Official Review: Digital Secrets by James Lee

Scerakor · Post by **Scerakor** » 08 Jul 2017, 08:39

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Digital Secrets" by James Lee.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Diana, write Digital Secrets: Energy by James Lee an excellent review for OBC. Hmmm, that is unfortunate, I guess I'll just have to write this review myself.

This book revolves around our extremely smart (and not to mention successful) protagonist, Michael Fredrick, the creator of the widely used D.I.A.N.A. (Dynamic Intelligent Assistant - Networked Architecture) program. This program, the next evolution of artificial intelligence/personal digital assistants (think Siri on steroids) is an extremely advanced program that is voice activated, universally connected, and capable of a myriad of different functions. Of course, Michael's version, which is housed in a multi-million dollar server farm below his house, has much more computing capabilities than versions of the software commercially available. This is why Michael doesn't even hesitate to enlist Diana's skills when his best friend is suddenly killed in a suspicious manner.

Michael, his wife, and Diana find themselves quickly caught up in a situation much, much bigger than they expected. Before long they are being chased by ex-military operatives working for a corrupt energy company, defended by an unseen FBI presence, at the mercy of human kindness, and (for now) always merely one step ahead of those wanting to help and hurt them. Digital Secrets is a fast-paced novel that finds itself squarely placed in the C/T/M/H genre, but I could argue that it be classified more colloquially as a technological thriller.

This book not only kept me on the edge of my seat due to the action, but also mentally stimulated as I thought about the possibilities and capabilities of an advanced entity like Diana. The "thriller" part of the story was full of non-stop action which kept the reader guessing at each step along the way. The characters found themselves in one close call after another that had me glued to the pages. Lee's descriptions of some of the fight scenes were nothing short of extraordinary. He realistically illustrated FBI stakeouts, hostage attempts, and small (and larger!) arms firefights, among other action-packed scenes. These scenes were kept realistic not only in their descriptions of the action itself, but also in the outcomes (the author doesn't subscribe to the original Star Wars concept that the bad guy always has horrible aim.)

Beyond the action itself, and what I liked the most about this book, is how the author brings this kind of literature into the 21st century in a realistic manner. Lee fastidiously skirts the line between technology that is available today (and what the reader would be comfortable with) and that which could be available in the not so distant future. Capitalizing on the reader's probable familiarity with emerging "A.I." personal digital assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, Cortana, and others, he stimulates the reader's imagination by taking them one small (albeit rational) step further. Diana is connected into every aspect of Michael's life. This means that she can interact with every piece of technology he owns. Beyond this interconnectedness, Michael has programmed Diana to anticipate his desires, take actions based on his usual habits, and provide logical suggestions on a day-to-day basis. This is close enough to conceivable reality and far enough from science-fiction that Lee shows the reader that this really could still be the world we live in.

There were a couple of minor spelling mistakes that I picked up during this book, but they were very few and far between and by no means detracted from the enjoyment of this book. If I had to mention one item that I disliked about this book (and I would really be stretching here) it is that much of the story becomes significantly less interesting if the protagonist and antagonists weren't as rich and powerful as they are. Both were able to exploit their unlimited wallets to try to escape (and catch up to) one another. For example, in order to throw those following them off their trail, Michael's entourage books (and pays for) multiple plane, bus, and train tickets simply as decoys. I am fully aware that this comes from the fact that it makes fiction more interesting, but it is definitely more noticeable in this book.

For its technological prowess, its non-stop action, and fun premise, I have zero problems tossing this book a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. Despite my issues about unlimited funds/power above, they are by no means enough to force it to lose a star. If you are a fan of fast-paced action books, especially those that have a strong base in technology, you will likely enjoy this book. If you have an aversion to action books or violent confrontations that end in death, you may want to stay away from this book. The Amazon page states that this book is the first in the "Digital Secrets" trilogy and the author, in the final chapter, set the stage for the next book. One thing that I can say for sure is that I'll be jumping at the first opportunity to read the next book in the series.

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Digital Secrets
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Post by **kandscreeley** » 18 Jul 2017, 14:58

I would have to say that the cover page looks pretty unremarkable. However, you've really made me want to read this book. I'm going to have to put it on my list. Might be something my husband would enjoy reading as well. Thanks for the review! Loved it!

Jaime Lync · Post by **Jaime Lync** » 18 Jul 2017, 15:30

I think that the cover is somewhat meh but I still like it. The name of the book though totally turned me off. Your review turned me back on though. Thanks.

DonAxon · Post by **DonAxon** » 18 Jul 2017, 19:50

If I saw this book on the shelf at a book store, neither the title, or the cover would inspire to read it, however after reading your review, I'd be more than happy to go look for it. Thanks, most enlightening.

raikyuu · Post by **raikyuu** » 18 Jul 2017, 22:22

I've read books and watched movies about possible technologies in the future. If this book offers something new on the table, I would add it to my bookshelf. Basing on the summary, I can't find anything new (of course, this is subjective). But still, thank you for the review.

Dave254 · Post by **Dave254** » 19 Jul 2017, 09:36

Yes the book doesn't have anything new but it just makes me want to read it,i love it,to me its a pass

raikyuu · Post by **raikyuu** » 19 Jul 2017, 10:36

Dave254 wrote:Yes the book doesn't have anything new but it just makes me want to read it,i love it,to me its a pass

To each his own, I guess.

LadyClaire · Post by **LadyClaire** » 19 Jul 2017, 16:24

What a glowering review. I remember when I read a similar book: The blue nowhere, I felt I could do anything...leave it to great authors, they certainly know how to turn us on.

Gingerbo0ks · Post by **Gingerbo0ks** » 19 Jul 2017, 18:10

I think this review is good for the saying "don't judge a book by it's cover"! Sounds like a lot going on here and I like that it takes what we know about modern technology and takes it that step further.

Quirinius · Post by **Quirinius** » 20 Jul 2017, 09:02

Thank you for the great review, you just made me gigantic of wanting more of the book. Job well done.

Scerakor · Post by **Scerakor** » 20 Jul 2017, 09:37

kandscreeley wrote:I would have to say that the cover page looks pretty unremarkable. However, you've really made me want to read this book. I'm going to have to put it on my list. Might be something my husband would enjoy reading as well. Thanks for the review! Loved it!

Agreed - if one were to choose it by the cover alone they definitely would miss a fun read.

-- 20 Jul 2017, 10:38 --

raikyuu wrote:I've read books and watched movies about possible technologies in the future. If this book offers something new on the table, I would add it to my bookshelf. Basing on the summary, I can't find anything new (of course, this is subjective). But still, thank you for the review.

There are a lot of books about possible future technologies, but I haven't read one quite like this before. It is both "future tech" but also close enough to be relatively "near-future" considering the leaps and bounds of the "internet of things."

-- 20 Jul 2017, 10:40 --

Gingerbo0ks wrote:I think this review is good for the saying "don't judge a book by it's cover"! Sounds like a lot going on here and I like that it takes what we know about modern technology and takes it that step further.

I definitely didn't set out to make that distinction... but I guess it can apply here! I'm a nerd so I like seeing equations, so it really hadn't bothered me too much. Apparently there are a lot of folks here who don't like the cover!

living · Post by **living** » 20 Jul 2017, 21:52

I am seeing this review for the first time it's really a nice work, so enticing and motivating.

Roland Ebisonian · Post by **Roland Ebisonian** » 23 Jul 2017, 08:31

I kind of need not to read the book again with this review, but I better read it it. I think, it is a nice review, tempting me to make my trial.

visionreaderwriter · Post by **visionreaderwriter** » 24 Jul 2017, 07:57

The story is amazing. I like such books.

gali · Post by **gali** » 04 Aug 2017, 06:34

An intelligent A.l, murder, future technologies, and non-stop action? Sounds good! It is great that the author managed to "brings this kind of literature into the 21st century in a realistic manner". I love such books and will check it out. Thank you for the review!