thrillers

Dan Brown writes for an intelligent reader, someone who can appreciate the subtle mysteries encoded in the more intricate plot and who enjoys gleaning factual information pertinent to the subject at hand, in this case computers, cyberspace and the politics they engender, while enjoying a facsinating read. Brown's considerable skill in imparting remarkable tid bits of information in interesting ways is clearly evident in this early work. Yes, he has improved but this first effort is well worth your time.

Brown's skills are not limited to teaching his audience about technology and encryption puzzles. In addition to a cleverly crafted plot he creates characters whom his readers are eager to embrace. Susan Fletcher a brilliant and patriotic mathematician works for a secret government agency, NSA, that uses the latest computer technology to find and uncode terrorist messages. She and her lover, David Becker, a highly regarded university professor fluent in many languages, are faced with a crisis that tests their abilities and puts their lives at risk when a brilliant but confused ex agent develops a deadly encryption code. The clever twists and turns make pausing unthinkable until the situation is resolved.

The beauty of reading a novel by Dan Brown is in taking the time to enjoy his prose and all the information contained therein. Unfortunately the suspenseful story forced me to finish much too quickly. I'll just have to read it again!

Codes, ciphers, Enigma, American Black Chamber.....If any of these words intrigue you then Digital Fortress by Dan Brown might just be a book for you. For many years I have been interested in all facets of intelligence, from David Kahn's book, The Codebreakers to James Bamford's, The Puzzle Palace. These works described the processes from breaking codes and ciphers to how one of America's most secret organizations orchestrates the massive responsibility of gathering and interpreting all type and matter of intelligence. Dan Brown has done his research well in the creation of this novel. He has created characters that are very down to earth and very believable.

The story itself is centered around the NSA, National Security Agency, how it operates, what it does and what it would like to do. Susan Fletcher a very intelligent and beautiful intellectual who is the head of the Crypto Group and her boyfriend David Becker, a university professor with a proclivity for languages, get entangled in some very interesting and dangerous situations. The action comes very fast and is well written. Brown puts several twists into this tale of the intelligence world and how it totally revolves around high powered computers and unbreakable algorithms. If you are a fan of techno fiction than you will find this a great and entertaining read. Beware ! The book is reminiscent of the movie "The Sting". You'll know what I mean when you get there.

If you think it's all a conspiracy... then check out these books also: I just read a copy of Edgar Fouche's 'Alien Rapture,' which also blew me away. Fouche was a Top Secret Black Program 'insider', whose credibility has been verified over and over. Want to be shocked, check out Dr. Paul Hill's 'Unconventional Flying Objects' which NASA tried to ban, and always read the Amazon reviews.

There are so many inaccuracies in this book that it makes it difficult to keep reading. It gives a new slant to The Da Vinci Code. If that's as full of errors as this one, then the Catholic Church can rest its concerns.

I could enumerate them, but this book isn't worth the time or effort. I'm sorry I bought it.