4.04

2

May 26, 2013

Though there were some very interesting ideas here I think the character development and the writing were pretty painful. I think this might be an author overcompensating in cloying drama via story telling for what he seems to have available in strong research and concepts. Half of this book could have been news reports or journal entries and we would have gotten the same information without the crap. I worked hard to stick with it because I love the genre and I know some real interesting Though there were some very interesting ideas here I think the character development and the writing were pretty painful. I think this might be an author overcompensating in cloying drama via story telling for what he seems to have available in strong research and concepts. Half of this book could have been news reports or journal entries and we would have gotten the same information without the crap. I worked hard to stick with it because I love the genre and I know some real interesting concepts are tucked in there, unfortunately the back and forth between the characters was so damn tedious I found myself wishing for more violent death. Generally, I don't appreciate stereotypical characters and I certainly don't like the prepared survivalist who just happens to have everything. It's a waste of good plot development and critical problem solving. Women don't always want to argue to give away supplies or avoid violence and men don't always want to save their own. If half of your characters are just vehicles for moral, political or technological arguments you've got a dumb ass supporting cast. Remove the characters stupid little lives and their ridiculous moralizing every other page and we'd have the makings of a good book. ...more

5

Jul 30, 2013

This book has so much going for it on so many levels, I'm at a a loss where to start.

First off, it's a very well-written disaster story so if you love catastrophe flicks and novels, you'll absolutely love Cyberstorm. But that's not what's important. The author fills the book with so much love and understanding it raises the genre to a totally new level.

Basically, Cyberstorm answers one sole question: what would become of our minds and souls in case of a major catastrophe? How long can we This book has so much going for it on so many levels, I'm at a a loss where to start.

First off, it's a very well-written disaster story so if you love catastrophe flicks and novels, you'll absolutely love Cyberstorm. But that's not what's important. The author fills the book with so much love and understanding it raises the genre to a totally new level.

Basically, Cyberstorm answers one sole question: what would become of our minds and souls in case of a major catastrophe? How long can we preserve our spirit and neighborly feelings? I could tell almost immediately that the author drew much of his research and inspiration from the second-world-war disaster of the siege of Leningrad in 1941-1944. He portrays the frozen landscape of a major city devoid of heating, food, water, warm clothing, electricity, plumbing and communications and lets his characters show their best side.

Yes, this is what I loved about Cyberstorm - the heroes' courage and spirit. This is exactly what raises it above all other disaster stories. The book proved to be absolutely "unputdownable" - when I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about the heroes and their future. Definitely a genre milestone. ...more

2

Feb 14, 2016

This book has a totally intriguing premise, which is of course why I downloaded the thing. After a great start, the follow through was somewhat flat. I will say that the author has great ideas, and could probably MacGyver his way out of a lot of situations. But, I did expect more specifics. Like, how exactly does a cyber attack work? This ended up being more of a survival story amid a disaster in the concrete jungle, than a book about cyber espionage. The good point: there was a lot of realism This book has a totally intriguing premise, which is of course why I downloaded the thing. After a great start, the follow through was somewhat flat. I will say that the author has great ideas, and could probably MacGyver his way out of a lot of situations. But, I did expect more specifics. Like, how exactly does a cyber attack work? This ended up being more of a survival story amid a disaster in the concrete jungle, than a book about cyber espionage. The good point: there was a lot of realism within a very human story. Looking back as a whole, I desired a more exciting plot, and one less coincidence to explain the disaster. ...more

2

Jun 24, 2013

The writing style made what could have been a good story somewhat frustrating. I felt like Mr Mather was writing a movie, not a book. There were a few times I was tempted to stop reading, as the coincidences kept piling up, a couple times making me literally groan out loud. Near the end, it seemed like he just wanted to get it over with, and it felt like it ended fairly abruptly. I'm glad I finished it, but still won't be recommending it to anyone.

1

Aug 16, 2013

This was a complete waste of time. While the main storyline had a hint of originality, the execution was amateurish ("you blew cousin Henry's ear right off") and rather than make an attempt at writing his way out of situations, he used flashforwards to resolve huge pieces of the plot. By the end I felt like I was reading a creative writing assignment from a continuing education class. Zero stars would have been more accurate.

5

Apr 10, 2014

4.5 stars. This was a great little Indie techno-thriller that I thought also qualified for the horror genre. Just substitute zombie with cyber-attack and you have a frightening scenario for a post-apocalyptic type of storyline. Bad things happen.

I enjoyed this from start to finish. Highly recommended.

5

Jul 24, 2017

I loved this fast-paced cyber-thriller!

The writing style was engaging to me and I loved the premise and story development. The author did weave some true life elements in and I felt overall it was a very believable book.

I would definitely recommend this to friends and hope to read more by this author.

2

Jun 26, 2013

Great potential but the best word I can think of to describe this novel is "robotic". The concept of the cyber-storm seemed so promising to me, but became muddled with long-winded speculation spattered throughout and resolved only briefly at the end. Just not quite believable.

The biggest issues I had with the entire novel were the lack of story line and character development. Potentially very gripping or attention-holding events occurred abruptly with little or no build and simply fizzled out Great potential but the best word I can think of to describe this novel is "robotic". The concept of the cyber-storm seemed so promising to me, but became muddled with long-winded speculation spattered throughout and resolved only briefly at the end. Just not quite believable.

The biggest issues I had with the entire novel were the lack of story line and character development. Potentially very gripping or attention-holding events occurred abruptly with little or no build and simply fizzled out before the reader could become fully invested. The characters were just 'blah'. I never really felt I knew or emotionally connected with any of them,particularly the female characters. They were all practically ghosts in the background, whining, serving tea - just your old-fashioned care-giver, "the men will figure it out" roles of the 50s. Problem? Just give her bubble bath and all will be well.





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2

Apr 04, 2014

Cyber attacks shut down Manhattan residents access to all forms of news and social media. In that setting, the author tells the story of unprepared New Yorkers battling the elements and each other to survive. This could have been the premise for a great book, but the author chose to make that subordinate to an even bigger catastrophe - the worst snow storm the island has ever seen.

If you suffered through the New York scenes in the movie The Day After Tomorrow then you probably wont find much Cyber attacks shut down Manhattan residents’ access to all forms of news and social media. In that setting, the author tells the story of unprepared New Yorkers battling the elements and each other to survive. This could have been the premise for a great book, but the author chose to make that subordinate to an even bigger catastrophe - the worst snow storm the island has ever seen.

If you suffered through the New York scenes in the movie “The Day After Tomorrow “– then you probably won’t find much new here. In that movie – global warming caused the world’s climate to change almost overnight and Jake Gyllenhal is trapped in a library as the city is buried in snow - except he survives by burning books and Dennis Quaid rescues him with a helicopter. If that movie started with a cyber attack and then the earth’s climate changed – it would be the same plot retold. Both that movie and this book moved at a quick pace and have a lot of familial problems mixed in. Both are centered on fathers trying to do whatever it takes to save their families. Both have some terribly convoluted plot twists. While I was reading this book, I read they were in fact going to make it into a movie. I suggest they hire Jake Gyllenhal to star and title the film “The Day Before the Day After Tomorrow”. ...more

1

Mar 26, 2016

DNF'd at 40%.

This doesn't read like a thriller or a cyberthiller, or even as a survival tale. This reads like nothing, like a boring and plotless and shallow attempt of a vague cyberattack that is completely forgotten due to a heavy snowstorm, which in its turn is forgotten due to the constantly whining of a plethora of useless and stereotyped one-dimensional characters (the strong alpha males defending their families, the weak teary-eyed women making tea, the geeky kid, the lurking evil etc DNF'd at 40%.

This doesn't read like a thriller or a cyberthiller, or even as a survival tale. This reads like nothing, like a boring and plotless and shallow attempt of a vague cyberattack that is completely forgotten due to a heavy snowstorm, which in its turn is forgotten due to the constantly whining of a plethora of useless and stereotyped one-dimensional characters (the strong alpha males defending their families, the weak teary-eyed women making tea, the geeky kid, the lurking evil etc etc). All of that coated in really, really, REALLY horrible writing and the author trying to explain things that we all know about the Internet and cyber stuff in a very patronizing way.

It's truly just a weak-logic, condescending freak show. ...more

4

May 14, 2014

"Cyber Storm " the technological fast-paced thriller by Matthew Mather set in New York City explores the survival of humanity after a devastating cyber attack. When the story opens not only has a computer virus disabled computer systems across the United States, but disastrous winter storms and a lethal bird flu threaten the city.

As the city becomes a winter tomb and power is shutdown, Mike Mitchell, his family, friends and other residents on the fifth floor of his apartment building must band "Cyber Storm " the technological fast-paced thriller by Matthew Mather set in New York City explores the survival of humanity after a devastating cyber attack. When the story opens not only has a computer virus disabled computer systems across the United States, but disastrous winter storms and a lethal bird flu threaten the city.

As the city becomes a winter tomb and power is shutdown, Mike Mitchell, his family, friends and other residents on the fifth floor of his apartment building must band together if they're to survive and keep their sanity through food and water shortages, blackouts, multiple conspiracy theories and the bitter cold. It is a nightmare no one is prepared for and a reality no one will forget.

The well-written, realistic plot gives voice to issues like Internet security, loss of confidentiality, and loss of freedom. The mood seems bleak, hopeless and dismal as society degenerates and man's humanity crumbles under the onslaught of violence, theft, cannibalism and paranoia. Yet in the midst of all the despair and death, the light of innovation, resourcefulness, friendship and love burns bright. A suspense-filled thriller from the first page to the last, the narrative takes the reader on an emotional roller-coaster ride as the world around Mike and his friends collapses and they must band together or die.

The personalities of characters are well-developed, each moulded by the intensity, volatility and misery of the events they face. Mike Mitchell faced with a troubled marriage is suspicious, jealous and single-minded in his outlook. As life around him changes he bravely steps out to meet each new challenge, becoming more of a risk-taker to save his family, and attempting to hold fast to his moral principles. His wife Lauren a woman who'd become evasive, aloof and fearful, wanting to succeed professionally becomes loving and supportive, placing high value on her small family. In contrast Mike's friend Chuck Mumford is pessimistic, prepared, and protective of all he holds dear. As events unfold he becomes paranoid and defensive while his wife Suzie remains kind-hearted and stoic in the face of adversity, always looking for the best in people Add to these characters, the calm, composed and confident Borodins, heroic Jewish Russians; Damon Indigo with his wry humor and inventiveness, and Tony the loyal and trustworthy apartment building custodian. Even the antagonists are memorable, like Richard, an unsavory neighbour who masks his cruelty and deviousness behind his generosity, and Paul and his gang who're confrontational, menacing and lethal. All these characters and more add drama, depth and dimension to this captivating story.

I thoroughly enjoyed Cyber Storm and highly recommend it to those who'd like to read a starkly realistic thriller.
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5

Apr 01, 2013

I wrote a review on Amazon first, but wanted to make sure I shared it with all my friends here. This is a great book that will leave you thinking about what-if's for some time after you read it!

This is one of the most realistic near-future stories I have read, enough to instill a bit of paranoia! I highly recommend this.

It's an amazing story which focuses on a small group of friends who band together during one of the most unfortunate chain of catastrophic events. It will make everyday troubles I wrote a review on Amazon first, but wanted to make sure I shared it with all my friends here. This is a great book that will leave you thinking about what-if's for some time after you read it!

This is one of the most realistic near-future stories I have read, enough to instill a bit of paranoia! I highly recommend this.

It's an amazing story which focuses on a small group of friends who band together during one of the most unfortunate chain of catastrophic events. It will make everyday troubles seem inconsequential because there can always be much more at stake. You might find yourself stocking up on water, canned food, and batteries, maybe even a generator and fuel tank!

What would you do without your cell phone for a day? How about for a month? It might not be a big deal until you imagine perhaps no electricity, no heat, and no food or water, too. We are so connected these days, knowing almost instantly when something is happening on the other side of the world, what if you didn't know what was happening in your country, state, or even 10 miles away and not enough help seemed to be coming?

The author tells an amazingly and horrifyingly plausible tale of what could happen in just a month. The story is set at such a pace that you will want to take it slow and be a part of each moment to fully immerse yourself in the story. The characters are extremely well developed and you can easily relate to them. You might even start to notice these many things we take for granted. We've intertwined technology so much in our day to day life, would we be able to survive? I almost could feel the cold and hunger pains while I was reading. It won't necessarily be something as obvious as a nuclear warhead to start something like this.

And if you haven't yet read the author's other books, the Atopia Chronicles, I would highly recommend it, too. This book is necessary to read first, but it does gives a background to supply some of the motivations in Atopia. There are even references to a few of them at the end of this book. ...more

4

Mar 04, 2014

It's difficult to put into words why I found this novel so intriguing.

I hated to love it, in all its ugly, awful reality. It is raw, humane and insightful, and never gives in to "the hype". I feel I have a more informed idea of what may be like for a real person (not some flashy Hollywood hero) to endure and survive any large disaster after reading this depiction of a short-spanned, but desperate, one. The hunger, the fear, the desperation, the filth, the loss of hope -- they were as real in It's difficult to put into words why I found this novel so intriguing.

I hated to love it, in all its ugly, awful reality. It is raw, humane and insightful, and never gives in to "the hype". I feel I have a more informed idea of what may be like for a real person (not some flashy Hollywood hero) to endure and survive any large disaster after reading this depiction of a short-spanned, but desperate, one. The hunger, the fear, the desperation, the filth, the loss of hope -- they were as real in this book as any I've ever read, except maybe Night by Elie Wiesel.

For some reason, I am now regretting the lost chance to talk to my grandfather, before he passed, about his time in the prisoner-of-war camps in Germany. ...more

1

Sep 05, 2019

I am laying the book down for now as for some reason it is dragging for me. I am not finding any thrills within the pages. Maybe I will pick it back up somewhere down the road. Putting it on my dnf shelf.

1

Dec 22, 2014

Can't believe this is going to be a movie

It sounded interesting and realistic but the writing was terrible. No real climax, no character development, no real plot, and consequently no real story. I forced myself to finish because I wanted it to get better. I wanted to see why it got so many high ratings and I can't honestly understand why. The main character is a master of all knowledge and irritating. The diary writing style is tedious and needs serious editing. Then it stops, 4 months have Can't believe this is going to be a movie

It sounded interesting and realistic but the writing was terrible. No real climax, no character development, no real plot, and consequently no real story. I forced myself to finish because I wanted it to get better. I wanted to see why it got so many high ratings and I can't honestly understand why. The main character is a master of all knowledge and irritating. The diary writing style is tedious and needs serious editing. Then it stops, 4 months have passed and all is well and the whole thing is a bit of a misunderstanding and miscommunication led by media and public anxiety. I think even the author grew bored with his own book and decided to wrap it up by waiving the cop out wand of "it was a dream" and slightly altered it to a misunderstanding. Total cop out ending,lack of character development, and lack of any real story development shows lack of planning and organization prior to writing. I don't understand why the rescue wasn't explored. It was just skipped over, they pop open a champagne bottle in a maternity ward and the author stops short of saying that they all lived happily after. Thankfully I only wasted a kindle freebie, but if I had been smarter and downloaded a sample I would have deleted it and moved on. I won't waste my time on any further Matthew Mather books and I sure won't waste my time or money seeing this in movie form. ...more

2

Sep 29, 2016

I'm mad. I cannot believe I once again fell for "X number of people are reading this book." Last time that happened, I ended up reading "The Davinci Code." This story was a great idea extremely poorly executed. And I mean extremely. I got so bored reading the story, that after 10 quick chapters I had to force myself to read the rest of the book. Was it worth it to keep reading this story: yes, because I needed something to read during dialysis. Major parts of the story took place off-screen and I'm mad. I cannot believe I once again fell for "X number of people are reading this book." Last time that happened, I ended up reading "The Davinci Code." This story was a great idea extremely poorly executed. And I mean extremely. I got so bored reading the story, that after 10 quick chapters I had to force myself to read the rest of the book. Was it worth it to keep reading this story: yes, because I needed something to read during dialysis. Major parts of the story took place off-screen and were summarized (passive tense used on purpose there). Part of the problem was the structure of telling us the day as the chapter heading. "Day 11." Who cares? Why do the days matter? That's never explained. But this ended up forcing the main character to summarize all the super important things that had happened the previous afternoon and evening after he had stopped talking to us the previous day. Then the story was confusing [SPOILERS]: why wasn't there much of a response to the attack? Why are we in the dark for the whole story? And to compensate for this the entire backstory is summarized in the last two chapters (days), and in the explanation it's clear that the main characters panicked for no reason and everything was fine. Oh and 70k people died. Oh and 1m people were forever displaced. Oh and the cleanup after the mess took two weeks and everything was then fine. Oh, and we're moving uptown to a better apartment. Horrible. ...more

5

Aug 22, 2013

This is not the book I planned to read last night but my husband who reads along with me wanted a change of pace. He wanted me to find something in science fiction, and this was my selection. Both of us are great fans of hard science fiction, and this was a little different. It was uncomfortable book to read, too frightening and through provoking to be entertaining. But the message was worth the bleakness of it. Mather's tale hits you with a two-pronged attack. First he exposes how quick we are This is not the book I planned to read last night but my husband who reads along with me wanted a change of pace. He wanted me to find something in science fiction, and this was my selection. Both of us are great fans of hard science fiction, and this was a little different. It was uncomfortable book to read, too frightening and through provoking to be entertaining. But the message was worth the bleakness of it. Mather's tale hits you with a two-pronged attack. First he exposes how quick we are to attach blame and accept explanations handed to us looking for a factual basis for what we are facing. On the broader level, he illustrates the profound dangers presented by an unregulated and all powerful internet. Ask yourself what your day would be like without access to the new technologies.From activities as mundane as shopping for a loaf of bread or pumping gas, we are at the mercy of a monster of our own creation, and Mather really lays it out for us in this scarey but important book. ...more

4

Sep 21, 2013

Well executed disaster story with intense characters and twist and turns.
For me it was a five star book until I read the end.
Without giving away anything substantial I was a bit disappointed by the explanation of the cyberstorm. I expected more details.

2

Aug 30, 2018

This story follows Mike, his family, and neighbors as they endure the aftermath of a massive shut down of services in the middle of winter in NYC following a global cyber attack. Luckily, Mike's neighbor, Chuck is a bit of a prepper so they fair better than many in the first few days of the incident. However, as food and water grow scarce, humanity in general dissolves into greed and fear. Most of the book shows the struggle between that greed and the resilence of most New Yorkers to band This story follows Mike, his family, and neighbors as they endure the aftermath of a massive shut down of services in the middle of winter in NYC following a global cyber attack. Luckily, Mike's neighbor, Chuck is a bit of a prepper so they fair better than many in the first few days of the incident. However, as food and water grow scarce, humanity in general dissolves into greed and fear. Most of the book shows the struggle between that greed and the resilence of most New Yorkers to band together and help their fellow man.

This book was just "meh" for me. Other than Chuck and Tony, I didn't really like most of the characters in the book. Mike goes from thinking his wife is cheating on him to completely adoring her again in the flip of a couple of pages without any real reason for the change. I also grew tired of the endless banter between the characters about what they thought was happening in the world, while I was busy speculating about who could be behind the attacks (and getting a very unsatisfying answer in the end).
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4

Jun 27, 2013

I have to admit that not so long ago; I would only read the established authors. Then, I began trying the international authors, in particular the Nordic authors, and wow, what talent and great stories. Now, I have begun to read the new authors who are publishing on the web and through ebooks; and again, wow, what talent! Scott Sigler, Hugh Howley and now Matthew Mather make up this group of fantastic new authors able to publish some great stories. Cyberstorm, by Matthew Mather, is a frightening I have to admit that not so long ago; I would only read the ‘established’ authors. Then, I began trying the international authors, in particular the Nordic authors, and wow, what talent and great stories. Now, I have begun to read the new authors who are publishing on the web and through ebooks; and again, wow, what talent! Scott Sigler, Hugh Howley and now Matthew Mather make up this group of fantastic new authors able to publish some great stories. “Cyberstorm”, by Matthew Mather, is a frightening apocalyptic novel because it could so easily be true. Author Mather writes in an easy flow and easy read style about cyber-attacks, a major winter storm and the potential of a bird flu outbreak colliding together to create chaos. The group of people caught in the middle of all this must make some difficult decisions for basic survival. Makes me think that storing some supplies is not a bad idea! Terrific read – highly recommend. ...more

4

Mar 06, 2020

Nothing not to like really. Post apocalyptic and survival books/movies are my thing. This one was good and so was the ending. But the book description is inaccurate. I don't see this one as techno-thriller.

5

Mar 15, 2013

In "CyberStorm", Matthew Mather has produced a gripping modern-day page-turner that grabs you early and refuses to let go until the very end. It's been a long time since I stayed up past my bedtime reading, sneaked extra minutes at lunch, and even missed my bus stop due to an engrossing book. If you're looking for a realistic (if frightening) vision of what could happen in the not-too-distant future, look no further!

The book starts in contemporary New York City; a series of very plausible In "CyberStorm", Matthew Mather has produced a gripping modern-day page-turner that grabs you early and refuses to let go until the very end. It's been a long time since I stayed up past my bedtime reading, sneaked extra minutes at lunch, and even missed my bus stop due to an engrossing book. If you're looking for a realistic (if frightening) vision of what could happen in the not-too-distant future, look no further!

The book starts in contemporary New York City; a series of very plausible incidents leads to some very extreme circumstances. It's hard to give too many specifics without spoiling your experience, so let me just say that Mather is masterful in building suspense, developing characters in complex and realistic fashion, and especially in exploiting his facility with technology to provide the groundwork for the plot in this book. My reading coincided with a snowstorm here at home, and I had no trouble finding myself right in the midst of the CyberStorm with the protagonists, believing that this story really could happen.

I'm recommending this book wholeheartedly to all of my friends, and to anyone else who'll listen! GET THIS BOOK--YOU WON'T BE SORRY! ...more

4

Dec 03, 2015

"Just weeks ago, America had seemed indestructible, but now . . . Somehow, we had failed."

Power on soon, stay warm, stay safe!
- Government sponsored message

Manhattan is the absolute last place you want to be when the power goes out. Yes, I remember there was that one lovely summer day in 2003 when everyone was so happy it wasn't terrorism they all sang kumbaya - this is not that story.

The events take place around Christmas (already stressful) when communications, power, and water go out. "Just weeks ago, America had seemed indestructible, but now . . . Somehow, we had failed."

“Power on soon, stay warm, stay safe!”
- Government sponsored message

Manhattan is the absolute last place you want to be when the power goes out. Yes, I remember there was that one lovely summer day in 2003 when everyone was so happy it wasn't terrorism they all sang kumbaya - this is not that story.

The events take place around Christmas (already stressful) when communications, power, and water go out. The first 80% of the book is a slow day-by-day descriptions of the deteriorating conditions faced by our MCs: lice, snow for water, thieves, rat harvesting, belt notch tightening, scurvy, and eventually cannibalism. This was all very sad and a little interesting but mainly boring. Then they leave New York and the fear and the paranoia the author has slowly built explodes. I was shocked and scared and I bought every bit of "Boo!" Mather fed me. How many of these have I read dammit and still Mather owned me for thirty or forty pages there. *hat tip* Well done sir, well done. ...more

4

Apr 16, 2015

First off, I thought this novel was fantastic. Mather creates characters that you really feel for as they struggle to survive in the frozen metropolis that is NYC. The story is very frightening as it seems all too realistic to have a cyber attack shut down an entire city, leaving its people to survive on what little they have and defending their families from one another. I found it hard to put this novel down, even reading through the last 40% in one sitting.
The only real problem I found with First off, I thought this novel was fantastic. Mather creates characters that you really feel for as they struggle to survive in the frozen metropolis that is NYC. The story is very frightening as it seems all too realistic to have a cyber attack shut down an entire city, leaving its people to survive on what little they have and defending their families from one another. I found it hard to put this novel down, even reading through the last 40% in one sitting.
The only real problem I found with the book is the ending. The last 5% or so left a bad taste in my mouth as the story changed gears. It felt as though the story would end on a bombshell and it didn't, which was slightly disappointing.
Having said that, all in all, I would recommend picking up a copy of Cyberstorm. I'm sure, once my TBR list shortens a little, I'll reread it. Next up, I'll be reading Mather's Atopia Series and DARKNET. ...more

5

Nov 22, 2015

Interesting and scary.

Disaster novel, what happens to people when snow storm, internet and all the infrastructures goes down. Realistic plot, some good characters. "Sometimes things break apart, so that better things can come together".