Deception Point

Rating:
Summary: Who is being deceived?
Review: Deception Point is a fast action thriller written to the same formula as his first book, Digital Fortress. The main character, Rachel Sexton, has the same personality, drive, and abilities. The plot is similar enough that there are few surprises. The only major difference is that there is a greater assortment of supporting characters as more freedom of movement is allowed. In this novel the main character actually gets to leave her office building although this is based on a very flimsy premise. Sexton is sent to verify the NASA find in order to convince the White House staff of its legitimacy. I fail to see the logic in this.

In Digital Fortress it was the NSA that was portrayed as evil incarnate; in this book both NASA and the Space Frontier Foundation join the ranks along with, ultimately, the NRO. I was left wondering if Brown really does dislike NASA, etc. and if in fact his novels are guided more by a political agenda than a desire for thrilling readers. At best he seems to consider NASA a misguided venture but fails to see a better way.

Deception Point is a fast read and the chapters fly by (hardly surprising as there are 133 of them!). I read this on vacation and would recommend it for the poolside as you can interrupt the book at any time for a dip.