Gilberg is fluent in early ’90s technobabble, though less tech-savvy readers may find it hard to understand. Fortunately, the action and romance that the author weaves around his complicated conspiracy is enjoyable enough that readers should be enthralled even if they don’t entirely comprehend what’s happening on the hacking side. It helps that Steve, Alice, and their scene-stealing friend, Jim Schmidt, a “not-so-reformed ex-hippy with a Ph.D. in computer science from UCSD,” are all incredibly distinct characters with enough personality quirks to be realistic without veering into caricature. They ground the more sensational side of the story in reality.
A fast-paced technology tale with enough international intrigue and luxurious details to rival a James Bond adventure.
Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite
An electrifying tale, a wonderful and masterful blend of romance and suspense, Alice Chang by Robert Gilberg is an entertaining story that will have readers racing through the pages. Abducted, repeatedly drugged, and forced to hack into digital satellite television systems, Alice barely manages to hold onto her courage and to hope against all hope that she can survive another day. She’s been abused in ways she’d never have imagined. Then an opportunity is offered for her to escape after a plane crash and she grabs it, but how far can she go before her captors catch up with her? Steve Barton has never understood what happened to Alice and he can’t forgive himself for losing her. Now, investigating a plane crash, he has a strong feeling that he could be just about to find out something about Alice. His gritty investigation will unveil a powerful network of underground hackers and put his life in danger. You’ll have to read this book to find out how he reconnects with Alice.
For readers who love densely plotted thrillers with well-developed characters, Alice Chang will be a delight. I loved Robert Gilberg’s unique and compelling narrative voice. The prose is impeccable and readers will be seduced by the stream of consciousness that allows them to penetrate the hidden thoughts of the characters and to experience the inner conflict taking place in them. This novel is well-structured with timely red herrings that keep the reader excited about turning to the next page, the paragraph breaks make for an excellent reading experience. This is a gripping story with great intricacies in the plot and sophisticated characters. There is no stopping once you start reading.