, nor should they. This one does, though, as much as any can in the type of world we live in. This is a great series and invoked my desire to do more research into the technology we have at our disposal. I totally recommend that you get this book and realize the potential of paths we may take.
Overall a great storyline and plot and effective breaks in the flow of the narrative. He did overlook the existence of the ANG alert unit at Joint Base Andrews ;-) Anyway the greatest area of improvement existed with the dialogue; it seemed awkward at times and the attempts at humor a bit off key. One of the strengths was the way he led you to one conclusion only to be pulled back and surprised with another result made it a fun read and fast page turner.
This book is a good conclusion to the trilogy. You get dropped right back into the action where the last book left off and it feels frantic remembering who the characters are without a single chapter to rest. It’s absolutely terrifying how the threats they face do not feel so far off and unrealistic, and it hits so much harder with the kids included in the struggle to survive.
If you have ever wondered about the scary aspects of AI and weaponry then this is the book for you! Mr. Mather has used the characters (plus a few more) of the Cyber trilogy to lead you through many of the aspects of technology, autonomous weapons, and the consequences of propaganda that face us today. He has done it with heart. I highly recommend this most excellent book. Enjoy!
The book was brimming with secrets, tension, and activity. I adored it. I even began to cry in certain pieces of the book. I cherished following the characters through every one of the three books. The writer worked effectively, making possible real situations and involving them in the books. I won't give any spoilers. You ought to peruse the " World War C " Books; assuming you like tech stuff, AI, secret, and activity, you ought to peruse the "World War C" Books.
Mather hits the mark again. Another thrilling nail-biter. Just when I thought I had the whole thing figured out, he added another layer of complexity and confusion. As the final installment in the trilogy, the story ends well….for some folks, not so well for others. You will need to read the book to find out how your favorite character[s] fared. It is a series of books about a world war, after all and Mather is not known for pulling punches to save a character.
While this was a great wrap up to the World War C trilogy, this was my least favorite of the three books. I think it's because there wasn't any buildup to the suspense. It just kind of launched right into it. Now in context of where the last book left off, that makes sense. I just didn't enjoy it. Very scary reality check though that if what happened in this book were to happen in real life.
Do not try to read this book as a standalone. You have to read the other two books in the trilogy.
All of this trilogy sent chills down my spine. To think that what we thought of a science fiction has come to reality is unnerving. Where does it go & what is needed to control it is something I hope our country is able do. This too shall come to pass. Love the books & recommend to everyone.
Mr Mather the a pretty good writer; but, more important, he is an outstanding storyteller. His stories propel the reader in a way that makes one wish they could read at an ever-increasing speed. When in one of his books, I find myself always NEEDING to know what comes next. Thanks for the great tales!
I have read the WWC trilogy - I really think it would make a great mini series. This was well written and knowledgeable with the tech future a reality to be seen. I'm a 60+ y/o woman and I could understand the terminology and electronic fundamentals. Now I'm ready for Darknet!
Love the way author tells the story and mixes in real events. If was hard to put down. The ending was beautiful, different than I thought it was going to be. Hopeful that the world will not go in this direction as would be a sad day for civilization.
Good book. Same characters as previous novels of the same series. Perhaps too much action almost constantly. Some readers, like myself, might like breathing pauses between the firing and explosions. I much preferred his Polar Vortex story, which was filled with suspense but comprised more character developments.
As I read this book and I think about my 40 years in IT, I can see a lot of the items talked about really happening. The world and the world governments are not thinking about what may come in the future, As AI is Evolving exponentially. Is that something that something we should be scared of or hopeful?
I love the characters in this book, and if you haven’t read the previous two in the series, you’ll be lost and confused by many references. If you’re a tech geek, this is your book. It was terrifying to think how easily something like this could happen.
Mather's series is a page turner on steroids. His people are very realistic and likable, except the evil ones! I have read most of his books and lose a lot of sleep finishing them
Interesting conclusion to this series. The technology is always scary, the characters lurch from one setback to another, and nobody trusts anybody else. But although at a disadvantage, they win. I see them as real people dealing with incredible situations, and for that reason they are memorable.
Such a good read. I like how it wrapped things up from the first three books. This book has real life scenarios. These things can really happen . Read the series it will keep you thinking.
I continue to be awed by the amount of research that has to have gone into each of Matthew Mather's books. They're not just entertaining but also informative and many times thought provoking.