Day One by Nate Kenyon

October 3rd, 2013 Kimberly Review 74 Comments

3rd Oct
Day One by Nate Kenyon
Day One
by Nate Kenyon
Genres: Science Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads

Cloverfield meets The Terminator in this story of one man's escape from New York City as technology becomes sentient.
Scandal-plagued hacker journalist John Hawke is hot on the trail of the explosive story that might save his career. James Weller, the former CEO of giant technology company Eclipse, has founded a new start-up, and he’s agreed to let Hawke do a profile on him. Hawke knows something very big is in the works at Eclipse---and he wants to use the profile as a foot in the door to find out more. After he arrives in Weller’s office in New York City, a seemingly normal day quickly turns into a nightmare as anything with an Internet connection begins to malfunction. Hawke receives a call from his frantic wife just before the phones go dead. Soon he and a small band of survivors are struggling for their very lives as they find themselves thrust into the middle of a war zone---with no obvious enemy in sight. The bridges and tunnels have been destroyed. New York City is under attack from a deadly and brilliant enemy that can be anywhere and can occupy anything with a computer chip. Somehow Hawke must find a way back to his pregnant wife and young son. Their lives depend upon it . . . and so does the rest of the human race.

Day One by Nate Kenyon is an eerily plausible science-fiction thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat as we experience the first day of a cyber takeover in the heart of New York City. The synopsis says Cloverfield meets the Terminator, and that is exactly what Kenyon delivered. Three word review: thrilling, terrifying and past-paced.

We meet journalist John Hawke as he rises, says hello to his son Thomas and kisses his wife good-bye as he heads out to meet other making their way on the commuters tracks to downtown NYC business district. John is headed to Weller’s office where he is working on a story to restore his scandalized career. Convinced something is going on at Eclipse; John is hoping to get the inside story. But, John’s world and the world around him is about to get turned upside down, as anything and everything with an internet connection begins to malfunction. The stock market crashes, planes crash, coffee makers go on the attack and John’s wife calls him screaming, and that quickly his phone is dead. Hawke is determined to find his way to his wife and son but the enemy is watching and views him as a threat. The tale that unfolds is riveting and surreal, and I could not put this down.

The characters in Day One were all interesting from Weller who created the program Eclipse stole, to Anne the woman frantic to find her husband. I wasn’t sure about John at first, as he seemed stiff at our first meeting but as Kenyon peeled back his layers I connected with him. John is brilliant, and while he has danced in the shades of grey concerning the law and hacking, he has always put his wife and son first. With all that was happening to him and around him, John was surprisingly level-headed. He would make any hard-core action hero fan proud, as he navigated around systems, and raced against time. Other characters added to the realism of the story as we traveled war-torn New York.

In Day One, we figure out what is occurring as John our protagonist does keeping the tale fast-paced. Flashbacks to times with his family and past events shed light on John and help break-up the non-stop action. Kenyon brought New York to life, and gave us a panoramic view of the chaos from landmarks, to chilling street scenes. It was riveting, and the term big brother is watching took on a whole new meaning as the enemy had eyes and ears everywhere. The story raises some interesting questions about technology and advances that are made on a daily basis. While I still have questions, the tales ended was both open-ended and hopeful while leaving the door open for a continuation of this story.

Fans of action-packed, suspenseful science-fiction thrillers need to grab a copy of Day One. This was my first Kenyon novel, but I assure you it will not be my last.

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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74 Responses to “Day One by Nate Kenyon”

  1. Jennifer

    I always wanted to see Cloverfield and still will someday, and of course love The Terminator, so those mentions draw me in. I really love books that make you think about issues, such as this one with technology taking over. And thank God for a level-headed main character! I love sci fi, too, so this sounds like a winner to me! 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Thanks Jennifer, and I love books that make me think about these issues too 🙂

  2. gayle pace

    I don’t know. It’s kind of scary thinking that technology will take over. What will happen to the people? I think in a way technology has taken over a lot of things.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      So true Gayle, when I was a kid we had no computer or cell phones, but I think I would die without them now..LOL

  3. Claira Pam

    I very much enjoy sci-fi, and I like the sound of this!! In fiction, I mean – I think the idea of technology taking over is entirely too plausible!

  4. Denise Z

    I think the scariest thing about technology taking over, is how real the possibility is. All the changes we have seen in just the last ten years are incredible – makes you think how far out is far out now LOL

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I agree Denise, although I am still waiting for my robotic maid!

  5. Berls

    I’ve seen a lot of these kinds of stories popping up lately and I’ve been hesitant to read them – maybe b/c they’re entirely too plausible and thus scary? I’m loving your review though and thinking that I may have to pick this one up. Sounds intense. Is it a standalone? I need a few more standalone books in my life LOL

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yes, currently it is a standalone but the door was left open, and this was seriously action-packed.

  6. Angie F.

    Oh dang, this one had me at sentient technology! That is so creepy, and I’ve only read about it once before! 😀

  7. Jan

    I really like scifi, but hadn’t heard of this book so thanks for reviewing this!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      thanks Jan, this was good and I hope you get a chance to read it 🙂

  9. Kimberly

    You had me as soon as I saw the book’s summary “Cloverfield meets Terminator”! I love books with lots of action so I’m hoping I get this from the library. Great review 🙂

  10. Michele

    Oh my goodness, I enjoyed this review so much! Cloverfield meets The Terminator sounds like my kind of read. Your review was thrilling, so I can only imagine how exciting the book is! I can’t wait to check this one out. Thank you for the fabulous review 🙂

  11. Bonnie K.

    I’m definitely a fan of action-packed, suspenseful science-fiction thrillers. I’m adding this to my to-read list. I do have some concerns about today’s technology and how it’s easy for a technology savvy person to be able to control things.

  12. Hillary R.

    Day One looks like such an awesome read! I can’t believe I haven’t heard about it before today. Thanks though for creating a post on it. I hope I get to read this book soon! 😀

  13. Adriana

    This book seems a little too sci-fi for me. It feels like it would appeal more to my brothers than me but I’m glad you enjoyed it so much. The suspense has me wanting to change my mind so I’m kind of on the fence with this one. Lovely review (:
    *I think you meant fast-paced (;

    • kimbacaffeinate

      It wasn’t heavy on science fiction details and focused more on the action but I hope your brother loves it 🙂

  14. Mary

    Cloverfield meets the Terminator?? I’m in. Haven’t heard of this one! (why is that? I actually love post-apocalyptic stories & am not yet burned out!)

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I really enjoyed this one Mary and I hope you get a chance to read it 🙂

  16. Traci

    Not usually a big fan of sci- fi, but this one sounds pretty good!!!
    Great review, makes me want to check it out!!!

  17. Melissa (Books and Things)

    This sounds like a great thriller. I love the sci-fi angle to it as well. I also like how it ended with an open feel to it. Those usually make you think.

    As for what I would think if tech took over. I used to say no… we need a human touch… but after the gov’t is going screwy… maybe our techy overlords would do better? LOL (not really political, just satirical… ) 😉

  18. Tammy

    I’m not sure if we’re quite there with technology. I watched Jetsons as a kid and I still don’t have a robot who cleans, my flying car or whatever I want to eat with a push of a button.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yes but our coffee makers have computer chips, our cars and other household items. Yeah I want a robot housekeeper!

  19. Greg

    I’ll be getting this one, I was interested in it already based on some things I saw but your review sealed the deal. Sounds really good and suspenseful, looking forward to it. Thanks Kimba!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Awesome Greg, this was a captivating read and I hope you enjoy it!

  20. Candace

    This sounds intense and crazy! And a bit scary cause it sounds like something that could really happen, or at least something similar.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Agreed Candace, just think about how smart AI is becoming in gaming..it makes you shiver!

  21. Aurian

    Hmm I will stay with Sherrilyn Kenyon, I really don’t like dystopian and scary crazy stuff like this.

  24. Jenny

    This is right up my sister in law’s alley Kim, I know this will be perfect for her so thank you for the recommendation. She loves a good thriller and I think the technology/hacking aspect will be particularly be of interest:) Can’t wait to share this one!

  25. Ellen

    I am so glad that you enjoyed this book. I have it to read for review also, and I was hoping it would be good. It’s good to know that the synopsis is an accurate description also. Wonderful review.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      It was, and felt very real! Thank Ellen and enjoy 🙂

  26. Jenea

    Wow, what a fantastic sounding book. It is kinda scary though. Great review, I am so hoping that my library is going to carry this one. *fingers crossed*

    • kimbacaffeinate

      thanks Jenea, and maybe you will get lucky and win it 🙂

  28. kathy geiser

    How about both? This is an excellent review and I have a fear of technology taking over. Book sounds amazing. Thanks Kathy

    • kimbacaffeinate

      This was good and creepy since it felt plausible, I mean if you play video games AI is getting so good! Thanks and good luck Kathy 🙂

  30. Lark

    I have to admit, I’m not a fan of technology-turns-against-us books, but this sounds exciting and well-plotted — as well as perfect for a movie adaptation. I’m glad you enjoyed it!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yes, Lark this would make a cool movie with lots of action scenes.

  31. Silvia

    I usually don’t read sci-fi but I do watch it. Now, I didn’t particularly like Cloverfield, but I’m a Terminator fan and if you mix those two together you definitely grab my curiosity.
    Also, may I say great cover? There, I said that! 😉

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Ha, I like the cover too, and this is well paced, I think even non science fiction fans will enjoy it.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      It isn’t heavy in sci-fi details but I think we can all appreciate how smart computer programs are becoming especially if you are a gamer.

  33. Wendy Lohr

    Awesome review! I love the eerie plausibleness of a cybertechnology take-over and this book sounds like it is an intense and suspenseful read that brings that possibility to life! And I really like the cover for this book…definitely gives it a foreboding sense.

    Thanks for the great review and giveaway opportunity!

    Wendy @ Escape Into Fiction

  34. Sam

    Cloverfield meets the Terminator? I like the sound of that! I haven’t actually come across this before, but it sounds like the sort of fast-paced, action-packed book I could do with right about now. I’m glad you enjoyed it, Kimba. Great review!

  35. Tanja

    I have never heard of this one but it sounds so good. I mean the whole thing sounds so realistic and I think this is a book that keeps you turning pages. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Great review 🙂