This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite
The Bastion Protocol by A. K. Lakelett is a captivating drama that follows Calaf, a former intelligence analyst who is posing as an independent journalist. His journey takes him to Valletta, Malta, situated at a crucial crossroads in the world. Although Malta is small, it possesses Annex B, a powerful data tool capable of creating chaos globally. In an effort to gain access to Europe’s digital archives, China proposes a data-sharing treaty with Malta. Calaf finds himself in a battle of wills as he enters a riddle-solving competition designed by Turandot Vassallo, the daughter of Malta’s Prime Minister and the creator of the Bastion Protocol, the country's cyber defense system. Each riddle he solves brings him closer to dismantling the system, but this pursuit puts his life at risk, as people are willing to kill for ultimate control and power.
The Bastion Protocol is a thought-provoking spy thriller infused with elements of cyber warfare, code breaking, and riddles. It highlights the ongoing global struggle for technological and informational dominance, an often-overlooked aspect of geopolitics. Every day, nations vie for control over intelligence capabilities that can significantly influence international security and power dynamics. The narrative allows you to step into Calaf’s shoes, prompting you to consider what choice you would make: intervene in a threat of this magnitude or stand by and watch it unfold. The story is filled with historical references and employs real cryptographic methods such as Playfair and ROT13. It also gives detailed descriptions of Malta’s strategic location and significance. A. K. Lakelett delves into themes of power and trust, while celebrating the bravery of whistle-blowers who risk their lives to expose the truth. Overall, this is a gripping and suspenseful read, with a compelling storyline that will encourage you to reflect on modern cyber conflicts.
