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Open Source
A source found dead—his skull sawed open by NeuroChip vandals in a Dallas back alley. The sole witness? Reporter Ryker Morris, whose stubborn resistance to a different kind of chip—the globally mandated IDChip—cost him his job, apartment, and credibility. Ryker flees the gruesome scene, a young, homeless technophobe disappearing into a fast-paced city of augmented working stiffs and sexy chipped socialites.
But Ryker’s reprieve doesn’t last long. Under orders from a local hacker and tipped off by an invisible tracking device, the vandals kidnap Ryker’s best friend, leaving only a blood-soaked wallet behind. Even worse, they inject Ryker’s brain with a refurbished NeuroChip. Without money or resources, he must find his friend and deactivate the corrupt NeuroChip, before the twisted hacker who programmed it gains full control over Ryker’s own thoughts.
But Ryker’s reprieve doesn’t last long. Under orders from a local hacker and tipped off by an invisible tracking device, the vandals kidnap Ryker’s best friend, leaving only a blood-soaked wallet behind. Even worse, they inject Ryker’s brain with a refurbished NeuroChip. Without money or resources, he must find his friend and deactivate the corrupt NeuroChip, before the twisted hacker who programmed it gains full control over Ryker’s own thoughts.
327 pages, Paperback
First published January 12, 2016
11 people are currently reading
597 people want to read
About the author
Anna L. Davis
3 books26 followersAuthor of OPEN SOURCE (Enhancement Series), cyberpunk scifi horror that explores ethics and philosophy of hackable medical devices.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 7, 2019
Open Source by Anna L. Davis is an R rated, epic, sci-fi, fantasy, crazy adventure!
This book far exceeded my expectations, especially since sci-fi isn't my usual genre. Anna makes this fantasy novel come off the page and take over my brain (pun totally intended, by the way).
Ryker, our home-less former writer lead, doesn't have a NeuroChip in his brain. Everyone else in this world does, and it's a fad that's taking over the nation. Soon enough, our friend gets himself into a difficult situation and a chip is forced into his brain. His buddy Sawyer, Rae, Rae's ex Nox, a bag lady, and many more quirky characters dance across the pages and whisk us through a not-so-distant, potential future. What do we do when chips are in our brains, following our every move? Will politics get in the way of the potential good? It's sci-fi, the answer is always yes.
This is one of the few books that I didn't see the ending coming, and I loved that. There's so many little hints along the way, yet I just didn't connect those dots. Anna has a well crafted story on her hands and it's so well thought out. The seeds planted along the way will make you question reality itself - what the heck is going on in this book?! Everything ties itself up nicely in the end, thank goodness. But... I still want that sequel. It says this is book one in the series everywhere I look, so I really hope Anna throws us some more epic fantasy our way!
I don't have many cons about this book. I would have liked to read this as a book I binged instead of putting it down. I'm not much of a tech or sci-fi fan, so I ended up forgetting some of the terminology and background when I left it for a few days. It's still easy enough to read if you step away, but personally I want to binge it.
I like that the story leaves off like the book could end, even though the story could continue. I hate cliffhangers, so this ending bides well with me.
Overall, this book is truly an epic. I could see a television show or a movie being made of it. It's just so darn good! I have to say... it's one of my top reads of 2019!! I never thought I'd put a sci-fi that high on my list, but I did! And it's all Anna L. Davis's fault!
Five out of five stars!
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
This book far exceeded my expectations, especially since sci-fi isn't my usual genre. Anna makes this fantasy novel come off the page and take over my brain (pun totally intended, by the way).
Ryker, our home-less former writer lead, doesn't have a NeuroChip in his brain. Everyone else in this world does, and it's a fad that's taking over the nation. Soon enough, our friend gets himself into a difficult situation and a chip is forced into his brain. His buddy Sawyer, Rae, Rae's ex Nox, a bag lady, and many more quirky characters dance across the pages and whisk us through a not-so-distant, potential future. What do we do when chips are in our brains, following our every move? Will politics get in the way of the potential good? It's sci-fi, the answer is always yes.
This is one of the few books that I didn't see the ending coming, and I loved that. There's so many little hints along the way, yet I just didn't connect those dots. Anna has a well crafted story on her hands and it's so well thought out. The seeds planted along the way will make you question reality itself - what the heck is going on in this book?! Everything ties itself up nicely in the end, thank goodness. But... I still want that sequel. It says this is book one in the series everywhere I look, so I really hope Anna throws us some more epic fantasy our way!
I don't have many cons about this book. I would have liked to read this as a book I binged instead of putting it down. I'm not much of a tech or sci-fi fan, so I ended up forgetting some of the terminology and background when I left it for a few days. It's still easy enough to read if you step away, but personally I want to binge it.
I like that the story leaves off like the book could end, even though the story could continue. I hate cliffhangers, so this ending bides well with me.
Overall, this book is truly an epic. I could see a television show or a movie being made of it. It's just so darn good! I have to say... it's one of my top reads of 2019!! I never thought I'd put a sci-fi that high on my list, but I did! And it's all Anna L. Davis's fault!
Five out of five stars!
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
May 10, 2016
Open Source (Enhancement Series Book 1) more than lives up to its advertised premise as Ryker Morris, a homeless former journalist sacked for refusing to be cyber-chipped, stumbles into an unfolding technological hell which he feels duty bound to explore even as it tests his sanity and morality far past his limits. Open Source is an astonishing novel, exceedingly well-written, suspenseful, with a well-wrought plot arc which includes many unanticipated developments. I could easily see this techno-thriller challenging the titles of well-known authors on standard bestseller lists.
The science, both biological and cyber, strikes me as accurate and believable within the framework of the story, moving the action along in a thought-provoking manner without compromising character development. The characters are well done, especially the protagonist Morris; his journalistic instincts define him well and prove to be a source of great strength even as they lead him into progressively worse trouble. Even the villain, Nox Fletcher, with his corporate utopian ideas of cyber immortality, can be seen in a favorable light--depending on which perspective is brought to bear on him.
The author incidentally pulls off an amazing feat of describing, in first person, a brainwashed character justifying the most heinous actions as he convinces himself, and even to a certain extent the reader, of the transcendent purpose that must ultimately lie behind his crimes. As the novel progresses philosophical aspects of freedom, privacy, and human dignity come into play. The poignancy of some characters’ lives lost or gambled away, all in the pursuit of the folly of some all-encompassing matrix of artificial intelligence, still lingers with me.
review by Michael D. Smith
The science, both biological and cyber, strikes me as accurate and believable within the framework of the story, moving the action along in a thought-provoking manner without compromising character development. The characters are well done, especially the protagonist Morris; his journalistic instincts define him well and prove to be a source of great strength even as they lead him into progressively worse trouble. Even the villain, Nox Fletcher, with his corporate utopian ideas of cyber immortality, can be seen in a favorable light--depending on which perspective is brought to bear on him.
The author incidentally pulls off an amazing feat of describing, in first person, a brainwashed character justifying the most heinous actions as he convinces himself, and even to a certain extent the reader, of the transcendent purpose that must ultimately lie behind his crimes. As the novel progresses philosophical aspects of freedom, privacy, and human dignity come into play. The poignancy of some characters’ lives lost or gambled away, all in the pursuit of the folly of some all-encompassing matrix of artificial intelligence, still lingers with me.
review by Michael D. Smith
November 15, 2015
I have never written a review for a book before but this one deserves it! It is INCREDIBLE!! Open Source is a science fiction novel for adults and as a teen I was worried that it would be too much science for me to handle in a book. However, Anna L. Davis did a perfect job of balancing the science and action and romance. I was gripped the whole time, wondering how Ryker would get out of all the crazy situations he put himself in, and hoping desperately that he would be okay. Ryker was a strong willed, likable character and I could relate to him in many ways. I can not wait until the next installment of the Enhancement Series!
Open Source is a must read!
This futuristic novel stars Ryker Morris, a laid off reporter who has spent a few months on the hard streets of Dallas, TX. In this world of technology and chips and brain implants, it's a dangerous time. Ryker knows this better than anyone and he has evaded any chips so far. But when he witnesses a gruesome scene, his reporter instincts light up and he can't let this go on anymore. Before Ryker can do anything, him and his friend are attacked and his friend is taken while Ryker was injected with the dreaded NeuroChip. Ryker, accompanied by the gorgeous Rae Turow, sets after his friend and demands answers from the twisted, sick hacker who threatens Ryker's freedom of thought. However, things never go as planned. As the programming kicks in, it gets harder and harder for Ryker to remain in control of his thoughts and stay himself. Can Ryker overcome the evil that has entered his brain and save the girl he loves? Read to find out!!!
This book has made it to my favorites list and I will definitely be rereading it. Anna L. Davis, truly amazing job! Perfect! 2017 is too far away!!!
Do not forget!! January 12, 2016!!!!! Preorder now!
Open Source is a must read!
This futuristic novel stars Ryker Morris, a laid off reporter who has spent a few months on the hard streets of Dallas, TX. In this world of technology and chips and brain implants, it's a dangerous time. Ryker knows this better than anyone and he has evaded any chips so far. But when he witnesses a gruesome scene, his reporter instincts light up and he can't let this go on anymore. Before Ryker can do anything, him and his friend are attacked and his friend is taken while Ryker was injected with the dreaded NeuroChip. Ryker, accompanied by the gorgeous Rae Turow, sets after his friend and demands answers from the twisted, sick hacker who threatens Ryker's freedom of thought. However, things never go as planned. As the programming kicks in, it gets harder and harder for Ryker to remain in control of his thoughts and stay himself. Can Ryker overcome the evil that has entered his brain and save the girl he loves? Read to find out!!!
This book has made it to my favorites list and I will definitely be rereading it. Anna L. Davis, truly amazing job! Perfect! 2017 is too far away!!!
Do not forget!! January 12, 2016!!!!! Preorder now!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2017
With the right advances in chiptech the Milieu could be Dallas Texas in a few years. The author draws upon lots of ideas but the central theme revolves around individual liberty and efficacy in an ever more connected world. Characters grow and develop along side our understanding of the milieu and our understanding of the implications of the ideas, driving events to their conclusion. Techno-Thriller at it's best.
January 12, 2016
Anna L. Davis's debut scifi is a stunning scifi thriller sure to keep you up late turning the pages. Ryker, a relentless, down-on-his-luck reporter stumbles into a harrowing, gruesome plot where hackers can control your thoughts through imbedded microchips. A must read for cyberpunk and scifi fans!
April 29, 2017
wouldn't say sci-fiction, it's cyber fiction. Anna is coming up with new novel genre mixing cyber space with disturbing idea of immortal utopia. The title tackled my curiosity to search for the book and fletcher (the villain) hooked me up till the end
January 24, 2016
A riveting tale of what can happen when technology goes too far and can do too much.
February 15, 2016
Loved this book.
April 6, 2016
No straight male pays as much attention to a females dress and appearance as Ryker does.
"I couldn’t help but notice that Rae was gorgeous. Silver charms dangled from her wrist. She wore a simple gray sheath dress with pink spiked heels, which matched the streaks in her blond and pink hair."
Davis, Anna L. (2016-01-09). Open Source (Enhancement Series Book 1) (Kindle Locations 1142-1144). . Kindle Edition.
"She looked amazing, but I was startled by her attire. Expensive suit, designer high heels, dripping with jewelry. Even her newly frosted pink highlights looked pricey. She was dressed for the elite. Her face was beautiful as always, fit for the runway. Smoky eyes. Pouty lips. Defined cheekbones."
Davis, Anna L. (2016-01-09). Open Source (Enhancement Series Book 1) (Kindle Locations 3420-3422). . Kindle Edition.
"She was dressed to kill. Literally. Tight, form-fitting royal blue dress, kept modest with a fitted black blazer that made her dark brown hair stand out."
Davis, Anna L. (2016-01-09). Open Source (Enhancement Series Book 1) (Kindle Locations 3507-3508). . Kindle Edition.
There's more I didn't like. This one wasn't for me.
"I couldn’t help but notice that Rae was gorgeous. Silver charms dangled from her wrist. She wore a simple gray sheath dress with pink spiked heels, which matched the streaks in her blond and pink hair."
Davis, Anna L. (2016-01-09). Open Source (Enhancement Series Book 1) (Kindle Locations 1142-1144). . Kindle Edition.
"She looked amazing, but I was startled by her attire. Expensive suit, designer high heels, dripping with jewelry. Even her newly frosted pink highlights looked pricey. She was dressed for the elite. Her face was beautiful as always, fit for the runway. Smoky eyes. Pouty lips. Defined cheekbones."
Davis, Anna L. (2016-01-09). Open Source (Enhancement Series Book 1) (Kindle Locations 3420-3422). . Kindle Edition.
"She was dressed to kill. Literally. Tight, form-fitting royal blue dress, kept modest with a fitted black blazer that made her dark brown hair stand out."
Davis, Anna L. (2016-01-09). Open Source (Enhancement Series Book 1) (Kindle Locations 3507-3508). . Kindle Edition.
There's more I didn't like. This one wasn't for me.
October 26, 2017
It was a bit slow at first, but it picked up and I loved it. Ryker Morris is an excellent character.
December 21, 2025
I very rarely hand out five-star ratings, but this book absolutely earned mine.
I won my copy at a local indie author event at the Arlington Library, where I had the chance to meet Anna L. Davis, a Dallas-based author. She sold me on the premise immediately, so I went in excited—and the story more than delivered.
The novel opens with a shocking, unforgettable scene: Ryker Morris watches in horror as a group of men descend on his friend’s body lying in the street and cut into his skull to extract a NeuroChip. When they realize Ryker has witnessed everything, he instantly becomes their next target. From the very first pages, the story hooks you and refuses to let go. You’re left urgently asking who these people are, what they want with the chips, and why Ryker suddenly matters so much. That mounting sense of danger drives the story forward as Ryker—a jobless, homeless former reporter—scrambles for answers while fighting to hold onto his own identity in the process.
The pacing is relentless, filled with suspense and tension, but what really elevates the story are the themes woven throughout. The book explores the morality of allowing technology to think for us, control us, and define our worth—an idea that feels especially relevant in today’s world.
Smart, fast-paced, and unsettling in the best way, this is a standout read and an easy five stars from me. I'd love to see a second book for this series.
I won my copy at a local indie author event at the Arlington Library, where I had the chance to meet Anna L. Davis, a Dallas-based author. She sold me on the premise immediately, so I went in excited—and the story more than delivered.
The novel opens with a shocking, unforgettable scene: Ryker Morris watches in horror as a group of men descend on his friend’s body lying in the street and cut into his skull to extract a NeuroChip. When they realize Ryker has witnessed everything, he instantly becomes their next target. From the very first pages, the story hooks you and refuses to let go. You’re left urgently asking who these people are, what they want with the chips, and why Ryker suddenly matters so much. That mounting sense of danger drives the story forward as Ryker—a jobless, homeless former reporter—scrambles for answers while fighting to hold onto his own identity in the process.
The pacing is relentless, filled with suspense and tension, but what really elevates the story are the themes woven throughout. The book explores the morality of allowing technology to think for us, control us, and define our worth—an idea that feels especially relevant in today’s world.
Smart, fast-paced, and unsettling in the best way, this is a standout read and an easy five stars from me. I'd love to see a second book for this series.
February 13, 2023
If you are a fan of dystopian fiction and/or Sci-Fi, then this story is a MUST READ for you!
May 26, 2024
A modern day cyberpunk story, set in Texas, based in bio hacking.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews