Book Review: Unauthorized Access by Andrew McAllister

by - Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Title: Unauthorized Access
Author: Andrew McAllister
Genre: Thriller
Form: Kindle edition

Book Description ~ Unauthorized Access

Book Review: Unauthorized Access by Andrew McAllister


Young computer programmer Rob Donovan receives an emergency call from his boss at the First Malden Bank in Boston after the first successful cyberattack in American banking history scrambles thousands of account records. First Malden’s survival is on the line as furious customers and voracious reporters descend on the bank. Rob is part of the team trying to fix the damage, until the FBI charges him with the crime and brings his world crashing down. Facing prison time and the loss of his fiancée Lesley, Rob’s only chance of reclaiming his life lies in cutting through a web of mistrust and betrayal to uncover the startling truth behind the attack.

Unauthorized Access Book Review

“Thrill. Excitement. Agony. Three words I will use to describe how I felt while reading Unauthorized Access. Agony: because I can feel how hard it must be for the characters involved. Thrill: because, oh good heavens, this book is just full of it. Excitement: well, I was really excited to know how the main characters will deal with the situation. I loved it! I recommend this book." – Ara of My Book and My Coffee

I’m fully aware that this is fiction because I kept reminding myself that it is. Otherwise, it will be totally unfair and disturbing. But of course, I’m also aware that this is the kind of story that is not at all impossible to happen in real life. And that, ladies and gentlemen, frightens me a lot. Anyway, let’s discuss, shall we? :)

So, about the whole story – I am very impressed. The story is really complicated; I mean, while reading, I was like “Oh no… That’s not good. Someone has to know…”. As a reader, I was really looking forward to read more. It’s really convincing and as I’ve mentioned above, I felt the agony some of the characters must have gone through. If this was a real story, I would have believed the obvious things, too. Shame on me, right? But who knows, if it’s too obvious, then I’ll probably think otherwise.

The real deal here is not a secret. As a reader, you’ll know what’s going on. You know who did it. You know who’s who. You know why he or she did it. That’s why I can’t help but keep on reading to see how it will all pan out. Based on the description, Rob is charged with ‘the crime’. The question will be – Did he really do it? Is it foul play? Who could it be, right? And how will he try to defend himself? How will the story end? Will there be a happy ever after for Rob and Lesley? You can find out as well when you read it :) Don’t want to give any spoilers! :D

Again, with the story line, I have no problem with it. The ending was unexpected but I think it’s just practical. There were unfinished bits, I feel. But I think it’s really alright. I would think that all of those unfinished bits can be resolved in the next book – if there is. :)

Sadly, the main character, Rob Donovan, is not my absolute favorite. Don’t get me wrong; he is an interesting character but I thought that he could have done more. I needed more from him. From my point of view, as a reader, I would really need to be captivated with Rob’s character – but that was not the case here. He’s alright; but wasn’t able to invest in this character. I liked Lesley's, Rob’s fiancée, character. There’s a part in the book where I got really annoyed at her, as in ‘rolling-my-eyes’ moment. But she redeemed herself. And I was really glad that she did.

Weird thing? My absolute favorite is Rob’s ex-girlfriend, Kirsten. I love her in so many ways. She has very little part in this book but she’s cool and speaks her mind. I think she still likes Rob and she’s there when Rob needed him (when he needed her the most, actually). :D

To sum it all up, I did love this book. I really did. It was an awesome experience, reading this book. And I would really recommend it to everyone who loves to read thriller / crime books. Please know that there are violent ‘scenes’ but I think they are rather tolerable. 


About the Author: 


Andrew McAllister ~ Author of Unauthorized Access

Andrew McAllister, Ph.D. writes both fiction and non-fiction, including the relationship advice blog To Love, Honor, and Dismay. He has a psychology degree and over twenty-five years of experience in the IT industry as a professor, consultant, and software company executive. In other words he can fix your computer software ... but only if it really wants to change. He lives with his family in New Brunswick, Canada, where he is busy working on his next book. You can email him at AndrewMcAllisterAuthor@yahoo.com.

You May Also Like

3 Dazzling Comments

  1. This sounds interesting and I like that it is exciting. I'm curious about why you liked the ex-girlfriend more than the main character.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She has very little role, really. But a very important one, I feel. :)

      Delete
  2. Glad that you liked it even while knowing what it going on.
    Thanks for review,
    Brandi from Blkosiner’s Book Blog

    ReplyDelete