The Last Protocol

by Andre Segura

Ready Player One meets The Fault in Our Stars in this gripping blend of science fiction and fantasy about a couple’s desperate attempt to hold onto one another against the greatest enemy of all.

An experimental new technology called the SynAPP, developed by the company Synerdyne for palliative care, allows users to enter a simulation generated directly in their mind. There patients escape to a virtual environment, dubbed Elysium, where they participate in a communal structured dream, experiencing a life free from injury, illness, and physical limitations.

Sam and Marcus, founding members of Synerdyne, have found another use for the SynAPP. Instead of the mundane and curated Elysium, they visit a gritty fantasy setting, affectionately called Sam’s World, originally developed as part of Synerdyne’s now-defunct entertainment division. It is a savage land, filled with danger and adventure, where Sam takes on the mantle of Morrigan the Barbarian. When visiting she escapes the cancer that has left her suffering and bedridden, interacting with Marcus as though nothing has changed in their relationship.

The unexpected involvement of an entrepreneurial billionaire named Clive Ellison, who expresses interest in Synerdyne and its SynAPP technology, complicates matters. However, as Sam’s prognosis grows more dire, Marcus discovers that Sam’s World could hold the key to her survival, and Clive Ellison might just be the answer to all their problems. But they must act quickly before Sam’s time runs out.

368 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 18, 2024

Reviews

[Aron Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Protocol by Andre Segura is one of those books that really shines when it focuses on the two main characters. The chemistry between Marcus and Sam is very real and extremely well told. As you learn about their history, the issues they face, and how they work to overcome them, you quickly sympathize with Sam and how her life has changed from her battle with cancer.

Segura does not shy away from the importance of AI and its potential benefits for terminal cancer patients in a modern society, the sticky ethical questions that arise, or how it could be taken advantage of by corporations whom are concerned with profit at any cost. The question at the heart of this story is not, can we do it, but should we do it.

While the Last Protocol is labeled as Science Fiction Adventure, the core elements of the story are of a personal nature that transcend genre. Do yourself a favor and read The Last Protocol.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a gripping and immersive read. I normally gravitate towards slower, character-driven novels, but the pacing of this one was perfect. The plot moved along so that I always wanted to keep reading, but there was also a good amount of character development worked in throughout so that I felt connected to them. I really enjoyed reading about a group of friends working on a project together. In this sense, it reminded me of Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin, one of my all time favorites. The settings were also well described throughout the book, which made for an absorbing reading experience. I loved picturing Sam’s World in my head during those chapters, but the scenes in the Synerdyne building and elsewhere in the real world were equally as intriguing. I could see readers having differing opinions on the ending, which is a good thing, as it makes me want to share the book with others so I have someone to talk about it with.

[Cecilee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic sci-fi thriller that has action, romance, humor, and vivid imagery. The author clearly puts raw emotion from his own experiences into the fabric of the story, which makes it jump off the page. The characters are fully-fleshed out and believable, and the dialog is natural, and very funny at times! It's a beautiful slow-burn that ramps up in the last 100 pages or so, so buckle up! The ending left me misty-eyed, and considering what it would take to preserve an echo of true love across space and time.

[Sid Green]

I enjoyed reading this poignant and well crafted novel. It was easy to read, and the action was paced in a way that moved the reader through the story effortlessly. The characters and dialog were believable. I felt as if I were actually there among my friends. Although within the fantasy/sci-fi genre, this novel provides a strong commentary on real life. As far as I'm concerned, it is a gem that's highly worth reading.