The Termination Node

I read this book when it came out in 1999 and thought it was an entertaining but unrealistic view of the future of computers. I found it interesting that many of the reveiwers claimed they knew so much about computers and all of them seemed to think that the authors' predictions were way out of line. Several of the reviewers went out of their way to point out how much smarter they were than the two writers who had composed the book. Well, all of those hot-shot reviewers are gone and so is their laughter. During the past several years, this book has become famous as the most accurate account of computer crime ever to appear in a novel.Recently, the Federal Government released a report stating that over $2 billion had been stolen over the internet by hackers breaking into personal accounts and stealing money from everyday people. That's when I re-read THE TERMINATION NODE and discovered that Gresh and Weinberg had predicted all of the recent problems involving internet robbery five years ago. Though the book never received much coverage in science sections, it should have been on the front pages of newspapers throughout the country. Most citizens still have no idea how vulnerable their bank accounts are to hackers. Maybe it'll take a $50 billion dollar heist like the one in this book to convince everyone that they need to protect their internet investments better. This is a book every person worried about 21st century crime should read!

This is one of the few computer-related novels that I have read that takes into account that not everyone knows computer terminology. What computer terminology is used should be readily understandable from watching television. But that isn't entirely what makes this a good read. Weinberg and Gresh have written a day-after-tomorrow thriller with excellent pacing, making it hard to put the book down. And the characters, even the minor ones, are well delineated, making them stand out from the page so you get to know them like your neighbor or the friendly grocer down the street. I, for one, will be eagerly awaiting their next novel. And this one is highly recommended!

This book is the best computer thriller I have ever read. It is not really science fiction though it takes place a few years in the future. All of the computer science is true and is happening today. Anyone who thinks this book is science fiction is missing the whole point of the novel. The stuff that takes place in this novel can take place right now. That is what makes this novel so scary. I'm a computer science major in college and the characters in this book are very believable. I attend college with people just like the hackers in the story. It is easy to relate to them as they are exactly like my friends. Cal and Judy are both typical hackers, as are Grouch and his friends. Reading the description of how they live made me laugh, because it describes my apartment.If you are the least bit interested in the dangers of internet banking or high-tech crime, you have to read this book. It is the first book that really describes the computer field and hackers the way they really are. I can't wait for the sequel.

As a computer professional of 30 years, I can tell you that the threats portrayed in this book are real. Gresh and Weinberg do an excellent job of gripping the reader and keeping the action moving. Once I started, I couldn't put it down.This book should be required reading for all business leaders. It is a clarion call to alert people to the real threat of the 21st century. Its not Y2K but the increasingly vulnerable state of business and the world economy due to their reliance on the electronic commerce.In the end, hackers rule!If you like a good thriller or if you have anything to do with business, you should buy this book and read it today!

Though I use the internet mainly for e-mail and research, I found The Termination Node to be one of the most believable and frightening thrillers I've read in a long time. As a librarian, I read plenty of novels so that I know what to recommend to my patrons. This book is going to be right at the top of my list for people looking for an entertaining fast read that combines high-tech thrills with non-stop action. I especially liked the fact that all of the characters were believable and not overdone cliches. None of them were perfect, and Judy, the heroine, evolves and changes througout the story. The computer material was explained well and seemed very real. It really made me wonder if the story could happen right now. Another thing I liked about this book is that while it is aimed at adults, it is not filled with a lot of graphic sex and violence. It is suitable for older teens, who would probably really enjoy the computer material and the hacker details. This is a book that every library should carry. I know ours will.