cover image Startup

Startup

Glenn Ogura. iUniverse, $25.95 paper (486p) ISBN 978-1-4759-8855-0

On the verge of leaving Silicon Valley%E2%80%99s prestigious DisplayTechnik to start his own company with new industry-changing video technology, idealistic young engineer Zack Penny is confronted by ruthless CEO Allen Henley, who questions his loyalty. Before the Sun Tzu%E2%80%93quoting chief executive can fire him, Zach quits%E2%80%94but Allen vows revenge, and Zach%E2%80%99s associates at DisplayTechnik are soon shown the door as well. To make matters worse, Zach has been dating Henley%E2%80%99s daughter, Mary Anne. As Mary Anne seesaws between loyalty to her father and her affection for Zach, Allen puts a plan to destroy him into action. Although possessing all the ingredients for a successful techno thriller, Ogura%E2%80%99s debut suffers from improbable plot twists, underdeveloped characters, and stilted dialogue. Readers will have difficulty engaging with the characters%E2%80%94and those who stick around to the end will find the conclusion somewhat improbable.