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2080: The Lattice
The year is 2080. Mankind is utterly dependent on AI ... deeply biased AI.
The Lattice, once known as the Internet, has evolved to a point where it carries all five senses – sight, sound, taste, smell and touch – in digital form, making virtual presence indistinguishable from physical reality. This all-senses virtualisation has transformed society.
But it has a dark underbelly too; one that silently erodes the very fabric of human civilisation. Much is at stake, but not everyone acknowledges the risks. Those who profit handsomely from the prejudiced AI have grown immensely powerful, while the ones who oppose it are quietly being hunted down. When activist Lubna Adaké disappears, she sets into motion events that threaten this fraught status quo.
Unaware of the hornet’s nest her mother has stirred, Rudra Adaké sets out to find her, oblivious to the forces at play. It’s only a matter of time before she too becomes a target as her mother did.
From England to India and beyond, Rudra is drawn into a deadly chase – one that would decide the fate of humanity itself.
The Lattice, once known as the Internet, has evolved to a point where it carries all five senses – sight, sound, taste, smell and touch – in digital form, making virtual presence indistinguishable from physical reality. This all-senses virtualisation has transformed society.
But it has a dark underbelly too; one that silently erodes the very fabric of human civilisation. Much is at stake, but not everyone acknowledges the risks. Those who profit handsomely from the prejudiced AI have grown immensely powerful, while the ones who oppose it are quietly being hunted down. When activist Lubna Adaké disappears, she sets into motion events that threaten this fraught status quo.
Unaware of the hornet’s nest her mother has stirred, Rudra Adaké sets out to find her, oblivious to the forces at play. It’s only a matter of time before she too becomes a target as her mother did.
From England to India and beyond, Rudra is drawn into a deadly chase – one that would decide the fate of humanity itself.
458 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 10, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
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February 5, 2026This is not a book review. It is a note about the genesis of this story.
Clearly, artificial intelligence is shaping humanity’s future. The speed with which it is spreading and influencing our actions is already evident. But what if its future trajectory is not what we want it to be? What if the AI systems we rely on become biased—even prejudiced? What if a few individuals end up controlling global AI systems that influence—nay, direct—us? What if the majority of us lose control?
This was the idea that sparked a thought experiment. Added to it was another parallel possibility…
What if the internet evolves to a point where it can transmit all five senses perfectly? Not just audio and vision, as in present-day video conferencing, but every sense—including smell, touch, and taste. That would make virtual presence indistinguishable from physical reality, wouldn’t it?
What then would happen to the institutions of marriage and family if people prefer highly acquiescent and replaceable synthetic individuals over real human partners? What impact would that have on already declining national populations? How would the workplace, shopping, travel, and social interactions change? What new forms would erotica, entertainment, and education take?
These two ideas—the possibility of prejudiced AI and full five-senses virtualization—came together to form the thesis of my new novel, 2080: The Lattice.
Like many sci-fi stories before it, this too is a thought experiment, enriched with elements that make a story relatable: a high-stakes plot, diverse characters, inescapable conflict, shifting intrigue, ever-present danger, and action.
I hope you find this story worth your time.
Clearly, artificial intelligence is shaping humanity’s future. The speed with which it is spreading and influencing our actions is already evident. But what if its future trajectory is not what we want it to be? What if the AI systems we rely on become biased—even prejudiced? What if a few individuals end up controlling global AI systems that influence—nay, direct—us? What if the majority of us lose control?
This was the idea that sparked a thought experiment. Added to it was another parallel possibility…
What if the internet evolves to a point where it can transmit all five senses perfectly? Not just audio and vision, as in present-day video conferencing, but every sense—including smell, touch, and taste. That would make virtual presence indistinguishable from physical reality, wouldn’t it?
What then would happen to the institutions of marriage and family if people prefer highly acquiescent and replaceable synthetic individuals over real human partners? What impact would that have on already declining national populations? How would the workplace, shopping, travel, and social interactions change? What new forms would erotica, entertainment, and education take?
These two ideas—the possibility of prejudiced AI and full five-senses virtualization—came together to form the thesis of my new novel, 2080: The Lattice.
Like many sci-fi stories before it, this too is a thought experiment, enriched with elements that make a story relatable: a high-stakes plot, diverse characters, inescapable conflict, shifting intrigue, ever-present danger, and action.
I hope you find this story worth your time.
February 5, 2026
True to reputation, Raman has delivered another idea-driven novel. While it is a departure from his usual crime fiction, he brings the same sophistication and attention to detail that he is known for.
There are two ideas here. First is about all-encompassing virtual reality that challenges physical reality in its authenticity. The second is mankind becoming addicted to AI, to the extent that humans stop thinking for themselves. These two threads interweave to create a compelling tapestry that has many social and ethical implications - family, marriage, etc. We find that technology has altered many things in the year 2080 - education, travel, erotica, etc. But one thing hasn't changed - greed, ambition and such like that formed the backbone of his crime fiction novels.
I found both the ideation and execution good. The book is thought provoking and makes to you wonder where we are heading with AI. Recommended.
There are two ideas here. First is about all-encompassing virtual reality that challenges physical reality in its authenticity. The second is mankind becoming addicted to AI, to the extent that humans stop thinking for themselves. These two threads interweave to create a compelling tapestry that has many social and ethical implications - family, marriage, etc. We find that technology has altered many things in the year 2080 - education, travel, erotica, etc. But one thing hasn't changed - greed, ambition and such like that formed the backbone of his crime fiction novels.
I found both the ideation and execution good. The book is thought provoking and makes to you wonder where we are heading with AI. Recommended.
February 5, 2026
A fascinating take on where mankind is heading with AI and virtual reality. The implications on society and on individuals are compelling. The story is told with Raman's usual tautness and intrigue. Highly thought provoking. This book needs to be discussed widely.
One of his best creations in my view.
One of his best creations in my view.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews