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Age of Magnus (New Era 3) Book Three Keepers of the Rain
In his latest book Age of Magnus: Keepers of the Rain, David Crane continues telling the story of Magnus, an all-powerful Artificial Intelligence that, after a nuclear holocaust that destroyed human civilization, took into his hands the job of building a new world with a strict set of rules that would end human corruption once and for all. The book explores the state of Magnus’ world after 1,000 years of his reign: a sort of ‘human paradise’ that even extends beyond death with the help of virtual reality. The power that Magnus possesses is all-encompassing. He is, essentially, the god of humanity: he sees it all, takes care of everything, and ensures that the law and humanity are protected at all costs.
Narrated from Magnus’ perspective, the story is incredibly engaging as we get to see from the eyes of the most advanced supercomputer what humanity looks like and the plans he has for it. Magnus directly takes the role of God, and he’s worshiped by many all around the world as one. Humans seem to live in a perfect world, letting Magnus take care of the worst events on his own with the help of his self-made army of machines. However, the peace of the world has a very delicate balance that might be broken by the greed of a few. Challenging Magnus’ authority, the Global Human Resistance plans an insurrection with the ultimate goal of restoring the power of humans and getting rid of the rule of the machines. This sets the stage for what could be the biggest conflict between humans and machines in a final world war to restore and impose the peace of humanity.
The character of Magnus is an interesting and conflicting one. His thought process is simply fascinating all throughout the book. Even though he builds a paradise on Earth for humanity, this comes with one price: all humans must submit to his rule. However, this is not necessarily as terrifying as it sounds; Magnus is reasonable and sees himself as the father of humanity. He’s just trying to protect humans from their self-destructive impulses, building a better future for all. But this begs the question: Should the destiny of humanity be in the hands of a cybernetic entity? Should he have the power to function as judge, jury, and executioner?
The plot is realistic and showcases the human spirit, building two opposing groups: the machine worshipers and the machine haters. The conflict between the humans and the machines is always present, keeping the plot’s intrigue. As ruler of the whole world, Magnus always has to attend something, be it sabotaging the rebels’ plans or taking care of extremists on his own side. This makes the story very dynamic since the plot is always moving. With time, the readers themselves will have to question which side to support: the heaven of Magnus or the imperfect reality that comes with humanity.
Age of Magnus Book Three: Keepers of the Rain is a brilliant science-fiction book that will force the readers to constantly think about the future of humanity and the role that artificial intelligence should have in it.
Pages: 401 | ASIN : B09R91W7XH
Cyber Larceny
Cyber Larceny by Akintunde M. Lawal is an ambitious work in progress. It is a sprawling tale that offers commentary on cyber crimes, corruption, income inequality, and a host of other socioeconomic issues. Taking place after a major cyber attack on a global scale, the story focuses on James Robert Nushi, a digital forensics expert who works for a firm called CyberKonsult in the UK. Nushi takes leave from his job to go to a cyber security conference in Nigeria. He quickly becomes embroiled in a counterfeit product scheme which has much larger implications. Aided by a local named Debola Wright, the two investigate the crimes while commenting on global cyber security issues, the ramifications of the “internet of things,” and modern life in Nigeria.
The author is clearly very familiar with Lagos, Nigeria, and the surrounding regions, as most of the book takes place there. The descriptions of the residences and attractions of Banana Island are extremely detailed. Many of the descriptions of places like the “Classico Hotel,” and “LucreziaBySujimoto” [sic] feel like they have been taken from brochures from their real-life counterparts because of how well they sell the feel of the locations. There seems to be a lot of quoted material, especially in the numerous “overheard” news broadcasts, that should be sourced if they’re not original.
While I thought the story was interesting I felt that it could have been greatly improved by a thorough edit. I think this is a story worth telling, and the author clearly has knowledge on tech and Nigeria.
Cyber Larceny feels like a testament to the success of a growing country, but also expresses frustration with local and federal level bureaucratic problems, economic disparity, supply chain issues, crime, and hopelessness of the next generations. This is a curious science fiction story that has a lot of potential to tell a unique story.
Pages: 213 | ASIN: B09NS5TDSW
The Quantum Effect
![The Quantum Effect: "Mission COVID-19" (The Quantum Effect - Vol. 1) by [Nicklois Leonard]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/518atd017oL.jpg)
Clint Maxwell and Paul Mitchell, the Commanding Officer and the Command Chief of the Navy SEAL team, learn of intelligence that leaves them speechless. Upon reviewing the potential mission files, they come across information that indicates three of their team members have died during an extraction that has already succeeded without any casualties. An exploration of the spread of COVID-19 through a fictional scenario, The Quantum Effect “Mission COVID-19” begins with humanity’s greatest discovery, The Quantum Transporter, and ends where the journey of QSTCC: Quantum Space-Time Continuum Command begins.
This riveting science fiction book, written by debut author Nicklois Leonard, has a narrative that is told in reverse-chronological order. As a consequence, the first chapter may seem confusing at first, but gradually it becomes clearer. Besides the COVID 19 mission to confirm to the world the route of origin of the deadly virus, the novel also incorporates the groundbreaking discovery by two U.S. scientists of a technology capable of altering the past as well as the future.
The plots in this science fiction thriller is concise and and gets right into the action. Aside from the CIA, Navy, health, and defense ministries involved in the plot, the story feels like an adventure film due to its fast-pace and rapid plot twists.
As the book has no long scenes, the reader is able to easily follow the plot even when things move fast and scenes come and go quickly. Readers who enjoy military action stories that don’t bog you down in the details will enjoy this suspenseful novel. This is a plot focused story that doesn’t spend a lot of time developing characters, aside from their physical attributes, so if you’re a reader that wants to be dropped into the middle of the action then this story is for you.
COVID-19 has been the subject of several conspiracy theories throughout the world. The author elaborates on his understanding of how it originated. Moreover, with the brief description of New York in 2035 covered in debris, there is the implication that if not properly attended to, the outcome of massive technology beyond human control could be catastrophic. Is this an indication of the subject of the author’s next book as well?
The Quantum Effect: “Mission COVID-19” is a thrilling science fiction story that I recommend to readers who enjoy action-packed adventure novels that never forgets to entertain the reader.
Pages: 141 | ASIN: B09JFHT2HR
The New Cold War
![The New Cold War : Defending Democracy From Russia's Secret Tech Weapon (Relevant Book 2) by [Peter Zaccagnino]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51y8nCXgRSL.jpg)
A war is being fought on a battlefield that’s separated by thousands of miles. The New Cold War, the latest entry in author Peter Zaccagnino’s thrilling The Relevant Series, finds Russia developing a technological superweapon that can destabilize the balance of power between the U.S. and Russia and create a new world order. Can agent Chris Hodge and his crack team figure out the complicated puzzle behind Russia’s quantum computer and accomplish their mission?
Throughout this riveting story every character has a unique dynamic that makes them very engaging. They are either witty, intelligent, or brave and they all serve to educate the reader about various political and technical matters through their unique points of view and knowledge of world affairs. Agent Hodge is skilled, punctual, politically savvy and a chess pro to boot. He will capture readers’ attention with his personality. As the novel’s only female character, Miss Valerie Mosier, exudes an autocratic, modern, and assertive female vibe that makes her an excellent character in a contemporary thriller. Also, an important character in the plot is Sergei, a brilliant and frustrated scientist, which I think serves as an example of how people allocated with the responsibility of advancement of a nation must have freedom of choice.
In an otherwise business-oriented atmosphere, the witty exchange of views between the tech-savvy and experts of the cyber security agency really elevates the intrigue in this novel. The chess tournament and matches between Hodge and other players are also what I believe to be ‘the knight’ in the story, a crucial element to the book.
This is an engrossing techno-thriller replete with technical jargon that will immerse readers in the quantum computing world. While I was a bit confused, as I’m certainly not an expert in quantum computers, I think it did feel authentic and led me to want to research a bit about quantum computing to make sense of the terminology. Nonetheless, as the story progresses, the author has done a great job including the character of Bond, a person who is less acquainted with quantum computing, so that the experts could explain it in layman’s terms to Bond and the reader.
With discussions of diversified political views and capitalism vs communism, the author has come up with a riveting story exploring the New ‘Cyber’ Cold War between the U.S. and Russia, and educates the reader about quantum computing while doing so.
The New Cold War is an intellectually-invigorating political thriller that is high in social commentary. Readers who enjoy crime thrillers or suspenseful espionage action novels will have plenty to enjoy in Peter Zaccagnino’s well-crafted page-turner.
Pages: | ASIN: B09J6GN127
Ninety-Five
![Ninety-Five by [Lisa Towles]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/414rCALd41S.jpg)
Ninety-Five follows an average college student who uncovers a malicious criminal network that is scamming students and luring them into more and more crimes. He soon learns that this is only the tip of a dark and nefarious criminal network at work on the dark web.
The story starts with a new college student, Zak Skinner, who is stressed out by the usual things a student faces in their life; failed subjects, struggles with studying, and a search for opportunities to blow off steam. In Zak’s case, he went for an innocent drug trip, taking ayahuasca and getting high. What he did not anticipate was that he would be trapped in not only one but two illegal crime rings, unique and devious in their own way.
Author Lisa Towles’s writing style is perfectly suited for this crime thriller, and very detailed as well as graphic. I loved how she builds Zak up in a way that he deduces things on his own, because he is very smart and perceptive, but he also knows his own limits. This unique balance sets Zak up as a character that is intriguing and fun to follow. This is an engrossing technothriller with some cryptography in the story which reminded me of Dan Brown’s Digital Fortress. I love the science fiction aspects of the plot. We get to explore the dark web in some refreshing ways and are dragged through this dark underworld that has a persistent air of intrigue. A special mention of all the Harry Potter references; I laughed at each moment.
Ninety-Five is a riveting crime thriller that has a unique enough setup to stand out in the college fantasy genre. When I started the book I got the sense that the narrative was leaning more fantasy, but by the end it was a captivating mix of crime fiction and technothriller.
Pages: 244 | ASIN: B099SYTJWQ
Edge Of The Future
![Edge Of The Future: A Techno Thriller Science Fiction Novel (The Edge Book 1) by [Andria Stone]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51GAUsDZOaL.jpg)
Edge of the Future, by author Andria Stone, is a nail-biting science fiction story about space exploration and saving humanity. Mark Warren’s life gets flipped upside down when his secret research facility gets attacked by a group of terrorists in the middle of nowhere, Canada. Joining forces with Sergeant Axel von Radach, Warren gets tangled up in a major military plot and works with a team to bring down a wanted terrorist.
Mark Warren also holds precious information on our main antagonist that puts his family and everyone he cares about in danger. Can he keep them safe and stop the villain at the same time? What will happen when he crosses paths with the terrorist face-to-face?
Author Andria Stone has a suspenseful writing style which elevates a novel that is already chock-full of action. Edge of the Future is the first of three books in the EDGE trilogy and Stone’s ending in this title has me desperate to read the next book, Edge of the Stars. The way Stone approached the relationship between humans and outer space makes the story feel grounded and much more engaging because of it.
I love a good space setting and regularly consume TV and film content in that realm. Long time fans of the science fiction genre will find plenty to enjoy in this edgy space opera, but the story is told without any over the top science fiction jargon, so newcomers will find an easy story to get lost in.
While I enjoyed the novel overall I felt that the story was a little slow going in the first few chapters. The story does opens with an attack on a military facility, which definitely grabbed my attention, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of being indifferent until I got through a couple of chapters. But this is a minor quibble in an otherwise engaging space romp.
Stone tells a suspenseful story involving space and cyborgs while making it all feel fun, if not always believable. I feel genuinely satisfied after finishing this book and that is something that rarely happens to me. Edge of the Future is an invigorating technothriller with a unique view of the future and an entertaining story that begs to be continued in the next book.
Pages: 273 | ASIN: B06XD3J7K7
Dark Forces
![Dark Forces: Book 1: The Dream Corporation by [Michael TT Williams]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41sDcYAI2dS.jpg)
The genius, Tarot, creates an AI-powered machine that helps people take control of their dreams. It gets people into a state where they can experience whatever they desire in the dream world while asleep regardless of who they are in the real world. The program runs smoothly until Dreamcorp, the company in charge, begins to notice disturbing events. Suddenly people are losing control of their dreams and getting stuck in them. Some regain consciousness after suffering severe brain damage. It turns out a sinister and possibly sentient virus has infected the system and intends to tear it down while hurting as many people as possible.
Tarot must build a team of special people who can fight the virus and save thousands from losing their minds or remaining in the dream world for life. But, strangely, more problems start popping up, and even the earth is on the verge of utter destruction. Are these impending disasters somehow linked to Tarot’s invention? What’s the dark force threatening to wipe out humanity, and can Tarot and his team save the real world from the dream world?
Michael TT Williams’ Dark Forces is a contemplative and sci-fi novel filled with mind-tingling concepts. Interestingly, William keep the story intriguing while he nerds out over subjects like AI, quantum physics, and consciousness.
World development is also superb. The story switches between Earth and a dream world where you see vivid and creative elements. Williams weaves a unique mix of attractions by blending surreal elements in the dream world with details from history and myths.
I love that Williams crafts the plot so that it branches out in several directions. It feels like you’re reading multiple stories within one story, with all converging at a point. It’s beautiful chaos. But you have to pay close attention and refer to the character list a few times to keep track of things.
While there’s no fluff you have to work your way through, Williams builds towards the climax at a steady pace, constantly elevating the level of intrigue and suspense. Brick by brick, he crafts a storyline slowly hurtling towards utter chaos in a way that keeps you turning the pages, wondering what happens next.
I have read so much fiction this year, but Williams’ work turned out to be a fresh dose of deeply imaginative storytelling. Dark Forces: Book 1 is a thought-provoking science fiction adventure novel that is a fantastic start to what is sure to be a creative techno thriller series.
Pages: 196 | ASIN: B0937MSJRJ
I Used Kaos
Apocalypse Blockers follows an odd group of unlikely heroes that take on a mission to prevent the apocalypse. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
Apocalypse Blockers is a culmination of several different books of mine, each character has their own book in which they already stopped an apocalypse, all very different books and different genre’s, they all have very long back story’s that are not linked, I used Kaos as a way to link them and bring them all together in one place, I don’t think you need to read the other books first but the idea being they will be better after you have read Apocalypse Blockers or Apocalypse Blockers will be better after you have read them.
I enjoyed the creativity imbued in your characters. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
I wanted to move the characters on a bit, I did not just want to throw them all together without any of them changing or growing, this would be the last time I work with any of them so I wanted to leave them all in a good place, the Running theams with Rick Tonail in every book he has been in was that he needed to stop doing everything alone and get some freinds, Bob and Karen found eachother and a new dynamic was born for them two, the good father’s and Green had their own issues that they worked through and Larry and Max finnaly got to stop being in a post- apocalyptic zombie apocalypse.
This seemed like a fun book to write. What was the funnest scene for you to write?
For me the scene were Bob and Rick first meet fathers O’Malley and O’Riley who were coaching at the over 80s wrestling championships was the funniest thing to write.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I am working on my first young adults book at the moment called, Noobs, it’s a story about two friends caught in the afterlife when a meteor takes out the kabab shop they were in, the Grim reaper makes a deal with them that they can go back if they retrieve ten keys from inside different video games, it should be finished by June.
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