Blog Archives
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
The Devil In Fine Print
The Devil in Fine Print, the first book in The Cipher Conspiracy series by Jhani Mills, is a genre-blending thriller that stitches together high-stakes conspiracy, speculative science, and personal legacy. At its center is Elias Maddox, a brilliant but reluctant author whose bestselling novel, The Gravity Cipher, seems to mirror a terrifying hidden truth more than mere fiction. When patterns from his book begin echoing in reality, Elias finds himself on the run, tangled in a centuries-old secret society, the Order of Thael, that manipulates power through hidden clauses and engineered silence. With the help of investigative journalist Jessa Kade and his twin brother Drake, Elias must decide whether unearthing the truth is worth the cost of his family and possibly the world.
The writing, especially in the prologue and early chapters, is haunting and lyrical. Mills knows how to wield tension like a scalpel, and every line feels soaked in dread, urgency, or both. The language is sharp without being overdone, and the pacing is a tightrope walk between action and revelation. Some parts had me flipping pages like a madman, while others made me pause and just sit with it. Mills’s biggest strength is how she plays with ambiguity, never quite letting you know what’s real, what’s imagined, or what’s been buried so deep we forgot it ever existed. And that ambiguity? It lingers. In a good, itchy way.
I felt something for the characters. Elias isn’t your typical reluctant hero. He’s fragile, sometimes maddeningly hesitant, but never false. And Jessa? She’s brilliant, sharp, curious, and relentless, without being a trope. Their dynamic had real weight, built on mutual recognition rather than forced romance or plot convenience. I did think some of the science jargon in the middle dipped a little too far into “decoder ring needed” territory, especially in Drake’s storyline. But even that had a payoff once the themes began to echo through history, family, and fate, but not every thread is fully tied off by the end.
The Devil in Fine Print left me stirred up. It’s a smart, shadowy read that lives in the gray areas—between fiction and truth, control and freedom, inheritance and rebellion. I’d recommend it to readers who like their thrillers dense with mystery and meaning, especially fans of Dan Brown, Neal Stephenson, or even Silo-era Hugh Howey. It’s not always comfortable, but that’s the point. If you’ve ever looked at a contract or a government headline and felt a flicker of unease—this book is calling your name.
Pages: 325 | ASIN : B0F3BGHTHN
Darker Than You Know
Edward Minyard’s Darker Than You Know is a high-octane thriller that plunges deep into the world of human trafficking, cartels, and the shadowy forces that operate just beneath the surface of society. The novel follows Rob Anderson, a retired federal agent drawn back into action when his old friend’s granddaughter, Sarah, is kidnapped while on spring break in Cancún. What begins as a straightforward rescue mission quickly unravels into something much more dangerous, exposing a vast and brutal network of organized crime. With the help of a team of battle-hardened operatives, former soldiers, intelligence officers, and law enforcement, Anderson sets out to do what he does best: hunt down the worst of the worst and bring them to justice.
Minyard’s writing style is fast-paced and direct, a perfect match for the gritty subject matter. There’s no excess fluff here, just sharp, punchy dialogue and immersive action sequences that pull the reader in and don’t let go. The opening chapters waste no time setting up the stakes, throwing us headfirst into Sarah’s abduction and Anderson’s immediate response. The way Minyard builds tension, especially in the scenes where Anderson reassembles his old crew, is masterful. Each team member has their own battle scars and their own demons, but together, they form a force to be reckoned with. Sophia, the ex-Mossad operative, is particularly compelling, with a backstory that adds both depth and a fresh perspective to the team dynamic.
One of the most powerful aspects of the book is how it handles the topic of human trafficking. Minyard doesn’t just use it as a backdrop for action, he forces us to confront its horrors. The scenes depicting the victims, their manipulation, and their dehumanization are chillingly realistic. There’s a moment when Sophia recounts an undercover mission that brought her face-to-face with trafficked women in Amsterdam, and it’s utterly haunting. The novel doesn’t just show the physical dangers of trafficking but also the psychological torment it inflicts on its victims. It’s clear Minyard has done his research, making the novel feel frighteningly authentic.
The book’s pacing is relentless, and while that keeps the action rolling, it occasionally leaves little room for deeper emotional moments. Anderson is a fascinating protagonist, a man who has seen too much darkness and knows how to fight it but we rarely get a chance to slow down and explore his internal struggles. The team’s camaraderie is a highlight, filled with banter, loyalty, and a sense of brotherhood, but sometimes the dialogue veers into predictable action-movie one-liners. Still, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise gripping story.
Darker Than You Know is an intense, action-packed thriller with a strong moral core. It doesn’t just entertain, it also informs and challenges the reader to recognize the horrors of human trafficking and the heroes who fight against it. Fans of authors like Lee Child and Brad Thor will love the tactical precision of the action, while those who appreciate crime thrillers with real-world weight will find the novel deeply compelling. If you’re looking for a thriller that packs a punch and leaves you thinking long after the final page, this one’s for you.
Pages: 313 | ASIN : B0DTJP4LMV
The Moldavian Gambit
Brad M. Meslin’s The Moldavian Gambit is a gripping geopolitical thriller that weaves together espionage, military intrigue, and historical echoes of the Soviet Union’s collapse. Set in the early 1990s, the novel follows an audacious plan to steal a Soviet nuclear weapon amid the chaos of Transnistrian separatism. Intelligence officers, Mossad agents, and political leaders from the U.S., Russia, and Europe scramble to outmaneuver each other in a game of deception, strategy, and survival. The stakes are global, and Meslin’s expertise in national security shines through in the novel’s intricate realism and technical precision.
The writing is razor-sharp, loaded with tension, and refuses to spoon-feed the reader. Meslin plunges straight into the thick of things, throwing us into boardrooms buzzing with Cold War-era paranoia and battlefields where bullets fly and ideologies clash. The pacing is relentless, and while the dialogue sometimes feels a bit too polished for real-world exchanges, it adds to the novel’s cinematic feel. One particularly striking moment comes when Lt. Col. Sergei Rostov reflects on the bloody chaos of Moldova’s fight for independence; Meslin doesn’t just describe the action; he makes you feel the weight of history pressing down on the characters.
The characters themselves are a fascinating bunch, each driven by personal and political motivations that make them feel tangible. Dov Ma’alat, a retired Mossad operative, is a standout world-weary but sharp, reluctant yet indispensable. His past haunts him, yet he’s pulled back into the fray, proving that in the world of intelligence, retirement is just a technicality. On the Russian side, Rostov is equally compelling, caught between loyalty to his homeland and the cold pragmatism of survival. The power plays between military brass, intelligence officers, and politicians create a dense but rewarding narrative web.
Meslin masterfully weaves historical and technological details into the narrative, showcasing his deep knowledge of defense systems and geopolitical maneuvers. This rich authenticity adds depth to the story, immersing readers in its intricate world. While some passages delve extensively into missile capabilities, they serve to enhance the realism. Once the stolen nuclear device comes into play, the novel shifts into high gear, transforming into an edge-of-your-seat thriller. With high-stakes betrayals and last-minute gambits, the tension never lets up, making for a gripping and exhilarating read.
The Moldavian Gambit is a must-read for fans of Tom Clancy and Frederick Forsyth readers who love espionage with a heavy dose of military realism. For those who appreciate a meticulously crafted geopolitical thriller that mirrors the complexity of real-world conflicts, Meslin’s debut is a rewarding and thought-provoking ride. With its gripping storyline, intelligent writing, and high-stakes action, The Moldavian Gambit is an impressive debut that leaves a lasting impact. It’s a thrilling and immersive experience that will keep readers hooked until the very last page.
View the Book Trailer HERE
Pages: 373 | ASIN : B0DNNDVCWV
Master Version 1.1
The year is 2028. The setting: a war-scarred Ukraine. Decades of conflict have shaped the landscape, but nothing could have anticipated the arrival of its newest players. A wave of military streamers has descended upon the region, each driven by motives as varied as they are polarizing. Some come with humanitarian aspirations, while others chase fame, followers, and views. Among them is Master, a soldier outfitted with cutting-edge, experimental technology. Armed with a prosthetic arm, a computer-brain interface, and mind-controlled drones, Master embarks on a mission to locate missing fellow streamers. What he uncovers shocks both him and the global audience following his every move.
Antanas Marcelionis’s Master Version 1.1 is a gripping sci-fi action epic. Drawing comparisons to Tron and Ender’s Game, the novel thrusts readers into a hyper-connected, digitally charged battlefield. The premise feels simultaneously far-fetched and eerily plausible. Social media and platforms like Twitch have already transformed spectatorship into a global phenomenon, where millions tune in to watch others play video games while being urged to “smash that like button.” Marcelionis extrapolates this trend to its extreme, creating a world where combat itself becomes content.
Master is a compelling protagonist, torn between genuine purpose and the intoxicating allure of online notoriety. While his psychological complexity adds depth, the true standout feature of the novel is Marcelionis’s meticulous attention to technical detail. The descriptions of experimental technologies are vivid and immersive, from the mechanics of mind-controlled drones to the nuances of augmented combat. Marcelionis’s worldbuilding is further enriched by diagrams and illustrations interspersed throughout the text, bringing his vision to life with startling clarity. This hybrid style—combining narrative with visual aids—sets the novel apart but may not appeal to all readers. The detailed, almost clinical prose might feel dense for some, yet it signals a bold evolution in science fiction. Younger readers, attuned to multimedia storytelling, may resonate most strongly with this approach.
Master Version 1.1 is a glimpse into a near-future shaped by technology, media, and the human need for connection. Marcelionis delivers a thought-provoking and visually striking science fiction novel that challenges conventions and invites readers to consider the fine line between entertainment and reality.
Pages: 287 | ASIN : B0DQQCZKZ2
Sins of the Saviors
Sins of the Saviors is a thought-provoking dystopian novel that follows Jane Veristo, a defiant and introspective protagonist grappling with the oppressive surveillance state of Goliath Network. Told through the framework of Jane’s journal entries, the story plunges readers into a bleak future where truth is a commodity, history is rewritten, and rebellion simmers under a suffocating blanket of propaganda. As Jane attempts to uncover the truth about her brother’s suspicious death and the sinister systems around her, her journey becomes a gripping tale of resistance and self-preservation.
One thing I really liked about this story was how personal and raw the writing felt. Jane’s voice is captivating—a blend of bitterness, longing, and weary determination that pulls you in. Her reflections on David’s orchestrated “sacrifice ceremony” were haunting. The contrast between her family’s raw grief and the mechanical, staged nature of the event was chilling. The way the Goliath Network erased her presence at the ceremony, editing her rebellion out of the official narrative, hit hard. It reminded me of how powerful institutions can rewrite reality itself.
Author TJ Relk’s portrayal of the Goliath Network is eerily vivid and inventive. The merit-based economy, where every aspect of life is determined by a fluctuating score, feels all too plausible. Jane’s demotion to a hoverbike after a failed protest over a “weather station” highlights the soul-crushing micromanagement of this society. That scene, where a smug bureaucrat silences Jane with falsified zoning documents, felt like a punch in the gut. It’s infuriating but also deeply compelling. The way truth is malleable under Goliath’s regime mirrors some unsettling trends in our current reliance on digital ecosystems.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom. Relk sprinkles in moments of connection and hope that provide relief amidst the despair. Jane’s relationship with Lily, a spirited teenager who refuses to submit to the lies, was a highlight for me. Lily’s defiance and belief in Jane’s fight reignited a spark of optimism, and I couldn’t help but cheer for both of them. These glimpses of humanity’s resilience are what kept me hooked. The flashbacks to Jane’s time with friends like Caleb also added layers of complexity, showing how even the well-meaning can be complicit in oppressive systems.
I’d recommend Sins of the Saviors to anyone who enjoys dystopian tales that cut close to home, like 1984 or The Handmaid’s Tale. It’s perfect for readers who appreciate flawed, complex characters and morally murky worlds. Be prepared to get angry, sad, and inspired—all in one sitting.
Pages: 69 | ASIN: B0DP5P5P4J
Immortality: Epocalypse
Immortality: Epocalypse by David Martorano is a riveting sci-fi adventure set in a future where technology has fundamentally reshaped society. The story unfolds after the “Epocalypse,” an event that fractured the world into distinct factions. At its center stands Babylon, a gleaming metropolis controlled by two formidable AI entities, offering a version of immortality to an elite few—though not without grave consequences. In stark contrast, the New Amish live outside Babylon, rejecting technology under the leadership of Jeb Thompson. Once the creator of MARTIN, a supercomputer that nearly obliterated humanity, Jeb now renounces the tech-driven immortality and seeks to guide his followers back to a simpler, more spiritual path. However, when his daughter falls into the hands of Babylon’s factions, Jeb faces an agonizing dilemma: whether to revive MARTIN to save her, despite the destruction it once nearly caused.
The novel is a dynamic blend of futuristic adventure and philosophical reflection, echoing the thought-provoking works of authors like William Gibson and Orson Scott Card. On the surface, Immortality: Epocalypse delivers classic sci-fi elements—questions of unchecked technological growth, the perils of artificial intelligence, and the consequences of playing god with humanity’s future. Yet, beneath these familiar themes lies a deeper narrative that challenges readers to think critically about the path humanity is forging. Martorano demonstrates a clear skill for crafting complex characters thrust into moral quandaries, none more so than Jeb. Once a fervent believer in the promise of technology, Jeb now seeks redemption for his past, making his potential reactivation of MARTIN all the more compelling and ironic. His journey reflects the timeless struggle between progress and restraint, a conflict that resonates deeply in our tech-driven world.
The themes explored in Immortality: Epocalypse—humanity’s relentless drive to invent, often at its own peril—are not new, but Martorano tackles them with fresh insight and eloquence. The novel challenges its readers, offering much more than just a fast-paced sci-fi romp. Those who wish to dive deeper will find layers of subtext, rewarding careful reflection on the dangers of a future too reliant on technology. Yet, for those seeking pure entertainment, the book delivers in spades. This is a story that invites both casual enjoyment and thoughtful contemplation, making it a standout addition to the genre.
Pages: 645 | ASIN : B0D9R51RKN
Evil Lurks in Dark Places
Enigma Forced follows the R-Group as they confront powerful cartels and human traffickers, employing cutting-edge technology to dismantle these criminal networks. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Breakfield & Burkey continually scan the horizon in our research for illegal and unscrupulous technology applications. We saw cryptocurrency acting like a magnet for crime and profits outside the law. We envisioned a mashup of social issues to drive our creative writing on this story. We write about the synergies between bad actors and their relentless hunt for illegal and immoral profiteering. This story showed up in our nightmares with human trafficking holding hands with opioid importing and the underground sex trade. The most significant problem was to throttle the heartbreaking information flow we saw and try to breathe life and hope into the story. We recognize it is impossible to save everyone. But if you can save even a few, then there is hope.
The supporting characters in this novel, I felt, were intriguing and well developed. Who was your favorite character to write for?
That is a tough question. Whether good or evil, creating each character is a challenge. Marian, with her husband Brayson, rose to the top with your question. Hers is an interesting story that we like to tease out a little at a time. A close second would be Judith and Xiamara, our cyber-freebooters who are in the thick of things as the good guys/gals but always scheming about a new side hustle that eventually gets them into trouble.
I find that while writing, you sometimes ask questions and have the characters answer them. Do you find that to be true? What questions did you ask yourself while writing this story?
We enjoy crafting plots and storylines with the good guys on top until they’re not. Evil lurks in dark places and has a way of creating an unpredictable path, sometimes leaving the heroes in their wake. Each character must answer the question of where they are going and what they are bringing to this tale. Our goal is always to make the story unexpected and exciting for the reader.
What is the next book in the Enigma Heirs series that you are working on, and when will it be available?
Enigma Jewels is the third book and final thriller in the Enigma Heirs trilogy. Work has already begun, and we expect to have it out by the end of the first quarter of 2025.
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Profiteers are preying on displaced souls who seek freedom, sacrificing everything. Wanting to give their children hope and a future, but they wrongly trust on a roll of loaded dice. Teens are picked off and sold into slavery. Cartels offer the choice to strong, young men to move illegal drugs over the border or die.
The R-Group and CATS team leaders want to end Mateo’s inhuman business model. The heroes must derail the human exploitation and opioid epidemic, killing people in increasingly dramatic numbers. If they can save even a few from the jaws of death, they win.
The present-day battle is in full swing, yet it can end badly for humanity unless the Enigma Heirs triumph. Who will survive the onslaught and how fast can they make Mateo pay?
LITERARY TITAN 