SCION

by E.M. Peck

Kali Dal just celebrated her twentieth birthday, and when you turn twenty in the city of Caros, everything changes. Kali is now eligible for the FUSION event, the merging of her consciousness with the SCION operating system. But when she is mysteriously barred from participating in the FUSION, Kali is rejected by society and treated as an outcast. Searching for answers, she enlists the help of a young SCION engineer named Ashir Kamin. Ashir is smart, confident, and intimately familiar with SCION's source code. Together, Kali and Ashir work to expose the secrets of SCION and its enigmatic creator, Abraham. The truth they uncover could cost Kali everything and may make her question the very nature of reality.

"SCION" follows the corruption of an artificial intelligence program developed to facilitate the union of humanity to the SCION operating system, creating a single, immortal consciousness. The book reflects on the perils of AI, technology, power and corruption, and the darkness of the human heart. "SCION" is perfect for fans of science fiction, psychological thrillers, and books with twisty, fast-paced plots.

229 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 18, 2025

Reviews

[Lia's Haunted Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when humanity merges with technology? That’s the question at the heart of SCION. This gripping science fiction tale follows Kali and Ashir as they navigate their reality, question their place in a world dominated by AI, and search for the truth about SCION.

What I loved most was the book’s existential core. SCION doesn’t just tell a story; it forces you to think. What is real? Have we peaked as a society? Is this where technology and humanity collide—or where one devours the other?

The writing is deliberate, precise, and purposeful; the author’s choice of words serves a purpose. I appreciated how the author subtly draws parallels and integrates cognitive function, philosophical ideas about the mind, and early theories likening the brain to a computer. The idea that SCION could be both salvation and destruction is a powerful reflection of our own anxieties about AI.

And let’s be clear: this isn’t some paranoid conspiracy theory. We’re adapting, learning, and even being trained in ethical considerations regarding AI. What makes SCION hit so hard is that it feels possible.

The best part? We see all the players and pieces on the chessboard, but just when you think you’ve figured out the next move, the board flips entirely—or does it? That’s part of the brilliance.

I’ve read the author’s short stories before and absolutely loved them. When I saw the opportunity to pre-order his book, I didn’t hesitate—and getting the chance to read this ARC was an incredible opportunity.

P.S. I love Reggie

[Lindsey_reads_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

The pages literally tuned themselves and I have no idea how to process that ending!

[Kayleigh Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished SCION & WHAT A START TO 2025. It’s a little more sci-fi than I’ve read before, so stepping out of my comfort zone, & it was totally worth it. So if it’s not your usual genre, I’d suggest this book as a way of dipping your toe in. It’s fast-paced & a completely original piece of art. 👏🏼👏🏼

[Ash ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

ᴀʀᴄ ʀᴇᴀᴅ - ʀᴇʟᴇᴀꜱᴇ ᴅᴀᴛᴇ 2/18
[Please make sure you pre-order this book! I HIGHLY recommend it!!]

I had the opportunity of being able to read this early and when I tell you this was the best first arc read? It was the best first arc read! The author, E.M. Peck is such a creative man and his ideas and what he created in this book was addictive!

I absolutely LOVED the psychological aspect of this book, it leaves you there thinking and usually I will always be able to tell what happens next in a book and how the ending will be — not this book. There would always be something that I would NOT expect whatsoever!

Another thing that I loved was the different POVs that we got within each chapter that made it so much more enjoyable to read. It was in a way where it flowed so well and it wasn’t choppy.

For me personally, it is so hard to find a good SciFi book where everything just meshes well into each other. This book was a SciFi thriller that had me wanting and needing more! I am SO beyond excited for the second book to come out!

What’s real?!

I also really want a little Reggie 🐭🩶
~ he was my favorite!

[Zack Boughter · Rating 5 out of 5]

E.M. Peck's Scion is a masterful blend of science fiction, intrigue, and heart-pounding action that kept me hooked from the very first page. The world-building is intricate and immersive, pulling readers into a future that feels both alien and eerily familiar.

The protagonists are brilliantly crafted—each complex, flawed, and deeply human. I found myself rooting for them, even as their choices grew more challenging and morally ambiguous. Peck’s writing style is vivid and cinematic, making every scene easy to picture while still leaving enough to the imagination to keep the suspense alive.

What truly stands out in Scion is its exploration of themes like identity, loyalty, and the ethical dilemmas of technological advancement. Peck doesn’t shy away from asking tough questions, and the result is a story that’s as thought-provoking as it is thrilling.

If you're a fan of intelligent science fiction with well-drawn characters and a plot that never lets up, Scion deserves a spot on your shelf.

This book was an unforgettable ride, and I can’t wait to see what E.M. Peck has in store next!

[Abby Draper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so impressed with this indie book that I want to scream it from the rooftops. It’s the perfect combination of dystopia and sci-fi. It’s almost like high-tech version of The Giver at first and then the characters plot to take down the flawed system. But when I say my mind ended up being completely blown by the end…it was blown.

My comment for improvement would just be that some parts seemed rushed and could have been expanded and explained more.

I’m going to be processing this book for a while. I highly recommend it.

**Please read the trigger warnings before reading. There is are depictions of sexual abuse. This is not something I can normally read, but it was not dwelled upon and was an integral part of the plot.**

[J. Bagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this was a debut book for this author. If so, he has a solid future ahead. Original and imaginative. the pacing and language gave it a very real sense of time and place. I got a little lost at the end but thinking that is my aging brain at work, not the fault of the author. Give it a go...

[John Loux · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about this book? It’s amazing! The ride that it takes you on with unexpected occurrences and the sort of plot twist at the end of the book is very satisfying once you’ve finished the book.

I really enjoyed the characters. Levi, Reggie, Asher, Kali and yes, even Abraham in his sadistic ways. The characters really are fun

I definitely recommend this book. I didn’t want to get into specifics about the book too much because I don’t want to give spoilers. Just know that I am free now 😎

Oh, and I’m impatiently waiting for book two now lol

[T.D. Lawler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not the best on reviews but here we go.

I Just finished SCION by @e.m.peck_books. So do yourself a favor and preorder it. I would call this a sci-fi/Cyberpunk story with elements of The Matrix and Total Recall sprinkled in.

It is very well written and hits on a lot of things I think people think about these days. AI, technology, immortality, etc.

When it dives into the world and the technology in it, he doesn’t spend a lot of time trying to over explain things. It’s just there, in this world and through the story you learn how everything comes together.

5 stars from me for sure and definitely interested to see what comes next.

[Ovium_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 🌟

This was a pretty addictive read. The world itself is a mash-up of dystopian and futuristic. There's a ton of tension, mystery, twists, and sorrow laced throughout the story. Towards the halfway point of the book, it was pageturner because I had to know what happened next.

Set in a 3 POV style of writing, I really enjoyed how this was structured. Instead of a chapter dedicated to each POV, they were intertwined and kind of just flowed within each other as the story progressed. Kali, while flawed and finding her way, is fierce and determined for the truth and answers. Ashir was the perfect rebel the story needed. And Abraham, F that guy haha. He was the perfect villain cause you just wanted something bad to happen to him. I have to give a shoutout to Reggie as well. Probably my favorite side character!

This was a great, dark experience that definitely gave me some strong Sci-fi anime vibes. And that ending, it had me all messed up questioning myself if I actually believed what was real or not!

A big thanks to E.M. Peck for allowing me to enjoy this one and kicking off my 2025 reading journey! Winning a giveaway he hosted, I was able to get my hands on this early and definitely made the win even sweeter!

[Kim Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic, captivating yet chilling psychological thriller...this had my mind all over the place! I read it in 3 days (which is fast for me) and didn't want to put it down.

It's a sci fi written in an accessible way, not confusing, and with lots of world building. I liked the range of characters and I never had any idea how it was going to end.

It explores some deep and heavy topics - what does it mean to be human? What if humanity and technology were to fully merge? What is humanity striving for with all the technological advancements? Perfection? What is that? This book had me questioning so much; both within the story and within our own society.

Many, many thoughts; this book will stay with me for a while. I also loved how some of it was left open ended/up to your own interpretation...at least book 2. I'm excited to see where that one takes us.

"Technology was incredible, but it made you wonder- what was real anymore? Did it matter?"

Thanks again to @e.mpeck for my ARC giveaway win and the beautiful art that came with it.

Read this if you're interested in;
• Something new and different
• Sci-Fi
• AI/Technology
• Books that make you think
• Amazing world building
• Indie authors

[Lilian Loux · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Technology was incredible, but it made you wonder—what was real anymore? Did it matter?”

Kali has prepared and waited anxiously for her fusion with SCION for 20 years. After living with her cold and abusive mom, she believes that once her conscience is uploaded to SCION, she’ll finally be able to start a new life, even if that costs life as she knows it currently (which might be a perk). She finds herself lost and confused when she realizes that her plans are not going the way she wanted, and that’s when she meets Ashir. Having gone through rejection himself, Ashir now seems to have some of the answers that Kali is looking for and together, they’ll work on exposing the truth behind SCION. He has the intelligence and inside knowledge to come up with a great plan, but is he hiding anything? Is he trustworthy?

This book will have you hooked and questioning things from the very first chapter. Ashir and his best friend, Levi, brings in that newfound family feeling that we love so much. We also have the displeasure of meeting Abraham, the man we love to hate and oh boy, you will hate him. But is he really the only enemy?
The author did an incredible job setting up this world, painting the scenes and explaining the plot as we went, without spoiling the mystery. The story is fast paced, with twists and turns that will instigate you and get you rushing for the answers. In a satisfying ending, you will get the answers you were looking for, but it might raise more questions or at least get you thinking.

I couldn’t help but think how great of a movie this would be and I guarantee you, you will want a Reggie in your life!
Now can we just get book 2 already? Thank you!!

Huge thanks to author E.M.Peck for giving me privilege of reading the ARC in exchange of my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely phenomenal book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book follows 20 year old Kali Dal who is expected to undergo the FUSION event, which is the merging of her consciousness with the SCION operating system. When she's mysteriously barred from participating in the FUSION she begins her journey in searching for answers along with the help of a young SCION engineer named Ashir Kamin.
Together they work to expose the secrets of SCION, but Kali soon realizes that the creator, Abraham's, plans for SCION are far more sinister than she could've imagined.
The truth could cost her everything, and may even have her questioning reality itself.

The whole book from beginning to end had me locked in 🔒
Amazing ending with twists and even had me questioning what was real or not 🤔
Absolutely loved me some Reginald 🥞 and Levi 🥲
(IYKYK)
10/10 l highly recommend this book and also recommend supporting the brilliant author!
There's no other option than to go and grab a copy to read!

[Angie Frakes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to E. M. Peck for gifting me a physical ARC of SCION in exchange for an honest review. This was my first ever physical ARC, and it will remain very special to me!

SCION was a wild ride from start to finish. I read it in 3 days, and I couldn’t read it fast enough! SCION is a masterful look into the consequences of relying too heavily on AI, and what can happen when someone with psychopathic tendencies is given unchecked and unrestrained power in society. It will make you question reality, and whether what you are seeing and experiencing is, in fact, real. The real-life implications of becoming too dependent on AI and technology are on full display in this book. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in delving into the dark side of AI, dystopian technology/AI-based science fiction, or who is a fan of The Matrix series.

[Tiberius · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tightly paced, well constructed sci-fi thriller that balances intrigue, and tension with remarkable ease. Lots of good craft on display here. The world-building is solid and immersive throughout, with exposition that unfolds logically and accessibly.
One of Scion’s standout features is its philosophical dimension, which is explored well through the perspective of its three main characters.
Peck navigates shifting identities and reality-warping questions with a deft touch, grounding the more cerebral themes in the
characters’ emotional truths. A great narrative approach.
All in all, a breezy, entertaining read that poses some interesting philosophical questions that linger in the mind long after you’ve put the book down. It’s thoughtful without
being ponderous. Packed with action but never shallow. Well worth a read!

[P.K. Daze · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met @e.m.peck_books via Instagram and instantly became a fan of his dark horror shorts so was very interested to see how his Science Fiction held up. Especially as it has been garnering fab reviews.

SCION depicts the gritty future city of Caros where hyper-connectedness, opiate addiction, surveillance and the old elites clinging onto power have reached their extreme. The story is an exciting ride told with the paranoia of Phillip K Dick and William Gibson through the points of view of the three main characters (Kali, Ashir and Abraham). Plus a great supporting cast and a cute robot sidekick who all play their part in answering the question of what is SCION, and why is it written in Ashir and Kali’s destiny?

SCION is fast-paced and action packed and will leave you wanting the next instalment, as well as questioning why do we cling on to old traditions and systems? 5/5

[P.S. Devi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great debut novel, and I see so much potential in the author's future works! The entire story had me guessing, and the plot twist(s) at the end were a wonderful setup for the sequel. The science/tech aspects were digestible, so I'd recommend this to anyone who's just starting to get into sci-fi. I also loved the psychological thriller aspect that was added to this book! While the pacing was a bit slow at the beginning due to all the setup that was happening, I finished the second half of the book in one sitting---those last hundred pages put me close to tears several times over.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scion by EM Peck takes us to a cyberpunk dystopia with a flavour all its own. Peck crafts a mystery built into the functions of his world that gets more intriguing and horrific the deeper you go. A story told from three wildly different perspectives Scion pulls you along deeper and deeper towards a dark truth that truly had me on the edge of my seat. An introspective novel that looks into the mind, the depths of human needs and depravity. Well worth the read!

[Tri✿ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is all cyberpunk, psychological, and twisty. The story follows Kali, who’s denied entry into a world where tech and humanity merge—and that rejection sets off a chain of secrets, betrayals, and a chilling look at what happens when AI takes the wheel.

It kept me guessing, with each reveal hitting harder than the last. Dark, fast-paced, full of intriguing side characters, and with an ending that hints at more to come—it’s definitely one to check out.

[Rob Mortell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I tore through this book – absolutely loved it. SCION is one of those novels that I want to read again to see if there was anything I missed. Kali was a great character, and Abraham was downright evil. I'm still thinking about the ending. This is one of those indie gems that deserves to be read by more people. Read it!

[Denton Amey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Very well written! Keeps you wanting to read more and more till you get the end! If you are a fan of dystopian novels but looking for a new fresh spin on the subject this book is for you! I promise that you will finish quickly and not regret a single second! Enjoy!

[Madeline Eberle · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Overall good story line. Suspenseful and full of mystery in a dystopian world. The strong language and sexual violence were a turn-off for me. However, looking forward to next book in the series!

[A Turtle · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75/5

Great world building, unique but not overdone. Exciting plot progression and pace. Writing was well done and characters felt meaningful and interactions felt relatable. Interesting relationship development between Kali & Ashir.

Love my boy Reggie, what a dude.

[Brigit (Cosy.horror.corner) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very thought-bending dystopian future meets high-stakes action and psychological thrills. I enjoyed some of the philosophical perspectives of this unique world, and even the dystopian atmospheric contrast of slums against high-tech districts, and the fear of existing with any kind of disability or incompatibility outside the eye of SCION. I found some of the concepts highly technical, so it was an aspect of unsuitability for me personally. I found some of the writing slightly repetitive, and it was difficult to connect with Kali. I am an outlier in how this book has been received, so I definitely recommend trying it out for yourself, especially considering I'm typically a horror gal! I should also say I absolutely adore that cover