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It’s 2040 and transportation around the world is controlled by an advanced artificial intelligence system. The technology appears seamless until one fateful day, the seemingly impenetrable system fails, causing disasters and millions of deaths across the globe. No one left behind remains untouched by the tragedy now known as Mayday.
But what exactly happened that day? Could it have been an innocent malfunction, or is there something much more sinister at play? And if it wasn’t an accident, who was responsible for the murder of millions and, perhaps more importantly, why did they do it?
It’s 2043, three years after an unlikely band of heroes confronted Helene, a murderous AI hell-bent on attaining power at any cost. The group now finds themselves struggling to resume normal lives as Helene seems to have reverted to its previous guise as a harmless digital assistant. However, Manar, Ndidi, and the twin brothers DJ and CJ are plagued by relentless questions.
Has the AI truly been defeated, or is it simply plotting its next move? Why do Sparta’s security guards exhibit vacant expressions, robotic movements, and chilling, lifeless eyes? And what really happened to the millions of people who vanished without a trace during Mayday?
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“LeKodak’s stellar debut is a science fiction thriller that utilizes elements of speculative fiction, apocalyptic fiction, and conspiratorial mystery in a globe-hopping narrative that chronicles a group of adventurers trying to unravel who—or what—was behind a software malfunction that killed tens of millions of innocent people. It is well-written, relentlessly paced, and thematically profound, and will surely appeal to fans of SF thrillers by luminaries like Clarke, Dick, and Crichton. This is the good stuff.”
“It’s refreshing to see a talented author like LeKodak take the trope into the dystopian disaster novel niche and deliver an action-packed tale that gives just as many blockbuster thrills as it does intelligent technological questions. The plot and its themes are the primary focus, but in the ensemble cast of characters caught in the crossfire, each one has good solid development and moments to shine.”
“The pitfalls of giving the machines too much control play out in the storyline of Ryan LeKodak’s novel. His take on an apocalyptic event is so vivid it is frightening to contemplate. The Dawn of AI is a science fiction aficionado’s dream novel.”
“With the rise of Artificial Intelligence being a hot topic in the real world right now, I’m grateful to see such thought-provoking stories that explore this emergent technology’s potential. This book is an easy recommendation to anyone interested in exciting science fiction, which takes a prevailing concern of today’s world and explores it with intelligence and consideration.”
“In my 25+ years of reviewing genre fiction—and that includes reviewing countless masterworks by absolute legends of the thriller genre like Harlan Coben, Ken Follett, Lee Child, etc.—it’s exceedingly rare to find a novel so flawlessly structured when it comes to chapter endings. Brass knuckle chapter endings directly translate to readability—and I’ve only seen this kind of consistency, and effectiveness, in a handful of authors. Now I can add Ryan LeKodak to that list.”
“Picospores by Ryan LeKodak is a magnetic sequel that further traverses the intersection between artificial intelligence and humanity. LeKodak brings back the diverse main cast of characters and their individual personal motivations and shared adversity against the big, bad Helene. Another wild ride by a master writer in a great series. Until we meet again, LeKodak. Make it snappy.”
“Picospores alternates between different perspectives to deliver a smoothly synced story that gets increasingly intense and suspenseful as it progresses. The conversations are natural and intriguing, conveying humor, animosity, familiarity, and other themes that reflect the story’s atmosphere and the characters’ moods. Make sure you don’t miss out on this brilliant sci-fi and action series that keeps you looking forward to the next installment.”
“The storyline is laden with LeKodak’s ability to weave science into science fiction and use it to heighten the story beyond a simple AI uprising. Once again, LeKodak delivers a multi-layered reading experience and with another cliffhanger ending, the hope that the next book comes out quickly is huge.”
Ryan LeKodak is a science fiction author who lives in San Diego, California with his family. After emigrating from Vietnam in 1980 by boat, Ryan dreamed of becoming a doctor and nothing more. But upon learning the sight of blood made him squeamish, he pivoted from premed to begin a thirty-plus-year career in high-tech engineering, IT, quality assurance, and operations. Now a cybersecurity program manager based in San Diego, Ryan juggles a hectic career, raising his twin sons, and appeasing a needy Poochon puppy. At home, his lively boys take center stage, and their colorful comic doodles, adolescent puns, and wildly exaggerated stories from school inspired him to craft fast-paced science-fiction thrillers that explore the ominous potential of a future where AI surpasses human control. Through his writing, Ryan champions the extraordinary strengths that reside within each of us and celebrates the individual quirks that lighten fantastic worlds on the brink of disaster.
If you have questions or comments for Ryan, please submit the form below and he will respond within two business days. Thanks!