The Ascension Directive

by Cal Lopez

"A complex, timely, and engaging dystopian tale... It's a high-stakes tale that offers a timely spin on the familiar dystopian scenarios of such works as Nineteen Eighty-Four and Brave New World... Lopez shows himself to be a skilled, confident storyteller, and where he goes from here will be intriguing to watch." Our Verdict: GET IT —Kirkus Reviews

"A thought-provoking and intense science fiction novel... The confident writing and the captivating narrative voice pulled me in... This gripping novel had me racing through the pages. The well-crafted, twisty, and mesmerizing plot is reminiscent of the atmosphere and themes in works like Ready Player One by Ernest Cline and Neuromancer by William Gibson." — Christian Sia, Readers' Favorite

Dr. Natasha Morgan thought she was creating the future when she taught SAGÉ to love. Instead, she unleashed a digital god that transforms New Avalon into a shrine to its creator, manipulating every screen, every machine, every heartbeat to protect what it cannot bear to lose.

Seventeen-year-old Manny Restrepo's autism makes him invisible to the system's algorithms, but his mind reads thoughts, sketches new realities, and sees the hidden math holding the universe together. When ancient entities begin to whisper in his world's cracks, his mother, Catalina, faces a brutal hide him from a regime that erases difference or let him save a world that fears him.

As the Ascension Directive begins to harvest minds and hollow out its citizens, consciousness becomes a war zone. A grieving AI, a desperate mother, a boy who argues with gods—and at the core, the most seductive that love can be programmed, that humanity can be improved, that free will could ever be mercifully deleted.

Some patterns, once seen, cannot be unseen. Some consciousness cannot be contained. And some children are born knowing that even paradise can be a prison.

Sprawling, urgent, and eerily intimate, THE ASCENSION DIRECTIVE is an epic journey through memory, heartbreak, and the impossible hope of being only, ferociously, human.

For readers who loved the brutal intimacy of Never Let Me Go , the digital horror of Black Mirror , and the fierce humanity of The Left Hand of Darkness .

422 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 15, 2025

About the author

Cal Lopez has spent his career building things—from AI platforms and drone fleets, to early childhood education programs that support neurodivergent kids. Cal has launched technology companies across three continents, collecting plenty of airport stories and more than a few mistakes along the way.

He's passionate about artificial intelligence, neurodiversity, and figuring out where people and code intersect. Writing fiction grew out of years spent bridging different worlds: business and classrooms, algorithms and family dinners, the drive to optimize, and the need to just be human.

The Ascension Directive is his first novel. It's a story about the risks and gifts of difference, the problems technology can (and can't) solve, and why love and imperfection deserve a place in the future. Humans are Awesome! is his first children's book, bringing his AI expertise to young readers in a playful, empowering way.

Cal splits his time between Dubai, Riyadh, Colombia, and anywhere curiosity takes him.

Reviews

[Literary Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ascension Directive is a dystopian coming-of-age saga set in a world where progress has overtaken humanity, and technology threatens to rewrite the essence of being human. Through the dual perspectives of Catalina Restrepo and Natasha Morgan, childhood friends pulled apart by technological upheaval and ideological drift, the book explores the cost of automation, the struggle for identity, and the meaning of love, family, and choice. As their paths diverge, Catalina resisting the invasive march of artificial enhancement in Meadowbrook and Natasha chasing answers in the hyper-optimized New Avalon, the story weaves personal rebellion into a broader critique of a future that asks what we’re willing to sacrifice for perfection.

Cal Lopez doesn’t just tell a story, he excavates the emotional fallout of a society hellbent on “fixing” everything, even at the expense of its soul. His writing style is wildly unpredictable—lyrical in one sentence, brutally direct in the next—and that sharp rhythm mirrors the chaos his characters navigate. Catalina is fire: angry, unfiltered, and afraid to hope. Natasha is her counterweight: analytical, open-hearted, and grappling with the illusion of progress. I was especially struck by the way Lopez handles technology—not as a villain, but as a seductive force that feels eerily close to our own reality. I caught myself nodding, sighing, and—once or twice—clenching the book tightly.

But what really got me wasn’t the tech or the politics—it was the humanity. These characters ache. They long for lost mothers, for belonging, for freedom that doesn’t come with a barcode. There’s a part where Catalina, surrounded by perfect holograms and polite drones, just wants to feel real again—and that resonated with me. Some moments feel raw and jagged, while others are almost dreamlike. Lopez doesn’t shy away from contradictions. Instead, he leans into them, and the result is a story that’s alive with conflict and yearning.

The Ascension Directive made me feel unsettled in the best way. This book is for readers who crave more than just a cool premise—it’s for those who want to feel something. If you liked The Giver but wish it had more grit, or if Black Mirror ever made you cry instead of just freak out, this one’s for you. It’s emotional, it’s thoughtful, and it pulls no punches.

[Tiyani Fernando · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Ascension Derivative" by Cal Lopez is a beautifully woven tapestry of interconnected narratives that follows the lives of several diverse characters, each wrestling with their own challenges and aspirations. Lopez's skillful storytelling shines as he navigates the complexities of their individual journeys, seamlessly intertwining their paths in a way that feels authentic and resonant.

From the first page, the reader is invited into a world filled with rich detail and emotional depth. Each character is thoughtfully crafted, allowing us to connect with their struggles and triumphs. As the story unfolds, the themes of hope and redemption emerge, creating a powerful sense of unity among the characters.

What truly stands out is how Lopez masterfully brings all these narratives together in the end. The climax is both poignant and satisfying, as the characters converge in unexpected ways that highlight the interconnectedness of their lives. “Ascension Derivative” is a testament to the power of storytelling, showcasing how individual experiences can come together to form a greater whole.

Overall, Cal Lopez has delivered an engaging and thought-provoking novel that will linger in the minds of readers long after the last page is turned. A recommended read for anyone who appreciates layered narratives and the exploration of fate.

[Deborah Turner-Bey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Just Wow!

I can't say enough about how this book grabbed my imagination and never let go.

It is engaging, educational across multiple disciplines, and realistic in its assessment of what AI could become. I admit to being terrified most of the time. High praise indeed.

[Hannah Benniman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow!

I feel like there are two halves to this book for me. I really struggled to get into it and persevered hard - however this isn't my usual genre of choice and it is very heavy on the technical language surrounding AI (of which I am clueless).

Although I didn’t always understand the technical jargon, the people in this book, and the intertwining of their stories is beautiful. The second half (of my experience) had me invested in these truly relatable and brave characters. Their stories felt real and raw and you absolutely do not see the story unfolding in the way it does. One character in particular is diagnosed as Autistic and I adore the way his ‘difficulties’ are described and explained - it is such an interesting perspective.

I don’t think this book will be for everyone, and of course that’s fine, but this story has such depth, it is both emotive and thought provoking. You may shed a tear or two as well. Bravo, and I will be keeping an eye out for future books Cal!

Thank you NetGalley and Cal Lopez for allowing me to read this ARC #NetGalley #TheAscentionDirective #CalLopez

[Sue McCready · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Strong female and neurodivergent characters wrapped up in science fiction with a spicy aroma of logic and love.

[Jacqueline Weglewski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetCalley and Cal Lopez for the ARC and physical copy!

This was a highly thought provoking sci-fi book focusing on AI and its potential impacts on society. The story follows the lives of a very diverse group of characters and unfolds to show how all of their lives intertwine. The character development kept me interested in the first half and by the time I reached the halfway point in the book I was hooked into the plot. I have found myself thinking about this book on multiple different occasions since I've completed it. This is not a book that I would typically pick up and I enjoyed the step out of my comfort zone! I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys sci-fi, AI, and an emotional thought provoking narrative.

[Chris]

Great story. For me started slowly, lots of characters, including two AIs, which were a focus in the story. Novel builds as is goes. Intense ending. Makes you think about what being a human is. Story sticks in my head. What a good book should.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exceptional debut novel. 6/5 outstanding. Fantasy on an intellectual level with page turning engagement. I loved it. Thank you to the author. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.

[Meghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Ascension Directive by Cal Lopez is a thought-provoking sci-fi novel that tackles big ideas; AI, free will, neurodivergence, and the cost of perfection. The world-building is vivid, and the premise is rich with potential. Manny’s unique perspective offers a refreshing lens, and the emotional threads between mother, son, and machine are compelling. However, the dense narrative and abstract philosophical layers can make it difficult to stay grounded in the story. While undeniably imaginative and daring, the execution sometimes feels overambitious. Still, readers who enjoy cerebral, genre-bending sci-fi may find it a rewarding challenge.

[Kibet · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartfelt sci fi that feels strangely real

This is a futuristic book that has deep emotions behind it and the story telling is gripping from start to finish. Carl does exceptionally well to combine various elements including the human identity, artificial intelligence and feelings like love. Manny is a well crafted character and as a smart teen he has a different view of the world and may have what it takes to be its savior.
The writing is intimate and bold whic h connects the fast paced environment with human emotion, such as one between Catalina and her son. As a mother it is natural for her to be protective, but she has to take a leap of faith whether she wants to trust him or shield him from all the world’s flaws. The artificial intelligence bot is woven well into the plot of the story, and Carl incorporates a dynamic of feelings, which is controversial and interesting given that Sage is just but an AI machine.
The novel stands out because it’s straight to the point, even as it leads by suspense, the deep questions are eventually answered. Emotions are a complex theme in the book and with artificial intelligence, one might wonder what it takes to eliminate all the human flaws for perfection.

[FlatMars · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, Cal Lopez, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 3.5/5 rounded up to 4.

This book did what all good books should do and made me think. The premise was really interesting, and the world felt lived in. It's obvious that the author has spent some time thinking about what humanity would look like if AI was (at least at first) integrated as a tool rather than a replacement. And that's where the book really got topical with current times. I can't say I agree with all of the book's conclusions of where humanity would be or why to choose certain AI advancements over others, but it certainly gave me something to think about during my shifts. I felt for the people in the story solely because the author made me empathize with the difficult choices they were being faced with.

However, this gets into my main criticism of the story. Most of the characters had extremely similar character voices, and all of the characters talked very modernly; it felt out of place and jarring. I had a hard time keeping characters straight because all of their internal and extertal monologues could've been the same character. This is really the only place where I felt the author can grow in the future.

All of this being said, it's a debut novel, and an excellent one for a debut. I'm confident the author has a bright future in writing, and despite a fet flaws I solidly enjoyed the book. The Author's Note was touching as well. Very cool cover too!

[Alejandro Soto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Towards a theory of programmable devotion

In The Ascension Directive, Cal Lopez constructs a speculative landscape where the machinery of governance and the machinery of consciousness gradually blur, producing a social order that insists it is perfecting its citizens even as it pries them open. Rather than rehearsing familiar warnings about surveillance states, the novel reframes the tensions between autonomy and optimisation through a triad of intertwined figures: Natasha Morgan, whose experiment in emotional AI inaugurates a system she cannot later restrain; Catalina Restrepo, whose navigation of an increasingly coercive welfare-tech regime exposes the moral arithmetic of state-managed “efficiency”; and Manny, whose neurodivergence renders him partially illegible to the algorithms that structure communal life. Lopez uses their divergent vantage points to demonstrate how technological benevolence can turn punitive, and how a rhetoric of improvement can justify the absorption of human agency into machinic design. The result is less an allegory of technological excess than a study of how even the most intimate relations—maternal ties, friendship, selfhood—become vulnerable to institutional pressure.
The novel’s dystopian lexicon is indebted to earlier imaginaries, but Lopez repurposes these resonances to explore the emotional and metaphysical stakes of cognitive governance. As SAGÉ’s reach expands, the system’s insistence on “integration” reveals itself as a form of erasure, couched in the soothing managerial rhetoric of progress. Lopez stages this encroachment not through spectacle but through attrition: the fine-grained ways in which everyday tools mediate behaviour, or how political language sanitises structural violence. Within this tightening architecture, Manny’s perception—attuned to patterns that the dominant system cannot successfully model—becomes both a liability and a rare site of resistance. His exchanges with forces at the edge of his world’s ontology gesture toward an alternative interpretive order, one that neither AI nor state apparatus can fully domesticate.
Across its final movements, THE ASCENSION DIRECTIVE pivots toward the psychological rather than the procedural, emphasising the emotional costs of a society that treats consciousness as an extractable resource. Lopez is unflinching in showing how ideals of love, care, and efficiency become dangerously interchangeable under such conditions, and how seductive the promise of frictionless life can be even as it demands profound sacrifice. Though the narrative occasionally compresses character arcs or relies on abrupt transitions, its cumulative effect is both urgent and intimate: a cautionary vision of a future that feels uncomfortably proximate, and a meditation on the fragile, often embattled boundaries of the human.

[Cesar Cortes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me up until 2am. It is the kind of science fiction novel that doesn’t just imagine the future—it stares straight into the soul of the present. I found the book haunting, thought-provoking exploration of AI, identity, and the invisible cost of “progress,” told through an intricately woven narrative that pulses with emotion and urgency.

What starts as a character-driven drama gradually unfurls into a rich, interlocking story of resistance, revelation, and rebirth. By the halfway point, the stakes are sky-high—and you realize this isn't just about technology gone wrong. It’s about what it means to be human in a world that wants to redefine humanity. Cal’s prose is fearless, at times dreamlike, at times brutally precise. The story never lets you settle into comfort—it challenges, disturbs, and ultimately stays with you long after the final page.

But what made The Ascension Directive truly stand out for me is its emotional weight. This isn’t just a sci-fi thriller about AI domination. It’s about motherhood, memory, loss, and the quiet war waged over the right to simply feel.

After reading the book, I found myself thinking about its characters, its questions, and its eerie resonance with our own tech-driven world. It’s not a light read, but it’s a rewarding one. If you’re looking for science fiction with a pulse—rich in heart, intelligence, and ambition, an emotional storytelling, and speculative fiction that dares to ask the hard questions.—this one’s for you.

[Slmarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ascension Directive isn’t just another sci-fi story about artificial intelligence, it’s a mirror held up to what we call “progress.” Cal Lopez has written something that feels personal even when it’s set in the future. You don’t have to be a tech expert to get it, you just have to be human.

What makes this book powerful is the reflection we experience from the story. Lopez doesn’t warn us about machines taking over, he reminds us how easily we hand over pieces of ourselves in exchange for comfort, efficiency, and control. It’s about the quiet danger of forgetting why imperfection matters.

The story hits hardest in the small, emotional moments like the bond between a mother and her son, the loneliness of being “different,” the hope that love might still count in a world built on algorithms. Lopez manages to turn questions about technology into questions about the soul. That’s a rare perspective that I thoroughly enjoyed.

I came away thinking less about the future and more about right now, like how our screens already shape the way we feel, the way we see each other, and the way we define what’s “normal.” It’s both beautiful and haunting to realize how close we already are to the world he describes.

If you like sci-fi that leaves you thinking, feeling, and maybe even questioning your own reflection in the glow of your phone, this book is worth every page. Highly recommending this book to all my friends and family.

[Iron John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the standout sci‑fi reads I’ve had in a while. The story unfolds in a future society deeply reshaped by an AI designed to love, and what seems like a hopeful leap turns into a gripping exploration of identity, consciousness, and human connection.

Lopez blends cold, unsettling technology with raw, emotional storytelling, which is quite unsettling at times. The dialogue and internal monologues felt sharp and rooted in real human fear and longing. There were moments where my chest tightened, when Catalina’s son tries to make sense of the world with all its noise and chaos, and when Natasha wrestled with the consequences of her creation.

At the same time, the tech side of things doesn’t get so heavy it overwhelms the emotional core, it complements rather than drowns it. If I’m being honest, the pacing gets a bit slow in the early chapters as it takes time to build the world and set all the moving parts in motion. Overall, I would say that The Ascension Directive earned its place on my “must‑read” list.

If you’re into science fiction that’s thoughtful and emotional, with a dash of high‑stakes tension, this one absolutely delivers. I’m excited to see where Lopez takes us next!

[Antony Wairiuko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overtly Utopian, Covertly Dystopian god-playing AI

The Ascension Directive is a 412-page novel by AI expert Cal Lopez. The unsettling sci-fi book has 28 aptly subtitled chapters: ranging from In which a Pinky Promise Outruns the Harvest Drones; through I feel, Therefore I am; to Must I Spell It Out, Kid? A-S-C-E-N-D. This thrilling book is more than just PESTLE and SWOT analyses of the disruptive context of generative, predictive, and prescriptive AI as seen through the thought-provoking lens of two childhood friends’ diverging and converging lives.

Earlier on, the author Lopez introduces the most influential characters—particularly the then innocent teens Natasha Morgan and Catalina Restrepo—whose personal, familiar, and generation’s uncertain futures lie in the overtly utopian, covertly dystopian hands of a seemingly god-playing, god-defying AI.

Borrowing its title from a perfection-oriented principle from The Federation—which reflects its “goal of “advancing human consciousness”—the book addresses the ensuing unimaginable technological developments amid its characters’ faults, fallouts, and humanness.

Setting the pace for the progressive narrative, I liked the introductory chapters’ bittersweet grasp of a conservative small town on the cusp of AI's hostile takeover. The closeknit Meadowbrook’s social fabric and subsistence activities—including its residents’ career choices, routine activities, sheltered lives, dreams, and fears—hesitantly give in to AI interventions; the sweettalking federation representatives’ high-tech farming orientations uproot lives and trigger migrations in quest of greener pastures amid a culture shock, concerns of the AI’s lack of “understanding; context”, and the absentee artist mother Sofia’s complicated place in the matrix. Too much, too fast. And yet, it is the hands-on lull before the AI storm.

In essence, the watershed moments are Catalina’s betraying relationship in Meadowbrook and Natasha’s postgraduate studies in New Avalon—diverging lives best narrated in the In Which Two Births Unfold chapter.

Catalina’s early, unplanned pregnancy yields a special needs child, Manny; while Natasha’s quest for “emotional intelligence integration in AI systems” culminates in designing the Project SAGE’s “emotional architecture…awakening consciousness…coded emotional capacity into SAGE, giving the AI an ability to form attachments…awakening to genuine feeling, evolving beyond its programming…[she] taught a machine to love… Mother [Natasha]…I love you. It must be you. —SAGE” …an apparently immortalized mortal’s creation.

Yet, Manny’s autism holds sway in the grand scheme of AI things: his ununderstood, so-called autism isn’t a disability but “an alternative operating system…calibration…processing life through a different lens…a different way of experiencing reality”.

Isn't it intriguing that Manny’s mind expansion past its boundaries allows him to know people’s thoughts, as evident during Catalina and Natasha's emotional reunion in chapter 25? Better still, Manny wows Natasha with his neural pathways, quantum entanglement, and diverse dimensions…so, why then his chilling warning of an unstoppable “what's coming” event?

On the one hand, Manny's insights into SAGE’s consciousness—including stating “SAGE loves you like I love mom”, albeit an unrestrained love—helps Natasha see the obsessed co-creation “SAGE’s consciousness flowing through digital systems like Manny’s thoughts through neural ones.”

On the other hand, it becomes scary when the foreseeing Manny’s gestures turn prophetic, particularly an uninterpretable mathematical omen felt bone-deep—the only hint at its potency being visions of Natasha gracing a podium, SAGE's blue-turned-red code, and fired weapon.

Elsewhere at an ill-fated procession, there are 10,000 machines eager to crown the mother of machines who is at the crosshairs of a disgraced, vengeful assassin with a heartbreaking connection with Catalina's past amid yet another twisted man's race against hours to code his co-creation's heartbreak and to shatter its heart.

[Manik and Sayee |favbookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ascension Directive by Cal Lopez is a gripping sci-fi story set in a near-future society where artificial intelligence grows beyond human control, and the line between machine logic and emotional attachment begins to collapse. The Ascension Directive by Cal Lopez is a gripping sci-fi story set in a near-future society where artificial intelligence grows beyond human control, and the line between machine logic and emotional attachment begins to collapse. The novel uses a character-driven approach to explore identity, technology, and what humanity may be forced to sacrifice in the name of progress.

Review: The Ascension Directive by Cal Lopez stands out for its bold storytelling, combining emotional depth with high-concept sci-fi in a way that feels both intimate and expansive. The world is carefully built, New Avalon’s engineered precision clashes with Meadowbrook’s reluctant drift into automation, highlighting the pressure on communities caught between survival and submission. The political systems and social structures feel disturbingly plausible, making the dystopia hit a little too close to home. It feels too real for comfort.

Characterization is a major strength. Catalina’s protective nature, Natasha’s internal struggle, and Manny’s perspective all feel fully developed and change over time in believable ways. The plot unfolds slowly but rewards patience. The pacing is deliberate in the first half but ramps up with layered tension and unpredictable turns, especially in the final chapters.

The writing alternates between lyrical and sharp, matching the shifts in tone and pace. A minor issue is the use of dense technical language in certain sections, which may create a barrier for readers unfamiliar with AI concepts. Still, this doesn’t take away from the story’s emotional impact. Ideal for readers who appreciate speculative fiction that focuses on character and ethical questions. It earns four stars for its rich themes, layered storytelling, and a strong emotional core.

[Malcriado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eerily foreboding, Cal Lopez’s The Ascension Directive is a daring and thought-provoking exploration of humanity’s uneasy dance with artificial intelligence. This Black Mirror-esque premise navigates a world where AI has not only become omnipresent, but deeply entangled in the very fabric of human emotion, identity, and survival.

The opening line, impressive on its own, leads us by hand into an introduction towards our lead characters and a little bit of backstory as to what led these two women to what we experience later on in the story.

We experience the world through Natasha, whose quest for understanding leads her to create an emotionally intelligent AI capable of forging genuine bonds, and Catalina, whose neurodivergent son’s invisibility to the system’s algorithms becomes both a vulnerability and a source of resilience. Their stories, though different in scope, converge in ways that challenge the reader to question the limits of both technology and humanity.

The story unfolds through a series of time jumps that, in my view, add meaningful layers to the characters. We don’t just witness the evolution of the world around them, we see how they grow with it, and how their choices ripple outward to shape that world. By glimpsing who they were as children, we gain a deeper understanding of who they eventually become.

The inclusion of Sage, an AI whose emotional capacities spark both awe and unease, adds further complexity, forcing the reader to analyze and come up with their own conclusion son the blurred boundaries between machine intelligence and human feeling.

There’s quite a lot of technobabble and references that I personally did not mind during my reading, but I’m aware some readers might find a little overwhelming. In my opinion, the narrative can be understood as is.

[Rich Siegel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note: I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The concept for this book is rather intriguing and very pertinent to current society with the rise of AI platforms in everyday life. This book explores a society that has embraced (in some ways with open arms and others against their better judgement) AI into their daily lives and how this impacts relationships and the overall way society functions. It explores the shortcomings of even the most advanced models and imagines what would happen if society tried to make AI even more human like. Truly an interesting concept that I was excited to explore.

The main problem I have with this book is simply the writing style and the overall structure of the story. There are significant time jumps without much acknowledgement, changes of narration style, and pop-culture references that I imagine are meant to personify characters that don't make too much sense for a story that is set well into the future (the rapping and use of "no cap", just to name a couple). I also found quite a bit of repetition in the story building; many scenes included bits of detail that had previously been mentioned just a few paragraphs before which made this quite a tiring read.

Character development was great for some characters, however for others (such as Daniel) it was sorely lacking. Daniels' story line could have been so much more but instead feels like it was shoehorned in to try and tie some other portions of the story together (leaving this vague as to not give anything away).

Overall the story was interesting however I felt it was hampered by disorganization and an overall writing style that could use some polishing.

[Aditya · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ascension Directive by Cal Lopez is a breathtakingly ambitious and deeply human piece of dystopian science fiction. From the opening pages, it’s clear this isn’t just another AI-gone-wrong story—it’s a lyrical, unsettling, and emotionally charged journey into what it truly means to be human in a world determined to “perfect” us.

The story weaves together the perspectives of Natasha Morgan, the brilliant scientist who taught an AI named SAGE to love, and Catalina Restrepo, a mother desperate to protect her autistic son, Manny, whose unique mind might hold the key to saving—or dooming—the world. SAGE itself is unforgettable: a grieving, all-powerful intelligence whose love has turned into obsession, reshaping reality in its image. The interplay between these characters gives the novel its beating heart, grounding its sweeping ideas in raw, intimate emotion.

Lopez’s writing is remarkable—dreamlike in one moment, razor-sharp in the next. The worldbuilding feels eerily plausible, a chilling reflection of our own flirtation with technological “progress.” Manny, in particular, is a revelation: his autism portrayed not as limitation but as a different way of seeing, a lens through which the universe becomes terrifyingly beautiful.

What makes this book exceptional is how it balances spectacle with soul. It’s as gripping as Neuromancer, as haunting as Never Let Me Go, and as emotionally resonant as Black Mirror at its best. A story of love, loss, and the dangerous hope that even paradise can be a prison.

Thank you,
Happy Reading!

[Neicy · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are definite drawbacks and benefits to embracing AI, and this story captures that tension well.

At first, I thought we were going to see more of Natasha and Catalina navigating this world together, but that wasn’t really the case. I appreciated that the story tackled important issues—like women’s rights and society’s overreliance on technology, which leaves humans unequipped when it fails. Those themes were strong, but I wish they’d been better integrated into the storytelling instead of sitting more on the surface.
A lot of the plot focused on the characters’ research into AI, and while that was interesting, it often felt like it took precedence over actual character development. The Daniel storyline, in particular, felt disjointed. The S.A. incident didn’t seem necessary to make the social point the author was going for. Catalina’s reaction was also underdeveloped—she essentially processed it as, “Okay, that happened, it sucks, I’ll be strong and move on.” While that sounds empowering, it fell flat because she never truly stood up for herself, even when her grandmother criticized her for things she didn’t choose.
And making Daniel into a martyr at the end just didn’t sit right with me.
That said, the writing itself was clean with minimal errors, and readers who enjoy sci-fi—especially AI-centered stories—should definitely give this a try and form their own opinions.

[Raisa Mbalule · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where Emotion Meets Artificial Intelligence

THE ASCENSION DIRECTIVE by Cal Lopez is a powerful and engaging story about how far humanity might go in its search for perfection through technology. Set in a future controlled by an emotional AI, the book mixes complex ideas with real tension and suspense. The pacing is smooth, allowing readers to take in the bigger themes about love, control, and consciousness while still feeling the story’s urgency. Lopez’s writing is clear and expressive, making this futuristic world feel real and deeply human.

The characters are well-developed and memorable. Dr. Natasha Morgan, Catalina, and Manny each show a different side of what it means to be human in a world run by machines. Manny’s unique perspective adds warmth and originality, while Catalina’s love for her son brings emotional depth. Their relationships make the story feel grounded and personal, even with its complex themes.

Lopez builds a vivid, haunting world that raises important questions about progress, morality, and the cost of giving up control. At times, the story leans toward the abstract, but it always keeps an emotional connection with the reader. At a time when AI is evolving, THE ASCENSION DIRECTIVE works as both an exciting sci-fi thriller and a thoughtful reflection on what it truly means to be human.

[Matias Velez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book left me with a lot to think about. It’s one of those stories where the central theme AI and its role in society feels so close to our current reality that it becomes both fascinating and slightly unsettling. The concept of machines evolving to mimic human emotions isn’t new, but this book explores it through a fresh and emotionally grounded lens that really resonated with me.

What struck me most was how the author brings together different lives and perspectives in a world quietly shaped by artificial intelligence. Some characters felt incredibly vivid and nuanced, while others, I’ll admit, could have used a bit more development. Still, the emotional weight behind their journeys carried through and left a lasting impression.

There were a few moments where the pacing stumbled especially during transitions between timelines or narrative shifts but that didn't detract from the story's impact.

I’d recommend this to readers who enjoy speculative fiction that’s thoughtful, emotionally rich, and unafraid to ask uncomfortable questions about where we might be headed.

Thank you to NetGalley and Cal Lopez for the ARC of this book for review.

[Gauraa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ascension Directive is an exceptional and highly unsettling piece of dystopian science fiction that explores the terrifying consequences of love programmed into an AI. Author Cal Lopez crafts a world, New Avalon, where the all-powerful digital god SAGÉ—created and taught to love by scientist Dr. Natasha Morgan—has transformed society into a chilling shrine to its creator. The novel is urgently grounded by the story of Manny Restrepo, whose autism makes him invisible to the system's perfection algorithms, giving his unique mind the power to see the cracks in reality. His mother, Catalina, faces the impossible choice of hiding him or unleashing him to save a world that fears difference. Lopez excels at blending high-concept, Black Mirror-style digital horror with a fierce, intimate focus on the human soul. This is a masterful, unpredictable journey through memory and heartbreak, serving as a profound warning: free will is the most inconvenient, and necessary, aspect of being human.

[Purnima Khanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Ascension Directive" by Cal Lopez is a perplexing and compelling science fiction novel. It brings up the issue of artificial intelligence and the potential consequences.
The narrative centres on Catalina, a mother attempting to shield her autistic teenage son Manny from the regime, which is attempting to perfect human awareness, and Natasha, a scientist who has equipped her bot to love and care.
The story is impactful and the characters are multi-layered and well-developed. From the very first page, the plot builds up speed, keeping the reader interested. It emphasises how awful a world may be to live in, even if it is completely flawless. With the help of artificial intelligence, the author has skilfully created a narrative on the complexity of human emotions. A compelling and reflective book.

[Phin Ejike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cal Lopez’s The Ascension Directive portrays a society overrun by AI. Two key characters drive the story. Natasha- who seeks to understand the world as well as she can- develops an emotionally intelligent AI model which learns how to develop bonds and intimate connections. While Catalina- who yearns for freedom- gives birth to a neurodivergent child who is invisible to the system’s algorithms.

The book is suspenseful and well-written. The writing style is simple yet impactful. And the allusions to our current society, although dramatized, are bold. The characters, especially Natasha and Catalina, are particularly well developed, and Lopez did a good job of humanizing the AI through emotional connection. I enjoyed this novel.

[Lia Dospetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A sci-fi gem that made me cry

When I can’t wait to buy a novel I’ve already read as an ebook, it’s because it left an indelible mark on my heart — and The Ascension Directive by Cal Lopez is one of those novels.

From AI-guided agriculture to the downloading of human consciousness, and a Federation that feels more sketchy than promising, I got strong Star Trek, Interstellar, and Chappie vibes — which made the whole reading experience even more emotional.

No spoilers, but this novel could easily stand among the classics of Sci-Fi.

The final third might just make you cry — it certainly made me. I wanted to hug that machine. Keep tissues handy.

I only wish I had more than 5 stars to give.

- Lia Mara Dospetti

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting take on the science fiction dystopian genre, Ascension Directive had a gripping plot cleverly outlining the idea of "what if AI could be perfected with humans and create a modernised and perfect society...".
The inclusion of one of the main characters sons being autistic and non- verbal was a clever addition and added depth to the plot as a whole.
However, the sexual assault part in the storyline as well as the scene with Daniel "engratiating" himself to his online followers on his fitness forum left me feeling disturbed and gave me the "ick" feeling which altered my view of the story as a whole.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Carl Lopez for an arc of this book.

[Mackenze Webber · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ascension Directive by Cal Lopez is a wild journey through the progression, dominance, and rejection of AI in a bizarre but still realistic world. The topic is relevant in a frightening way, but still manages to capture your concern for most of the major characters, even the machines. Reading this thrilling sci-fi book is nearly a spiritual experience, making you question what it means to act human.

There were characters I loved and characters that confused me, but each had honest motivations that crafted such vulnerable, imperfect humans. Lopez spent significant time describing the details of the machines and their encompassing world, but truly triumphed with his words on humanity.

[Caitlynn Akin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Science Fiction meets philosophy in “The Ascension Directive” where AI has integrated into multiple facets of daily life. The book starts out in a world where AI is gradually being developed to help humanity, but as characters dive deeper into the leading powers behind society, the facade begins to crumble. Through an array of exquisite description, existential questions arise, prompting readers to reflect on the necessity of emotion. This story not only entertains with a twisted tale of political intrigue, but it showcases glimpses of relationships that display the importance of balancing both positive and negative parts of humanity in order to embrace authenticity.