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marklpotter's review against another edition
2.0
Falkner spins a good tale here but the technical details he sprinkles through the story, to ostensibly give it realism, are not accurate in the least. That for kills what would have otherwise been a terrific romp. If you aren't a computer nerd then you'll probably enjoy this more than I did. The characters are not as deep as some other books but it is fast-paced and while predictable still done well. I just can't get past the obvious ad glaring errors in the technical details...
roshk99's review against another edition
3.0
Good dystopian society book, a little too technical, but still an engaging read
onceuponasarah's review against another edition
2.0
I enjoyed it, but I didn't really understand any of the technical stuff. If you know a lot about computer hacking and just computers/internet in general you would really like this book. But it does have a good story, and I was able to like it despite my lack of knowledge about what was happening.
anaria's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.0
missprint_'s review against another edition
1.0
Brain Jack by Brian Falkner (2009)
This book was shortlisted for the 2010 Cybils which is why (as a round 2 judge) I read it.
I can see how Brain Jack would have some appeal and could be great for teens who are into computers or are reluctant readers. That said, I personally wasn’t very impressed with the book.
I thought it was too technical. I know nothing about computers but a lot of the stuff sounded downright made up in places and in other places sounded like gibberish. It felt strange having people typing on a computer be high action and also Falkner at times made it seem like the characters were inside the computer which is jarring.
I personally was irritated when New York’s Avenue of the Americas was mentioned in the story, by a native New Yorker, when everyone who has been living here would only call it Sixth Avenue. Other elements also just felt out of place to me, like story threads that didn’t feel vital to the plot. (Examples: Vegas, Fargas, Vienna, Dodge’s dodgy tattoo ON HIS FOREHEAD.) Many of the characters also fell flat.
The prologue was poorly done and off putting. I got my copy from a friend who I’m sure also didn’t buy it. It was so strange having the prologue talk in depth about getting information from people who bought the book when I didn’t (and I’m sure a lot of people didn’t). Aside from completely disregarding libraries and borrowing books it brought me right out of the narrative since it was so not true for my experience. In tandem with the prologue I felt like the epilogue was too preachy and weirdly so. Neuro headsets don’t actually exist and the book is fiction, but then he is telling us he’ll be watching (much like Santa Claus)?
It just didn’t work for me.
This book was shortlisted for the 2010 Cybils which is why (as a round 2 judge) I read it.
I can see how Brain Jack would have some appeal and could be great for teens who are into computers or are reluctant readers. That said, I personally wasn’t very impressed with the book.
I thought it was too technical. I know nothing about computers but a lot of the stuff sounded downright made up in places and in other places sounded like gibberish. It felt strange having people typing on a computer be high action and also Falkner at times made it seem like the characters were inside the computer which is jarring.
I personally was irritated when New York’s Avenue of the Americas was mentioned in the story, by a native New Yorker, when everyone who has been living here would only call it Sixth Avenue. Other elements also just felt out of place to me, like story threads that didn’t feel vital to the plot. (Examples: Vegas, Fargas, Vienna, Dodge’s dodgy tattoo ON HIS FOREHEAD.) Many of the characters also fell flat.
The prologue was poorly done and off putting. I got my copy from a friend who I’m sure also didn’t buy it. It was so strange having the prologue talk in depth about getting information from people who bought the book when I didn’t (and I’m sure a lot of people didn’t). Aside from completely disregarding libraries and borrowing books it brought me right out of the narrative since it was so not true for my experience. In tandem with the prologue I felt like the epilogue was too preachy and weirdly so. Neuro headsets don’t actually exist and the book is fiction, but then he is telling us he’ll be watching (much like Santa Claus)?
It just didn’t work for me.
mrericmendez's review against another edition
4.0
Love the technical jargon and the story is actually pretty gripping. I loved reading this and didn't get bored by this sci-fi novel. Would love more stories like this. The resolution was decent and actually makes me want to read more. Wondering if there's a new book
annemtipton's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book! Straightforward plot. Fairly well written. Fun plot with twists that I didn't expect. Continues my current obsession with dystopic young adult science fiction. This book is a revised version of Hackers that meets part of the story line/a character from the Ender's Game original sequels! Loved it.
kellyjcm's review against another edition
3.0
Fast-paced, exciting plot. Sam is a likable character. I had some difficulty with the way the computer action was described - I found that confusing. Definitely though-provoking. The ending for me is unrealistic, but hey, it's sci-fi, right?
eatingfiction's review against another edition
4.0
Even though half the time I had no idea what was going on, I could feel the intensity and it kept me fully engrossed in the story.
A very quick and entertaining read.
A very quick and entertaining read.