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Life’s Greatest Mysteries
Dark Matter is a tightly woven collection of techno-thriller novellas that dive into themes of surveillance, data manipulation, artificial intelligence, and ethical collapse. What was the inspiration for this collection of short stories?
The inspiration for almost everything I write comes from fear. Each story dives into a fear that I have, whether it be wasps or having my online data used against me. I tend to get into the “what if” scenario, and that really drives my speculative theories. The future is coming at us so fast in real life that some of my scenarios may even seem like they’re already happening in a way, and I think that really hits home with readers.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
Our relationships are what drive our experiences in this world. Imagine going through life without interacting with another living being–it would almost be impossible (or it would be incredibly boring). These relationships create drama and tension needed to establish a relevant story that readers will enjoy. From those relationships come actions–I often find myself debating what actions my characters should take, and it makes it fun for me. Almost like I’m playing God. Great fiction showcases these relationships and actions in a unique way by shining a spotlight on our fears and desires. We all want something in life, and I lean on that with my characters.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this collection of stories?
Definitely artificial intelligence. It’s such a hot topic as we are in an AI revolution that will put the Industrial Revolution to shame (in my opinion). Death is also one of life’s greatest mysteries, and I always enjoy tapping into that theme. But to be frank, I don’t sit down and say, “Okay, what theme do I want to drive with this new story?” I typically come up with a premise, start to build the characters and world, and let the muse guide my story. The themes will often expose themselves through character development and their growth. For example, in the story “The Chair,” the main character has a distaste for the lower class. I didn’t start the story thinking the division of economic status would be a major theme; it naturally grew to end up being a main piece of the main character’s arc and the conclusion of the story.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I’m definitely focused on the launch of Dark Matter coming out in September, but I am working on my next novel. It’s called Zero, and it’s actually based on a short story I wrote in college. I’ve been wanting to dive back into this particular story and can’t wait to expand on it. I’m hoping to release it in 2026, but it will most likely be available later that year. I love books and movies on time travel, and this book will be in that genre. Expect a twisty, epic adventure with a lot of heart.
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In this haunting collection of speculative tales, Robert Plant examines the razor-thin line between innovation and annihilation. While technology has crept into the cracks of human life, the potential for destruction and chaos lurks beneath the surface.
Within these pages you’ll discover a dating app with deceitful intentions; a family off the grid desperate for help; a game show blurring the lines of reality; a woman trying to save her game with unthinkable consequences; a writer’s getaway turned trap; the possibility of eternal life but at a cost; and an AI assistant who will do anything to make you happy.
Terrifying yet familiar, Dark Matter shines a light on the shadows of our relationship with technology. These stories not only envision our future, they warn us about the present.
Featuring “The Perfect Match” – the grand prize winner of the 2025 Small Bites Short Story Contest from Indies United Publishing House
Dark Matter: Stories
Dark Matter is a tightly woven collection of techno-thriller novellas that dive into themes of surveillance, data manipulation, artificial intelligence, and ethical collapse. The book opens with “The Perfect Match,” a chilling story about a lonely man named Alex whose search for love through a seemingly magical dating app pulls him into a sinister world of organ harvesting. In a later story like “Swarm,” which follows a family trying to escape nature-turned-enemy, showing just how close technology and horror can walk hand in hand. Across these stories, Robert Plant lays bare the unsettling consequences of our digital dependence and the illusions of privacy and control.
Reading Dark Matter was like watching Black Mirror, but way more vivid. Plant’s writing style is lean and propulsive, with a strong cinematic feel. He doesn’t waste time with flowery language. His sentences hit fast and hard, much like the twists in his stories. Sometimes the simplicity made it feel a little rushed, but it also kept me hooked. I felt real tension during Alex’s descent into the Perfect Match nightmare, especially that moment when his date, Jessica, switches from charming to chilling with subtle, terrifying ease. The twist was both insane and believable, which is what made it so effective.
I liked how plausible it all felt. These aren’t just made-up sci-fi scenarios, they’re cautionary tales rooted in the very real world of Big Tech and unchecked data collection. Plant taps into a quiet fear many of us have but rarely acknowledge: that we’ve given away too much of ourselves online. The emotional heart of the stories, loneliness, guilt, and family love, is what gives the horror its punch. I found myself getting angry at the characters’ decisions, then realizing I’d probably do the same. That’s what made it hit so hard. I also appreciated how Plant never leaned too far into preaching. He lets the story deliver the message, and it lands.
Dark Matter left me unsettled and thoughtful. If you’re a fan of Black Mirror, Ex Machina, or anything that explores the dark side of tech with a human touch, this book is a must-read. It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you like stories that make you squirm a little and think a lot, you’ll eat this up.
Pages: 130
LITERARY TITAN 