Bulletproof Air

by Tim Akers

Joan Dark is a sword-for-hire in Durham Arcology, scraping by in a world of bulletproof air and nano-constructed assassins. When she receives a contract from the AI Authority that runs the arcology, Joan thinks it's her ticket to a better life. But when she ventures into the restricted zones, what she finds is a secret that might get her killed... or worse...

56 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 25, 2020

About the author

Tim Akers was born in deeply rural North Carolina, the only son of a theologian. He moved to Chicago for college, where he lives with his wife of thirteen years and their German shepherd. He splits his time between databases and fountain pens.
- PyrSF

Reviews

[Marc Elmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insanely good. I finished the last page and immediately wanted more. I'd love to see an entire series set in this world with these characters! PLEASE, Tim. Make it so!

[Frank Burns · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting trifle I picked up off a Twitter recommendation. A failing arcology, damaged in eco-collapse, run by an AI. This is pure cyberpunk and you can tell it is a debut novella as it follows a little too closely to the line set by William Gibson near 40 years ago. Still, this flowed nicely and if I had a criticism it is that this is clearly the opening chapters of a novel pushed as a novella to gauge interest. It only cost me 99p, though. Interest however, was piqued. I am not spoilering the main macguffin here because it is actually very clever and an interesting take on AI. Recommended and I will be keeping an eye out for more.

[Wendy E Wolk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little nanopunk sword and sorcery tale

Quick read but the flavor is great. Looking forward to more.
Mandolin with a great Gibson flavored noir character. Well worth the .99 I paid.

[John Stilwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Gripping characters.

The dystopian setting and tech mixed with an almost streamline vibe. While it may sound strange, it worked marvelously. Highly recommended.