Digital Fortress

By: Dan Brown

Narrated by: Paul Michael

Length: 11 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

Before the multi-million, runaway bestseller The Da Vinci Code, Dan Brown set his razor-sharp research and storytelling skills on the most powerful intelligence organization on earth—the National Security Agency (NSA)—in this thrilling novel, Digital Fortress.

When the National Security Agency’s invincible code-breaking machine encounters a mysterious code it cannot break, the agency calls its head cryptographer, Susan Fletcher, a brilliant, beautiful mathematician. What she uncovers sends shock waves through the corridors of power. The NSA is being held hostage…not by guns or bombs but by a code so complex that if released would cripple U.S. intelligence.

Caught in an accelerating tempest of secrecy and lies, Fletcher battles to save the agency she believes in. Betrayed on all sides, she finds herself fighting not only for her country but for her life. It is a battle for survival—a crucial bid to destroy a creation of inconceivable genius that threatens to obliterate the balance of world power…for all time.

©1998 Dan Brown (P)2004 Books on Tape, Inc.

Critic reviews

“In this fast-paced, plausible tale, Brown blurs the line between good and evil enough to delight patriots and paranoids alike.” —Publishers Weekly

“Digital Fortress is the best and most realistic techno-thriller to reach the market in years... A chilling thrill a minute.” —The Midwest Book Review

"A disturbing, cutting-edge techno thriller that should galvanize everyone who sends or receives email or even dreams of navigating the Web." —John J. Nance, author of Pandora's Clock, The Last Hostage

Proto-Robert Langdon

Digital Fortress is a should-read for anyone who has enjoyed later Dan Brown novels and is craving more. The main characters read like prototypes for Robert Langdon and his typical female co-lead/sidekick, although against the backdrop of cryptanalysis instead of semiotics. The mystery unfolds in similar fashion to the later novels, complete with assassin always a few steps behind or ahead depending on the chapter. The storytelling is weaker than Brown's later work but passable and still thrilling.

Anyone looking for an accurate portrayal of the worlds of cryptanalysis or signals intelligence will be disappointed as will fans of true techno-thrillers from the likes of Crichton and Clancy. But anyone looking for a fun, light techno-thriller read or to see the roots of Brown's later work will find something enjoyable in Digital Fortress.

Not getting basic computer stuff right!

Firewalls and filters don't gradually wear down, they won't "fail in ten minutes". There's a vast difference between 64 bits and 64 characters! This book is not very well researched, compared to other Dan Brown books.

Enticing

I adore the way he mixes fiction with reality. It always makes me stop and think about the possiblities. Thanks for the entertainment!!

Well written, researched and presented.

Dan Brown just never disappoints. He does his homework on venue and develops his characters quick and makes them easy to relate to. Looking for another one of his works.

Ahead of its time

Any additional comments?

Quite possibly the most logical, insightful, and most likely true novel from Dan Brown yet. I'm sure I am in the minority, but Id rather our team be monitoring and listening than not.

Fantasy or Fiction...Hybrid Perhaps

Dan Brown once again brilliantly crafted a masterful story. His revelation of a taboo digital world cloaked in secrecy, wrapped in espionage, and dipped in treason is one for the ages. NSA, who knows, who cares! This riveting chase across beautiful landscapes would not let me go. It kept following me until the very end. I sat in my truck listening to the audiobook and my wife kept looking out the window at me wondering what I was doing. It's like I had a mistress. Nice job Dan...you got me in trouble. :) Reader beware....I warned you.

issues with technology made it unbelievable

the characters are supposed to be highly intelligent and yet they do very stupid things.

spellbinding

this roller coaster ride doesn't stop. One of Dan Brown's best works. The narrator kept me on the edge of my seat with his reading of this book

Frustratingly Bad

I love Dan Brown. All 5 stars before. But this book was junk. The main characters had to be galactically stupid, like a B horror movie as it bounced from impossible scene to the next. And technically it was utter nonsense.

Love the story

I read this years ago in high-school, and glad to own the autobook now. I still need to pick up a physical copy to complete my Dan Brown books. I'm pretty sure this book is referenced in The Lost Symbol by the same author. Give it a listen, and maybe you, too, will enjoy it as much as I have.