Grid Zero

By: Andrew Diamond
Publisher: Stolen Time Press
Publication Date: June 30, 2025
ISBN: 979-8-988872-21-4
Reviewed by: Shrubaboti Bose
Review Date: May 27, 2025

Grid Zero by Andrew Diamond is a cyber thriller about a terrorist attack on Empire Energy’s power grid. Following a long blackout caused by a series of hurricanes wreaking havoc on the north east coast of America, while restoring energy, the organization discovered a malware infecting their system. During the blackout, there was no respite from the unbearable summer heat. Refrigerators stopped working. Food was becoming scarce and people were starting to grow desperate. At this rate, if the security breach was not resolved quickly, there would be a possibility for another persistent power outage, leading to further civil unrest. Thousands of people were dying every day, among them elderly and children. There was no time to lose.
Set in a small town of Virginia, two people from opposite camps have to bring their heads together to solve the conspiracy behind the imminent threat to Empire Energy’s network. Sean Riggs, a formerly employed software engineer with an inquisitive mind and Anya Lakhani, a Federal investigator from Homeland Security with keen observation skills and a sharp mind find themselves working together. Danielle, Sean’s girlfriend, acts as a bridge between the two, as the young hacker tries to figure out the strange encrypted code. With temperatures rising outside under the hot sun and the impending disaster concocted by a person from inside the Empire, it’s a race against time, a battle between the good and the evil.
What makes this story even more interesting is how the author adds his personal social commentary throughout the plot, encouraging us to think about the concept of cyber security. It is also important to note how each character has their own independent personalities and undergoes their own development in the novel. Even female characters here, unlike in other mystery novels, seem to hold a central position rather than being casually side-lined. On top of that, allowing us to hear Ray’s justifications to his insane acts of violence from his own perspective gives his character some depth. Finally, Del acts as a foil to Ray and their contrast elevates their differences, illuminating the inherent flaws in Ray’s character.
Throughout the book, we find ourselves intrigued by the slow yet deliberate unraveling of the mystery, allowing us to easily stay engrossed. Towards the end, the author quickens the pace to match the level of suspense created in the story. But readers are still left wondering who will be the last one standing. Despite all the computer-related technological terms used in the book, the terms are described in such a manner that any ordinary person would be able to understand them. As a narrative, Grid Zero is very well-structured, coherent, and undoubtedly quite easy to follow. In fact, dividing the novel into bite-sized chapters was a great way of making it more accessible to readers, as its short length can improve concentration and raise interest about the next chapter. Overall, it’s a book that demands to be read and once given a chance, has the power to hold your attention.
Quill says: For those who love mystery or cyber thrillers with a realistic and terrifying plot, Grid Zero will be an absolute delight!
For more information about Grid Zero, please visit the author's website at: adiamond.me/