The Labyrinth Key - Howard V. Hendrix Book Review

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Review Summary

Del Rey, Apr 2004, 13.95
ISBN: 0345455977

The modern arms race goes way beyond the obvious weapons of mass destruction. The contest between countries involves economic skirmishes and technology wars. The current battle focuses on which nation's research computer scientists will create the quantum computer and code breaker. The prime contestants are China and The United States, but the Americans have the edge because the world's leading expert on computer code breaking Dr. Jaron L. Kwok works for the latter's National Security Agency.

Kwok is stunned that his wife Cherise is divorcing him most likely because he has failed to live up to what others expect from him including her as she detested his obsessive “infojunkie tendencies”. However, while he was mulling over his personal life in Hong Kong, something happens and he vanishes. The NSA believe he was assassinated, but they and the Chinese send agents not only to learn who murdered him, but more important to find what he discovered. For if the rumors prove true that he has completed the quantum computer and whoever possesses it has the edge in international relationships.

From Hong Kong to China to the United States to virtual reality hyperspace, this tale cleverly combines science fiction elements within an action-packed thriller. The terrific story line travels globally, but still moves faster than a computer can calculate a simple sum. As Mr. Hendrix uses quantum physics to logically support his plot, the author also provides interesting theories about cause and effect leading to horrific events that leaders would prefer to ignore (culpability is the other guy). As usual Mr. Hendrix provides a deep scientifically based thriller that will stir the cerebral in readers.

Harriet Klausner

Harriet Klausner, Resident Scholar

Detailed literary breakdown of The Labyrinth Key

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Ratings are on a 1-10 scale (Low to High)
Plot

Composition of Book
Descript. of chases or violence - 10%
planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 40%
Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 40%
Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places - 10%

FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION? - science fiction story
Tech./$$$/Info hunt Yes
Stealing/recovering/destroying - computer/database
Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book
Inventing-of-item story? Yes

Main Character
Identity: - Male
Profession/status: - scientist
Age: - 20's-30's
How sensitive is this character? - sensitive to others' feelings
Sense of humor - Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence - Genius
Physique - very athletic

Main Adversary
Identity: - an organization
How much of work is main antagonist actually present in: - a moderate amount
How sensitive is this character? - hard edged

Setting
Earth setting: - current (early 21st century)
Takes place on Earth? Yes

Style
Person? - mostly 3rd
Accounts of torture and death? - generic/vague references to death/punishment
scientific jargon? (SF only) - a fair amount of scientific explanation
How much dialogue? - significantly more dialog than descript

Most similar books to The Labyrinth Key
Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut
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Empty Cities of the Full Moon by Howard V. Hendrix

Note: the views expressed here are only those of the reviewer(s).

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