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Shores of Okinawa
Shores of Okinawa by Patrick Greenwood is a riveting political action thriller, navigating a complex web of global cyber security, hacking, and international intrigue. Set across the United States, Europe, and Asia, including Taiwan and Okinawa, the novel follows Jack Kendall, a former U.S. Marine turned technology troubleshooter for Techline, a global security communications firm. The stakes rise dramatically when his two children, William and Regina, are drawn into a global conspiracy that threatens critical data. To prevent a catastrophic cyber attack on Taiwan, Jack must assemble a team of experts and law enforcement to outwit their adversaries.
One of the strengths of Shores of Okinawa is the intricate plot structure. Greenwood expertly weaves together a wide array of characters and subplots, creating a cohesive story despite the complexity. The motivations of both the heroes and the villains are well-delineated, giving readers a nuanced perspective on the unfolding conflict. Watching Jack, his children, and their allies scramble to counter the villains’ dangerous plans makes for compelling reading. The reintroduction of characters from Greenwood’s previous novel, Forever Our Sunrise in Saigon, added depth, making the universe feel interconnected and familiar for returning readers. The vivid, globe-spanning settings were another highlight, taking readers to different parts of the world as the characters race to stop the impending cyber catastrophe. After a slow start, the narrative gained momentum and held my attention through its final pages. The opening chapters, focused on a series of phone calls between characters as they plot their strategies, felt slow and lacked immediate action, making it harder to become invested in the story right away. The technical jargon, while relevant to the cybersecurity theme, often felt overwhelming and unnecessary, bogging down the pace. There were also moments of redundancy, particularly in the exchanges between characters, where information was repeated multiple times—first conveyed through narrative, then through character dialogue, and again through relays of that same information to other characters. This repetition occasionally disrupted the otherwise taut flow of the story.
Shores of Okinawa is an engaging and thought-provoking thriller, blending cyber warfare with political intrigue. Once the plot finds its stride, the book delivers suspense, action, and a fascinating look into the complexities of modern cybersecurity. Fans of Greenwood’s previous work will especially appreciate the returning characters and expanded universe.
Pages: 502 | ASIN : B0DCZNQ9W5
A Sense Of Limitless Possibility
See Yourself in Cybersecurity teaches middle-grade and high-school children about cybersecurity, explaining the different career paths that go into making the field what it is today. Why was this an important book for you to write?
See Yourself in Cybersecurity holds a special place in my heart because it’s my way of igniting a spark in the younger generation. I wanted to show them that the cybersecurity industry is not only exciting but also a career space where all the diverse characters represented in the book from across the globe do belong in the industry, with countless paths to explore. I also receive inquiries from aspiring professionals almost daily on platforms such as LinkedIn eager to join the field, I aim to convey that cybersecurity is a very broad field with a breadth of opportunities. This book is my tool to inspire and inform, helping the next generation envision a future in this evolving industry.
What is your background and experience in cybersecurity, and how did it help you write this informative book?
I am an immigrant from Ethiopia, mother of four, a career changer from the legal field, a multi-award-winning cybersecurity advocate, TEDx Speaker, LinkedIn Learning instructor, & 3x published award-winning children’s book author.
I am a recent Georgia Tech University graduate with a M.S. degree in cybersecurity. I currently work for a Fortune 500 organization as a Cloud Security Engineer and serve on a non-profit organization board, Black Girls in Cyber as a Community Outreach director.
‘Oh, No … Hacked Again!’ My prior children’s book teaches children about the importance of online safety & sparks interest in young readers to consider cybersecurity as an exciting meaningful career option.
I am the recipient of 2023 Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal 40 under 40, the 2023 Ivan Allen Legacy Award from Graduate school, Women Who Code Applaud Her Awards in Security, 2022 SC Media Women in IT Security Cyber Advocate, CyberScoop Most Inspiring Up & Comer, 2021 Team Women’s WaveMakers Award – Unchartered Territory.
I have also recently been featured in the media such as on Good Morning America, 11Alive, BBC, Voice of America, Yahoo News, ABC News, CBS Minnesota – WCCO.
My experience working in the field, being part of the different conversations that happen in the industry coupled with being a mother of 4 children or gamers helped me to write the book. My first TEDx talk just 2 weeks ago at TEDxMinneapolis is also about empowering children on their journey to online safety and cybersecurity.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from See Yourself in Cybersecurity?
One thing I deeply hope readers take away from See Yourself in Cybersecurity is the profound understanding that the cybersecurity industry is not just for a select few; it’s a space that thrives from diverse perspectives. Through the characters in the book, I want them to see that people from all walks of life belong here. Additionally, I aim to inspire a sense of limitless possibility, encouraging readers to explore the many avenues within this expansive field. Ultimately, I want them to envision a future where they play a vital role in the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
So I am working on an anthology book project and am fortunate to collaborate with other talented black women in the cybersecurity and privacy field, sharing our journey and experiences in the industry. Stay tuned it will be released in October 2023!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website | Amazon
As a cybersecurity professional, YOU can play the role of a superhero who fights against hackers and cybercriminals to keep information, systems, networks, and applications safe from harm. It’s a fulfilling career that requires you to stay one step ahead of the “bad guys” and help protect the digital world.
See Yourself in Cybersecurity is a fantastic book that takes readers on a journey through the world of cybersecurity. It inspires and encourages children, teens, and young adults to discover the various roles available in the cybersecurity industry. Readers will get a better understanding of what cybersecurity is, the opportunities available, and how they, too, can be a part of this growing industry.
If you are interested in technology, solving puzzles, problem-solving, and helping people, then cybersecurity is the career for you! See Yourself in Cybersecurity gives you an exciting glimpse of what YOU can do. So, put on your superhero cape and get ready to learn how YOU could have a future fighting cybercrime!
LITERARY TITAN 