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More Hype Than Anything
The Gestalt in the Machine follows a tech journalist as he’s dragged from covering an AI hype-fest into a deadly conspiracy that forces him to question who’s lying and what it means to be real. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I used to be a tech journalist and I’ve sat through a lot of hype. The bombast and over-the-top promises of PanoptiCon are actually pretty realistic, at least as far as what tech companies claim, and AI is more hyped than anything.
What’s different with AI is that there’s even less skepticism about it than other new technologies, I think because pessimists who might otherwise call out a bubble are instead drawn towards something else: The fear that it will destroy the world. With fans of the technology hoping that it will give them eternal life, the stakes are pretty high.
Adam Arrowman is an intriguing and well-developed character. What were some driving ideals behind his character development?
I wanted the protagonist to have realistic human flaws, which naturally are expressed more as he’s under the stress of investigating a murder. He isn’t some crime-solving mastermind: He quickly gets out of his depth, a feeling I think we all have when dealing with tech giants, and doesn’t necessarily react to that well. Then when he does make progress, he’s often reliant on others.
I tried to do the same with the other characters. Kelvin Clipper is the main antagonist and the book is in some ways a warning about the risks of his worldview, but I hope that readers will be agreeing with what he says at least some of the time. Who wouldn’t want to live forever?
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The two big ones are the effects of AI on our society and what happens when the push for an ever-accelerating economy runs up against physical constraints. I think that Singularity vs. Limits to Growth is going to be one of the biggest issues we face in the future, if the machines don’t destroy us first.
The book isn’t just about that, though. It’s a story of young people trying to make it in a world many see as doomed, of a devastated media that’s left a smoldering crater in place of consensus reality, and of where we invest our hopes for salvation following the death of God. And, I hope, an exciting thriller.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
When I was writing the book, I thought it would be one and done. Not because I’d run out of things to say, but because AI was progressing so fast that I assumed it would replace human authors before I had a chance to write another.
Now I’m not so sure: Though the Internet is drowning in AI slop, a language model still can’t match a good human writer. I think the reason I was wrong isn’t so much because AI has slowed as that it’s moved on to things that are potentially more profitable than stringing words together. In fact, that seems a good topic to write about….
Author Links: GoodReads
His detective work takes him into the world of Kelvin Clipper, an imperious CEO who promises that ever-accelerating artificial intelligence will let him outrun death. Thousands of protesters disagree. Their warning: Infinite growth is an illusion and Big Tech is actually racing toward the extinction of humanity.
Caught in the middle, a band of hackers searches desperately for a way to align algorithms with human needs. More violence hints at a connection to a president threatening World War III, lobbyists trying to free corporations from their stockholders, and an app that claims to resurrect the dead.
Can Adam find the killer before the killer finds him? What secrets did the victim die to protect? And will Clipper’s Singularity deliver immortality in our time, or damnation for us all?
The Gestalt in the Machine
The Gestalt in the Machine is a sharp-witted techno-thriller that follows Adam Arrowman, a tech journalist reluctantly thrust into a deadly web of intrigue after witnessing a bombing at a Silicon Valley conference. What starts as a routine puff piece on a flamboyant billionaire’s AI announcements quickly escalates into a sprawling mystery involving murder, media manipulation, political corruption, and the philosophical implications of artificial intelligence. With a cast of rebels, reporters, moguls, and a robot or two, the book weaves a narrative that interrogates the direction of modern technology and whether it’s pulling us toward a utopia or a cliff.
This book floored me. It’s not just the plot, though, that’s plenty twisty and loaded with surprises. It’s the writing. Andy Dornan has a gift for mixing satire with sincerity in a way that feels real and raw. The characters have edges, contradictions, and actual voices. Adam isn’t your typical hero; he’s flawed, insecure, sometimes petty, and often overwhelmed, but he feels honest. The pacing is relentless in a good way, and I was laughing one minute and holding my breath the next. Even the exposition, normally the death of a good thriller, feels alive here, crackling with tension and humor. And the dialogue sings. Fast, funny, and always revealing more than what’s said out loud.
Dornan doesn’t just poke fun at Silicon Valley hype, he goes deeper, asking what it means to be human in a world where every gesture, thought, and feeling is data to be sold or shaped. The critiques of surveillance tech, algorithmic romance, and digital immortality hit hard without getting preachy. I couldn’t stop thinking about the idea that everyone’s out there curating a digital self to outlive them, while their real lives shrink. It’s scary, familiar, and sad. This book made me laugh, wince, and nod a lot. It’s fiction, sure, but it’s hitting nerves that are painfully nonfiction.
I’d recommend The Gestalt in the Machine to anyone who likes fast-paced fiction with brains, guts, and something to say. It’s for fans of Cory Doctorow, William Gibson, and even people who’ve never touched sci-fi but wonder why their phone knows what they want before they do. Techies will get the jokes, cynics will get the vibes, and anyone who’s ever been ghosted by a dating app will definitely get the message.
Pages: 318 | ASIN: B0FGSD2J6J
I Enjoy Being in the Middle of the Story
Tachyon Tunnel follows a molecular biologist and her lifelong friend who travel through spacetime to a distant world and become stranded. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I have a dream of traveling to the stars. The distances are so vast that it seems impossible. Many sci-fi fans believe that worm holes would be the best way to travel those kinds of distances, but I have difficulty believing we could withstand the gravitational forces to get in to a wormhole. Tying the science, storyline and romance into a single package was the difficult, and fun part of writing. In the end, I enjoyed being in the middle of the story as I developed it.
I found the science in the novel to be well-developed. What kind of research did you do to make sure you got it all right?
I am a physicist and an engineer, so I have a working knowledge of much of the science in the book. At one point in my life, I worked as a professor, teaching a freshman class in astronomy. It was a great lesson in simplifying the complexities into something the non-science majors could learn and by which they could be inspired.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The human relationships, the storyline, and making complex science understandable were what I enjoyed most. Development of the love connection between my characters was challenging, but exciting to write.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am thinking about a sequel to Tachyon Tunnel. I did just complete a business book called Calamistunity, and am doing a speaking tour based on that book, so the Tachyon Tunnel sequel may be a year out.
Author Links: LinkedIn | Website
Three-time #1 bestselling and award-winning author, Michael Gorton paints a story filled with energy, romance, some adult content, science, adventure, and twists, from the first paragraph to the last.
Treat yourself to the journey of two brilliant and athletic scientists who tunnel through spacetime and get stuck on a distant world together. You’ll want a movie made just so you can experience the tale a second time on the big screen.
Tachyon Tunnel
In Tachyon Tunnel, readers are introduced to Paula, an accomplished molecular biologist on the brink of receiving the Nobel Prize. At the pinnacle of her professional success, Paula’s personal life descends into chaos as her romantic relationships crumble. A tragic accident further shatters her world, but a glimmer of hope emerges through an unlikely source: her friend Alex and his audacious plan involving the tachyon tunnel, a theoretical construct allowing movement through time and space.
This novel’s premise is thrilling, promising a journey that weaves science fiction with touches of fantasy and romance. At its core, Tachyon Tunnel is not simply about the exploration of theoretical physics and the far reaches of human invention. Rather, it is the deep connection between Paula and Alex that fuels the story. It’s a connection transcending mere friendship or romantic love. This rare bond leads Alex to take risks and embark on a daring adventure to reconnect with Paula.
While the concept of a tachyon tunnel might seem daunting to those without a background in science, Gorton’s skillful exposition renders it accessible to the average reader. You don’t need to possess Paula’s genius to grasp the essential elements of this innovative technology. The narrative conveys the underlying theme that science, often viewed with trepidation, holds incredible wonders that should be embraced rather than feared.
Gorton’s work also touches on a more universal issue: the rapid integration of new technology into our daily lives. His stance is reassuring, nudging readers to see the marvels and majesty of science as treasures to be sought after.
Tachyon Tunnel achieves a delicate balance, melding complex scientific ideas with a heartfelt human story. It’s a novel that invites readers to ponder the possibilities of time and space and to reflect on the enduring power of human connection. For those looking for a thoughtful and engaging read that bridges the gap between hard science and deep emotion, this book may be the ideal exploration.
Pages: 302 | ASIN : B0CC2ZXYWJ
I Want To Bring Attention To Water Issues
Day Zero: A Novel on Water Crisis follows a woman trying to save people who are in need of water due to climate change, only to be in the middle of a murder case. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I was interested in commercial fiction to draw people into a climate fiction / eco-thriller that might not ordinarily read the genre. Integrating the assassin and murder plot was fun to write and is hopefully fun to read. The underlying premise was purpose-driven around awareness of water issues. The notion was to blend climate fiction closely with reality, but in a western context. It seems that water issues are viewed as far in the future and in faraway places. By setting the plot in North America, the hope was to tell a tale that could bring the reader into the world of water crisis, while still riding a fictional wave of comfort. Coupling an environmental tale with the complexities of a murder investigation lent the ability to drive the plot forward in different ways.
Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?
Qualities of the two main characters, Carlo Cole and Mira Senna, are largely a mix of qualities from several strong woman I’ve been blessed to have in my life. It made writing their characters easier, particularly for a male author. Otherwise, there are several real-life experiences transplanted into the novel. For example, the anecdote of the homeless man on the subway who is then found teaching in a university classroom is a true story.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The various approaches and mindsets to viewing water management was something I wanted to showcase to get people thinking about water and their role with it in their own lives. Beyond that was the interpersonal relationships, the dynamics between friends and family. Moreover though, I wanted to go deep on the dynamics of ideals and consequent interplay with tight relationships.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out and what can your fans expect in the next story?
There is space for more entries in the Day Zero universe given the characters that have been introduced. I’m considering a short prequel with one of the minor characters, possibly set in Seville. One of the challenges is that this first novel was over ten years in the making. We all undoubtedly change over time, and that ten-year period brought about significant change. Perhaps some new themes and life experiences can be lent to follow-up writing.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Pinnacle Book Achievement
Two convenient deaths.
Seven days to save a quarter million people.
Climate change becomes impossible to ignore. After years of drought, Las Vegas runs out of water. Its citizens are forced to become water migrants, or “wigrants.” Many make it safely to a tent settlement on Toronto’s lakeshore. But, unprepared for this massive population surge, the city can offer them no more than seven days of water.
Carla Cole, head of the global firm Axiom Water, is tasked with finding a solution. When one of the settlement’s custodians is found dead, the police suspect an assassin is at work, and Cole scrambles to seize control. But when one of the wigrants is murdered . . . anyone and everyone becomes a suspect!
Day Zero
In a not-so-distant future, where the world teeters on the edge of an impending water crisis, Day Zero emerges as a mesmerizing literary masterpiece that captivates both the mind and the heart. Global droughts have relentlessly plagued the planet, pushing cities to the precipice of water depletion, with the ominous specter of Day Zero looming ever closer. However, amidst this bleak backdrop, a glimmer of hope emerges through the pages of this thought-provoking novel.
Under the deft storytelling prowess of the author, the characters of Carla Cole from Axiom Water and Mira Senna from River Enforcement come to life, transcending their fictional existence to become symbols of resilience and determination. As they navigate a treacherous landscape, their differing approaches to managing the population’s water supply offer a rich tapestry of conflict and tension, showcasing the complexities of human nature in the face of adversity. The narrative’s pacing is nothing short of breathtaking, expertly blending moments of heart-stopping suspense with poignant introspection. The author’s words flow effortlessly, painting vivid imagery that transports the reader into a world grappling with scarcity, where every drop of water becomes a precious commodity. It is a testament to the author’s skill that one cannot help but be fully immersed in this gripping tale.
Beyond its enthralling plot, Day Zero serves as a profound social commentary on the pressing global water crisis and its far-reaching ramifications. It unabashedly exposes the stark inequalities that pervade access to water, forcing readers to confront uncomfortable truths. Through its pages, one witness the devastating consequences of water scarcity, igniting a fervent desire for change and justice. Yet, amidst the shadows cast by these harsh realities, the book effortlessly weaves in a message of hope. It reminds us that even in the face of insurmountable challenges, the human spirit has the capacity to rise above and forge connections, transcending differences and working towards a shared goal. The novel’s powerful depiction of unity and collaboration becomes an inspiring call to action, igniting a flicker of optimism in the reader’s heart.
Day Zero is an extraordinary testament to the power of literature in tackling urgent social and environmental issues. Its masterful prose leaves an indelible mark on the reader, provoking introspection long after the final page has been turned. This exceptional work will become a timeless classic as it seamlessly intertwines themes of sustainability, social justice, and the indomitable human spirit. Prepare to be enthralled and forever changed by this must-read masterpiece.
Pages: 349 | ASIN : B0BS48CXF3
Sleeper
Sleeper, by T.J. Hawkins, is a suspenseful thriller action that follows the life of Tom Rivers, an MI5 agent put into a hypnotic ‘sleep’ to be activated when the right time arises. After twenty-five years in this state, his time to awaken and take on his destiny has arrived. With a terrorist planning to destroy Britain and the United States, Tom must embrace his abilities and catch the terrorist threatening humanity.
I was enthralled from the very beginning. Hawkins captures the reader at every page, feeding our desires for a unique plotline, heart-pounding suspense, and an exciting thriller. It is clear from each chapter that the author has carefully thought out the information he feeds to the reader and how this will be interpreted by the reader. This is crucially important given the delicate political and social themes he brings up.
I commend Hawkins for acknowledging the power he holds as an author and ensuring he does not promote negative stigma around religious faith, thoroughly considering the words he is using. Hawkin’s shaping and subsequent development of Tom’s character are sublime. In a matter of pages, Mr. Rivers goes from hypnotic sleep to awake, and not once does it feel implausible. Each tiny shift in character allows the reader to fully appreciate the stark contrast between ordinary architect and exemplary agent and begin to delve into the exciting challenges the plotline may indeed encounter. We are in suspense from the very beginning and never disappointed throughout.
From an ethical standpoint, there may be some criticism of the use of agents and the perceived creation of ‘Lebensborn’ Esq individuals, especially considering the ending’s implications. However, rather than supporting violence upon violence and genetic modification, Hawkin shapes some valid, albeit rather upsetting realities: this is “the war that never ends.” And this brings out a haunting realization that hangs across the readers as they edge towards the ending, urging them to read further and, once finished, wish that there was more.
Sleeper is a riveting technothriller and mystery that pulls readers in from the opening pages and keeps them on edge till the end. The suspense that the author can create feels realistic and has your heart pounding with each new twist and turn of the plot, waiting to see the outcome.
Pages: 333 | ASIN : B0B3ZC2YVH
The Cloud Gone Haywire
Sector 10 follows a tech-conglomerate that inadvertently causes Earth to time travel into an alternate reality where humanity may not survive. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Sector 10 is the prequel to Cloud 9 and both novels are set in the Cloud Series and the world it creates with cloud computing as its theme. Virtual reality is the main inspiration for creating an alternate reality. But other emerging science like horticultural LED lighting in greenhouses or verticle farms, different artificial light recipes, and other photobiology agriculture inspired the idea of an outbreak. A classic science fiction trope is the entire idea of an alien invasion and also deadly contagions wreaking havoc on the world. Sector 10 combines these ideas into a new form of physics that brings about an outbreak of radiation seeping over from a parallel universe. Quantum computing and advanced physics are making things like teleportation more real, of not just our bodies, but our consciousness.
I found the science in the novel to be well developed. What kind of research did you do to make sure you got it all right?
The science in Sector 10 was all about breaking boundaries of what constitutes reality and making the Earth a melting-pot for not only natural evolution but also genetic modification. Whether that be the eugenics and plastic surgery that made these Greys possible, or Yhemlen living among dinosaurs, and let’s not forget humans were suffering at the hands of the Cloud gone haywire. I wanted to integrate the Cloud and the physics of space travel together. As you may know, computers in deep space are prone to problems related to radiation but in Sector 10 we find that the inverse is more true and that the Cloud helps navigation through alternate reality and time. The main idea of it all – we live in a simulation. And because of it, the Cloud is directing our manipulation of reality and atomic physics that is the basis of the science we know. Also, photobiology was a big inspiration for how parallel universes were being accessed via light and highlighting special relativity. But if we run with the idea of humanity as part of a simulation, what came about in my research most was how to give order to seemingly chaotic processes.
The science inserted in the fiction, I felt, was well balanced. How did you manage to keep it grounded while still providing the fantastic edge science fiction stories usually provide?
Characterization was key. I want readers to feel an emotional response to the people of the novel and make their own assumptions or conclusions about what the story is presenting. The danger present in the Cloud malfunction was that it was being integral to the world stage. Ellis Island in New York was where people came to make a new life in America. Similarly, the Cloud is the mechanism that is allowing Ellis Bartram and his crew of scientists to make upload their minds via total immersion, and also giving an avenue for radiation to leak through. The urban setting of Washington, D.C. was also a vital addition to the science in that classified information, the such that’s available at our nation’s capital, needed to be publicized, but was being withheld by powers who were intent on solving a mysterious event. In all, science was affecting everyone because of its reach and influence and is something that our world of computing could attest to.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
The sequel to Cloud 9 and Sector 10 will be titled, Recon 8, and in the beginning, will be set in the year 2111, so a couple of years after Cloud 9. Solar punk will be a major influence in Recon 8 and will both brighten and provide nuance to the technology and provide “green” movement vibes that will make a return in this novel as an anchor of society. That book should be published by 2025, but to know the plot and see what else happens, we’ll have to wait.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn
LITERARY TITAN 