Sublime: Initial Recruits

by Mark White

Embark on a thrilling adventure into the heart of SUBLIME—a gripping tale where secrets lie buried beneath the surface of a world seamlessly integrated with machines. In this riveting narrative, Virtual Reality, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning reign supreme, orchestrating a utopian reality where machines handle 90% of daily tasks.

For readers of “Ready Player One" , this novel features a high-tech virtual world and explores themes of escapism, the impact of technology on society, and the quest for happiness in a digital age.

Amidst this utopia created by virtual reality, artificial intelligence and machines, a chilling truth once you enter SUBLIME, there is no turning back. Cut off from the outside world, inhabitants must grapple with a harrowing choice—stay and revel in luxury or attempt to break free and reclaim their autonomy.

Prepare to be spellbound by the gripping dilemmas and heart-pounding twists of SUBLIME. Are you ready to venture into a world where the line between reality, artificial intelligence, and machine blurs, and the price of paradise may be higher than you ever imagined? Get lost in the adventure and dare to answer the ultimate would you stay, or would you leave?

SUBLIME examines the journey of two couples who find themselves inside a planned AI utopian community on the cusp of society’s implosion. Newly engaged Cole and Carly are just setting forth on a getaway when they’re abducted by SUBLIME—an underground group seeking Cole’s engineering skills.

As the story progresses, it’s revealed that there are twelve underground artificially intelligent communities situated around the world, all under the care of the Founder—the mysterious, fabulously rich leader—and his AI assistant, the Analyst. Together, the Founder and the Analyst have created a secret machine-enriched world free of crime, suffering, and want, at least in their hidden bases, known to but a select few.

The couple finds their every need anticipated, and a personal staff is on hand to prepare their meals, care for their bodies, and free up their minds for the most challenging creative undertakings. Both entertainment and work are visual reality enhanced (using advanced simulations and euphoric states produced by drugs and hypnosis). Everything that happens inside SUBLIME is meticulously scheduled and surveilled. Moreover, everyone in SUBLIME serves a critical purpose. Yet, artificial intelligence efficiency notwithstanding, there exists a dark side to this utopian domain.

With the onset of the Event, a world economic crash is prompted by evil forces intent on capturing global power. The New World Order is orchestrated by a disturbed dictator named Mr. Chen, who’s hellbent on reducing the population and forcing mass compliance. As such, SUBLIME must remain hidden to prevent a confrontation, but there are still countless people to help escape the demonic Dictator.

While Carly ventures beyond the compound walls to collect her brother. Outside, they are greeted by chaos, as untold violence has overtaken society. People are being implanted with microchips that track their every movement. The travelers are taken hostage by NWO forces, and upon being rescued by SUBLIME, they’re fully convinced that the Founder’s vision, however flawed, represents mankind’s best chance for survival and prosperity.

SUBLIME is a cautionary tale exploring the consequences that may result from our quest to improve human lives by way of artificial intelligence and machine integration and other invasive technologies.

Genres: Science Fiction

327 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 5, 2024

About the author

Mark White is the author of the Xane Series — a collection of emotionally rich, thought-provoking stories that explore what it means to be human through the eyes of a synthetic girl learning real emotions like fear, shame, love, and sadness. His stories blend science fiction, mystery, and emotional intelligence to create meaningful experiences for teens and young adults navigating the complexities of growing up.

Inspired by true stories of bullying and personal growth, Mark’s writing encourages readers to confront emotions head-on and build resilience, compassion, and self-awareness. His work is especially loved by educators, parents, and teens who appreciate stories with heart, challenge, and hope.

Mark is also the creator of There Are Bullies in This Book, a free interactive children's series designed to help families recognize bullying and build kindness through play.

Visit XANE.me to download free books, explore character journeys, or connect with Mark directly.

Reviews

[Eddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting concept that gets you thinking a little. Would you mind being taken against your will to a place that seems perfect but is led by strict rules and loss of freedom from the real world? Story and characters not bad, though a little shallow. The concept of "for good" and "for bad" seem a little elementary and too binary. Part of this felt like the author used covid as the basis of a conspiracy in the book. However, it left me interested in the next book and is not a bad read.

[Stace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different view of underground bunker communities

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was like a behind the scenes look. I liked it only focused on a few people and not so much of the community as a whole. It was an easy book for me to read.

I did get this book by entering to win on goodreads but leaving a review was fully my choice. I say this more to thank the author.

[William · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story line was interesting. I'm not a big fan of the structure used for telling the story but that is on me, not the author. I find that the story jumps back and forth between different sets of protagonists and how they experience similar settings in the book, each experience receiving it's own chapter. Typical world approaching an apocalypse. Like I said, interesting but not my cup of tea.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

The concept is interesting, however it felt like I was reading something written by a 12 year old. There were multiple typos and grammatical errors.
The characters were naive and immature, trusted SUBLIME too easily, and they had no depth.