The Return

by Laurie Stevens

“No one’s privacy is sacred, no one is free from mind manipulation, or the constant barrage of consumerism. The Return is thought-provoking, prescient and, with the advent of artificial intelligence, we should all be fearful of such a future world.”

Connie di Marco, author of the Zodiac Mysteries

Aiden Baylor loves the forest surrounding his small mountain town. Alone amidst nature, wondrous ideas fill his head—fantasies and words of wisdom. His neighbors think he's crazy. In the near-future world, entirely dependent on automation and artificial intelligence, people have lost all imagination and intuition. When a global war destroys the power sources, the world plunges into chaos and desperation. Aiden steps up as an unlikely leader who teaches the townsfolk to live off the land. As people bond in their struggle to survive, their minds open to an astounding new energy source. The more they connect, the stronger this power of the mind grows. A hidden enemy, however, lurks among them, intent on bringing AI back to keep the population subdued. Inspired by the story of Adam and Eve, The Return presents a gripping showdown between technology and the human spirit, challenging us to redefine our role in the world.

“Laurie Stevens has crafted a complex novel that demands reflection and proves, without doubt, that connectivity will never be about shared technology. For true connection, we need our shared humanity."

Kim Fay, National Bestselling Author of Love & Saffron

372 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 22, 2024

About the author

Laurie Stevens is the author of the Gabriel McRay thriller series. The books have won twelve awards, among them Kirkus Reviews Best of 2011 and a Random House Editors’ Book of the Month. International Thriller Writers claims she's "cracked the code" in regards to writing psychological suspense. Laurie co-edited the 2019 Sisters in Crime anthology Fatally Haunted, and her short stories have appeared in many anthologies and magazines. Laurie lives near the setting of her books, the Santa Monica Mountains, with her husband, two snakes, and a cat.
To learn more about Laurie, visit her website at https://lauriestevensbooks.com

Reviews

[Jody Hepps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laurie Stevens’s science fiction/fantasy novel, The Return, gives us an eye-opening glimpse of what the world might look like if mankind relies too much on artificial intelligence. A thought provoking plot along with Stevens’s amazing ability to address the fears of AI are well developed through her relatable characters and superb storytelling. Adolescents and adults alike will quickly be immersed into protagonist Aiden’s insightful world as he questions the state of his society and the decisions being made by his family and friends. A must read for anyone interested in the direction AI may have in the years to come.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking

This is a story of love and acceptance and learning how to live. The people in this story showed much resourcefulness and ingenuity.

[Sherrill Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laurie Stevens’ first science fiction/fantasy book The Return surely won’t be her last in this genre. The forever rebellious teen Aiden Baylor longs to commune with nature the old-fashioned way—on his own terms, using his heart, soul, and independent thinking—not via AGI’s (artificial general intelligence) WeConnect chips implanted in people’s brains at birth. Controlling human beings’ every thought, move, and way of life is the machine DAPHNE, whose prime directive is to maintain peace and order. Unless something goes terribly wrong!

The author skillfully uses her knowledge of AI, electronics, and how to survive in the wilderness to assist Aiden, Ava, Tash, and their friends as they navigate their predicament when the world as they know it goes offline. Readers will shadow Aiden, who tries to solve other mysteries, namely, what the Great Source is, how to live in “the soul,” and why the scientist Lizzie seems to fight inexplicably to resurrect DAPHNE. A gripping, futuristic, provocative must-read that promotes our coming to terms now with the pros and cons of Artificial Intelligence.

[Connie Marco · Rating 5 out of 5]

With The Return, author Laurie Stevens has crafted a chilling and disturbing novel of the impending terror on the horizon. No one’s privacy is sacred, no one is free of mind manipulation or the constant barrage of consumerism. Stevens’ story is thought provoking and prescient and, with the advent of artificial intelligence, we should all be fearful of such a future world. Humanity stands today at the precipice of the abyss -- a world in which no one will be able to escape connectivity, a connectivity that is completely technological without human morality or compassion. A world where humans have relinquished control, a world in which machines make decisions that can destroy our world And most frightening all, a world where machines can replace humanity. The Return reminds us that the most important connection cannot be manufactured in a laboratory, but is given to every soul as a birthright.

[Kim Fay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read an advance copy of this novel, and it gave me the chills. While Elon Musk explores what it would be like to put chips in our brains, The Returns walks us through the ramifications of a fully connected world. The harm goes so far belong loss of privacy. Following teenage Aiden as he resists the full control of Daphne, an invasive artificial intelligence system, this story shows how technology, taken to its extreme, erodes individuality and our connection with the human spirit. I love books that give me lots to think about, and The Return offers so many moments to pause and reflect - not only on what could be, but on what already exists and how it has already affected our world and our relationships with one another.

[Valerie Biel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stevens pens a brilliant but eerie novel of a not-so-distant future where a reliance on artificial intelligence turns deadly. The plot expertly combines a carefully crafted cast of characters with opposing motivations along with well-described technological advances, sending readers on a wild ride as we hope for the survival of some and the demise of others. Wonderful storytelling that will have you thinking about the book long after you’ve read the last page. A truly thought-provoking, fast-paced story of technology gone wrong and a search for true human connection with the world around us. (This would be an excellent book for a book club or classroom discussion!)

[G.P. Gottlieb · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Return is a gripping YA novel about persistence and courage, overcoming obstacles, and focusing on one’s inner voice. Stevens has constructed a future of such computerized ease that some people have lost the ability to make the simplest decision. When disaster arises, some are more successful than others at problem-solving on a grand scale, and some were never team players to begin with. I’d have loved this book as a teenager.

[Laurie Buchanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

"What happens when humans are on the receiving end of invisible strings that motivate their daily choices and behavior? It all depends on who is pulling them. In this case, artificial intelligence. THE RETURN is a smart, thought-provoking, and enthralling page-turner that captivated me until its exciting end!" —Laurie Buchanan, author of the Sean McPherson crime thriller novels

[Sharon Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The future and past collide in this thought-provoking Sci-Fi novel. The Return is a departure from Steven’s psychological thrillers but is told with the same intelligence, grounded character development, and fascinating world-building as all her books. A cautionary tale with hope and heart, The Return is a must read!

[Joyce Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought when I first started reading, the book might be too sci-fi for me, but once I got involved with the characters, I could not put it down. The character development and the dialogue between them was so captivating that I couldn't put the book down. I wanted to see what happened to them. I highly recommend this novel.

[Cynthia Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the opening paragraph "The Return" pulls you right in and keeps you on the edge of your seat! The characters are engaging and the story Laurie Stevens tells is a chilling warning of what can happen if we let AI dominate our world!! I'm looking forward to more "Return" books and I can easily see it become a hit TV series!

[Steve Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laurie Stevens does an excellent job of pitting our human minds against artificial intelligence in a fast-paced novel that will leave you pondering, possibly worrying, about the not-so-distant future.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laurie Steven shows us what our world could look like in the near future if we become too reliant on technology. This world she has so realistically painted gives much food for thought. I can't wait to read the sequel!! Fantastic! My favorite of her books!




.

[Isabelle Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most interesting reads that I have had in a while. With fast approaching integration of AI in our society, this book serves as a true wake-up call to what may come. The author’s storytelling is vibrant and illustrative and I cannot recommend this book enough!

[Anne Louise Bannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing world and very thought-provoking. In fact, I couldn't stop thinking about it.

[Paige Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cautionary and scary tale about the future that people really should take to heart...but they won't.

[Tracey Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stevens captures the truth of humanity in this compelling, thoughtful and frightening near future novel. The connections we have and the connections we make best with people come from our hearts. Not from a computer app, a game, or from online experiences. In The Return, we learn the scary possibility that we may lose our true nature if we don't somehow get back to nature. Back to our true selves. Beautifully written, this book will stick with me for years to come.

[Patricia J · Rating 2 out of 5]

Having a hard time getting through this one. Just too creepy for me.