Immortality Bytes: Digital Minds Don't Get Hungry

by Daniel Lawrence Abrams

Living forever... it's almost worth dying for. But it's definitely worth killing for.
When an idealistic hacker’s ex-girlfriend nears inventing digital immortality, an indicted tycoon compels him to steal it.

“a supercharged, high-stakes, cyberpunk thriller... Our Verdict: ✓GET IT” — Kirkus Reviews

In an all-too-possible, not-so-distant future dominated by AI, universal basic income, and “subtirees” living pod-bound lives of leisure, idealistic, semi-slacker hacker, Stu Reigns dreams of more.
When Stu’s brilliant ex, Roxy Zhang, develops digital immortality, the world’s powerful elite scramble to secure their eternal existence. Enter Chuck Rosti, a merciless, terminally ill tycoon made more dangerous since he’s on the brink of conviction for massive fraud. His plan? Coerce Stu into helping get Roxy’s groundbreaking invention so “Feds can incarcerate my corpse.”
Caught between a sick billionaire, a Russian mob, digital mind clones, and a shrewd, devout Southern matriarch, Stu gets tangled in a twisted, high-stakes, ‘inverted heist.’
But as betrayals mount and revenge includes murder, Stu and new allies must race to save lives and seek justice in humanity’s digital immortality.
Fans of smart cyberpunk, like Neal Stephenson’s Snow Crash, or sci-fi with humor, as in Andy Weir’s The Martian or John Scalzi’s Redshirts, will love Immortality Bytes.

Accolades:
1.) Publishers Weekly’s BookLife Reviews — “✓EDITOR’S PICK”
2.) Won “Best Science Fiction: Cyberpunk” in the 7th Annual American Fiction Awards (2024)
3.) Won “Best Humor/Satire” in the Storytrade Awards (a Reedsy “Best Writing Contest” 2024)
4.) Won "Best Science Fiction” and "Best Political Fiction" in the American Writing Awards (2024).
5.) Earned 5-Star Reviews from Manhattan Book Review, ReaderViews, and ReadersFavorite.
6.) “feels like an American Douglas Adams.” — San Francisco Book Review

Comparable Books regarding Near Future World-Building & Themes: INFOMOCRACY by Malka Older, IMMORTALITY, INC. by Robert Sheckley, BRAVE NEW WORLD by Aldous Huxley, and SNOW CRASH by Neal Stephenson.

Comparable Books regarding Humor/Tone: THE MARTIAN by Andy Weir, REDSHIRTS by John Scalzi, SUPER SAD TRUE LOVE STORY by Gary Shteyngart, PLAYER PIANO by Kurt Vonnegut, and READY PLAYER ONE by Ernest Cline.

Film Comps: Snowpiercer, Minority Report, Ex Machina, I-Robot, Elysium, Oceans 11, Her, Ant-Man, Now You See Me, Sorry to Bother You, and Sneakers.

IMMORTALITY Digital Minds Don't Get Hungry by Daniel Lawrence Abrams

About the Author

Daniel Lawrence Abrams invented a 3-D input device that earned US Patent # 5,652,603. Abrams trained in comedy writing at The Second City and The Groundlings. He performed stand-up at NYC’s Comedy Cellar and The Improv in LA. As a playwright, Abrams’s shows played at The Stella Adler Theatre, Powerhouse Theater, and the HBO/Warner Brothers Television Workspace.

354 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 10, 2024

Reviews

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

The year is 20NF, or “twenty-near future” (the term originated based on the equivalent of modern-day slang), and life operates much like now, except that technology is closer to achieving the age-old dream of living forever (aka immortality). As with any new idea or change to the status quo, opinions vary, protestors assemble, and espionage begins. . “Immortality Bytes: Digital Minds Don’t Get Hungry” by Daniel Lawrence Abrams is a satirical story highlighting the conniving and selfish ways people would likely treat this idea, reflecting humanity’s universal struggle with ego, emotions, and control. It also explores other themes, such as family dynamics, religion, and sexuality, through various lenses.

In the year 20NF, artificial intelligence (AI) is commonplace. Some people see preserving minds through AI as harmless and beneficial, while others view it as the equivalent of blasphemy. Stu is a techie and aspiring influencer who strives to gain followers, fame, and fortune while struggling to live a modest lifestyle. Influenced by women of opposite views – his girlfriend Maria, who is against AI, and his ex-girlfriend Roxy, who works professionally supporting AI, he seeks to find a balance between work, play, getting what he wants, and staying in good graces. After winning a high-stakes competition with his technical skills, he attracts the attention of competitors interested in enlisting his unique form of assistance and cooperation in a potentially dangerous mission.

“Immortality Bytes” has an extensive character list, which can be daunting for some readers, making it more difficult for readers to develop a rapport with the main characters and possibly causing a disconnect in emotional responses to events. This story is most appropriate for mature audiences due to its depictions of violence, murder, strong language, sexual dialogue, and sexual situations, as well as other sensitive topics such as religion and politics. Politics, in its various forms, plays a significant role in the storyline. The age-old dilemma – to live forever or (YOLO) live one life while making the most of it, is prevalent throughout the story, allowing readers to reflect on their views inside and outside the story.

Following the concept of devoting special times and places to personal and fictitious rants (such as those found in Ayn Rand’s 1957 novel, “Atlas Shrugged”), “Immortality Bytes” includes a unique feature with the ebook version in the form of an interactive attachment, allowing the reader freedom based on their level of involvement within the storyline. When a rant within the story is lengthy, the reader is given a choice of continuing the introduced idea (and granted eventual access back to the original storyline) or given a condensed version of the available attachment and then can continue immediately with the storyline.

I tried both ways of reading, beginning with following the links and concluding by only reading the condensed notes; following the links provided additional information that was entertaining and informative but not necessary for comprehension and enjoyment of the story. This option allows the reader to take the “shortcut” if they wish, and still be connected to the story in the long run. Following the links adds time to the overall time investment in the story; however, the reader is granted a choice based on how they feel during each sitting.

“Immortality Bytes” is a solid choice for readers interested in sci-fi, cyber-punk, AI, or cross-genre. Readers will not find this story a cookie-cutter book based on the stylization and presentation, but may notice similarities to novels such as “Ready Player One” or the classic “Brave New World.”

[Book Nerdection · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is no better place to start than from the very beginning. The prologue sets the stage, presenting a nebulous time period set sometime in the future, where endless leisure has replaced ambition, where the world continues to shrink down to a very small circle of convenience, and robots have taken over most laborious tasks, leaving humans to seek out meaningless hobbies to pass their time.

This, partnered with some of what is revealed in later chapters and in the bonus materials, gives credence to the adage “life imitates art.” The “in-between” period of strife the author refers back to closely mimics the current state of the world, detailing the steep plunge into a worsened existence before gaining entrance to the “NF” period—a “post-scarcity” world in which this story is set.

This comparison shrouds the contents of the book with a pulsating gravity. As we laugh and tense up at the actions of the characters driven by emotion, hubris, and selfishness, we can’t help but feel as if this one snapshot of a future—one that may or may not come to fruition exactly as this fictional tale has been written—is profoundly critical.

In the spirit of full transparency, I was challenged by this story in the beginning. I felt as though the bonus material interrupted my reading, especially with the longer chapters. They felt more like cutaways than featurettes, giving me some mild whiplash each time I returned to the main writing.

Had I been questioned on my opinions after the first five chapters or so, I would have answered that this book simply is not for me. I could see it being other people’s favorite thing, having several people in mind who I would happily recommend it to. Then everything fell into place in a matter of a chapter or two, and I wholly consumed the rest of the story with an intensity that surprised me. I can easily find many inspiring and well-written quotes that will resonate with most people.

Little tidbits here and there give you a glimpse into the author’s thought process at the exact time of writing that part of the story (usually captured in the boxes containing bonus material links and TL;DRs), heaping on even more personality beyond what the characters gave us.

Over time, I came to understand that the bonus material was essential to painting the full picture without overwhelming the main story with excessive background information. I learned a lot as I read—about technology, philosophy, and lived experiences that I might never have been otherwise exposed to.

Loosening whatever resistance I was bound by at the beginning allowed me to embrace the unconventional delivery method purposefully chosen by the author, kicking off my year with a book I ended up enjoying a lot more than I expected to.

This book is a very strong offering of literature, education, and entertainment, making it hard to believe that it is only Mr. Abrams’ debut novel.

Reviewed By Chantal

[Logan Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is The Matrix meets Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy! The humor is sharp, the world-building is disturbingly realistic, and the characters feel like people you’ve met in online forums. Stu’s struggle to stay relevant in a world where AI is taking over everything was both funny and terrifying. I loved the optional “bonus material” sections—it felt like a choose-your-own-depth adventure. Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys satire and cyberpunk.

[Kailyn Rush · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hit me hard. Beneath all the AI talk, satirical world-building, and corporate dystopia, there’s a deeply human story about ambition, relationships, and what it really means to be alive. Stu and Maria’s relationship felt so real, with all its flaws, and by the end, I was devastated. The ethical questions this book raises kept me awake at night—would I upload my mind to live forever? Could I trust an AI to control my future? I honestly don’t know, and I love that this book made me question everything.

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good cyberpunk story, especially one that blends high-tech intrigue with humor and razor-sharp social commentary. Immortality Bytes: Digital Minds Don’t Get Hungry delivers all that and more. From the very first page, Daniel Lawrence Abrams drops you into a future that feels both eerily plausible and wildly unpredictable—a world where AI dominates, people live in pod-bound comfort, and digital immortality is the new Holy Grail for the corrupt elite.

Enter Stu Reigns, a hacker who’s a little too clever for his own good (my favorite kind of protagonist). He’s not your typical hero—he’s a semi-slacker with big dreams and an even bigger problem: his brilliant ex, Roxy, has cracked the code on digital immortality, and now every dangerous player in the game wants a piece of it. Watching Stu navigate Russian mobsters, a dying billionaire with nothing to lose, and a Southern matriarch who could outmaneuver a chess grandmaster was pure adrenaline-laced fun. And let’s not forget the ‘inverted heist’ at the heart of it all—because who doesn’t love a high-stakes game where the rules keep changing?

The book has serious Snow Crash meets The Martian energy—smart, fast-paced, and packed with wit. Abrams does an incredible job balancing the tension of a cyber-thriller with sharp humor and an undercurrent of emotional depth. Even amid the betrayals, tech-driven chaos, and mind-uploading mayhem, the characters feel real, their stakes personal.

If you love sci-fi with a pulse-pounding plot, snarky humor, and twists that keep you guessing, Immortality Bytes needs to be on your radar. It’s a chaotic, thought-provoking, and ridiculously fun ride—I devoured it, and I already want more.

[Declan Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cyberpunk satire at its best! Fast-paced, intelligent, and just unhinged enough to keep you turning pages at 2 a.m. Stu is a fantastic lead—flawed, funny, and easy to root for. The world-building is top-notch, and the twists hit hard. If you love Snow Crash or Ready Player One, this is a must-read.

[Grace Penny · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's elevated prose (keep your thesaurus close by) and a clever plot. I personally didn't click with the writing style, which is too dry for my taste. Characters were kept at an arm's length, and I just couldn't empathize with any of them.

[Next Best Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book is like stepping into a theme park designed by a genius who’s either a prophet or a madman (or both). One ride takes you through the dystopian horror of corporate-owned immortality, another slings you into a cyberpunk gladiator match of AI vs. humans, and all the while, a sarcastic tour guide keeps cracking jokes that make you laugh and panic at the same time. It’s chaotic. It’s brilliant. It’s one of the best sci-fi books I’ve read in years.

[Lee Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The AI stuff was easier to understand than I expected, and the humor made it feel more accessible. The book has a lot of ideas packed into it, and sometimes I felt like I needed a PhD to keep up, but the characters kept me engaged. Would I read more books like this? Maybe. Would I read more by this author? Definitely.

[Meredith Franco · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this is what happens when you mix Black Mirror with a TED Talk and throw in some dystopian humor for good measure. The book is sharp, fast-paced, and full of quotable lines that made me laugh, then immediately regret laughing because the world it predicts is way too close for comfort. My only complaint? Sometimes it felt like the author was trying to outsmart the reader rather than just entertain them. Less "look how clever this is" and more "let me tell you a great story" would have pushed this to 5 stars. Still, it’s worth the ride—just be prepared for some mental gymnastics.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the near future, dreams of digital immortality have drawn closer to becoming a reality but a race for control over the technology commences in Immortality Bytes: Digital Minds Don’t Get Hungry by Daniel Lawrence Abrams.

To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.

Technological advancements, the prevalence, and the sophistication of AI in the near future have led to a drastic change in the way that people are able to live; without needing to work unless they want to, people are free to lead lives of leisure, relying upon universal basic income as “subtirees.” But not everyone sits idly by and there are some developing possibilities for just what it means to be human that could further change life as everyone knows it. A skilled hacker who dreams of having more in life, without expending extraneous effort of course, Stu supports his girlfriend Maria in the causes she passionately protests for and in helping pay off her debts, but the extent of these he’s not fully aware of, and her debt is bought by Pytor, a Russian hacker who competes against Stu’s digital prowess. Roxy, who happens to be Stu’s ex, develops a way to attain digital immortality through virtual minds, which are accurate replications of the person scanned, leading to a bidding war and scramble by the world’s powerful elite to secure the technology for themselves. Leveraging Roxy and Stu’s relationship, while paying Stu handsomely, an ill and unscrupulous business tycoon, Chuck, formulates a plan to have Stu infiltrate Roxy’s company, which was purchased by a seemingly sweet yet astute Southern matriarch, Gwendolyn, to obtain the device to make Chuck immortal before he dies or is convicted for fraud. As various brilliant minds concoct and enact plans to suit their individual needs, they become intertwined as manipulations and betrayals surface in the espionage-filled escapade of a heist to secure the key to digital immortality where lives, and justice, are on the line.

In an entertaining narrative presenting a somewhat futuristic, potential version of our world, the reflection of and commentary on society, as is a commonly practiced staple of the sci-fi genre, includes plenty of cultural references, many of the pop variety, to offer moments of levity and humor amid more serious contemplative or evaluative tracks of thought that encourage rumination on the state of detached-yet-continuously-connected people, advanced technology, defining humanity, politics and the inevitable corruption that accompanies it, control and who wields it, and how all these factors intersect. While the act of reading itself is interactive, the linked extras that expound upon a particular topic provide another level of interactivity and choice for the reader on how to interact with the material, either by clicking away to the material when it arises or by consuming the TL;DR summary to get the gist of the idea, reading on, and then delving into extra content once the main narrative has concluded; however, if coming back to them at the end, it may take some remembering whose perspective it’s meant to be and what was being discussed in the main narrative thread that prompted the, sometimes long-winded, tangent to resume momentum. Presenting a layered web drawn between the characters that connect them all in various ways, some threads are more innocent while some are a bit more conspiratorial in nature. The characters, each of whom offer representations of diverse swaths of society, have distinctive presences, both in dialect and depicted mannerisms that make it easy to recall and envision them as their personas and attitudes toward life are projected onto the unfolding situation as they interact with it and the other characters.

Overall, I’d give it a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Martin Maenza · Rating 3 out of 5]

BooksGoSocial provided a galley for review.

The cover of this novel (by Ricardo Montano Castro) immediately grabbed my attention. Combining that with a title that seemed to be a play on Reality Bites, a 1994 comedy-drama, and I was definitely hooked.

Abrams sets up a world not unlike our own in the year designated by 20NF (which stands for twenty-near-future). The big change is that technology has advanced so far that people live and spend their time differently.

In a bit of a nod to the technology-shift, the author also uses a format where longer narrative "discussions" or "lessons" get relegated to a section of bonus material outside of the main narrative; the e-book version actually utilizes a hyperlink method to allow the reader to jump to those sections and back again should they want to read them at the time the topics are introduced. This is a creative approach I have not seen before and can see how that it could be beneficial. It certainly helps to avoid long sections of information-dumping amidst the main narrative. My only comment on this would have been for the "return link" to appear at the end of each section (to logically jump back after reading) rather than the reader having to scroll back to find it where that bonus material essay started.

The main story itself focuses on seven characters in particular. We are given a scorecard listing of them right before chapter 1 with a half dozen to dozen words for each to give the reader a rough idea of who they are and what they are like. While I prefer to learn about characters as they are introduced, this is another stylistic choice that could again mirror the technology themes (with the names being like a BuzzFeed list of sorts). It does give the reader an advanced warning to a large, varied cast for this tale.

Abrams' commentary and satire has several layers, giving the attentive reader some rewarding thoughts to ponder. For me, this is something I might need to revisit when I'm in a better mental state to appreciate it.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is everything I want in cyberpunk—dark humor, moral dilemmas, and tech that feels just one step away from reality. The AI competition scenes had me on edge, and the corporate dystopia felt eerily familiar. The writing is smart, quick-paced, and full of references that sci-fi lovers will appreciate. If you liked Altered Carbon or Ready Player One, you’ll love this!

[Jo Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were moments in this book where I felt like I was being lectured instead of entertained. Don’t get me wrong—Abrams is brilliant, and his futuristic predictions are chillingly plausible, but I wish there were more show, don’t tell moments. That said, the satire is biting, and the concept of digital immortality is explored in a fresh way. A bit overwhelming at times, but still a unique read.

[Wallace Glen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ideas in Immortality Bytes are fascinating, and the social commentary is spot on, but at times, the writing gets so deep into its own philosophy that it slows the story down. I found myself skimming some of the long rants, though they were undeniably clever. The characters are well-developed, though I wish Maria had more of her own arc instead of just reacting to Stu. Overall, an intelligent, fun, and challenging read.

[Bruce Tamanaha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unique view of the future with Artificial Intelligence

Humorous story about life, love, and death in the future of 20NF.

Stu has to steal a device that makes your mind immortal. But it's all one big double-cross with a happy ending.

The book is entertaining and funny with a twist. It builds and ends nicely. I enjoyed it.

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is clever, fun, and a satirical adrenaline ride. The characters are fresh, inventive and well-constructed. It does have a hyper-twisty plot, so if you go in for that sort of thing, you'll love this, especially the cryptically describes “inverted heist.” Maybe something Christopher Nolan might steal for an INCEPTION sequel.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Immortality Bytes is a sharp, satirical cyberpunk adventure that plunges into a world of digital immortality, hyper-advanced AI, and a society grappling with its technological future. The novel’s sprawling narrative introduces us to Stu, an overconfident AI programmer, and his vibrant circle of associates, ex-lovers, and rivals, each caught in the high-stakes game of technological advancement and survival. Through its vivid characters, the story explores questions about morality, progress, and what it means to be human in a world increasingly ruled by machines.

The prose dances between biting humor and philosophical depth, a balance that's rare and delightful. Stu's sarcastic yet oddly optimistic video rants are as hilarious as they are unsettling, pointing out society’s obsession with appearances over substance. His self-aware commentary on contentment and responsibility rings true in a world flooded with cynicism. Author Daniel Lawrence Abrams’s portrayal of a society numbed by post-scarcity comforts, where Universal Basic Income citizens drift into self-indulgent stupors, felt both exaggerated and alarmingly plausible.

One of my favorite elements was the character work. Each figure—from the enigmatic Roxy, Stu's brilliant ex, to Pyotr, a chillingly pragmatic antagonist—adds a unique flavor to the story. Roxy’s agnostic defense of religion, likening life’s tragedies to fleeting pains on an eternal timeline, was surprisingly moving. Her dry pragmatism contrasts beautifully with Stu’s chaotic, often naïve determination. Meanwhile, Chuck Rosti, a caricature of capitalist excess, brought moments of dark comedy, like his outrageous belief that debt is “civilized slavery.”

While the technological details and societal constructs are imaginative, they sometimes drown the plot in jargon-heavy asides. The "bonus material" sections, while clever, disrupted the flow for me. That said, moments like the Turing competition, where AI systems engage in dazzlingly complex tasks, had me riveted. The competition's climax, involving a Kendrick Lamar cameo and Stu’s ingenious use of a digital avatar, was a standout sequence—a brilliant encapsulation of the author’s knack for blending tech wizardry with human drama.

Immortality Bytes is a feast for readers who enjoy thought-provoking, satirical science fiction. It challenges you to laugh, think, and squirm—sometimes all at once. Fans of Neal Stephenson, Douglas Adams, or Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror will find plenty to love here. It’s a rewarding ride for those willing to engage with its ambitious ideas.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a strong scifi novel, it had that element that I was looking for in a technothriller novel. The characters were everything that I was looking for and was invested in what happened. The characters had that feel that I was looking for and thought it worked well overall. Daniel Lawrence Abrams Daniel Lawrence Abrams has a strong writing style and am excited for more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Craig I · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read only if you are feeling especially nerdy--is how some of the end notes are introduced, but fans of humorous, intelligent, fun sci fi will want to read every page of this philosophical, political and ethical exploration of the possibilities of digital eternal life woven into a classic sci fi heist adventure.

[Bargle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm over half way through and I still don't care about what's going on. The characters don't interest me. If there's humor, I'm not getting it. Over half way through and the big plot idea, digital immortality, hasn't happened yet. I give up. On the good side, decent writing style.

[Matthew Mougalian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bubbling just below the surface of this comedic social commentary lies a dystopian future that is both frightening and possible. With crisply drawn characters and crackling dialogue, Abrams' debut novel plumbs the depths of societal inequalities and provokes what-would-you-do questions of the reader in accessible, laugh-out-loud moments.

His is a sharply-drawn world and Abrams knows his subject matter, as well as his players, deftly interlacing multiple storylines while maintaining wit and insight throughout.

It's only science fiction until reality catches up, and Abrams seems to be playing the part of soothsayer.

I enjoyed this immensely. Can't wait for the screen adaptation.