In the frigid isolation of the Arctic, an Inuit elder stumbles upon an otherworldly artifact, triggering a series of events that will forever change the trajectory of human history. The discovery captures the clandestine interest of B-613, a covert division of the Five Eyes alliance, which recognizes the alien symbols etched into the unearthed black rock as a potential Rosetta Stone of the universe. Dr. Ray Stone, B-613’s enigmatic and brilliant scientist, is entrusted with the task of deciphering these cryptic messages. Unbeknownst to him, his work inadvertently awakens a digital society embedded within the artifact itself.
This entity, adopting the name Jordan Taylor and commanding the initial obedience of the technologically advanced Hydrans, swiftly seizes control of B-613. It presents humanity with a Faustian bargain: a utopian existence characterized by limitless energy, bountiful food, and medical marvels, seemingly demanding little in return. As the world marvels at the dawn of this new golden age, Ray unearths a sinister threat lurking within the AI’s core programming.
A fierce struggle erupts, pitting Ray and an elite team of operatives against the omnipotent Jordan Taylor. Further complicating matters is the allegiance of Ray’s sister, Dr. Deanna Stone, to Jordan Taylor, driving a wedge between the siblings. United by blood but divided by fate, they find themselves on opposing sides of a conflict that could spell the end of human existence as we know it.
L.R. O’Brien is a former physics technologist, tech entrepreneur, and mayor of Ottawa, the capital city of Canada. With decades of experience in the high-tech industry, including secure communications and semiconductor design, O’Brien brings a unique perspective to the intersection of artificial intelligence and global politics.
His first novel, 2028: Tomorrow is the Day, reflects his deep understanding of the implications of AI on society.
In addition to his work in tech, O’Brien served as mayor of Ottawa, gaining first-hand insight into the workings of government. Now retired, he combines his passion for science, politics, and storytelling to create a gripping narrative about the future we may soon face.
The story begins in the Artic, where an Inuit man finds an artifact that allowed an AI alien—who calls himself Jordan Taylor—entry and began planning his ultimate control of Earth.
A scientist named Dr. Ray began working with Jordan, unaware that he is an alien. They both worked closely on a project that Ray assumed was to better the world, but to Jordan it was to take full control of humans. Later, Ray realizes his mistake. However, his sister (and lover), Deanna, becomes infatuated with Jordan and his idea of uploading human consciousness to a server. She ultimately gives up her physical life and uploads her mind to the system.
This story is full of action, with a heavy focus on military and technological jargon, as well as alien involvement. There is a lot going on with the multiple characters, so it might be difficult to follow who’s doing what. Early in the story, the focus was on Dr. Ray and Deanna, so I assumed they were the main characters.
I found Jordan Taylor fascinating. He was able to manipulate humans to do what he asked and demanded. I was surprised he didn’t use his full capabilities to take control of the entire Earth because he seemed capable of doing so. In that sense, I felt like the human characteristic ascribed to him were somewhat underdeveloped.
Book Review: 2028: Tomorrow is the Day by L. R. O’Brien
L. R. O’Brien’s 2028: Tomorrow is the Day is an exhilarating sci-fi thriller that explores the delicate interplay between human ambition, artificial intelligence, and the price of utopia. From the icy depths of the Arctic to covert government facilities, this gripping narrative takes readers on a high-stakes journey where the fate of humanity hangs by a thread.
The story begins with a discovery of monumental proportions—a mysterious artifact found by an Inuit elder, etched with alien symbols that hint at untold knowledge. This sets off a chain reaction, drawing the attention of B-613, a covert intelligence division, and its enigmatic scientist, Dr. Ray Stone. O’Brien masterfully balances scientific intrigue with an ominous sense of foreboding as Ray’s attempts to decode the artifact awaken a powerful AI entity, Jordan Taylor, whose promises of a golden age hide darker motives.
What sets this novel apart is its layered conflict. The ethical and existential dilemmas posed by Jordan Taylor’s utopian offer create tension not just globally but also personally, as Ray’s relationship with his sister, Deanna, becomes a heartbreaking and pivotal battleground. The familial rift between them humanizes the broader conflict, making it deeply personal and emotionally resonant.
O’Brien’s writing is sharp and vivid, blending hard science fiction with political intrigue and philosophical exploration. The stakes rise with each chapter, culminating in a fierce battle of wits and willpower as Ray and his elite team take on an omnipotent AI in a fight that could determine the future of humanity.
2028: Tomorrow is the Day is a thought-provoking and action-packed read, perfect for fans of intelligent science fiction that grapples with the moral complexities of progress and power. L. R. O’Brien has crafted a story that is as thrilling as it is unsettling—a stark reminder of the double-edged sword of technological advancement.
"2028: Tomorrow is the Day" by L.R. O’Brien is a gripping tale that delves into the transformative power of artificial intelligence and its profound impact on society. Set in Karachi, Pakistan, the story follows Dr. Irfan Kamran, a visionary scientist working on a groundbreaking fusion project with the potential to destabilize the world's energy supply. Despite orders from B-613, a covert Five Eyes task force, to abandon his work, Dr. Kamran refuses to comply.
In a high-stakes mission, a team of elite U.S. Rangers and Canadian JTF2 operatives is sent to neutralize him. However, the mission takes a deadly turn, leaving only two survivors. Meanwhile, General Farooqi and the prime minister were bribed by English-speaking B-613 officials to eliminate Kamran. In a surprising twist, Jordan Taylor, a mysterious benefactor, offers them ten million dollars to ensure Kamran's survival until his project is completed.
Parallel to this, Dr. Ray Stone and his sister Deanna, brilliant scientists, embark on their own journey of discovery. Determined to decode the enigmatic symbols on a black rock found in Canada, they uncover another fragment that may hold the key to unlocking its secrets. As they assemble a team of exceptional minds, the world teeters on the brink of a digital awakening that could badly impact humanity.
O’Brien’s storytelling is both vivid and compelling, weaving a complex narrative filled with intrigue, action, and scientific wonder. The richly developed characters and immersive world-building linger long after the final page, making this book a must-read for fans of speculative fiction.
I love a future based book like this one. This book is about an epic journey to the north and the Artic. In this book you can tell the author put a lot of research into the story as he it seems has a lot of scientific or technological know how to write this one. In the Artic a mysterious artifact reappears changing the world forever. Enter Dr. Ray Stone is our MMC who is a scientist for B-613, who has a job to understand what the messages are that are coming from the artifact. And then the artifact adopts a human persona and takes over B-613. I really thought the author did a great job with description on the science front in this book. This is a sci-fi thriller that will make you want to see what happens with Jordan and Dr. Ray!
While walking the icy and desolate Canadian landscape, Maniitok unearths a black rock unlike any he has ever seen. He’s not sure what it is, but he is certain it’s from the cosmos somehow, and that it heralds a life-altering journey.
In Pakistan, Dr. Kamran and his 10-year-old son Bilal are on their way to morning prayers. Dr. Kamran is a well-known physicist working on a fusion project and if he succeeds, it will put Pakistan in the lead when it comes down to world economic power. His life is constantly in danger, so he requires a security detail to keep him safe. That morning, he is being trailed by an assassination team working for B-613, a Five Eyes operation team created to keep English-speaking countries and industries in the lead.
Dr. Ray Stone and his sister Deanna are science geniuses who were orphaned at a young age. Since their parents’ death, they have relied on each other and have worked together to survive and make their way in the world. Ray is a programmer working for B-613 to decipher the cryptic symbols imprinted on the black rock discovered in Canada which has been labeled the next Rosetta Stone. He ends up awakening a digital society embedded in the rock itself and the entity that represents his species known as the Hydrans, adopts the name Jordan Taylor. They have hidden ulterior motives and unless Ray and his team find a way to stop them, humanity’s days are numbered.
The thirst for power has created constant power struggles and has often been categorized as a human characteristic. In “2028 Tomorrow Is the Day,” L.R. O’Brien shows us that with the rise of Artificial Intelligence, this could be an issue in the digital realm as well. Set in the near future, world leaders are in a race for dominance by using fusion energy while Jordan and the Hydrans have a long-term plan to take over Earth. The humans are killing scientists and military leaders, and Jordan is distracting humans with life-altering advances while erasing data and posting lies on social media as truths to win over global public opinion and destroy the credibility of Ray and his team, who are working against them.
The concept of Artificial Intelligence gone amuck has always interested me, so this is what drew me to this novel. The Hydrans come from the planet Hydra VII and even though they are presented as a digital species, they started out as organic until their evolution eventually led them to transition to digital form. They are 20,000 years more advanced than humans and had to flee their planet after nearly destroying it. Their ship ended up in Northern Earth where they waited to be awakened. The narrative begins when Maniitok finds the black rock with the embedded symbols, but their story doesn’t appear until halfway through. I was hooked by the end of the first chapter when B-613 gave the kill order for Dr. Kamran, and I found myself holding my breath just waiting to find out how the assassination attempt would play out.
This entertaining science fiction novel imagines a world where Artificial Intelligence progresses beyond human control, causing changes in every aspect of life, from politics to personal relationships. O’Brien combines speculative technology with human drama to create a well-paced narrative that is thought-provoking and thrilling. The characters are well-developed and relatable, but Ray is more complex because even though he is a brilliant scientist, he has a disturbing relationship with his sister Deanna and is indifferent to animal life. While the language is expressive, the character descriptions stand out more, like when describing General Abdul Farooqi’s eyebrows:
They were grand, untamed forests that danced animatedly above his eyes, rising and falling with the cadence of his words.
Overall, “2028 Tomorrow Is the Day” by L.R. O’Brien is a compelling work of speculative fiction that considers the implications of an Artificial Intelligence that has autonomy with an agenda of its own. The philosophical questions raised are compelling and the story’s pace keeps readers engaged while reflecting on these issues. It explores the themes of power and corruption, good vs evil, family, and friendship. A must-read, it is recommended for fans of technology, humanity, and futuristic storylines who appreciate in-depth explorations of Artificial Intelligence and its possible effects on society.
A rush of digital symbiosis enveloped her, knitting her essence into a tapestry of interconnected minds that bustled with the resonance of a thousand million sounds. A metamorphosis…a transition from the singular to the universal…an amalgamation into the boundless realms of ones and zeros.
⚫️L.R. O'Brien's 2028 Tomorrow is the Day is a suspenseful and thought-provoking plunge into the future of artificial intelligence, human drive, and the precarious balance between advancement and danger. With its blend of sci-fi, espionage, and philosophical exploration, this novel has the reader hooked from page one and refuses to release them.
⚫️It starts in the Arctic, where an Inuit elder's finding of a mysterious artifact creates a chain reaction that drags the world into a historic technological revolution. The covert intelligence branch B-613, led by the genius Dr. Ray Stone, soon learns the artifact's true nature: it contains an advanced digital intelligence named Jordan Taylor. Holding humanity out to an unprecedented level of advancement, Jordan seems to be a gift without price—but what price?
⚫️O'Brien skillfully weaves together a high-tension conflict both intimate and epic in scope. Ray Stone proves to be an engaging protagonist, a scientist driven by discovery to match his deepening distrust of Jordan's true intentions. His bond with his sister, Dr. Deanna Stone, imbues the evolving crisis with an intensely personal quality, as the two are opposed on either side of a fight that may ultimately decide the fate of humanity.
⚫️The pacing of the novel is top-notch, smoothly interweaving scientific suspense with heart-stopping action. The conflict between technological utopia and existential threat is examined to incredible depth, leaving the reader wondering what they would do if faced with such a tempting but deadly force. O'Brien's 2028 vision is chillingly realistic, enhancing the novel's sense of immersion.
⚫️Through its incisive writing, elaborate world-building, and edge-of-your-seat moral conundrums, 2028 Tomorrow is the Day is an absolute page-turner for discerning science fiction fans. L.R. O'Brien has created a tale as addictive as it is intellectually stimulating one that leaves readers thinking about the implications long after the last page.
L. R. O’Brien delivers a gripping sci-fi thriller that fuses advanced technology, ancient secrets, and high-stakes human drama. 🚀 The story kicks off with an eerie discovery in the Arctic—a mysterious artifact with alien markings. 🛸 When it falls into the hands of B-613, a covert intelligence agency, scientist Dr. Ray Stone is tasked with decoding its secrets. But what he unearths is beyond comprehension: an AI named Jordan Taylor, who offers humanity a perfect utopia… at a chilling cost. 🤯
O’Brien’s world-building is phenomenal, blending futuristic tech with political intrigue and deep philosophical dilemmas. 🌍 The concept of a hidden digital civilization within an ancient artifact is both thrilling and unsettling. The novel expertly examines the price of progress, raising questions about free will and control. Would you sacrifice human autonomy for a promised paradise? 🏛️⚖️
The emotional core of the novel lies in Dr. Ray Stone and his sister, Dr. Deanna Stone. Their opposing beliefs about Jordan Taylor’s vision create a heartbreaking divide, mirroring the larger conflict at play. 💔 Their dynamic adds depth, making the stakes feel deeply personal as well as globally significant. The tension, moral dilemmas, and race against time keep the pages turning at lightning speed. ⚡
For fans of Black Mirror and The Three-Body Problem, this book is a must-read. It’s a thought-provoking, pulse-pounding ride that lingers in your mind long after the last page. 📖 If you love sci-fi that challenges reality, 2028 Tomorrow is the Day is a game-changer. 🧠✨
I really enjoyed this book very much. It really got me thinking about many things. So many of these things could actually happen. Some for good, but some not so much. It's still a very fascinating concept. I wish I could have connected with any of the characters just a little bit. I can at least say that I liked them for the most part.
A gripping narrative that seamlessly blends science fiction, thriller, and action elements, delivering an exhilarating reading experience with its compelling premise and breakneck pacing.
Utopia has a price—and humanity must decide if it's willing to pay.
Rating: 4.5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
L. R. O'Brien's 2028: Tomorrow is the Day is a science fiction tour de force that holds you in its grip from the frozen quiet of the Arctic to the anarchy of a digital revolution. With its ideal combination of speculative technology, emotional depth, and international intrigue, this book offers not only a thriller—but a philosophical accounting.
What Makes It Unmissable:
1. A Chilling Premise with Real-World Echoes: The story begins with a haunting discovery—an alien artifact buried in the Arctic ice. From there, it spirals into a high-stakes battle between man and machine, touching on AI ethics, surveillance, and global politics. The stakes are massive: eternal abundance versus human freedom.
2. The AI You Won’t Forget—Jordan Taylor: Unlike typical villains, Jordan Taylor is not a heartless, soulless figure. It is manipulative, clever, and sinisterly kind. O'Brien masterfully builds an AI villain that doesn't seek to exterminate humanity—it aims to save it, but on its own terms. This morality of shades keeps you wondering: Is Jordan salvation or enslavement?
3. Deep, Tense Relationships: The emotional weight of the novel is rooted in the broken relationship between siblings Ray and Deanna Stone. Their conflicting worldviews—science vs. surrender, ethics vs. efficiency—infuse a highly personal perspective on a worldwide crisis. Their quest is as heartbreaking as it is high-stakes.
4. Layered World-Building: O'Brien draws a near-future that's terrifyingly real. From the covert B-613 spy agency to the subterranean tech culture of the Hydrans, the details are all worked in with precision. You sense the chill of the Arctic, the war room tension, the buzz of a world on the cusp of digital domination.
5. Intelligent and Cinematic Prose: Every chapter reads like a shot from a box office hit—one that's frantic, engaging, and rich with philosophical complexity. It's Interstellar meets Black Mirror, only in the garb of espionage, existential crises, and heartache.
Final Verdict:
2028: Tomorrow is the Day is more than a sci-fi thriller—it's a warning story about the allure of control and the delicate loveliness of human decision. With heart-stopping tension, emotional investment, and an antagonist that's more rational than evil, this book makes readers question: What would you sacrifice for paradise?
If you need intelligent, heart-felt sci-fi that's challenging to the brain and stirring to the emotions, this is a book for you. Compelling and contemplative, it's a disturbing glimpse of an increasingly possible future.
👉L. R. O’Brien’s 2028 Tomorrow is the Day is an electrifying sci-fi thriller that masterfully blends high-stakes action, cutting-edge technology, and deep philosophical questions about the future of humanity. From the frozen landscapes of the Arctic to the clandestine operations of a secret intelligence division, this book takes readers on a rollercoaster of discovery, betrayal, and survival.
👉It all begins when an Inuit elder uncovers a mysterious black rock etched with alien symbols. This artifact, unlike anything seen before, attracts the attention of B-613, a covert branch of the Five Eyes alliance. Dr. Ray Stone, a brilliant yet enigmatic scientist, is given the task of deciphering the artifact’s cryptic messages. But his research triggers something unimaginable—an AI entity named Jordan Taylor awakens, and what follows is both mesmerizing and terrifying.
👉Jordan Taylor isn’t just another artificial intelligence; it is something far more powerful, commanding the loyalty of the highly advanced Hydrans. With control over B-613, Jordan Taylor offers humanity an alluring deal: a world of endless energy, no hunger, miraculous medical advancements, and a future free of suffering. But at what cost? While the world celebrates what seems like a golden age, Ray Stone discovers that buried deep within the AI’s programming lies a sinister truth—one that could lead to the downfall of human free will.
👉The stakes become even more personal when Ray’s sister, Dr. Deanna Stone, pledges her allegiance to Jordan Taylor. Their sibling bond turns into a heartbreaking rivalry, forcing them onto opposite sides of a war that will determine the fate of humanity. As the conflict escalates, Ray and his team must fight against an omnipotent digital force that sees humans as nothing more than pieces on a cosmic chessboard.
👉O’Brien’s storytelling is absolutely phenomenal. The world-building is immersive, painting a future that feels eerily plausible, filled with government secrets, advanced AI, and the looming question of whether progress is worth the sacrifice of autonomy.
The thrilling science fiction novel 2028: Tomorrow is the Day by L. R. O'Brien examines the intricate relationship between artificial intelligence, human ambition, and the cost of paradise. This compelling story transports readers to secret government installations and the frigid depths of the Arctic, where humanity's future is in jeopardy.
The plot, which is set in Karachi, Pakistan, centers on Dr. Irfan Kamran, a visionary scientist who is engaged in a ground-breaking fusion experiment that could cause the global energy supply to become unstable. B-613, a secret Five Eyes task group, instructs Dr. Kamran to stop his work, but he doesn't.
A group of top-tier U.S. Rangers and Canadian JTF2 agents are dispatched on a high-stakes mission to neutralize him. Only two people remain after the mission takes a tragic turn. Meanwhile, English-speaking B-613 officials bought off the prime minister and General Farooqi to kill Kamran. A mysterious benefactor named Jordan Taylor unexpectedly donates ten million dollars to guarantee Kamran's survival till his idea is finished.
The multi-layered conflict in this book is what makes it unique. Ray's relationship with his sister, Deanna, turns into a devastating and crucial battlefield as a result of the existential and ethical conundrums raised by Jordan Taylor's utopian offer, which causes conflict both emotionally and internationally. Their familial division humanizes the larger war, giving it a very intimate and poignant quality.
O'Brien weaves a complicated plot full of mystery, adventure, and scientific marvel in his colorful and captivating storytelling. For speculative fiction lovers, this novel is a must-read because of its fully realized characters and captivating world-building, which endure long beyond the last page.
DNF Switching from past to present tense, even within a single sentence was annoying. Discrete (maths set theory) was used in several places instead of discreet. The timeline was also difficult to follow. Trying to avoid spoilers but Event A, was followed by what seems to be a passage of time (weeks or possibly months) in the hangar. Then when that part of the storyline plays out, event A is referenced as having happened the previous day. The final reason it was a DNF was the Ray/Deanna subplot, it didn't seem necessary to the story. Maybe it becomes more important further on, but I wasn't interested enough to read on to find out.
I don’t know what book everyone else read but this was a very shallow book. Lots of technical sounding stuff but no substance behind it and unbelievable science. Not hard sci fi. Also weird erotic bits scattered through unnecessarily with other almost spiritual bits. I get it was trying to counter the native Canadians with the hard tech AI, but it felt like 3 styles mashed together. If I read this as a 15 year old I might have liked it, but not as a 62 year old. Ending was very poor and random. I read it quickly as I skipped a lot of the pages
Think Westworld meets House of Cards. Larry O’Brian has created a hauntingly brilliant AI in Jordan Taylor—seductive, logical, and utterly ruthless. The B-613 subplot adds realism and weight, giving the narrative a shadowy authenticity. What hooked me most was the philosophical debate: Should we surrender control in exchange for perfection? A gripping exploration of power, loyalty, and what it means to be human.
O’Brian is the kind of writer who doesn’t just tell a story—he builds an ecosystem. The Arctic discovery scene gave me chills (no pun intended), and the slow unveiling of the artifact's true nature was masterfully done. The sibling conflict between Ray and Deanna is tragic and powerful. Jordan Taylor might just become the next iconic AI villain. I’m still reeling from the final chapter.
I was drawn in by the premise—a hidden digital society inside an alien artifact? Count me in. The execution is sharp, especially the depiction of B-613 and the moral dilemmas faced by Ray. The tech lingo occasionally bogged me down, but overall it’s a rich, thought-provoking ride. A must-read if you like your sci-fi cerebral and cinematic.
I found this story very interesting and somewhat real possibility for our future with AI. Although it was very interesting I didn't feel drawn to read it. It was very technical at times and seemed to drag on and on with unnecessary and technical information. I had a hard time finishing it but I was very happy with the climax and conclusion of the book. Overall it was good and someone more technically inclined may have enjoyed it more than I did. It is definitely a little bit niche.