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Binary Hackers #1
Zero Sum
She opens a case she cannot close.
If he helps her solve it, he will die.
FBI Cybercrime Special Agent Stella Evans finds the last surviving computer consultant who holds the key to destroying a terrorist organization’s global network, but Cayson Yang may not live long enough to dismantle the computer system.
* * *
Zero Sum is book 1 in USA Today bestselling author Jan Thompson’s Binary Systems romantic suspense series, a precursor to her inspirational international thrillers (that will feature Cayson Yang’s cousin, Leland Yang-Joule).
The Chaos...
Computer network specialist Cayson Yang’s struggling network infrastructure company has received a rash of new clients lately, the total income of which finally puts Binary Systems, Inc., in the black for the first time ever.
He is now able to give pay raises to himself and his business partner and cousin, Leland Yang-Joule, and bonuses to his employees. Cayson dreams of a bigger office space for them all.
Somewhere between two dollars in his bank account and a two-million-dollar computer network contract, Cayson finds himself in the crosshair of the world’s most notorious terrorist organization, now coming after him, his business partner and his family.
Ignoring repeated warning lights might have been Cayson’s downfall, but it’s too late for him to backtrack now that his enemies have implanted a cybernetic kill switch in his head.
The Crime...
Assigned to the National Cyber Investigative Joint Task Force, FBI Special Agent Stella Evans finishes assisting her colleagues from the Counterterrorism Division to apprehend a notorious terrorist.
On trial in Europe for war crimes too numerous to list, Molyneux refuses to help the authorities dismantle her sophisticated international computer network. The only alternative is to find the architects of this network and hope they will cooperate.
Shutting down Molyneux’s underground computer network is the best way to destroy those mercenary terrorists for hire. However, the terrorist organization doesn’t want to be outdone. A successor is named, and they begin to kill off anyone who has worked on the underground network in the past.
The Crisis...
By the time Stella reached Binary Systems, most of the original computer specialists who worked for Molyneux are either dead or have disappeared—except their fearful leader, Cayson Yang, the final link, kept alive for reasons unknown.
Stella finds herself at a crossroad between duty and following Cayson and the cybernetic implants in his head. She stands to lose not only her carefully cultivated career but, more dangerously, her closely guarded heart as she decides what to do with the Pandora’s box she has opened…
* * *
ZERO SUM debuts in the KILL ZONE: TEN DEADLY THRILLERS anthology boxed set, available on October 3, 2017.
If he helps her solve it, he will die.
FBI Cybercrime Special Agent Stella Evans finds the last surviving computer consultant who holds the key to destroying a terrorist organization’s global network, but Cayson Yang may not live long enough to dismantle the computer system.
* * *
Zero Sum is book 1 in USA Today bestselling author Jan Thompson’s Binary Systems romantic suspense series, a precursor to her inspirational international thrillers (that will feature Cayson Yang’s cousin, Leland Yang-Joule).
The Chaos...
Computer network specialist Cayson Yang’s struggling network infrastructure company has received a rash of new clients lately, the total income of which finally puts Binary Systems, Inc., in the black for the first time ever.
He is now able to give pay raises to himself and his business partner and cousin, Leland Yang-Joule, and bonuses to his employees. Cayson dreams of a bigger office space for them all.
Somewhere between two dollars in his bank account and a two-million-dollar computer network contract, Cayson finds himself in the crosshair of the world’s most notorious terrorist organization, now coming after him, his business partner and his family.
Ignoring repeated warning lights might have been Cayson’s downfall, but it’s too late for him to backtrack now that his enemies have implanted a cybernetic kill switch in his head.
The Crime...
Assigned to the National Cyber Investigative Joint Task Force, FBI Special Agent Stella Evans finishes assisting her colleagues from the Counterterrorism Division to apprehend a notorious terrorist.
On trial in Europe for war crimes too numerous to list, Molyneux refuses to help the authorities dismantle her sophisticated international computer network. The only alternative is to find the architects of this network and hope they will cooperate.
Shutting down Molyneux’s underground computer network is the best way to destroy those mercenary terrorists for hire. However, the terrorist organization doesn’t want to be outdone. A successor is named, and they begin to kill off anyone who has worked on the underground network in the past.
The Crisis...
By the time Stella reached Binary Systems, most of the original computer specialists who worked for Molyneux are either dead or have disappeared—except their fearful leader, Cayson Yang, the final link, kept alive for reasons unknown.
Stella finds herself at a crossroad between duty and following Cayson and the cybernetic implants in his head. She stands to lose not only her carefully cultivated career but, more dangerously, her closely guarded heart as she decides what to do with the Pandora’s box she has opened…
* * *
ZERO SUM debuts in the KILL ZONE: TEN DEADLY THRILLERS anthology boxed set, available on October 3, 2017.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2022
83 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Jan Thompson
64 books142 followersUSA Today bestselling author Jan Thompson writes clean and wholesome multiethnic contemporary Christian coastal city and beach town romance with flavors of women’s fiction, Christian romantic suspense with elements of mystery, and inspirational international thrillers with threads of sweet Christian romance. Her books are for readers who love inspiring stories of faith, family, and friends.
Jan loves to hear from her readers. Join her mailing list to receive book publication news, sales and specials, cover reveals, and exclusive details and content.
Book News: JanThompson.com/newsletter
Author Website: JanThompson.com
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
Jan loves to hear from her readers. Join her mailing list to receive book publication news, sales and specials, cover reveals, and exclusive details and content.
Book News: JanThompson.com/newsletter
Author Website: JanThompson.com
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 17, 2019
The story pulled me in and wouldn't let go until the last page. Cayson and Stella are a terrific team. Cayson is the genius hacker who got chips put in his head without his knowledge. The bad guys who put them in are killing others whom they have also chipped, causing their heads to explode! Stella is the agent assigned to Cayson. I loved the flip of girl protector, guy genius, but he was never portrayed as weak. In fact, both were portrayed as experts in their fields. Cayson works with other hackers to get to his chips and deactivate them without the bad guys detonating him. Stella tries to keep him safe. The romance was sweet, really just right. Both Cayson and Stella are Christians, but the book isn't 'preachy' at all, just real. Can't wait until the next one in this series!
April 25, 2018
Zero Sum by Jan Thompson
This was a thrilling, technical, up-to-date suspense story. It is part of a series about cyber crimes.
FBI Special Agent Stella Evans and Cayton Yang computer network specialist and owner of Binary Systems, Inc., team up to fight a terrorist using cyber technology. Cayton has an implant in his head that has killed his colleagues with similar implants. Why is he not dead? As Stella and Cayton seek help from their friends, they find themselves fighting for their lives. On their way to see the one person who could help them, they encounter killer drones and treacherous weather. Can they survive their trek ? Will they be able to shut off the diabolical tool in Cayton’s head? Will they reach their destination and be able to trust God for their safety and the ultimate outcome?
Interesting and held my interest even though I don’t fully understand the technology involved.
*I purchased this ebook from Amazon. All opinions are my own. *
This was a thrilling, technical, up-to-date suspense story. It is part of a series about cyber crimes.
FBI Special Agent Stella Evans and Cayton Yang computer network specialist and owner of Binary Systems, Inc., team up to fight a terrorist using cyber technology. Cayton has an implant in his head that has killed his colleagues with similar implants. Why is he not dead? As Stella and Cayton seek help from their friends, they find themselves fighting for their lives. On their way to see the one person who could help them, they encounter killer drones and treacherous weather. Can they survive their trek ? Will they be able to shut off the diabolical tool in Cayton’s head? Will they reach their destination and be able to trust God for their safety and the ultimate outcome?
Interesting and held my interest even though I don’t fully understand the technology involved.
*I purchased this ebook from Amazon. All opinions are my own. *
June 30, 2018
A Great Techno Thriller
I loved this first book in Jan Thompson's Technothriller series.
Suspense abounds with an intriguing storyline,an exciting cast of characters,and homage paid God the Father.
This book will be enjoyed by those who love Christian romantic suspense.
I loved this first book in Jan Thompson's Technothriller series.
Suspense abounds with an intriguing storyline,an exciting cast of characters,and homage paid God the Father.
This book will be enjoyed by those who love Christian romantic suspense.
October 28, 2024
I’m not savvy about technical things, so when I picked up this book to read, I wasn’t sure I’d understand and be able to follow along with all the computer hacking stuff. However, author Jan Thompson has just the right style and flair to keep me reading without getting lost!
Her writing is smooth, and she weaves in many suspenseful and action-packed things. It made the story move along and kept me invested in the life of Cayson and all the other characters.
There were bits of mystery, drama, and a tiny bit of romance. Learning many different things about the cyberworld's technical parts was so fun. I never knew these things were happening. I know they are out there in the back of my head, but I’m just happy to be able to type on a computer and get words out to friends and family.
Jan Thompson is an author I’ve read in the past with books that are intertwined, and I think this book and some of the characters are now in other of her books. I’ll have to go investigate and maybe pick a few up to continue to see what’s happening in these characters’ lives.
I also appreciate that she weaves God’s lessons and love into her stories. They are little nuggets and add richness to these stories. They are not pushy or preachy.
If you like books with crazy, interesting, technical stuff, with drama, suspense, action, and bits of romance, then this is a book you’ll want to pick up to read.
Her writing is smooth, and she weaves in many suspenseful and action-packed things. It made the story move along and kept me invested in the life of Cayson and all the other characters.
There were bits of mystery, drama, and a tiny bit of romance. Learning many different things about the cyberworld's technical parts was so fun. I never knew these things were happening. I know they are out there in the back of my head, but I’m just happy to be able to type on a computer and get words out to friends and family.
Jan Thompson is an author I’ve read in the past with books that are intertwined, and I think this book and some of the characters are now in other of her books. I’ll have to go investigate and maybe pick a few up to continue to see what’s happening in these characters’ lives.
I also appreciate that she weaves God’s lessons and love into her stories. They are little nuggets and add richness to these stories. They are not pushy or preachy.
If you like books with crazy, interesting, technical stuff, with drama, suspense, action, and bits of romance, then this is a book you’ll want to pick up to read.
January 11, 2019
Zero Sum by Jan Thompson is a Christian suspense surrounding the topic of cyber-crime. It is the first book in the Binary Hackers series.
Not being particularly good at all things technical, I found some of the action blinded me. I wasn’t always sure what was happening, however it did not detract from my enjoyment of the story.
Zero Sum was a tense thriller that had me questioning who could be trusted? No one except God. Suspicion lurked around every corner. There were also themes of healing, friendship, grace and new beginnings. There were plenty of Godly lesson to be learnt. The past is gone. We cannot wallow in it but we can learn lessons from it. How do you break free from your past when it seems to keep chasing you?
Life can be messy at times but “God’s mercy cleans up our messes”, if we would just let Him into our lives.
I enjoyed Zero Sum and would like to leave you with my favourite quote. It is simple but powerful:
“You cannot outplant or outgrow God.” Give God what you have, and watch it multiply.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
Not being particularly good at all things technical, I found some of the action blinded me. I wasn’t always sure what was happening, however it did not detract from my enjoyment of the story.
Zero Sum was a tense thriller that had me questioning who could be trusted? No one except God. Suspicion lurked around every corner. There were also themes of healing, friendship, grace and new beginnings. There were plenty of Godly lesson to be learnt. The past is gone. We cannot wallow in it but we can learn lessons from it. How do you break free from your past when it seems to keep chasing you?
Life can be messy at times but “God’s mercy cleans up our messes”, if we would just let Him into our lives.
I enjoyed Zero Sum and would like to leave you with my favourite quote. It is simple but powerful:
“You cannot outplant or outgrow God.” Give God what you have, and watch it multiply.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
May 17, 2022
Book one: Zero Sum: Virtual Networks... A Near-Future Technothriller with Inspirational Romance (Binary Hackers Book 1)
4 stars
I received a free copy of the Atlanta, Georgia-based novel Zero Sum: Virtual Networks... A Near-Future Technothriller with Inspirational Romance (Binary Hackers Book 1) by Jan Thompson and this review was given freely.
Action-packed and suspenseful with a few twists and vivid descriptions. This novel combines people of Faith, computer hacking, American and international intelligence agencies, and the race to explant an implanted kill switch that explodes a person’s brain.
Small computer consulting company owner Cayson Yang of Yottaflops Data Storage LLC and his partner/ CIA employed Cousin Leland Yang-Joule of Binary Systems join with FBI Cyber Special Agent Stella Evans to prevent Cayson from being the fourth in a string of murders linked to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, its only contractor VenomLabs, a 5-component inoperable brain implant know as Icarus, the MedusaNet, the disappearance of his employee Kelvin, and the quest to shut down Molyneux’s network.
4 stars
I received a free copy of the Atlanta, Georgia-based novel Zero Sum: Virtual Networks... A Near-Future Technothriller with Inspirational Romance (Binary Hackers Book 1) by Jan Thompson and this review was given freely.
Action-packed and suspenseful with a few twists and vivid descriptions. This novel combines people of Faith, computer hacking, American and international intelligence agencies, and the race to explant an implanted kill switch that explodes a person’s brain.
Small computer consulting company owner Cayson Yang of Yottaflops Data Storage LLC and his partner/ CIA employed Cousin Leland Yang-Joule of Binary Systems join with FBI Cyber Special Agent Stella Evans to prevent Cayson from being the fourth in a string of murders linked to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, its only contractor VenomLabs, a 5-component inoperable brain implant know as Icarus, the MedusaNet, the disappearance of his employee Kelvin, and the quest to shut down Molyneux’s network.
December 22, 2024
So much potential.... but so clinically sterile
I'm an avid reader, and I really wanted to like this book. The premise it's powerful, but the characters are clinically sterile, and the plot jumps around so frequently without meaningful transitions. For the first time in 5 years, I almost quit reading the book before I got to the end. And for the first time that I can ever recall, I'm not going to finish a book series. Even with Cliffhangers and loose ends, the story is not compelling enough for me to keep going. The characters are not personable and the writing is stilted. It's not worth it to me to dive into another one of these books.
I'm an avid reader, and I really wanted to like this book. The premise it's powerful, but the characters are clinically sterile, and the plot jumps around so frequently without meaningful transitions. For the first time in 5 years, I almost quit reading the book before I got to the end. And for the first time that I can ever recall, I'm not going to finish a book series. Even with Cliffhangers and loose ends, the story is not compelling enough for me to keep going. The characters are not personable and the writing is stilted. It's not worth it to me to dive into another one of these books.
November 22, 2024
Content warning: There are some gruesome details mentioned in semi-graphically in this novel.
Other than that, I loved this book and loved reconnecting with characters I met from Never a Fugitive and Never a Traitor. Can't wait to get to the rest of the series!
Other than that, I loved this book and loved reconnecting with characters I met from Never a Fugitive and Never a Traitor. Can't wait to get to the rest of the series!
June 19, 2020
FBI Special Agent Stella Evans finds Cayson Yang. He's the last surviving computer consultant who hols the key to destroying a terrorist organization.
What a read! I loved the technology described in the books. Drones and implants. Scary stuff. Biblical verses cleverly dispersed throughout the story-perfect. Lessons learned.
The cybernetic kill switch in Cayson's head added to the level of tension. Great read. Ready for the next one in this series.
What a read! I loved the technology described in the books. Drones and implants. Scary stuff. Biblical verses cleverly dispersed throughout the story-perfect. Lessons learned.
The cybernetic kill switch in Cayson's head added to the level of tension. Great read. Ready for the next one in this series.
July 24, 2022
Zero Sum
I liked the action that started at the beginning and kept going until the end. I recommend this book for those who enjoy reading inspirational romance revolving around futuristic technology. The characters are interesting, and this is a standalone story that is part of an ongoing series. I was gifted a copy of this book by the author and this is my voluntary and honest review.
I liked the action that started at the beginning and kept going until the end. I recommend this book for those who enjoy reading inspirational romance revolving around futuristic technology. The characters are interesting, and this is a standalone story that is part of an ongoing series. I was gifted a copy of this book by the author and this is my voluntary and honest review.
January 8, 2019
Agent Stella is a amazing woman. When Stella is assigned to help Cayson both of their lives are in danger. The characters in this book are all very special people. You won’t be able to stop reading this book because you have to know what happens next. I had the honor to review this book for the author for a honest review. I would give this book a higher rating than a five star review if I could.
November 7, 2019
What a wild ride! There is lots of action, lots of mystery, lots of intrigue in this book. All those abbrivations for groups (I don't know what they stand for, which are good, which bad). Good thing this book is not very long-I could't stop reading it. Book 2 out April, 2020. It will be a long wait.
March 5, 2022
This is a wild ride. Lots of action, mystery, and intrigue in this romantic suspense novel. Cayson is a hacker who got implants in his head without his knowledge. Cayson and Stella make a great team. Cayson works with other hackers to remove the implants before the bad guys get to him and detonates him while Stella protects him. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
July 5, 2022
A Sci-fi techno thriller about a company who put an implant in the main character's head.
Most of the way through the book I was lost. The implant seemed to make no sense, the plot was odd and seemed to skip ahead too much missing detail in between the skips.
The Christ-focused aspect was the best part.
Most of the way through the book I was lost. The implant seemed to make no sense, the plot was odd and seemed to skip ahead too much missing detail in between the skips.
The Christ-focused aspect was the best part.
July 14, 2022
maybe 3, not 0
A sign of a great author is how they can write a completely different genre than usual and write it even better than their normal genre! This story definitely kept me guessing. Very well done!
A sign of a great author is how they can write a completely different genre than usual and write it even better than their normal genre! This story definitely kept me guessing. Very well done!
August 10, 2022
Zero sum
Different type of book than I normally read, but since I love Christy’s book I thought I would give it a try. It was very interesting and has many cliffhangers in it. Never a dull moment just different.
Different type of book than I normally read, but since I love Christy’s book I thought I would give it a try. It was very interesting and has many cliffhangers in it. Never a dull moment just different.
March 16, 2025
Complicated
Gracious! Not sure how much of this is possible, but it was interesting if a bit confusing. So many agencies with letters working together or not. Names and code names. Not sure if I will read more in this series though.
Gracious! Not sure how much of this is possible, but it was interesting if a bit confusing. So many agencies with letters working together or not. Names and code names. Not sure if I will read more in this series though.
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June 9, 2023free on Kindle
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January 28, 2024
Great story
I really enjoyed this great story. It was very interesting. I liked Cayson's sense of humor. I also liked the way the characters depended on their beliefs in God.
I really enjoyed this great story. It was very interesting. I liked Cayson's sense of humor. I also liked the way the characters depended on their beliefs in God.
December 10, 2024
Interesting hacking going on!
I appreciated the "near-future technothrill" of the story. With the way things are going now, who knows if this is happening.
I appreciated the "near-future technothrill" of the story. With the way things are going now, who knows if this is happening.
December 30, 2024
Fun thriller
Not a lot of character development but a fun plot. Sometimes the plot isn't clear but it is definitely fast paced which i like in a good book.
Not a lot of character development but a fun plot. Sometimes the plot isn't clear but it is definitely fast paced which i like in a good book.
February 25, 2025
Really enjoyed this book since it kept me reading from beginning to the end. Great job Jan in your writing, the story and great characters.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews