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The Abiota #1
Source Code
Daelia Hall has a problem.
Several, in fact.
Not the least of them being forced to work for her dad at his defense contracting firm after a string of failures in her PhD research.
On the eve of the annual air show, an object crash-lands outside of base. An object that doesn’t appear to be human. An object whose mere presence is driving every AI-enabled aircraft on the flight line absolutely insane.
Daelia recognizes the problem whatever’s in that thing, it’s trying to talk to them. With her dad AWOL, she volunteers to look into it. But the more she investigates, the less sense it all makes.
Now, with Air Force leadership breathing down her neck and increasingly erratic behavior from the massive flock of war machines parked on the flight line, Daelia has to figure out what, exactly, the thing is trying to tell them. Before its attempts to communicate get somebody killed.
Several, in fact.
Not the least of them being forced to work for her dad at his defense contracting firm after a string of failures in her PhD research.
On the eve of the annual air show, an object crash-lands outside of base. An object that doesn’t appear to be human. An object whose mere presence is driving every AI-enabled aircraft on the flight line absolutely insane.
Daelia recognizes the problem whatever’s in that thing, it’s trying to talk to them. With her dad AWOL, she volunteers to look into it. But the more she investigates, the less sense it all makes.
Now, with Air Force leadership breathing down her neck and increasingly erratic behavior from the massive flock of war machines parked on the flight line, Daelia has to figure out what, exactly, the thing is trying to tell them. Before its attempts to communicate get somebody killed.
- GenresScience Fiction
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
October 22, 2024
Source Code is an odd but interesting story. It takes place partially in what we call the real world, and partly in what we would consider virtual reality... Only, according to one AI, it's all just layers of the same reality, and humans can only see the barest portion of it all. It makes for some interesting storytelling, especially at the end. I won't spoil it, but suffice it to say, things get very interesting, just before ending the book on a cliff hanger. No surprise there, but even so, I don't find myself irritated as I usually am when that kind of thing happens. Partly because I don't think this story lived up to it's potential, and partly because it was done so well, it's hard to begrudge the author his hook for the next book. I don't know if I'll continue the series or not, but it's definitely worth the read of this book at least, even if there were times when things jumped around so much, I was just like, "Really?"
In any case, if you like VR stories, this one should appeal, if you like alternate reality stories, this one might suit, but if you like scifi, you'll probably be at least mildly entertained by this one, so go ahead and add it to your to read shelf, it can't hurt.
In any case, if you like VR stories, this one should appeal, if you like alternate reality stories, this one might suit, but if you like scifi, you'll probably be at least mildly entertained by this one, so go ahead and add it to your to read shelf, it can't hurt.
January 17, 2026
Entertaining but heavy on jargon.
This was the first book I've read by this author, and overall, it was an intriguing concept that kept me turning the pages.
For someone not familiar or affiliated with US military or similar organizations, I found it at times hard to keep track of the who and what, and the sheer number of characters (and call signs and respective real names) was a bit overwhelming, not to mention the world-specific language and organizations that often went without an explanation. Personally, I would have found a glossary and a cast of characters list helpful.
Some of the story threads got only hinted at and will surely be addressed in later books in the series, but got kind of drowned out by the air-show drama/showdown.
I'm still on the fence if I'll continue the series.
3.75/5
(Personal note: I wish the book had gotten a bit more editing and proofreading TLC because it kept pulling me out of the story. YMMV.)
This was the first book I've read by this author, and overall, it was an intriguing concept that kept me turning the pages.
For someone not familiar or affiliated with US military or similar organizations, I found it at times hard to keep track of the who and what, and the sheer number of characters (and call signs and respective real names) was a bit overwhelming, not to mention the world-specific language and organizations that often went without an explanation. Personally, I would have found a glossary and a cast of characters list helpful.
Some of the story threads got only hinted at and will surely be addressed in later books in the series, but got kind of drowned out by the air-show drama/showdown.
I'm still on the fence if I'll continue the series.
3.75/5
(Personal note: I wish the book had gotten a bit more editing and proofreading TLC because it kept pulling me out of the story. YMMV.)
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews