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PeaceMaker

by Dan Ronco

PeaceMaker Cover

ISBN13: 9780975271148
ISBN10: 0975271148
All Product Details

 

Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments:

PeaceMaker, a start-at-a-dead-run thriller, is set in the near future, where software revolutionaries are pushing artificial intelligence to the brink of terrorism. The prologue plunges software architect Ray Brown into a life-or-death contest with PeaceMaker, a deadly artificial intelligence that has infected most of the world?s computing devices. His determination to eliminate PeaceMaker leads him into a dangerous conflict with the Domain — a clandestine organization dedicated to a new world order.

Humiliated by the federal government in an anti-trust trial that has torn apart her software company, CEO Dianne Morgan is obsessed with a plan to unleash PeaceMaker and shut down computer systems across the world. She is determined to crush the global economy unless the nations of the world agree to share power with the Domain. Although Dianne and Ray have never resolved a long simmering passion, she must hunt him down before he terminates PeaceMaker. As the Domain hunts Ray, Dianne learns of a mysterious third force that has discovered PeaceMaker and plans to attack the Domain. Dianne, Ray and this third force struggle for control, but PeaceMaker has its own plans.

Review:

"For computer geeks and Tom Clancy readers alike, PeaceMaker is hard to put down. Ronco gives us a sobering glimpse of just how vulnerable we are to 'intelligent' viruses and the unstable personalities of those who create and unleash them. This is truly chilling material." Joe Massucci, author of CODE:ALPHA

Review:

"Exciting, violent, thoughtful, and unfortunately true to life...a powerhouse of computer adventure." Piers Anthony, author of the classic XANTH series

Review:

"PeaceMaker is a fast-paced and exciting speculative thriller. Dan Ronco uses his inside knowledge of the software industry to craft a chillingly plausible cautionary tale about the possible consequences of the world's growing reliance on computer technology. A truly enjoyable read." Victoria Strauss, author of The Burning Land

Review:

"Mr. Ronco's realistic dialog gives flavor and edge to his characters. The climax is taut and powerful." Jeanette Cottrell, Rreviewer, eBook Reviews Weekly, author of Sliding on Rainbows

Review:

"Author and obvious computer techie Dan Ronco delivers a breathtaking thriller of a story about a deadly computer virus called PeaceMaker, the decidedly evil organization behind it, and the one man who can stop it from literally crippling society as we know it." Marie Jones, reviewer, Bookideas.com

Review:

"With allusions to recent computer trials in the news, at least in the mind of this reviewer, this novel serves more as a dire warning of a future we may unwittingly be creating each day as we turn more and more control of our lives over to computer systems. While the read is enjoyable and fast, the issues this novel raises deserve serious consideration before the next power blackout or other disaster-man made or otherwise." Kevin R. Tipple, reviewer, Blue Iris Journal

About the Author

Dan Ronco was sitting in his office at Microsoft, frustrated by a couple of emerging problems: the increasing number of virus attacks on his client's systems and the ongoing litigation with the DOJ. And, it seemed, additional litigation with just about anyone else who knew an attorney.

The more he thought about these problems, the more frustrated he became. Dan was General Manager for consulting in the East Coast, having joined Microsoft after years of leading information technology consulting practices for other hi-tech firms. Suddenly the obvious solution hit him — get out of this business and write a novel.

What if a great (fictional) software company lost an anti-trust lawsuit and was ripped apart by the DOJ? What if the leaders of this once-great company decided to have their revenge by building an intelligent, deadly software predator into their flagship software product? That's the premise of PeaceMaker, Dan's first novel.

Dan has had a distinguished career working with computer systems in both the scientific and business communities. A cum laude graduate of the New Jersey Institute of Technology with a BS in Chemical Engineering, he was awarded a full fellowship by the Atomic Energy Commission and gained a MS in Nuclear Engineering from Columbia University. He designed submarine nuclear reactors while attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute at night and earning a second MS, this one in Computer Science. After that, he designed computer systems for clients in all parts of the USA, held several technical and management positions and had a great time as a computer industry insider.

That is... until that day in his office.

What Our Readers Are Saying

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Average customer rating based on 1 comment:

Dan Ronco, May 14, 2007 (view all comments by Dan Ronco)
While working on the next release of the Atlas operating system, I discovered PeaceMaker, a lethal computer virus, and I have decided to do everything in my power to defeat it and expose the people who developed it. I?m scared, and I thought about walking away from it. I can?t do that. Since you received this message, I must have failed.

I?m getting ahead of myself. Here?s the story. Humiliated by the federal government in an anti-trust trial that tore apart her software company, CEO Dianne Morgan has become obsessed with a plan to unleash PeaceMaker and shut down computer systems across the world. She is determined to crush the global economy unless the nations of the world agree to share power with the Domain, the clandestine organization she leads. She recruited some of the best computer scientists in the world into the Domain and these people developed PeaceMaker.

Before we go any further, I have to admit Dianne and I were lovers several years ago, and she left me because I couldn?t control my drinking problem. I have been clean for six years and I attend AA meetings most weeks, so I have it pretty much under control.

I?m working on a method of destroying the virus, but it?s going to take some time. Dianne has already murdered one of my friends because he discovered PeaceMaker, and now she has agents watching everything I do. In case she gets to me before I can attack PeaceMaker, I created this time-delayed message to alert you to the danger. Unless I reschedule this message every other day, it will be sent as a warning to you. Since you are reading this, I must have been captured or killed. In addition to my associate Dan Ronco and me, Dianne knows that you are also aware of PeaceMaker. So it's up to you and Dan.

One last thing ? there is a mysterious third force that has discovered PeaceMaker and plans to attack the Domain. I don?t know who they are, but Dianne has made many enemies over the years.

The one person you can trust is Dan Ronco. He knows the entire story and can provide as much information as you need. You can contact him at danron@danronco.com to coordinate your plans, but make sure your communications line isn't bugged.

And watch out for Dianne.

Ray Brown, Chief Software Architect
Atlas Operating System

Was this comment helpful? | Yes | No
(5 of 9 readers found this comment helpful)

Product Details

ISBN:
9780975271148
Author:
Ronco, Dan
Publisher:
Winterwolf Publishing
Subject:
Espionage/Intrigue
Subject:
Revenge
Subject:
Computer viruses
Subject:
Suspense fiction
Subject:
Internet
Subject:
Popular Fiction-Technothrillers
Publication Date:
20040631
Binding:
TRADE PAPER
Language:
English
Pages:
284
Dimensions:
8.48x5.68x.72 in. .82 lbs.

Related Aisles

PeaceMaker New Trade Paper
0 stars - 0 reviews
$9.99 In Stock
Product details 284 pages Winterwolf Publishing - English 9780975271148 Reviews:
"Review" by , "For computer geeks and Tom Clancy readers alike, PeaceMaker is hard to put down. Ronco gives us a sobering glimpse of just how vulnerable we are to 'intelligent' viruses and the unstable personalities of those who create and unleash them. This is truly chilling material."
"Review" by , "Exciting, violent, thoughtful, and unfortunately true to life...a powerhouse of computer adventure."
"Review" by , "PeaceMaker is a fast-paced and exciting speculative thriller. Dan Ronco uses his inside knowledge of the software industry to craft a chillingly plausible cautionary tale about the possible consequences of the world's growing reliance on computer technology. A truly enjoyable read."
"Review" by , "Mr. Ronco's realistic dialog gives flavor and edge to his characters. The climax is taut and powerful."
"Review" by , "Author and obvious computer techie Dan Ronco delivers a breathtaking thriller of a story about a deadly computer virus called PeaceMaker, the decidedly evil organization behind it, and the one man who can stop it from literally crippling society as we know it."
"Review" by , "With allusions to recent computer trials in the news, at least in the mind of this reviewer, this novel serves more as a dire warning of a future we may unwittingly be creating each day as we turn more and more control of our lives over to computer systems. While the read is enjoyable and fast, the issues this novel raises deserve serious consideration before the next power blackout or other disaster-man made or otherwise."
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