Going Zero

A Novel

By: Anthony McCarten

Narrated by: Marin Ireland

Length: 9 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

TWO HOURS TO VANISH.

ONE CHANCE TO ESCAPE.

ZERO ALTERNATIVES.

Ten Americans have been carefully selected to Beta test a ground-breaking piece of spyware. FUSION can track anyone on earth. But does it work?

For one contestant, an unassuming Boston librarian named Kaitlyn Day, the stakes are far higher than money, and her reasons for entering the test more personal than anyone imagines. When the timer hits zero, there will only be one winner…

From four-time Academy Award-nominated screenwriter Anthony McCarten comes a breakneck, wickedly entertaining thriller for our times, a twisty, action-packed novel reminiscent of the best Michael Crichton technothrillers.

©2023 Anthony McCarten (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers

Interesting

Fascinating story. I wonder how much of the tech described is already in use, beyond the obvious. Makes me want to get much closer to Zero.

Outstanding

I couldn’t put this book down. I listen to it in two days. The narrator was an audible and the stories so clever, so gripping, I loved it!

Best Narrator Ever!!

Story was very good, entertaining and a lot to think about given the digital age we live in. Best part, however, is the narration by Marin Ireland. I have listened to every single book she has narrated because she brings so much to the story. It's as though you are hearing a play or movie and can easily envision the characters as she seamlessly switches between them. I love audio books but have not found a narrator like Marin - she's simply the best!!

Another "new to me" author

Another "new to me" author. This was an interesting book that dealt with the premise of 10 people being selected to participate in a Beta Test for a new program that promised to be able to "find" anyone....anywhere. The participants were given a phone call and a 2 hour window to "get lost" and if they could stay lost for 30 days, then the award was $3 million dollars. Obviously, the programs being used by this company (a hybrid mix of a Facebook and Twitter type social media company) and being used in conjunction with the CIA and NSA highlight some very troubling powers. The scary thing is that many of the privacy issues we are already dealing with and many of the privacy rights have already been given up.

Anyway, the book is divided into two parts and at the halfway part there is a plot twist and we have an almost complete change in the story line. Honestly, I was interested in the beginning when there is one participant who is somehow able to elude all of the efforts to locate her. When things change, things got a bit TOO much. There is a particular character who does a complete 180 degree change in character and the entire focus of the book changes. It is a bit disconcerting.

The one thing I will say - without spoilers- was that I did not like the ending. It didn't seem realistic nor was it satisfying. I understand that not all books have a happy ending, but the action taken by Zero 10, THE DAY AFTER her efforts were finally rewarded, not only seemed implausible, but unrealistic and it felt extremely abrupt. I actually thought that I was missing a chapter because the chapter just ended and that was it....The End.

Great Story Full of Mystery & Intrigue

The is the first book I’ve listened to by this author. The story was so intriguing. Character development was exceptionally good. The writing clearly was excellent. Besides many twists this complex story was interesting and the message relevant. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

Narration by Marin Ireland was excellent!!

Suprizingly Good

The premise of a game pitting the little guy against big tech and over reaching government has been told before. But the twists keep coming and coming.

thought provoking

really enjoyed this, even if it‘s left me with a lingering headache on the subject of privacy and control. as an older person i remember the days when one could have a bank account with just a password, no name; could travel without having random foreign countries take your fingerprints and scan your retina; when cameras were not everywhere. I‘ve kind of just given up, as i haven’t seen an alternative option, so this book is a nice vicarious experience in standing up for the rights of a private citizen. also a good plot and well written and delivered. have recommended it to friends and family.

I don't want to leave a title

and I don't want to write 15 words I just wanted to give it a rating

Solid w/ unexpected twists!

This was a very enjoyable book. The last 10-20% could have been a bit stronger or different, but overall no regrets and a very enjoyable book

Zero reservations about recommending this book!

This story has action, adventure, love story...I loved it. when I got close to the end I couldn't help slipping an ear bud in to finish at work. The story was fast paced and exciting. Marin was excellent as usual!