Unlocked: The Dawn of Unlocking Superhuman Abilities by Peter Kraft

Peter Kraft’s Unlocked: The Dawn of Unlocking Superhuman Abilities is a thrilling techno-science adventure that explores the ethical and moral implications of humanity’s pursuit of perfection. Set in the futuristic confines of Switzerland’s E-Labs, the novel introduces Dr. Natalia Accorsi and her team, who discover “combinations” capable of unlocking extraordinary superhuman abilities like telekinesis and telepathy. This groundbreaking achievement sets the stage for a high-stakes conflict involving shadowy conspiracies, espionage, and the survival of humanity itself.

I especially enjoyed the character development of Dr. Accorsi, a scientist torn between her commitment to advancing human potential and her fears of unleashing catastrophic consequences. Her internal struggles and evolving resilience resonate deeply, making her a compelling protagonist. Additionally, the twist involving the true identity of her nemesis adds a layer of unpredictability, keeping readers engaged.

One of the book’s unique elements is its integration of Maya history and mysticism into the scientific narrative. The suggestion that the Maya were the first to “unlock” superhuman potential offers a fascinating link between ancient wisdom and modern innovation. However, it’s important to note that depicting the Maya civilization as “destroyed” is misleading, as the Maya people continue to thrive today, albeit without centralized governance. This historical oversight is a minor flaw in an otherwise intriguing premise.

The novel’s climax, the explosive destruction of the lab during a battle of ideologies, brings to mind the epic clashes of superheroes like Superman and General Zod. The action is intense and cinematic. However, the middle portion of the book lags slightly, with repetitive deliberations on the ethical dilemmas of revealing the combinations to the world. While these discussions provide necessary context, they slow the narrative’s momentum.

The use of algorithms and controlled experiments adds authenticity to the scientific backdrop, creating moments of gripping suspense as the team tests each combination. The ending teases a promising exploration of collaborations between modern scientists and Maya shamans in future books, setting up an exciting continuation.

Overall, Unlocked is a thought-provoking read that will captivate fans of sci-fi and techno-thrillers. Readers are invited to ponder humanity’s potential and the choices that define our future.

Todd by Adam J. Nicolai

One day, everyone in Alan’s life is gone. Everyone in Alan’s neighborhood is gone. Everyone in Alan’s state is gone. Everyone except Alan and his 8-year-old son Todd. Alan, an unemployed would-be entrepreneur suffering from depression, is not the man his son needs him to be in this TEOTWAWKI (The End Of The World As You Know It) scenario. 

Alan has not stockpiled for a doomsday event. He has not learned basic survival skills. He makes mistake after mistake as he struggles to keep himself and his son alive. Then he spots the blue blur and the approaching asteroid. 

This is the end-of-the-world survival book to end all books. The hero in our story isn’t a former special-ops military genus. Nor is he a self-sufficient hermit already prepping to the hilt. No, our guy is a loser from the suburbs, with no survival skills whatsoever with an 8-year-old boy tagging along.

I absolutely loved this book. I mean, what would you do if your toilet stopped working? Would you go about constructing an outhouse or start pooping in the neighbor’s living room? What about when your food supplies became covered in deadly blue moss? What would you do then? With winter approaching, would you stay in Minnesota or try to head south? How far south? Is Iowa far enough? With the power out, would you know enough to start a fire to cook food and stay warm? Would you know how to ventilate the room or to move the blanket far enough away so that it doesn’t catch fire? If you went on the road, what would you take and what would you leave behind? What about those blurs? How would you handle injuries? Do you know how to dress a wound?

If you want an amazing SHTF read with a bit of science fiction thrown in to lessen the predictability, then Todd by Adam J. Nicolai is the book for you!