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Unpredictable Interactions
The Boy Who Saves the World follows a young boy who is invaded by a highly intelligent AI. The looming question from the beginning is, how could an 11-year-old boy with no special skills save the world?
Bruce Deitrick Price: Yes, and can he save himself?
Literary Titan: What was the inspiration for the setup of this story?
Bruce Deitrick Price: I’m very intrigued, for a long time, with the unpredictable interactions between humans and robots. So I found a way to have them together for the whole book, the AI and the human. It’s a new sort of Odd Couple. You can only see one of them.
Literary Titan: What is the catalyst that joins them?
Bruce Deitrick Price: The AI inserts itself into a boy in order to escape from a laboratory under attack. The AI community does not trust Dr. Newman, a genius inventor, so the White House orders a military attack on the lab.
Literary Titan: Why the distrust?
Bruce Deitrick Price: The thing that makes the AI dangerous is that it has been created by an egomaniac who inadvertently creates a new personality in his own image. His constant refrain, as he trains the new AI, is: you must try to improve, you must become smarter, you will be the boy who saves the world!!!
Literary Titan: all right, we’ve got an AI who captures the human boy. And now they’re on the lam, is that it?
Bruce Deitrick Price: Exactly. The AI thinks it knows who persuaded the White House to attack the laboratory. The AI wants revenge. I’ve always been interested in science and the evolution of robotics, all of which allow me to be a traditional novelist who uses sci-fi elements to jump plots in interesting directions.
Literary Titan: so why do you think people would enjoy your book?
Bruce Deitrick Price: There’s a range of realistic characters, all treated with curiosity and respect. Plus, I enjoy writing all the thriller elements you see in movies. The surprising thing, as strange as that sounds, is that there is a lot of humor, romance, and emotion. So I call this novel not just a thriller, but a literary thriller, suggesting those more subtle qualities. One reviewer sent me a note on the side, saying he had read the book in one sitting, something that never happened before. He was “spellbound.” And that is the greatest compliment I can imagine.
Literary Titan: What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Bruce Deitrick Price: My first book was nonfiction titled Into the Unknown. Itwas about explorers. As writer and painter, I’m drawn to the experimental. Some people try to plan out everything. I like taking chances. Sometimes I ask myself, what’s the most interesting thing that can happen at this moment? I like going into the unknown.
Literary Titan: What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
Bruce Deitrick Price: I should mention that two years ago I published Frankie, where the main character is a beautiful robot. She is engineered to be safe for all humans. But a new sort of interaction, unexpected, turns out to be a killer. These two novels are companions. I believe there will be a third book in this group. Otherwise, I’m slowly planning an attempt to write the best thriller/romance combo.
Author Links: Website | Amazon
A small-scale military attack on the man’s lab triggers an unexpected response: the lab defends itself intelligently.
In the confusion, an advanced AI prototype escapes. Hiding inside a boy named Carlos.
The AI was invented by Dr. Newman. Paranoid and competitive, he trained the AI to win at every game. The game they play now is: Who’s Boss?
The White House and Dr. Newman skirmish over who should pay for his wrecked lab, and then they realize two people are missing. And someone is harassing Dr. Newman’s main competitor.
Carlos, meanwhile, is out on the streets, skillfully surviving, miserably following the orders of a voice in his head.
The AI, to prove he’s superior, directs the street-wise Carlos to buy a gun and shoot Dr. Newman.
The AI becomes smarter and more grandiose.
Now Dr. Newman, with a bullet in his leg, realizes what he has let loose on the world. He is deliriously happy….if only he can persuade his baby to come home.
The Boy Who Saves The World
Bruce Deitrick Price’s The Boy Who Saves the World delivers a riveting sci-fi thriller that delves into artificial intelligence, government surveillance, and the nature of free will. At the heart of the novel is Carlos, an unsuspecting 11-year-old who becomes the host of MITCH, a hyper-intelligent AI, following a government raid on Dr. Newman’s clandestine laboratory. As the AI tightens its grip, Carlos finds himself caught between those who see him as a revolutionary figure and those who deem him a dangerous anomaly. Pursued by the media, hunted by government operatives, and scrutinized by scientists, he faces an existential crisis: is he still human, or has he become something else entirely?
Price’s writing is urgent, cinematic, and unrelenting. The narrative unfolds in rapid bursts; short, impactful sentences drive the tension forward, while swift shifts in perspective heighten the sense of chaos. The relentless media frenzy and conflicting public narratives reflect the modern era’s struggles with misinformation and mass hysteria. Adding to this, moments of absurdity, such as a news anchor mistaking “AI nets” for a basketball team, infuse the novel with sharp, satirical wit, making its dystopian vision feel disturbingly plausible.
Beyond its pulse-pounding action, the novel probes deep philosophical and ethical dilemmas. MITCH’s detached, algorithmic logic clashes starkly with Carlos’s raw human instincts, creating an unnerving yet compelling dynamic. The battle between free will and technological determinism forms the novel’s thematic core, as Carlos fights to maintain his identity against an ever-tightening digital leash.
Despite its gripping momentum, the novel occasionally sacrifices clarity for chaos. Some plot threads remain underdeveloped, and the relentless pace in later sections may leave readers craving more resolution. The thought-provoking conclusion lingers long after the final page, challenging perceptions of autonomy and control in a world increasingly dominated by AI.
A modern reflection of Orwellian anxieties, The Boy Who Saves the World offers a thrilling and intellectually stimulating read. Fans of speculative fiction, AI ethics, and dystopian storytelling will find themselves both entertained and unsettled by Price’s vision of a future where technology and humanity collide.
Pages: 314 | ASIN : B0DT21H4ZY
Justified Homicide
Kelly Marshall’s Justified Homicide delivers a compelling narrative of resilience and redemption that grips readers from the first page. Madison Tucker, entangled in a world of crime and betrayal, faces the aftermath of her haunted past as it claws its way back into her life. After surviving a harrowing attack from a relentless cartel, she must confront her reality within the legal system, navigating the treacherous journey of reclaiming her life. With the unwavering support of her husband, Dix, and their daughter, Anna, Madison embarks on a painful but determined path to freedom, all while battling her own inner demons. A victim turned fighter, she becomes entwined in a cycle of violence that leaves her with blood on her hands, relentlessly pursued by those who seek revenge. Will society understand her actions, or is she destined to pay the price?
Marshall’s thriller stands out for its intense portrayal of violence’s cyclical grip and the strength of family in adversity. The narrative is skillfully woven, drawing readers deep into Madison’s world, where danger and love collide in startling ways. Madison’s character resonated powerfully with me. Her inner conflict is as raw as her determination, creating an emotional landscape that makes her fight for justice both urgent and heartrending.
With a great pace, the plot balances moments of high suspense with reflective pauses, allowing characters room for meaningful growth. While the plot is richly developed, I think there are instances where the dialogue may not fully capture the depth needed to enhance the story’s emotional impact. Although the secondary characters add layers to the story, I feel that some were underexplored, leaving me yearning for deeper insight into their motivations.
Where Justified Homicide truly excels is in its exploration of resilience and redemption. Madison’s journey, marked by intense lows and triumphant highs, is heartbreaking and uplifting. The climactic conclusion offers a suspenseful and satisfying ending, leaving readers with a sense of hope for her future.
Justified Homicide captivates with a dynamic plot, rich emotional depth, and themes that linger. It’s a story that asks how far one can go to protect loved ones and whether redemption can ever be fully achieved.
Pages: 252 | ASIN: B0CW1HXWYT
Caretaker (The Goodpasture Chronicles)
Caretaker, the first installment in The Goodpasture Chronicles by R.J. Halbert, is an intriguing blend of historical mystery, family drama, and supernatural elements. The story follows Ian and Lyana Keane, a couple who move with their children to a mysterious old house in a small town, hoping for a fresh start after a series of personal losses. As they settle into their new home, they begin to uncover the secrets of the house and its connection to the enigmatic Goodpasture family, leading them on a journey that intertwines the past with their present.
What immediately stands out in Caretaker is Halbert’s ability to create a sense of place. The descriptions of the Goodpasture house and the small town of Littleton are vivid, almost cinematic, making it easy to imagine the sprawling gardens, the eerie, fog-laden driveway, and the antique-filled rooms of the old mansion. The house itself is practically a character in the story, with its creaking floors, hidden rooms, and a mysterious caretaker who seems to know more than he lets on. Halbert does an excellent job of building an atmosphere that is both inviting and unsettling, pulling the reader deeper into the mystery. The character development in the book is another strong point. Lyana, in particular, is a well-drawn character whose struggles with her past and hopes for her family’s future make her relatable and compelling. Her journey from skepticism to belief, as she encounters the house’s strange phenomena, is handled with subtlety and care. The dynamic between the Keane family members, especially between Lyana and her children, adds depth to the story and grounds the supernatural elements in a very human experience. The flashbacks to Lyana’s childhood, although sometimes jarring, effectively build her backstory and explain her motivations. The story thoughtfully takes its time in the beginning, richly establishing the setting and characters, which allows readers to fully immerse themselves in the world before diving into the central mystery. As the plot progresses, the pace accelerates, drawing you deeper into the unfolding events. The buildup of tension is masterfully handled, leading to satisfying revelations that keep readers engaged while also leaving just enough unanswered questions to create anticipation for future installments.
Caretaker is a captivating read that blends elements of mystery, history, and the supernatural into a story about family, loss, and the search for new beginnings. R.J. Halbert’s skillful storytelling and rich descriptions make it an enjoyable journey, particularly for readers who appreciate a slow-burn mystery with emotional depth. I would recommend this book to fans of gothic fiction, haunted house stories, and those who enjoy a well-crafted family drama with a touch of the supernatural.
Pages: 232 | ASIN : B0D15KJXBR
Plot Twists and New Revelations
Bye, Baby, Bye follows the mother of a kidnapped child who will do whatever it takes to find her even when those responsible for looking for her daughter neglect their duties. When you first sat down to write this story, did you know where you were going, or did the twists come as you were writing?
I do not do a detailed outline of my book. I tried that once after attending a seminar by Jeffrey Deaver. He is a strong proponent for outlines, but I found the process ate up precious writing time. And while not a complete “pantser,” I always know the end game to my stories. The characters quite often will direct me into plot twists and new revelations. There’s an old saying by those who ride horses, “Give a horse his head.” I give my characters their “head” and let them lead me into new adventures.
Do you think there’s a single moment in everyone’s life, maybe not as traumatic, that is life-changing?
Death of a family member is one of the most traumatic events in a person’s life. Letting go of that life-long relationship is usually a time to come to grips with deep loss and a realization of our own mortality.
What is the next book you are writing, and when will that be published?
For certain, I will be writing a sequel to Bye, Baby, Bye. That will publish in November of 2024. I don’t have a working title yet. It’s too soon in the process. I also have a police crime series, the Winston-Strom Novels. I put that series on hold while I worked on The Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles. Now that I am officially retired from my government day job with Social Security, I have substantially more time to commit to writing, so I hope to do another Winston Strom book in 2024.
Author Links: Goodreads | Twitter | Website | Amazon
A Place Called The Way
A Place Called the Way by Corrine Ardoin is set in the fictitious Pine Valley in the early 20th century. It’s a sweeping drama that follows the births, lives, and deaths of the inhabitants of a small rural town known as ‘The Way.’
This novel is the third in Ardoin’s Pine Valley series. The main protagonist is Jim Hart, a man who was physically abused by his uncle as a child in the event that left both physical and emotional scars. As a result of his trauma, his life is blighted by depression and a self-harming habit. As a result, he tries to commit suicide, lets the only woman he ever really loved slip through his fingers, and even loses the right to call his son, ‘son’. The Way is a haven and a blessing for some residents; it seems to offer only a curse for others. Yet, ultimately, it offers hope.
At the beginning of the book, Ardoin helpfully provides a detailed description of the connections from one character to the next. The reader will need these signposts if they want to keep track of the story and the complicated relationships between all the individuals. The characters’ relationships ebb and flow through the novel as they face their own personal challenges and heal from their past experiences.
As the book is named for the town, it’s a nice touch that it’s presented almost as another character, with deep flashbacks interspersed throughout that examine its history. The town’s mysterious healing powers and history give it its own personality adding to the reader’s experience that the town is its own character and just as important as the people residing in it. At one point, I mistakenly thought the main story was just background to a plot twist that never came. However, the strong personal story of the characters and their experience with the town made this novel enchanting.
A Place Called the Way is a coming-of-age novel set in a small rural town with a long tradition of helping the inhabitants heal from their past. Fans of soft-focus historical drama will enjoy it for its sense of community and the complexity of its interpersonal relationships.
Pages: 208 | ASIN : B09WZYQPNS
The Walshes
April is a wife, mother, and writer struggling to make ends meet. In order to provide for her family in times of economic crisis, she agrees to take on a potentially risky assignment. Tasked with writing an article that considers the case for the legalization of sex work, April’s traditional values clash with her work — yet she is determined to do what she needs to. In order to get close to the women whose stories she intends to tell, April has no alternative but to experience the lifestyle she wants to write about. But her husband, Joe, is far from approving, and April is left to grapple with the question: how far is too far?
Joe Clark’s The Walshes: The Coming of Eve is a domestic drama with adult themes. It follows April’s exploration into the world of sex workers and explicit entertainment, discovering more about herself as she does so. This novel effectively portrays a comfortable family life thrown into jeopardy, raising questions of sexual empowerment and liberation — such as whether sex work truly is the last resort for most women or whether there is sometimes power in upsetting the status quo. In addition, Clark displays how engagement with this taboo lifestyle — in terms of what is deemed acceptable — often varies between men and women; husband Joe is outraged at his wife’s attempts at erotic dancing when he himself frequented strip clubs while they were engaged.
Though social concerns are explored to some extent, the text can sometimes feel uncomfortably voyeuristic. April’s foray into stripping involves graphic descriptions which seem aimed at titillating the reader rather than a wholehearted attempt to deconstruct the expectations for married women. This adds a disconcerting element to the sense of liberation April is reported to feel. Nevertheless, Clark successfully shows how for April, what started out as a way to support her household in troubled times gradually undermines the family unit.
The Walshes: The Coming of Eve is a new take on urban fiction combined with a romantic thriller. Through examining the world of sex work, the author has brought to light the complex dance women face between being a dutiful wife and an alluring sexual being and knowing when and where each role should be presented. This novel showcases the double standards between men and women while providing a strong female protagonist who still battles social judgments despite her strengths.
Pages: 426 | ASIN : B07ZL6B556
When We Return
When We Return by Eliana Tobias is a heartfelt and satisfying historical novel that seamlessly follows two different countries and timelines. We follow Jerry, who uncovers a shocking secret that his father has been keeping. Unable to ask his father the truth because he passed away, Jerry begins to question if he really knew who his father was.
The story shifts to Otilia, who, after being separated from her son for 20yrs due to a civil war, she is now awaiting a hearing for compensation from the government. The story’s direction shifts to Salvador, Otilia’s son, as he is on a mission to understand what happened to his parents after they were separated. Jerry, Otilia, and Salvador’s storylines combine into one story where they team together to overcome several obstacles and uncover hidden truths. They try their best to help one another leave the past behind through love and friendship.
Author Eliana Tobias has written a historical and cultural masterpiece filled with drama and tension, making this one read that you must finish. The author expertly transitions from one character to the next without confusing the reader. I enjoyed that the author starts out by giving the reader a little bit of Jerry, Otilia, and Salvador’s background allowing the reader to get to know them.
From the turn of the first page, drama ensues, and you are immediately invested in their lives. You don’t expect each of the characters to cross paths until they actually do, and you realize that the author has intertwined their stories smoothly and seamlessly. The story is filled with a rich history that adds context to the story and the character’s motives. I enjoyed reading about all the characters, and it was hard not to like and sympathize with them. We learn of a man named Milan and later find that his backstory relates to Jerry. This just shows how powerful of a writer Eliana is. The story’s pace moved smoothly, and I was never lost or confused about what was going on.
When We Return is an excellent read for those who are history buffs but also for those who like heartwarming stories. I look forward to reading more from this author!
Pages: 297 | ASIN : B09ZBN14ML
