BREAKPOINT Previews Near Future Possibilities
by Mary Jane Clark
In a world where biotechnology, nanotechnology, robotics, and cybersecurity are becoming commonplace tabs on universities' web sites, the techno-thriller, BREAKPOINT presents a preview of our near future technical abilities - and insecurities. In this fast-paced work of espionage, Richard A. Clarke points out the potential political and social upheaval that may accompany various real-world emerging technologies.
BREAKPOINT, set in 2012, centers on the vulnerability of the global computer networks, and presents some worst case cyber attack scenarios, including attacks on fiber optic cables connecting the United States to the Internet, US satellites, the communications infrastructure, research labs and biotech firms.
Several reviewers have criticized the novel for lack of character development, and if character development is what you want, you may as well leave this book on the shelf. BREAKPOINT is, first and foremost, a romp through current and near-future technology. Topics include reverse engineering the human brain, creating designer children through genomics, the Transhumanist movement, the deployment of a "Superman" exoskeleton suit, and direct brain-computer interfaces.
This novel moves at a good clip. Character development, get out of the way!
From 1973 to 2003, Richard A. Clarke served as an advisor to Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush. Often called the former "anti-terrorism czar," Clarke has served as national coordinator for security and counterterrorism, and special advisor (to the president) for cybersecurity. Mr. Clarke became well known in 2004 when his AGAINST ALL ENEMIES: INSIDE AMERICA'S WAR ON TERROR became an international bestseller, virtually over night.
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