The Alexandria Project

<strong>Not My Speed…</strong><br /><br />Frank Advesego (a wonderful name) is a self-proclaimed computer geek.<br /><br />When he is hacked by “The Alexandria Project” he is concerned enough to try to stop them from going on a hacking campaign.<br /><br />So consumed with chasing down the culprits, he is on the road in a souped up camper, pursued by the FBI, while he frenetically tries to determine who are the hackers.<br /><br />Lots of technology in this one. Lots of technical talk. I should have known before reading a book about cyber crime and other tech-speak.<br /><br />The talk about the internet is passable, but the details about longitude and latitude put me to sleep. Several times.

<strong>Interesting story.</strong><br /><br />Reminded me again Cuban missile crisis, this time with North Korea. Started with cyber security experts trying to locate the hacker or hackers.<br /> CIA, FBI and Homeland security isn't communicating with each other to solve the problem.

For me this is a very classy thriller. Superb opening to the story and what follows is an intriguing story of espionage with the cyber security expert Frank at the centre of the story. But it is much more than that. I loved Frank, a wonderfully flawed genius who I warmed to immediately. The author is skilled when it comes to characterisation across the board but Frank is the perfect example of how a writer needs to give depth to their creations. The narrative is strong and consistent and the writer shows off his technical knowledge without detracting from the story or losing the reader. He clearly is more familiar with the world of computers than I am and it is a complex book in terms of plot strands and the actual technical background information. However Andrew Updegrove brought me along with him every step of the way. I never for one second felt overwhelmed by this side of the book, a tribute to his knowledge of the subject matter behind the storyline and his great story telling ability. I am not generally a fan of books about espionage, cyber terrorism or conspiracies for that matter, but I was completely engrossed in this book from start to finish. There is a great sense of style here. I believe that having read this book that I know exactly what to expect from his next one. Thriller writers often revert to cliché and can be lazy in terms of recycling the ideas of others. Not so in this case. I found The Alexandria Project to be original and it carried a strength of voice that appealed to me greatly. This is a gripping, funny, clever and above all entertaining read. I am officially an Andrew Updegrove fan and cannot wait to read his next one.

<strong>Decent read</strong><br /><br />Good start to a series. A lot of twists in the story, enough to keep your interest and keep you guessing.

<strong>Cyber Detective </strong><br /><br />While a lot of the computer language was over my head, I throughly enjoyed the novel, for me, concept of this story. A smug, self-important computer security expert being challenged and being baffled almost yo the end if the story. Surprise, after surprise are introduced by the people around him. A touch of humor us introduced by his dog and his daughters relationship with a CIA agent. I highly recommend this book.

A gripping, plausible doomsday plot complemented by insights into the murky worlds of cybersecurity, international politics, and venture capital. The Alexandria Project by Andrew Updegrove is a fast-paced and high-octane cyber thriller. It is a finely plotted Sci-Fi mystery, which takes you on an adventure that is full of twist and turns. <br /> I received an ebook Kindle version from Andrew Updegrove in exchange for reading and giving my review about the book. Thank you Mr. Updegrove, I can't hardly wait until the sequel "The Lafayette Deception" will be available.

This book is a little hard for me to rate. It was very suspenseful, although it took a while for the suspense to build up. There was also a decent amount of crude humor, which I totally could have done without.<br /><br />The prologue was interesting enough and started building suspense, but chapter one basically was devoted to telling the life story of the main character - and in a somewhat boring and confusing way. Even after the first chapter, it took a little while for things to actually build up all the way.<br /><br />I thought the characters were well written. Marla was nice. Carl was extremely annoying at first, but I came around to being okay with him. We got a LOT of background on Frank, but a good part of it ended up having to do with the plot.<br /><br />Once the story really got going, it was very captivating. About half way through, things really picked up and I had trouble setting the story down. The ending was good.<br /><br />I don't really know what else to say except that there was a lot of action and suspense at the end.<br /><br />Because of content (see below) and the fact that the story took a while to take off, I'm giving this 3 stars. I think the story is most suitable for readers 18+ and, if possible, should be edited for cussing, etc.<br /><br />Content: mentions of divorce, drinking, gambling, conception out of wedlock, a man abandoning his family, crude humor, cussing, and profanity.

"The Alexandria Project" which I won from Goodreads Giveaways is a fascinating mystery thriller that begins when file directories are being compromised at the Library of Congress (LoC); a flaming image and a thank you note left in their place. When Frank Adversego, a disgruntled but brilliant cyber security expert at the LoC becomes the CIA's chief suspect, he decides to investigate and finds a connection to international espionage and a conspiracy to annihilate two major American cities. What he doesn't expect is to become of the target of an FBI manhunt.<br /> <br />Andrew Updegrove 's narrative looks not only at IT architecture, but its security and the impact a lack of safety could have on military/weapons deployment. It is well-researched and technical in places but as the plot progresses, it quickly heats up as Frank Adversego not only uncovers the identity of those involved in the Alexandria Project but also the far- reaching consequences of the hackers' intrusion into computer networks across America. Within the narrative Andrew Updegrove has woven subplots that deal with a contest of wills between the FBI and CIA, an intelligence leak and a missile crisis. All converge in a climax that's not only explosive but has shocking implications.<br /><br />The characters are well-developed and multi-faceted especially Frank Adversego Jr., the anti-social, highly intelligent cyber guru who's concentration is absolute when solving a problem. Although at work he's considered an unreliable genius and bull-headed, his redeeming qualities include a loving and forgiving heart as well as a wry sense of humor. Marla Adversego is the opposite of her father; sociable, posed and self-assured. She's very protective of her father and in her dealings with the CIA tends to be perceptive, shrewd and feisty. Agent Carl Cummings seems self-important, arrogant and proud, but in his job is dedicated and reliable. George Marchand, Frank's boss is an innate leader who's secretive, but supportive and trusting. I especially liked Lily, the obese overly affectionate Corgi who seems to undermine Frank's boredom with her energetic spirit and Frank Thatcher, the amiable and wily retired FBI agent. All the characters in the novel add strength and colour to a story that's riveting with all its twists and turns.<br /><br />I hope in future novels we'll see more of the indomitable Frank Adversego, a refreshingly flawed hero. I thoroughly enjoyed this cyber thriller and highly recommend it.<br />

4,25 stars - English Ebook <br /><br />North Korea's missiles areready to launch and only cybersecurity sleuth Frank Adversego can prevent a nuclear Armageddon.<br /><br />Data is disappearing from computers everywhere. As the nation nears collapse, Frank Adversego, a brilliant but conflicted cyber security expert, finds himself trapped in a power play between the FBI and the CIA. Only by uncovering the Alexandria Project can he clear himself. What follows is a fast-paced, satirical tale of cyber sleuthing, international espionage, and nuclear brinksmanship that accurately portrays our increasing vulnerability to cyberattack.<br /><br />One of the most enjoyable books I've read in a long time. I don't know much about computing and the internet but really enjoyed this, including appropriate explanations that were not too technical or long winded. So I don't know how realistic the computing elements were but just enjoyed them as part of the plot.<br /><br />The Alexandria Project is a great example of how to write absorbing, exciting thrillers without gratuitous sex, violence or swearing that so many authors seem to think necessary to make their books sell because presumably they think it makes them more exciting. It was just as exciting and absorbing as other thrillers that do have lots of swearing etc, that all too often I have to abandon.<br /><br /> The only problem with this book is that it ended, although the ending in itself was satisfying with loose ends tied up, which is another thing some books can lack. I'm hoping that any other books by this author live up to this standard and look forward to reading them if they do and recommending them to family and friends, which is all too rare with thrillers.

Don't be afraid of the technology!<br /><br />When reading the overview of the "Alexandria Project", it would be understandable if you thought it would be heavy on the technology. &amp; it was! But in an exciting, straight forward &amp; extremely enjoyable way! I'm always interested to read "techno thrillers" but I'm usually left feeling like I've missed part of the story because that part of the plot is over my head. Andrew Updegrove writes in such a way that while I could understand the techno aspect, he never made me feel like it had been "dumbed down". I can proudly say that while I've heard the word "bot net" before, I now understand what it is! =D<br /><br />Updegrove's other talent? A gifted ability to paint a picture w/ his words. By the end of the first few chapters, I could clearly picture the home of the Alexandria Project &amp; as an added bonus; the relationship between Frank &amp; Lily. He took a man &amp; a dog (owned by his mother but reluctantly cared for by Frank) &amp; wove a hilarious love-hate story that will make you laugh out loud! <br /><br />The Alexandria Project is a book that fully embraces both sides of the "technothriller" genre &amp; as it progresses, it becomes harder &amp; harder to put down. Finally it leaves you thinking that the Alexandria Project is a cautionary tale which gives you a whole layer of chills &amp; will leave you thinking when NOT if long after you're done.