Blackout

Rating:
Summary: A Hi-Tech Page Turner
Review: Every once and a while a whale of a thriller plot combines difficult technological issues and doesn't fall flat on its face. Blackout not only passes that test it gets straight A's both in its coverage of technical details and in drawing the reading in to its plot. Digital TV, which I know more than anyone wants to know about, is a complex issue - so far mainly a technical, political and economic disaster. In Ward's book, just like real life, American's are addicted to their good old analog TV, until - unlike real life - Ward's TVs begin to blow up. While this may sound fantastic, Ward manages to weave in accurate details without leaving the reader behind. Indeed, once he establishes his characters and the technology background, the pages turn faster and faster until the reader slams into the conclusion. In sum, an easy to read beginning that draws the reader into an exciting techno-thriller plot.

Rating:
Summary: A mixed blessing but a rewarding read
Review: There's a lot to like in this book. The idea is great. It gives a believable techno-plot without descending into techno-babble. The background of TV (digital and otherwise) with all its technological, societal and cultural "glory" is observed and argued well. The plot zips along for the most part. Silicon Valley is represented realistically and fun to read about if you're at all familiar with it (I live around there and work there).

Unfortunately, the book's shortcomings are made all the more painful in light of its good qualities. While the author valiantly tries to breathe life and individuality into his characters (such as Armenian heritage, Silicon Valley foibles and a folio artist as one of the main characters), the characters ultimately remain fairly flat. Story lines are picked up and discarded haphazardly (such as the protagonist's budding romance as well as his wife's "love" interest). Family dynamics enter into the plot without ever being developed sufficiently. And, please please please, dear author, never ever again try to write another sex scene. Yours are flat, unappealing and, worst of all, unintentionally comical.

All told, the author seems more at home with things than with people. He does much better with plot than with characters. But even so, the plot seems to get away from him in the last 75 pages or so, relying too much on often unrealistic escalation for thrills and stereotypes and cliches for plot resolution.

Coming from a novice author, this is an admirable effort. I hope he tries again. On balance, a pretty good read.

Rating:
Summary: Exciting new techno-thriller
Review: This book grabs you from the beginning and doesn't let go. It's the kind of book that involves you in it's characters lives, and incidentally teaches a bit about the television and computer industries as you follow this suspensful story. I also enjoyed the occasional referrences to the Armenian culture and heritage of the protagonists (brothar and sister) A warning though: be prepared to miss some sleep once you start this book, because you won't want to put it down!