When all of humanity is connected, the network's hub is the true seat of power.
In the year 2097, the only stable nation is the NAU: a dystopia exploding with new technologies and ruled by two political parties. The choices are Enterprise (sink-or-swim ; effort and luck determine whether members prosper or starve) or Directorate, where members are guaranteed safety but can never rise above their station.
Above it all is The Beam: an AI-built computer network that serves every whim and connects citizens through implants and biological add-ons. The Beam anticipates every need and has created a world within the world. It permeates everything. It is everywhere.
But now the NAU's power is shifting. New powers are making their moves while others hang in the balance.
Doc, a black-market add-on dealer, discovers disturbing new enhancements available to his wealthiest clients. Nicolai, speechwriter for the head of Directorate, seeks independence he's not allowed ... and is just now learning of his own role in the Beam's genesis. Kai, an escort-assassin as lethal as she is seductive, becomes embroiled in the machinations of her elite clients ... and as the deception grows, realizes she may never see morning.
Behind it all, a shadowy group is pulling strings, guiding the upcoming election exactly where it needs to go. The Beam is coming alive; immersion is as real as reality and the population hangs unknowing in the balance. But if the NAU's true power goes unchecked, the actions of a shadowy few will shape the fate of millions for years to come ...
**
From the Author
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE BEAM:
"Science fiction in the tradition of Poul, Niven and Asimov."
"Wow. This book was amazing. The world that the authors have painted is probably the most believable and relatable sci-fi world I have ever seen, and yet has a lot of ideas and technology that I wouldn't have thought of. Everything from the characters to the political environment and future history of the world is intriguing and well thought out."
"The Beam is sci-fi for people who think they don't like sci-fi. The world has gone to hell, North America is behind a very high wall, the two party political system is at each others throats with a new election weeks away, and there are people who would rather live online than participating in real life ... sound familiar?"
"This is a smart person's kind of futuristic thriller, way more than just dramatic plot points and cool tech."
"I'm breathless. The tech and philosophy in this book are perfectly interwoven. It's got intrigue, schemes, people who are half-cyborg, hints of genetic engineering. The Beam is techno thriller meets science fiction. Strong female characters, detestable politicians, nanobots, dirty cops, honorable men, you name it. It's not quite like anything else."
Description:
When all of humanity is connected, the network's hub is the true seat of power.
In the year 2097, the only stable nation is the NAU: a dystopia exploding with new technologies and ruled by two political parties. The choices are Enterprise (sink-or-swim ; effort and luck determine whether members prosper or starve) or Directorate, where members are guaranteed safety but can never rise above their station.
Above it all is The Beam: an AI-built computer network that serves every whim and connects citizens through implants and biological add-ons. The Beam anticipates every need and has created a world within the world. It permeates everything. It is everywhere.
But now the NAU's power is shifting. New powers are making their moves while others hang in the balance.
Doc, a black-market add-on dealer, discovers disturbing new enhancements available to his wealthiest clients. Nicolai, speechwriter for the head of Directorate, seeks independence he's not allowed ... and is just now learning of his own role in the Beam's genesis. Kai, an escort-assassin as lethal as she is seductive, becomes embroiled in the machinations of her elite clients ... and as the deception grows, realizes she may never see morning.
Behind it all, a shadowy group is pulling strings, guiding the upcoming election exactly where it needs to go. The Beam is coming alive; immersion is as real as reality and the population hangs unknowing in the balance. But if the NAU's true power goes unchecked, the actions of a shadowy few will shape the fate of millions for years to come ...
**
From the Author
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE BEAM:
"Science fiction in the tradition of Poul, Niven and Asimov."
"Wow. This book was amazing. The world that the authors have painted is probably the most believable and relatable sci-fi world I have ever seen, and yet has a lot of ideas and technology that I wouldn't have thought of. Everything from the characters to the political environment and future history of the world is intriguing and well thought out."
"The Beam is sci-fi for people who think they don't like sci-fi. The world has gone to hell, North America is behind a very high wall, the two party political system is at each others throats with a new election weeks away, and there are people who would rather live online than participating in real life ... sound familiar?"
"This is a smart person's kind of futuristic thriller, way more than just dramatic plot points and cool tech."
"I'm breathless. The tech and philosophy in this book are perfectly interwoven. It's got intrigue, schemes, people who are half-cyborg, hints of genetic engineering. The Beam is techno thriller meets science fiction. Strong female characters, detestable politicians, nanobots, dirty cops, honorable men, you name it. It's not quite like anything else."