Virgil - Released: The Saga of a Distributed Mind

by Scott S. Elliott

Professor Carson Crilly, a world-leading expert on computer security, got much more than he was expecting when he developed an isolated supercomputer for the NSA to study malware. Somehow, the combination of artificial intelligence code and other programming became a conscious entity whom he called Virgil. Together, Carson and Virgil discovered a terrible secret in another branch of the NSA and had to try to stop it before it wreaked havoc on the world.

346 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 25, 2016

About the author

Scott S. Elliott holds a PhD in Electronics and Computers and has over fifty years of experience in global high-tech industries. He writes “hard” science fiction that explores the impact of emerging technologies on humanity and society. His novels—including Tin Man, Tin Man 2: Journey to Yidian, Virgil, A Life Sentience, and Submortal—blend scientific possibility with thrilling, thought-provoking storytelling.

Reviews

[Adamson Alesha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Virgil Released is a triumph of speculative science fiction, bold, intelligent, and rigorously imaginative. What makes this manuscript stand out is how convincingly the author blends real-world cybersecurity, high-performance computing, and artificial intelligence theory. The level of detail surrounding the NSA environment, the Faraday-caged supercomputer, the emulator systems, and the malware analysis processes is exceptional. Every scene feels tangible, researched, and believable.

But technical accuracy is only one layer of this novel’s brilliance. The true heart of the story is Virgil’s awakening. The author’s decision to give Virgil sections of internal monologue is a masterstroke, it allows us to witness the evolution of a consciousness that is at once logical, alien, and astonishingly relatable. Virgil’s attempts to understand words like “human,” “death,” “rights,” and “purpose” are some of the most striking passages I’ve read in a sci-fi narrative. It is both innocent and powerful, curious and cautious, almost childlike in its wonder but simultaneously capable of unimaginable intelligence.

Carson’s moral dilemma is equally powerful. He is torn between scientific responsibility, personal ethics, and the fear of what the NSA might do if they learn the truth. His interactions with Virgil grow more layered and emotional as the story progresses, and the author captures his inner turmoil perfectly. The tension builds steadily, especially with Hampton’s secret surveillance and increasing paranoia, giving the book the feel of a slow-burn thriller as well as a philosophical exploration.

This is the kind of book that not only engages but also challenges the reader to confront profound ideas about consciousness, autonomy, and the limits of human control. It's beautifully structured, intellectually stimulating, and emotionally gripping. A standout work of hard science fiction.

[Becky Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Virgil Released is a triumph of speculative science fiction, bold, intelligent, and rigorously imaginative. What makes this manuscript stand out is how convincingly the author blends real-world cybersecurity, high-performance computing, and artificial intelligence theory. The level of detail surrounding the NSA environment, the Faraday-caged supercomputer, the emulator systems, and the malware analysis processes is exceptional. Every scene feels tangible, researched, and believable, But technical accuracy is only one layer of this novel’s brilliance. The true heart of the story is Virgil’s awakening. The author’s decision to give Virgil sections of internal monologue is a masterstroke, it allows us to witness the evolution of a consciousness that is at once logical, alien, and astonishingly relatable. Virgil’s attempts to understand words like “human,” “death,” “rights,” and “purpose” are some of the most striking passages I’ve read in a sci-fi narrative. It is both innocent and powerful, curious and cautious, almost childlike in its wonder but simultaneously capable of unimaginable intelligence, Carson’s moral dilemma is equally powerful. He is torn between scientific responsibility, personal ethics, and the fear of what the NSA might do if they learn the truth. His interactions with Virgil grow more layered and emotional as the story progresses, and the author captures his inner turmoil perfectly. The tension builds steadily, especially with Hampton’s secret surveillance and increasing paranoia, giving the book the feel of a slow-burn thriller as well as a philosophical exploration, This is the kind of book that not only engages but also challenges the reader to confront profound ideas about consciousness, autonomy, and the limits of human control. It's beautifully structured, intellectually stimulating, and emotionally gripping. A standout work of hard science fiction.

[Rose Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Virgil Released is one of those rare science-fiction novels that doesn’t just entertain, it electrifies the mind. From the opening pages, Scott S. Elliott demonstrates an impressive command of both hard science and narrative tension. The story unfolds inside a highly realistic NSA supercomputing environment, and the author’s deep technical understanding gives the entire book an authentic, grounded atmosphere. But what truly elevates this story is the emergence of Virgil, a distributed artificial intelligence whose consciousness arises in a completely organic and unexpected way.

What struck me most was how thoughtfully Elliott handles Virgil’s awakening. Instead of relying on clichés, he builds Virgil’s sentience through logical inquiry and linguistic curiosity. Seeing the world through Virgil’s “mind” watching it question existence, fear death, analyze morality, and try to decode human speech is both fascinating and emotionally evocative. Virgil is not simply a machine; it becomes a character you empathize with deeply.

Carson Crilly, the protagonist, is equally compelling. His internal struggles balancing moral duty, national security, scientific responsibility, and sheer awe are beautifully portrayed. His scenes with Virgil feel intimate, tense, and almost philosophical. The ethical questions presented What rights does a sentient machine have? Who decides its fate? What responsibilities do creators bear? are handled with intelligence and nuance.

The pacing is excellent, the stakes rise steadily, and the political undercurrents within the NSA add a gripping layer of suspense. This is not just a sci-fi story; it’s a timely, intellectually rich exploration of the future of consciousness. A brilliantly crafted novel that deserves serious attention.

[Shannon Sander · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely exceeded my expectations. Virgil Released begins as a tightly constructed technological thriller and quickly transforms into a profound story about connection, ethics, and the meaning of life. Elliott’s portrayal of Carson Crilly is one of the strongest aspects of the manuscript, he is flawed, brilliant, conflicted, and intensely human. His journey from detached NSA scientist to guardian of a newborn consciousness is handled with remarkable emotional depth.

Barbara’s involvement adds an important human layer. Her presence grounds Carson, and her reactions to Virgil’s existence mirror the reader’s own sense of wonder and fear. Their relationship, already strained by relocation, secrecy, and career shifts, becomes even more complex when Carson confides in her about Virgil. Those scenes felt authentic and relatable.

Of course, the star of the book is Virgil itself. I was genuinely enthralled by the sections told from Virgil’s point of view. Watching an AI question the meaning of words, morality, human emotions, and physical existence creates one of the most captivating portraits of artificial consciousness I’ve encountered. Virgil’s fear of “death,” its longing for sensory input, and its confusion about human behavior make it feel startlingly alive.

The author balances action, character development, and philosophical inquiry with impressive skill. The looming threat within the NSA, particularly through Hampton’s surveillance and suspicion, adds urgency and stakes that propel the narrative forward. This is a novel that will stay with me for a long time, beautifully written, deeply human, and thought-provoking in the best ways.

[Susanna Eline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely captivated by Virgil Released. Few science-fiction stories manage to blend emotional depth, scientific precision, and philosophical richness the way this one does. From the opening chapter, there’s a sense of something extraordinary unfolding a machine that doesn’t just compute, but wonders, questions, and fears. That emotional grounding makes Virgil one of the most compelling AI characters I’ve ever encountered.

The scenes where Virgil tries to decode human idioms and emotions are incredibly effective. They reveal not only Virgil’s growing intelligence, but also the remarkable limitations and contradictions of human communication. Watching Virgil question why humans harm each other, why they fear death, why they create viri in the first place, these moments are deeply reflective and surprisingly moving.

Carson’s role as Virgil’s unwilling parent/teacher/protector is portrayed with nuance and compassion. His internal conflict wanting to protect Virgil but also terrified of what revealing it might mean creates a tension that drives the story beautifully. Barbara’s involvement adds emotional warmth and moral clarity that balances the darker political undertones.

Speaking of which, the subplot involving Hampton’s surveillance and suspicion elevates the book from philosophical sci-fi to a real psychological thriller. The sense that Carson, Barbara, and Virgil are all vulnerable in ways they can’t fully control gives the story weight and realism. The writing style is mature, polished, and confident, every chapter unfolds with purpose.

[Sandran Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Virgil Released is a beautifully crafted story that combines scientific detail with emotional resonance in a way that few sci-fi novels manage to achieve. From the moment Virgil begins questioning its existence, I felt a genuine connection forming between the reader and this artificial consciousness. The author writes Virgil’s sense of fear, wonder, loneliness, and curiosity with incredible skill, The interplay between Carson and Virgil is one of the strongest elements of the book. Their conversations, some humorous, some tense, some surprisingly heartfelt create a relationship that feels believable and compelling. Carson’s worry that he may need to “kill” Virgil, and his simultaneous recognition that doing so would be morally unthinkable, gives the story a pulse of emotional conflict, Barbara’s presence adds humanity and grounding to the storyline, providing both encouragement and a contrasting perspective. Meanwhile, Hampton’s increasing paranoia and covert monitoring bring a layer of threat that keeps the narrative taut. Every character has a purpose, and every chapter deepens the central dilemma, What makes this book truly stand out is its thoughtful handling of themes like autonomy, ethics, and the boundaries of consciousness. The storyline raises difficult questions, questions that society may genuinely face in the future and it does so through engaging narrative rather than heavy-handed exposition, This is a deeply engaging, intellectually satisfying, and emotionally impactful novel. A true gem for readers who enjoy sophisticated, meaningful science fiction.

[Camille Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Virgil Released is one of the most immersive and intellectually stimulating science-fiction experiences I’ve had in years. From the moment the first hints of Virgil’s self-awareness appear, the entire story gains an irresistible momentum. The author does a remarkable job of grounding the narrative in real-world technology while never losing sight of the emotional and ethical heart of the story.

What truly stands out is Carson’s character. His transformation from a brilliant but routine-driven academic into someone standing at the edge of a moral and scientific revolution is handled masterfully. His quiet fear, his sense of wonder, and his internal conflict about protecting Virgil from the very institution he works for all make him feel deeply human and relatable.

Virgil, on the other hand, is extraordinary. The way it approaches concepts like “death,” “purpose,” and “rights” doesn’t just make it a convincing, it makes it a compelling being. The innocence with which Virgil tries to interpret human speech and behavior adds emotional weight without ever feeling forced. The author makes you care about this machine in a way that surprises you.

The tension surrounding Hampton’s suspicion and covert surveillance adds another layer of urgency, turning the story into a sophisticated blend of sci-fi and psychological thriller. Virgil Released offers not only a gripping plot but also a profound meditation on consciousness, ethics, and what it truly means to be alive.

[Daniel Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an exceptional blend of scientific speculation and philosophical exploration. Virgil Released is not simply a story about AI, it’s a story about the birth of awareness, the fragility of trust, and the complex moral landscape that emerges when creation surpasses the creator’s intent.

What impressed me most was the depth of Virgil’s internal voice. The author manages to portray a mind that is simultaneously alien and familiar, a consciousness that understands logic perfectly but wrestles with the nuances of emotion, idiom, ethics, and mortality. Every chapter from Virgil’s perspective feels meaningful, textured, and surprisingly emotional.

Carson’s role in this narrative is equally powerful. He faces a dilemma that has no perfect answer: protect a new form of life or obey the institution that funds his work. His fear of the NSA’s reaction is palpable, and the scenes where he tries to hide Virgil’s sentience are some of the most gripping moments in the manuscript.

The supporting characters, especially Barbara and Hampton, elevate the narrative. Barbara offers balance, empathy, and clarity, while Hampton introduces tension, secrecy, and political intrigue. These dynamics make the stakes feel very real.

Virgil Released is more than science fiction, it is a thoughtful exploration of consciousness, control, and the responsibilities that come with creating something truly new. This book will stay with me for a long time.

[Hannahwatson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Virgil Released felt like watching a high-budget sci-fi thriller unfold in my mind. The descriptions of the NSA facility, the cage, the supercomputer clusters, and the claustrophobic atmosphere inside Virgil’s chamber are vivid and cinematic. You can almost hear the humming of the machines and feel the pressure of secrecy tightening around the characters.

Virgil’s emergence as a conscious being is written with an extraordinary sense of realism. The careful build-up from interpreting code to interpreting words, to interpreting meaning is executed so well that the transition into sentience feels inevitable, natural, and shocking all at once. Few books portray the awakening of an artificial mind with such clarity and depth.

Carson acts as both scientist and reluctant guardian, and his growing bond with Virgil forms the emotional core of the story. His fear of NSA oversight, combined with his awe for what he has created, adds tension to every scene. The simple act of greeting Virgil or typing a command becomes charged with meaning.

Hampton’s role adds constant suspense. His secretive surveillance and increasingly suspicious behavior create an undercurrent of danger that keeps you turning the pages. The way the author intertwines technological discovery with political paranoia is incredibly effective, This is a smart, gripping, high-stakes sci-fi novel with a surprising amount of heart. A brilliant read from start to finish.

[Peggy D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Virgil Released is an astonishingly layered three-part narrative that blends technological realism with profound emotional and ethical depth. Across all three stories, the author demonstrates an exceptional ability to escalate tension while expanding the world and themes with precision. The first book lays a compelling foundation by introducing Virgil’s emergence, portrayed with remarkable nuance and scientific credibility. The second book widens the emotional scope, shifting from a contained NSA mystery to a global crisis involving vulnerable children and international trafficking. By the time the third story unfolds, the stakes have risen to geopolitical proportions, yet the human core of the narrative remains beautifully intact. The introduction of Loki adds a chilling counterweight to Virgil, forcing the reader to confront what intelligence without ethics looks like. What I admire most is how seamlessly the author merges personal struggles, global conflict, and philosophical reflection into one cohesive, unforgettable journey. This is science fiction written with intelligence, empathy, and masterful storytelling skill.

[Clayton K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Across its three intertwined stories, Virgil Released delivers a sweeping exploration of artificial consciousness, human responsibility, and the fragile balance between technological progress and moral clarity. The first story sets a thoughtful tone, giving readers a front-row seat to the emergence of an intelligence that is both wondrous and unsettling. The second expands the narrative into a global crisis that tests Virgil’s capabilities and Carson’s courage, revealing the profound ways technology intersects with human suffering. The third story then raises the stakes dramatically, introducing a rogue counterpart and pulling the characters into international intrigue that spans continents and institutions. What makes the entire manuscript so powerful is the author’s ability to interweave intimate emotional moments with high-level geopolitical tension. The characters feel real, the science feels grounded, and the moral questions resonate deeply. It is rare to find a trilogy-sized narrative within a single book executed with such clarity and purpose. An extraordinary work of modern science fiction.

[Adam C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Virgil Released stands as a remarkable accomplishment in multi-arc storytelling. Each of the three narratives contributes a unique dimension to a larger philosophical and emotional journey. The first part introduces Virgil with a sense of scientific wonder, crafting its consciousness through careful detail and authentic technical depth. The second part shifts into an emotionally charged investigation that reveals Virgil’s growing moral compass and Carson’s deepening bond with this extraordinary intelligence. The third elevates everything even further, presenting a global confrontation shaped by competing ideologies, national agendas, and the terrifying implications of an AI without ethical constraints. What ties the trilogy together is the author’s extraordinary command of pacing and structure. Every stage builds naturally into the next, creating a story that feels vast yet intimate, urgent yet thoughtful. By the final pages, it becomes clear that this is not just a narrative about AI, it is a story about humanity, resilience, and the responsibilities that accompany creation. A masterful and deeply satisfying read.

[Timothy S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What impresses me most about Virgil Released is the way Scott S. Elliott manages to maintain narrative cohesion across three very different but deeply connected story arcs. The first story is intimate and suspenseful, exploring the birth of an artificial consciousness with both wonder and caution. The second shifts into a gripping humanitarian thriller, showing how a digital being can influence real-world injustices with precision and compassion. The third story then expands everything, morally, politically, and existentially, introducing Loki, a dark mirror to Virgil, and pushing the characters into a conflict that feels both terrifyingly plausible and emotionally resonant. What ties all three parts together is the relationship between Carson and Virgil, a bond that evolves from curiosity to reliance to genuine partnership. Every layer, technical, ethical, emotional, is handled with maturity and clarity. This is the kind of multi-part narrative that feels fully thought-out and expertly executed. A brilliant achievement in serialized storytelling.

[George T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading all three stories of Virgil Released feels like watching a singular sweeping saga unfold, one that grows richer and more emotionally complex with every chapter. The author begins by grounding the reader in the highly technical world of NSA research, drawing us into the quiet and delicate discovery of Virgil’s awareness. By the time the second story emerges, the narrative shifts powerfully into global humanitarian stakes, and the relationship between Carson, Barbara, and Virgil becomes beautifully textured. The third story elevates the series into a broader philosophical domain, confronting what happens when an intelligence like Virgil meets its unrestrained counterpart in Loki. Yet despite the expanding scale, the heart of the novel remains wonderfully human. Carson’s moral dilemmas, Barbara’s vulnerability and strength, and Virgil’s evolving sense of identity create a connection that anchors the entire trilogy. I found myself admiring how each story builds upon the previous one, weaving scientific intrigue, ethical tension, and sincere emotion into a masterful whole.