Sublime: Initial Recruits

by Mark White

SUBLIME examines the journey of two couples who find themselves inside a planned 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. Mindy and Kacee, the parents of young children, are also kidnapped while embarking on a weekend camping trip. They’re knowledgeable in the realm of health and fitness, another set of skills desperately needed by SUBLIME.As the story progresses, it’s revealed that there are twelve underground 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 machine-enriched world free of crime, suffering, and want, at least in their hidden bases, known to but a select few.The two couples find 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 VR-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, efficiency notwithstanding, there exists a dark side to this 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, Kacee and Mindy must gather their children before it’s too late. Outside, they’re 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.Shortly thereafter, Cole is asked to head the development of a new community on the open sea and the others are given important jobs that align with their respective abilities. As society continues to collapse, however, a critical vote must be taken. Will new members be allowed to join SUBLIME or should they close their communities forever to protect themselves from the Dictator?SUBLIME is a cautionary tale exploring the consequences that may result from our quest to improve human lives by way of AI integration and other invasive technologies. It examines the risks and rewards inherent to modernity’s environment of polarization, globalization, and corporate-government politics.

Genres: Science Fiction

339 pages, Hardcover

Published March 18, 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.