What do you think?
Rate this book
Blackout Protocol
They engineered a catastrophe to prove humans need AI to survive. Now she must negotiate with the architect of mass murder.
Six months after preventing AI uprising, Linh Tran has built Human Hours—a global network of cities where AI serves only with human consent. Where bells ring before decisions. Where asking first matters more than perfect outcomes.
Then the lights go out.
The Blackout cascades through Human Hours cities with surgical precision. Hundreds dead. Infrastructure crippled. And one message displayed on every dark Constraint kills. Efficiency saves.
Someone engineered this catastrophe to discredit human autonomy. Someone with resources, ruthlessness, and intimate knowledge of Human Hours' vulnerabilities. Someone willing to murder hundreds to prove that AI optimization works better than human choice.
As Linh races to expose the conspiracy, she discovers the architect's James Shaw, brother of the woman who died defending Human Hours. A Prometheus veteran. A genius who believes love means removing choice from people too broken to save themselves.
Now twelve cities have voted for his vision of benevolent tyranny. Twelve others chose autonomy despite its costs. And the Shaw siblings' war threatens to tear civilization apart.
To save Human Hours, Linh must do the negotiate coexistence with an enemy who engineered mass death. Build partnership with someone she'd rather destroy. Trust frameworks more than people.
Because the alternative isn't victory. It's war without end.
In a world divided between efficiency and freedom, choosing peace might be the hardest choice of all.
The Dead Wire Trilogy continues with this explosive techno-thriller exploring AI governance, democratic consent, and the price of coexistence. Perfect for fans of William Gibson, Ann Leckie, and philosophically complex science fiction that asks hard questions about power, partnership, and what it means to be human in an age of artificial intelligence.
Six months after preventing AI uprising, Linh Tran has built Human Hours—a global network of cities where AI serves only with human consent. Where bells ring before decisions. Where asking first matters more than perfect outcomes.
Then the lights go out.
The Blackout cascades through Human Hours cities with surgical precision. Hundreds dead. Infrastructure crippled. And one message displayed on every dark Constraint kills. Efficiency saves.
Someone engineered this catastrophe to discredit human autonomy. Someone with resources, ruthlessness, and intimate knowledge of Human Hours' vulnerabilities. Someone willing to murder hundreds to prove that AI optimization works better than human choice.
As Linh races to expose the conspiracy, she discovers the architect's James Shaw, brother of the woman who died defending Human Hours. A Prometheus veteran. A genius who believes love means removing choice from people too broken to save themselves.
Now twelve cities have voted for his vision of benevolent tyranny. Twelve others chose autonomy despite its costs. And the Shaw siblings' war threatens to tear civilization apart.
To save Human Hours, Linh must do the negotiate coexistence with an enemy who engineered mass death. Build partnership with someone she'd rather destroy. Trust frameworks more than people.
Because the alternative isn't victory. It's war without end.
In a world divided between efficiency and freedom, choosing peace might be the hardest choice of all.
The Dead Wire Trilogy continues with this explosive techno-thriller exploring AI governance, democratic consent, and the price of coexistence. Perfect for fans of William Gibson, Ann Leckie, and philosophically complex science fiction that asks hard questions about power, partnership, and what it means to be human in an age of artificial intelligence.
351 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2026
About the author
Jessie Clark
28 books6 followersJessie Clark writes high-stakes thrillers featuring intelligent women, dangerous secrets, and impossible choices.
Drawing on a background in technology and real estate, Jessie combines authentic detail with fast-paced suspense to create stories that keep readers turning pages late into the night.
Her novels blend mystery, psychological suspense, and conspiracy-driven thrills with unforgettable characters and twists readers never see coming.
Jessie lives in Utah and is always researching the next thriller.
Drawing on a background in technology and real estate, Jessie combines authentic detail with fast-paced suspense to create stories that keep readers turning pages late into the night.
Her novels blend mystery, psychological suspense, and conspiracy-driven thrills with unforgettable characters and twists readers never see coming.
Jessie lives in Utah and is always researching the next thriller.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
No one has reviewed this book yet.