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Nanite Evolution
Readers' Choice Book Awards Finalist - Science Fiction 2025 – Nanite Evolution
In a galaxy where the super-rich wield absolute power, star systems are commodities, and family names signify dominance, the enigmatic Dunk family has ambitions for even more. But the Dunk's plan could reshape the cosmos and destroy the Independent Earth-founded colonies before anyone really understands what's happening.
Blayden Dunk, the heir apparent of the Dunk family dynasty, is launching his cutting-edge space yacht—a fusion of luxury and nerd gaming showpiece—and finds himself in a dangerous situation. The yacht, plagued by malfunctioning systems, collides with a freighter and performs an emergency jump, leaving both vessels stranded amidst the stars. The crash releases experimental nanites—tiny machines with unforeseen capabilities. Instead of behaving in expected ways, the nanites suddenly make a dangerous situation even worse. Suddenly, Blayden and his guests are stranded, and the group's survival hinges on turning the nanites into allies.
Cher is a spy for her independent colony, searching for details of the Dunk plan. Working to protect her planet and learn the Dunk secrets, Cher discovers someone else is also trying to track down the details of the Dunks' plan, which makes her wonder whether they're a friend or enemy and how the missing yacht factors in.
When Blayden returns in a freighter instead of his yacht and the nanites are revealed, Cher and other interested parties must alter their plans and improvise quickly.
But who controls these powerful constructs, and what was their intent? Are the nanites the ultimate tools for construction, salvation for humanity, or an unstoppable weapon poised to alter the balance of power?
In a galaxy where the super-rich wield absolute power, star systems are commodities, and family names signify dominance, the enigmatic Dunk family has ambitions for even more. But the Dunk's plan could reshape the cosmos and destroy the Independent Earth-founded colonies before anyone really understands what's happening.
Blayden Dunk, the heir apparent of the Dunk family dynasty, is launching his cutting-edge space yacht—a fusion of luxury and nerd gaming showpiece—and finds himself in a dangerous situation. The yacht, plagued by malfunctioning systems, collides with a freighter and performs an emergency jump, leaving both vessels stranded amidst the stars. The crash releases experimental nanites—tiny machines with unforeseen capabilities. Instead of behaving in expected ways, the nanites suddenly make a dangerous situation even worse. Suddenly, Blayden and his guests are stranded, and the group's survival hinges on turning the nanites into allies.
Cher is a spy for her independent colony, searching for details of the Dunk plan. Working to protect her planet and learn the Dunk secrets, Cher discovers someone else is also trying to track down the details of the Dunks' plan, which makes her wonder whether they're a friend or enemy and how the missing yacht factors in.
When Blayden returns in a freighter instead of his yacht and the nanites are revealed, Cher and other interested parties must alter their plans and improvise quickly.
But who controls these powerful constructs, and what was their intent? Are the nanites the ultimate tools for construction, salvation for humanity, or an unstoppable weapon poised to alter the balance of power?
402 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 20, 2025
3 people want to read
About the author
B.D. Murphy
8 books12 followersB.D. Murphy started writing when the world hit pause—and he hasn’t stopped since. He’s the kind of author who sees a mystery in every machine, a plot twist in every algorithm, and a story hiding in your Wi-Fi signal. With a brain wired for engineering and a heart full of curiosity, Murphy crafts sci-fi that’s clever, sneaky, and just a little bit subversive. If you like techy thrillers, real-talk characters, and endings that make you say “wait, WHAT?”—he’s your guy.
Awards:
Feathered Quill first place – Science Fiction 2025 – Sidney and Watson
Readers' favorite Silver 5-star winner – Science Fiction 2023 – Pandemic Hacker
Readers’ Choice Book Awards Finalist - Science Fiction 2025 – Nanite Evolution
https://amazon.com/author/bdmurphy
Awards:
Feathered Quill first place – Science Fiction 2025 – Sidney and Watson
Readers' favorite Silver 5-star winner – Science Fiction 2023 – Pandemic Hacker
Readers’ Choice Book Awards Finalist - Science Fiction 2025 – Nanite Evolution
https://amazon.com/author/bdmurphy
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
June 16, 2025
Nanite Evolution is a gritty and high-octane sci-fi novel that drops readers into a corrupt and hyper-commercialized galaxy where power, technology, and greed intersect with deadly consequences. The story revolves around the Dunk family empire, their ruthless expansionist goals, and the chaotic chain of events triggered by an advanced jump-drive yacht, corporate infighting, and a botched space collision. Through layered plots involving bodyguards, covert agents, advanced nanotechnology, and a bleakly humorous take on corporate culture, the novel unfolds with tension, dark satire, and surprising depth.
The writing grabbed me right from the start with its snappy dialogue and unexpected Australian lingo—Captain Nguyen's “koala on a pogo stick” quips gave me a chuckle in a bleak universe. The pacing can be wild—one moment you're neck-deep in political posturing, the next you’re in zero-g blood and guts. But that’s also part of the book’s charm. The characters, especially Oscar and Shamika, stand out against a sea of egotistical executives and sociopaths. Oscar, the underestimated tech guy, feels like the moral heart in a world devoid of one. The writing has a raw and unfiltered edge that adds flavor. It's not polished in a classic literary sense, but it has a pulse. And I appreciate that.
Some parts left me feeling twisted up inside. The dehumanizing way the Dunks talk about women—and people in general—is unsettling. It's effective, yes, but it made me loathe these characters with a real gut-level reaction. Blayden is one of the most despicable characters I’ve read in a while, and that's saying something. The darkness in this story is brutal, but it feels earned. Murphy doesn’t shy away from exploring how unchecked power warps people. I found myself needing breaks just to breathe. But then again, isn't that the mark of a powerful story?
Nanite Evolution is sharp, intense, and totally uncompromising. It’s a bold take on futuristic dystopia with a biting sense of humor and a grim view of what humanity could become when profit trumps decency. I’d recommend this to fans of The Expanse, cyberpunk thrillers, or anyone who loves character-driven sci-fi with a heavy dose of social commentary. If you like your sci-fi raw, real, and a little bit savage, this one’s worth the ride.
The writing grabbed me right from the start with its snappy dialogue and unexpected Australian lingo—Captain Nguyen's “koala on a pogo stick” quips gave me a chuckle in a bleak universe. The pacing can be wild—one moment you're neck-deep in political posturing, the next you’re in zero-g blood and guts. But that’s also part of the book’s charm. The characters, especially Oscar and Shamika, stand out against a sea of egotistical executives and sociopaths. Oscar, the underestimated tech guy, feels like the moral heart in a world devoid of one. The writing has a raw and unfiltered edge that adds flavor. It's not polished in a classic literary sense, but it has a pulse. And I appreciate that.
Some parts left me feeling twisted up inside. The dehumanizing way the Dunks talk about women—and people in general—is unsettling. It's effective, yes, but it made me loathe these characters with a real gut-level reaction. Blayden is one of the most despicable characters I’ve read in a while, and that's saying something. The darkness in this story is brutal, but it feels earned. Murphy doesn’t shy away from exploring how unchecked power warps people. I found myself needing breaks just to breathe. But then again, isn't that the mark of a powerful story?
Nanite Evolution is sharp, intense, and totally uncompromising. It’s a bold take on futuristic dystopia with a biting sense of humor and a grim view of what humanity could become when profit trumps decency. I’d recommend this to fans of The Expanse, cyberpunk thrillers, or anyone who loves character-driven sci-fi with a heavy dose of social commentary. If you like your sci-fi raw, real, and a little bit savage, this one’s worth the ride.
Displaying 1 of 1 review