Tag: Going Dark

Illuminating ‘Going Dark’: Insights and Reflections on Mehok’s Latest Work

‘Going Dark’ is George K. Mehok’s latest techno thriller. Photo: Barnes & Noble

It is the sixth year of the American Revolution in 1781 and Captain John “Jack” Jouett is traveling through the Virginia forest with his horse Celer. The British have captured his father and as he reaches a stand point trying to avoid British troops, he sees ghostly riders walking along and they appear to be taking his father towards the sea, possibly towards a British prison ship. Jouett’s ultimate mission is to deliver a critical message from Thomas Jefferson to General Henry Knox.

In present day Illinois, Hassan and Yousef are brothers and getting ready to commit an act of terrorism. Yousef is only 25 years old and he’s excited for the mission but Hassan is hardened by his life experiences. Commander Khalid is their leader and they are trained to follow orders to the letter and without question, even if it involves family.

In Ohio, Paul Knox is having a hard time sleeping because the web’s usual chatter has gone quiet and he knows that’s not a good sign. It’s still early in the morning and he’s in bed with Sara and reminiscing about their life together. He is distracted; he needs to go back to the lab and go over the data because he has the nagging feeling that he has missed something. With his daughter Emma on his mind, he turns to say goodbye to Sara but she was only a hallucination.

These three narrative are connected and as the lines between past and present blur, Paul races against time to protect Emma and unravel past mysteries that could change history. He has spent his life tracking the “worst of the worst” on the dark web but this case is unlike any he has ever seen.

“Going Dark” is a gripping cyber-thriller that plunges readers into the high-stakes world of digital warfare and national security. The story follows Paul Knox, a seasoned cyber forensics expert and former Air Force officer, as he faces a relentless adversary determined to cripple critical infrastructure.

Mehok’s writing is sharp and immersive, blending technical cyber warfare details with heart-pounding action. It is descriptive and hooks you in from the very first sentence: “A pine branch reached out, raking Jack’s face, its needles stabbing his neck like a swarm of angry yellow jackets.” Paul is very observant and his descriptions of the TSA agents are vivid and spot-on: “His sunken, dark brown eyes radiated emotionless confidence, yet his stare carried a hint of weary tension.”

The action is fast-paced, keeping readers on edge as Knox unravels a conspiracy that extends beyond digital realms into real-world danger. The character development is strong—Knox is a compelling protagonist whose intelligence and resilience make him an engaging lead while the conflicts feel urgent and authentic. Since there are multiple story lines, the narrative is non-linear but easy to follow along. *Trigger warning: the action during the Thanksgiving Day terrorist attack may be too intense for some readers.

Overall, “Going Dark” by George K. Mehok is a suspenseful and thrilling novel with realistic portrayals of cyber threats and national security risks, making it a timely and thought-provoking read. Fans of techno-thrillers and military espionage similar to the works of Dan Brown and Brad Thor will find this book both thrilling and insightful.

“Revenge burns deep in your heart. Revenge can be a powerful elixir; beware, it must be consumed in small quantities.”

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Related post: Cyber Intrigue and Historical Drama: Mehok’s Debut Novel ‘Going Dark’

Cyber Intrigue and Historical Drama: George Mehok’s Debut Novel ‘Going Dark’

‘Going Dark’ is George Mehok’s new novel. Photo: Amazon

Technothrillers merge high-stakes suspense with cutting-edge technology, creating narratives that captivate readers with their intricate plots and believable scenarios. These stories often revolve around themes like cyber warfare, artificial intelligence, or advanced weaponry, reflecting contemporary fears and ethical dilemmas. Authors meticulously research scientific concepts, ensuring authenticity while weaving in thrilling action and unexpected twists. The genre explores the impact of technology on society, often showcasing characters who navigate complex moral landscapes. With their blend of realism and adrenaline, technothrillers not only entertain but also provoke thought about our rapidly evolving technological landscape and its potential consequences. It’s a gripping exploration of innovation and intrigue.

There’s a new book coming out in November that mixes technothrillers, historical fiction, and terrorism storylines: “Going Dark” by George Mehok. This debut thriller spotlights the dangers of the internet and how the past shapes our future. It is recommended for fans of Dan Brown, Steve Berry, and Stephen Hunter.

George Mehok is an author, technologist, and entrepreneur with a distinguished career in designing software and leading high-performing teams in the financial services, telecommunications, and aerospace industries. An avid storyteller, George weaves his real-world knowledge into gripping narratives, crafting thrilling plots that captivate readers. “Going Dark,” the first in Mehok’s Liberty Unit series, combines his extensive technology background with historical intrigue, presenting a captivating blend of modern-day suspense and revolutionary-era secrets. The release date is November 12, and it is available for pre-order on Amazon. (Meryl Moss Media, 2024)

“Going Dark” – When a sinister cyber-terrorist scheme poised to plunge America into unparalleled digital darkness surfaces, Paul Knox, a seasoned cyber forensics expert, finds himself thrust into a clandestine conflict spanning generations.

As Knox examines the intricate and dangerous web of cyber intrigue, he confronts both the mission’s high stakes and his personal demons, including the unwitting involvement of his estranged daughter, Emma. Emma becomes a central figure in a game of digital manipulation, where each move carries the potential to reshape history—and change America forever.

Intertwined with this contemporary narrative is the historical origin story of the Liberty Unit. In 1781, amidst the throes of the American Revolution, John “Jack” Jouett embarks on a perilous journey to deliver crucial encoded messages that hold the power to sway the course of the war and safeguard the life of a future American president.

In an era dominated by the internet and malevolent hackers, insidious threats lurk unseen, while the keys to triumph often lie in the past. Effortlessly blending dual timelines, “Going Dark” is a propulsive deep dive into the clandestine world of hacking and terrorism, underscoring the fragility of a society reliant on technology.

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