Computer chips control nearly every aspect of our daily lives: our bank accounts, our businesses, our governments, even our cars. Imagine if those chips were flawed.

When rumors appear regarding the integrity of chip technology, the very foundation of the digital world — the Internet, global communications, commerce and defense systems — is threatened.

Jerome Constable, a young Ph.D. and expert in semiconductor materials, has been secretly working on Hereout, an alternative to computer chips. He accepts a position at a prestigious Boston university and meets and falls in love with a beautiful, yet controlling, young woman. The stress caused by their relationship and subsequent marriage collide with his work when he stumbles upon an aberrant behavior in semiconductor substrates that may be the cause of the rumors. That such a problem could exist is absurd.

He begins to question his research and himself. His colleagues doubt the looming disaster. Does this mean the end to Hereout? Can he balance his love for his family and his quest for technology?

As the world slides backwards, Jerome rushes to develop his alternative to silicon substrates. Along the way he must fight errant bloggers and journalists, maverick federal agents and a semiconductor cartel — all of whom threaten his family, his life, even his faith in God — to perfect a breakthrough technology that will protect modern life. Can the world survive without computers? The answer lies in the thrilling, fast-paced conclusion.

What readers are saying:
"A thriller ... highly recommended" —Midwest Book Review.

"... a spell-binding, believable story of how the ubiquous technology that we take for granted could be naturally, or purposely, flawed. Begs the question: "are our adversaries working on something as disruptive as this"?

"Deals with fresh, innovative themes. Holt's combination of technology and faith are thought-provoking... his attention to detail, in both the scientific and personal material, makes the book believable. My only warning is be careful: once you pick it up, Substrate will be impossible to put down."

"An excellent read. This is the first time I have recommended a book before I was finished reading the book... the writing is superb... intriguing the way the author weaves deep questions and reflections of most mortals into the fabric of the story. It is hard to believe that this story is fiction."