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Cyberdrome
ASIN B0012Q6G5Y moved to the most recent edition here
When Earth is threatened by a deadly plague, one man enters a virtual world to find the key to humanity's survival. Will he find it in time?
Mathew Grey is a brilliant scientist who accidentally unleashed a man-made plague that ravaged America’s heartland, and now threatens the rest of the planet. Riddled with guilt and running out of time, he decides to use a dangerous technology to enter a computer-generated reality called Cyberdrome, hoping to unravel a mystery that could be the key to Earth’s survival.
Alek Grey was an athlete whose career was cut short by a near-fatal accident. Now he is a software hacker with the unique ability to outsmart the best Artificial Intelligence programs of his day. When he is called in after one of his programs inadvertently attacks Cyberdrome, he is shocked to learn that both his father and ex-fiancée have become trapped inside the simulation, unable to be removed without risk of death.
Alek knows of only one way to rescue the people he loves, but will he risk all of humanity to save them?
When Earth is threatened by a deadly plague, one man enters a virtual world to find the key to humanity's survival. Will he find it in time?
Mathew Grey is a brilliant scientist who accidentally unleashed a man-made plague that ravaged America’s heartland, and now threatens the rest of the planet. Riddled with guilt and running out of time, he decides to use a dangerous technology to enter a computer-generated reality called Cyberdrome, hoping to unravel a mystery that could be the key to Earth’s survival.
Alek Grey was an athlete whose career was cut short by a near-fatal accident. Now he is a software hacker with the unique ability to outsmart the best Artificial Intelligence programs of his day. When he is called in after one of his programs inadvertently attacks Cyberdrome, he is shocked to learn that both his father and ex-fiancée have become trapped inside the simulation, unable to be removed without risk of death.
Alek knows of only one way to rescue the people he loves, but will he risk all of humanity to save them?
292 pages, ebook
First published January 10, 2008
27 people are currently reading
351 people want to read
About the author
Joseph Rhea
8 books22 followersMeet Joseph Rhea: Novelist, Screenwriter, Game Designer, and Ocean Scientist.
Advised by his high school English teacher to pursue a life of writing, he instead chose a career in engineering and science, driven by his need to explore the world and help create new technologies. Now he has come full circle and is using that experience to become a new voice in today's science fiction. His work has been praised as "high-concept science fiction that blends hard science with relentless momentum." His books include Cyberdrome, a near-future techno-thriller about a rogue programmer navigating a computer-generated virtual world to rescue the love of his life, and the Novum Chronicles, a 5-book series that immerses readers in the depths of an alien ocean where a young cargo-sub captain faces an enemy threatening humanity’s survival. He has also written several spec screenplays, including one adapted from the first book of his Novum saga and an original screenplay that was later adapted into the first book of his Novem prequel trilogy; Rogue Wave.
Advised by his high school English teacher to pursue a life of writing, he instead chose a career in engineering and science, driven by his need to explore the world and help create new technologies. Now he has come full circle and is using that experience to become a new voice in today's science fiction. His work has been praised as "high-concept science fiction that blends hard science with relentless momentum." His books include Cyberdrome, a near-future techno-thriller about a rogue programmer navigating a computer-generated virtual world to rescue the love of his life, and the Novum Chronicles, a 5-book series that immerses readers in the depths of an alien ocean where a young cargo-sub captain faces an enemy threatening humanity’s survival. He has also written several spec screenplays, including one adapted from the first book of his Novum saga and an original screenplay that was later adapted into the first book of his Novem prequel trilogy; Rogue Wave.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 22, 2015
Cyberdrome explored the concepts and consequences of the evolution of a Technical Singularity- part of the reason I like the book is because I learnt a lot, having never heard of this before. The new information and debates about it by the characters was well written into the story, allowing Cyberdrome to be absorbing and exciting in the action of the book as well as being thought-provoking!
September 16, 2017
This came recommended on one of the discussion boards here at Amazon, so I picked it up to give it a try after liking the free Kindle sample. I was not disappointed - one of the points I really need for science fiction novels is for it to be believable. In other words, if there is going to be some futuristic theme or plot in the novel, rather than taking a leap of faith I need to be able to conceptualize it. The authors didn't disappoint in the case, and combined with nice character development and interaction I was sorry to see this book end.
I did like how the authors left you hanging at the end with unfinished business, which I hope will turn out to be a sequel!
I did like how the authors left you hanging at the end with unfinished business, which I hope will turn out to be a sequel!
June 29, 2020
Hero's Journey
It was okay. I felt like I was reading a sword and sorcery novel. We've got wizards, warriors, demons and (demi-) gods. They set out on a quest and, no matter what protagonist Alek Grey believes, go through three motions necessary to complete it, even self-sacrifice. The problem, as I saw it, was that I never got a true sense of who these people are. Heck, there was a possibility that two of the characters might have been romantically linked but is was never resolved and ignored after the possibility came up.
It's not a bad story by any means but I wouldn't have minded a little more depth and resolution to inferred pasts of the characters.
It was okay. I felt like I was reading a sword and sorcery novel. We've got wizards, warriors, demons and (demi-) gods. They set out on a quest and, no matter what protagonist Alek Grey believes, go through three motions necessary to complete it, even self-sacrifice. The problem, as I saw it, was that I never got a true sense of who these people are. Heck, there was a possibility that two of the characters might have been romantically linked but is was never resolved and ignored after the possibility came up.
It's not a bad story by any means but I wouldn't have minded a little more depth and resolution to inferred pasts of the characters.
June 19, 2023
A science fiction novel
I have really come to enjoy science fiction. Actually, I always did like it, but I had trouble reading it after becoming a marvel fan. I am able to imagine the worlds and these books. The protagonist is named Alex Gray. Like Fifty Shades of Grey (which I have never read) Alex embodies an avatar. He has been re-programmed numerous times so I guess you could say Fifty Shades of Gray. L O L. If you like science-fiction Cyberdrome is a good choice for reading
I have really come to enjoy science fiction. Actually, I always did like it, but I had trouble reading it after becoming a marvel fan. I am able to imagine the worlds and these books. The protagonist is named Alex Gray. Like Fifty Shades of Grey (which I have never read) Alex embodies an avatar. He has been re-programmed numerous times so I guess you could say Fifty Shades of Gray. L O L. If you like science-fiction Cyberdrome is a good choice for reading
July 27, 2021
Just not what I wanted
Whew, shades of Tron, every situational device a copy, the characters seemed juvenile, not the material you would expect from adults, maybe it's about being experienced, I've already read enough books of this nature to have seen every situation, every scenerio, there is nothing original anymore, well there is just not finding it here, I'm sure you beginning readers will enjoy it
Whew, shades of Tron, every situational device a copy, the characters seemed juvenile, not the material you would expect from adults, maybe it's about being experienced, I've already read enough books of this nature to have seen every situation, every scenerio, there is nothing original anymore, well there is just not finding it here, I'm sure you beginning readers will enjoy it
July 20, 2012
In a bid to research a method of saving the world from a man-made plague, Dr Matthew Grey uses a technology called Cyberdrome, a computer-generated reality to speed up the speed of the research.
Things start to go wrong though as some of the team get trapped in the simulation. Dr Grey's son Alek, a computer programmer / hacker whose program is responsible for the simulation malfunction decides to enter the simulation in order to rescue the team.
Others have likened the story to Tron, but it reminded me more of the Matrix.
A quote from the book: "So he downloaded himself into the hostages' brains?".
A well edited book: I found only one grammar mistake.
Things start to go wrong though as some of the team get trapped in the simulation. Dr Grey's son Alek, a computer programmer / hacker whose program is responsible for the simulation malfunction decides to enter the simulation in order to rescue the team.
Others have likened the story to Tron, but it reminded me more of the Matrix.
A quote from the book: "So he downloaded himself into the hostages' brains?".
A well edited book: I found only one grammar mistake.
February 24, 2013
Cyberdrome was an interesting scifi kind of story with a pretty cool plot. It has a Tron feel to it in that most of it takes place within a computer system and involves humans interfacing and acting inside the computer system as it is a whole world in it self. I liked the plot very much and how the authors used it. The characters were entertaining and I enjoyed reading about all the main characters and their companions.
Overall a great story. It was a bit different then what I have read in the past, but I still enjoyed reading it. I would definitely be interested in reading a sequel if the authors ever got around to writing one.
Overall a great story. It was a bit different then what I have read in the past, but I still enjoyed reading it. I would definitely be interested in reading a sequel if the authors ever got around to writing one.
January 16, 2013
The book overall was well written and had a cohesive plot. The characters were well developed and fit in with the overall story. There were some spots in the book where I had some difficulty following the story line, but over the story flowed well and was interesting. I won't go into the what the story was about, you will need to check that out for yourself. The book is very science fiction and if you are not into that type of story this book may not be for you.
January 30, 2012
The best word I can think of to describe this book is "Tron." The story was very reminiscant of Tron - humans entering the virtual world of a computer core and fighting for their freedom.
The story is action packed and a page-turner. The environment and technology described is highly imaginative and well thought-out.
Overall, an entertaining read that was well worth the time involved.
The story is action packed and a page-turner. The environment and technology described is highly imaginative and well thought-out.
Overall, an entertaining read that was well worth the time involved.
April 3, 2012
This book was an unexpected gem that I acquired for free from amazon using pixelofink's service. I've seen quite a few people refer to Tron when describing this book, but I'd also like to point out a particular movie. The Thirteenth Floor was a movie that also touched on this topic. Simulated realities are intriguing because you never know if you're on top.
October 27, 2012
This book really tests your imagination and makes you think about what it is to be human. It goes beyond robots and spaceships and into the realm of virtual reality, where humans are computer programs and computer programs are human. If the writing were improved a bit, I would give this story 5 stars.
September 22, 2010
I felt like I was watching a movie the entire time I was reading it and those are the kind of books I love to read! Ones that are so descriptive and well-defined that I can visualize everything. I got lost in it (in a good way), and couldn't put it down.
August 25, 2013
I really enjoyed the story overall and specifically the way that the real/virtual world connection seemed more rationally constructed than other stories that seem to handle that crossover by, essentially, magic. Strong characters and good action. A recommended read!
February 20, 2016
Nice story
I thought this was a rather nice story. it kept me wanting to read more of it. I was a little disappointed in the ending. It was not as good as the story. It also left much of what the story was about not accomplished.
I thought this was a rather nice story. it kept me wanting to read more of it. I was a little disappointed in the ending. It was not as good as the story. It also left much of what the story was about not accomplished.
January 19, 2016
Cyberdrome
Well it has been several years since I read a science fiction novel. So this one was a good one to get back into this genre. I can see a movie come from this. I enjoyed it very much.
Well it has been several years since I read a science fiction novel. So this one was a good one to get back into this genre. I can see a movie come from this. I enjoyed it very much.
October 23, 2015
Weak characters, boring prose and story. Can't help thinking they're trying to write the next Matrix story, but it's too close and not nearly interesting enough.
April 12, 2012
Despite a few fairly glaring plot holes, this novel was a surprisingly fun read.
May 4, 2012
Considering some people I know spend more time in Second Life, this book was entertaining. The plot was telegraphed, but it was fun and pretty exciting.
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December 7, 2013True
January 19, 2014
Interesting idea. Liked it a lot!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews