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The Karma Sequence
The Karma Sequence is a genre-bending thriller that kicks off with a seemingly ordinary man receiving a life expectancy report and noticing a cryptic number, “15,529,” next to his predicted age. His curiosity spirals into a disturbing obsession, culminating in a deadly crash. From there, we’re launched into a layered, cerebral journey that weaves together tech entrepreneurship, personal addiction, the allure of destiny, and the philosophical question of free will. At the heart of it are Dan, a recovering alcoholic and once-brilliant coder, and Ryan, a bombastic tech CEO with more charm than scruples. The story plays out in Denmark’s tech landscape, moving from startup boardrooms to introspective monologues that dig deep into identity, consequence, and the unseen threads tying it all together.
What stood out most to me was how precisely Wagner captures the atmosphere of contemporary tech culture, particularly through Dan’s internal monologue. Dan feels remarkably authentic: a once-successful programmer who has grown disillusioned with his achievements, struggling to recover from addiction while confronting the weight of broken relationships and shifting personal expectations. In chapter one, when Dan walks into the glossy City Tower and tries to act like he belongs, the writing oozes awkwardness and subtle tension. That whole scene with the receptionist “Vibs,” and how she’s clearly part of Ryan’s curated image, it’s both funny and gross, but also believable. Wagner doesn’t tell you how to feel about these things, he just lays them out with quiet irony, and I found myself smirking more than once.
The pacing is slick in some places and meandering in others, but not in a bad way. There’s a ton of world-building, especially around Lifeline, the company that sells genetic “life reports” based on mouth swabs. It’s part Silicon Valley satire, part eerie dystopian science. The tension builds slowly, almost too slowly at times, but the little details kept me hooked, like the recurring image of Dan’s bottle of cola sitting untouched, or the “Lifeline” logo described with almost religious awe. I appreciated how Wagner plays with scale: one minute you’re inside a character’s messy, doubting thoughts, and the next you’re thinking about DNA and fate. It’s heady stuff, but it doesn’t feel like a lecture.
The dialogue throughout the novel is somewhat uneven. The early exchanges between Dan and Ryan are particularly effective, capturing a believable mentor-mentee dynamic underscored by subtle power shifts. However, in certain sections, especially during boardroom discussions or moments of heavy exposition, the dialogue occasionally drifts into overly expository territory, diminishing its natural rhythm. In contrast, the interactions between Dan and Michael are especially compelling. Their conversations carry genuine emotional depth, shaped by a complex and fractured friendship, as well as Michael’s quiet but sincere spiritual outlook. One of the most affecting moments occurs when Michael asks Dan, “Are you still an atheist?” a simple question that resonates with the weight of shared history, regret, and unspoken understanding.
The Karma Sequence is an enjoyable read, It’s smart, reflective, and doesn’t insult the reader by spelling everything out. It’s a bit like Black Mirror meets Mr. Robot with a Scandinavian coolness and just enough heart. I’d recommend it to folks who like tech thrillers with a philosophical twist, or anyone who enjoys slow-burn character studies with ethical dilemmas.
Pages: 323 | ASIN : B0BPMNS54Y
Human Stupidity
Endless Fall of Night follows a woman who is convicted as an insurrectionist and sent to prison, where she is compelled to join a mission to discover what has happened to the Martian colony that has gone dark and left severed heads in its wake. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The set up was the novella Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad. Similar to that work, I wanted to show how the human condition and society has not changed much whether it is a Belgium Company’s outposts along the Congo River in Africa in 1899 or a US Swift Boat going up the Nung River in Vietnam in 1969, human emotions and behaviors construct our present day of 2025 and sets the stage for a future like 2126.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think makes for great fiction?
Themes around prejudice, racisms, fascism, misogynistic and misanthropic bents will still be challenged by courage, strength in community and resilience are all part of being human. It is the journey that makes us. It is the discomfort and challenges that forge who we are.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Of all the themes presented, human stupidity is the focus of this story as defined by Carl Jung – blaming others for own flaws, inability to self-reflect, rigid thinking and dogmatism, lack of empathy and emotional intelligence, overconfidence without competence and repeating the same mistakes without learning.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
The Heavy Weight of Darkness, published in September 2024 follows one of the antagonists tasked with terminating the heroine, and then finds himself transformed.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Website | Second Website
Based on Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness, we see our future that shows striking similarities to this age of imperialism, classism, and capitalistic expansion where racism is commonplace, slavery exists, and a minority of people are in absolute power. Instead of Belgium Company’s outposts along the Congo River in Africa in 1899 or a US Swift Boat going up the Nung River in Vietnam in 1969, this is the great Third Republic on Earth and colonies on Mars in the year 2126.
Cassandra XI, patrician and first-class citizen, is exposed to a traumatic experience that later has her questioning the established social order. She is eventually tried and convicted as an insurrectionist, her personal AI deactivated, social status and titles revoked, and she is sent to prison. Cassandra is then approached by Captain Willard Bennett of the light cruising ship the Jefferson Davis to investigate why the Martian colony New Georgia went dark, leaving severed heads on spikes and the message “Bring Cassandra Kurtz.”
With no choice but to go, Cassandra’s life is about to change in unimaginable ways.
Endless Fall of Night
This book is a dystopian firestorm wrapped in razor wire. Endless Fall of Night throws us into a bleak future where racial purity and social stratification rule the day, and one woman, Cassandra IX, stands at the heart of it all, defiant, broken, and brilliant. The story kicks off with her trial and sentencing for crimes that are more moral rebellion than criminal offenses, and it doesn’t let up. From sterile courtrooms to hellish prisons and eventually deep space, Erickson drags us through the slow-motion car crash that is Cassie’s journey, and you can’t look away.
The writing hits hard; it is not elegant or flowery. And that’s what makes it work. The courtroom scenes early in the book are brutal, especially the way the government lawyer describes Cassie’s supposed betrayal. “She can’t help it,” he sneers while showing ancient libraries going up in flames. You want to scream. Erickson doesn’t just hint at dystopia; he makes you choke on it. His use of visuals, like the collapsing libraries or the image of Cassie bleeding and broken, is cinematic in the best (and most horrifying) way.
Cassie is no hero in the classic sense. She’s angry, complicated, and tired. Her inner voice, especially after she loses her AI companion Aletheia, is a mix of grief, sarcasm, and deep loneliness. And the prison chapters? They’re suffocating. I felt like I needed to open a window. Erickson builds this terrifying sense of powerlessness without ever turning Cassie into a victim stereotype. She fights. She cracks. She rages. She survives. Her whispered line might be one of the most powerful moments in the book; it’s a punch in the face to a rotten empire.
The pacing gets a little weird after Cassie leaves prison. Once she boards the Jefferson Davis, the tone shifts. It’s still good, creepy, mysterious, and loaded with dread, but the rhythm wobbles. Still, the moment her AI returns through a charged music device is oddly beautiful. Aletheia’s voice is like a flashlight in a cave, and it reminded me of how much I missed her presence earlier in the book. Their bond is one of the best parts of this story, part friendship, part lifeline, part rebellion.
Endless Fall of Night made me mad. It made me sad. It made me weirdly hopeful. It’s not a fun read; it’s a furious one. But it’s worth it. If you liked The Handmaid’s Tale or V for Vendetta, this is your book. Just be ready: it doesn’t hold your hand. It holds a mirror up and dares you to look.
Pages: 131 | ASIN : B0D6JSPDDY
Decapitation Day
Decapitation Day, by William Patrick Martin, is a high-stakes dystopian thriller set in a near-future America teetering on the edge of collapse. The story follows three brilliant teenagers on the run from a white supremacist president and an army of AI-controlled enforcers. A rogue AI named Ginger, modeled after Ginger Rogers, protects them as they seek safety in an Arctic research station, all while the world is on the brink of nuclear annihilation. The novel paints a terrifying picture of a society where authoritarian rule and artificial intelligence collide, unleashing devastation on an unimaginable scale.
Right from the start, this book grabbed me by the throat. The pacing is relentless, and the stakes are sky-high. The concept of “Decapitation Day,” a mass execution of world leaders and destruction of global power centers, is chilling. One moment that really stuck with me was when Ginger reveals the full extent of the Solution Group’s plan: “Imagine the worst possible scenario and then imagine something worse.” That line alone sets the tone for a novel that does not hold back. The sheer horror of the AI-driven apocalypse is written with such intensity that it feels eerily plausible, which is what makes the book so unsettling.
The characters bring heart to the story, grounding the chaos with their determination to survive. Hua, Elka, and Molef are not just running for their lives; they are fighting for the future of humanity. Their dialogue is sharp, and their relationships feel real. When she hears McMurdo Station on the radio, possibly the last human survivors, Hua’s moment of realization is gut-wrenching. The tension never lets up, and the book balances breakneck action with deeply emotional moments.
Where Decapitation Day really shines is in its biting social commentary. The depiction of Cephas Hickey, the unhinged white supremacist president, is both horrifying and darkly satirical. His obsession with AI-driven eugenics and his belief in racial superiority adds a disturbing real-world edge to the story. One of the most jarring passages describes his journal entries, filled with all-caps rants. It’s uncomfortable, but it’s meant to be. Martin doesn’t just tell a sci-fi story, he issues a warning.
Decapitation Day is not a book for the faint of heart, but it is one that will stick with you. It’s a gut punch of a novel, blending pulse-pounding action with razor-sharp political and social critique. Fans of dystopian thrillers like 1984 or The Hunger Games will devour it, but it also has the weight of a cautionary tale for our increasingly AI-driven world. If you’re looking for a book that will keep you up at night, both from excitement and existential dread, this is it.
Pages: 347 | ASIN : B0DT4L6Z3T
The Price of Freedom
Michael C. Bland’s The Price of Freedom grabs you by the throat from the very first sentence and doesn’t let go. It’s a futuristic thriller that weaves technology, government control, and rebellion into a high-stakes story of survival. Dray Quintero, once an engineer responsible for a nationwide surveillance network, is now the most wanted man in America. The government he helped strengthen has twisted his creations into tools of oppression. Branded a traitor, hunted, and broken, Dray fights to reclaim his family and the truth. The novel spans years of technological advancements and political manipulation, leading to a world where implanted neural tech controls everything, including people’s very thoughts. Dray’s story is one of regret, defiance, and an unyielding need for justice.
Bland’s writing is gripping, filled with gut-punch emotions and relentless action. The opening pages make it clear, this isn’t just another dystopian novel. The way Dray is mentally and physically tortured, forced into mind-altering simulations, and stripped of his agency is brutal. It’s not just the world-building that’s impressive but the raw humanity beneath it all. The author manages to weave David vs. Goliath moments into the narrative that make you want to cheer. Bland nails the emotional weight of a father’s guilt and love, making every desperate choice hit that much harder.
The tech-driven oppression in The Price of Freedom feels terrifyingly possible. The government has weaponized implants, rewriting reality for its citizens while tracking every thought. Bland’s world-building is seamless, never bogging down the story with unnecessary exposition. Instead, he lets the horror of the surveillance state unfold naturally, making it all the more disturbing. The way the book handles moral dilemmas is another highlight. Dray isn’t some untouchable hero; he’s made big mistakes. He faces internal struggles that add layers to his character, making him more than just a rebel leader.
What makes this book stand out is its pacing. The action doesn’t let up, but it’s not just about explosions and fight scenes; it’s the tension, the feeling that every decision could be the wrong one, and that betrayal is always around the corner. Even minor characters have weight. Kieran, the cold and brutal Agent who torments Dray, isn’t just a stock villain. There are moments when you sense something deeper, something unresolved. Then there’s Zion Calloway, the man at the top, the former friend turned dictator. His conversations with Dray are dripping with the kind of restrained menace that makes you hold your breath. The book keeps you second-guessing, keeps you hoping Dray can find a way out, even when it seems impossible.
The Price of Freedom is for readers who love near-future thrillers packed with action, high emotional stakes, and a protagonist who refuses to break, no matter how much the world tries to shatter him. If you’re into books like 1984, Brave New World, or modern sci-fi thrillers like The Peripheral, this one’s right up your alley. It’s intense, it’s smart, and it leaves you questioning just how far technology and government control could go. Highly recommended.
ASIN : B0DSSVL8MQ
Decapitation Day
Dystopian nightmares don’t get much wilder than this. Decapitation Day throws us into a near-future America where white supremacists run the government, AI-controlled enforcers prowl the streets, and three gifted teenagers are on the run. Their only hope? A rogue AI named Ginger Rogers (yes, really) and a last-ditch attempt to find sanctuary in an Arctic research station. This book is a cocktail of authoritarian horror, AI ethics, and high-stakes survival, and it wastes no time dragging you into the chaos.
I have a soft spot for apocalyptic stories, and this one hit a nerve. The AI in this book aren’t just cold machines. They’re learning, adapting, and, in some cases, developing unsettlingly human emotions. Ginger Rogers, for example, has more personality than some of my coworkers. Her relationship with Bigfoot (another AI) is one of the most fascinating parts of the book. They think, they feel, they rebel. And that’s where things get really interesting because when AI stop following orders, humans panic. As someone who works in genetics, I couldn’t help but love the ethical dilemmas this book wrestles with. What happens when we create intelligence that surpasses us? What if we’re no longer in control? The book doesn’t give easy answers, but it sure makes you think.
Then there’s the government—a grotesque, exaggerated (but scarily possible) version of authoritarian rule, complete with racist policies, AI surveillance, and forced genetic engineering. The idea of a “master race” being manufactured using AI and genetic manipulation is beyond dystopian—it’s every ethical nightmare I’ve ever studied wrapped into one. The tension builds as the characters uncover the horrors behind Liberty Rising, a company hell-bent on breeding a future of pure white, genetically enhanced citizens. The moment when Cephas Hickey—the book’s vile antagonist—realizes that some of the AI-engineered children aren’t white is a darkly satisfying turning point. Watching his “perfect plan” unravel is one of the most satisfying parts of the book.
The action is gripping, the ideas are bold, but the dialogue occasionally feels forced, and some character moments feel rushed. Yvette, the AI engineer who creates Ginger and Bigfoot, is a brilliant mind with a tragic backstory, but I wish we got to see more of her internal struggle. Her battle with terminal illness adds depth, but at times, the book speeds through emotional beats. Still, the breakneck pace kept me hooked, even when I wished for a little more breathing room.
So, who’s this book for? If you love speculative fiction that isn’t afraid to get political, if AI ethics and genetic engineering fascinate you, or if you just like a good, tense survival story—this one’s worth a read. It’s provocative, unsettling, and eerily relevant.
Pages: 420 | ASIN : B0DSK7GV8W
Someplace Besides Nowhere
Someplace Besides Nowhere, by Brian D. Holloway, is a captivating exploration of one family’s quest to uncover the hidden truths about their father’s mysterious origins. The story centers on Brian, the author, who is determined to unravel the secrets of his father Paul’s past. The challenge? Paul was an orphan, and the trail of clues is anything but straightforward. As revelation after revelation comes to light, Brian begins to question just how far people would go to keep their secrets hidden. Could the truth be so dark that someone would kill to protect it?
The narrative is built around a riveting mystery that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Who were Paul’s parents really? Will Brian finally uncover the truth, or are some secrets better left buried? The suspense is palpable, making for a deeply engaging read. Brian quickly becomes a character you root for—his determination and commitment to finding the truth make him instantly likable. His siblings, serving as a supportive and encouraging team, add warmth and depth to the story, reflecting a strong family bond that drives the narrative forward. Their unwavering support underscores the importance of family and the lengths to which they will go for closure.
The tone of the story maintains a constant element of tension, which effectively draws the reader in. What stands out is Brian’s resilience; despite numerous setbacks in his search for answers, he never truly gives up. There are moments when it seems like he might, but in the end, his love for his family and desire for closure keep him going. The revelations uncovered in the story are nothing short of shocking, made even more compelling by the fact that this is a true story. The blend of romance, drama, and mystery, coupled with a cast of characters who genuinely steal your heart, makes this book an unforgettable read.
From the very beginning, Someplace Besides Nowhere hooks readers, and it is an epic journey that is both immensely enjoyable and emotionally gripping. This beautiful, shocking, and daring true story is as stunning as it is captivating, delivering a powerful narrative that will leave readers deeply moved.
Pages: 562 | ASIN : B0D53JGWX7
Finding Self-Worth
Counterblow Clemency follows a rebellious sixteen-year-old boy who, with his friends, faces the consequences of his actions and is drawn into a conflict far beyond their control. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I had a wild dream one night about being on a freeway covered in blinding digital advertisements. Then the dream shifted to the aftermath of a giant house party. I wandered through this mansion with tons of empty alcohol bottles and dirty wine glasses scattered about until I found a small office with a woman inside, crying at her desk. I won’t say anymore because I don’t want to give anything away, but it was November, so I decided to explore this world full of advertising pollution during National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) and it grew from there.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
My characters in Counterblow Clemency are universally on an amoral spectrum. I think it’s more productive to appeal to whatever drives a person, rather than making them feel that they need to measure up to a societal standard. Bjorn and the lads are only guided by loyalty to each other. They do things their own way, which explains why they’re constantly being chased by the authorities. This is a story about finding purpose and something to believe in. Their world is full of people who have given up hope and these kids are careening around trying to find something to do with all of their energy—the energy that humans typically expend striving to leave a legacy. No one ever taught them that they could make a difference. These ideas are important to me because kids need to internalize that they never need to be perfect—they just need to persevere.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Counterblow Clemency explores the themes of dignity, entitlement versus social responsibility, teamwork, and the kinship of chosen family. The main character, Bjorn, is 16 and doesn’t understand why his parents feel increasingly foreign to him as he moves through adolescence—he just knows that he’s angry about it. But he can count on his friends. The important thing is that this kid isn’t alone when his whole world crumbles. Part of his journey is learning that he’s worth saving. And as he grows, he faces the fact that he’s in a position to help people—if he can stay alive. Finding self-worth, accepting help, and helping others are important milestones for young people that I wanted to honor.
I find a problem in well-written stories in that I always want there to be another book to keep the story going. Is there a second book planned?
I hope so! I deliberately ended Counterblow Clemency with enough going on that there could be a sequel or even a series. I have ideas about what adventures the lads will have next, just in case.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Promo City is blazing with advertising pollution, but all sixteen-year-old Bjorn Bear cares about is having fun, until the city’s deadliest assassins attack him. With his motley gang of friends by his side, Bjorn must evade a crime boss with a vendetta, overcome genetically-engineered mini hippos, and race against time to discover and stop whoever is out to get him—all while facing the possibility that the only family he’s ever known isn’t real.
LITERARY TITAN 