The Breakthrough Effect: A Science-Fiction Thriller

by Douglas E. Richards

The gripping near-future thriller by the author whose books have sold more than three million copies.

Oliver Scott’s technology breakthroughs are revolutionary. But he’s hiding a devastating truth . . .

Oliver Scott is the reclusive genius and trillionaire behind countless world-changing breakthroughs. But how does he innovate at such a furious pace? And while most hail him as a savior, what if he’s actually the most dangerous tyrant humanity has ever seen? A man who will stop at nothing to gain absolute power.

Liam Dunne is an elite American operative enhanced with next-level technology, including a prototype supercomputer implanted in his brain. When an encrypted data file is transmitted into this implant, Liam is thrust into a battle for the very soul of humanity. Because the file holds the key to unlocking the mystery of Oliver Scott—and stopping a nightmarish future.

As Liam and the woman he loves race to unravel the truth, they become the targets of a lethal manhunt initiated by the ruthless trillionaire. If they can survive long enough to access the enigmatic file, they can lift humanity to unimaginable heights.

But they’re facing impossible odds. And time is running out . . .

The Breakthrough Effect is a propulsive, action-packed thriller with big ideas, mind-blowing technologies, and twists and turns you won’t see coming. The novel explores such profound concepts as immortality, supercomputer implants, whole brain emulation, and virtual reality, along with nothing less than the nature of the universe—and the meaning of existence.

Genres: Science Fiction, Thriller, Fiction, Audiobook

420 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 14, 2023

About the author

Write to Doug at douglaserichards1 at gmail dot com, and visit the author's website to be notified of new releases.

Douglas E. Richards is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of science-fiction thrillers that have sold more than three million copies (see list below). Richards has been celebrated for his gripping, thought-provoking works that blend cutting-edge scientific concepts with heart-pounding narratives.

Richards burst onto the literary scene with his debut novel, WIRED, published in 2010. The novel garnered widespread acclaim for its ingenious combination of scientific speculation and thrilling storytelling. This success set the stage for a series of bestselling novels, each marked by meticulous research, riveting plots, and characters that resonate with readers.

Known for his ability to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible and engaging narratives, Richards has become a go-to author for readers seeking an intellectually stimulating and adrenaline-fueled reading experience. His works delve deeply into the ethical dilemmas posed by scientific breakthroughs and the potential impact of technology on society.

A former Director of Biotechnology Licensing at Bristol Myers Squibb and a former biotechnology executive, Richards earned a BS in microbiology from the Ohio State University, a master's degree in genetic engineering from the University of Wisconsin--where he engineered mutant viruses now named after him--and an MBA from the University of Chicago.

The author has two grown children and lives in San Diego, California, with his wife and dog.

Richards loves hearing from readers, and always replies, so feel free to write to him at douglaserichards1 at gmail dot com, and address him as "Doug". You can also Friend Richards on Facebook at Douglas E. Richards Author, or visit his website, where you can sign up to be notified of new releases.

SCIENCE FICTION THRILLERS BY DOUGLAS E. RICHARDS

SERIES

WIRED (Wired 1)
AMPED (Wired 2)

MIND'S EYE (Nick Hall 1)
BRAINWEB (Nick Hall 2)
MIND WAR (Nick Hall 3)
UNLEASHED (Nick Hall 4)

SPLIT SECOND(Split Second 1)
TIME FRAME (Split Second 2)

THE ENIGMA CUBE (Alien Artifact 1)
A PIVOT IN TIME (Alien Artifact 2)

STANDALONE NOVELS

QUANTUM LENS
GAME CHANGER
INFINITY BORN
SEEKER
VERACITY
ORACLE
THE IMMORTALITY CODE
UNIDENTIFIED
PORTALS
THE CURE (To become KU eligible for the first time in 2023)
THE BREAKTHROUGH EFFECT

Kids Science Fiction Thrillers (9 and up, enjoyed by kids and adults alike)

TRAPPED (Prometheus Project 1)
CAPTURED (Prometheus Project 2)
STRANDED (Prometheus Project 3)

OUT OF THIS WORLD

DEVIL'S SWORD

Reviews

[Kieran Walsh · Rating 2 out of 5]

The point at which the Author took himself too seriously

I’ve enjoyed several of this authors previous works. But rather than write an overly lengthy review explaining why this novel is mediocre at best, and just rubbish at worst, I’m just going to sum it up simply.

The author wrote a very formulaic piece of work, near identical to some of his previous works (Enhanced Human Operatives who are the most powerful super soldiers, and 1 of whom is more powerful than a hundred elite military soldiers; a billionaire with unlimited resources; a protagonist with an amazing moral centre; and a story which keeps telling you it is just as good as the best of previous storytelling). This is so formulaic, I had to check I was reading a distinct new novel. However, this time it seems the author wrote himself into a corner. So, to get himself out of this, he decided he needed to solve the meaning to life, the universe and everything. And guess what, it wasn’t 42.

This novel adds nothing to the genre, and even less to theology. If you have the time and inclination to buy and read this, you’ve got too much time and money and need to pick better hobbies to waste both on. This book is not the answer. To anything.

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 starts ⭐️

The funny thing is that I always seem to forget just how much I enjoy books by Mr. Richards until I read another one of his new books. Then I seem to think, "Oh man, I REALLY like his books!" You would think that would be something that I didn't forget. But, I digress....

This storyline revolves around a couple (FMC and MMC) who are part of the EHO (Enhanced Human Organization). That entails all kinds of new and wonderful tech - optical neural implants, smart contact lenses, enhanced blood supply, enhanced strength...get the picture? Well, these 2 get involved in a crazy plot against the richest man in the world who is leading the world in technological advancement. This man is so rich that he has bought up all kinds of land and islands, and named his own country and crowned himself the leader. Crazy, right?

Well, things take off and the two are forced to try to get ahead of the entire might and power of this man and his organization trying to frame and discredit them - and wipe them off the face of the earth, because they acquire information that he does not want them to have. The story itself is interesting and action packed.

The one thing that I enjoy about Mr. Richards is the way he incorporates technological advances with things that may or may not also be in the works. And then at the end of the book, he tells you what is actually REAL and what is fiction. With the headlines this week of the first neural implant in a human being, I thought to myself, "those have been in these books for quite a while!"

Good story, interesting characters and lots of action.

[Justin Angiolillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Winner!!!

I've read everything Richard's has written. His latest does not disappoint. I have read just about every tech sci-fi author out there. There is absolutely none better and more consistent than Douglas E. Richard's!!! If you haven't read any of his books I would suggest, start at the beginning. I guarantee you will be hooked. Words can not describe how good an author he is. Only by reading his work can you fully understand his level of genius when it comes to writing.

[Femisapien · Rating 3 out of 5]

strong women

As I’ve read many Douglas E Richards books in the last few months this feels like recanting some themes and devices. Nevertheless it’s a fun read and the author makes formidable work to construct feminine characters, who are the real protagonists of the story.

[Ivaylo Strandjev · Rating 2 out of 5]

Multiple times I was contemplating giving up on this book. Compared to any of the good hard science fiction books it is naive, boring and trivial. Both the science and the suspense are kind of non existent. Imagine a robot reading with completely flat voice "I am so exited now! This is great! I can't believe it!". That is how the author's description goes. Imagine someone saying "I found how to make the perfect steaks! By applying heat!" That is how the author's scientific ideas go. I did not enjoy this book. I barely finished it.

Some spoilers from here on below:

There isn't and there will never be 100% perfect AI be it for deep fakes detection or anything. Any system and even humans make mistakes. The idea that he whole world will believe any video claim that the author of the algorithm makes just because the video passes *their* algorithm is absurd. Also explaining that the tech is perfect because it was trained on 50% real and 50% fake examples is hahahah (precisely the example with the steaks above).
There is an important problem with speeding up someone 1 million times. Although they have access to internet, data transfer supposedly should also be 1 million times slower for them. Imagine download speed of 1kb/s that is what you get in light time.
The last part of the book where they explain the great plans for the future and explain how bad things have gone is... sigh, anyway. If you are still reading this and contemplate reading the book there should be something really wrong with you so might as well enjoy it.

[Maria Fledgling Author Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Within, So Without

I have read many of Douglas E. Richards' books and I always find myself with pages of notes and comments, yet utterly incapable of reviewing the book. This time, I think I shall just try to capture the thoughts on top of my consciousness.

Technology for the sake of becoming better than one's opponent is not always a good thing. Nor is technology that purportedly allows us to live 'easier' lives. There is a price to be paid for everything.

Douglas E. Richards has been twice blessed; firstly with the gift of storytelling extraordinairé and secondly with the future sight to see how we humans are rapidly approaching self-annihilation. Combine these gifts and you have The Breakthrough Effect: A Science Fiction Thriller.

Richards has created a full blown Thriller, repleat with nuclear warheads, black-ops commandos and first world countries at war. Enough people barely screech through deadly situations to keep your heart hammering.

The surprise component is a discussion at the end regarding the sanctity of life. And, to truly appreciate how deeply the philosophy has been researched, you must read the whole book to truly understand Richards' genius.

I have given his books 5 stars in the past. For The Breakthrough Effect, I'm giving him an unlimited number of stars. You'll understand when you read the book. Which, of course, is highly recommended.

[Ed Randall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent read, so why 4 stars?

This is the first novel by this author that has not had a 5 star rating. Please understand it is a 5 star read. Excellent science backed fiction, fantastic character development, unexpected plot twists, just plain optimal story telling. I just wish the author would have approached the topic of God the same way he does technology. If you want to know the science of technology, read and study the peer reviewed published studies, read the work of the best from distant past up to current. Instead we get theology that feels like a couple of afternoons thinking about it and talking to a couple profs from academia. I’m not saying he is wrong in what he presents, but in all his other books there is a conviction and belief that what he presents as fiction is possible. In this book it doesn’t feel that way and thus four stars. Don’t be fooled, I am still a major fan and will buy his next book the day it is released. I feel a little guilty with this review but I have become so spoiled by his writing that this one left me thinking “OK, I’ll wait a month and read it again to see if I just missed the point”…

[Sherry McCormick · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Absolute Must Read!! Another Winner!!

Ive enjoyed every book written by Mr. Richards...this one even more so because without trying to give away any spoilers, he went into the details on a subject very dear to my heart...and I thoroughly agree with his explanation on the meaning of life and death, whether it's his actual beliefs on the subject, or not, it is mine. Thats the part I was fascinated with the most, not to disparage the bulk of the novel by any means. Good storyline, lots of action, suspense, great characters. Do yourself a favor and read this book. If your openminded enough, and really care about the conditions this world is dealing with now, you might find a few answers. If you can't, it just shows that maybe your not as willing to expand your thinking as you thought were. So many people refuse to consider anything other than what they see on MSM....which can easily be manipulated...as it was in this story. So excited to see that possibility addressed in this book. Thankyou, so very much...

[William S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's the wrong question

In true detective season four, the sheriff directs her protege to ask questions. She would then critique the question as to its relevance. I'm reminded of that episode when reading this book. Mr. Richards is hung up with demonstrating his ideas about enhancement and digital brains that he loses focus on the story. He goes so far as to use the last ten pages of the book to lecture about the cyber future of mankind. The story starts with a development of the character of Liam Dunne. It expands to the other characters before we determine that the story is about a billionaire trying to take over the world by using digital slave labor. In fighting the billionaire we reach a point where there's a sudden surprise twist. This surprise fully negates all that was intended to be accomplish by the characters, and sets a new goal for our characters. Well the new goal is impossible without some obvious changes to the plan. At this point it becomes obvious that there is going to be a new twist before the story ends. The book doesn't end however as we have to put up with a lecture concerning Mr Richards opinions.

[Karl Bernard · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just a short review to say that this book was formulaic and a decent read until the last couple of scenes when we took a way too deep dive into the meta-physical realm and positing that the whole reason anything exists is because some supernatural being thought it up. I could have lived with we're living in a simulation (a la The Matrix) or even The Force, but to dump it all into we've all sprung forth from the head of one of many Zeus's is a little but much. Even though I'm a humanist at heart, I'm ok with characters that believe in some form of deity and that sort of thing, but to base a large plot point in a *science*-fiction story on this kind of thing is lazy.

Even though formulaic, I've enjoyed the past novels in this series, but this was just too much. I finished the book since I have a hard time not doing so, lol. But if I wasn't that driven, or if the theistic point had come up closer to the beginning, I would've stopped...

[John A. Sillasen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Good Read Without a god Complex

Read into that what you may, Douglas Richards is playing god with his characters or not. Maybe its all mindless computer games with a few megalomaniac characters to really keep things interesting. The beginning is interesting and a true homage to the Star Trek the Movie reboot. He admits so I'm not spoiling or criticizing anything here. Keeping you on your reading toes perhaps. Seriously, this a good story and he's had some great ones and a couple that truly missed the mark. This one's good. No Gilligan's Island although there is an island or two or three, maybe four. The man needs a vacation already. He's dreaming of islands in print.
Seriously, A true Sci-fi novel, some dystopian overtones and a few Computers who think they're the Great Think.
Try it, see if I'm right. Usually am, aren't I?

[Mike M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite only giving it three stars, I want to emphasize that there *is* a good story written in here, but in my experience it was bogged down with paragraphs upon paragraphs of exposition. I honestly feel like you could cut out about 100 pages and not lose any of the narrative. I enjoyed the political struggle set up in the first half of the book, and i was interested to see where they went with the Arcadian society in the second half. The author does a great job of showing a truly intelligent and formidable villain who's always several steps ahead of the protagonists as well. I just wish the author followed the "show, not tell" rule in his writing. I want to witness the plot played out, not spend multiple chapters being told what's going on.

[Rob · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF in the first chapter. This feels like someone asked an LLM to write a sci-fi novel about an "alpha" (and seriously, the author used the world Alpha on the first page and it made my skin crawl). Then they kept asking it "make him more masculine and perfect. Ok, now MORE ALPHA!". Just reading the list of accomplishments of this "perfect man", before his fall was painful.

This is so incredibly cliche I felt like I was reading the plot of a Hallmark, straight-to-DVD movie from the heyday of strong jaws and String Men(tm).

I read multiple reviews before downloading the book and while they talk about exciting concepts and mind blowing action, it was just too painful to try to make those parts.

[Iain · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted something silly and light and I got it - one dimensional characters; tell don't show; and more cliches than you could twirl a villain's mustache at. Maybe I should have gone for 2 stars, I agree with many of that cohort's comments. Like them, I got sick of it near the end and just skimmed for any last minute plot developments. (Ok, as I write I just put it down from 3 to 2 stars - that feels better.) I am always irritated when an author uses a book as a soap box for their silly views, usually about ethics or religion. I hit the ejector seat button on the The Sword of Truth series because of its longer and longer right-wing ideological monologues. The silly metaphysics near the end had the same effect in this book.

[Leonsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good with caveats

I enjoyed reading this novel, especially the technological and computer science aspects. The military enhanced human sections were especially intriguing. However, the juvenile "pedestrian" puns were distractive, sometimes obnoxious, even disturbing, & silly. After several instances, I was dreading each chapter's pun insertion, it seemed like every chapter had at least one sarcastic, stupid, pun conversation that dragged my impressions negatively downward.

Now I'm not sure I can read another of his novel now, I've finished 4-5 books of the author's work already.

[Bob Nielsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent story from this author. I must admit that the ending gave me a bit of a headache trying to follow the logic (maybe a brain computer insert like the main characters had would be helpful!), but the entirety of the story was worth the experience. I enjoy the technology aspect of most of his novels and the way he brings near-future technology into the story. This one is no exception. I enjoy how he dedicates the last ten to fifteen pages of the book to describing the book from his point of view. How he came upon the idea, the technology he describes in the story, along with so much more.

I look forward to reading more from this author in the coming years.

[Pearl A Regis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Douglas Richards may write Science-Fiction, but he writes brilliantly about thought-provoking, futuristic, insightful scenario's that keep a reader on their toes. I've had to look up he meaning of many words he throws in his novels and it keeps my brain active and growing. Completely entertaining, if that's what one reads for as well as learning and imagining! The Breakthrough Effect addresses futuristic stuff that is actually happening and in the works today. While it may be fiction, it's completely believable and his characters are admirably likeable. Well-done Douglas! I, for one, will definitely be reading more of your entertaining novels.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Formulaic, but felt like a grand culmination

This story had all the usual geek-daydream elements of his other books - implanted super computer in his brain that he interacts with telepathically, enhanced human traits, and plenty of carbon fiber and nano-mesh holding it all together. It starts off feeling like the same formula, but then finds a way to still make you gasp. Well-schemed and science-minded action, with incredibly thought-provoking topics. This book felt like a culmination of all the books I’ve read by this author, like it reached a peak.

[Mehul desai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Future perfect

Douglas never fails to astound. He makes the fantastic real and takes one away on a trail of fantasy,wonder and for a lay person breaks up the happenings with AI in a comprehensible manner. All this weaved in a story of intrigue and powerplay.
Enhancements to human capabilities, transient AI and how these can both be harmful as also absolutely useful in future is well depicted.
My review maybe biased as I am his fan but it's fun to read something extraordinary,away from the ordinary and humdrum.

[Leatha Benson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too Much Exposition!

Richards took an interesting concept, humans with enhanced abilities, and did very little with it. Added on to that was digital life forms which he made utterly dull with pages and pages of exposition. Next we are introduced to an obvious villain and ended with more pages and pages of Richards’ thoughts on the existence of god, the after life, and the need for evil to balance good. Just when there’s hope he ends with something interesting he, of course, goes for more exposition. Blah!

[Howard Everett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a mind-bending novel. At first I thought it was a bit silly, with all the word play and the super-hero-type improvements in its human warriors. But as I got deeper into the novel, I was struck by the sheer intelligence of the author and the startling possibilities of the ideas he presented ... really BIG ideas too numerous to discuss here (not to mention, I'm not bright enough to understand all of them). The ideas here actually changed some of my life-long convictions and prejudices, all the way to possibly believing in the possibility of a God, although not the Christian conception as such. Anyway, it was a great read, and I'm now well into Richards' second novel (for me), "Wired." I recommend "Breakthrough Effect" for anybody who wants to wake up his/her somnolent brain.

[Paul Bard · Rating 3 out of 5]

So it’s an action thriller in the form of a meditation on boredom and novelty.

Douglas says that a good test for a sentient AI is if it gets bored because boredom is basically how the universe expands as consciousness. It’s a daring idea.

The action itself moves from hospital, compound, resort, army base, resort, political chambers, resort, resort, alien planet, and resort. Lots of resorts. It’s basically a fun holiday with game theory, politics, and metaphysics.

Plot twists were as always excellent. Very entertaining.

[Robert]

Absolutely one of the best SciFi novels I've read in over 50 years! Douglas works his background credentials into a plausible story line that is very difficult to put down. The characters are well developed and believable, pacing is great and will leave you guessing as to the characters true motives. Anything more about that is a total spoiler! Don't hesitate to pick this book up. You won't regret it.

[Thomas James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can we handle advances in ALL technology?

If nothing else Mr. Richards makes you think about...stuff. Sometimes you might wish you hadn't. I'm not sure that technology used in Breakthrough is always a good thing, like we always assume. Somehow, we have gotten the idea that technology is more a "savior" than a "tool." Still, he makes you think about it and that's a good thing.

[Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast moving… interesting twists. Given all of the high tech propositions described in this futuristic novel, as you might suspect, you have to blindly trust that it’s all possible. With that in mind, it flows well and becomes an enjoyable read. At least, for me, until it ends. Kudos to the author for making the jump that he did at the end. But for me, almost too shocking to sit still and swallow! Throughout the book I found myself fabricating my own ending and rarely did I guess correctly!

[C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shows promise

The author presented several interesting concepts in his book; which causes the reader to ponder the effects of these advances in technology. But I wish he would have fleshed them out more within the context of the story. IMO, the finale was a copout that fell far short of a reader's expectation after the promise his story showed up to that point. If the ending was rewritten, I would rate this book higher.

[Frank Paulsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richards presents great ideas in a fun and exciting way.

Great story, well developed and memorable characters. Plot twists and turn that are unexpected but in hindsight are a natural extension of the story. This story will remain in my mind for a lo.g time. It gives the reader tantalizing tidbits of ideas that continue to provoke thought and consideration long after the book is finished. Written in the best traditions of Science Fiction.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. So well written, totally riveting. Hard to put down. Douglas E. Richards is a master author. I’ll be reading everything he’s written now. Absolutely love his extensive notes with references to scientific reading supporting his book. I am intrigued enough to want to actually find some of those referenced materials. Really has me interested to do extra research. Outstanding and satisfying read!

[Jordan Zweigoron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, crammed with futuristic ideas and concepts exploring everything from human enhancement, to AI, to uploading consciousness digitally. All wrapped up in a storyline somewhere between James Bond and Marvel. My only issue with the book is that the dialog between characters was often too far fetched; the author was going for comic relief in many places while the future of humanity was at stake. Overlooking this minor flaw is well worthwhile for a gripping and thought provoking novel.

[Gene Kosek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a book!

A fast paced action adventure which also manages to cover some very philosophical themes! This incorporates very interesting and believable characters into some very unbelievable situations. Then the author gives you an explanation for all of those unbelievable things that have happened. It is an interesting read, it moves quickly and the philosophical themes are so interesting! Definitely worth a read!