Acts of the Apostles

Rating:
Summary: Sundman tries very hard....
Review: Sundman's work suffers from overpacked details in every sentence to make it a smasher, cyber-thriller-techno-geek book. Be prepared for some tough slugging. Clue: the book is all about Sun's Jini and Java, and how Blue-Tooth will be used to invade our lives, enabling linking of biological-genetic data to electronic. It could happen. Sundman's namesake Bill Joy just warned us all. But it would make a good story without all the blood and bad Swiss-german in Sundman's The Acts of the Apostles.

Rating:
Summary: Cyber-Techno-Conspiracy Theory-Murder Mystery...Awesome!
Review: The title pretty much says it - this book has it all. It doesn't have 5 stars though, for a couple of reasons; 1) the book was obviously not proofread before publication, as it has numerous formatting errors. Not a big deal, but if you're going to publish something, do it right! & 2) left too many things hanging and unanswered. It seemed like some interesting facts/plot devices were introduced and then never returned to or mentioned again. Of course, this is Sunderman's first novel.

But it's a great one! Hard to put down, amazingly complicated conspiracy theory that really gets you scared if you start to think about it too much...Buy this book if you are at all interested in: conspiracy theory, comp. sci. in general, or issues of privacy in an increasingly technologically advanced world.

Rating:
Summary: Acts of the Apostles
Review: John Sundman has crafted an intricate tapestry of deceit, lust, faith, and science in one gripping novel. The characters are developed logically, and their experiences and memories resonate with those of the reader, drawing them in as a shadow character within the story. The plot unfolds with all the usual twists and turns of an excellent thriller novel, as the Heros and Villains are carefully cultivated but not entirely revealed until the exciting and climactic ending. As a reader with an interest and background in science and technology, I found the book to be a fascinating blend of technological reference and creative thinking, and I highly recommend it as a good Summer read!

Rating:
Summary: Totally cool
Review: Every now and then it's a relief to read a book purely for fun, but it can be hard to find one that doesn't also insult your intelligence. What a pleasure, then, to come across ACTS, which not only provides the requisite thrills and chills, but also says as much or more about the world we live in than any self-important tome published in the last ten years. There are a few over the top moments, but all in all this is an astoundingly accurate (and frightening) forecast of where we've been and where we might be going. If you weren't scared of those smiling Gatesian techno-geeks before ("we're just here to make your life better"), you will be when you put it down. This is a great book --THE cult technology book of the new millenium.

Rating:
Summary: The Cyber futrue
Review: Mr. Sundman has written a provocative yet humorus view of a future where the cybercrats and DNA researchers have gone too far. The book should appeal to any reader who has misgivings about technology as the "New Savior" There is plenty of wit to balance the the tale of a new "Big Brother" headed our way; one who thinks nothing of murdering thousands of people to achieve the "New Age."

While the plot may at first glance seem a little far out, one only needs to see Bill Gate's new commercial, (I am a nice guy, here to help everyone) to realize that the new Computer Age may not be totally benign. As Nick, Bartlett and Paul discover, there are dark forces about.

Mr. Sundman makes good use of current political and medical events, the gulf War, AIDS, DNA research to create a feeling that his novel is closer to fact than fiction. His insights into high-tech companies is obviously basd on first-hand knowledge. That makes the book that much scarier.

I recommned you turn off your computer and read this book. You may not be in a hurry to log back on once you have finished Acts of the Apostles

Rating:
Summary: Educational, yet Enjoyable!
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed the book! It was very thrilling and just when you thought you had it figured out, there was a new twist! The most noteworthy characteristic however, was that fact that me being only a sophomore in college was able to flow right through the book even with all the computer jargon it contained. It was certainly a page-turner and I could not seem to put it down. I am very impressed with the author's vivid descriptions making the reader feel as though they are one with the character. The book was very educational and seemed to put my previous knowledge to the test. It was so well written that the reader was able to learn a few new things, as well as sit back and enjoy the thrill of the ride. EXCELLENT! I, as well as many others, will be hoping for another work from this aspiring new author!

Rating:
Summary: Techno thriller
Review: The opening chapter captured the thrill of software/hardware debugging. When a murder intruded on that opening I was captured. The author has a feel for the fast pace of the techno world and catches human emotions. The characters are developed, themes of evil and good are explored, flights of science fiction abound. Mostly though I enjoyed the interplay and tension around the brothers, the spouse and the chase. The book is well worth your time and investment.

Rating:
Summary: Techno-thriller for the techno-illiterate.
Review: This book encompassed many of the advances, problems, and conspiracies within our advancing existance. The ever struggle between freedom and technology, portrayed by highly developed characters that come across so real that you can live in their wolrd. Sundman is obviously very wise when it comes to technology, but he puts the story in plain english so that you can follow even if operating a microwave is the extent of your mechanical inclination.

Rating:
Summary: Acts of the Apostles
Review: I want to know...about paul's teamwork in the mission fields

Rating:
Summary: A thriller that actually thrills
Review: Smart and exciting, this debut novel is everything a thriller should be - an absolutely gripping page-turner that gives you sympathetic real people to relate to and care about as they wander through a dangerous world. The science is completely convincing (clearly the author must have been some sort of scientist in an earlier incarnation), but is rarely difficult, and is always cutting edge. The themes are not only timely but important as well, issues we all should be thinking about as biotech brings us closer to the answers at the heart of the mystery of life and consciousness. The ending is a total surprise and will literally make you gasp out loud. I hope this book finds an audience, because I'd love to read more from this author.