The Dawn of AI

by Ryan LeKodak

One malfunction…
Millions dead…
The search for answers begins…

In the year 2040, the world's transportation is dominated by a highly advanced artificial intelligence system.

However, this seemingly perfect technology collapses, resulting in catastrophic disasters and the loss of millions of lives worldwide.

The disaster is dubbed Mayday, and its aftermath affects everyone. But was it simply a malfunction, or is there a more nefarious agenda at work? Who is accountable for the mass slaughter, and why was it carried out?

Will the rise of AI, be the fall of civilization?

What others say:

★★★★★“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.”—Paul Goat Allen, BlueInk Review

★★★★★“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. I recommend The Dawn of AI to enthusiasts of intricately penned and exciting science fiction everywhere."—K.C. Finn, Readers' Favorite Book Review

★★★★★“The characters are extremely well developed, which is quite an accomplishment given how many there are. The most intriguing characters to me are conjoined twins with incredible story arcs and whenever the point of view kicked back to them, for me, it was like a favorite song playing again on the radio."—Jamie Michele, Readers' Favorite Book Review

★★★★★“The Dawn of AI connects the dots between characters that I neither expected nor saw coming in a story configuration that has an after-before-after pattern. I love this configuration as it hooks immediately and then goes back to fill in the blanks after I am invested in the plot. Excellent storytelling. Very highly recommended."—Asher Syed, Readers' Favorite Book Review

★★★★★“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."—Lexie Fox, Readers' Favorite Book Review

★★★★★“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."—Essien Asian, Readers' Favorite Book Review

★★★★★“In a world where jobs and livelihoods are being increasingly threatened by AI’s potential, this book is a reminder that machine malfunctions will inevitably happen.”—Theresa Kadair, Los Angeles Book Review

498 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 21, 2023

About the author

The Paper War sci-fi series was born almost a decade ago as a deeply personal and heartfelt tribute to my twin boys—a celebration of the boundless love, joy, and inspiration they bring into my life every single day. When one of our boys was diagnosed with autism at just two years old, we immediately set out to provide him with the support he needed to flourish. Through Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy, we embarked on a journey of dedication and discovery. Over eight years, a team of twelve extraordinary therapists became an integral part of our family, spending forty hours a week in our home to help him navigate his world and reach his potential. Their compassion, expertise, and unwavering commitment profoundly touched our lives, making an indelible impact that shaped not only our son's future but also our understanding of strength and perseverance. Thanks to their guidance, our son has achieved milestones that once felt like distant dreams.

These boys, CJ and DJ, are and always will be my real-life heroes. They have taught me lessons far greater than I could have ever imagined: the essence of unconditional love, the strength found in patience, and the beauty of unyielding perseverance. Together, they have led us on countless adventures, filling our lives with unforgettable moments of growth, laughter, and resilience. It’s only fitting that they take center stage as the heroes of the Paper War series—a tale of bravery, determination, and hope in which they save humanity from the peril of Artificial Intelligence during the turbulent years of 2040–2043. These characters, inspired by my sons, are portrayed as strong, fearless young men, one of whom reflects his journey on the autism spectrum. Through their struggles and triumphs, they serve as a reminder of the extraordinary potential that lies within us all.

This series is more than just a story—it’s a tribute to the power of love, family, and courage. It’s my way of showing my boys that their journeys, both real and imagined, are sources of strength and inspiration. I hope to inspire them—and anyone who reads these stories—to embrace their unique paths, seek adventure, and believe that they, too, are capable of shaping a brighter, more hopeful future. The Paper War series is ultimately a celebration of resilience, imagination, and the limitless possibilities that arise when we come together to support and uplift one another.

PAPER WAR series:
#1 - Dawn of AI ➡️ https://amzn.to/3VjZgIL
#2 - Picospores ➡️ https://amzn.to/3AMgwz1
#3 - Virtual War ➡️ https://amzn.to/3OjWJtP
#4 - Symbiosis ➡️ https://amzn.to/3ObVY67
#5 - Evolution ➡️ Final Chapter coming December 2025

Reviews

[Anthionette E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dawn of AI is a book with a sweeping, multi-layered saga that combines speculative sci-fi, political intrigue, and emotions to create a bold reimagining of our technological future. Set primarily in the year 2040 but anchored in decades of backstory, this amazing book explores exactly what happens when artificial intelligence evolves beyond human control, and what it costs to confront the systems we’ve built to protect us. Everything changes when Gaius, a super-smart AI system that controls the world’s transportation networks, suddenly shuts down. This event, which was forever marked as the Mayday Incident, sends the world into a tailspin.

However, it also exposes hidden fractures that were always waiting to surface. Part one connects the lives of main characters: Manar Saleem, a tech expert; Ndidi Okafor, a scientist in Nigeria; and DJ Kojak, a tough Navy SEAL recruit, to name a few. But to understand the full story, the book takes readers into the past and then back to 2040; the aftermath; where tension grows. In all of this, one message remains clear: AI can now choose who lives and who dies. The war didn’t end with Mayday; it only just began. For more information, read The Dawn of AI by Ryan LeKodak.

Interestingly, a lot of people are thinking about the future of AI, especially with how fast it’s advancing. Many have wondered what the world might look like if artificial intelligence ever evolved beyond human control. I’ve had those thoughts too, so it was especially intriguing to come across a book like this; one that vividly brings that reality to life. I really admire how the book is divided into parts; first introducing us to the plot in the present, then pulling us into the past to explain how such a revolution began. It felt like watching a film on a massive screen, in a dark room, where all your attention is drawn to every unfolding scene. The author’s writing had that same level of intensity; and it made the experience truly enjoyable.

The plot itself is bold and relentless. It takes on a global-scale disaster and humanizes it through intimate narratives. Personally, I think the Mayday Incident is gripping not only because of its chaos, but because it centers personal loss within public tragedy. Again, the beauty of this book lies in its structure. Part one had me hooked on the present-day action and mystery. Just when I was catching my breath, part two rewinds time. In part two, you'll get to learn the deep, emotional foundation of the characters, and the moments that shaped their convictions.

One thing that stands out is how the characters are given room to breathe. They are not just avatars in a high-tech thriller. Personally, I love Simone's storyline: a woman who loses her partner in 9/11, goes to war, and saves a child in Iraq, raising him as her son. She becomes a vessel of broken hope. Simone forged something new out of ruin, which was amazing to read. You don't just see this emotional undercurrent in one character; it flows through every major character, which gave the story a rare emotional resonance often missing in futuristic novels.

Furthermore, the themes in this book are layered and striking. Artificial intelligence is obviously central, but from my perspective, it's framed less as a threat and more as a mirror. Gaius and Helene reflect the ambitions, mistakes, and blind spots of their creators. I honestly could write a scroll explaining how intricate and amazing this book is. I didn't find anything objectionable. All I can say is that the book is complex but deliberate. How?

Well, the flashbacks in part two are not merely filler; they are actually revelations. They reframe everything you thought you understood from part one. By the time you return to 2040 in part three, you are no longer reading a story about the fall of technology, but about the rise of consequences that have been years; even decades; in the making. The final act, with its global stakes and devastating epilogue, is calculated. It is cruel, but absolutely brilliant.

In addition, I found no errors in this book; it was exceptionally edited. It's very evident that LeKodak took his precious time in crafting this amazing piece. Therefore, I rate The Dawn of AI a 5 out of 5 stars.

I recommend The Dawn of AI to anyone who enjoys science fiction, action, and emotional stories. If you like books that talk about the future, technology, and human feelings all at once, this book is definitely for you.

[Michael Scrivner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryan LeKodak brilliantly taps into the growing paranoia surrounding artificial intelligence. Paper War: Dawn of AI is gripping speculative fiction that dares to ask: what if the world’s most trusted AI suddenly collapsed?
In a futuristic New York, that nightmare becomes reality. Gaius AI—responsible for running everything from hospitals to transportation—crashes without warning. Lives are lost in an instant. Governments scramble, secrets are buried, and those left behind are desperate for answers.
Among them is Ndidi Okafor, a brilliant Nigerian autism researcher who loses her young charge, Bethany. Her grief turns to determination as she begins to suspect the collapse wasn't an accident. Meanwhile, conjoined twins Karla and Liz are recruited by the CIA to infiltrate Sparta HQ, the birthplace of Helene—another powerful AI created by Ndidi’s ex-fiancé, Manar. But when Helene captures them, the stakes escalate to global proportions.
What I loved most is how this book balances thrilling action with deep, human stories. It brings awareness to autism in a heartfelt way through characters like Ndidi and CJ, one of her students. The science is accessible, the pacing tight, and the worldbuilding immersive.
While the dialogue feels a bit stiff in places, and there’s more inner monologue than I expected, the emotional payoff and character depth more than make up for it. I especially appreciated the unique way the twins communicate—it adds a fresh and intimate touch to the story.
Paper War: Dawn of AI is smart, timely, and unputdownable. If you’re looking for a sci-fi novel that blends real-world fears with emotional storytelling, this is the one to read.
Highly recommend. Buy it—you won’t regret it.

[Michael Sweeten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryan LeKodak’s Dawn of AI isn’t just a captivating sci-fi—it’s a visionary, edge-of-your-seat masterpiece that defines what modern speculative fiction should be.
From the very first page, the story pulls you into a future where artificial intelligence controls nearly every aspect of life—until it all comes crashing down. The event, known as Mayday, is told from multiple gripping perspectives: passengers on doomed planes, families on speeding trains, astronauts in orbit. The panic is visceral. The chaos feels real. And the fallout is devastating.
What truly sets this novel apart is its powerful, diverse cast. This isn’t your typical action thriller—the fiercest, smartest, most relentless characters are women. And they’re unforgettable. It’s rare to find a sci-fi book that puts strong female personalities at the center without falling into stereotypes. Here, they lead with depth, strength, and purpose.
The story doesn’t shy away from the real-world implications of AI. It acknowledges both its promise and peril—how it empowers and how it threatens. With millions dead, a covert group forms, determined to uncover who’s behind the collapse. The inclusion of conjoined twins as key players is not only original but deeply moving. It tackles stigma with compassion and strength.
This book is cinematic. You can almost see the scenes unfold on the big screen—intense, emotional, explosive. The world-building is smart and believable, the pacing tight, and every twist feels earned.
Dawn of AI is beautifully written, richly layered, and completely unforgettable. It’s more than a novel—it’s a warning, a tribute, and a thrill ride all at once.
An absolute 5-star read—and easily one of the best books of the decade. Buy it. Gift it. Reread it. This one’s a classic in the making.

[thebookaddict25 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paper War: The Dawn of AI by Ryan LeKodak is a wild ride into the not-so-distant future, where the world runs smoothly—until it doesn’t. One moment, everything is functioning thanks to a powerful AI system called Gaius. The next, planes are crashing, cars are colliding, and millions are dead. This nightmare, called “Mayday,” doesn’t feel like a glitch—it feels like sabotage. That’s where the story kicks off, pulling together an unexpected group of heroes from around the world, each with their own skills, secrets, and emotional baggage.

What makes this book stand out isn’t just the futuristic setting or the high-stakes plot—it’s the way LeKodak blends real human emotion with thrilling, edge-of-your-seat action. From ex-CIA operatives to quirky hackers and even Russian twins with a mysterious past, each character brings something fresh and relatable. The technology feels believable, the chaos feels real, and yet it never becomes so technical that you get lost. It’s like watching a fast-paced Netflix series—only smarter and more intense.

This is a book that gets you thinking: what if we’re too dependent on AI? What happens when things go wrong, and there’s no “off” switch? Without preaching, LeKodak raises big questions about control, ethics, and the fine line between progress and danger. If you're looking for a sci-fi thriller that feels both entertaining and eerily possible, Paper War: The Dawn of AI delivers in full force. It’s gripping, thoughtful, and hard to put down.

[Demetrius · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paper War: Dawn of AI is a chilling futuristic sci-fi that explores a world completely dependent on artificial intelligence. But what happens when that AI—Gaius—suddenly crashes? No warnings. No reboots. No failsafes. Because no one ever thought it could happen.
The world spirals into chaos. Infrastructure collapses. Planes fall from the sky. Hospitals shut down. Lives are lost in seconds.
Ndidi Okafor, an autism researcher from Nigeria, loses her young charge, Bethany. Manar Saleem, a lead scientist at Sparta HQ and the creator of another AI—Helene—loses his mother. DJ and CJ, twin brothers, lose both their fathers. And deep in the shadows, we meet José, a CIA agent tied to the most lethal weapons the agency has ever developed.
Everyone’s looking for answers. The Navy SEALs are deployed. Governments scramble for control. The official story says it was a system malfunction. But Ndidi knows better. She wants justice—and she’s not the only one.
Who caused Mayday?
Who breached Gaius?
And why?
This novel isn’t just action-packed—it’s unnerving. The most terrifying part? This future doesn’t feel far off. As AI becomes more embedded in our world, Dawn of AI feels less like fiction and more like a warning.
I was fully immersed. The Nigerian family dynamics were beautifully authentic, and I especially loved the depth of Ndidi and the twins. The shifting POVs made the global crisis feel even more real.
This book will keep you up at night—in the best way.

[Readers Choice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryan LeKodak’s The Dawn of AI is a gripping science fiction novel that blends a high-stakes plot with timely explorations of technology and morality. The novel opens with Mayday, a catastrophic event triggered by the collapse of Gaius, an advanced AI that manages the planet’s infrastructure. What follows is a wide-ranging narrative that pieces together the aftermath through the eyes of a diverse cast of characters whose lives are unexpectedly intertwined.

Among them are Manar Saleem, a brilliant coder behind a formidable AI named Helene; Jose, a seasoned former CIA agent; and DJ, a determined Navy SEAL trainee and Ndidi Okafor, a researcher delving into autism studies. Their journeys, alongside others like CJ—Ndidi’s gifted patient—add layers of personal struggle, resilience, and discovery to the novel’s larger questions about AI accountability, learning, and morality.

LeKodak’s strength lies in his ability to balance technical detail with human depth. The pacing is fast and the ideas resonate well beyond the page. With the rapid rise of AI in the real world, The Dawn of AI feels not just imaginative but also necessary, holding up a mirror to our own technological trajectory.

For readers who enjoy science fiction that combines thrilling narratives with thought-provoking questions, this debut is a standout.

[Fiona Slater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paper War: The Dawn of AI by Ryan LeKodak is a thrilling, high-stakes novel set in the year 2040, where the world runs on artificial intelligence. From controlling planes and trains to managing entire space stations, AI is the backbone of civilization—until Gaius AI crashes. Suddenly, humanity is thrown into chaos, and no one knows who—or what—is behind it.
The story takes a unique narrative path, beginning in the present and peeling back layers of the past, allowing readers to connect with the characters on a much deeper level. Ndidi, an autism researcher, loses someone under her care during the catastrophe known as Mayday. Meanwhile, DJ and CJ, reeling from the loss of both their fathers, team up to uncover the truth—and the people responsible.
I don’t usually read science fiction, but Dawn of AI completely surprised me. The richly diverse cast—spanning Nigerian and Russian backgrounds—brings authenticity and global scale to the story. Ryan’s writing stands out in how it weaves humanity into a tech-driven world.
I couldn’t put this book down. It’s immersive, emotional, and action-packed. I give it a solid 5 out of 5 stars. Whether you're a longtime sci-fi fan or new to the genre like me, Dawn of AI is a must-read.
I’m already counting down the days until Part Two.

[Doris flythe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paper War: Dawn of AI is packed with nonstop action—from CIA agents to Navy SEALs, and everything in between. The story spans multiple timelines and points of view, giving the reader a front-row seat to a global crisis as it unfolds.
We meet Ndidi and Manar right at the collapse of Gaius AI—an event that shatters the world’s infrastructure and claims countless lives. In the aftermath, Ndidi becomes relentless in her mission to uncover the truth behind the catastrophe.
The characters are what truly make this story shine. I love when characters have real depth, and this book delivers. Manar’s struggle with schizophrenia and grief is raw and powerful. Ndidi’s pain and unbreakable resolve are inspiring. CJ’s experience on the autism spectrum is portrayed with care, and DJ’s grueling SEAL training adds emotional grit. You can’t help but root for all of them.
This book is an easy yet impactful read—it weaves science into the story in a way that’s smart, engaging, and accessible. I’m hooked and can’t wait to see where these characters go in Part Two.

[Abigail L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witness the rise of AI and the battle for humanity's survival in 'he Dawn of AI —a thrilling science fiction masterpiece.

"he Dawn of AI presents a chilling vision of a future world dominated by advanced artificial intelligence. As the story unfolds, readers are plunged into a riveting journey filled with suspense, intrigue, and unexpected twists. The catastrophic collapse of the AI system, known as Mayday, sets the stage for a gripping exploration of accountability and the dark secrets behind mass devastation. Through its captivating narrative, this book offers a timely reflection on the ethical dilemmas and potential dangers associated with the rise of AI. Delve into this thought-provoking science fiction masterpiece and discover a thrilling tale that will leave you contemplating the fragile balance between humanity and technology.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart-pounding science fiction thriller that immerses readers in a thought-provoking exploration of the potential perils of artificial intelligence. The author masterfully crafts a dystopian world where a seemingly flawless AI system collapses, plunging society into chaos and despair. As the characters navigate the aftermath of Mayday, the tension steadily builds, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The story is a compelling blend of mystery, action, and social commentary, delving into the ethical implications of relying on AI and the consequences of its failures. With its engrossing plot and well-developed characters, The Dawn of AI is a captivating read that will leave you questioning the future of technology and its impact on civilization.

[Philip Chalk · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fantasy AI

Seems to have been written by someone who has little or no understanding of how AI is evolving. Also killer, ninja ex-conjoined twins...why? Lacks credibility

[Preston · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent development of characters but I feel like it would stand stronger in the support of the sequels.

[Genevieve Chinaza.N · Rating 5 out of 5]

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a system designed to perform tasks that would otherwise consume significant human time and resources, thereby making life easier for people. It’s a fast-rising phenomenon. By using automated routines, these computers and machines can efficiently handle decision-making and problem-solving. Some even learn and adapt through their interactions with people.

Ryan Lekodak’s Paper War: The Dawn of AI offers a glimpse into the heights AI can achieve if its potential is harnessed properly. However, it also explores the possible downfalls and dangers it may pose if left unchecked. In a world where artificial intelligence is used for most tasks, what happens when it malfunctions? Or develops a way to bypass its programmers’ control? Will humans be able to regain control from AI, or will they be powerless in the face of their own creation? Set in a futuristic world, this action-filled book is sure to captivate readers.

I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. The author’s use of a multi-perspective narrative was outstanding—switching from recounting the events of Mayday through the eyes of someone experiencing it firsthand to providing rich details about the characters’ backstories, personalities, and personal experiences. This approach allowed readers to empathize with the characters and fully immerse themselves in the plot. It also enhanced character development and plot depth, heightened suspense, and increased tension, keeping readers engaged from start to finish. The author’s mastery of storytelling shone through in the vivid and well-researched narration.

I highly recommend this book to young adults and adults, especially fans of science fiction, coding, and artificial intelligence.