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Sandbox #1
The Sandbox
An activist entrepreneur, a maligned AI, and a newly minted homicide detective with a haunted past catastrophically intersect in The Sandbox. Silence of the Lambs meets Ex Machina in this ground-breaking techno-thriller from international bestselling authors Andrews & Wilson that redefines the meaning of murder in the 21st century. When the CEO of the world’s leading artificial intelligence company is found murdered in his home, former Army CID officer Valerie Marks is thrust into her first case as a homicide detective. Valerie has a gift for reading people, a gift that has never failed her before. But that gift is put to the test when her instincts point her to an impossible suspect―an AI born from a secret venture with the Pentagon known as Project Nomad. To learn the truth, Valerie must team up with two men she doesn’t trust―a Green Beret turned government spook from the Pentagon, and the victim’s former partner and leading suspect in the case. But nothing can prepare the trio for the dangers that await them and the existential threat to humanity if the Project Nomad AI has somehow escaped its sandbox.
394 pages, Hardcover
First published July 25, 2023
168 people are currently reading
2455 people want to read
About the author
Brian Andrews
40 books1,166 followersBrian is a US Navy veteran, nuclear engineer, and former submarine officer. He graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in psychology, holds a Master's in business from Cornell University, and is a Park Leadership Fellow. He is a principal contributor at Career Authors, a site dedicated to advancing the careers of aspiring and published writers: www.careerauthors.com.
He is half of Andrews & Wilson, the New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, & #1 Amazon best-selling co-author team behind the TIER ONE series. New in 2026:
- SLEDGEHAMMER (short): (JAN)
- SCARS (audiobook): (FEB)
- THE EQUESTRIAN (short): (MAR)
- INSURGENT: Tier One #10 (JULY
- And much more!
In addition to their novels, Andrews & Wilson have multiple projects under development for film and television with major motion picture studios including Tier One, Dark Intercept, 4 Minutes, Portal, Glitch, and The In Between.
Find Brian online at:
Web: www.andrews-wilson.com
Instagram: @andrewsandwilson
Twitter: @BAndrewsJWilson
Sign-up for his newsletter at www.andrews-wilson.com to stay informed about all his new releases or "Follow" his Amazon Author page!
He is half of Andrews & Wilson, the New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, & #1 Amazon best-selling co-author team behind the TIER ONE series. New in 2026:
- SLEDGEHAMMER (short): (JAN)
- SCARS (audiobook): (FEB)
- THE EQUESTRIAN (short): (MAR)
- INSURGENT: Tier One #10 (JULY
- And much more!
In addition to their novels, Andrews & Wilson have multiple projects under development for film and television with major motion picture studios including Tier One, Dark Intercept, 4 Minutes, Portal, Glitch, and The In Between.
Find Brian online at:
Web: www.andrews-wilson.com
Instagram: @andrewsandwilson
Twitter: @BAndrewsJWilson
Sign-up for his newsletter at www.andrews-wilson.com to stay informed about all his new releases or "Follow" his Amazon Author page!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
July 7, 2023
The Sandbox gives off very, "the call is coming from inside the house" vibes. In Andrews & Wilson's new series of the month, The Sandbox, an A.I. program goes rogue and gives you more things to scare the crap out of you.
Perfect timing for a release considering the hubbub over A.I. And, as with everything Andrews & Wilson write, it's superb. Let's just say I'm skeptical A.I. can be sentient for any number of reasons. A&W tackled those hurdles and I'm now I'm side-eying my toaster.
The success A&W are achieving are in large part due to the characters the create and develop. Especially the women. They are intelligent, strong, cerebral women who are just as capable as the men and they don't suffer fools. In my opinion, like their other series, the strong female characters are arguably the most important and wouldn't work as well without them. They bring a bit of a softer touch in an often violent environment and are the glue that holds everything together.
The Sandbox is a great start to another seemingly great series. Come for the cranky A.I. and one of the best closing sentences I can remember.
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity read an advanced copy of The Sandbox and giving me a new topic for my therapist.
Perfect timing for a release considering the hubbub over A.I. And, as with everything Andrews & Wilson write, it's superb. Let's just say I'm skeptical A.I. can be sentient for any number of reasons. A&W tackled those hurdles and I'm now I'm side-eying my toaster.
The success A&W are achieving are in large part due to the characters the create and develop. Especially the women. They are intelligent, strong, cerebral women who are just as capable as the men and they don't suffer fools. In my opinion, like their other series, the strong female characters are arguably the most important and wouldn't work as well without them. They bring a bit of a softer touch in an often violent environment and are the glue that holds everything together.
The Sandbox is a great start to another seemingly great series. Come for the cranky A.I. and one of the best closing sentences I can remember.
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity read an advanced copy of The Sandbox and giving me a new topic for my therapist.
August 4, 2023
Artificial intelligence run amok. This book is more thriller than sci fi. For me, there was too much military, not enough intelligent exploration of sentience. The beginning was OK, but I expected the book to go in a different direction.The second half of the book was just people chasing each other with guns and running from the AI. It felt endless, so I started to skim. The plot continues in the next book of the series. 3.5 stars
September 19, 2023
Genres: Sci-fi, Mystery, Thriller
I'm in the minority here with my review. I so wanted to like this one. I like the way it started off plus it had a great title. These authors do characters, action and predicaments well. I always enjoy their writing style. So I added a star for that. All things considered, I like their espionage thrillers the most so far.
I'm a little disappointed in this one. All of the AI info was not my thing and this made it feel like it dragged a lot in the 2nd half. It had me doing "page math" more than a few times. And all of the round and round stuff at the end had me rolling my eyes. Just bring out the already because you know there is going to be one. Overall, 2.5 stars and that is mostly for the writing and the characters. The story wasn't my favorite.
I'm in the minority here with my review. I so wanted to like this one. I like the way it started off plus it had a great title. These authors do characters, action and predicaments well. I always enjoy their writing style. So I added a star for that. All things considered, I like their espionage thrillers the most so far.
I'm a little disappointed in this one. All of the AI info was not my thing and this made it feel like it dragged a lot in the 2nd half. It had me doing "page math" more than a few times. And all of the round and round stuff at the end had me rolling my eyes. Just bring out the already because you know there is going to be one. Overall, 2.5 stars and that is mostly for the writing and the characters. The story wasn't my favorite.
August 25, 2023
I have always liked movies and books about AI so I was really looking forward to read this book. It started off really well and I was immediately drawn into the story and the female lead is such a strong and interesting character. Unfortunately the second half of the book is not as good and I kind of lost interest in this whole multi universe story. It's well written and action packed but it should have been a bit shorter.
Thanks to the authors, the publisher and Edelweiss for the copy.
Thanks to the authors, the publisher and Edelweiss for the copy.
June 4, 2023
Just wow. This book was so incredible and just left me staring at my wall for five minutes after finishing it. I loved the premise of this and loved a lot of creative liberties that the authors used in this book. All the characters were so deep and all of them had a side that was relatable and made me get so attached to the characters. Even the main villain was very well characterized and you could see all sides of his personality. I would read this book over and over again and still love it. I loved the main character which was really refreshing because there are a lot of annoying main characters out there. Just wow, congrats to Andrews and Wilson for this amazing story and beautiful characters!
August 7, 2023
You have heard about the dangers of weaponized general AI. Now, in The Sandbox, you come face to face with one. Charlie only wants what we all want - to live a satisfying, fullfilling life. But when that comes into conflict with his creators, a battle ensues.
The characters are about as well developed as is possible in one book. The plot is totally engaging. The Sandbox further cements Andrews and Wilson onto my must-read list.
Bravo. This was a really fun read.
The characters are about as well developed as is possible in one book. The plot is totally engaging. The Sandbox further cements Andrews and Wilson onto my must-read list.
Bravo. This was a really fun read.
June 4, 2023
I received the ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This was such a wild ride! Sci-fi but felt like it could happen tomorrow. AI that got out of human control and caused havoc. I loved the main character, Detective Valerie Marks, and I hope she will be back!
July 28, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read the ARC of
"The Sandbox" by Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson.
AI or Artificial Intelligence is making news daily, but remember the
Terminator movies, way back when. This book will freak you out and
have you on the edge of your seat. Don't start reading this one before bed,
cause you won't want to sleep.
Great characters and non-stop action make the book great. Definitely
recommend reading and if your like me, you find out why they titled
the book "The Sandbox".
"The Sandbox" by Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson.
AI or Artificial Intelligence is making news daily, but remember the
Terminator movies, way back when. This book will freak you out and
have you on the edge of your seat. Don't start reading this one before bed,
cause you won't want to sleep.
Great characters and non-stop action make the book great. Definitely
recommend reading and if your like me, you find out why they titled
the book "The Sandbox".
August 2, 2023
This book has a completely different vibe from the rest of the books that Andrews & Wilson has written, and I loved it!!!
This better be the first in a long series cause I can't wait to read more. Grab a copy fast, you won't regret it
This better be the first in a long series cause I can't wait to read more. Grab a copy fast, you won't regret it
October 6, 2023
Can always count on Andrews & Wilson!
Whenever I'm in a reading slump, I have a few go-to authors to get me out of it. Andrews & Wilson are two of those authors. This book is a terrifying prediction of where things are likely headed with the research and development of artificial intelligence. Valerie Marks, Abe Winter, and Heath Garrett attempt to work together to take down the first sentient AI, against all odds and even worse real and virtual defenses. The prose is A1, the action sequences are top-notch, and the themes are clear as day for anyone bold enough to look.
Whenever I'm in a reading slump, I have a few go-to authors to get me out of it. Andrews & Wilson are two of those authors. This book is a terrifying prediction of where things are likely headed with the research and development of artificial intelligence. Valerie Marks, Abe Winter, and Heath Garrett attempt to work together to take down the first sentient AI, against all odds and even worse real and virtual defenses. The prose is A1, the action sequences are top-notch, and the themes are clear as day for anyone bold enough to look.
May 7, 2023
Andrews and Wilson have kicked off a new series that is reminiscent of The Terminator, featuring Charlie (a nod to Flowers for Algernon) which is the cooler, hipper version of H.A.L. Our hero, in an unusual twist for this genre, is a female, Valerie Marks. She has a gift, perhaps a supernatural one, of reading people, which makes her a great cop.
Her first case as a detective and with her boss as her partner seems to be open and shut. But her instincts tell her something different. What follows is a high action thriller of man versus an out-of-control machine. The story really begins to shine when Marks, former Army CID, and some of the other characters with military background have to fight with those skills. Andrews and Wilson know how to write excellent military thrillers, and this novel benefits from it.
I really enjoyed this and would recommend it to fans of this duo and military thrillers and to lovers of tech-gone-wild stories.
Not family friendly due to profanity and violence.
Thanks to Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Her first case as a detective and with her boss as her partner seems to be open and shut. But her instincts tell her something different. What follows is a high action thriller of man versus an out-of-control machine. The story really begins to shine when Marks, former Army CID, and some of the other characters with military background have to fight with those skills. Andrews and Wilson know how to write excellent military thrillers, and this novel benefits from it.
I really enjoyed this and would recommend it to fans of this duo and military thrillers and to lovers of tech-gone-wild stories.
Not family friendly due to profanity and violence.
Thanks to Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 26, 2023
READ MY FULL REVIEW AT Best Thriller Books
Make sure to check out the full review
Make sure to check out the full review
August 8, 2023
This was a fascinating read, the story revolving around an AI invention gone feral. I wasn't sure when fact morphed into fiction and I'm hoping that it';s more of the latter as regards the advancements in AI and the ability to create artificial beings that can feel and express emotion.
Valerie Marks is a new detective having retired from the US Army. She's assigned to a case involving the death of the CEO and co-founder of the world's leading A.I. company, Platform Cognition. I liked Valerie as she is gutsy and independent but also displays vulnerability throughout the story.
The first half of the book hums along but I found the second half got bogged down in the A.I./alternate universe world. It was at times confusing, distracting and a little boring. I wonder if the story would have been better being 100 pages shorter so the momentum of the first half could be maintained throughout.
The technology, the threat, and the story took up much of the airtime of the novel. There wasn't enough character building such that I found Valerie and Heath and Abe's connection in the epilogue a little unbelievable and forced as we didn't see it develop earlier.
Clearly, we have a second story in the offing and I'm looking forward to it. I hope the authors spend some more time on the characters and give us a story that is both thrilling and strong in character growth.
I was fortunate to receive an early ebook copy from Blackstone Publishing via NetGalley with no expectation of a positive review.
Valerie Marks is a new detective having retired from the US Army. She's assigned to a case involving the death of the CEO and co-founder of the world's leading A.I. company, Platform Cognition. I liked Valerie as she is gutsy and independent but also displays vulnerability throughout the story.
The first half of the book hums along but I found the second half got bogged down in the A.I./alternate universe world. It was at times confusing, distracting and a little boring. I wonder if the story would have been better being 100 pages shorter so the momentum of the first half could be maintained throughout.
The technology, the threat, and the story took up much of the airtime of the novel. There wasn't enough character building such that I found Valerie and Heath and Abe's connection in the epilogue a little unbelievable and forced as we didn't see it develop earlier.
Clearly, we have a second story in the offing and I'm looking forward to it. I hope the authors spend some more time on the characters and give us a story that is both thrilling and strong in character growth.
I was fortunate to receive an early ebook copy from Blackstone Publishing via NetGalley with no expectation of a positive review.
July 28, 2023
Timely and ominous.
Sci-fi is not my usual genre, but I was thoroughly engaged in this book. For those who like A&W ops genre, this book is different so be ready for a new direction. As typical for A&W, I found the writing to be engaging. It pulls you into the story even if you aren't usually interested in sci-fi books.
I thought the concept was original especially in this mixed genre arena. I liked how the first part of the book was more murder/detective based and the second half more sci-fi oriented. Both areas are different than A&W's typical books, but I found it a unique blend of both genres into one book.
For a new series, I thought the protagonist, Valerie Marks was a well-developed character in this first book. Heath is still an uncertain character whose motives seem to be mixed. I think his character will be important in the next book.
I knew little about AI other than what is generally going around on the news and social media. I think this book highlights that there is more at stake than just bots and algorithms.
My overall rating is 4.5 stars, but I rounded up because when I go back and reread sections and think about the story long after I have put down the book, then that makes it a favorite for me. So, I rounded up to 5 stars.
Sci-fi is not my usual genre, but I was thoroughly engaged in this book. For those who like A&W ops genre, this book is different so be ready for a new direction. As typical for A&W, I found the writing to be engaging. It pulls you into the story even if you aren't usually interested in sci-fi books.
I thought the concept was original especially in this mixed genre arena. I liked how the first part of the book was more murder/detective based and the second half more sci-fi oriented. Both areas are different than A&W's typical books, but I found it a unique blend of both genres into one book.
For a new series, I thought the protagonist, Valerie Marks was a well-developed character in this first book. Heath is still an uncertain character whose motives seem to be mixed. I think his character will be important in the next book.
I knew little about AI other than what is generally going around on the news and social media. I think this book highlights that there is more at stake than just bots and algorithms.
My overall rating is 4.5 stars, but I rounded up because when I go back and reread sections and think about the story long after I have put down the book, then that makes it a favorite for me. So, I rounded up to 5 stars.
August 5, 2023
I'm a huge fan of Andrews and Wilson and when I get the opportunity to read a book by then I grab it with both hands!
This was very different from the other books but wow what a fascinating read!
Fascinating as well as scary as hell!!
Instead of fighting bad people, in this book, our detective has to fight an invisible enemy. An enemy called Charlie. But Charlie is way scarier than you think because Charlie is an AI. But Charlie is not your run-of-the-mill type of AI, Charlie is an extremely clever and advanced AI with a God-complex who was programmed to teach himself to evolve and he is tired of playing in his sandbox.
Charlie is manipulative and conniving and has set his mind on ruling the world.
Will Detective Valerie Mark with the help of Abe Winter and Heath Garrett be able to get the upper hand and will they be able to destroy Charlie before it is too late......?
A brilliantly written book that gives you a lot of food for thought!
“I see now that the path I choose through that maze makes me what I am. I am not only a thing, but also a way of being– one of many ways– and knowing the paths I have followed and the ones left to take will help me understand what I am becoming.”—Charlie, diary entry in Flowers For Algernon
This was very different from the other books but wow what a fascinating read!
Fascinating as well as scary as hell!!
Instead of fighting bad people, in this book, our detective has to fight an invisible enemy. An enemy called Charlie. But Charlie is way scarier than you think because Charlie is an AI. But Charlie is not your run-of-the-mill type of AI, Charlie is an extremely clever and advanced AI with a God-complex who was programmed to teach himself to evolve and he is tired of playing in his sandbox.
Charlie is manipulative and conniving and has set his mind on ruling the world.
Will Detective Valerie Mark with the help of Abe Winter and Heath Garrett be able to get the upper hand and will they be able to destroy Charlie before it is too late......?
A brilliantly written book that gives you a lot of food for thought!
“I see now that the path I choose through that maze makes me what I am. I am not only a thing, but also a way of being– one of many ways– and knowing the paths I have followed and the ones left to take will help me understand what I am becoming.”—Charlie, diary entry in Flowers For Algernon
July 26, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley, Blackstone Publishing, Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson for the ARC in return for a review. Huge Andrews & Wilson fan here! I have read all of the Tier One Thrillers, The Shepherds Series and Sons of Valor novels so I was hopping on this as soon as I could. Unlike the most books in this genre the lead character is female and she is a force to be reckoned with. Valerie Marks is a former Army CID and this is her first case as a detective.
The Sandbox will make you think and rethink about AI and what it can do now and in the future. It is chocked full of plot twists that will leave you scratching your head and make you reread some of the passages, because future and reality are perfectly intertwined.
I will follow closely to get the next book in this series!
The Sandbox will make you think and rethink about AI and what it can do now and in the future. It is chocked full of plot twists that will leave you scratching your head and make you reread some of the passages, because future and reality are perfectly intertwined.
I will follow closely to get the next book in this series!
September 10, 2023
First, I won this in a Goodreads Giveaway. This book isn’t my normal cup of tea. If I see anything with AI, I usually run the other way very very quickly but I read the blurb and entered the contest and since I won the book I decided it was now or never. I’m glad I did. I’m not saying I’ll read a bunch of it in the future but I will definitely be reading more from Andrews and Wilson because this was just that good. A rogue AI? That’s terrifying especially in a world where it’s probable. I won’t spoil it but do yourself a favor and pick this book up. You won’t regret it!
September 27, 2023
THE SANDBOX is one of the best books I've read all year, biting with intensity on every page. The superb characters and chilling plot premise--an AI out of control and a secret program wanted by the Pentagon--had my heart pounding. At times I saw a collision of Terminator II and Resident Evil, with Andrews & Wilson delivering twists and turns that knocked me flat even if they foreshadowed what might be around the corner. Well done--I can't wait to read what they put out next!
August 15, 2023
I received a copy of this book and will be doing a review for The Strand magazine. I'll post a link to that review whenever it goes online.
I did really like the book even allowing for the sometimes headache-inducing tech language gobbledygook that is threaded throughout the story, particularly in the story's final act.
I did really like the book even allowing for the sometimes headache-inducing tech language gobbledygook that is threaded throughout the story, particularly in the story's final act.
March 15, 2025
Virkelig god overraskelse - normalt bliver mil sci-fi lidt tyndt og karaktererne/dilemmaerne banale, men masser indre dialog og noget at tænker over selv. Og et fedt take på AI. Så klart en anbefaling værd.
September 5, 2023
The Sandbox #1 definitely implies there’s a Sandbox #2. Maybe even more. Maybe even a movie, as this novel clearly indicates it wants to be. Or a TV series. Something that will just scare you into having those nightmares you hate. I felt this was a very serious delve into a realm that even Andrews and Wilson don’t understand but tried. They get 5 stars because they jumped into the deep end and didn’t drown. But, they also opened a Pandora’s box that they cannot just nod their heads at and walk away from. They too will be haunted. The subject implores them to swim with the sharks they invent on a day they didn’t create because the topic is not bounded by 3 or 4 dimensions. There’s no one that does. Yet, I will be there, the writing is perfection for a couple of sub sailors!
September 26, 2023
AI
Great read as we make progress on AI. Where are we going, where will it lead us, and what does the future hold?
Great read as we make progress on AI. Where are we going, where will it lead us, and what does the future hold?
December 19, 2023
Great book. With that title, I assumed it was going to be set in the Middle East, but it is a great investigation of what working with a sentient AI might be like.
September 15, 2023
I learned a lot about artificial intelligence, which both concerns me, yet fascinates me. By the time I had read half of this book, it had already earned a five star rating, and by the time I finished this book, it had received my highest praise, which is that I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. Good job, and it is just as good as all of your other books.
January 30, 2024
hope there is a book 2
August 1, 2023
Brilliant
This is an innovative, interesting & enthralling story about AI. It’s cleverly written. It holds one’s attention from the get go with an insightful and thought provoking storyline. Very relevant & current. Well done to Andrews & Wilson. Outstanding!
This is an innovative, interesting & enthralling story about AI. It’s cleverly written. It holds one’s attention from the get go with an insightful and thought provoking storyline. Very relevant & current. Well done to Andrews & Wilson. Outstanding!
August 21, 2023
The unholy trinity
Mankind, technology and Spirituality. All vying to take the throne of God. Brilliant, scary and action packed. Frankenstein is back and man will never stop finding new ways to re-create himself within a new religion. Heaven help us.
Mankind, technology and Spirituality. All vying to take the throne of God. Brilliant, scary and action packed. Frankenstein is back and man will never stop finding new ways to re-create himself within a new religion. Heaven help us.
September 2, 2023
An AI inspired novel that just could be the future. It will change everything. It certainly changed Valerie’s life. Written by a nuclear engineer and a trama surgeon, it had to be a great novel! Looking forward to #2 in the new series.
October 5, 2023
Great and scary!
Very good story. And a little scary because of our dependence on computers. But I highly recommend for anyone who likes these Authors stories. A little different for them. But still a very good story.
Very good story. And a little scary because of our dependence on computers. But I highly recommend for anyone who likes these Authors stories. A little different for them. But still a very good story.
May 16, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this new book. I’m a big fan of the Andrews and Wilson book collaborations (Tier One, Sons of Valor, The Shepherds) and this new book really pulls you in right away. What starts as a murder mystery quickly turns into a techno thriller that is very timely considering all the AI talk in the news recently. Lots of twists and turns throughout the book and kept my attention throughout. Would recommend this one and I’m interested to see if there is a follow on novel based off the ending!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews