2024: Attack on America: Enter Demiurge is a cyberthriller suspense novel written by Sasha Zarustin. Readers who enjoy novels packed with informative details, intrigue, elements of suspense, and a healthy dose of drama will find this book quite intriguing.
2024: Attack on America: Enter Demiurge grabs the attention of readers with a cover that (from the top down) depicts the American flag waving in the background. This element of the cover gives the story a patriotic feel from the beginning. As readers move their way down, the next thing that will catch their eye is, well, an eye. LOL! A cybernetic eye to be exact. This is an apt hint or reminder that someone is always watching, but this isn’t a human behind a screen. It’s something more.
In the foreground, readers will see a man running, while behind him sits the White House. Is there something that is going to go down at the White House? Or is there more to this than meets the eye? Who is the man running, and how does it all tie together?
Quite a few questions, right there, right? Some questions will be answered at the end of this book, but there will be others that will remain drifting with no true resolution, but it will still be an interesting novel to dive into.
2024: Attack on America begins with a thrilling scenario playing out in the prologue. A military training drill is playing out on the page. Two drones have been sent out on what should be a routine training mission. However, it’s not long before things go off the rails. The drones start acting on their own. Raise the alarm, right? Has the military been hacked? As the drones race toward the Canadian border is an international incident about to unfold?
The scenes in the prologue come at readers fast and fierce. You’re going to be pulled to the edge of your seat as you try to anticipate what is going to take place next. However, settle in because author Zarustin has quite the trick up his sleeve. Something unexpected is going to happen, and like the individuals involved in the situation…it’s going to leave you scratching your head.
As 2024: Attack on America proceeds from the prologue this is where readers will be introduced to the main character, Gabriel Brinkerhoff. Married, father of two, works for the government after serving in the military for a time. When you encounter him and his wife foremost you are allowed to bear witness to a domestic moment between them. It’s a rather mundane moment, but it allows you to see some of what Gabriel has to endure at home.
Author Zarustin is laying the groundwork for readers to better understand that Gabriel’s marriage, in 2024: Attack on America, is suffering. He works long hours at his job, his wife is unhappy, and the relationship is becoming more strained. Gabriel’s wife, Mary, is especially unhappy and has little to no qualms about expressing it. The dynamics in the family are definitely eyebrow-raising, to say the least, but at the same time, it paints a typical realistic scene many probably experience.
2024: Attack on America shifts from home life to the office and introduces Gabriel’s long-time friend, Dexter. You get some background on Dexter and how he and Gabriel first met. It’s easy to see why they are classified as “long-time” friends since they met shortly after boot camp and have remained friends throughout the years. They’ve frequently crossed paths in the past as readers will discover with well-placed flashbacks.
Interspersed throughout the first few chapters of this book readers will find Gabriel, Dexter, and many other characters engrossed in dealing with a series of cyber-attacks that crop up. Exposing just how delicate everyday peace is with various situations propagating the headlines and social media.
The catch? They’re all fake. International peace is being threatened, and no one can figure out where it is all stemming from. Or when the next “attack” will take place.
Most of this story will focus on Gabriel and how he, in his capacity of his job, strives to discover the source of the attacks. Author Zarustin gives readers a backstory concerning Gabriel and Dexter and how they both came to be working for the CISA. It’s interesting how these two characters repeatedly cross paths throughout this book.
While the title of this book, 2024: Attack on America: Enter Demiurge gives the impression of danger at every turn, author Zarustin gives a lot of attention to Gabriel’s personal life. Gabriel’s relationship with his family is straining under the demands of his job. Author Zarustin depicts Gabriel making attempts at strengthening the relationship, but it is frequently met with either rejections or undermining. Readers will be inclined to feel empathy for him during certain situations.
Since there is detailed sexual content in this book, we feel that readers should be at least 18 to read it. Not every sexual scene that plays out will be thoroughly detailed, but there are some explicit scenes. There is one scene that will put Gabriel’s marriage in trouble, but also will give readers some history concerning his wife, Mary. The past rarely remains locked in the past…especially when you keep it saved on a CD.
Wondering when Demiurge will “enter” the picture? Well, to avoid any spoilers…we’ll simply say this…you’ll be waiting awhile. Around the halfway mark of the story, Demiurge is going to make their official appearance. There is a lot of secrecy surrounding this character, and you’ll quickly understand why.
Readers looking for a novel with high-stakes drama won’t find that here, but what you will find is author Zarustin’s exceptional attention to detail. Throughout 2024: Attack on America: Enter Demiurge author Zarustin showcases his knowledge of government agency and military operations protocols. This novel reads highly realistic which is sure to be an engaging element for many readers.
2024: Attack on America: Enter Demiurge is told from the third person point of view and moves at a moderate pace throughout. There are some fast-paced engaging moments, but those are scattered throughout the story. Throughout this book, there are elements that strive toward making the story as realistic as possible by naming familiar situations and political figures.
As 2024: Attack on America: Enter Demiurge ends it will close with what readers could call a “happy ending.” However, it can’t necessarily be called a “satisfying” ending. Since the story is titled “Enter Demiurge” it leads one to believe that Demiurge and author Zarustin may have more to tell in the future. Could things change in the future? It’s always possible, but only time will tell as to whether we see these characters resurface once again.
2024: Attack on America: Enter Demiurge is an interesting cybersecurity suspense novel. Readers who enjoy government style suspense novels with intrigue, great attention to detail, and unexpected twists and turns then this is a book worth checking out.
Pros:
- Intriguing
- Good attention to detail
- Suspenseful
- Realistic characters
- Firm knowledge of the military and government agencies
Cons:
- Technical talk gets heavy handed
- Story needed more drama and action
Scribble's Worth 