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Peak Democracy: Data is Power
In a world where data is power, one man must choose between corporate success and the fight for freedom…
August Remules is a rising star in the mega-conglomerate that houses nearly all of the world’s data. While his years in IT have taught him not to ask too many questions, a fateful interview could take him all the way to the top of the corporate ladder… or send his family crashing down.
Niklas Soderstrom has worked with August for years, but he has far less trust in a system rigged for those at the top. When his friend ventures into the heart of the corporate jungle, Niklas realizes his influence on the data that drives society could turn the tide in a growing resistance…
August’s new position of power seems too good to be true, but it also puts him at odds with Niklas and the people he loves the most. August and Niklas have no choice but to summon their courage to save their friends, their family, and the system that keeps civilization alive…
Peak Democracy is the first book in a fast-paced near-future dystopian trilogy. If you like corporate drama, nuanced characters, and future worlds crafted from current socio-political issues, then you’ll love G.D. Leon’s eye-opening trilogy.
August Remules is a rising star in the mega-conglomerate that houses nearly all of the world’s data. While his years in IT have taught him not to ask too many questions, a fateful interview could take him all the way to the top of the corporate ladder… or send his family crashing down.
Niklas Soderstrom has worked with August for years, but he has far less trust in a system rigged for those at the top. When his friend ventures into the heart of the corporate jungle, Niklas realizes his influence on the data that drives society could turn the tide in a growing resistance…
August’s new position of power seems too good to be true, but it also puts him at odds with Niklas and the people he loves the most. August and Niklas have no choice but to summon their courage to save their friends, their family, and the system that keeps civilization alive…
Peak Democracy is the first book in a fast-paced near-future dystopian trilogy. If you like corporate drama, nuanced characters, and future worlds crafted from current socio-political issues, then you’ll love G.D. Leon’s eye-opening trilogy.
- GenresDystopia
182 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2017
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16 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 9, 2017
Peak Democracy, by G.D. Leon, is set two decades in the future. It’s an era in which the myriad consequences of our nescient reliance on artificial intelligence, social media, 24-hour surveillance, and corporate oversight have come home to roost. Two large corporate entities share a monopoly on practically everything that humans rely on.
Ostensibly free, the average American is enslaved by debt, terrified of doing anything that might upset the debt holders, who could easily destroy their lives. Loan insurance companies retain passports to prevent debtors from fleeing the country. It’s a claustrophobic and too-believable world in which news is filtered to avoid disruptive or unacceptable commentary. Sound familiar?
Against this backdrop, August Remules, an executive of one of the two mega-corporations, finds himself entwined in both the clandestine aspirations of his corporate overlords and a handful of “resistance” cells. One offers him power, the other a better, freer world. His actions affect not only his future, but the futures of his family members, who are effectively corporate hostages, and it’s not long before his decisions start to tear his family apart.
There are some interesting feats of technology envisioned by the author, such as contact lenses that change colors to reflect their wearer’s mood and AIs that can almost perfectly imitate the voice of anyone you know. Concepts that are fascinating and unsettling.
"Peak Democracy" is a pertinent story, given our current willingness to assume massive personal debt, our almost unconditional embracement of artificial intelligence and corporate monopolies, and our implied consent to be constantly monitored in the name of “security.” The story is great fiction. Let's hope it remains fiction.
Ostensibly free, the average American is enslaved by debt, terrified of doing anything that might upset the debt holders, who could easily destroy their lives. Loan insurance companies retain passports to prevent debtors from fleeing the country. It’s a claustrophobic and too-believable world in which news is filtered to avoid disruptive or unacceptable commentary. Sound familiar?
Against this backdrop, August Remules, an executive of one of the two mega-corporations, finds himself entwined in both the clandestine aspirations of his corporate overlords and a handful of “resistance” cells. One offers him power, the other a better, freer world. His actions affect not only his future, but the futures of his family members, who are effectively corporate hostages, and it’s not long before his decisions start to tear his family apart.
There are some interesting feats of technology envisioned by the author, such as contact lenses that change colors to reflect their wearer’s mood and AIs that can almost perfectly imitate the voice of anyone you know. Concepts that are fascinating and unsettling.
"Peak Democracy" is a pertinent story, given our current willingness to assume massive personal debt, our almost unconditional embracement of artificial intelligence and corporate monopolies, and our implied consent to be constantly monitored in the name of “security.” The story is great fiction. Let's hope it remains fiction.
March 28, 2018
Disclaimer, I received a free copy through the Read and Review program at AuthorsXP, a website that connects authors with readers who may choose to voluntarily review their books.
My first impression is that I enjoyed Peak Democracy (#1 in the series) more than Manhunt (#2). Maybe that's because I read Manhunt (#2) first and when reading this book I knew more of the fore-story. But I think it was more than that. The story focused more on the protagonists and less on the antagonists, which I seem to prefer.
Even though I had a pretty good idea of where the story would go, the plot still delivered enough suspense to keep me entertained. It should be even better for those who read the books in the proper order! The development of the characters along the way was good. As a reader, I spent enough time with each important character to feel like I was getting to know them.
The main character, August, was perhaps portrayed a little too simple-minded at times, at least for my taste. He always seemed to make the wrong decisions, even after repeatedly making similar mistakes. I think the author was trying to portray him as struggling with making the best decisions for his family. His actions sent the storyline where it needed to go, but I thought this aspect of the character's development was a bit too far out of balance to be believable. Maybe I just wanted him to not get himself in trouble so often.
The title of the book hints at an exploration of how democracy might evolve. There is only a brief mention of this concept in the story. The author could have gone farther with this idea, but too much political theory could easily have distracted from the action and suspense of the story.
Overall, it was a fun read. Being set in the near-future, the author's vision of what our future might look like provided plenty of food for thought. What are some possible negatives of our data being so inter-connected? How can big business misuse that data to their great benefit and our expense?
The author included lengthy notes after the story to share some of the interesting information he found while researching what our world might look like in the near future. As an aspiring writer with an engineering mind, I enjoyed this behind the scenes peek into the process and influences that helped him shape this story.
I think I'll reread Manhunt soon to see if it is more enjoyable now that I've read Peak Democracy.
My first impression is that I enjoyed Peak Democracy (#1 in the series) more than Manhunt (#2). Maybe that's because I read Manhunt (#2) first and when reading this book I knew more of the fore-story. But I think it was more than that. The story focused more on the protagonists and less on the antagonists, which I seem to prefer.
Even though I had a pretty good idea of where the story would go, the plot still delivered enough suspense to keep me entertained. It should be even better for those who read the books in the proper order! The development of the characters along the way was good. As a reader, I spent enough time with each important character to feel like I was getting to know them.
The main character, August, was perhaps portrayed a little too simple-minded at times, at least for my taste. He always seemed to make the wrong decisions, even after repeatedly making similar mistakes. I think the author was trying to portray him as struggling with making the best decisions for his family. His actions sent the storyline where it needed to go, but I thought this aspect of the character's development was a bit too far out of balance to be believable. Maybe I just wanted him to not get himself in trouble so often.
The title of the book hints at an exploration of how democracy might evolve. There is only a brief mention of this concept in the story. The author could have gone farther with this idea, but too much political theory could easily have distracted from the action and suspense of the story.
Overall, it was a fun read. Being set in the near-future, the author's vision of what our future might look like provided plenty of food for thought. What are some possible negatives of our data being so inter-connected? How can big business misuse that data to their great benefit and our expense?
The author included lengthy notes after the story to share some of the interesting information he found while researching what our world might look like in the near future. As an aspiring writer with an engineering mind, I enjoyed this behind the scenes peek into the process and influences that helped him shape this story.
I think I'll reread Manhunt soon to see if it is more enjoyable now that I've read Peak Democracy.
August 5, 2018
Disclaimer: I was given a no-cost review copy of this book by the author.
This is the first of a three-book series about a near future in which corporations have become a shadow government pulling the strings of the United States. It explores the moral and ethical decisions that are made by the key characters as they navigate their way through the situations that arise through the course of several years. There is a bit of the feel of the Mr. Robot TV series in the storyline, too.
The characters are fairly well developed, and their thought processes are explored through the story. Unfortunately, I found it difficult to accept the initial state of the political and social situation as the basis for the story. The premise used for the main character's role in the story is a stretch for believability. However, given the results of the 2016 US Presidential election, I suppose anything could be possible in the political arena.
The biggest disappointment is that the first book ends leaving too much unresolved. I expect the first book in a trilogy to leave many loose strings and possibilities, but this book ended so abruptly that I had to check to be sure I didn't miss a chapter.
Not sure I will get the second book. There are just too many trilogies out there that I'm not interested in wasting time on a mediocre series.
This is the first of a three-book series about a near future in which corporations have become a shadow government pulling the strings of the United States. It explores the moral and ethical decisions that are made by the key characters as they navigate their way through the situations that arise through the course of several years. There is a bit of the feel of the Mr. Robot TV series in the storyline, too.
The characters are fairly well developed, and their thought processes are explored through the story. Unfortunately, I found it difficult to accept the initial state of the political and social situation as the basis for the story. The premise used for the main character's role in the story is a stretch for believability. However, given the results of the 2016 US Presidential election, I suppose anything could be possible in the political arena.
The biggest disappointment is that the first book ends leaving too much unresolved. I expect the first book in a trilogy to leave many loose strings and possibilities, but this book ended so abruptly that I had to check to be sure I didn't miss a chapter.
Not sure I will get the second book. There are just too many trilogies out there that I'm not interested in wasting time on a mediocre series.
September 25, 2018
Peak Democracy is set in the near future and is about a man that is on his way to the top. He works for a company that holds almost all of the world’s data a company called The Holding. Almost everyone is in debt with The Holding. Almost everyone owes money and will be in debt all their lives. When they borrow the money they give up their freedom to these companies.
The companies know everything there is to know about them and they listen in on all conversations or at least they can if they choose to do so. Different groups/cells are forming to prepare people to fight for their freedom and to hopefully one day take their lives back from The Holding.
One man August Remules works for The Holding and is offered a new job in the company he would like to refuse as it will cause him to have travel and be away from his family. This new job would pay more and hopefully August could have his family out of debt before he retires. August knows he can’t refuse the job as it could cost him more than he is willing to pay like his family. What will August do? Will he take the job? Does he really have a choice?
Peak Democracy is filled with lots of suspense that will keep you hanging on trying to figure out where the characters are going to take you next. It is so very intriguing with all the technology. I can’t wait to check out the rest of the series to see where the characters take us next in the world of Data is Power. Peak Democracy left me hanging for more waiting for the next book in the Data is Power, Manhunt: The Power to Restore Civilization.
I would recommend Peak Democracy to anyone who likes to read about future worlds, corporations and technology.
The companies know everything there is to know about them and they listen in on all conversations or at least they can if they choose to do so. Different groups/cells are forming to prepare people to fight for their freedom and to hopefully one day take their lives back from The Holding.
One man August Remules works for The Holding and is offered a new job in the company he would like to refuse as it will cause him to have travel and be away from his family. This new job would pay more and hopefully August could have his family out of debt before he retires. August knows he can’t refuse the job as it could cost him more than he is willing to pay like his family. What will August do? Will he take the job? Does he really have a choice?
Peak Democracy is filled with lots of suspense that will keep you hanging on trying to figure out where the characters are going to take you next. It is so very intriguing with all the technology. I can’t wait to check out the rest of the series to see where the characters take us next in the world of Data is Power. Peak Democracy left me hanging for more waiting for the next book in the Data is Power, Manhunt: The Power to Restore Civilization.
I would recommend Peak Democracy to anyone who likes to read about future worlds, corporations and technology.
October 14, 2018
i received this book for an honest review. i didn't have a blurb to read to know what exactly it was about, so i was confused at first. i recommend looking in the back of the book first. the author detailed how the world looks at this time in the future. some things seem impossible, but take a look around and you can see how many of the ideas aren't that far out there.
august is a man being used by a corrupt country/government, installed as the new president. his daughter is being tracked for her rebellious ways on social media. he is forced to divorce his wife and remarry for the political career he never wanted. he is the ultimate manchurian candidate. if he refuses to sign papers that come across his desk, someone puts his signature on them. his new wife forces him to condemn his daughter to be executed. at the end of the book, he is very sick...
very fast paced, the years move fast.
if we're not careful, we could end up here.
august is a man being used by a corrupt country/government, installed as the new president. his daughter is being tracked for her rebellious ways on social media. he is forced to divorce his wife and remarry for the political career he never wanted. he is the ultimate manchurian candidate. if he refuses to sign papers that come across his desk, someone puts his signature on them. his new wife forces him to condemn his daughter to be executed. at the end of the book, he is very sick...
very fast paced, the years move fast.
if we're not careful, we could end up here.
August 12, 2018
A Futuristic Thriller Where Nothing is Sacred
I am not a reader of dystopian narratives but this story is a good page-turner, wherein 2040, a totalitarian society is plagued by computerization, greed, deception, fraud, power, wealth, and mistrust. The descriptive, multi-faceted, well-developed characters keep the story moving, exposing shocking twists and turns, revelations, secrets and lies, betrayals, and an ending that will leave you wondering what the world will be like in the foreseeable future. The author gives a clear vision of how big business, politics and the law distribute parity and justice for a price, and if you think your personal information and conversations are private, think again.
I am not a reader of dystopian narratives but this story is a good page-turner, wherein 2040, a totalitarian society is plagued by computerization, greed, deception, fraud, power, wealth, and mistrust. The descriptive, multi-faceted, well-developed characters keep the story moving, exposing shocking twists and turns, revelations, secrets and lies, betrayals, and an ending that will leave you wondering what the world will be like in the foreseeable future. The author gives a clear vision of how big business, politics and the law distribute parity and justice for a price, and if you think your personal information and conversations are private, think again.
February 10, 2018
Set in the not too distant future, Peak Democracy gives a worrying view of how the control of data can cause immense problems to society. Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely could be the motto here. A good read, recommended!
December 25, 2020
This is freeky scary because it easily could be true.
We have all had thoughts on how robots might take our jobs at some point, but for IT companies to take over our lives probably isn't a thought. Well, it should be! The possibility is laid out in easy terms as the story follows the life of a typical family that is forced into situations they don't want to be in. Because the goverment and the information moguls can take away any aspect of you life; jobs, education, finances, even your smart house and car, people do as they are told or lose everything! There is no 'freedom' or being 'off grid' anymore. With all the technology in their lives and implants in their bodies there is no privacy either. Are we headed to this constrained existence where our choices are not our own? It could happen.
Hated the cliffhanger, but can't wait to read the next book. Great job!
We have all had thoughts on how robots might take our jobs at some point, but for IT companies to take over our lives probably isn't a thought. Well, it should be! The possibility is laid out in easy terms as the story follows the life of a typical family that is forced into situations they don't want to be in. Because the goverment and the information moguls can take away any aspect of you life; jobs, education, finances, even your smart house and car, people do as they are told or lose everything! There is no 'freedom' or being 'off grid' anymore. With all the technology in their lives and implants in their bodies there is no privacy either. Are we headed to this constrained existence where our choices are not our own? It could happen.
Hated the cliffhanger, but can't wait to read the next book. Great job!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews