Going Dark

A Liberty Unit Novel

Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
374 Pages
Reviewed on 10/18/2024
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

George K. Mehok is an author, technologist, and entrepreneur with a distinguished career in designing software and leading high-performing technology teams. His insights have been featured in notable publications like the Wall Street Journal, CIO Review, and InformationWeek, covering wireless communications, cybersecurity, and data analytics. George’s expertise has earned him accolades, including Crain’s Business Magazine CIO of the Year award, and his work has been recognized in InformationWeek’s Annual Elite 100 ranking of the most innovative technology users in the United States. An avid storyteller, George weaves his real-world knowledge into gripping narratives, crafting thrilling plots that captivate readers. GOING DARK, the first in Mehok’s Liberty Unit series, combines his extensive technology background with historical intrigue, presenting a captivating blend of modern-day suspense and revolutionary-era secrets.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite

George K. Mehok's Going Dark: A Liberty Unit novel is an intense read. Paul Knox, a cybersecurity specialist and former Air Force communications officer, believed his software would detect the enemy before they struck. However, when the dark web's discussions suddenly fell silent, he sensed something was going to happen. Paul needed his daughter Emma to assist him in discovering why his software failed to detect the enemy's communications. Emma was at MIT, where her research was groundbreaking. The enemy was targeting top cybersecurity professionals, and there was a reason they had not eliminated Paul yet. Paul had valuable information that could expose them, and someone within the organization had betrayed him. The enemy's interest in Emma stemmed from her work at MIT, and Paul needed to ensure her safety at all costs.

Going Dark: A Liberty Unit Novel by George K. Mehok grabbed my attention right from the beginning. The rapid pace made it hard for me to put it down until I finished reading. The story spanned different timelines, starting in 1781 and continuing to the present day. The plot was intricately woven, ensuring that one timeline complemented the other and they did not detract from each other. The events were vividly described, making me feel the tension, danger, and unpredictability of the situation. The characters were well-developed and captivating. Paul found himself in a fascinating group of people who quickly embraced and safeguarded him. The writing was superb, keeping me engrossed the entire time. I could hardly flip the pages quickly enough. I thoroughly enjoyed this thrilling, action-packed read.

Christian Sia

Going Dark by George K Mehok is a spellbinding thriller that is twisty and filled with tension. The 9/11 event marked a terrible day in US history, but it wasn’t the end. A group linked to Bin Laden's Al-Qaeda has infiltrated the heart of the US and has worked quietly and tirelessly for decades to hit the country where it hurts the most. On Thanksgiving Day, they unleash a cyber-terrorist attack that threatens the very fabric of US security. The only person who can stop them is Paul Knox, a reputable and highly skilled NSA cybersecurity expert and former Air Force communications officer. Time is against him and the stakes are higher than anyone could imagine. While Knox must stop the terrorist attack, he must also protect his daughter, Emma, whose revolutionary research defines future technology. Jack doesn’t just have a current crisis to handle; the past is quickly catching up with him as well. Does he have what it takes to ensure the security of the United States?

This intricately plotted and cleverly written thriller will appeal to fans of The Last Patriot by Brad Thor and Threat Vector by Tom Clancy. The writing is suspenseful, and readers are always on the edge of their seats, uncertain of what might happen at any moment. And a lot happens in this action-packed, fast-paced, and electrifying tale. The writing is great, and the descriptions are terrific. George K Mehok writes about cybersecurity like an expert and immerses readers in a world that feels strange yet familiar, thanks to his ability to be detailed and highly descriptive without sacrificing clarity. The dialogues feel like conversations between real people, and the author injects humanity and realism into them. Going Dark has a phenomenal conflict, intriguing characters, and superior storytelling. This book won’t disappoint any fan of military or terrorist thrillers.

Carol Thompson

Going Dark by George K. Mehok delivers a thrilling blend of cyber espionage and historical intrigue to keep readers on the edge of their seats. The story follows Paul Knox, a seasoned NSA cybersecurity expert, who finds himself in a high-stakes battle against a sinister cyber-terrorist plot linked to remnants of Al-Qaeda. Knox is forced to navigate a complex web of secrets and confront personal demons as he races to uncover the truth and protect his daughter, Emma, an MIT computer scientist whose research could save the nation. The novel skillfully weaves past and present, introducing readers to John “Jack” Jouett, whose daring mission in 1791 plays a crucial role in shaping America’s history. This historical subplot adds depth to the narrative, seamlessly intertwining with Knox’s modern-day quest to prevent a digital catastrophe. The dual timelines enhance the novel's tension, creating a gripping tale where each revelation carries significant weight.

George K. Mehok’s debut novel is an innovative and engaging read that captures the spirit of techno-thrillers by authors like Steve Berry and Dan Brown while also offering a fresh take on contemporary issues like cybersecurity and terrorism. The vivid storytelling and intricate plotting make Going Dark a page-turner that entertains and stimulates the mind, tackling today’s most pressing challenges. Mehok is a world-building master with his ability to make the fictional world feel authentic and consistent. With themes of loyalty, legacy, and the enduring bond between a father and his daughter, the novel will connect emotionally and intellectually with readers, delivering a compelling read from start to finish.