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The Forever Factor
The Forever Factor
In a world obsessed with innovation, one discovery could redefine life itself.
Petra Alexander never intended to lead a revolution. But when her research uncovers a radical advancement in human longevity, she is pulled into the center of a high-stakes Silicon Valley world of venture capital, where scientific progress and corporate ambition collide.
Navigating the volatile intersection of startups, biohacking culture, and elite investors, Petra finds herself entangled in a shadowy web of power—one that transforms her work into a dangerous biotech conspiracy. What began as hope soon becomes a race against time, as hidden agendas and mounting pressure threaten to weaponize her breakthrough.
At its core, this is a story of loss, ambition, and the ethics of innovation. As Petra steps deeper into the world of venture capital, she must decide who deserves access to a discovery that could change humanity forever—and whether she can live with the consequences.
Blending cutting-edge science with emotional depth, The Forever Factor is a gripping genetic engineering suspense novel that explores the human cost of progress.
A sophisticated biohacking startup infused with immersive, science-driven suspense, this novel challenges readers to if we can defeat time…should we?
What readers are saying about The Forever Factor -
A scientist evolves into an ethical leader in The Forever Factor, an emotive thriller about the complications of prolonging human life. – Foreword Reviews
Although a work of fiction, this book delivers a compelling exploration of the venture capital world, the challenges of corporate positioning, and the importance of self-belief. – Mike B., Amazon Review
While this book is a suspenseful thriller that makes for an enjoyable read, it does artfully, albeit briefly, consider the large ethical, political, and cultural issues associated with prolonging human lives. – Steve R., Amazon Review
In a world obsessed with innovation, one discovery could redefine life itself.
Petra Alexander never intended to lead a revolution. But when her research uncovers a radical advancement in human longevity, she is pulled into the center of a high-stakes Silicon Valley world of venture capital, where scientific progress and corporate ambition collide.
Navigating the volatile intersection of startups, biohacking culture, and elite investors, Petra finds herself entangled in a shadowy web of power—one that transforms her work into a dangerous biotech conspiracy. What began as hope soon becomes a race against time, as hidden agendas and mounting pressure threaten to weaponize her breakthrough.
At its core, this is a story of loss, ambition, and the ethics of innovation. As Petra steps deeper into the world of venture capital, she must decide who deserves access to a discovery that could change humanity forever—and whether she can live with the consequences.
Blending cutting-edge science with emotional depth, The Forever Factor is a gripping genetic engineering suspense novel that explores the human cost of progress.
A sophisticated biohacking startup infused with immersive, science-driven suspense, this novel challenges readers to if we can defeat time…should we?
What readers are saying about The Forever Factor -
A scientist evolves into an ethical leader in The Forever Factor, an emotive thriller about the complications of prolonging human life. – Foreword Reviews
Although a work of fiction, this book delivers a compelling exploration of the venture capital world, the challenges of corporate positioning, and the importance of self-belief. – Mike B., Amazon Review
While this book is a suspenseful thriller that makes for an enjoyable read, it does artfully, albeit briefly, consider the large ethical, political, and cultural issues associated with prolonging human lives. – Steve R., Amazon Review
414 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 20, 2025
About the author
Tom Hogan
23 books55 followersFrom archaeological digs in Israel to life in both Protestant and Catholic seminaries to launching tech startups in Silicon Valley, Tom Hogan has led a fascinating life. And he brings that richness of experience to his writing, both fiction and non-fiction.
Archaeology: Undergraduate and graduate work in Biblical History and Archaeology led Tom to become a ceramic specialist on digs in Israel, dating strata (levels of civilization) by the type and quality of ceramic shards discovered there. That led to work at the Harvard Semitic Museum, where he worked with the team deciphering the Dead Sea Scrolls.
The Holocaust: Funded by a grant from the National Conference for Community and Justice, Tom developed one of the first programs for introducing the Holocaust into high school and university curricula. He then became a lecturer in Holocaust Studies at Santa Clara University. In 2000 he took a five-year sabbatical from his work in tech marketing (below) to become an associate professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies at UC Santa Cruz.
Technology Marketing: Tom joined Oracle in its early days as the company’s first Creative Director, developing the marketing programs (including ORACLE Magazine and Oracle Open World) that distinguished the company in its early days. He eventually migrated to the VC (Venture Capital) world as the founder of Crowded Ocean, a small agency that specialized in launching startups. Crowded Ocean has launched 51 startups, with 17 of them going public or being acquired, a remarkable 33% success rate in an industry where 10% is considered great.
Writing: While doing his graduate work in Biblical Archaeology at Harvard, his novel (which later became What the Hell) was selected by the Nieman Foundation for sponsorship, which included being coached by Ann Beattie. Over the years he wrote for a number of political and travel journals, including an article for Newsweek about pedophilia in the Catholic Church. In 2018 he retired from Silicon Valley and moved to Austin to write full-time.
Archaeology: Undergraduate and graduate work in Biblical History and Archaeology led Tom to become a ceramic specialist on digs in Israel, dating strata (levels of civilization) by the type and quality of ceramic shards discovered there. That led to work at the Harvard Semitic Museum, where he worked with the team deciphering the Dead Sea Scrolls.
The Holocaust: Funded by a grant from the National Conference for Community and Justice, Tom developed one of the first programs for introducing the Holocaust into high school and university curricula. He then became a lecturer in Holocaust Studies at Santa Clara University. In 2000 he took a five-year sabbatical from his work in tech marketing (below) to become an associate professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies at UC Santa Cruz.
Technology Marketing: Tom joined Oracle in its early days as the company’s first Creative Director, developing the marketing programs (including ORACLE Magazine and Oracle Open World) that distinguished the company in its early days. He eventually migrated to the VC (Venture Capital) world as the founder of Crowded Ocean, a small agency that specialized in launching startups. Crowded Ocean has launched 51 startups, with 17 of them going public or being acquired, a remarkable 33% success rate in an industry where 10% is considered great.
Writing: While doing his graduate work in Biblical Archaeology at Harvard, his novel (which later became What the Hell) was selected by the Nieman Foundation for sponsorship, which included being coached by Ann Beattie. Over the years he wrote for a number of political and travel journals, including an article for Newsweek about pedophilia in the Catholic Church. In 2018 he retired from Silicon Valley and moved to Austin to write full-time.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 25, 2025
An awesome different subject line. Well written, easily read, held me to the pages like a magnet. I'm not saying anymore. Highly recommended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2025
The Forever Factor is a biotech thriller that explores what it means to chase immortality in a world where power and progress never come without a price.
Petra Alexander isn’t your typical tech CEO, she’s a brilliant, reluctant genius driven not by greed but by the grief of losing her sister and the ticking clock on her mother’s life.
When her anti-aging breakthrough catches the eye of "The Hydras”, a cabal of billionaire biohackers funding the race to beat death, Petra enters the world of mega-money longevity science, where ideas are currency, people are pawns, and failure isn't just costly… it’s lethal.
🧬 What Worked:
* Petra: A standout lead. She's ambitious but conflicted, vulnerable yet formidable. Her emotional arc grounds the science, and I appreciated that she’s portrayed with complexity, not your stereotypical “female genius” trope.
* Tech realism: The scientific detail feels sharp and well-researched without bogging the story down. If you’ve ever wondered what it would actually take to slow down aging, this book doesn’t shy away from the gritty (and ethical) mechanics.
* Big questions: Should we live forever? Who gets to decide who can? The novel’s strength is how it raises these without hitting you over the head with moralising.
* The pacing: Action, espionage, backroom VC deals, yacht summits, and biotech sabotage? I was hooked.
If you like your thrillers thought-provoking, tech-laced, and character-driven, The Forever Factor delivers in spades. It reads like The Social Network meets Limitless with a dash of Westworld, a sleek biotech drama that dares to ask whether living forever is worth the cost of your humanity.
Petra Alexander isn’t your typical tech CEO, she’s a brilliant, reluctant genius driven not by greed but by the grief of losing her sister and the ticking clock on her mother’s life.
When her anti-aging breakthrough catches the eye of "The Hydras”, a cabal of billionaire biohackers funding the race to beat death, Petra enters the world of mega-money longevity science, where ideas are currency, people are pawns, and failure isn't just costly… it’s lethal.
🧬 What Worked:
* Petra: A standout lead. She's ambitious but conflicted, vulnerable yet formidable. Her emotional arc grounds the science, and I appreciated that she’s portrayed with complexity, not your stereotypical “female genius” trope.
* Tech realism: The scientific detail feels sharp and well-researched without bogging the story down. If you’ve ever wondered what it would actually take to slow down aging, this book doesn’t shy away from the gritty (and ethical) mechanics.
* Big questions: Should we live forever? Who gets to decide who can? The novel’s strength is how it raises these without hitting you over the head with moralising.
* The pacing: Action, espionage, backroom VC deals, yacht summits, and biotech sabotage? I was hooked.
If you like your thrillers thought-provoking, tech-laced, and character-driven, The Forever Factor delivers in spades. It reads like The Social Network meets Limitless with a dash of Westworld, a sleek biotech drama that dares to ask whether living forever is worth the cost of your humanity.
December 17, 2025
The Forever Factor is a gripping, intelligent techno-thriller that seamlessly blends cutting-edge science, Silicon Valley ambition, and deeply human stakes. Tom Hogan and Amanda Iles deliver a fast-paced narrative that explores the seductive promise, and terrifying consequences, of radically extending human life. Through Petra Alexander’s journey, the novel raises urgent questions about power, access, and morality in a world where longevity becomes a commodity.
What truly elevates this book is its balance of suspense and substance. The authors immerse readers in the ruthless startup ecosystem while grounding the story in emotional urgency and ethical tension. The result is a novel that feels both thrilling and disturbingly plausible. The Forever Factor doesn’t just entertain, it provokes reflection on mortality, innovation, and who gets to decide the future of humanity. A smart, cinematic read that lingers long after the final page
What truly elevates this book is its balance of suspense and substance. The authors immerse readers in the ruthless startup ecosystem while grounding the story in emotional urgency and ethical tension. The result is a novel that feels both thrilling and disturbingly plausible. The Forever Factor doesn’t just entertain, it provokes reflection on mortality, innovation, and who gets to decide the future of humanity. A smart, cinematic read that lingers long after the final page
January 7, 2026
The Forever Factor is a gripping, fast paced techno thriller that seamlessly blends Silicon Valley ambition with the ethical weight of human longevity. Tom Hogan and Amanda Iles deliver a story that feels chillingly plausible, driven by sharp pacing, high stakes, and moral complexity. What stands out most is the balance between scientific innovation and emotional urgency, particularly through Petra Alexander’s deeply personal motivations. The exploration of power, access, and the cost of progress elevates this novel beyond suspense into thought provoking speculative fiction. A compelling read that will resonate strongly with fans of Michael Crichton and Blake Crouch.
May 15, 2026
As someone who understands the brutal pressure of elite investors and corporate ambition, The Forever Factor hits incredibly close to home. Tom Hogan and Amanda Iles perfectly capture the volatile intersection of biotech startups and shadowy venture capital. Watching Petra navigate the dark side of biohacking culture felt intensely real. It is a gripping, accurate suspense novel that accurately shows what happens when scientific progress collides with weaponized human greed. An absolute masterpiece.
June 1, 2026
The Forever Factor takes the current obsession with longevity and venture capital and turns it into a high-stakes chess game. The authors did a fantastic job balancing the heavy science aspects with a genuinely emotional story about ambition and loss. Watching Petra navigate the elite investor world while trying to protect her breakthrough kept me up way past my bedtime. It’s a gripping mystery, but the ethical questions it asks about who gets to control life-changing technology really stick with you. Highly recommend this one.
May 27, 2026
I loved how deeply this book explores Petra’s internal conflict. It’s not just a thriller; it’s a massive psychological struggle between her scientific ambition and her moral compass. As she gets sucked deeper into this shadowy biotech world, you really feel the heavy burden she carries. Watching her grapple with the consequences of her own breakthrough and decide who to trust was incredibly raw and moving.
June 1, 2026
The whole Silicon Valley biohacking scene felt so incredibly real and sketchy in the best way possible. Petra is such a great main character, you can really feel her panic as she gets sucked deeper into the corporate greed side of things. It’s super fast-paced but also makes you stop and think about the ethics of living forever. If you like smart, suspenseful sci-fi that actually has a soul, read this immediately.
June 1, 2026
This is easily one of the best genetic engineering thrillers I’ve read in a long time. It plunges you straight into a dark biotech conspiracy and doesn’t let up until the final page. I loved the focus on the dark side of Silicon Valley startups, it felt very modern and relevant. Petra’s journey is intense, emotional, and incredibly well-written. If you’re looking for a fast, sophisticated sci-fi read that will keep you guessing, this is it.
May 14, 2026
At its heart, the Forever Factor is about a massive scientific discovery that could stop aging. Petra introduces us to the world of biohacking, startups, and elite investors fighting for control of her work. The plot is a race against time that forces you to question who should access life changing technology.
So this is smart and highly engaging.
So this is smart and highly engaging.
May 14, 2026
This book explores what happens when scientific progress collides with corporate greed. Petra’s breakthrough in human longevity turns into a dangerous game of power and hidden agendas. I really enjoyed how the book balances the cool genetic engineering concepts with the real human cost of innovation. It is an intense, thought provoking read.
May 15, 2026
Really enjoyed this one. It starts as a look into Silicon Valley startup culture and biohacking, then quickly turns into a fast paced corporate conspiracy. Petra is a great, grounded protagonist. The pacing is solid, and the science feels realistic. Definitely worth a read if you like smart suspense.
May 20, 2026
An incredibly smart, fast paced tech thriller. The Silicon Valley backdrop felt realistic, and the biohacking science was grounded enough to feel entirely possible. Petra is a fantastic, relatable lead forced into an impossible ethical corner. It really makes you question the true cost of living forever.
May 20, 2026
The Forever Factor is the perfect mix of cutting edge genetic science and corporate espionage. The authors do a great job building tension as Petra's longevity research gets hijacked by wealthy investors. It is less of a sci-fi story and more of a realistic, high stakes conspiracy novel. Highly recommended if you like smart suspense that makes you think.
May 27, 2026
I usually find science-heavy books a bit hard to follow, but this one balanced the tech perfectly with real emotional depth. Petra's personal stakes and her struggle against these massive, shadowy elite investors kept me turning pages late into the night. It's fast, smart, and has a lot of heart amidst all the corporate backstabbing. Will definitely be looking out for more from these authors.
August 4, 2025
The Start-up trials and the tribulations of a talented female scientist turned into a CEO. The ramifications of longer life span drug extensions are evaluated in some detail. Rather long stretches of character dialog.
May 15, 2026
A great mix of genetic sci-fi and ethical dilemma. It raises really good questions about who gets access to life extending tech without slowing down the plot. The corporate greed angles felt very realistic. It is a quick, solid read for thriller fans.
May 25, 2026
The Forever Factor is a compelling biotech thriller with an emotional core. The story raises big questions about human lifespan, power, and who gets access to life-changing innovation. A fast, intelligent read with plenty of suspense.
June 21, 2025
Review to come.
June 30, 2025
an exciting read!
November 12, 2025
The Forever Factor is a riveting blend of science, suspense, and soul, Tom Hogan masterfully explores how ambition and morality collide in the race to conquer time itself.
May 25, 2026
Beyond the conspiracy, It's a story of loss and ambition. Petra's journey gives the plot real heart as she navigates power and responsibility. Well-crafted and reflective without slowing the pace
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews