Permanent Record - Edward Snowden

If it wasn't for the fact that the released stories are available on certain news publications, this would have made an excellent work of fiction.

Were it not for the selflessness of Mr. Snowden, who knows quite how far, and how much the NSA and CIA would have gone with their Mass Surveillance projects. I doubt it is fully known how far reaching its current projects are. As highlighted in the positions held by the author himself. People are given new jobs, new locations, and a new level of security clearance that allows for a darker project to be carried out.

The truth, might be out there. But, what may once have been nothing more than a work of science fiction. Has today, become reality.

Rating: 5/5

Status: Completed

The God Game - Danny Tobey

Religion, a paradox; God a chat-bot.

A new take on what I have seen on page and tape several times before. 

Despite that, I found this rather enjoyable to read. It is aimed more at a YA audience than my older age.

Take one group of social outcasts, put them in situations that they would never normally find themselves in. Add an AI god that appears to have put even the worst megalomaniacs to shame.

Do, as the GOD sees fit, and be rewarded. Go against its wishes, and be  prepared for the consequences.

Fairly well paced, with a few unexpected bits thrown in to boot.

Well worth a read if your 15 - 20ish

Rated: 4.2 / 5.0

Status: Completed

Mindf*ck - Christoper Wylie

 

IF YOU READ NOTHING ELSE THIS YEAR, YOU NEED TO READ THIS.

It throws light over Cambridge Analytica, and the lengths that it would go to one to show just what they could do, and what they were prepared to do for their clients.

The shape of things to come, were shown with data provided by small Caribbean Islands and smaller African Nations. This data, was twisted and manipulated, to coerce people into doing things that they wouldn't normally do. Whether, this be in-sighting violence or manipulating the way in which they voted.

Understandably, this was very attractive, to people and organisations with a certain leaning. The upper echelons of politics were drawn in with implications for the vote leave Brexit campaign, and the 2016 Donald Trump presidential campaign using Cambridge Analytica at various points.

It is written and whistle blown by the former director of research for Cambridge Analytica, Christopher Wylie. Just for the sheer insight, this book really is a must read.

Rated: 5/5

Status: Completed