The Banyan Project

by J.R. Mann

Genres: Amazon, Science Fiction

279 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2026

Reviews

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is on a level equal to 1984. Not hyperbole, actual level. I read 1984 in middle school and it terrified me but also made me look at the world differently. This book will do the same. I realize it's fiction but on some level this could happen , we've seen it in movies and tv shows, we are watching things happen in real time right now. I can only hope that stronger, smarter, morale minds prevail. The story takes place a little over a decade in the future , there are a few characters that are pertinent to the story. A rich ex M16 agent, his clueless ( on purpose) daughter, her boyfriend, the boyfriend's childhood friend and the agent's protégé. Redmayne is retired and a recluse, he owns a financial tax company set up to help people hide their wealth. Sophia is his only child, she's smart and works at the company but plays clueless about things that make her uncomfortable. Alex is Sophia's boyfriend and a tax accountant at the company helping people hide money, until he asks questions about a project he found in his client's file. From that point on he in under surveillance and suspended. He tried digging into the information he found which leads him to his childhood friend Mira. Mira helps the poor with their evictions, slumlords, etc. She is definitely for the people. Alex realizes everything he has been doing has been benefiting the same people who think he is below them in all ways. He works with Mira to bring down Redmayne, in the process he is taken by Redmayne's guards and secured. The book starts on a prologue that is really the epilogue and gives you a glimpse that life will never be the same again.

[PixieART · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to BookSirens for my advanced copy.


This Sci-Fi thriller is really exciting. If you like no win scenarios that keep you on the edge of your seat and you don't know the characters are really going to live or die, then this is the book for you.

It speaks to the reality of what just might happen if society collapses. The rich will try and save themselves in their billionaire bunkers, while the rest of us fight over water and pills.

I do feel like there was a lot missing from the POV of people who made it into the bunker. Overall, I truly loved this book. I loved that it followed multiple characters who all had different fates, giving us a full view of the world and what goes wrong.

I'm not a fan of the ending. I'm wondering if the author left it open for a part two? If there is a part two, I would like to see The billionaire bunker at work, the ins and outs of how to control people in a new society setting with new rules and people struggle with accepting the new regime. I would like to see more morally gray characters or forced into awful scenarios for for survival. That was in this book but the characters seem to stay true to themselves from beginning to end. And for some of them, that gets them killed. The survivors of this world would be close to the characters of The walking Dead where they're good people but they've all done bad things. I feel that, more of that is needed to really get at the reality of fighting to survive in a worst case scenario.

[Stephanie Browning · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 🌟

Without fully knowing what I was getting myself into, this book proved to be a great read. Mixing the possible capabilities of AI and the government's ability to control the narrative, Banyan created the perfect storm.

The different points of view add a whole new element to the story line. Seeing the the same story break out but how each individual reacted to those events really added to my pull to the story. The surprise twist was a crazy touch!

Definitely a fun read that will make you think!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. It kept me hooked and left me wanting more! This is the reality and possibility of what our world can turn into. I think everyone should give it a read.

[Cass · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those books that creeps up on you.

The Banyan Project starts off feeling like a near-future thriller, but the deeper you get into it, the more it feels like something that could realistically happen—not in some distant sci-fi world, but uncomfortably close to our own. The idea of “Prime Intelligence” (basically AI that’s moved beyond human control) isn’t presented in a flashy, dramatic way. It’s quiet, logical, and honestly a bit terrifying because of that.

What I really liked was how grounded everything felt. The world isn’t completely broken—it’s just… slipping. More automation, more unemployment, more visible inequality. Little details like that made it feel believable instead of over-the-top dystopian.

The story follows a few different characters, and I thought that worked well overall. You get perspectives from people in very different positions—someone working with the ultra-wealthy, someone just trying to get by, and others who are starting to see where things are headed. It gives you a bigger picture of what’s going on, especially when the Banyan project itself comes into focus. That whole idea—saving a small number of people to preserve humanity—raises some really uncomfortable questions, and I liked that the book doesn’t try to give easy answers.

That said, I didn’t feel as emotionally connected to the characters as I wanted to. I was interested in what was happening to them, but not always fully invested in them as people. At times the dialogue also felt a little too polished, especially when characters were talking about big concepts—it occasionally sounded more like a debate than a conversation.

The pacing can be a bit uneven too, mostly because it jumps between different storylines. Just when something starts getting really tense, it sometimes cuts away. It’s not a dealbreaker, but I did notice it.

Overall, though, I really enjoyed this. It’s more of a slow-burn, idea-driven thriller than an action-packed one, but if you like books that make you think (and maybe make you a little uneasy about the future), this is definitely worth reading.

[Bright Reach Publishing]

Thank you so much for trusting me with an ARC of The Banyan Project. I really appreciate the opportunity to read your work early.

I went into the book expecting a dystopian thriller, but it turned out to be much more layered and thought-provoking than I anticipated. What stood out to me the most was how believable the world feels. The way you handled AI, rising inequality, and societal tension didn’t feel exaggerated, it felt like a natural extension of the world we already live in, which made the story even more impactful.

I also really enjoyed the multi-perspective structure. Following characters from different backgrounds, especially Alex, Mira, and the family storyline, gave the narrative both scale and depth. Each perspective added something meaningful, and I liked how everything slowly connected as the story progressed. The concept behind the Banyan Project itself is very compelling and morally complex, which kept me thinking even beyond the pages.

Your dialogue is another strong point. It feels natural and purposeful, especially in the more high-stakes or corporate scenes where a lot is being said beneath the surface. Those moments carried a quiet tension that worked really well.

If I’m being completely honest, the only area where I occasionally wanted a bit more was emotional depth, particularly with Alex. While I understood his role and decisions, I sometimes felt slightly distanced from what he was feeling internally. I also think a few of the longer dialogue-heavy scenes could be tightened slightly to keep the pacing even sharper.

Overall, I found The Banyan Project to be an intelligent, engaging, and unsettling read in the best way. It raises important questions about power, control, and survival, and it does so without feeling forced or overly dramatic. The ideas behind the story really stayed with me.

Thank you again for the opportunity, I genuinely enjoyed reading it and I’m excited to see how readers respond to it.

[Mostly Murders]

"Prime Intelligence. PI. A mind above all others, indifferent to human needs and unburdened by our weaknesses. Its only concern is optimisation."

What happens when AI decides humanity is the biggest threat to its continued existence?

London 2039. More and more people have been replaced by AI, to the point where public transport is half empty on any given day, as the masses are no longer commuting to work. Alex Miller is a tax consultant, helping the super-rich avoid paying taxes. And AI is evolving into PI, a Prime Intelligence no longer controlled by humans.

Those in the know are planning their survival in The Banyan Project, underground bunkers, strictly controlled and managed, not with humanity or empathy, but with optimisation. The select few with money, influence or skills that have been deemed necessary, may enter the bunkers and await the end of the world as we know it. The rest will have to fend for themselves.

Alex finds himself treading a precarious line in the last days of civilisation as we know it. As the boyfriend of Sophie, daughter of the creator of the Banyan Project, he has a way in, but as the world teeters on the edge of a total collapse of civilisation, Alex finds his own morality questioned and tested by new loyalties outside the shining, rich world of finance.

The Banyan Project is a dystopian thriller, and a cautionary tale of the dangers of unchecked capitalism and unregulated AI depleting Earth's natural resources to the point where the annihilation of most of the world's population becomes a logical choice for the unfeeling systems already controlling the world's infrastructure, media and technology.

If you already fear AI, this novel will reinforce your beliefs. If you don't, you might end up doing so after reading this.

Many thanks to J.R. Mann for this ebook. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Amy Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Banyan Project by J.R. Mann is a solid dystopian thriller with a premise that feels uncomfortably close to home, even if the execution has some major logic gaps.

What I Liked:
The side characters and villains are the real reason to read this. Sloane is a fantastic "evil assistant"—cold, ruthless, and way more interesting than the billionaires she serves. I also found the ethical dilemmas surrounding the "Selection Protocol" genuinely gut-wrenching. There’s a specific family subplot involving a father’s sacrifice that will absolutely break your heart.

What I Didn't Like:
The protagonist, Alex Miller, is a total "wishy-washy douchelourd." It’s hard to root for a guy who has to be dragged through a revolution by a much more competent woman (Mira) who actually has skin in the game. There was also zero chemistry between the leads; it felt more like Mira was babysitting him while he slowly grew a conscience.

The Weird Stuff:
The world-building gets a bit odd with some bizarre vaccination requirements and a massive security flaw. For an "ultra-secret" bunker, the kitchen staff seem to have a lot of freedom to come and go, which really broke the immersion for me.

Final Verdict:
Read it for Sloane’s cold-blooded competence and Mira’s strength. Just don't expect to like Alex or understand the bunker’s nonsensical HR policies.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Armando Ramirez · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Banyan Project by J.R. Mann is a compelling and unsettling read that really hooked me with its world-building. The premise feels incredibly plausible, which made the story all the more immersive, and honestly, a bit chilling. It’s the kind of dystopian scenario that doesn’t feel far-fetched, and that realism added a lot of weight to the narrative.
As someone who is insulin-dependent, I found myself especially drawn into that aspect of the story. It’s something I’ve personally thought about; how I would manage in a society with collapsing infrastructure and limited medical resources, so seeing that reflected here made the experience feel even more personal and intense.
I did enjoy the ending overall, but the appendices really took me out of the story. While I understand why they were included, they disrupted the pacing and made the conclusion feel more drawn out and less impactful than it could have been. Instead of enhancing the story, they felt more like a detour. I think that information could have been delivered in a more engaging way, maybe through a monologue or woven directly into the narrative, rather than presented as analytical documents.
Despite that drawback, this was a strong and thought-provoking read. The realism, emotional pull, and detailed world-building make it well worth picking up.

[Zane · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s something quietly unsettling about The Banyan Project the kind of story that doesn’t just unfold, it tightens around you.At its core, this novel feels like a collision between ambition and consequence. The “project” itself is more than a concept it’s a living, breathing force that slowly reveals its darker roots. What really stood out to me was how Mann builds tension not through constant action, but through creeping realization. You start to see where things are headed… and you still can’t look away.The atmosphere is thick urban, slightly dystopian, and laced with a sense that something is fundamentally off beneath the surface. The banyan tree metaphor is especially effective: sprawling, interconnected, impossible to escape once you’re caught in it. Every character feels like a branch feeding into something bigger, and not all of them realize the cost.The pacing leans deliberate, but it works in the book’s favor. It gives you time to sit with the ethical weight of what’s happening. By the time the stakes fully reveal themselves, you’re already tangled in the moral questions it raises about control, survival, and who gets to decide the future.If you like stories that feel like a slow descent rather than a sprint where the tension builds in layers instead of explosions this one absolutely delivers.

[Toober · Rating 4 out of 5]

What would happen if AI became so advanced that it evolved into PI, or Prime Intelligence? Set in the not so distant future, this novel imagines a world being taken over by PI, which has seized control of essential resources like power and water. The richest people in the world have found a way to survive. Handpicked for their wealth, skills, and ability to help repopulate the Earth, they are selected by the Banyan Project, which ultimately decides who will live and who will die.

While those chosen live in safety, everyone else is left outside, struggling to survive in a rapidly collapsing dystopian world. The story is told from the perspectives of both groups, and I was completely engaged throughout. The premise feels a little too believable for comfort, as it’s not hard to imagine something like this actually happening. The constant fear and desperation of those on the outside really drove that home, and made me realize I would not do well in that situation at all.

My only disappointment came when the story ended. Thankfully, there will be a second book to continue it.

Thank you to J.R. Mann for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Dominique · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Banyan Project by J.R. Mann was my first dive into dystopian, and I honestly really enjoyed it! The beginning does a great job of building the world and introducing a cast of characters who all feel unique and strong in their own ways.

What made this especially interesting to me was the focus on AI, so it feels more relevant and a little too real, which added an extra layer of tension. There were also a few plot twists that genuinely caught me off guard.

The only reason I’m giving it 4 stars is because the ending felt a bit rushed, and I was left with some lingering questions about certain characters. That said, I’d absolutely love a book two to see how everything unfolds and where the future leads.

I received this book for free as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy), and I’m sharing my honest review.

[Lily Cloud · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is such a tense and gripping dystopian thriller that honestly feels way too plausible for comfort. The way it explores Alex Miller’s journey from a corporate consultant to a man desperately trying to outrun the AI system he helped create is brilliantly paced. It really makes you stop and think about the ethics of technology and who actually gets saved when everything starts to fall apart. The 72-hour timeline creates this incredible sense of urgency that makes it almost impossible to put down. I found the partnership between Alex and Mira Kapoor to be one of the strongest parts of the story because their perspectives on social stratification provide so much depth to the chaos. If you enjoyed the vibe of things like Fallout or Station Eleven, this one should definitely be on your radar.

[Amanda Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a 5-star read easily one of the best dystopian books of 2026.

From the very beginning, I was hooked. I loved how the story opens with the wealthy perspective and then shifts to show life on the other side. That contrast made everything feel more real and grounded. The themes hit especially hard with everything going on with AI right now. It almost feels a little too close to reality.

It’s a suspenseful, fast-paced read that keeps you on edge. When everything starts to fall apart, it definitely gives off those intense, chaotic “Purge” type vibes. You really see people for who they are when things go sideways, and that loss of humanity is chilling.

If you’re into:

* AI takeover
* Raw, unfiltered human nature
* Dystopian worlds
* High suspense

This is the book for you.

I can’t wait to keep reading and see where it goes.

[Annemarie Vicary · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Banyan Project follows many classic dystopian themes: a powerful dictatorship, the loss of individuality, and environmental collapse.

Although this is not my usual genre, I was hooked from the very beginning. Without giving too much away, society is divided between those who are chosen for a new world and those who are left behind. Only the selected few know what awaits them, creating an intriguing sense of mystery throughout the story.

The pacing kept me turning the pages, and I found myself invested in both the characters and the unsettling questions the story raises about power, privilege, and survival.

What makes the novel particularly compelling is how plausible it feels. This isn't a far-future fantasy filled with unimaginable technology; instead, it feels like a natural extension of today's concerns. Drones, smart glasses

[Eloise Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping, high concept dystopian thriller that feels unsettlingly plausible, The Banyan Project delivers both pace and punch. The premise elite survival bunkers selected by cold, AI driven logic is chilling, but it’s the human stakes that keep the pages turning. Alex’s moral unravelling pairs well with Mira’s fierce conviction, giving the story a strong emotional core amid the chaos.

The shifting tension between the privileged safety of Banyan and the collapse outside is vividly drawn, though at times the ideas slightly outpace the character depth. Still, the novel raises sharp, timely questions about inequality, technology, and who gets to survive when systems fail.

Dark, fast moving, and thought provoking an engaging read for dystopian fans

[Mandy Britt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Banyan Project is an unsettlingly plausible thriller that trades sci-fi spectacle for a chilling, slow-burn exploration of the near future.

If you’re looking for a book to totally lose yourself in over a weekend, this is it, pairing high-concept AI with deep human stakes.

By following characters like Alex and Mira across different social strata, the story highlights the grim reality of inequality and the cold ethics of elite survival.

​This gritty dystopian novel delivers a powerful punch, providing a strong emotional core as the world collapses into chaos. If you’re looking for a book to totally lose yourself in over a weekend, this is it.

​Content Warning: Features themes of societal collapse, systemic inequality, and graphic violence.

[Nikki B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Banyan Project is a dystopian sci-fi thriller.
This story is very thought provoking, as it doesn't seem we're really far off from the possibility of this. First and foremost, I am not a huge fan of AI. It absolutely terrifies me of the thought of the power it could have over humans one day. So the thought of it having control over the water and power in the world terrified me.
Alex learns that the wealthy have been building survival sanctuaries under ground called Banyan. But only select few are invited in. As a collapse is approaching, Banyan opens up a 72 hour entry window to allow some of the chosen in, and now the race for time begins.
This story isn't like anything I've read before and I thought it was pretty unique with well detailed and well thought out ideas.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 'Banyan Project' by J.R. Mann presents a captivating yet disquieting narrative set in a dystopian future, showcasing exceptional world-building. This thriller resonates with the current trajectory of our society, where reliance on AI is increasingly prevalent. It explores the potential consequences of a sudden collapse, emphasizing that even the wealthy are not exempt from the harsh realities of a changed world—they remain privileged as ever.

This book comes highly recommended for readers who appreciate a thought-provoking dystopian tale and the intriguing 'what-ifs' related to our dependence on technology. Think George Orwell!

[Sary_loves_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

When asked if I would be interested in reading a dystopian thriller, this was not what I was expecting.
This was so much better! The story starts a little slow but, let me tell you, it definitely takes offs.
The subject of AI is obviously something that I think most people question. Is it helpful? Could it be abused? Could it end up going further then we can imagine?
He also addresses inequality, elitism and even morality.
This truly seems like an environment we could find ourselves in, in just a few years, which is why I think everyone would enjoy it. If given the chance to read another book by J.R Mann, I'm accepting.

Happy Reading!!

[Heather Shower · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Banyan Project begins as a near-future thriller but grows more unsettling as it edges closer to reality. The world isn’t collapsing, just gradually fraying: rising automation, widening inequality, mounting tension.
Multiple viewpoints expand the scope, especially around the Banyan project’s core dilemma—who gets saved—without offering easy answers.
Weak spots: characters can feel distant, dialogue occasionally too polished, and pacing uneven with frequent shifts.
Still, it’s an intelligent, slow-burn read that lingers and leaves the future feeling uncomfortably near.

[ChanaReadsHorror · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this book with my flight or fight already tingling. I can do horror with ease but dystopian anything is what scares me. That is how I judge them when reading if I can start playing out my survival scenarios in my mind and I was plotting the whole time. I love how the characters and what they were facing felt so real and so timely in todays world. It really made you think and it will stick with you even after you are done reading.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

This is a gritty, dirty take on what would happen if suddenly our world collapsed. Hidden bunkers are created to protect the elite of society, while those left behind suffer.
The pacing is excellent, the characters are well developed, and the tone is dark and violent.
A realistic take on a dystopian world that does not seem that far away.
Highly recommend!

[Kelley Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a 4.5 star read for me , it definitely is not my typical read but I enjoyed it. I was hooked from the prologue. This being a dystopian thriller that shows how bad the world could be if the world was to lose everything all at once and how being wealthy gets treated differently. I highly recommend this book and thank to the author for reaching out.

[Stacey]

What a page turner! I enjoyed the MC, Alex, and how things unfolded. I love how we get to see perspectives from different socioeconomic classes. Part apocalyptic and part dystopian. I’m invested in the relationships and what happens with Alex. I hope there will be a second book! Highly recommend! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Caroline Ratner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was lucky enough to be sent this by the author. It’s not my usual genre but I absolutely loved it. I actually couldn’t put it down which is unusual for me. It’s a gripping story, easy read, fast paced and really makes you think.

[DeeDee Angelo · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️ A very eye opening book in the world we are living in-it’s scary to think this could really happen the way our world is headed! Great read and so thankful to get an e-arc for this debut novel!!!

[Viviana · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review

The Bryan Project is a dystopian thiller that follow characters as the Event that Lead to Ai rising unfolds. i didnt care for alex but did enjoy Mira. pacing of the story was fine for me as it jumps between characters for a bit. i would read more by this author

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a dystopian story that sounds so credible it gets your brain whirring, while the plot keeps you going and going. I didn’t mean to finish it in one go!

[Alex Medhurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Really interesting dystopian concept and lots of twists and turns it will keep you on your toes!