The Great Dying

by Markuss T. Notrums

In 2044, the world is at a tipping point. Despite major advances in agriculture, medicine and artificial intelligence, greenhouse gases are still being pumped into the atmosphere, and the earth is now 2 degrees warmer than it was half a century ago. This has caused major climatic changes, including significantly reduced rainfall in the food growing regions of the world and rising sea levels. As well as a food and freshwater crisis, the oil peak has long passed, and major hydrocarbon resources are beginning to run out. With a global population now exceeding 10 billion this means the Earth can no longer sustain humanity. For the major powers of the world, this means conflict over the increasingly limited resources is becoming inevitable. This is further accelerated when a skirmish over water sources in Kashmir in late 2043 erupts into a regional nuclear exchange with the fall-out irradiating large parts of the fertile areas of Russia and China. With food reserves dwindling, the Eastern Powers begin to enact a desperate plan to ensure the survival of their peoples, Operation Benshadov Skremets, The Great Dying, a global war based on game theory and the resulting doctrine of pragmatic genocide (Pragmacide) using a new terrifying generation of nuclear weapons. As the East begins its final preparations for the attack, NATO begins to suspect a pre-emptive strike may be imminent and prepares its own devastating counterattack. With the two sides on the verge of total war, sentient machine intelligences begin to emerge, will they intervene? Will they save humanity? Or do they have more malign intentions?

Genres: Science Fiction

458 pages, Paperback

Published September 6, 2021

About the author

Markuss T Notrums, is a British-Latvian writer and futurist who grew up in Sussex on the south coast of England. One day it struck him that peak oil, peak water, peak food, the human population exceeding 10 billion and the likely technological singularity of general artificial intelligence are all projected to occur in the same 10-year period (2035 to 2045). This startling epiphany led him to write his first novel, The Great Dying, a warning from the future and a story of the next great extinction. He is currently working on his second novel, a hard sci-fi sequel to the The Great Dying. He still lives in Sussex and when not working can be found supporting Brighton and Hove Albion.

Reviews

[Chris Passingham · Rating 3 out of 5]

At first this seemed like an above average book about the horrors of nuclear war but the last chapters got into the opposing computer controlled, (AI), fire control systems having a life of their own and becoming gods of some sort and it just went completely into the realms of fantasy

[dave cornell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Armageddon done right!!

This is a phenomenal tale of mankind destroying itself through nuclear and other futuristic weapons. The characters are wonderfully varied and believable, from a regular person's experience of their world's destruction, to the tortured and twisted people at the top of the various waring nations. The author does not pull punches, there are no happy endings. The story contains significant detail of all the different weapons systems, and how they wreak havoc upon the Earth. This is both good science and extremely satisfying in terms of giving the plot depth and momentum. I especially enjoyed the ending, involving artificial intelligences, among others. Read it!

[Michael L Parry · Rating 1 out of 5]

Awful.

I can't recommend this book on any level. It's slow to start, full of characters who frankly have no redeeming features & is possibly the most depressing view of humankind I've had the misfortune to read. Fortunately I didn't actually buy this trash it was via kindle unlimited. Despite the notes at the beginning about the effects of the weapons described in the book it comes across as a mixture of a childish, vaguely sadistic dislike of the world. Viewed as a science fiction work it fails miserably. As a thriller - well it just isn't. About the only thing this work of mediocrity might give you is nightmares.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking book

Such a good read in that there is so much detail that at times felt real, descriptive portrayal of the end of the world. Well written and should be a lesson on the evil of nuclear weapons. Bugging out is not an option we all die there are no winners only losers,

[Julie Furnell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m about half way through this book so not sure if I’ll finish it. Firstly the characters are very stereotypical, especially the ‘baddies’ - the Chinese and Russians who for reasons that seem utterly outlandish, decide to start a nuclear war, a pre-emptive strike to save their own populations it’s all very James Bond villain type. Everybody apart from a normal Brit called Laura (not sure why we needed to hear about her mother’s funeral) is awful. Can’t really get emotionally involved with the characters but I’m intrigued as to what is going to,happen with the possible AI takes over the world plot that’s coming.

[Graham Bloodworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bleak warning of what's to come, a believable story of our species folly. A fools overture showcasing our ability to design more efficient ways to kill.