What do you think?
Rate this book
Sum Lives
What will Mark Holder sacrifice to save the environment?
Mark Holder and Steven McDolmades are creating a solid-state battery eons ahead of the current state-of-art. It’s the sum of their life’s work, and they name their company, Sum Lives.
Mark falls in love with Deja, a beautiful and enchanting painter. But she eventually becomes frustrated by Mark’s hectic work schedule, and he must decide between love and the battery he’s creating.
Dimitri Hayden, billionaire leader of a shadowy consulting organization, has a personal vendetta against disruptive technology because of the income inequality he believes it creates and tries to bankrupt Sum Lives.
Eric Nolan, a mole planted by Dimitri in Sum Lives is torn as to which side he should be on when he discovers a way to use Sum Lives’ battery to make twice what Dimitri is paying him.
Can Mark succeed without losing the woman he loves? Will Dimitri bankrupt Sum Lives? Will Eric succumb to his greed and switch sides? And what will Mark and Steven do after they find out what Eric is up to?
Sum Lives is a scientific thriller that explores the price of success and the economic impact of technology.
Mark Holder and Steven McDolmades are creating a solid-state battery eons ahead of the current state-of-art. It’s the sum of their life’s work, and they name their company, Sum Lives.
Mark falls in love with Deja, a beautiful and enchanting painter. But she eventually becomes frustrated by Mark’s hectic work schedule, and he must decide between love and the battery he’s creating.
Dimitri Hayden, billionaire leader of a shadowy consulting organization, has a personal vendetta against disruptive technology because of the income inequality he believes it creates and tries to bankrupt Sum Lives.
Eric Nolan, a mole planted by Dimitri in Sum Lives is torn as to which side he should be on when he discovers a way to use Sum Lives’ battery to make twice what Dimitri is paying him.
Can Mark succeed without losing the woman he loves? Will Dimitri bankrupt Sum Lives? Will Eric succumb to his greed and switch sides? And what will Mark and Steven do after they find out what Eric is up to?
Sum Lives is a scientific thriller that explores the price of success and the economic impact of technology.
341 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 16, 2024
2 people are currently reading
665 people want to read
About the author
Rich Silvers
3 books18 followersRich Silvers’ first career took him to the finance departments of a number of Fortune 500 consumer product companies, but he retired at 48 to pursue his lifetime dream of becoming a novelist. Born in the Bronx, Rich now lives in Yorktown Heights, NY, with his wife Cathy and their pet parrot, DJ.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 3, 2026
Rich Silvers's storytelling is simply done exceptionally well. Mixing different P.O.V.s and an array of supporting characters, he still manages to make the book flow. Mark, a chemist, together with his friend Steve, innovates something revolutionary. As he wishes to make it a reality, he meets Deja, an artist with emotional baggage but enough courage to power through them. Will he have space for both? I am still struck by how powerful this book is; not only is it about romance, but it also questions morality. An interesting concept to look at with our ever-evolving world.
October 17, 2025
This book surprised me in the best possible way. Going in, I expected a tech-heavy story about a futuristic battery, what I got was a rich, emotionally layered novel about what it means to sacrifice for something bigger than yourself. Sum Lives is a brilliant fusion of Silicon Valley ambition and the vulnerability of personal relationships.
Mark’s journey is compelling from start to finish. He’s a brilliant inventor, yes, but also someone caught between two worlds: the all-consuming drive to revolutionize the energy sector and his deepening relationship with Deja, a free-spirited artist. Their romance is one of the most beautifully written parts of the novel. It’s messy, passionate, and entirely believable.
The supporting characters are equally strong. Steven is a loyal friend and business partner whose pragmatism balances Mark’s visionary nature. Eric Nolan, the conflicted mole, adds a thrilling element of espionage and moral ambiguity. And Dimitri is one of the more complex antagonists I’ve read in a while, his arguments against innovation made me pause and think.
What I appreciated most was the emotional core of the story. Behind all the corporate sabotage, high-stakes tech, and ethical dilemmas, this is a story about human connection, ambition, and the sacrifices we make in pursuit of our dreams. It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you finish it.
Mark’s journey is compelling from start to finish. He’s a brilliant inventor, yes, but also someone caught between two worlds: the all-consuming drive to revolutionize the energy sector and his deepening relationship with Deja, a free-spirited artist. Their romance is one of the most beautifully written parts of the novel. It’s messy, passionate, and entirely believable.
The supporting characters are equally strong. Steven is a loyal friend and business partner whose pragmatism balances Mark’s visionary nature. Eric Nolan, the conflicted mole, adds a thrilling element of espionage and moral ambiguity. And Dimitri is one of the more complex antagonists I’ve read in a while, his arguments against innovation made me pause and think.
What I appreciated most was the emotional core of the story. Behind all the corporate sabotage, high-stakes tech, and ethical dilemmas, this is a story about human connection, ambition, and the sacrifices we make in pursuit of our dreams. It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you finish it.
October 17, 2025
Sum Lives is a refreshingly original story that combines the emotional depth of a love story with the intellectual intrigue of a tech-thriller. Rich Silvers has created a narrative that not only entertains but also forces readers to think deeply about some of the most pressing issues of our time, like technological disruption, environmental sustainability, and income inequality.
Mark Holder’s character is relatable and well-developed, and I found myself rooting for him throughout the book. His internal conflict, choosing between his groundbreaking battery project and his love for Deja, was portrayed with authenticity and emotional resonance. Deja, too, is not a one-dimensional love interest; she’s vibrant and passionate, bringing a refreshing artistic contrast to Mark’s logical world.
What stood out most to me was the ethical dilemma faced by Eric Nolan, the mole. His arc added tension and moral complexity to the story, which kept me turning pages. And Dimitri Hayden, the antagonist, isn’t a cartoon villain; his motivations, though extreme, are rooted in real-world concerns about inequality and unchecked innovation.
If you enjoy stories that mix science, emotion, and societal questions, this book is for you. I walked away not only entertained but also thinking about how progress can come with unexpected costs. Highly recommended!
Mark Holder’s character is relatable and well-developed, and I found myself rooting for him throughout the book. His internal conflict, choosing between his groundbreaking battery project and his love for Deja, was portrayed with authenticity and emotional resonance. Deja, too, is not a one-dimensional love interest; she’s vibrant and passionate, bringing a refreshing artistic contrast to Mark’s logical world.
What stood out most to me was the ethical dilemma faced by Eric Nolan, the mole. His arc added tension and moral complexity to the story, which kept me turning pages. And Dimitri Hayden, the antagonist, isn’t a cartoon villain; his motivations, though extreme, are rooted in real-world concerns about inequality and unchecked innovation.
If you enjoy stories that mix science, emotion, and societal questions, this book is for you. I walked away not only entertained but also thinking about how progress can come with unexpected costs. Highly recommended!
October 17, 2025
Sum Lives is one of those rare books that balances heart and mind perfectly. On the one hand, you have a deeply personal love story between Mark and Deja that feels genuine, emotional, and sometimes painful. On the other hand, you have a high-stakes technological race with huge implications for the planet.
The solid-state battery concept is described in a way that’s accessible but still feels futuristic and believable. Rich Silvers clearly understands the tech world, but more importantly, he understands people. The characters are flawed, nuanced, and very human. Mark’s passion for his work is inspiring, but it’s also the source of his greatest struggles. The tension between ambition and relationships is something many readers will find deeply relatable.
The antagonist, Dimitri, is fascinating. His opposition to innovation isn’t just villainous posturing, it’s a philosophical challenge to the very ideas we often take for granted about progress and capitalism. That adds a layer of depth that’s rare in this kind of novel.
I was also impressed by how Silvers weaved in themes of income inequality and personal integrity without it feeling forced or preachy. It made me reflect on the role technology plays in society, and who it really serves. Sum Lives is a smart, emotionally rich read that deserves more attention.
The solid-state battery concept is described in a way that’s accessible but still feels futuristic and believable. Rich Silvers clearly understands the tech world, but more importantly, he understands people. The characters are flawed, nuanced, and very human. Mark’s passion for his work is inspiring, but it’s also the source of his greatest struggles. The tension between ambition and relationships is something many readers will find deeply relatable.
The antagonist, Dimitri, is fascinating. His opposition to innovation isn’t just villainous posturing, it’s a philosophical challenge to the very ideas we often take for granted about progress and capitalism. That adds a layer of depth that’s rare in this kind of novel.
I was also impressed by how Silvers weaved in themes of income inequality and personal integrity without it feeling forced or preachy. It made me reflect on the role technology plays in society, and who it really serves. Sum Lives is a smart, emotionally rich read that deserves more attention.
February 28, 2026
SUM LIVES
Mark and Steven are working on a, straight from the future, battery project that if successful, could change the whole approach on green energy and power storage. They are on the verge of a breakthrough but reality keeps getting in the way. But nothing could break the determination of the two high school buddies.
The author has a captivating way of connecting the reader with the characters getting them to read it from the characters’ points of view. Eric, who swears fortune is always in his side, is offered a life changing opportunity at the cost of Sum Lives’s collapse having secured a crucial role in the company. He is not easily bossed around so he makes his moves weighed and calculated so as to suit his personal goals. Mark on the other hand is on the verge of losing Deja, his love, forever and still facing a possibility of not being profitable with their battery as silver, a crucial component of their battery, is projected to skyrocket in price.
The author explores the theme of love and affection as it centres every characters decision making. Determination and resilience are at the heart of the battery breakthrough as good ethics and integrity govern the two engineers of the project. Lustful thinking also plays a major role throughout the book. Generally, Sum Lives is a compelling read rich in characters and sceneries.
Mark and Steven are working on a, straight from the future, battery project that if successful, could change the whole approach on green energy and power storage. They are on the verge of a breakthrough but reality keeps getting in the way. But nothing could break the determination of the two high school buddies.
The author has a captivating way of connecting the reader with the characters getting them to read it from the characters’ points of view. Eric, who swears fortune is always in his side, is offered a life changing opportunity at the cost of Sum Lives’s collapse having secured a crucial role in the company. He is not easily bossed around so he makes his moves weighed and calculated so as to suit his personal goals. Mark on the other hand is on the verge of losing Deja, his love, forever and still facing a possibility of not being profitable with their battery as silver, a crucial component of their battery, is projected to skyrocket in price.
The author explores the theme of love and affection as it centres every characters decision making. Determination and resilience are at the heart of the battery breakthrough as good ethics and integrity govern the two engineers of the project. Lustful thinking also plays a major role throughout the book. Generally, Sum Lives is a compelling read rich in characters and sceneries.
January 30, 2026
This book has a lot going on in it and tells the story of a bunch of different characters -- and that's where it may get confusing for some readers. There is a great story that begins with a sense of etherealness about the main protagonist, Mark Holder, who is apparently being sent to Earth with a mission.
While on his Earthly mission, Holder falls in love. So, the book's premise essentially becomes him having to decide between his life's mission and love. If the book had focused solely on the story of these two, without adding at least a couple of other main characters (it was honestly hard to keep track), it would have been a better, easier read.
Without giving away Holder's final decision -- this is a book that anyone who is extremely into chemistry and science could find some joy and interest in, with the details of Holder's project serving as a light at the end of the tunnel of too many main characters.
While on his Earthly mission, Holder falls in love. So, the book's premise essentially becomes him having to decide between his life's mission and love. If the book had focused solely on the story of these two, without adding at least a couple of other main characters (it was honestly hard to keep track), it would have been a better, easier read.
Without giving away Holder's final decision -- this is a book that anyone who is extremely into chemistry and science could find some joy and interest in, with the details of Holder's project serving as a light at the end of the tunnel of too many main characters.
March 22, 2026
This book was ok, not really something I would normally pick up. I am not into science stuff, and just seeing the mathematical symbol for “sum” on the cover gave me a bad feeling. It starts out very strange, with two beings (angels/demons/aliens) having a conversation about sending a “special one” to earth that will “mix things up like no other.” They are speaking about Mark Holder, one of the main characters. Holder and his high school buddy Steve create a new kind of battery. This battery will supposedly change the world, but they encounter many difficulties in trying to get their product to market. They encounter corporate espionage, a billionaire determined to bankrupt them, romantic problems, and many ethical questions. If you like science stuff, you will love this book.
March 23, 2026
SUM LIVES is certainly a book you should not judge by its cover.
The author Rich Silvers delivers a compelling novel about science, romance and morality. As readers, we find ourselves sucked into the main character Mark’s ethical quandaries while also following the course of his relationship with Deja.
I personally enjoyed this book and the unique POVs were given from the different cast of characters throughout, however it is understandable that other readers may not find that format as immersive as I did.
Overall I found this book to be a great read and it times it really gave me food for thought. I would defiantly recommend this to readers who quite enjoy something that challenges their thinking.
The author Rich Silvers delivers a compelling novel about science, romance and morality. As readers, we find ourselves sucked into the main character Mark’s ethical quandaries while also following the course of his relationship with Deja.
I personally enjoyed this book and the unique POVs were given from the different cast of characters throughout, however it is understandable that other readers may not find that format as immersive as I did.
Overall I found this book to be a great read and it times it really gave me food for thought. I would defiantly recommend this to readers who quite enjoy something that challenges their thinking.
March 29, 2026
Sum Lives explores the intersection of innovation, ambition, and personal sacrifice through the story of Mark Holder and his longtime collaborator Steven McDolmades. Together they are developing a groundbreaking solid-state battery that could revolutionize energy storage and push green technology forward. Their company, Sum Lives, represents years of dedication and the hope of making a lasting impact on the world.
At the same time, Mark’s personal life becomes increasingly complicated when he falls in love with Deja, a passionate painter who struggles with the reality of his demanding work schedule. The story highlights the tension between pursuing a life-changing invention and maintaining meaningful relationships. Mark must ultimately decide what matters most as the pressure from both his work and his relationship intensifies.
Conflict enters through billionaire Dimitri Hayden, who actively works to stop disruptive technologies he believes worsen income inequality. Meanwhile, an insider at Sum Lives wrestles with loyalty and personal gain, adding another layer of tension.
Overall, the novel blends science, romance, and ethical questions about technological progress. It’s an engaging story that explores both the promise of innovation and the personal cost that often comes with success.
At the same time, Mark’s personal life becomes increasingly complicated when he falls in love with Deja, a passionate painter who struggles with the reality of his demanding work schedule. The story highlights the tension between pursuing a life-changing invention and maintaining meaningful relationships. Mark must ultimately decide what matters most as the pressure from both his work and his relationship intensifies.
Conflict enters through billionaire Dimitri Hayden, who actively works to stop disruptive technologies he believes worsen income inequality. Meanwhile, an insider at Sum Lives wrestles with loyalty and personal gain, adding another layer of tension.
Overall, the novel blends science, romance, and ethical questions about technological progress. It’s an engaging story that explores both the promise of innovation and the personal cost that often comes with success.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews