Split Second

This novel is a thriller, complete with black ops and spies. It's set in the near future, with only a few technological improvements beyond what already exists. Then the author throws in a sci-fi invention or discovery and imagines what impact it would have. In my opinion, the story has some flaws but overall I enjoyed the author's research. Don't miss his explanation at the end of the book of what was fact and what was fiction. I also enjoyed when characters made references to other works of science fiction - although I find it hard to believe that a special ops soldier would have much familiarity with sci-fi.

<< spoilers below >>

I can't discuss the flaws without giving away some parts of the story, however, I'm still not going to reveal much in this first section.

in chapter 2, it is very difficult to believe that the characters would be so docile. Their ridiculously submissive response is almost enough to make me drop the book. With barely an objection, they yield themselves to military-type men who have no insignia and offer no credentials. They don't run, call 911, scream for help, lock themselves in the bathroom, or throw anything at the intruders.

Later in the story, this same docile woman somehow transforms into a person capable of carjacking an innocent civilian with a sub-machine-gun. We're told that a wireless flash drive can be used as a backup device without being connected to power. Throughout the book we are expected to believe that stolen cell phones won't be secured with some type of pin.

<< now for a BIG SPOILER >>

At the end of the story, I think we may have avoided another ‘Adolf Hitler' - only to be stuck with something almost as bad - a super powerful, black ops organization that is accountable to no one.