Cipher

I have read many of Ms. McCray's earlier books, and I was looking forward to this one as the first book in the series was great. Unfortunately, I realized right away that the rush to put put more, more, more by the author left a negative affect here. Early on the story founders a bit, as not enough time was taken to give it depth and only the bard bones were really there. That issue does resolve about halfway through, but the need for line and some content editing, as well as some proof reading was painful. Redundant language detracted and distracted heavily, as did shiftting POVs, loss of narrator voice, andtoo frequent use of geeky language without reference for the reader. There were a few instances of suspense of belief issues as well as several instances of inaccuracies (NSA in the Berlin Airport?)The fact that the story was still absorbing and fun and interesting despite all of this is a testament to Ms. McCray's genuine talent as a writer and storyteller. I find myself torn between wanting to know the rest of the story and supporting the self-commercialization of an author that doesn't really need to sell herself so short. I can only hope in the future she realizes the true value of professional editing at more than just the proofreading level.

This sequel picks up as our intrepid computer hacker and her allies again try to save the world from the bad guys. There are a lot of sci-fi gadgets which will boggle the mind unless you are a Star Trek fan, but it is still fiction, and should be viewed that way. There is non-stop action, and travel all around the world, all in less than 24 hours--Amazing! One problem carries over from ENCRYPTED and that is the fact that the computer geeks (at least 3 of them) always have their fingers "flying over the keyboard" searching for something, inputting data, or activating some device. NOT ONCE do they have to "backspace" to correct a wrong key stroke. I find this more difficult to accept than all of the futuristic gadgets.There is another problem, at least from my point of view, but you will have to read CIPHER and make that determination on your own. I am looking forward to the final book in this trilogy.

McCray's second Hacker novel, Cipher, takes the reader on yet another whirling worldwide adventure to save humanity. Typical to formula action-adventure fiction, Cipher's story-line is plot driven. For that reason, it's rapid reading. As with Dan Brown's novels, or Nora Robert's or Stephen King's, it's the formula that hooks readers on the obsession to finish the book. And, it's the formula that has readers eagerly pre-ordering the next installment.Writing by formula, however, challenges the author to continue building engaging characters and developing anticipation and intrigue in their sequels. This is why writing a sequel that's as good as the first novel is difficult. McCray certainly succeeded in maintaining overall quality in her Betrayal series as each of those novels can easily be read as a stand alone novel. I think in Cipher's case, where the focus is more on plot than on further character development, the reader benefits from having read the prequel, Encrypted.Because I feel the world needs more empowered female heroines and because I like that McCray utilizes high technology in this series, I've already started reading Code, the next book in this trilogy. Although I'm dreading which historical sites the Hand heedlessly levels, I am ever curious as to what new "prototypes" mastermind Quirk will unleash and whether there will be a bit more heat simmering the constantly thwarted romance between Ronny and Zack.

I didn't read the first book but this book stood on it's own as far as I'm concerned. Completely action packed and riveting scenes as the characters fight their way to the cure for the deadly flu virus. The (toys) which are innovative weapons that they've designed themselves with the help of friends are interestingly very helpful as they're constantly under attack from the bad guys.You'll love the quicky characters such as "Quick" and the sexy FBI agent "Zach". Ronnie is known as "The Robin Hood Hacker" for her extreme tech skills as she shows she's earned that title throughout the book. She breaks into banks and other facilities using her interesting skills along with her toys to navigate some really hair raising deterents in the buildings she breaks into while the bad guys are always right behind her.Great action book!

Ronnie, Zach and Quirk are back to save the world. In similar fashion as the preceeding Encrypted this is an action-packed thrill ride that reads like one big chase scene from a movie. Never a moment to sit back and relax the ulikely heros - an FBI agent, a world reknowned hacker and her side kick - are again tasked to save the world with barely a thank you. Now that the world is relatively safe from the plague of the previous adventure the same zealots are back to it with a new form of the flu virus. Back in familiar territory our heros are again tasked at bringing down the bad guys, finding the cure and saving the world. Putting off their taboo relationship and sacrificing their own happiness in the process. Take a look at another fun, page turning read with Cipher.

Once again I was blown away by McCray's storytelling and her ability to take me on the ride with her. Good guys, bad guys, shoot outs, and over the top...TOYS! And that's just in the first two pages!!! If you like action, you'll love this. However, it's not just an action novel. You need to use your brain as well or you'll be lost as a goose when the action dies down a bit, as this is a thinking person's novel as well.The Hidden Hand is at it again. Seems they have no lack of megalomaniacs willing to step in and fill the void left by the black plague, and are holding a huge grudge against the Robin Hood Hacker and FBI agent Zach Hunt. It's a wonderful cast of heroes and villains which ended on a cliff hanger that has me smiling...a bit fiendishly.