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

Good & interesting whole way

Great book but not as good the 2nd time around. A little dated and implausible but early dan brown, he was finding his rhythm. A good book and a must read if you’re a DB fan

technological marvel, spellbinding

This is another of Dan's great works... suspense, thrill, moving, and an excellent progression thru the whole thing! Lots of technology, and a long climactic ending keep you drawn in thru the whole thing! Whether or not it's factual I don't know, but he writes like it is, and because off that, the story builds on its own foundations. I would love to read more stuff like this.

A good listen

Another great piece of work by Dan Brown. The book has been well read which makes it all the more enjoyable.

Mixed bag

I had trouble with the main premise of this book. Without spoiling it, Mr. Brown fails to distinguish basic computing principles when he constructed the central premise. This left me flat. Just as he did in "Angels And Demons," Mr. Brown stretches credulity too much for me to really enjoy this book. So far, he is a one hit wonder.

Not a favorite

I, like many other reviewers, enjoyed DaVinci Code and Angels and Demons. This book, though, fell short. As another reviewer pointed out, the female protagonist is some male fantasy characature. The ending is predictable to the point that the listener figures it out before the characters.

I did like the original premise, but it could have been handled much better.

Best narrator yet! Caught myself holding my breath in anticipation & suspense

Not the most gripping Dan Brown story I’ve read, but the narration by Paul Michael is by far the best narration I’ve listened to for an audiobook. He seamlessly moved between characters voices and accents as well as maintained their unique affects.
I found myself wrapt and immersed in the story, forgetting where I was and what I was doing. Such a wonderful escape.
Highly recommend this audiobook for the narration.

I loved this book

This book was a very edgy book, I completely enjoyed it. It's a recommend read, it's very thought provoking.

Perfect every time I listen!!!!!!!

I keep finding new things with each time I listen! !!! !! !! !!!! !!!!

It's Not Bad

Little too pricey for the amount of times I was bored. Interesting read tho. Maybe a low 4 for my rating. This author can do better. I guess I expected more.

Exciting story

This book was very exciting with lots of action and adventure. The performance was very good as well.