Marc Elsberg was born in 1967 in Vienna. He was a columnist for the Austrian daily newspaper Der Standard and is now a freelance strategy consultant and creative director for advertising in Vienna.

Is progress a step backward? The world as we know it will soon cease to exist. The countdown has begun...

On a cold February day, all power grids in Europe collapse. A total blackout. Italian computer scientist Piero Manzano suspects a hacker attack and tries to reach the authorities—unsuccessfully. When Europol Commissioner Bollard finally listens to him, dubious emails are found on his computer. Even under suspicion, Manzano realizes one thing: their opponent is as cunning as they are ruthless. Meanwhile, Europe is in darkness, and people are facing their greatest challenge: survival.

Terrifyingly realistic, thoroughly researched, and compellingly told.