Download by David Crowell, Robert Glasker

"Download" by David Crowell is a riveting sci-fi adventure that centers around Margaret, a reclusive programmer battling schizophrenia. Her life takes a dramatic turn when an alien spacecraft enters the solar system, leading to a miraculous cure of her condition through an accidental interaction with alien technology. Reunited with her college friend Frank, an astrophysicist, Margaret joins a team of brilliant minds in Boulder, Colorado. Together, they delve into alien innovations, including a brain implant that connects them directly to the internet and grants them control over global information systems. This newfound power, however, comes with perilous consequences, drawing attention from the U.S. President, foreign operatives, and anti-alien factions. As the narrative unfolds, Margaret and her team navigate a web of international espionage, ethical dilemmas, and the existential questions posed by their alien benefactors. Crowell masterfully blends action, suspense, and a profound exploration of human potential in the face of otherworldly influences. "Download" is a compelling journey into the possibilities of alien contact and the transformative power of technology, making it a must-read for science fiction enthusiasts.