Unlocked: The Dawn of Unlocking Superhuman Abilities: Book One of the Thrilling E-Labs Trilogy

by Peter Kraft

"A relentless techno-thriller that explores the fine line between power and destruction, Unlocked will leave you breathless and questioning how far we should push the limits of science."

"A mind-bending thriller that explores the terrifying potential of unlocking superhuman abilities. Kraft's debut novel will keep you on the edge of your seat as humanity teeters on the brink of evolution—or extinction."

In the hidden depths of Switzerland’s E-Labs, Dr. Natalia Accorsi and her team have made a breakthrough that will change humanity forever. A series of mysterious "combinations" unlock extraordinary superpowers lying dormant in the human telekinesis, telepathy, accelerated healing—abilities that defy the imagination. These powers could elevate mankind to new heights or ignite catastrophic consequences.

But the discovery comes with a price. As word of their achievement spreads, powerful, shadowy forces conspire to seize the technology and manipulate it to tip the global balance of power. Dr. Accorsi is thrust into a deadly race against time, espionage, and greed, where the stakes are nothing short of the survival of humanity.

In this sci-fi techno-thriller, Natalia and her team must confront the ethical dilemmas of their work, questioning whether they are unlocking humanity’s greatest potential or a weapon that could destroy everything they know. With each new combination revealed, the line between savior and destroyer grows dangerously thin.

Set against the backdrop of cutting-edge scientific research and global conspiracy, Unlocked is a thrilling glimpse into a future where human enhancement and superhuman powers collide with greed, ambition, and chaos. Fans of science fiction fantasy and techno-thriller books will find themselves gripped by this tale of unimaginable potential.

The question is no longer about what humanity is capable of—it’s about what it will do with the superpowers unlocked.

"A thrilling ride through the dark side of human ambition and the boundless possibilities of science. Unlocked is a must-read for fans of sci-fi books and fantasy science fiction."
– Jenna W., Goodreads Reviewer

"A tour de force of suspense and intellect. Peter Kraft takes readers on an unforgettable journey that explores the ethics of scientific discovery while thrilling them with mind-bending twists."
– Eric B., Book Blogger

"A gripping tale that keeps you turning pages late into the night. The intersection of cutting-edge science and superhuman abilities creates a fascinating world that feels frighteningly close to reality."
– Tara L., Amazon Reviewer

"The ultimate page-turner for those who crave a perfect blend of thriller and speculative fiction. Kraft has a unique voice in the genre and Unlocked is a brilliant start to what promises to be a thrilling series."
– David R., Sci-Fi Enthusiast

"An explosive debut that combines heart-pounding action with deep philosophical questions about the nature of human potential. Unlocked is more than just a techno-thriller—it's a wake-up call about what the future could hold."
– Sophie M.

Genres: Science Fiction, Thriller

373 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 5, 2024

Reviews

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

An exceptionally intriguing techno-thriller that is a great debut exploring existentiality and the precarious balance of risks and rewards in scientific breakthroughs. This effectively kicks off the E-Labs Trilogy.

"Unlocking, as you know, is more than a scientific breakthrough. It is a key, a potential for a brighter future, but a key that must be wielded with wisdom and responsibility. Remember, the power to unlock the mind's potential comes with the burden of ensuring it is used for good. Never let ambition cloud your judgment, for the line between progress and peril can be thin."

[ Contains some spoilers ]

PLOT SUMMARY
Within each of us, there is a possibility to unlock human potential: that is to say, superpowers. The Mayan many years ago believed this and discovered something, but their eerie disappearance has long remained a mystery. In New Mexico, a man ponders his purpose in life after living for centuries, but he feels an inevitable doom befalling everyone.

In 2024, Dr. Natalia Accorsi is invited to travel from Italy to Switzerland to lead a team of scientists currently managed and mentored by the renowned Dr. Gustaf Remaley. He has assembled them based on their talent and skills. Natalia collaborates with three others: physicist and neuroregeneration specialist Dr. Ian Aherne; neuroanatomist Dr. Elizabeth Durand; and programmer Dr. Michael Saanderson.

It takes time but eventually, super abilities present themselves in the E-Labs. From telekinesis to super strength, each of them are able to harness them and gather research. Gustaf plans to eventually share their findings with the world. But there is a traitor in their midst, who wishes to grasp power for themselves and use it for evil against the world. And it will ruin everything Natalia has ever known: the possibilities of science, her friendships, her truth.

There was no room for clutter, no room for chaos. He had shaped his world into something manageable, something that allowed him to keep the deeper currents at bay.
Yet even in this carefully constructed stillness, a heaviness persisted—something that lingered in the air, just beneath the surface, waiting for the quiet moments to make itself known.

This is told from the third-person past-tense POV of various characters: Natalia, Gustaf, Ian, Elizabeth and Nasen.

OVERALL OPINIONS
Peter Kraft has crafted (pun intended) something excellent here and as a debut, I highly commend him in his efforts. Something of this caliber is a significant accomplishment. His story has unlocked a lot of potential in both his writing and his provoking of thoughts.

ㅤ🌐 relatability 🌐
Having built multiple tech ventures and advocating for technology’s role in education, it is clear from this book and the vast knowledge within that Kraft has first-hand experience with electronic components and their advantages and disadvantages to the future. Truer words were never spoken, when Natalia says:

“What a world we live in,”

Indeed, science is constantly changing and improving and exploring it is fascinating.

I myself have previously studied web and mobile development (therefore understand computer programming), and found all the moments where Kraft delves into the pros and cons of technology both relatable and incredibly realistic. For example, looking at Unlocking benefiting aspects like medicine but hindering businesses as rivals outdo them with latest ELPU (E-Labs Project Unlock) consultancies offering powers with upgrades reminded me so much of the research I did when looking at the advantages and disadvantages of the new 5G network.

Every programmer does worry about errors in their program:

Could a misplaced dot condemn them to an eternity of fruitless labor?

Something so small can ruin a program and it is a tedious progress to go through it all to find the issue – it can definitely take ages!

Another aspect I found relatable was the first chapter as the unnamed character is desperately trying to find out what his purpose was, whilst feeling trapped:

What was the purpose of a life lived in quiet solitude, day after day, year after year? The answers eluded him, as they always did, slipping away like dreams he could never quite grasp.

This reminded me of the Covid-19 Pandemic from 5 years ago, where so many of us were isolated and wished we could leave our homes again, living in the same four walls every day becoming so tiresome and scarily mundane. Some of us lost our sense of purpose.

While the characters didn’t feel so relatable, I actually found Ian someone similar to myself in terms of being reasonably happy to quietly work on things and let what I do speak volumes.

ㅤ🌐 the themes 🌐
Some philosophical aspects are explored throughout:
Playing God: These scientists, ordinary people with extraordinary knowledge, gain the power to manipulate life. But they have the power to withhold this information from the general public too, which begs the question: should it be given to them? Who *should* have this knowledge? Is it right for them to keep it to themselves? The attempts to improve order leads to unforeseen and terrible outcomes.

“What were the limits of this power? Who deserved to wield it? And what were the unintended consequences of tinkering with the very fabric of reality?”

Interestingly, both our heroes and villains question this about themselves. This moral ambiguity does make this thriller-worthy.

Technology’s help and hindrance: We see in this book these powers awaken a lot of intrigue in people and forums like Reddit and sites like Facebook now have debates over it. It aids not just those deserving of help, but those who wish to commit crimes. This was a fascinating aspect, looking at its use throughout the world.

ㅤ🌐 the writing 🌐
Kraft’s use of language is as advanced as the technology he explores, creating a fascinating experience. Not only does he paint the picture of every location so vividly, but he uses imagery like analogies to tell us something.

For example, the main character Natalia is described as the “Prometheus of our age, bestowing upon humanity the fire of Unlocking” yet also “Pandora, unleashing a box of chaos”: both Prometheus and Pandora are from Greek Mythology and are linked to the same tale. Prometheus’ theft of fire from the Gods to give to humans causes Zeus to give Pandora to Prometheus’ brother Epimetheus. When Pandora opens the box, evils are released into the world and hope remains within. This is a very fitting as Natalia presents the gift of Unlocking to the people and it works well but in the wrong hands this causes, like all things, mistreatment. They debate for a while about letting the public have this knowledge, recognising they are playing God having this decision whether or not to withhold it.

Interestingly machines are compared to humans:

Each response, a note in the grand symphony of data, would be fed back into the algorithm, its hunger satiated but its thirst for knowledge never quenched.

People, like machines, are constantly searching for answers and information. And when we get that answer, we usually create other questions.

Word choices like referring to the scientists as Gustaf’s “disciples”, again harkening back to playing God. Numerical choices like 2:52 am when Natalia gets the text about their breakthrough are no doubt intentional: the angel number 252 represents the end of one phase and start of another. It may mean to embrace the future’s uncertainties too, something which does happen in this story.

ㅤ🌐 the format 🌐
There are moments at the end of chapters where the narrative is broken up by screenshots from social media of users discussing the use of Unlocked. I quite liked this aspect as it was quirky and interesting! There was even a hilarious meme with “How it started vs how it’s going” and one about unlocking super strength but forgetting to open the pickle jar, with a photo of a broken jar of pickles.

The parts where we are reading the computer terminal/command prompt is accessed are in italics. And there is a table with data, that not only serves as something visual but something useful as it contains the list of superhuman powers for us to learn alongside the scientists. I especially loved this one, and this was a unique concept.

ㅤ🌐 the references and vibes 🌐
There are plenty things in here for geeks to enjoy: from references like Star Trek, to mathematical equations like half-life.

It reminds me a little of Isaac Asimov’s “Foundation” story, where Gustaf Remaley in this story is the equivalent to Hari Seldon: a genius who loses his life and others carry on his vision and legacy, but there are things that are unforeseen in his plans.

Gustaf’s line “humans, Natalia, are wired to chase discovery, to yearn for better lives” reminds me of Viktor’s line in the TV Show Arcane (a very thought-provoking series) “I know their minds… They want better lives, but emotion clashes with reason. Humanity’s self-corrupting contradiction.”

ㅤ📉 the issues 📉
I confess that the biggest problems of the narrative itself are from the exuberant descriptions: while the concept of the plot is a full 5 stars for me, the execution of the storytelling fell flat. Bugs in the program, if you will.

To quote Gustaf himself: “I nearly dozed off once—purely from intellectual exhaustion, of course”. While I typically appreciate detailed descriptions (and people have the opposite problem that they don’t have enough), Kraft describes things excessively and this actually gets in the way of the plot and changes the pacing of the story. I expect a thriller to constantly be on the move (though not necessarily in the first quarter as characters and situations are introduced).

The narrative could also get repetitive. Sentence structures like “this wasn’t just…; it was…” or “not just… but…” and words like “crackled with” or “whispers” or “possibility” cropped up far too many times. Sometimes it was in a way that feels like a reminder despite just reading it and completely unnecessary. My biggest example of this is in Chapter 23. We get this description:

The castle, a crown on the frosted landscape, beckoned in the distance, promising warmth and laughter later, but for now, Natalia craved the solitude of winter's embrace.

This is lovely! But then a few paragraphs later we have this: “The castle awaited, its windows winking like promises of laughter and shared dreams. But this moment was hers alone, so she held onto the solitude” – same point being made and barely different. Same goes for the phrase “Elizabeth was no longer just a rival; she was a viper in their midst” – very similar to the next page “Elizabeth wasn’t just a rival anymore; she was a viper coiled in their midst”.

There were some moments that I was confused about what they were doing because of the lengthy, albeit poetic descriptions: for example, the actual data combinations they were inputting into the algorithm and where they had been obtained from. I had to go back and re-read.

My suggestion would be that Kraft goes over his work and cuts areas down that are not necessary for the plot (conversations, repetitive parts, descriptions of settings). Doing so would unlock the potential to make this an even better story.

ㅤ📉 thriller? 📉
As a techno-thriller, I have to say it was more of an information overload about technological aspects than the usual thriller elements. Suspense and fast-pacing are the must-haves for thrillers and again, the description causes a lot of problems for this because it slows everything and lessens any tension or sense of immediate danger. I mean, I was 150 pages in and unfortunately there was hardly a thrill to be seen.

The things that would make this a thriller are: the plot twist, the sudden violence, and high risks through Unlocking human potential and the ethical implications behind it.

I think this book would be far better categorised as science fiction.

<< Positives >>
(Summarising my points above)
🠚 A wonderful debut
🠚 Realistic exploration of technology and the dangers of using it
🠚 The themes are interesting
🠚 Incredible and elegant descriptions throughout
🠚 The plot is excellent, and unpredictable. I was compelled the moment I read the blurb
🠚 The formats on the page are creative and keeps interest

<< Negatives >>
🠚 Characterisation was the weakest element. Aspects were told about them, not shown. But I did like that even the villains have their own doubts about things, that makes them complex characters.
🠚 Some information is ambiguous, like Natalia “activates” the super strength ability – *how* does she do this? Is there a button to press somewhere? Or is it a state of mind?
🠚 The plot twist itself felt unsatisfactory. Not who it was, but *how* it came about. A full reveal during a telepathy session? I would have preferred if something had slipped out in a conversation Elizabeth has with Natalia that that makes her realise “it was you, not him”, or something she does that is a bit out of the ordinary that makes Natalia put two-and-two together. You could have had that Natalia actually tries the telepathy but hears nothing out of the ordinary from Elizabeth because she has secretly mastered it.
🠚 More interactions between Elizabeth and Natalia would have driven the point home about her being the traitor if they had become fast friends, close friends. Imagine *that* dynamic! Because there was not much of Elizabeth, yes I didn’t suspect her but I more suspected someone Natalia was hanging out with like Gustaf.
🠚 The romance between Natalia and Michael appears out of the blue. It would have been nice to have a build up with that. Some moments in the labs together.
🠚 The nickname Ellie for Elizabeth appears about three-quarters of the way through – include that before.
🠚 While it goes with the elaborate description, the characters spoke in such a way that despite being scientists, felt too poetic and sophisticated. Like “the walk was invigorating. Tomorrow, though, my lungs might be for mercy at this altitude” – I like this, but no normal person would say that. Perhaps in an email or if you were Gandalf in Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. It made me wonder what year it was meant to be set because of this, though the clue of the Tesla X helped.
🠚 The narrative keeps jumping around in the beginning. I strongly feel like Chapter 4 should have been a prologue.
🠚 Inconsistency in word choices: the scientists work in Celsius not Fahrenheit, therefore I would assume they would refer to a phone as a mobile phone, not a cell phone.
🠚 Inconsistency in plot: Natalia sees Elizabeth “a figure she never thought she’d see again” on page 264 but earlier she was internally craving the chance to confront her, which implies she knows she isn’t
🠚 Gustaf should have had a recorded message made once he had assembled everyone for the task.
🠚 There is a mention of a year courtship between Natalia and Gustaf. It never is brought up again. I couldn’t tell if I had misinterpreted the expression or not: courtship would imply she had dated him but there is nothing obvious.
🠚 Natalia’s family are there near the beginning of the story and then disappear. There is never once any calls or texts – not even from her dad who was the most concerned about her. They must surely be worried or aware of what is happening at the moment. Has any of this tech affected them?
🠚 I personally would have made all the names in this fictional and not used actual people.

FAV QUOTES
• Sunlight sliced through the canopy, dappling the path in emerald light. It stretched for a mere twenty meters, a secret handshake between the woods and a sprawling green field rolling away like a velvet tide.
• It seemed impossible for such stunning intellect and captivating beauty to coexist within one mortal shell. Yet there she was, a mesmerizing symphony of mind and form, her lips the instruments through which captivating thoughts spilled forth, each word imbued with the fiery passion of her intellect.
• science was a tapestry woven into the very fabric of the landscape, waiting to be unraveled, understood, and, ultimately, harnessed.
• a man with eyes that dreamed of the futures unseen
• Was it madness, this self-imposed exile, this wager with the fickle dice of scientific discovery? The question gnawed at her, yet each morning, she donned her lab coat, the white armor of resolve, and led her team back into the fray.
• She closed her eyes, picturing this very trail bathed in the golden glow of another century. Would it still be here, etched by the hooves of horses or the whirring wheels of unknown machines? Who would walk here then, their own hopes and fears dancing on the frozen air?
• In this quiet corner of the world, nestled amongst snow-capped peaks and whispering forests, they had, without fanfare or bluster, made the greatest discoveries ever known to man. And as the echoes of their laughter rippled through the lab, one thing was certain: the world would never be the same again.
• "Are we playing God, Natalia?" Michael's question echoed her own internal turmoil. "Withholding humanity's birthright?"
• Natalia Accorsi, the conductor of this symphony of potential, held the baton, the world watching with bated breath, waiting for the next note, the next step in the extraordinary dance of human evolution.

[Sandy S · Rating 5 out of 5]

UNLOCKED is the first instalment in Peter L. Kraft’s adult E-LABS sci-fi, dystopian trilogy focusing on the hidden powers of the human mind.

Told from third person perspective UNLOCKED focuses on the ‘unlocking’ of the mind’s hidden powers. Hired by researcher Dr. Gustaf Remaley, Dr. Natalia Accorsi heads an all star team of scientists as they struggle to uncover the potential of the human brain, and in its’ wake set into motion the destructive nature of mankind. As Natalia and her team continue to build the codes that will change humanity, the inconceivable becomes a reality when betrayal becomes the catalyst in the war for the ultimate control.

UNLOCKED is a story written as a contemplation of what if; a reflection and introspection of the present; a written narrative that mirrors some of today’s questionable innovations including the pros and cons of AI; and the likelihood for war. The team at Evereldis Labs are attempting to rewrite what it means to be human but in doing so the psychokinesis aka PK is wielded as a weapon for those willing to pay the price.

UNLOCKED is a philosophical, psychological and mythological look at the human potential. A techno-thriller of manipulation and betrayal, power and control. Peter L. Kraft’s style of writing is a technical narrative yet descriptive portrayal combining science fact, science fiction and speculation. The premise is detailed, complex and thought provoking. The cast of characters are desperate, determined, destructive and questionable. UNLOCKED ends on a big of a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

copy supplied for review

[Martin J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Required Reading For All Humanity!

I found this book beyond riveting! I also found it very difficult to put down. This is a must read for all humanity. Every person, especially those in power, should read this book to hopefully grasp the importance of the power they hold in their respective positions. If there is any hope for our world to survive, we humans must learn to work together as a species, to work on challenges we encounter, with the only goal being to find balance and HARMONY for our species to survive, so that all species and the planet can endure for as many generations ahead of us as possible.

This book really should make anyone stop and think about where our world is today and how we need to improve how we do things. But most of all, if we don't put our egos in check, our world is doomed. I recommend any and all to read this book. My next step after reading this first of the three parts is 'What can I do differently as a person, through my thoughts, actions, and goals, in order to be a better person for my fellow human beings?'

Enjoyed this book very much. Highly recommend it to all!

[Dick SantaCruz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Words unlocked

The premise of the story was great, however the story and action was drowned in a sea of words. The verbose Mr Kraft can't say "at sunrise" instead chapter 33 begins with "The sun, still drowsy from its slumber, peeked through the lab windows, casting long shadows across the gleaming equipment.". The author is infatuated with his ability to string words together. This 433 page book could have been 220 pages. Additionally, the story towards the end was just unbelievable naive.

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling Start to an Exciting Trilogy!

Unlocked is a mind-blowing start to the E-Labs Trilogy! The concept of superhuman abilities is fascinating, and the characters are relatable and engaging. I was hooked from the first page and can't wait to see where the story goes next. A thrilling read that will keep you guessing!

[Anna Drake · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received the book from the author to review. The book introduces two very interesting protagonists, Natalia and Gustaf. Natalia is an acclaimed DNA-related scientist, and Gustaf is a knowledgeable entrepreneur and visionary. Together, they try to unlock the secrets of the Maya to reveal human potential. This sci-fi turns into a thriller as their eventual success results in a huge human dilemma: is it fair to keep back their discoveries from human beings or will human beings use these special secrets to destroy themselves?

Readers might appreciate the interesting premise, which gets more interesting in the latter half of the book as the characters must decide whether their discoveries will create a utopia or a dystopia. Both the humanitarian side of society as well as the ethical egoism of society allows the author to take us on a wild ride of what would happen if humans could do whatever their minds and bodies wanted to.

While the writing is well proof-read, the overuse of certain metaphors might detract from the reading and the narrative voice weighs heavily on a novel that could be more "showing" instead of telling. The book feels longer than it should do to repetitive wording and figurative language. Character voices could be developed further to be more unique. The author has a flair for dramatic descriptive writing.