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Brainjack #1
Brain Jack
Another terrifying sci-fi page-turner from the author of The Tomorrow Code!Las Vegas is gone—destroyed in a terrorist attack. Black Hawk helicopters patrol the skies over New York City. And immersive online gaming is the most dangerous street drug around. In this dystopic near-future, technology has leapt forward once again, and neuro-headsets have replaced computer keyboards. Just slip on a headset, and it’s the Internet at the speed of thought.For teen hacker Sam Wilson, a headset is a must. But as he becomes familiar with the new technology, he has a terrifying realization. If anything on his computer is vulnerable to a hack, what happens when his mind is linked to the system? Could consciousness itself be hijacked? Before he realizes what’s happened, Sam’s incursion against the world’s largest telecommunications company leads him to the heart of the nation’s cyberdefense network and brings him face to face with a terrifying and unforeseen threat.Brian Falkner, author of The Tomorrow Code, has created an action-packed and thought-provoking science fiction adventure in which a brilliant young computer hacker fights to prevent the human race from being deleted.Fans of Cory Doctorow’s Little Brother and M. T. Anderson’s Feed will love this high-octane techno thriller.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2009
124 people are currently reading
3177 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 463 reviews
January 8, 2015
Why do I keep reading that this book is for boys between the ages of 12-15? I'm a girl and I'm almost seventeen, and I loved every second of it! Maybe I have an uncommon taste in books for my age, but my point is, this book is very versatile and can interest many people from different age groups!
Brain Jack is a science fiction book written by Brian Falkner, one of my favorite authors. This book talks about computers, hacks, and everything high-tech. In the book as an introduction, the author talks about computers being close to his childhood. Ever since he was a child, he and his older brother had been building computers before personal computers were even in people’s thoughts. The book, on the other hand, is completely fictional. With technology as advanced as he expresses, it is enough to make you feel a thousand years into the future.
It is a fast-paced, exciting and captivating book. The story rapidly unfolds, as computers and criminals try to take over the world. Imagine if computers could easily hack your system, (or you, basically) and control the world without you even knowing it. Frightening to think about, is it not? The story begins with seventeen-year-old Sam Wilson, who decided to hack into the Transcomerica network to buy a Neuro-Headset and a laptop for him and his best friend, Derek Fargas. Those Neuro-Headsets allow users to operate a computer without a mouse or keyboard. All they need is brain power. However, the amazing technology that is being used by over 90% of the population has turned against them.
Overall, the plot is very realistic for the story. Although it seems to take place in the present day, it describes our world as having more advanced technology, which makes it even more thrilling. The dialog is laid out well, even though some parts are dry. Reading “Sam said”, or “he said”, after every speech seems a bit repetitive after a while. That's just my opinion, but I enjoyed it very much still. Will Sam and his crew win the war between them and the government's powerful entities, or will the world forever be taken over by robots? To find out, I strongly recommend you read it :) Have fun!
January 2, 2011
Compelling theme but slightly awkward execution. That's how I'd summarize this one. The premise is clever, if a bit overt in the wish-fulfillment department at some points, and a few plot twists are genuinely unexpected. But the writing is too abrupt and the transitions are too choppy (usually when the author incorporates technical explanations), so the story doesn't flow well. The introduction and the epilogue are a little too cutesy. And the main thrust of the plot - going up against a massive collective consciousness - is weakened when the protagonist actually meets that consciousness. Because there are no words, it seems, to describe how terrifying and all-encompassing that would actually be. And therefore the antagonist's strength is lessened, which cripples the thrust of the story.
There's also a show-don't-tell problem. The protagonist never feels like a brilliant teenager; he feels too normal to be believed. He's also too calm in the face of catastrophe, which lessens the impact of the catastrophe.
This book is clever, but limited by two things: the ineffectiveness of the words - their lack of emotional heft - and the almost simplicity and ease of the final conflict. Somehow, though, despite the shortcomings, it is still an enjoyable read. Just not a fascinating one.
There's also a show-don't-tell problem. The protagonist never feels like a brilliant teenager; he feels too normal to be believed. He's also too calm in the face of catastrophe, which lessens the impact of the catastrophe.
This book is clever, but limited by two things: the ineffectiveness of the words - their lack of emotional heft - and the almost simplicity and ease of the final conflict. Somehow, though, despite the shortcomings, it is still an enjoyable read. Just not a fascinating one.
May 19, 2011
The future of computers has arrived! The neuro headset allows you to operate computers as fast as you can think! But what happens when you link millions of minds to the most powerful network in the world? Could the human subconcious control itself? Could it create without realizing? Could it destroy?
Sam is about to find out. Sam is just the averrage computer trying to get some free stuff. But when he pulls off the biggest hack in the country and shuts down half of the country, the government takes notice. Next thing he knows, Sam has been carted off to prison, breaks out, and begins working for a government division that exists only through the internet. Through a series of incredible events he ends up having to disarm an entire network and stop a civil war!
This novel keeps the reader constantly interested with short chapters, an engaging story, realistic characters, and a plot that will keep readers on the edges of their seats until the very end. While it is more directed torwards the more computer oriented, casual readers will enjoy this story at its roots as well. Similar recommended reads are Little Brother and The Feed.
Sam is about to find out. Sam is just the averrage computer trying to get some free stuff. But when he pulls off the biggest hack in the country and shuts down half of the country, the government takes notice. Next thing he knows, Sam has been carted off to prison, breaks out, and begins working for a government division that exists only through the internet. Through a series of incredible events he ends up having to disarm an entire network and stop a civil war!
This novel keeps the reader constantly interested with short chapters, an engaging story, realistic characters, and a plot that will keep readers on the edges of their seats until the very end. While it is more directed torwards the more computer oriented, casual readers will enjoy this story at its roots as well. Similar recommended reads are Little Brother and The Feed.
January 7, 2012
Perhaps if I hadn't been discussing rape culture before I sat down to read the bulk of this book I would've enjoyed it more; as it is I feel I'm being generous with my stars, because I really didn't enjoy it.
Apparently it isn't just Americans who're susceptible to tokenism. The three female characters get minimal screen time and serve to illustrate how much more competent the male characters are, and don't get me started on how very white the rest of the cast is.
Also - can anybody tell me what happened to Kiwi? I lost him in the last 25 pages or so. I actually went back and looked for some clue about what happened to him twice but couldn't figure it out, and by that point I was annoyed enough that I didn't feel like working at it anymore.
Finally, for computer sci-fi, and especially with a hack for the intro, there were an awful lot of sloppy mistakes. I gave up hoping for clever realism and put my brain in Harlequin mode just to get through the rest of the book.
Apparently it isn't just Americans who're susceptible to tokenism. The three female characters get minimal screen time and serve to illustrate how much more competent the male characters are, and don't get me started on how very white the rest of the cast is.
Also - can anybody tell me what happened to Kiwi? I lost him in the last 25 pages or so. I actually went back and looked for some clue about what happened to him twice but couldn't figure it out, and by that point I was annoyed enough that I didn't feel like working at it anymore.
Finally, for computer sci-fi, and especially with a hack for the intro, there were an awful lot of sloppy mistakes. I gave up hoping for clever realism and put my brain in Harlequin mode just to get through the rest of the book.
May 7, 2023
This was such a silly read. I thought it would be entertaining, but it was too over the top-action movie-esque to be anything but dumb. Interesting concept (neuro-headsets that tap directly into our brainwaves are inflitrated by a computer virus that is taking over the world), but silly exectution: a 16 year old boy saves the world because is the best hacker ever and can dominate the entire Internet.
December 8, 2014
When I started to read this book, I thought it would involve mental web surfing, running from the law, and a single boy with amazing technology. I was wrong on the first and third predictions. What I found was much better than I thought. The point of the story was clear, and the chapters flowed into each other smoothly. I loved how the author was able to throw in characters and to make them fit perfectly into the situation. I was relieved to find that there wasn’t too much computer code talk going on. The many twists and turns both surprised and intrigued me to the point where I was speechless.
The story starts in a big city with a teen in high school. This boy attempts to hack into one of the most secure business franchises in the world. After words, he and his friend use neuro-helmets that allow them to use a computer just by thinking. Then, the hacker gets arrested on the charges of hacking and terrorism. He is then taken to a prison made for hackers, and the like. He then escapes and is recruited by a secret organization that uses elite hackers to help protect the U.S. Very odd and scary things happen that lead three of the hackers to go on the run. They get held up in a mall but escape to the dessert with a hostage. They drive to Las Vegas, which has been destroyed by a bomb, and they hide there from a sentient A.I. or Artificial Intelligence that is taking over people’s minds. They are driven out and head southwest. They meet a resistance and then head for a mountain. At that mountain… well you’ll have to read the book to find out.
I would recommend this book to boys and girls ages 12 and over. If you are into computers, hacking, or self-learning A.I.’s, then would be a great book for you.
The story starts in a big city with a teen in high school. This boy attempts to hack into one of the most secure business franchises in the world. After words, he and his friend use neuro-helmets that allow them to use a computer just by thinking. Then, the hacker gets arrested on the charges of hacking and terrorism. He is then taken to a prison made for hackers, and the like. He then escapes and is recruited by a secret organization that uses elite hackers to help protect the U.S. Very odd and scary things happen that lead three of the hackers to go on the run. They get held up in a mall but escape to the dessert with a hostage. They drive to Las Vegas, which has been destroyed by a bomb, and they hide there from a sentient A.I. or Artificial Intelligence that is taking over people’s minds. They are driven out and head southwest. They meet a resistance and then head for a mountain. At that mountain… well you’ll have to read the book to find out.
I would recommend this book to boys and girls ages 12 and over. If you are into computers, hacking, or self-learning A.I.’s, then would be a great book for you.
January 18, 2011
I liked this very fast-paced cyber thriller. It was compulsive readable. As you might expect, it is plot driven high octane action, but it also addresses some important themes related to technology: our dependence upon technology in today’s society; addiction to some aspects of technology (gaming and virtual reality); loss of privacy; and sacrificing independence for the convenience offered by technology. You know, that old “man vs computer” thing.
I puzzled a bit about the ending. Sam essentially assumes the same role as the “Ursula,” the virtual entity who begins taking control of certain aspects of society to “help” society and ends up becoming a techno Stalin. Sam takes over this power, once Ursula is vanquished, but what prevents him from making the same mistakes and following in her path? He somehow knows when to opt out and return to his human self. Is that realistic? I’m not sure about that, unless you go with the idea that Sam is some kind of “cyber savior.”
My only caveat about this one is the character development, which I thought was pretty minimal. Not unexpected when your novel is primarily plot-driven. But it is very well done, otherwise.
I puzzled a bit about the ending. Sam essentially assumes the same role as the “Ursula,” the virtual entity who begins taking control of certain aspects of society to “help” society and ends up becoming a techno Stalin. Sam takes over this power, once Ursula is vanquished, but what prevents him from making the same mistakes and following in her path? He somehow knows when to opt out and return to his human self. Is that realistic? I’m not sure about that, unless you go with the idea that Sam is some kind of “cyber savior.”
My only caveat about this one is the character development, which I thought was pretty minimal. Not unexpected when your novel is primarily plot-driven. But it is very well done, otherwise.
December 14, 2012
12/13/12. Just click on "View Spoiler"
September 18, 2015
Sam Wilson's a hacker, and in an attempt to hack into the premier convention of hackers, he hacks into the White House and lands himself a job. Top secret, although he likes his new hacker buddies. He's got a sweet pad, more money than he knows what to do with, and all he has to do is keep hackers out of the government systems. The easy life comes to an end when the government is hacked, and it seems to be an inside job. Now he doesn't know who to trust... or if he can stop them.
There was a lot of jargon in here, which was made a little more accessible by the hacker-speak that made computer code sound like action. The foreshadowing was pretty thick, so I wasn't especially surprised when it was revealed who the hacker was, but it was quite a thrill ride. I didn't especially feel much connection with the characters - also, was I the only one who associates the name "Sam Wilson" with Marvel's Falcon?
There was a lot of jargon in here, which was made a little more accessible by the hacker-speak that made computer code sound like action. The foreshadowing was pretty thick, so I wasn't especially surprised when it was revealed who the hacker was, but it was quite a thrill ride. I didn't especially feel much connection with the characters - also, was I the only one who associates the name "Sam Wilson" with Marvel's Falcon?
May 31, 2016
*4.5 stars*
I picked up this book as a quick, not-really-that-interested read. I didn't think I would like it very much.
For the first part of the book, I was right. It was a little hard to get into, and I couldn't really relate to some of the characters.
But by the time I was halfway through, I started to really enjoy the book. It was confusing, yes, but that's probably only because computers aren't really my thing. It's well written and chock full of suspense, along with great descriptions of how Sam hacks into different networks. (In other books I've read, this was not the case.)
Overall: A quick (but fun!) read, alright characters, cool setting. I'd recommend this for the most part. :)
I picked up this book as a quick, not-really-that-interested read. I didn't think I would like it very much.
For the first part of the book, I was right. It was a little hard to get into, and I couldn't really relate to some of the characters.
But by the time I was halfway through, I started to really enjoy the book. It was confusing, yes, but that's probably only because computers aren't really my thing. It's well written and chock full of suspense, along with great descriptions of how Sam hacks into different networks. (In other books I've read, this was not the case.)
Overall: A quick (but fun!) read, alright characters, cool setting. I'd recommend this for the most part. :)
May 15, 2015
Sam Wilson wanted to become a great hacker. But he has realized that he has to learn more to get better. One day he goes with his best friend Fargas to a event called Neoh@ck which is a convention for hackers. During the convention, Sam overhears a conversation about another event, in the White House, for the best hackers. So when Sam gets back home, he tries to hack into the White House server. Then 10 minutes later FBI agents knock on his front door to arrest him. He gets sent to a Juvenile detention center which is a prison for kids under the age of 18. Will Sam escape? Brain Jack is about Bravery, Compassion and Trustfulness.
October 6, 2017
Personal Response:
I enjoyed reading Brain Jack by Brian Falkner, because I related to the book as I also like computers and technology. I also enjoy reading books like this one where the author switches between each character to narrate or follow what they are doing. After reading this one book by him, I plan on reading many more of his books.
Plot:
Sam is like any normal teenage boy, except he is a hacking genius. Using his skills, he and his best friend decide to hack into a technology corporation, so they can steal some Neuro headsets. After barely pulling it off, they decide to go back to Sam's house to test out their new Neuro headsets. Once they are adjusted and ready to use them, Sam decides to hack into a website to obtain the address for Neoh@ck a hacking convention. While he is there, he meets two individuals who tell him that this is all just a cover for the bigger hacking meeting. They tell him if he can hack into the White House servers and access a certain file, he will be allowed into the secret convention. After a long time of slowly hacking into the servers, he makes it into the file. Once he gets into the file, it opens a game of sorts. In this game, there is nothing but a single button. After pressing the button several times, he hears his mom yell out to him and a loud knock on the door as a man yells, “C.D.D. open the door.”
Characterization:Sam is an absolute computer genius; he has the ability to hack into any network in the world and remain undetected. Throughout the book the reader will see his quick wit and ability to adapt to any situation. The reader also gets to see a lot of his emotional side as he develops feelings for one of his coworkers. The book is told through the third person view following a variety of characters.
Vienna is also a hacker who works with Sam; at first she is very cold to him and doesn't talk to him at all. She is cold to him because he was able to out hack her and get past her defenses. After a while, she moves past that, and they start to develop feelings for each other.They kiss later on Sam’s birthday.
Setting:Brain Jack mostly takes place in New York in the not so distant future where technology has become advanced. The setting is important because it is a center for technology and hacking which is Sam's specialty. The time period is significant to the book, because it is a not so distant future and implies that this could be what the world could be like.
Recommendation:I would recommend Brain Jack to girls and boys as the subject matter is universal so both genders would enjoy reading it. I would also recommend readers to be above the age of ten because of the violence and language in the book. I would also recommend this book to anyone who enjoys technology or likes reading action packed books due to the fact that there is a lot of talk about technology and a lot of car chases and fighting in the book.
I enjoyed reading Brain Jack by Brian Falkner, because I related to the book as I also like computers and technology. I also enjoy reading books like this one where the author switches between each character to narrate or follow what they are doing. After reading this one book by him, I plan on reading many more of his books.
Plot:
Sam is like any normal teenage boy, except he is a hacking genius. Using his skills, he and his best friend decide to hack into a technology corporation, so they can steal some Neuro headsets. After barely pulling it off, they decide to go back to Sam's house to test out their new Neuro headsets. Once they are adjusted and ready to use them, Sam decides to hack into a website to obtain the address for Neoh@ck a hacking convention. While he is there, he meets two individuals who tell him that this is all just a cover for the bigger hacking meeting. They tell him if he can hack into the White House servers and access a certain file, he will be allowed into the secret convention. After a long time of slowly hacking into the servers, he makes it into the file. Once he gets into the file, it opens a game of sorts. In this game, there is nothing but a single button. After pressing the button several times, he hears his mom yell out to him and a loud knock on the door as a man yells, “C.D.D. open the door.”
Characterization:Sam is an absolute computer genius; he has the ability to hack into any network in the world and remain undetected. Throughout the book the reader will see his quick wit and ability to adapt to any situation. The reader also gets to see a lot of his emotional side as he develops feelings for one of his coworkers. The book is told through the third person view following a variety of characters.
Vienna is also a hacker who works with Sam; at first she is very cold to him and doesn't talk to him at all. She is cold to him because he was able to out hack her and get past her defenses. After a while, she moves past that, and they start to develop feelings for each other.They kiss later on Sam’s birthday.
Setting:Brain Jack mostly takes place in New York in the not so distant future where technology has become advanced. The setting is important because it is a center for technology and hacking which is Sam's specialty. The time period is significant to the book, because it is a not so distant future and implies that this could be what the world could be like.
Recommendation:I would recommend Brain Jack to girls and boys as the subject matter is universal so both genders would enjoy reading it. I would also recommend readers to be above the age of ten because of the violence and language in the book. I would also recommend this book to anyone who enjoys technology or likes reading action packed books due to the fact that there is a lot of talk about technology and a lot of car chases and fighting in the book.
January 28, 2021
This book was given to me at Christmas by a friend. I was told it was his favorite book ever and he was so happy to give it to me, that I didn't have the heart to tell him it's not my type of read.
Then I started reading. I told myself I'd read it just for my friend. To be able to honestly say I had. And, I'm so grateful I did.
I didn't just read it, I lived it. Truly sucked into the story which, considering the topic is almost scary in and of itself. I won't say more, only that I feel more of us should read outside our preferred genres once in a while. What you find can make you a better person.
Then I started reading. I told myself I'd read it just for my friend. To be able to honestly say I had. And, I'm so grateful I did.
I didn't just read it, I lived it. Truly sucked into the story which, considering the topic is almost scary in and of itself. I won't say more, only that I feel more of us should read outside our preferred genres once in a while. What you find can make you a better person.
Read
March 10, 2017If you're into science fiction, action, and a page turner. Brain Jack by Brian F. would be just for you! It's an action packed story taking place when a virus takes over all the servers in Las Vegas. The main character, Sam, has to hack his way into the virus and save the day. What I liked about this book is, if an older person were to read it. They kind of wouldn't understand much of what was going on. It has a very high tech vocabulary through out the book. The story kin of kept me guessing like, who planted the virus and etc. A part I didn't enjoy about the book is kind of the same reason I loved it. There were times where I had to re read a page because there was to much tech-savvy language being thrown out there. As if the author had no clue how to get these characters from point A to point B. Like, you had to just go with it. Which in most cases, isn't really good writing. I loved it when I understood it. I hated it when I didn't. If you want to become a best buy geek squad. This is the book for you. I'd give this book a 6/10 for the originality it pro-trade in this tech savvy world.
April 8, 2017
such an interesting story. I loved it!
August 14, 2023
Very well written and quite engrossing to read. To be honest, my favourite character was Dodge. He was very witty and yet a very together character.
March 10, 2017
Brain Jack is a highly interesting and unique book that takes a look at what the internet could possibly become with the combined power of every brain of Earth. The story follows a boy named Sam who has a massive interest in everything computer. After working a big hack job to get one of the new Neuro Headsets, Sam is tracked down and located by the Cyber Defense Division as they wish for him to work for the USA. The book go's on and eventually the neuro headsets become a massive problem as they seem to have gotten a "neuro virus." This virus has the ability to wipe the minds of any person that uses a neuro headset, and it becomes Sam's job to figure out how to stop it. This book is an amazing book that follows along side with Sifi and fantasy. I'd recommend this book who wishes to ponder on what the internet exactly is, and those who like a good book to sit down to before bed.
March 16, 2020
A couple years ago, I picked up a book on a whim called "Snow Crash." I didn't know what to expect and I had actually passed by it numerous times before giving in and finally purchasing it.
What a find!
"Snow Crash" by Neal Stephenson could have easily been just a generic science fiction techno babble-filled monstrosity, but that certainly wasn't the case. It ended up having a lot of originality, spunk and a surprising amount of heart.
I only mention the previous book to say that it led me to further explore the cyberpunk hacker-esque sub genre. Until that time, the sub genre was only nominally on my radar and even then it didn't really resonate with me as a place I wanted to spend my time.
This book scratched that sci-fi-hackerspace-VR is-it-real-or-not itch. It's a hacker adventure in the vein of (at least at first) Mr. Robot, but quickly becomes something almost entirely different. By the end chapters, I was having flashbacks to my days of reading Dan Brown or the best of Tom Clancy.
I want to give this book the props it deserves for not straying into go-to-this-place-do-this-thing territory and genuinely keeping the reader guessing what will happen next. There are times when you are absolutely certain you know where the story is going, then Falkner sucker punches you into a whole new trajectory.
All in all, I loved this book. Well done, Mr. Falkner.
What a find!
"Snow Crash" by Neal Stephenson could have easily been just a generic science fiction techno babble-filled monstrosity, but that certainly wasn't the case. It ended up having a lot of originality, spunk and a surprising amount of heart.
I only mention the previous book to say that it led me to further explore the cyberpunk hacker-esque sub genre. Until that time, the sub genre was only nominally on my radar and even then it didn't really resonate with me as a place I wanted to spend my time.
This book scratched that sci-fi-hackerspace-VR is-it-real-or-not itch. It's a hacker adventure in the vein of (at least at first) Mr. Robot, but quickly becomes something almost entirely different. By the end chapters, I was having flashbacks to my days of reading Dan Brown or the best of Tom Clancy.
I want to give this book the props it deserves for not straying into go-to-this-place-do-this-thing territory and genuinely keeping the reader guessing what will happen next. There are times when you are absolutely certain you know where the story is going, then Falkner sucker punches you into a whole new trajectory.
All in all, I loved this book. Well done, Mr. Falkner.
December 15, 2018
Name: Josh Halat
Book title: Brain Jack
What I think- Brain Jack is a great book that is super hard to put the book down. In the book, there are chapters that have cliffhangers that go on to the next chapter.
Plot- In the beginning of the book Sam, the main character, does one of the best and skilled hacks ever. He hacks into Telecomerica, encountering security spiders and a firewall. When Sam breaks the firewall and gets in, he orders some paper-thin Toshiba notebooks and two neuro headsets. He then takes his friend and go to a hacker convention in disguises and finds out the “real one” is inside the White House’s internet. He then realizes he got busted and goes to jail, but he figures out a way to get out. Sam finds out that the CDD was testing him to see what he could do and they offered him a job. He takes it and has to be Dodge's wingman to protect him. They have some encounters with cyber terrorists and shut them down, but the world becomes neuro so their mind is on the internet and can be hacked and controlled which starts a civil war. Dodge and Sam have made a virus and have to implant it to save the world, but this fails so Sam goes neuro and stops the war and stopping the neuro people to be controlled saving billions of lives.
Recommendations- I recommend this book to those who like The Tomorrow Code, books with hackers/ internet and books that you have to finish the book in one week good. Brain Jack is my favorite book ever because it is a very interesting book.
Book title: Brain Jack
What I think- Brain Jack is a great book that is super hard to put the book down. In the book, there are chapters that have cliffhangers that go on to the next chapter.
Plot- In the beginning of the book Sam, the main character, does one of the best and skilled hacks ever. He hacks into Telecomerica, encountering security spiders and a firewall. When Sam breaks the firewall and gets in, he orders some paper-thin Toshiba notebooks and two neuro headsets. He then takes his friend and go to a hacker convention in disguises and finds out the “real one” is inside the White House’s internet. He then realizes he got busted and goes to jail, but he figures out a way to get out. Sam finds out that the CDD was testing him to see what he could do and they offered him a job. He takes it and has to be Dodge's wingman to protect him. They have some encounters with cyber terrorists and shut them down, but the world becomes neuro so their mind is on the internet and can be hacked and controlled which starts a civil war. Dodge and Sam have made a virus and have to implant it to save the world, but this fails so Sam goes neuro and stops the war and stopping the neuro people to be controlled saving billions of lives.
Recommendations- I recommend this book to those who like The Tomorrow Code, books with hackers/ internet and books that you have to finish the book in one week good. Brain Jack is my favorite book ever because it is a very interesting book.
October 11, 2011
This was a really original take on an apocalyptic/dystopian novel but I was not all that impressed. There were several times throughout the book that I felt that something was not explained properly and so I wandered around confused because I could not pinpoint exactly where my confusion came from so I could not go back and reread a specific part. I felt that some of the characters were not needed and this was just annoying.
Sam's best friend should have either not been involved or should have been a lot more. When he is suddenly revealed that he is gaming himself to death I didn't feel connected enough to his character to feel bad. He was there one second and gone the next and then POOF here he is again. It was hard to get invested in it.
I did really like the way Falkner chose to describe Ursula and Sam's experience with/as her/it. I had never really thought of anything like that. But I am confused as to why Sam was able to do it but not Dodge. I know that he was the protagonist but there comes a point where its like... really? Is he THAT amazing?
I wasn't impressed with the excerpt at the back of the book from one of Falkner's other works and I don't think that I would read another of Falkner's books. His style is boorish and at times it feels as though he is trying too hard rather than just letting the work flow and speak for itself. I think this book was so good because the IDEA was very good, the writing itself left much to be desired.
Sam's best friend should have either not been involved or should have been a lot more. When he is suddenly revealed that he is gaming himself to death I didn't feel connected enough to his character to feel bad. He was there one second and gone the next and then POOF here he is again. It was hard to get invested in it.
I did really like the way Falkner chose to describe Ursula and Sam's experience with/as her/it. I had never really thought of anything like that. But I am confused as to why Sam was able to do it but not Dodge. I know that he was the protagonist but there comes a point where its like... really? Is he THAT amazing?
I wasn't impressed with the excerpt at the back of the book from one of Falkner's other works and I don't think that I would read another of Falkner's books. His style is boorish and at times it feels as though he is trying too hard rather than just letting the work flow and speak for itself. I think this book was so good because the IDEA was very good, the writing itself left much to be desired.
February 13, 2011
On Friday, on his way to school, Sam Wilson brought the United States of America to its knees.
Is that a killer way to start a story or what? Set in the near future, where Las Vegas is a smoking nuclear wasteland thanks to terrorists, and online gaming has become so addictive that people actually die from it, technology is everything. 17-year-old Sam starts out just trying to get some extremely expensive laptops and neuro-headsets from a massive US corporation that can't possible miss the money... and those headsets are amazing. They allow your thoughts to control your computer, and your experiences online to be beamed directly into your brain. After Sam succeeds and then hacks into the White House servers looking for a group of master hackers, the guys in black suits and mirror shades show up at the apartment where he and his mother live, and they take Sam away... While supposedly in a youth prison, he actually joins a government group of highly paid, genius level hackers who now battle real online enemies to protect the people of the United States. The computer scenes are tense and fast paced, with out-of-control airliners and nuclear reactors! Technology controls so much of our lives and environment, and Falkner digs right into the weaknesses of that dependence. Excellent sci-fi for 8th grade and up.
Is that a killer way to start a story or what? Set in the near future, where Las Vegas is a smoking nuclear wasteland thanks to terrorists, and online gaming has become so addictive that people actually die from it, technology is everything. 17-year-old Sam starts out just trying to get some extremely expensive laptops and neuro-headsets from a massive US corporation that can't possible miss the money... and those headsets are amazing. They allow your thoughts to control your computer, and your experiences online to be beamed directly into your brain. After Sam succeeds and then hacks into the White House servers looking for a group of master hackers, the guys in black suits and mirror shades show up at the apartment where he and his mother live, and they take Sam away... While supposedly in a youth prison, he actually joins a government group of highly paid, genius level hackers who now battle real online enemies to protect the people of the United States. The computer scenes are tense and fast paced, with out-of-control airliners and nuclear reactors! Technology controls so much of our lives and environment, and Falkner digs right into the weaknesses of that dependence. Excellent sci-fi for 8th grade and up.
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December 23, 2009I found Brainjack to be a really interesting read. The beginning of the book had me hooked and I wanted to read it a lot because I really liked it and was really interested in what happened.
I love mysteries and I really wanted to know who was the cyber terrorists etc. Once I found out though I kind of struggled through the rest of the book. It was about three-quarters of the way through but I just found the ending to be quite slow going.
Brainjack was set in the future but we're not given a year at any point so I have no idea when it is but this is in a way a good thing because it means the year will never arrive.
I loved the little hints about futuristic things like USB3 and virtual reality headsets.
Brian Falkner did a brilliant job in describing what it's like using a headset and I loved reading ever part of it.
I liked Sam too. He's the kind of guy that I'd like to be friends with. He's cool but not cool to too many people. I liked knowing only a little bit about him. It made him seem a bit more mysterious.
Overall, Brainjack is a really cool book and if you ever get the chance to read it, go for it.
I love mysteries and I really wanted to know who was the cyber terrorists etc. Once I found out though I kind of struggled through the rest of the book. It was about three-quarters of the way through but I just found the ending to be quite slow going.
Brainjack was set in the future but we're not given a year at any point so I have no idea when it is but this is in a way a good thing because it means the year will never arrive.
I loved the little hints about futuristic things like USB3 and virtual reality headsets.
Brian Falkner did a brilliant job in describing what it's like using a headset and I loved reading ever part of it.
I liked Sam too. He's the kind of guy that I'd like to be friends with. He's cool but not cool to too many people. I liked knowing only a little bit about him. It made him seem a bit more mysterious.
Overall, Brainjack is a really cool book and if you ever get the chance to read it, go for it.
March 28, 2013
I have currently been reading Brain Jack by Brain Falkner it is the best book ever! The main character is Sam one reason I like him is he always knows what to do. Like the part where the phantom takes over Dodge (he is the leader of an hacking team) then Kiwi comes in and sees Dodge under the phantoms spell and Sam running away. I thought it was smart to run away while Kiwi was looking away. The author describes setting really good one part I know is when Sam is on an airplane to go to New York the author says." when Sam sat down he saw his chair the color of a black blazer and the chair had a foot rest it was made from cow skin Sam had a personal servant named Ann she was in her forties and wore a black suit and red tie and black pants she held a soda for Sam. The author goes deep into comparisons about their emotions one part I remember is that when Sam got took to jail for hacking a hack convention it was supposed to be really safe place when he entered his heart beat so fast that is sounded like a piston. I'd give this book five stars so far it is one of the best book I've ever read!!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 2, 2019
Brain Jack
Personal review
I really like this book, and it probably comes in as one of my top five. I love the action, mystery, intricacy, and attention to detail. I wish he would have come out with more making this a series, but seeing as it was published in 2009, it is a safe assumption to say that he is done with this book.
Summary
The book starts with 17-year-old Sam Wilson hacking one of the biggest telecommunication networks in the world. After being put on the CDD's watchlist, he is quickly captured and sent to a small juvenile jail that was really meant to be a test. He broke out, therefore succeeding, and is quickly recruited by the CDD. After a while on the job, he has to face a collective conscience of all the people plugged into neuro headsets. The climax is him becoming one with the neural interface and easily defeating the conscience.
Recommendation
This book is great for just about everyone. It is a medium size book but that does not sacrifice any plot. There is also a little bit of everything in this book, from sci-fi to romance. Not many of the main characters die either so that is good especially coming off of a book with a high death rate.
Personal review
I really like this book, and it probably comes in as one of my top five. I love the action, mystery, intricacy, and attention to detail. I wish he would have come out with more making this a series, but seeing as it was published in 2009, it is a safe assumption to say that he is done with this book.
Summary
The book starts with 17-year-old Sam Wilson hacking one of the biggest telecommunication networks in the world. After being put on the CDD's watchlist, he is quickly captured and sent to a small juvenile jail that was really meant to be a test. He broke out, therefore succeeding, and is quickly recruited by the CDD. After a while on the job, he has to face a collective conscience of all the people plugged into neuro headsets. The climax is him becoming one with the neural interface and easily defeating the conscience.
Recommendation
This book is great for just about everyone. It is a medium size book but that does not sacrifice any plot. There is also a little bit of everything in this book, from sci-fi to romance. Not many of the main characters die either so that is good especially coming off of a book with a high death rate.
June 19, 2024
2024
2020
Honestly, the coolest part for me was when Sam broke into the White House. It was some legit hacking done by a teenage kid. I thought his breaking out of prison (the job interview) was a little over the top, but still pretty cool. Once the real action started, though, with Ursula taking over the minds of the people, I was almost a little bored with it. Plus, the whole "solution" to that was definitely over the top, in my opinion (I won't go into detail with it, but it just didn't seem realistic to me at all).
Overall, the characters where fun. I liked Sam and Dodge, and Vienna. I was surprised at how much they trusted each other when everything was going on, but they were right to do so. I didn't like how Fogart died, but it felt more like a reason to carry on the plot than an actual death. And the technical stuff was all a little bit dry for me, but whatever.
Not a bad book, but not a favorite.
2017
2020
Honestly, the coolest part for me was when Sam broke into the White House. It was some legit hacking done by a teenage kid. I thought his breaking out of prison (the job interview) was a little over the top, but still pretty cool. Once the real action started, though, with Ursula taking over the minds of the people, I was almost a little bored with it. Plus, the whole "solution" to that was definitely over the top, in my opinion (I won't go into detail with it, but it just didn't seem realistic to me at all).
Overall, the characters where fun. I liked Sam and Dodge, and Vienna. I was surprised at how much they trusted each other when everything was going on, but they were right to do so. I didn't like how Fogart died, but it felt more like a reason to carry on the plot than an actual death. And the technical stuff was all a little bit dry for me, but whatever.
Not a bad book, but not a favorite.
2017
April 22, 2011
Revolves around the concept of neuro-technology (computers plugged directly into your brain) and how it affects people's thoughts and actions. Very cool concept and unique, near-futuristic story with a suspenseful plot.
I would have like to have seen more character development along with the intense thriller aspects. Story moved quickly but I didn't feel particularly linked with anyone, not even the main character. It started out with a lot more internal thought, but as the story progressed, those kinda died off.
I would have like to have seen more character development along with the intense thriller aspects. Story moved quickly but I didn't feel particularly linked with anyone, not even the main character. It started out with a lot more internal thought, but as the story progressed, those kinda died off.
December 14, 2011
Brain Jack by Brian Falkner displays an intriguing plot with brilliant language. The engaged reader will find themselves wanting to carry on in this exciting adventure. Combining realistic characters with a semi-fictional plot, Falkner is able to create something few writers are capable of. However, be careful to avoid being sucked into the vortex of computer hacking that this book creates too much, or you may find yourself in the same position as some characters in the novel.
December 28, 2011
So far very exciting... Only problem is topical tech references, guitar hero, blurays etc. for a future book kind of pulled me out a little.
At end, a tense exciting thriller with 3 minor issues... 1. Topical references as mentioned earlier. 2. Bouts of incomprehensible jargon. 3. A weightless and anticlimactic ending... Good though from beginning to end.
At end, a tense exciting thriller with 3 minor issues... 1. Topical references as mentioned earlier. 2. Bouts of incomprehensible jargon. 3. A weightless and anticlimactic ending... Good though from beginning to end.
January 11, 2011
I did not think I would like this techno-thriller type of book, but I devoured it! There is enough action away from the computers to hold the readers attention and just enough character development to make the book interesting.
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